suppling exercises

[Janette]

My mare has been out of work for about 2 months, and I'm slowly bringing her back into work. We are walking and trotting and she is doing well on the left rein, but are very stiff on the right.

Can anybody recommend any suppling exercises?

 

[kim23]

i think the main way to try and get you horse supple is to do loads of circles as you might not want to try harder lateral work as she just came bk into work. when doing your circles, always start in walk.if shes stiff on the right rein your best to start doing circles on the right rein, gently giving and taking with your inside rein but making sure you keep hold of the outside rein or she will drop her outside shoulder and try to cheat you also make sure you have your inside leg pressing her around and keep you outside leg there so she doesnt drop out.. smaller circles would really make her work and flex much more...hope it makes sense...

 

[jumpthemoon]

Try carrot stretches as well - that will help her become more flexible

 

[pnap]

I've just had mine seen to by a body worker for something similar - stiff on right rein, and she recommended carrot stretches and not to do too many circles till he's loosened off and not so tight as it's painful for them and they won't bend properly. I thought me lunging him 3x a week was doing him good but it seems it only made his neck and shoulder tighter as the muscle was already in spasm and I made it worse by making him work on a bend constantly - not at all intentional and thought I was doing the right thing.