Whinny’s Wisdoms

Hay there, horse lovers! It’s Whinny, your friendly neighborhood field mouse. Living at Springhill Equine, I get to see all sorts of interesting things. One thing I’ve learned is that lots of horses come in with injuries. It’s really sad, but it’s also made me think about how we can prevent some of these injuries in the first place.

That’s where prehab comes in. It’s like a super power for horses! It’s all about getting your horse’s body ready for work, just like how athletes warm up before a game. But instead of just stretching a bit, prehab involves a whole lot of clever stuff to make your horse stronger, more flexible, and less likely to get hurt.

The First Step: A Horse-spital Check-up

Before we dive into the fun stuff, it’s important to get a good look at your horse. One of my awesome doctors assesses your horse’s movement, muscle tone, and any areas of tension or pain. It’s like a detective solving a mystery, but instead of clues, they’re looking for imbalances and weaknesses.

Unmounted Exercises: Stretching and Strengthening

Once we know where the trouble spots are, it’s time for some serious stretching and strengthening. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Stretching? For a horse? That sounds silly!” But trust me, it’s not. There are all sorts of clever ways to stretch a horse, from simple leg lifts to more advanced techniques like adding balance pads. These exercises help to improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle tone.

These videos from my amazing Youtube Library will give you an idea of what I’m talking about. 

We can also use tools like massage guns and curry combs to help relax tight muscles and promote healing. It’s like giving your horse a spa day, but with a purpose!

Under Saddle Exercises: Building Strength and Balance

Now that your horse is feeling good, it’s time to take things to the next level with under saddle work. This is where the real fun begins! By incorporating specific exercises into your riding routine, you can help your horse develop strength, balance, and coordination.

Some great prehab exercises include:

• Leg yields: These help to improve lateral flexibility and hind-end engagement.
• Shoulder-in and haunches-in: These exercises promote suppleness and balance.
• Poles and Cavaletti: These help to improve coordination and agility.

Remember, the key to successful prehab is consistency. Just like brushing your teeth, it’s something you should do regularly. By incorporating prehab into your horse’s routine, you can help them stay healthy, happy, and injury-free.

Prehab for Every Horse

One of the best things about prehab is that it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a competitive rider, a trail rider, or just a horse owner who loves to hack around, prehab can benefit your horse. It’s not just for athletes; it’s for all horses, regardless of age, breed, or discipline.

So, the next time you’re grooming your horse, take a moment to think about their well-being. Are they moving freely? Do they seem stiff or sore? If you notice any issues, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of my doctors. By taking proactive steps to prevent injuries, you can ensure that your horse enjoys a long and fulfilling life.

And remember, as always, stay curious and keep exploring the wonderful world of horses!

Until next time,

~Whinny

P.S. When you get done watching those two videos, poke around my YouTube channel. It has tons of great videos made just for you! And make sure you subscribe to it so you see when new videos are released, which happens all the time. You can also scroll down about an inch and listen to S7E24 Prehab over Rehab, which is one of our recent podcast episodes on this very topic! You’re welcome 🙂