For the horse to enjoy good physical health and a well-strengthened core, the first thing we must avoid is getting used to working with an inverted horse. This stabilizing musculature defines a type of muscle whose function is postural, coordinating precise movements and stabilizing.
This musculature is located around the horse's spinal column, pelvic region, and abdomen. These muscles are important for the horse, especially due to its quadruped condition.
But... what are the consequences of a deficient core musculature?
Poor development of these muscles increases susceptibility to back injuries, reduces elasticity, decreases coordination in movements, and limits joint flexibility, among other issues.
The muscles surrounding its spine must be strong and toned enough to generate an inverse force that neutralizes the weight of the thorax, abdomen, and rider. This will provide good spinal alignment, a back with optimal curvature, and correct separation and angulation between vertebrae. With this, we can say that we will greatly reduce the occurrence of injuries.
Well, now we are going to define certain exercises that will help us strengthen our horse muscularly, focusing on the core and helping to protect other areas such as the cervical spine:
Dynamic flexion and extension exercises:
Where the horse brings its head to three different positions: chest, knee, and fetlock.
Stretches where the horse brings its head to three different heights: high, medium, and low.
It will also be interesting to add lateral stretches towards the scapula, girth, and hip area.
All of these will provide significant improvements if we carry them out several days a week, doing between 3 and 5 repetitions, progressively without forcing the animal.
Remember that specific work on this musculature is fundamental for good athletic performance and injury prevention.
