Pre-ride Warm-up and Stretching

Any serious athlete typically recognizes the importance of the right warm-up routine and the importance of stretching before any intense work out. These practices are just as important for horses as they are for human athletes. Your riding warm-up should include an awareness of your horse's frame of mind and level of energy that day, and should be designed to encourage mental relaxation, in addition to the physical aspects of the warm-up. What your warm-up consists of will depend on many factors, including your horse's age, what condition they're in, weather conditions, footing conditions, what level training your horse has, and of course, what discipline you're riding, and what your objectives are for that riding session or show, as the case may be.

If you take lessons or have a trainer, it's advisable to discuss this topic with her/him as they will undoubtedly provide expert guidance. If you're on your own, consult experts in books, videos and online, then, use your common sense, and listen to your horse! A basic understanding of the biomechanics of the horse will help you understand the importance of stretching, and will help you select the proper bending and stretching exercises for your horse. And lastly, keeping your own body in shape, doing your own stretching for suppleness and relaxation will ensure that you are able to move in harmony with your horse, which will magnify the benefits of your horse's warm-up routine.