Exercises
-
Trot Poles Increase Muscle Activity At The Trot
A recent study performed at the University of Tennessee proved that ground poles at the walk increase muscle activity in both the longissimus dorsi (major back muscle group running along the spine) and the abdominal muscles. Ground poles at the trot…
-
How the Sympathetic Nervous System Helps Your Horse in Competition
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) can help your horse during competition by preparing its body for physical activity and performance. When your horse experiences stress or excitement, such as during a competitive event, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to…
-
Benefits of Hill Work
Hill work can be both a full body workout and a mental change of pace for your horse. Hill work is great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, topline, balance, coordination, suppleness, range of motion and leg stability. Be sure to…
-
Back/Belly Lift Exercises For Horses
Belly lifts can be a good way to help your horse lengthen out it’s back muscles, to observe range of motion and engage some core muscles. They are only useful if the horse is a willing participant in the exercise. Some…
-
Horses Increase Their Fitness At Rest
Did you know that horses increase their fitness when resting? The process, known as adaptation, occurs post exercise during rest, rather than during exercise. Training without adequate rest periods can be detrimental. Instead, use a varied workload with two consecutive days…
-
Decrease Stiffness with a Warmup Walk
A 15-20 minute walk warmup at the beginning of your ride decreases stiffness of the tendons, muscles and other soft tissues. A allows your horse to withstand higher loads and minimizes the chance of injury. It also gives you time to…
-
Exercise Combined With Massage Builds Healthier, Stronger Muscles
The micro tears and trigger points caused by exercise and building muscles heal faster, stronger and with a healthier range of motion when a horse receives regular massage sessions. Benefits of massage with myofascial release include improved muscle function, improved joint…
-
What are Plyometrics?
Plyometrics or “plyo,” is a form of exercise that focuses on explosive, high-intensity movements to develop power, speed, and athleticism. It involves rapid stretching and contracting of muscles, which enables them to generate maximum force in a short amount of time.…
-
Seek Small Improvements, One Day At A Time
If you work to improve a little each day, great things can happen. A little bit of daily exercise and training will add up over time until one day you realize how far you’ve progressed. Not tomorrow, not the next day,…
-
Exercise Creates Inflammation, Massage Reduces Inflammation
When your horse has a challenging exercise session, the fibers in their muscles micro tear – it’s the healing of these micro tears that causes their muscles to grow. These micro tears also cause the soreness and inflammation your horse experiences…