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Did you know stretching can prevent musculoskeletal aging? Yup, it is true! When a muscle is overused or underused, it responds by shrinking or tightening which can cause stiffness. As explained by Dr. Ava Frick, DVM, "Stiffness can result in injury, leading to inactivity, and eventually speed up the aging of the musculoskeletal system. To remain supple, the connective tissue and muscles need regular stretching. Stretching helps resist the gradual shortening and tightening of tissue that otherwise sets in from both underuse and overuse, reducing discomfort and slowing the progressive loss of capacity that accompanies tightening." See Stretching Exercises for Horses: Are They Effective?, Dr. Ava Frick, DVM, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol. 30 No.1 (2010).
What is your favorite horse stretch??
4 Comments
Deb
1/26/2016 09:39:22 am
Great post, keep them coming!
Trisha
1/26/2016 09:43:02 am
Very interesting article. - I love the treat stretches. My horse loves to do them and I am seeing him be much more relaxed in the poll and neck during our riding sessions. Thank you for sharing this information, now I know I am helping to keep my horse's body healthy and reduce aging effects! Very exciting to know.
ilene
1/27/2016 11:50:52 am
Most horses love treat stretches! After all, who would not love to get a treat as a reward for doing a relaxing stretch?? Be sure to check out the FREE Successful Treat Stretching video in the Stretch Your Horse App that contains tips and tricks to get the most benefit from treat stretching and also explains who to avoid cheating which can decrease stretching effectiveness. Leave a Reply. |
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AuthorIlene Nessenson, JD, Certified Equine Bodyworker, is the creator of the Stretch Your Horse App. She has been an equine bodyworker, saddle fitter, and saddle reflocker for over 11 years. Archives
June 2018
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