Equine Massage: A Practical Guide (34 page)

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8.6 Shoulder Flexion Stretch:
This retraction stretching movement is good
for stretching the foreleg extensor muscles.

8.7 Shoulder Flexion Deep Stretch:
This version is done after the initial
stretch and allows for extra stretching of the extensor tendon and ligament
structure of the anterior aspect of the foreleg.

Stretching

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The Shoulder Rotation:
The following variation will help loosen deep muscles such as the pectorals, the serratus cervicis and thoracis, and the intercostal fascia, and will help relax the ligaments of the shoulder girdle structure. Keeping the leg flexed at the knee, secure your grip by holding the knee joint in one hand with the other placed over the fetlock joint. Start initiating a clockwise movement at the knee. First move the leg medially (inward), then forward, laterally (outward), and back. Repeat several times (3 to 5 times), and then switch to a counterclockwise movement. Avoid excessive pressure at the knee joint.

Hind Leg Stretches

The Hip Extension Stretch (also known as the Hamstring
Stretch):
This protraction movement will stretch the muscle involved in the retraction of the hind leg. Pick up the hind leg, grasping it behind the fetlock. Gently move the leg forward in its natural line of movement. While the leg is forward you might consider moving it a little more medially (toward the horse). Do not move the hind leg laterally (outside) because this is not a natural movement; it would affect the joint structure too much.This is a good stretch for the muscles of the hip and thigh: the gluteus, the bicep femoris, and the hamstring muscles (the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus). Be especially careful when doing this stretch because a horse will often forcibly retract his leg, giving you a good jolt. There’s also the risk of a ligament injury should the horse snap a hoof on the ground. Be prepared, holding with proper posture.

The Hip Flexion Stretch:
This retraction movement will stretch the muscle involved in the flexion of the hip. Pick up the leg and secure your grip by putting one hand above and the other below the fetlock joint. Carefully and very gently bring the hind leg backward. Once the leg is in position, place one hand on the hock to steady the movement for the duration of the stretch.Then stay close to the horse and maintain contact with the leg when bringing the foot back to the ground. This is a good stretch for the muscles involved in leg flexion: the iliacus muscle, the thigh muscles (vastus muscles), the gluteus muscles, the tensor fasciae latae, the long extensor muscles, and the abdominal muscles.

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8.8 Hip Extension Stretch:
This protraction stretching movement is good for
stretching the flexor muscles of the hind leg.

8.9 Hip Extension Deep Stretch:
This version is done following the initial
stretch and allows for extra stretching of the flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament.

Stretching

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8.10 Hip Flexion Stretch:
This retraction stretching movement is good for
stretching the extensor muscles of the hind leg.

8.11 Hip Flexion Deep Stretch:
This version is done after the initial stretch
and allows for extra stretching of the extensor tendon and ligament structures of the anterior aspect of the hind leg.

The Quadriceps Muscle Stretch:
This is another movement to stretch the large quadriceps muscle group of the hind leg and the tensor fasciae latae ligaments. Grasp the rear foot on the opposite side of the horse, and bring the leg under the belly and slightly

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8.12 Quadriceps Stretch:
This special stretching movement is good for
stretching the quadriceps and gluteus muscle groups.

toward the opposite front foot. Secure your grip with both hands, holding at the pastern. Be aware of the torque you will produce on the hock and the stifle joint by stretching this way. Do not apply too much pressure. Be gentle, paying attention to your horse’s comfort. This is a good movement to stretch the quadriceps, the gluteus, and the hamstring muscles, as well as the tensor fasciae latae ligaments.

Back Muscle Stretches

There is no particular stretching movement for the back muscles.

But by reflex, you can affect these muscles if you press your thumb into the belly region, right over the attachment tendon of the posterior deep pectoral muscle on the sternum. This will cause the horse to tuck up, thereby rounding his back and stretching these muscles: the longissimus dorsi, the longissimus costarum, and the spinalis dorsi. Tickling the belly will also cause the same reflex.

This is one of the easiest stretches.

Another way to affect these muscles is to apply point pressure with your thumbs on both sides of the sacrum (croup), approximately 3 inches from the spine. This will cause a reflex action in the abdominal muscles, which will result in the horse tucking his rump and arching his back, stretching his back muscles.

Stretching

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8.13 Back Stretching

8.14 Back Muscles Stretch

Tail Stretch:
Stretching the tail is a great way to produce a feeling of deep relaxation in your horse. This stretch is a major part of the relaxation massage routine (chapter 6).

When approaching the rear, use gentle strokings along the tail bone and down the buttocks before picking up the tail with your right hand. Keep your left hand on the sacrum. Take hold of the tail a few inches from its base and gently move it in a circle, first clockwise 2 or 3 times, then repeat counterclockwise. Take note of any restrictions.

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8.15 Tail Stretch

At this point move to the back of the horse and, using your body weight, very gently pull on the tail. Hold this stretch for approximately 1 or 2 minutes unless the horse shows discomfort.

Usually the horse, feeling good, responds positively by pulling against your traction.