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It is commonly known that as horses age, they become less flexible in their joints. Consequently, it can be challenging for older horses to get moving, especially during the colder months. Here are the editorial team's suggestions for a few flexibility exercises for the older horse, which can help in warming up their body.
Begin by tying the horse up or having someone hold it – or you can simply stand inside the stall. Just ensure that you are on a solid surface, and the horse's four legs are positioned directly under its body without resting on any of them. While performing each exercise, it is crucial to notice when the horse begins to resist. This happens when it can no longer stretch further in the exercise, and it's important to respect that. After each exercise, release your grip gently, allowing the horse's joints to slowly and painlessly return to their original position. It's vital to ensure that the horse is slightly warmed up before starting the exercises, especially in winter. Do not start immediately after the horse has been stationary in the stall. Consider taking a walk with the horse first, to get the muscles moving before beginning the flexibility exercises.
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The first exercise aims to increase flexibility in the horse's hip. Stand in front of the hip and grab the fetlock joint of the hind leg, as if you were going to clean the hoof. With your other hand, grasp the horse's shin and lift the leg up. The leg should form a 90-degree angle through the hock joint. Then, continue lifting the leg upwards and outwards, towards yourself. Find the furthest position the horse can comfortably maintain and hold the stretch for 20 seconds. Do not put the leg down yet.
The next exercise starts where the first one ended. Now, move your hand around the horse's leg down to the fetlock joint, so both hands are holding it. Stretch the leg backward, as if the horse is kicking, as horizontally as possible. Again, hold the stretch for 20 seconds. Then put the leg down. Repeat the hip and hind leg exercises on the other side of the horse.
Next, stand in front of your horse and move to one of the front legs. With both hands, grab the lower part of the cannon bone and lift the leg off the ground. Extend the leg by pulling it towards you. The horse's knee should be kept slightly bent, and you should try to focus the stretch in the shoulder, not the leg. To do this, hold the top part of the horse's leg with one hand. After stretching the shoulder for 20 seconds, wait a bit longer before putting the leg down.
As you are about to put the horse's foreleg down after performing the shoulder exercise, try to allow it to stretch the knee and the fetlock joint. Hold onto the fetlock with both hands. Do not stretch it more than the horse finds natural and comfortable. Repeat the shoulder and foreleg exercises on the other side of the horse.
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To increase flexibility in the horse's neck, stand by its hip and coax it to bend its neck. This can be done using a treat. Show the horse the treat and bring it all the way to its hip. The horse might not be able to reach it with its muzzle, but try to get it to hold the stretch for as long as possible. Remember to give the horse the treat afterwards, so it remains eager to do it again the next time you ask. You can vary the exercise by also placing the treat on the chest and the side of the belly – this will only make the horse stretch its neck further, enhancing its flexibility.
These exercises are beneficial before a ride or before letting the horse out in the paddock. They can also be used as stretching exercises after a ride.
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