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Leg Stretches
FRONT LEGS
Starting with the horses front legs, you can pick up the hoof as
if you were going to pick it out, and then slowly move the leg in
circles holding the knee and fetlock. Start with small circles,
and increase the size of the circle as you feel less tension in
the muscles.
Stretching the leg both forward and back until you feel
resistance will help to loosen the shoulder and pectoral
muscles as well as the muscles in the forearm.
You can stretch the front legs forward by holding the knee and
fetlock and pulling the leg straight out in front of the horse.
Starting with the horses front legs, you can pick up the hoof as
if you were going to pick it out, and then slowly move the leg in
circles holding the knee and fetlock. Start with small circles,
and increase the size of the circle as you feel less tension in
the muscles.
Stretching the leg both forward and back until you feel
resistance will help to loosen the shoulder and pectoral
muscles as well as the muscles in the forearm.
You can stretch the front legs forward by holding the knee and
fetlock and pulling the leg straight out in front of the horse.
| CONSIDERATIONS It is important to go slow and to be steady as you stretch your horse’s legs. Horses can injure themselves if they tense up and try to pull their leg away and you resist this strongly. If the horse can not balance on three legs, or shows signs of discomfort or stress when you are stretching his legs then stop and get the advice of a professional. There are many stretches you can do based on the specific needs of your horse. I can show you how to safely and effectively stretch your horse’s legs using the above stretches as well as introduce you to other stretches that target specific muscle groups in your horse. |
You can stretch the horse’s rear legs in much the same
manner. Lift the hoof as if you were going to pick it and
then make small circles holding the hock and fetlock.
Increase the size of the circles as the muscles loosen and
become less resistant.
You can stretch the hind leg straight back as well as
forward, moving the fetlock towards the horse’s belly.
Use caution when stretching hind legs. If you are not
comfortable picking up your horses hind legs, then do not
attempt to stretch them.
manner. Lift the hoof as if you were going to pick it and
then make small circles holding the hock and fetlock.
Increase the size of the circles as the muscles loosen and
become less resistant.
You can stretch the hind leg straight back as well as
forward, moving the fetlock towards the horse’s belly.
Use caution when stretching hind legs. If you are not
comfortable picking up your horses hind legs, then do not
attempt to stretch them.
