Stretching is a great exercises for your horses and dogs!
When used correctly they can:
improve flexibility
improve range of motion
improve coordination
reduce muscle soreness
reduce injury risk
Stretching works by pulling the muscle fibres to their maximum length which allows the collagen in the connective tissues to align with the direction of the stretch. This works really great in scarred tissues with disorganised fibres, as it aids realignment for optimum performance.
Here we have a horse forelimb protraction stretch. This stretches out the soft tissues at the back of the leg and behind the shoulder. It's a good one for releasing knots behind the shoulder.
Always perform these when the muscles are warm to avoid injury, after exercise or massage is best. It's a good idea to consult a professional before starting a stretching routine to ensure the best outcomes.
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