Horse (equine) stretches, yoga rider horse, horse (equine) rehabilitation │Holistic Horse Bodyworks

Stay tuned for the release of the Stretch Your Horse instructional video app in Spring 2015! The app will be available for Android and iPhone (Apple) smartphones and devices.

StretchYourHorse.com is a new division of Holistic Horse Bodyworks, LLC.  An app for Android and iOS (Apple) smartphones and other devices is currently under development. The app will enable riders, veterinarians, trainers and horse lovers around the world to download instructional videos of horse stretches which will be available for replay on their smartphone or other device as many times as desired, whether in the barn or on the trail. No internet connectivity will be needed after the initial download!  This also means no data charges will accrue when you view the videos after the initial download.

Each video provides step by step instructions that you can refer to right at your horse’s side to help ensure the stretch is done safely and properly, and that your horse gets the maximum benefit from the stretch.  Videos will be available for purchase separately, so you only need to buy the stretches your horse needs.  Most videos will cost $1.99.  The estimated app release date is Spring 2015.  Sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page and check back soon for more information about this exciting new app and the Stretch Your Horse Kickstarter campaign.

Stretching your horse’s muscles is an important part of maintaining his or her overall health and fitness as well as an important component of successful injury rehabilitation. Engaging in a consistent stretching regimen with your horse can:

  • Help improve his or her flexibility and range of motion (ROM) thereby enabling your horse to perform to the best of his or her ability
  • Help prevent injury by strengthening supportive tissue and helping to guard against muscle tightness and tendon shortening
  • Help reduce post-exercise soreness, stiffness and muscle fatigue
  • Help improve disposition by relaxing your horse
  • Help provide early warning signs of a potential injury
  • Help you bond with your horse

Top 10 Horse Stretching/Horse Yoga Guidelines

  1. Safety first…for both rider and horse!! Be aware of your surroundings prior to starting any stretch and practice good ergonomics and body mechanics when helping your horse stretch.
  2. All stretches should be performed on warm muscles. Stretching cold muscles can cause tears, strains and other injuries and issues.
  3. No cheating!!  Proper stretching form is critical for your horse gain the maximum benefit of the stretch.  Proper form and less stretch is better than poor form and more stretch. Most horses are a lot smarter than you think when it comes to finding ways to “cheat the stretch.”
  4. Many stretches can be performed up to 5 days a week on a healthy horse with the exception of tail pull stretches which should not be performed more than 4 days per week.
  5. The frequency and type of stretches that are appropriate for a horse recovering from an injury can vary greatly.  Do not assume that a stretch that was appropriate for a horse with an injury similar to your horse’s injury is appropriate for your horse.
  6. The duration of the stretch will vary depending on many factors such as muscle tightness, prior injury, conformation, and nutrition level.
  7. Never push or pull on joints or support a stretch by pressing on a joint.
  8. Breathing deeply and relaxing your hands as much as possible is critically important for the horse to gain the maximum benefit of the stretch.
  9. Never proceed with a stretch if discomfort or pain is noted.
  10. Not all stretches listed on this webpage are appropriate for every horse.  Always consult an equine healthcare professional prior to beginning a stretching regimen.
Forward farrier Low and HighForward farrier low and high variationFarrier low and highFarrier low and high variationFarrier (midline)Pelvic rock and hold Lateral bend front legAbducted lateral bent front legAnterior bent front legAnterior bent front leg variationStraight front leg low and high

Lateral rib with bending neck
Tail pull and tail semi-circlesBelly lift Tips and Solutions for the girthy or cinchy horseSuccessfully treat stretching tipsIntroduction to Equine Stretching Chin to chest Extended neck forwardExtended neck forward with a twistNeck hugHead on the diagonal behind the knee without and with a twistLateral extended neckLateral extended neck with a twistNose to point of hip and stifle

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