When you ride your horse, his muscles work hard to support you and perform whatever task you ask of him. You can help him keep his muscles healthy and limber by asking for some simple stretches at the end of your ride. (Video in the comments)
Baited Stretches, often called Carrot Stretches, target muscles in the neck, core and topline. I like to use baited stretches at the ankle level. They require balance and body control, activating the abdominal and back muscles as your horse bends to reach its treat while lengthening his topline and the entire outside line from his hips to his poll. They also encourage your horse to lift up through its thoracic sling, making baited stretches a great way to improve mobility in the area.
When used consistently, baited stretches have been shown to increase the strength and size of back muscles. Asking your horse to do them after your ride will help him loosen up and lengthen out his muscles at the end of his workout. They can also improve suppleness, strength and range of motion (ROM) which can improve performance and reduce the potential for injury.
* All ROM stretches should be done when your horse’s muscles are warm and warmed up. Practice them after exercise, or after a good grooming session and a 15-20 minute walk to warm the tissues and increase circulation and suppleness.
How to:
• Find a safe area with level, non-slip footing.
• Choose a treat that your horse enjoys enough to work for and that will keep your fingers safe from sharp teeth.
• Start with your horse standing as square and balanced as you can. The goal is to train him to keep his legs straight and his feet on the floor for the exercise, although if your horse needs to reposition them into a better place to reach the treat, that’s always encouraged.
• Show your horse the treat and, as it reaches for it, bring the treat down to the outside of your horse’s ankle. This creates a lengthening stretch and engages his core. Keep an eye on how your horse is using its body and controlling its balance – you’d like to guide your horse to stay centered and upright rather lean to the side to reach for the treat. When the horse is in the desired position, it gets the treat.
• Show your horse the treat and as it reaches for it, bring the treat down the center and a little in the front of the ankles.
• Move to the other side of your horse and repeat the last 2 steps. Both the side stretch and the between the legs stretch should be performed from both sides of the horse.
• Start by performing each stretch 1 or 2x, a few days a week. Encourage the horse to hold each position for a few seconds, followed by a moment to allow them to relax their muscles and return to neutral before the next attempt. As your horse becomes more accustomed to the exercise, and becomes more capable, you can gradually increase how many reps you ask for and how long your horse holds each position.
Tips:
• Your horse will not be able to see the treat near the end of its nose – use one hand to touch the treat your horse’s nose just above the top lip and use the other hand on the bridge of its nose to gently guide their head into position.
• If your horse is struggling to reach the treat or losing form, you may be asking for too much. Back off a little or consider trying again another day.
• Some horses will only make an effort for a treat he really, really likes and considers it worth the effort.
• Lengthening tight muscles and fascia happens in tiny increments over a long period of time. Don’t expect big changes to happen quickly.
• Lick treats might convince your horse to stay in position a little longer while keeping your fingers safe. I’ve posted a few options below. *Please be conscious of your own horse’s dietary needs and choose accordingly.
• If you’re really having a hard time getting your horse to do these movements, please seek help from your equine Vet, bodywork specialist or an experienced trainer – your horse may have an underlying issue (either physical or training) that he needs help with.
• When your horse is adept at ankle level stretches you might consider adding a new challenge by bringing the treat to the outside of each knee. You can also try increasing the effort by moving the ankle height stretch slightly further out from the ankle.
Many horses learn to look forward to practicing baited stretches, making them a fun suppling exercise for you and your horse to do together.
Please note I am not endorsing any of these lick treats, they are just here as examples.
- Uncle Jimmys Licky Thing
- Talisker Bay Likit Standard Refill Banana flavor
- Horsemen’s Pride Treat Refill for Stall Snack Holder Apple
Leave a Reply