Range of motion exercises are a wonderful compliment to Equine Massage Therapy.

Range of motion exercises help to move the horse's muscles and joints through the various motions of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. These are movements that the horse generally is not able to do on his own.

By moving your horse's body through these range of motion exercises, you will help to increase their ability to move more freely, resulting in a softer, more supple and flexible horse.

It will also teach your horse how to have better balance - which will help with farrier visits, trailering, and definitely riding.

You can use these exercises before riding as a warm up (however, do not use them on a horse that has been standing for a period of time without walking them to loosen them up first).





Range of motion exercises can also help to remove some stress and tension from the horse's joints . Horses stand almost all of the time. Because of this, there is almost always pressure on his joints. By lifting up his leg and applying range of motion exercises, you can help to release some of this built up tension and stress.

Some horses may find these exercises a little strange at first and may resist. But, if you do them a little at a time, they will learn to enjoy them. Be patient and give them some time to figure out what you are trying to do.

Range of motion exercises are different than Equine Stretching Exercises . In stretching exercises, you are attempting to bring the muscle to it's full extension and then hold it for a period of time.

In range of motion exercises, you are attempting to increase the amount of "range" the limb is able to move in through movements. You do not hold the limb in any one position for any length of time.


On the next few pages, I will give information and instruction for range of motion exercises for:

• Your Horse's Front Legs
• Your Horse's Hind Legs
• Your Horse's Tail

If you add these exercises into your grooming routine, you will see improvements in your horse. You will notice that they become less tense which will help them to become a more willing partner.

My horse Que loves these exercises and I think that he almost looks forward to it. Ever since he was injured, he has had a problem with tension in his body. These exercises help him to release the tension and keep him from forming too many compensation patterns. They also help him to get very relaxed and move into the Parasympathetic state that we try to achieve with equine bodywork.

As I have mentioned before, bodywork will increase your bond with your horse. It makes them a more willing partner due to the fact that it increases your horse's trust in you as well as their own ability to do what you are asking of them. It will also help them to become more confident. A relaxed horse is not as spooky and fearful as a nervous horse.

I hope you will try these exercises. I know you will see a difference in your horse if you just give it a little time.