Stretching is an exercise that cannot be overestimated.

There is one exercise that has an advantage over all the others because it remains relevant throughout the development of the horse … Forward and down. A conversation about the importance of stretching with German rider Christian Thiess.

It is important that before attempting a lift, the rider makes sure that the horse moves forward with momentum, at a given pace, with good rhythm and contact with the reins.

The rider should then begin to slightly release the outside rein by bringing the hand forward. When the horse responds by stretching his neck down and looking for “there” contact, the rider should apply the inside rein and again the horse should “hold” the reins in front. After that, the rider can slightly lengthen the reinsletting them slip through your fingers. As long as the horse is still moving correctly, keeping the weight on the hind legs.

Catherine Dufort and Cassidy

It is important to maintain the soft contact that the rider maintains with the horse’s mouth. throughout the exercise, and do not let go of the reins.

Carmen Tiemann, Ingrid Klimke team member, and Escada

As the muscles become free of tension and stretch, the horse moves with a soft back and a closed hindquarters.

Fay Skarsko and Munchausen

If the horse is “stable”, he will maintain rhythm, activity and roundness, changing only the position of the neck; although the exercise itself will affect the entire body of the horse. It’s a bit like a chain reaction, because when the horse lowers the neck, it stretches and relaxes the muscles, and when the neck muscles connect with the back muscles, they also stretch and relax, and through them the croup muscles.

The importance of relaxation cannot be overstated because only a relaxed horse is able to fully develop in a sporting directionimproving flexibility and coordination of joints and muscles.

Relaxation before riding in a stressful environment, pay attention to the proximity of the stands … Isabelle Werth and the unusually balanced Warum Nicht

At earlier stages of development, the exercise can be used to assess degree of relaxation and acceptance of the occasion, while at an advanced level it measures the balance and ability of the horse to “carry itself”, and also helps to find hidden rhythm disturbances.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro

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