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lexibility is defined as the range-of-motion around a moveable joint (where bone meets bone).  This definition applies to both horse and human.  Each joint in the body has a specific anatomy or structure that determines the maximum flexibility possible.  Limitations in flexibility are many: genetics; age; obesity; injury; scar tissue, to name just a few.  Generally women are more flexible than men (as a result of their higher muscle mass) though I have not seen any research that would indicate this same phenomenon applies to our equine friends.  Research on both human and equine subjects have indicated that flexibility is crucial in the prevention of injury.

In our discussion of flexibility it is important to understand that humans and horses which are highly active, are consistently maintaining or improving their flexibility throughout each busy day.  The reverse is also true:  those who are inactive (or kept in stalls) lose flexibility or must be involved in specific flexibility exercises to maintain or improve their status.  This fact alone should motivate us to evaluate our personal activity levels and our horsekeeping philosophies. 

As already mentioned, flexibility is an injury preventative.  Muscles and tendons around a joint that are developed for strength without regard to flexibility are generally prone to sprains or tears.  Conversely, a strong but flexible joint status allows for powerful movements with a lessened possibility for damage.

Your Flex-Ability and that of your horse is critical in any riding discipline that you pursue.  We all understand that our mount often mirrors our crookedness or our stiffness.  So if we are “inflexible” in an area of our body, it would stand to reason that there would be a weakness or “hole” that would eventually show up in our horse.  It is important, as serious equestrians, that we assess our personal flexibility and work to maintain or improve it within the limits that our genetics and other factors allow.  It is also important that we create an environment for our horse that will promote its ability to maintain or improve its range of motion. 

There are numerous resources available to you, which can help you address your Flex-Ability.  Here are just a few:

1) Equilates Stretch Workout – a set of 10 exercises, instructions and an exercise band or the audio CD – by Betsy Steiner - meant to be used while you are riding.

2) “A Gymnastic Riding System Using Mind, Body, and Spirit: Progressive Training for Horse and Rider” by Betsy Steiner

3) “THE BARN STRETCH POSTER” by physical therapist Cathy Ruprecht

4)BASIC EQUINE STRETCHING, author/demonstrator Nancy Spencer  THE BARN COMPANION – also by Nancy Spencer

Regardless of the program you choose or if you decide to develop your own, there are a few guidelines you need to follow:

Warm up before you or your horse performs any flexibility exercises.  A cold muscle/tendon can be likened to a rubber band taken out of the freezer: if you pull on it when it is “cold” it will tear easily and with less force.  It takes at least 10 minutes of gentle movement to increase the blood flow throughout the body; longer if you or the horse are out of shape or older.

NEVER bounce in a flexibility exercise.  Apply slow and consistent movements, holding at the point of “tension” for 30 - 45 seconds.  Repeat each exercise 2-3 times.  This same rule applies to your horse.  Move its limb to a point of tension (where the horse begins to tighten or resist your efforts) and hold.  If the horse vigorously pulls away, you may have exceeded the horse’s range of motion.  DO NOT FORCE your horse.  Listen carefully and ask gently.