Does stretching help?

HIGHRIDER~25 · 03-05-2007, 05:18 PM

In the cold winter months, is it a good idea to stretch your horses legs? Does this actually help? And what does it help with? Please answer!

JBandRio · 03-05-2007, 05:29 PM

Minimal stretching can be benficial, but you should never REALLY stretch muscles that are cold. The best results from stretching come after the horse is worked, while the muscles are warm.

rageandglory · 03-05-2007, 05:52 PM

absolutely agree with JB. the muscles can suffer tiny little tears if stretched too much before warming. a brisk grooming is excellent as a pre-ride/work exercise.

PaintedQH · 03-05-2007, 06:47 PM

Just as with us humans, a good warm up, then stretch, and a good stretch again as you cool down, and every muscle will stretch easier, with less risk of damage. The better shape we and our horses are in, the less recovery time we have when we do hurt muscles. Just remember to not over stretch the muscles beyond the fitness level. Also when you stretch your horses legs, make sure you support the leg.

Caesars_Skye · 03-05-2007, 07:29 PM

i'm with PaintedQh, warm 'em up first, but after than a stretch is a good idea, i've been doing it lately with my old boy and he's never moved so well.

Racket · 03-05-2007, 08:52 PM

I'd reccomend trotting a little to get warmed up and then stretch, some horses find it relaxing so if they give a little relaxed snort, you're good!

tbtrainer · 03-06-2007, 06:23 AM

I only stretch front legs after I put the girth on. I slowly warm them up when it's cold outside.

Friesiangirl · 03-06-2007, 06:28 AM

I some minor streches before i ride, it never really gets that cold here. Stormy loves streching lol

After exersize streching is very benificial, it helps with everything lol

Rising Star · 03-06-2007, 12:16 PM

I like to stretch a horse always before actually working them. Usually Ill walk them around with or without tack and get them into a bit of a trot as well and then stretch the front and back legs. Hark used to love it. I also do it after I work them out.

itoshii/ · 03-06-2007, 12:50 PM

My friend usually stretches her horse after shes done riding.

03-05-2007, 05:18 PM	#1
HIGHRIDER~25 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Walpole, Massachusetts Posts: 515 Images: 24	Does stretching help? In the cold winter months, is it a good idea to stretch your horses legs? Does this actually help? And what does it help with? Please answer! __________________ "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." RIP Sid, We loved you.

03-05-2007, 05:29 PM	#2
JBandRio Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 21,613 Images: 132 Blog Entries: 12	Minimal stretching can be benficial, but you should never REALLY stretch muscles that are cold. The best results from stretching come after the horse is worked, while the muscles are warm. __________________ - JB Acres, owned and operated by Dynamite animals. - It's a wonder horses as a whole don't just kill us all and be done with their misery. - Keep your voice soothing and low - even when things get western (buck1173) - Rio feels good - he bounced an in-and-out

03-05-2007, 05:52 PM	#3
rageandglory Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: the other seat in that handbasket Posts: 1,442	absolutely agree with JB. the muscles can suffer tiny little tears if stretched too much before warming. a brisk grooming is excellent as a pre-ride/work exercise. __________________ field of dreams farm out, standing in my field, are all my dreams

03-05-2007, 08:52 PM	#6
Racket Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California Posts: 602 Images: 18	I'd reccomend trotting a little to get warmed up and then stretch, some horses find it relaxing so if they give a little relaxed snort, you're good! __________________ When God created the horse, he spoke to the magnificent creature: I have made thee without equal. - Koran

03-06-2007, 06:28 AM	#8
Friesiangirl Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 9,500 Images: 179 Blog Entries: 22	I some minor streches before i ride, it never really gets that cold here. Stormy loves streching lol After exersize streching is very benificial, it helps with everything lol __________________ I cannot be expected to think wihtout a good powerbar and some coffee. Stargate Fans Unite.

03-05-2007, 06:47 PM	#4
PaintedQH Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 349 Images: 10	Just as with us humans, a good warm up, then stretch, and a good stretch again as you cool down, and every muscle will stretch easier, with less risk of damage. The better shape we and our horses are in, the less recovery time we have when we do hurt muscles. Just remember to not over stretch the muscles beyond the fitness level. Also when you stretch your horses legs, make sure you support the leg.

03-05-2007, 07:29 PM	#5
Caesars_Skye Full Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: in a house Posts: 53 Images: 15	i'm with PaintedQh, warm 'em up first, but after than a stretch is a good idea, i've been doing it lately with my old boy and he's never moved so well.

03-06-2007, 06:23 AM	#7
tbtrainer Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 5,895 Images: 331	I only stretch front legs after I put the girth on. I slowly warm them up when it's cold outside.

03-06-2007, 12:16 PM	#9
Rising Star Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 2,320 Images: 436	I like to stretch a horse always before actually working them. Usually Ill walk them around with or without tack and get them into a bit of a trot as well and then stretch the front and back legs. Hark used to love it. I also do it after I work them out. __________________ Green Bay Acres Boarding and Training Stable Flinting 17.1hh 7yo tb gelding,, the love of my life Proud Member of the Thoroughbred Club

03-06-2007, 12:50 PM	#10
itoshii/ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 885 Images: 8	My friend usually stretches her horse after shes done riding. __________________ /Ginger/&&\Saphire\

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