HOW TO STRETCH A HORSE (10 Easy Horse Stretches)

How to Stretch a Horse | Stretching a horse can improve their flexibility, build muscle, and help prevent injuries. In this video, I walk you through 10 of my favorite horse stretches!
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Hi there! 👋 I'm Carmella. I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember, and I make videos about all things horse training, horseback riding, and living an equestrian lifestyle. New videos are uploaded EVERY WEEK so subscribe now for more horse videos.
I've written over 100 horse articles @ equinehelper.com/!
Follow me on Instagram: / equinehelper
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@EquineHelper]

When it comes to the stifle stretch in this video, I think because I was talking and trying to think, I didn’t point exactly to the stifle. 😅🤦‍♀️ The stifle is a joint that is considered like the knee of the horse. It is located slightly above where I originally placed my hand.

[@aanimavilis1492]

Thank for your explanation! I starting to work with gorgeous boy. He has very stiff knees and (I don't know medical term in English) I will work with him to try help him 😁

[@kevinferguson3196]

I totally agree with the benefits of your stretch routine. However, there are many riders that don't understand the natural benefits of walk, trot, canter, and gallop, while riding will basically do the same thing. There are a lot of riders that have never cantered or galloped their horse. I think it's beneficial and necessary to do so for the health of the horse.

[@Western_Witch]

This was so great! Thank you for sharing this. Raleigh Link who recommended your channel as a great way to learn more on horses. I’ve been stretching my kid with only a few stretches so I’m happy to have more to do!

[@thecrookedman3070]

Tucker is an exact match for how I always imagined Artax from the never ending story would look if he was based off the books!

[@Alteori]

He's such a good baby and you are a fantastic trainer. I've only ever stretched the legs but the back and neck I have never

[@suzannerichmond8677]

This is great! My one mare seems to get sore on the top of her Fanny to the left of her spine. She also gets pretty grumpy about picking up that back leg, so I think these stretches will really help her!

[@KingsMom831]

Tucker….. the professional treat getter😂

[@annoyingbananana]

Exactly, warm them up first. my horse absolutely loves to be stretched after his regular workout when he's all loose and relaxed. Before workout he has difficulty giving me his back hooves but after workout it is easier and I stretch his hind legs a little bit after cleaning the hooves. He will let out a long grunt and make a funny face during every stretch because he liked it so much.

[@paulacusack1465]

You are amazing at explaining in your videos to help anyone work with their horse. I love watching all your videos you use techniques in training that makes it easy for everyone to understand it sometimes is hard enough trying to coach or train a person learing their horse. But your videos make it easy for anyone to understand. Thank you so much for what you do. I have found myself telling students etc. to come watch your videos and see how simple some things really are to do and it's okay to not be perfect at it all cause your horse will understand lol. But truly Thank You for what you do.

[@sophiesteed3648]

Omg hi I love your horse tucker he is so cute please notice me x

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks Sophie!

[@katherinebrown5293]

Your awesome! I find I can’t watch your videos enough. I just put them on repeat and enjoy. The repeat will continue in my sleep. Lol

[@kristylarson7832]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@tombotelevision2616]

Hi, I took a course in Equestrian massage recently, this after 40 years massaging people. Very rewarding. Thank u for all ur helpful vieos

[@mildmustang]

I did the bow stretch on my guy once, his lumbar area popped like a chain reaction, he let out the biggest sigh and started licking and chewing... he looked like it felt so good he made my back feel good, lol

[@rodkurtz2273]

Hello, I would like to learn how to make my horse do the pedestal stretch. Where can I find the video or link?

[@staciewilsonmumpower6986]

Yes! I have had my horses adjusted by a chiropractor. I find it helps with injuries and maintenance.

[@hannahreed5073]

hey, my horse is ex amish i got him in january, used to be able to do anything to him (touch anywhere, get on bareback, etc.) recently hes been biting/kicking over his neck, back, withers. i had him adjusted by the chiro yesterday and he loved it, head lowered, licking and chewing, very relaxed. today he was still upset initially over the previous problem areas until he realized it doesn’t hurt as bad anymore. however when i put any pressure on his scapula area on both sides he got very upset which is new. pinned ears, throwing head, going to bite. this area never hurt until the chiropractor, do you have any experience with areas being worse for a day or two after adjustment? to me it makes sense he’d be sore as his body adjusts to the correct position but chiropractor disagrees

[@JC872117]

My horse gets adjusted and he LOVES it ❤

[@7thMack]

He is SUCH a good boy! Please give him an extra treat from me. 🥰

[@BricesMice]

Very nicely done!

