Riding is a physical activity. No matter your age or riding discipline, having a stretching program can keep your body in shape for the riding experience. Following and influencing the movement of an animal as large as a horse requires the rider to have balanced and strong muscles. Stretching before riding improves riding position, range of motion, balance, relaxation and decreases muscle strain. Stretching techniques are simple to learn and won’t even cause you to break a sweat!

Disclaimer: The information presented in the Barn Stretch Poster or www.barnstretch.com website is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment of specific medical problems. In no event shall Cathy Ruprecht, Cathy Ruprecht, LLC, her agents, member employees, or authorized representatives be liable for any injury from or related to the use of this information. Please consult with your physician before starting any type of exercise program.

Perhaps you have observed how popular stretching of the horse has become. Riders stretch their horses so the horse will be better balanced between right and left sides. Stretching the horse improves his relaxation, encourages the horse to move more freely, and improves his “way of going.” Few riders take time to prepare their own muscles and joints for riding by stretching before they ride. Many riders are stiff, have limited motion, and are not symmetrical in their flexibility. Limited rider mobility can affect the balance and movement of the horse. The aging process contributes to making all of these problems worse. Aging makes the muscles and tendons surrounding the joints less elastic and flexible. The joints too become stiffer.

Flexibility is a component of your fitness level. Limited range of motion around any joint in your body can lead to decreased levels of mobility, which limits the activities you can perform. Stiffness in the shoulders limits reaching to groom, bridle, and saddle the horse. Stiffness in the back and legs makes cleaning your horse’s feet difficult. Tightness in the leg muscles makes getting on your horse anything but graceful. You may notice it is more difficult to bend down to get your brushes from the grooming box. The good news is that flexibility can be improved by following a simple stretching program.

Rodeo roughstock riders are masters at preparing themselves for their eight-second ride through a series of stretching activities. These riders know that stretching is essential; it decreases their risk of injury, warms up their body to follow the motion of the horse or bull, and prepares their joints to absorb energy created when the animal impacts the ground. Granted, most of us don’t deliberately ride bucking stock, but many of us have been on bucking horses. Even when the horse is not bucking, the objective of our ride is to influence and follow the movement of the horse. Stretching through the trunk elongates and improves the elegance of the upper body. Stretching through the leg allows for a deepening of the seat. Putting the rider’s body into a proper balance and riding position enhances the ability of the rider to communicate with the horse. The correct riding position improves the effectiveness of the aids: the seat, the legs, and the weight of the rider.

Stretching requires no special equipment, no special outfit, and no special setting. You can stretch anytime, anyplace, and any part of the body. Stretching takes only minutes. You can stretch lying down, sitting in a chair, or even standing in the barn. Your body will respond to being stretched. Stretching helps maintain movement by allowing the joints and surrounding muscles and tendons to move more freely. Improved flexibility allows for easier performance of horse care and riding activities.

Before beginning an exercise program please consult with your physician.

Stretching should be comfortable and never painful. Stretches are most beneficial if performed daily. Pre-ride stretching prepares the muscles before the ride. Stretching after riding can help decrease post riding muscle soreness. Stretching can even be done before or after barn chores. Some riders stretch when in the saddle. Stretches performed on the ground better allow the rider to focus on their own body position rather than trying to control the horse. Also, a greater number of stretches can be performed on the ground and taking a minute to calm down before riding is helpful to reduce rider stress. A great time to stretch is after having groomed and saddled the horse as this helps to warm-up the rider’s muscles before the muscles are asked to stretch.

Maintaining rider flexibility is easy and essential in keeping you riding into your golden years. Become the balanced partner you want your horse to be—stretch before you ride!