A LITTLE EXERCISE EVERY HORSE NEEDS!
Howdy Friends! I’m passionate about promoting the understanding of the importance of maintaining your horse’s proper. And healthy, posture and body carriage. Most of what we do with our horses destroy the horse’s posture and body carriage. So I try to expose horse owners to exercises that will offset the damage we do, and help the horse. Sadly too few folks even recognize proper horse posture.
Let’s look at the “Armpit Release.” This exercise will begin to release the tension in the chest muscles. And helps with girthy horses, and begins the re-connection to their feet. Remember, do both sides.
Stand straddling her leg, in neutral position with your knees slightly bent. Place your palms inside her leg and gently slide your hands up into her armpit. Keeping your palms against her leg. Keep gently pushing up, allowing her to release the tension in her muscles. Continue to move into the space opened by her release until you can go no further, then release slowly.
Note—some horses are so tight they may try to bite. So you made need to first get her used to your hands touching the inside of her leg. Then in time move your hands into her armpit.
Rosie and I hope you’ll put this, and other exercises you can find in my book “It’s for the Horses,” into your routine. You’ll love the softness that comes with proper posture. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
