Stretching

G

googol

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 October 2012
Messages
855
Visit site
Hi everyone
Been browsing this and FB a lot lately having been struck down with the dreaded norovirus

A lot of people "stretch" their horses at the start/end of a session
I try to do this, but I don't know if I do it right. I've taught my horse at the end to seek the contact right Down to the floor so we usually finish up with a few laps on me having thrown the rein at him and his nose on the floor. Is this stretching?
At the start he gets about 5 mins on a loose contact, it doesnt feel like a "stretch" like at the end. Neither feel particularly productive, probably because he feels like he falls a bit on the forehand on each. How do u stretch properly? I've even seen people say they do a full session stretching. I know my horse would enjoy this, I would like tips on how to achieve it productively. Has anyone got any pics etc?TIA
 
I think it's beneficial as long as they're stretching their back and reaching down rather then just holding their head down. It's something that confuses me too! I do have a video of a stretchy session on my horse, but are we doing it right? I have no idea :p
 
Ohh I'm glad I'm not the only one! I'm just not sure how to feel the stretch if u get me, and make sure he's not just holding his head down!
 
I think it's pointless to stretch at the start of a session. Stretching should only be done when muscles are warm, if stretched when cold that's when injuries occur. Always think it's best to warm up- then stretch....that goes for excercise in Humans also.
 
You need to be able to work in an outline with the horse working through his back then ask him to take the contact down to stretch. This will work the muscles in the back but is very difficult so you need to build up gradually asking them to take the stretch lower over time as it won't be comfortable to stretch all the way down straight away.

I tend to warm up with a looser rein sitting lightly to allow his back to warm up do a short session encouraging him to work in a contact/outline engaging the back and quarters then ask for some stretching at the end, I tend to open my hands wider and allow him to take the rein out slightly. As this is actually hard work I then allow a loose rein to cool down and walk.

Allowing a loose rein isn't stretching unless they are working through their back.

Hope this makes sense an is helpful :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top