Welcome!

At On Course Chiropractic our mission is to improve the way that horses and riders move and feel.

This space contains a free starter guide to improving your horse’s core strength and mobility with some safe and easy exercises you can do on your own each day.

This space is brand new! You are among the first to be invited. We are excited to bring you further educational content over time, and welcome your feedback.

Note: If your horse seems uncomfortable with any of the exercises presented here, cease the exercise and seek professional advice.

Starter core exercise: Carrot stretches

We use carrot stretches with our horses for two reasons:

1. To monitor and develop active mobility of the neck and spine

2. To develop intersegmental strength and control of the spine

Research studies on riding horse have shown that a core exercise program including carrot stretches, pelvic tucks and belly lifts performed 3-4 days per week for 8 weeks show a measurable improvement in the development of the multifidus muscle, a small muscle that connects the vertebrae of the spine and contributes to stabilization of the spine [1]. This same set of exercises has also been shown to speed up return to competition times for horses on stall rest and improve performance [2].

Carrot Stretches can be performed before or after your horse works or on a day off. To perform carrot stretches with your horse, follow these steps:

1. Stand at your horse's side with a carrot or other treat, with your horse off the crossties

2. Encourage your horse to bend the neck around to get a bite of the treat. Some horses may be able to bend all the way around to the hip/stifle, others with have trouble bending past the shoulder. Learn your horse's range and encourage them to stretch as far as they are willing.

3. Have your horse reach toward the following points, and repeat each point three times:

   • Point of the hip (both sides)

   • Stifle (both sides)

   • Hock (both sides)

   • Chest

   • Between the knees

   • Between the ankles

4. Once your horse understands what is being asked, you can begin to challenge them to stretch for three seconds before releasing the treat to them.

   Helpful tips

   If your horse swings the quarters and steps towards you instead of bending, try lining them up beside a wall, or simply correcting their position and trying again with a bit of an easier stretch. It won't take long before they understand the game and get into the stretching!

   For symmetry, it can be helpful to vary the side you are standing on when performing the nose to knees and ankles position, as most horses are likely to take a bend in the knee of the side you are on.