Stretching: Trusted Resources
Social media and the infinite nature of the internet can make finding truly trustworthy and helpful information overwhelming at times. I, myself, have spent seemingly countless hours scrolling through profiles, searching through Google results, scanning articles, and checking sources just to get answers to a single question. While I still encourage you to do your own research and explore all the wonderful (and weird) things out there, I also know that your time is precious.
To cut out some of the work for you (so you can spend more time with your horse, of course), I thought I would share some of my favorite videos, pages, articles, techniques, tools, etc. to help you avoid “search engine burnout”.
Stretching:
By now, you have likely heard me (or other bodyworkers) rave about stretching, and rightfully so! Daily stretching is essential for strong, flexible, and healthy muscles and joints. Muscles naturally shorten when not stretched regularly, putting them at risk of injury when used and making the body tight. As a rider, you know that when in the saddle your body affects how your horse moves. If you are tight, stiff, and unbalanced, your ride will likely be too.
A few of the many benefits of regular stretching include:
Improved physical performance and increased range of motion (Don’t forget, dear rider, that you are an athlete and should treat your body like one!)
Reduction of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (No one likes to be stiff and uncomfortable. Set a goal to stretch for at least 10 minutes 3-4 times a week for 2 weeks and see if you notice a difference in how your body moves and feels.)
Aided muscle development of long, supple muscles (Riding with tight body parts such as the back, hips, or shoulders inhibits your horse’s ability to move freely forward.)
Reduced risk of muscle tears or strains
Improved proprioception (postural awareness) and posture
I know many of my clients stretch their horses religiously before and after work but tend to neglect themselves in the same areas. As athletes, you and your horse should both incorporate daily stretching into your routines. However, with over 650 skeletal muscles and such little time in the day, it can be daunting to know where to start. Fear not, dear rider!
In terms of overall mobility, stretching your lower body (hips and down), neck, shoulders, and back are great places to start. Try to stretch only when your muscles are warmed up to avoid unnecessary stress on your muscle tissue. A quick 5-10 minute walk (take your horse with you for an in-hand, tackless warmup before their stretches!) or even grooming your horse should be enough to suffice.
Here are a few of my favorite guided stretching resources:
For riders:
Yoga with Adriene (YouTube)
Yoga is a fun way to stretch and work on your balance, breath, and self all at once! This awesome YouTuber has so many videos, ranging from 10 minutes to an hour to fit your schedule and unique needs.
Yoga for equestrians (30 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6gtrbl6RM0
Yoga to detox and reset (40 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7rKKpwdXNE
Yoga for Beginners (10 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbgxIwQoyN4&t=2141s
Daniel Bubnis, M.S.
This article breaks down the what’s, who’s, and hows of stretching and offers video examples of each stretch. These are easy to do at work or before you hop on your horse!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stretching-routine
For horses:
If you are a client of mine, I have almost certainly demonstrated specific stretches to do with your horse and provided you with a Wellness Plan outlining them. However, it’s nice to have a big “tool box” of tequniques for keeping your horse limber.
Loomis Basin Equine Medical Group
Dr. Courville walks us through dynamic mobilization stretches.
Equine Wellness Magazine
This article provides written and visual tips for equine stretches.
