Stretch with a friend

and both can become more flexible!

Here are some partner stretches that you can do at the barn with your friends or family that will help increase joint mobility. Attachment areas around the shoulders and hips have a tendency to shorten, causing restrictions in the joints range of motion.

When you set aside ten minutes to stretch before getting on. You will have better mobility on the horse.

Sometimes it’s difficult to target the tightest areas in a rider without some assistance. Take for instance the inner thigh or butterfly stretch, the slightest bit of extra pressure placed near the knees can help release very tight connective tissue. Stretching by yourself can be difficult because our body wants to naturally protects itself. You gain muscular release that will help you stay aligned on your horse.

Hold each position for at least 5-10 deep breathes.

Trust the person assisting in your stretch because one can compromise a rider’s biggest tool has…. the body.

If the muscle reaches a length limit and one puts more pressure on the tissue, the stretcher can cause torn tissue. You do not want to increase inflammation. Gradually lengthen your muscle tissue and gain better flexibility with the help of slight pressure from a partner.

THE STRETCHER

You need to feel how much pressure to add and subtract during the stretch. difference. Use this time to start training your feel for bit pressure. Transfer this feel on a horse and can a better connection.

When you get to the furtherest point in the stretch, it’s time to maintain a steady pressure while your athlete does their breathing. You might feel some resistance from the athletes body during inhales or exhales. Try to keep things steady and ask if your pressure needs to be released.

Never just let go, decrease the pressure gradually but within the comfort of your workout partner.

THE ONE STRETCHING

Use your words and communicate the needed pressure. Some times during the fifth deep breath, you might need to add some pressure because the muscle got longer. Increase just a tad since you are near the max stretch at this point.

Keep the core steady during your breathing to get the most out of your stretch. Take a deep inhale through your nose, hold in for a second before releasing through your mouth. Push the air out from your abdomen while making sure your core stays steady.