Article Pilates and Stretching in Horses and

PILATES FOR HORSES
stretching exercises to improve core stability
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FETLOCK
MOBILISATION
AIM
1. To mobilise the mid range of the fetlock joint
2. To encourage stimulation of synovial fluid
HOW TO DO IT
with Gillian Higgins
W
elcome to Part Nine, the last of our exciting series, Pilates for
Horses, in collaboration with Gillian Higgins!
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STRETCHING CAN
Increase stride length, range of movement, engagement, flexibility,
athleticism and suppleness. Reduce muscular soreness, tension
and stiffness. Reduce the risk of injury to joints, muscles and
tendons. Improve coordination. Maintain the current level of
flexibility. Increase mental and physical relaxation. Increase
circulation. Enhance body awareness.
“Pilates is a conditioning system that increases the core stability,
strength and body awareness, re-dresses imbalances and re-aligns
the body from the inside out,” Gillian says. “It can improve posture,
achieve a balance between strength and flexibility, and relieve
tension. Many principles of pilates can be applied to horses. Core
stability and strength are as important to horses as they are to riders.
“Working on the principle that most people will forget or not be
Maintaining stability, posture and balance can contribute to more
able to manage these exercises once or twice a week, I find the
effective training, improved performance and reduce the risk of
best way is to try and fit the exercises into your daily routine
injury.”
rather than trying to set aside a certain amount of time each day,”
There are two main types of stretching, Gillian explains. ‘Passive’
Gillian advises.
stretches are performed by the handler. Your horse needs to feel
relaxed and confident to achieve these stretches properly. ‘Active’
stretches require active muscle contraction from the horse to move
body parts and create the stretch himself. Active stretches can be
•
Cold connective tissues which have low blood saturation
performed during ridden or groundwork exercises and also with
can be more susceptible to injury. Therefore, it is abolutely
food rewards, such as carrots.
vital that your horse is warm. Never attempt to stretch cold
muscles.
The most important thing to remember when stretching your
horse or pony is that cold connective tissues which have low
•
If your horse is unsound, for instance your horse has recently
blood saturation can be more susceptible to injury. “Therefore, it
sustained an injury, stretching may be inappropriate. Seek
is absolutely vital that your horse is warm before completing any
professional advice before commencing a stretching program
of these exercises,” Gillian says. “Never attempt to stretch cold
with your horse.
muscles.”
•
If in doubt during any of these exercises, seek assurance
from your veterinarian and take advice from a therapist. They
will assess your horse’s musculature and plan a suitable
program of stretches. They can also show you how to
1. Begin slowly. Unless otherwise stated, once the maximum stretch
perform stretches safely without risk to either yourself or your
is reached hold it there for 5-15 seconds to allow the muscle fibres
horse.
to relax before taking the stretch further.
• All horses may kick or bite if they don’t like the exercise.
2. Work a manageable programme into your daily routine.
Only perform a stretch if you have confidence in yourself
3. Be patient. You will only see the benefits of stretching if you
and your horse.
perform the stretches regularly and consistently.
and
PILATES FOR HORSES
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1. Facing your horse’s hind quarters, pick up the forelimb.
2. Ensure your horse’s leg is relaxed before commencing
mobilisations.
3. Holding the lower limb in a horizontal position:
- Gradually pull the hoof upwards flexing the fetlock joint.
- Gradually push the hoof downwards to extend the fetlock joint.
4. Supporting the limb at the fetlock joint with one hand and
holding the sole of the hoof with the other, gradually rotate the
foot anti-clockwise.
5. And then gradually rotate the hoof clockwise. This will
stimulate a small amount of movement in the pastern joints, as
well as the fetlock.
tip
Hold your horse’s forelimb firmly to give him the
confidence to relax, and allow you to hold and move
his leg. At the start, hold the leg above the level of
the fetlock joint and allow the foot to hang down
to encourage your horse to completely relax before
beginning.
This exercise is good for helping to maintain mobility
and reduce levels of stiffness. This exercise is also
particularly useful for horses on confined box rest.
However, check with your veterinarian first and do not
attempt this exercise if it interferes with any injuries.
1
2
3
4
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
HOW TO STRETCH
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HOW TO DO IT
3. With this exercise it is a matter of giving the horse the
opportunity to stretch, rather than forcing it.
4. Hold the leg securely, so he feels confident to relax and allow
his leg to be held in this unfamiliar position.
5. Hold the leg for 15 seconds if your horse will allow.
HIND LIMB
PROTRACTION STRETCH
AIM
Only ask for a small stretch to start with gradually increasing
over several days. It may take time for your horse to develop
the skill and confidence to relax into the stretch.
1. To stretch the hamstrings and the group of muscles running
down the back of the limb involved in retraction
2. To improve proprioception, range of movement and stride
length
1. Facing your horse’s tail, pick up the hind
foot. Once the leg is relaxed, bring the leg
forwards to encourage your horse to stretch.
2. Take the hoof forwards and down, so it
is pointing towards the pastern of the fore
limb.
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PILATES FOR HORSES
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Think about your own posture whilst performing this exercise to
prevent back strain. Consider using a towel around the back of
the pastern to hold the weight of the hind limb.
tip
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This exercise is good for young horses to help them develop
proprioception, stretching out the muscles to help alleviate
stiffness behind and increasing stride length.
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tip
Holding the underside of the hoof is a good way to encourage the stretch, but be very
careful not to get your fingers trodden on! The hamstring muscles, gastrocnemius and
digital flexor muscles are stretched.
Page 68 • HORSES and PEOPLE • Phone: 07 5467 9796 • [email protected]
www.horsesandpeople.com.au
www.horsesandpeople.com.au • HORSES and PEOPLE • Page 69