PILATES


Musclesinthe neckstretched.


Toplineback musclesare relaxed, allowing the back to come up slightly as the horse reachesforwards.


Keep the head at or belowthe level of the sternum to encourage correct backposture.


Thoracic sling and abdominal muscles stimulated as the horse reachesforward.


NECK EXTENSION


AIM: •Tostretch the Neck musclesby telescoping the neck forwards,


•Tostimulatethe core musclesasthe horseleans in and reaches forwards.


HOW TO DO IT: This exercise is best performed


overalow stabledoorway. •Prevent the horse from walking forwards; ideally by using achain or rope across the doorway at sternum height. (Stable doorstend to be alittle toohigh).


•Using acarrot, gradually encourage the horse to reach forwards.


•Keep the carrot at or belowthe levelof his sternum. The head needs to be kept at this leveltoachieve optimum stretch effectand correctback posture.


•Encourage the horse to hold the position reaching forthe carrot for5-10seconds. •Repeat 3-5times.


TIP: •Perform this exercise at the same time of dayorthe same point within his routine so he doesnot continually expectcarrots.


GOOD FOR: •Stretching the neck to release the


musclesafter working.


•Promoting correctpostureand vertebral alignment. •Horsesthat tend to work short and tight in their neck and those that drop behind the contact.


54 WINTERSPECIAL2020 Musclesthrough the neck wither and back arestretched.


Flexion at the base of the neck and through the cervico-thoracic junction.


CARROT LOW TO THE SIDE


AIM: •Tolift and flexthe spine to the side


and to flexthe base of the neck.


•Toincrease core stability, abdominal strength, back flexibilityand suppleness.


This exercise isequivalent to our sideways sit up (lateral crunch)!


Pelvis tiltsasiliopsoas musclesare recruited.


Multifidusmuscle is stimulated, stretched and recruited as the spine moves.


HOW TO DO IT: Lateral flexion of the thoraco- lumbar spine region


•Stand with your back againstthe horse’sribs levelwith the girth line.


•Holding the carrot in the hand closest to the tail, encourage the horse to bring his head acrossyour body.


•Bring the carrot down to justbelowyour knee.Keep the carrot close to the horse’s lips to keep themovement smooth.


•Hold the stretchfor 5-10 seconds before allowing the horse to take the carrot.


Longitudinal Flexion of the thoraco-lumbar spine region.


Pelvis tiltsas iliopsoas musclesare recruited.


Abdominal Musclescontract to lift and flex the back and create bend through the ribs.


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