Best Topline Stretches For Your Horse

We’ve shared the key ways you can support your horse’s topline in a previous blog (read it here), and one of those key ways is stretches. These stretches will help to loosen your horse’s muscles, and strengthen their topline.

Carrot Stretches

These can easily be done on a daily basis! Using a carrot, treats, or a lick, simply encourage your horse to stretch their nose between their knees, to their chest, and to both hips – don’t push them too far when you first introduce these! Allow them to nibble the treat for a few seconds then reset and repeat a few times each way before moving onto the next. Carrot stretches encourage a gentle stretch within your horse’s comfortable range of motion – make sure you never force a stretch they are not comfortable with and start slow, without holding each position for too long.

Tummy Lifts

Tummy lifts really help to engage your horse’s core and will help improve their strength and flexibility. When your horse is standing square, simply place both hands under your horse’s abdomen and press up with your fingers – you don’t want to apply too much pressure, but enough that encourages them to lift their back up. Again, make sure you start small and don’t make them hold the position too long. Be sure to consult a professional if you aren’t sure how to perform this.

Tail Pulls

This is a great stretch for the entire topline as the tail is an extension of the spine. Ensure your horse is standing comfortably on a flat surface before starting this one, and make sure your horse knows you are behind them. Hold the tail below the dock and begin to pull until there is resistance, hold for around 10 seconds, then release. You’ll see the horse may shift their weight and engage their core to brace against you. As well as pulling in a straight line, you can also do it to either side. Always be cautious when doing this exercise as you are in kicking position!

Bum Tucks

Using 2 fingers on each side of your horse’s bum either side of the tail, bring your hands down applying pressure to the muscle, encouraging them to engage their topline & core muscles. You should see their croup rise evenly on both sides during this stretch.

Make sure you listen to the advice of a trained professional before doing these exercises as some may not be suitable for your horse. Be sure to watch your horse’s behaviour as you do these exercises looking for signs of discomfort such as ears pinning back, tail swishing, lifting a hind leg, stomping, or trying to bite.

These simple exercises and stretches can stimulate muscle development, contribute towards improving your horse’s topline, as well as supporting their mobility, flexibility and strength.

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Posted on 22nd February, 2024.