Equine Massage
Living Life With Your Horses Well
by Kimi Locke, CEMT
I hope everyone is having a nice safe summer and enjoying their hors- es. Remember to keep those electrolytes available and lots of fresh water for you, and your horse or any animal you have.
Working on the front of the horse with stretches is where we left off last issue. Stretching those front legs backward and forward and side to side. This gives us an opportunity to inspect for swelling, tender, or warm areas. Always doing the same on the same on the right as you do on the left and vice versa. The stretches will drop the shoulder causing a stretch and encourage relaxation.
We have not gone to the rear of the horse for any work, but you can do these stretches on the hind legs also. Slowly stretching the leg back a few inches at a time, and when you set the hoof down put it gently down on the toe so they will drop their hip and relax into it. After they relax into this you can increase the distant in small incre- ments to stretch it further each time. Once they are done stretching back pick up the leg and put it forward, again in small increments so they are not pulling away from you. Let them relax into this a bit with each change moving across the front, and laterally if they tolerate this. While the leg is relaxed forward you can stand behind them and gentle rock their hips. This will help relax, plus moving the hip in a relaxed state. Remember to always take it slow at first and it may take a few times to get them comfortable with what you’re doing with them to relax.
Doing these stretches before and after an event or just trail riding will help loosen them up. Our hips and SI areas are one of our big issues that we have, and so do they. Keep them loose, and agile and they will perform better and have a less chance of injury.
Until next time. Good Luck Kimi Locke CEMT
Two Feet Equine Massage • 702-419-7668 34 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018 I HORSE & AG MAGAZINE
Just The Best Jose Estrada
40 years experience New Ranch Fencing and Repair
Specialize in Large Runs • Ranch Corral • Horse Fencing 928-899-2104 • Northern Arizona
J
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