馬の柔軟性を保つのに役立つ簡単なストレッチ

馬のストレッチは、筋肉の健康を維持するための簡単な方法です。

ストレッチは、筋肉が温まった状態で行うようにしてください。ストレッチに最適なのは運動後ですが、代わりにEquilibrium Massage PadやMassage Mittを首、肩、後肢の付け根などの重要な部位に使用して、筋肉を温めることもできます。冷えた筋肉をストレッチすると、筋肉繊維の弾力性が低下し、より破れやすくなるため、損傷のリスクが高まります。

定期的なストレッチには、以下のような多くのメリットがあります。

  • 柔軟性の向上 – ストライドの延長につながる可能性があります
  • 健康な 筋肉、腱、靭帯、筋膜の維持に役立ちます
  • 関節可動域（ROM）の改善(Range Of Motion)
  • 身体感覚の促進
  • 全体的な姿勢の改善に役立ちます

以下に、馬のトップラインのしなやかさを保ち、良いストライドを促し、首の屈曲を改善するために、日常的に行える10の簡単なストレッチをご紹介します。

Passive Stretches

Fore limb Protraction

Pick up the horses’ foot as normal and then gradually draw the limb forward supporting the fetlock joint and flexor tendons. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg. If your horse is snatching the leg back, reduce the amount of stretch and build up gradually each day. This will stretch the triceps, lattisimus dorsi and other muscles involved with forelimb movement.

Hind limb Protraction

Draw the horses’ hind limb forwards toward the forelimb fetlock; make sure you keep the leg in a straight line rather than pulling the limb away from the body. Again, hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg. This will stretch the hamstring muscle group.

Lateral Extension of Spine

Place one hand on the wither and the palm of your other hand on the point of hip. GENTLY place pressure on the point of hip in a straight line towards the back of the horse. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each side. Some horses may find this one more difficult than others, take your time and increase the stretch slowly. If your horse tries to move away, ask for less stretch. If the muscles of the back are twitching hold the stretch and don’t ask for any more until this has stopped. Severe twitching may suggest your horse is in a bit more discomfort and would benefit from a once over by your vet.

Back lift

Run your finger tips down the crease in the muscles on your horses’ hind quarters, to encourage you horse to tilt their pelvis and lift through the lumbosacral region. ‘Tickle’ the area to try and maintain the lift for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times. Don’t try this one if you know your horse can be a bit handy with their back legs!

Baited Stretches of the Head and Neck

These baited stretches are really easy to achieve using the high value, low sugar treats, Crunchits. This way you don’t need to worry about how many treats your horse is having. With each of these stretches try to maintain the position for 10-15 seconds before giving the treat and repeat this 3 times on each side. Maintain smooth movements without any snatching or grabbing; if your horse is having to try and grab it may mean you’re asking too much too soon, reduce the stretch and build up gradually. Try to ensure your horse is stood as square as possible for all these stretches

1. Take the crunchit between the front legs close to the ground. This will stretch the muscles of the neck and back that make up the top line.

2. Take the crunchit between the horses’ front legs, ensuring he doesn’t start to twist at the poll. This will encourage greater flexion of the neck muscles, the poll, and cervical vertebrae.

3. Bring the crunchit around to the side to encourage lateral flexion. Aim for the horses’ shoulder.

4. From lateral flexion bring the crunchit down to ground level to stretch the muscles closer to the wither – these muscles are particularly important for self carriage.

5. Take the crunchit round to the flank to get an even greater lateral stretch.

6. Finally bring the crunchit forwards, trying to keep the neck horizontal and in line with the back to get full neck extension. Place your other hand on his shoulder to stop him from taking a step forwards and cheating!

 

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