7 Exercises to Improve the Stability and Mobility of Your Horse’s Core

7 Exercises to Improve the Stability and Mobility of Your Horse’s Core

Exercises to improve the mobility, core stability, balance and strength of the horse can be a useful addition to regular training exercises or as part of a rehabilitation program.

I want to share with you several mobilization, lateral bending, balance and core strengthening exercises that will help maintain and improve your horse’s overall health and fitness. If you plan to use them as part of a rehabilitation program, please consult your veterinarian!

First, let’s look at the mobilization of the intervertebral joints of the horse’s neck. The horse’s neck is made up of seven large vertebrae that serve to protect the spinal cord from which the peripheral nerves emerge. In turn, the vertebrae are supported and driven by many muscles.

Passive neck stretch commonly called “carrot stretch”because we usually use carrots or other treats to get the horse into position. A carrot or bunch of grass is preferable and safer if your horse has a taste for treats.

Start gradually. Familiarize your horse with the exercises, taking care not to injure him.

1) Start by stretching your neck forward:

2) to chest:

3) to the wrists:

If you’re standing like I am on the left, start by holding the carrot in your left hand so the horse can smell it and lean forward. To ask the horse to reach for the carpals, bring your hand down and, transferring the carrot to your right hand, pass between the horse’s carpals. When your horse develops bоmore flexibility, it will be possible to lower the arm even lower and wind it further back. Make sure that the horse does not bend at the wrists – this will make the exercise useless.

Side bend exercise

Dr. Hilary Clayton talks about the benefits of lateral stretching as it engages a lot of muscles and makes the horse’s back flexible. Start with moderate stretching and notice how the horse will become more supple and supple over time.

1. If your horse is unfamiliar with stretching, position your horse upright next to a wall or fence to prevent sideways movement.

2. Stand close to the horse just behind the shoulder.

3. Encourage the horse to reach for the carrot by bending towards the girth.

4. Be careful and gradually encourage the horse to reach further back and down without twisting the head and neck.

This exercise can be repeated several times a day. Maintain the stretch a little longer each time (not letting it touch your fingers). Let the horse relax after each set.

Balance exercise (“Pull the tail”)

We can use the tail pull exercise to stimulate the activation of the muscles that stabilize the croup. It’s aboutexcellent for developing strength and stability as a result of muscle contractions and improving resistance to a changing center of gravity.

1. Stand in a safe position on the side, next to the horse’s thigh.

2. Grab the horse’s tail and, with your elbow slightly bent, gradually back away from it, allowing the horse to resist and balance. Do this until you see how the muscles around the knee joint have contracted. The goal is to encourage your horse to “switch” muscles without losing balance.

The number of repetitions and time you spend per exercise can increase as your horse progresses. I like to do up to 5 reps with a 30 second hold.

Core Strengthening Exercise (“Back Raise”)

To engage your horse’s core muscles, try the Back Raise (chest, withers, thoracic spine) exercise. This is a great exercise to prepare your horse for saddle work and self-carrying.

First, just put your hands on the bottom. If the horse objects, don’t try again – you’ll need to work on your trust or (maybe) see your veterinarian.

1. Stand behind your horse’s shoulder and place your hands on your sternum and between your horse’s front legs.

2. With your fingertips, apply firm and steady upward pressure—slowly move your hand along the girth line and watch your horse rise at the withers.

The lift can be continued in the thoracic spine by moving the pressure further back.

Warning: proceed with caution! You need to know how the horse is tolerant of pressure on different areas of the underline. Some trainers recommend using a blunt object, such as the back of a hoof hook, for this. I am personally categorically against this approach.

Pelvic reflex

The movement opens and elevates the horse’s lumbar region, which creates a good stretch for the gluteal muscles. Most horses enjoy this process and don’t mind. Some horses are very sensitive and their reactions are heightened. Therefore, remember about your own safety, try not to be in a vulnerable position!

1. Place your hands on either side of and just above the top of the tail. Slowly but firmly press the muscles inward, moving your hands down. To this pressure, the horse must respond by lifting the croup and moving the pelvis slightly.

2. Do the exercise a couple of times a week.

This exercise can be combined with a sternum/back raise to strengthen the core and stretch the back.

Mary Yannullu (source); translation Valeria Smirnova.