Stretching Exercises for Horses: Are They Effective?

This article aims to present research in both animals and humans that support the use of stretching exercises in horses as a means of increasing range of motion, improving body flexibility and posture, and preventing injury by strengthening the supportive tissues. Too often veterinarians may overlook the importance of stretch exercises. This could partially be due to a lack of familiarity of what type of exercises to recommend, how to perform them, or where to obtain the desired information. Studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of stretching, warm-up, and temperature on the mechanical properties of muscle, potentially reducing the risk of strain injury to muscles. Evidence demonstrates that various approaches to conditioning that include warm-up and stretching along with other techniques such as strength training and proprioceptive training enhance performance and prevent certain types of injury. In addition, stretching of specific muscles and articulations for specific activities might enhance the effectiveness of these other pre-exercise activities, which is consistent with a multifactorial model for injury prevention. Stretches are either dynamic (having motion) or static (having no motion). Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of the body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. It is controlled movement or swings that gently take the limb to the limits of range of motion. Static stretching consists of stretching a muscle (or group of muscles) to its farthest point and then maintaining or holding that position. Passive or relaxed and isometric stretching are both types of static stretches. Passive or relaxed is where a position is maintained by holding it with some other part of your body, or with the assistance of a partner or some other apparatus. This type of stretching is the most common type used with stretching exercises in horses as we control the motion and positioning desired. Slow, relaxed stretching is useful in relieving spasms in muscles that are healing after an injury. Relaxed stretching is also good for “cooling down” after a workout and helps reduce postworkout muscle fatigue and soreness. A case study and an example of a stretch exercise program and what to look for in a “how to” guide is also presented.