Equine Stretching & Massage

Equine Stretching – Important Thoughts and Considerations

• Remember that the inborn survival mechanism for horses is the fright and flightresponse. Horses may be alarmed by external sources while you are working onthem. This might include noises, sudden movements by another animal or person, etc.They also may be worried that they do not understand what you are asking as youcommence the stretch. At the same time, remember that ninety plus percent of the horses are wonderful to work with. They appreciate your work and cooperate wonderfully.
• Donʼt have items around in which you or the horse could become tangled or trapped,should the horse shy or panic. Always be aware of your best escape route.
• Do be sure that the handler is aware and in the best position to protect your well beingas well as his or her well being.
• Remember to breathe and stay relaxed.
• Be very wary of working in cross-ties or with horses who are tied to anything. Better tohave the horse “in hand”.
• Do pay close attention to your own body mechanics. It is easy to strain or otherwiseinjure yourself while stretching the horse.
• Do not support the horseʼs weight or even one leg with your muscles. Assume a posture that allows you to use your skeletal system to balance yourself and supportany necessary weight from the patient.
• Let the horse tell you what feels good and what does not. Act only according to what that patient tells you is OK. However, recognize that the stretch that the horse likes theleast might be the one he needs the most.
• Relax the body part you are going to stretch, e.g, do small circular releasingmovements. If the horse resists and tries to pull the limb away, be a “willow” and go with the movement.
• Move the part of the body being stretched only to the point of resistance. Never forcethe stretch. Let him release the muscles to accomplish the stretch rather than youfighting the muscles.
• Do a very slow release of the stretch. The release is every bit as important and therapeutic as the stretch itself. It helps to slowly exhale as you do the release.
• The whole point of stretching is to lengthen the muscles. Only a relaxed muscle canstretch to its full length. A muscle that is asked for more stretch than it is willing or ready to accommodate, or that is suddenly released, reacts by contracting.
• Realize that if too much stretch is demanded, the horse will either pull the limb or otherbody part, or he will try to push rapidly through the movement. Sometimes othermuscle parts will contract or spasm.
• With resistant tissue, progress slowly with regard to the number of repetitions used.Initially, three repetitions should be maximum. Rome was not built in a day! It may require one or two weeks for a horse to be able to do a particular stretch. Hold thestretch only as long as the horse is comfortable. Eventually, it would be desirable to beable to hold it for 60 seconds.
• Be careful where your hands are placed. Do not unconsciously squeeze on tendons orligaments while you perform the stretch. The supporting hand must be passive.

Equine Stretching – Important Thoughts and Considerations

• If stretches canʼt be done before and after exercise, choose the “before” exercise route.
• If continued resistance is encountered, the horse may be telling you that he needsmassage, acupuncture, chiropractic or a combination of physical therapy modalities.
• Stretches improperly performed at best are ineffectual and at worst, can harm the horse. Well and consistently performed, they can work miracles for soundness and performance.