[@philipstone4959]

Extremely Helpful! Thanks.

[@vanessaherbst4465]

Very helpful! Thank you

[@geniemedford9200]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@erynedufour8403]

You are so amazing thank you for all the advice

[@Mrshorthood]

I enjoy watching your videos.

[@chshaheerahmedbhatti4746]

Great video

[@ruthobrien4261]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I learned a few stretches I didn’t know 😊

[@meonly914]

That belly button exercise must tickle 😂. Pls can you do an exercise or massage video for pregnant horses. My Uber is 8 monthspreggy.

[@LynneC44]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@trishlee5841]

Hi, I really am enjoying your video thank-you so much for doing them 😊

[@manpreetsandhu8399]

Brilliant ma'am. You and your horse are Amazing

[@nancyswinford4878]

Great video on how to stretch my horse. Thank you, Nancy

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

Very useful, thank you so much ! :))

[@dustongann5054]

vary helpful 👍🐴

[@rhinebckfirefighter]

Love your horse

[@Blinks46]

Brilliant

[@pineappleinkandbeauty]

We love you and Tucker :)

[@KingsMom831]

Good boy Tucker!😊💛

[@gogokarra]

That kiss in the end😊😊💕🥰🥰😻😻

[@sudley]

Gideon had a serious fall just over 2 years ago. He had EPM and that is now treated and gone. His neck was injured in the fall. Only recently the new vet did a chiropractor move on his neck. That did wonders. Some acupuncture too. This vet is western and eastern methods. Treating the cause, not the symptoms. Great vet and the horse that was minutes from being put down may, may, be ridable again. He is at least the best he can be.

[@tamerbadr8384]

I like your channel. Keep on the good work. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck.

[@EquineHelper]

Thanks!

[@samarthverma1347]

I'll try it with my Horsee🔥

[@AimEmery]

I do leg stretches using a platform. Probably you can add those to your routines too.

[@PLT722]

We did equine massage on our Natural Horsemanship course and I absolutely ❤️ did ( and so the 🐴). Would love to pursue it deeper ..what massage school yiu recommend? PS also we stretched the from leg underneath with the hood pointing back 🙃

[@mobileeventvenues4158]

Hi, this is great, thanks for sharing! How do you stretch a horse which is on stall rest for several weeks or months? Do you have any experience with that?

[@Bert805]

my horses have had chiropractic work, massage and reiki healings.

[@rebeccaharp9889]

My horses get adjusted every 6 months at least

[@michelledieber1685]

Aww he is such a good boy and definitely deserved that nose smooch at the end

[@Western_Witch]

Ohmg that nose smooch was just too cute!

[@nightoutforyou]

Is it good to stretch before and after the ride? Or just after if it is just a walking trail ride?

[@donovanmedieval]

Would these be things a potential buyer could or should try?

[@seandarke1892]

I went through two different schools for massage but I would really like to work on horses and animals dogs and cats what class can I take what school does animal massage

[@Dumpsterfire961]

I started working with a new lease recently and he is having to get a big refresher on rounding, he was being BEAUTIFUL the other day and I gave a him a walk break and some pats with a large helping of good boy and he gave me a big sigh and I went yeah self carriage is hard huh and I swear he grunted like he was agreeing lmao I was dead 💀😂

[@azulafire4544]

that’s so cool! I did the Boeing stretch on mine, and he’s pretty clever. So after some long period of time of not doing it, I wanted to clean his hooves, and he started doing it😭 the bow… It’s cool how he remembered it, but now he does it all the time and idk what to doooo😭😭😭💔

[@sunnyhudson276]

How do you keep the horse from turning/moving their backend around during the nose to hip stretch? i.e. just turning in a circle...

[@rubystefanell6758]

Both

[@tinker.dakota]

How often do this? Everyday. Once a week? What is the best

[@chshaheerahmedbhatti4746]

How tall is your horse

[@jordancolkitt1201]

I have 2 questions if you dont mind? First, how would you suggest doing the neck stretch when my gelding just turns to face me instead of stretching? Second is, do you have any stretches you would suggest for my gelding with his mild arthritis? He babies his left hind ankle when he doesn't need to so now his right hind leg is super stiff. He is in his pasture for 12 plus hrs. Thank you so much!

[@shylohsturm493]

I would suggest doing it next to a fence so the horse can't swing it's hips away.

[@myronschabe]

What is the breeding of your cute POA? ( I am a POA person and very curious who is parents are? )

[@anniescerra1876]

If the horse is stiff could I stretch his legs before riding?

