Exercises

Neck Stretches - "Treat Stretches"

1. Muzzle to hip and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on each side
2. Muzzle to hock and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on each side
3. Muzzle to hind hoof and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat each side
4. Muzzle down to between hooves then up to chest – hold with muzzle to chest for 5-10 seconds

Rotation of Hooves :

             Rotate hooves in a clockwise and counterclockwise pattern each time - Usually recommended to do DAILY.

Poll Stretch – With a barrier in front of your horse, have them stretch their neck and head as far forward as possible and hold for 10-15 seconds. Bribe with a treat.

Shoulder Stretch - Pick up front foot. Support limb under the knee and lift gentley and then pull limb forward to full extension.

Stifle Stretch: Pick up hind foot. Support the pastern and pull the leg forward and up, then extend the leg back

Gliding of Stifle – With the hind limb in a non-weight bearing position move the stifle in a clockwise and counter clockwise pattern. This will loosen up the stifle joints. Then flex and extend the stifles (pull frontward and then backward)