Do you stretch?

Carrot stretches are a popular exercise, and for good reason. Just like stretching benefits humans, stretching can help a horse feel looser, more relaxed, and less tense. Carrot stretches are great at showing you your horses weak links-- where he is wobbly, unstable or tight. There are many stretches you can do to help your horse loosen up. Just like we loosen up before we workout, it benefits our horses to loosen up before they workout. Like anything, carrot stretches can be overdone. Be gentle and mindful of how much stretch your horse has. The goal is not to make a contortionist out of our horse. The goal is to use stretching to uncover weaknesses and assist in building strength. Whatever we do with our horses, it should always make them feel better afterwards, not worse.