Back Stretches for Horses
Here are a few really good back stretches I've found out about and studied about recently that I wanted to share with you all.
If you've got a horse who's being ridden quite often then they will definitely develop back issues, pain, and stiffness from the weight they're carrying on their back, as well as a saddle if you use one. Horses can also actually show signs of aggression or naughtiness just because their back is in pain and aching or hurting. So it is really important you deal with these back issues quickly.
These stretches I'm about to show you help to release any tension and stiffness in the horses' back, as well as just stretch them out and strengthen them, so that they won't be so sore after and before you ride- or just overall.
I recommend you do at least just one to two of these back stretches on your horse, starting out at doing them a few times a day, after each ride. It should only take a few minutes to do the first 2 stretches a few times a day.
Back stretch, #1.
Find the two points of the buttock on your horse. If your not sure where that is, here's a diagram that should help; I've circled in orange the Point of Buttock bone.
Now once you've found those two bones on either side of your horse's body, you have to be standing directly behind your horse's tail. Then your going to scratch downwards, the buttock points with all your fingers on each hand, firmly. Try hold this stretch for around 30 seconds.
You will notice, on the first time of scratching these points that the horses back and pelvis lifts! And the back and pelvis keep on lifting as you keep on scratching. Once you stop scratching, you'll notice your horses back and pelvis fall back down to it's normal position.
As your horses back (and pelvis) are lifting, it's stretching them out, which is relieving a lot of stiffness and pressure in the back, as any stretch or exercise does, as well as strengthening those muscles.
Warning. I highly recommend you do NOT do this stretch on a horse that is skinny or pretty thin, where it's buttock points are sticking out, otherwise you will hurt the horse.
Back stretch, #2.
This second back stretch is just as good as the previous stretch I just talked about, and it's also very easy to do.
All your going to do is stand beside your horse, facing the side of it's belly. Then your going to put both hands underneath the horses back, touching the underside of their belly and with your fingers, rubbing them back and forth length ways along the underside of the belly.
You will notice straight away that the horse lifts it's belly. As he/she is lifting their belly, their back is also actually lifting, even if you can't completely see it. Keep on doing this and holding that stretch for about 30 seconds.
Back stretch #3.
Now this last one, it's not really an exercise or stretch but a massage. Massaging your horses back is really good for your horse and will help to stretch out the muscles and sooth the muscles that are stiff or hurting.
Massages like these ones which you can see in these photos are really good to do on your horse at least once a week.
In this photo, this equine massage therapist is doing a very basic and simple massage, but it's also very beneficial. All your doing is pushing into the muscles along each side of the spine, with your palm and hands. use fairly firm pressure and don't stay in one spot pushing down on a muscle- move across back and forth, but slowly, while massaging into the muscles.
Another back massage is running your hand along the horse's spine but with your thumb on one side of the spine and your other fingers (on just that same, once hand) on the other side of the spine. Run your hand starting from the withers and going down to the dock with firm pressure. This massage is good for the back, and topline.
I hope you found at least one of these stretches/massages helpful and beneficial for your own horse!
If your horse is suspected with a health issue, consult your vet straight away.
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