Today we’re going to talk about the basic whole-leg foreleg stretch, which, when done correctly, can help mobilize the shoulders/withers area. In geekier terms, we’re talking the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, serratus ventralis, deltoids and triceps. Every massage therapist seems to have his/her favorite muscle, and mine is the latissimus dorsi. In layman’s terms, it’s pretty much where you sit on a horse.
As a reminder, never stretch cold muscles. And if a horse isn’t going along with a particular stretch, don’t bother with it. You can’t stretch a muscle if the horse is contracting it, and if you push the issue, both of you are risking muscle injury. Also -- get your horse moving for at least five minutes at a brisk walk (under saddle or in hand) before moving on to stretches.
This stretch looks fairly easy, but watch your horse to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good. This is probably the most popular stretch I see people doing, and I’m guessing it’s the most abused – as good as people’s intentions are. If your horse is putting his head in the air or going into a swayback position when you attempt this stretch, there is a good chance of causing hypertension in the horse’s spine. Not a good thing.
When I ask a horse for his leg I stand at his side and pick up the leg as if I am going to clean his foot. Standing at the side, I place my hands in back of and above the horse’s knee and gently lift forward and upward, so the forearm is parallel with the ground, leg bent 90 degrees. I hold it there for a few seconds until I feel the horse relax. If he’s fighting me (tense and pulling) and does not soften into my hands, I don’t go on with the stretch. I will say, though, that some horses seem to love this exercise. I know one otherwise normal gelding who will repeatedly offer me his forelegs and pretty much beg me to stretch him.
Still holding the leg, I move to the front of the horse, and using my knees (and not my back) to get myself into position, I gently place my right hand underneath the horse’s fetlock and straighten the leg forward, about a foot off the ground with the horse’s toe pointing toward my ankle. When the leg is extended I will move my left hand down so that both hands are supporting the fetlock area. I’ll hold this for 5-15 seconds, then gently help the horse put his foot in the original position. With time, the horse’s leg can be lifted higher and the stretch intensified. I do this stretch 3 times on each side, 3-4 times a week.
Stretching is just one part of a larger routine to keep your horse supple, fit and sound. It should be done on the ground and under saddle, and it should be part of your regular dialogue with your equine massage therapist and chiropractor.
Obi & me