Stretching is when you take a muscle or set of muscle beyond its resting length, make it longer or wider without tearing or breaking and free of pain. Involuntary stretching of your muscles is called pandiculation. It’s a behavior seen in most types of animals to relieve muscle tension and relax.
Stretching is important component of horse “fitness”: improves balance and frees up movements, without risking premature effort from muscles which are in an inappropriate state of tonus. Stretching improves mobility, posture, muscle coordination, reduces the risk of injuries and muscle soreness, increases Range of Motion, improves mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance, helps reduce or manage stress, reduces muscular tension and enhances muscular relaxation, promotes circulation, helps relieve pain and leads to a better overall “shape”!
There are 7 best types of Stretching: Static, Dynamic, Ballistic, Myofascial Release, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Functional Stretching. All of which can be helpful at certain time.
The most important general principle is that movements should be done slowly and smoothly and never stretches to the point of discomfort. After each stretch the body must be returned to the neutral or relaxed position before another repetition. A series of 3 repetitions is generally sufficient.
When to stretch?
- Daily – prevention and maintenance
- Before exercise, after warm-up
- After exercise/during cool down
- 2-3 times per day as part of rehabilitation plan
- After trigger point therapy and friction therapy
- Within general massage routine
Where to stretch?
- Horse has good footing
- Ground is not slippery or uneven
- In the stall
- The aisle (with mats), arena or outside on grass
How to stretch?
– Horse is warmed (lunging, warm hydrotherapy, walking, massaging). In cross ties (keep lead on hand for specific stretches) OR with a handler holding horse
– NO Contraindications, horse is in appropriate and relaxed mood
– Horse is standing square, get his balance
– Protect the joint: keep the joints in proper anatomical alignment to avoid putting stress on joint and joint structures
– NEVER grab or squeeze the tendons
– Stretches should be held 15-30 seconds or until horse “gives”