[@latifakouache1553]

Hi

[@steveverstl4153]

Where does tucker sleep

[@varya_klimova]

What are those treats?

[@marcbrosovic4149]

we have our guy done when it's needed

[@hannahandivy]

My horse has had a chiropractor work on him. I think he's due for another visit too.

[@heelsdowneyesupsitback4278]

Yep, he gets regularly scheduled massages.

[@fake......]

Are Marwari or Kathiawari horses good for 1st time owners?

[@EquineHelper]

I don’t know much about these horses and their temperaments, but they are beautiful. Best of luck!

[@fake......]

@@EquineHelper Ok! Thanks

[@summerb8833]

Hello, We are doing an equine first aid educational workshop and we would like to use your video for demonstration please. We are giving you credit for the video, not taking it as our own, or modifying it in any way. Do we have your permission to use your video in our workshop? Thanks so much

[@EquineHelper]

Yes, go right ahead!

[@summerb8833]

@@EquineHelper Thank you!

[@henripennings9724]

The first stretch never works 4 me, my horse just turns her whole body around instead :()

[@EquineHelper]

One thing you can do is just ask the horse to stretch back a little at a time. In the beginning, just have the horse stretch to their shoulder. Gradually work back to the hip. The horse is stepping away to avoid pressure/tension

[@henripennings9724]

Oh thank you for the tips. I will try it again tomorrow :)

[@shylohsturm493]

I would suggest doing it next to a fence so she can't swing her hips way.

[@franklloyd6769]

Watch “horse Stretching with Frank Lloyd” it will show you how to train them to stand

[@seandarke1892]

You're probably doing it a little too fast

[@briellecunningham5246]

I have a chiropractor regularly because my horse has a broken tail.

[@xonx209]

This is hard work. You must love your horse. It also look dangerous.

[@aubreyfothergill5861]

3:38 is this actually good? NOOO hate just wondering

[@yeirilizrosario4365]

But What If You’re Horse Moves They’re Hips To The Side When You’re Doing The 1 Stretch ☹️

[@kat-vb1ip]

i don’t know if my tucker has ever been massaged since i don’t own him but i bet he has

[@EquineHelper]

All the horses I’ve worked on love getting massages 😂

[@kat-vb1ip]

@@EquineHelper i bet my Tucker would love it hes a big goof ball 😂

[@dovahkiin7863]

Can I do that to my 19 y/old? I just got him, but he has a shape like a 2 y/old and is an x-trotter..

[@arandomguy8352]

I was expecting if you crack it's back it would sound like Rice Krispies or is that just my back that does that

[@elainedavis3927]

I had a horse that hit his haed some how! He was sweet as can be. He was starting to clickers his teeth win I was putting his bridal on and one day he try to bite me .that’s when I called Kevin after he got done with the horse I never had another problem I thank Kevin so much for a Dr. Kevin come out win he was working on the pole a plan Flew over and we heard Horses head the pop sound airplane

[@nevsvans125]

my horse is very fat so im going to try this im am called lexi im am 9 i alway wach your vids on my grandads phone

[@nevsvans125]

please notice mee !!!

[@EquineHelper]

Thank you for your support, Lexi!

[@nevsvans125]

your the best

[@ilovepuns140]

Good luck with your horse, Lexi!

[@nevsvans125]

thank you

[@missbecky2571]

Yeah, my mare would never let me pull her tail.

[@christinamuller1741]

Oh my God. I hit the thumbs down button by accident. Please disregard. I love your videos.👍🏼

[@sureshchandran7725]

You are so beautiful

[@starstablelover4095]

Tu ER looked soo big o

[@lilsportcowhorse]

Tail stretch is incorrect and you are putting yourself in a dangerous position! You should be close(right next to his rump, grab the top of his tail with both hands and lean backward with even pull pressure hold then release 5X) and they will pull forward when they are feeling relief. FRONT LEG STRETCH YOU SHOULD NEVER PULL IT OUT STRAIGHT AS YOU WILL HYPEREXTEND THE LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS. IT WILL HELP ALSO TO KNOW LOCATION OF THE JOINTS, STIFLE IS NOT LOCATED WHERE YOU POINTED. I like that you have brought stretching exercise to people's attention but doing them wrong and not knowing that your are doing them wrong can cause injury.

[@300tdavis]

This doesn't look comfortable for the horse, pulling on delicate tendons, proof is the the video, look at him breathing so heavy. That horse is just a mechanical robot for her. He's a shut down horse...not my kind of partner. Definitely try Holistic Horse Works with April Love. She has excellent videos as well.