I know how important it is for your to horse feel their best. This is why I wanted to share some ways to help you help your horse. Read below how you can make a positive impact to your horse's mood and mobility.
Massage gums
This one may sound a little strange, but hear me out. Massaging a horse's gums is a wonderful and natural way to calm them down when they are feeling unsure or stressed about a situation. It's one of the many tricks I use when working with new horses that aren't sure about me yet. It can help ease stress and calm them down.
Place your hand on your horses upper gums and apply gentle pressure in circular motions.
TMJ Jaw stretch
This stretch is a big stress and anxiety reliever, which we LOVE, and on top of that it has even more benefits!
It can help loosen the Masseter muscle (allows chewing motion function). If your horse struggles chewing their food, I would highly recommend giving this stretch a try.
This stretch can also improve jaw movement, function, loosen facial muscles and relive tension and stress. Plus, horses love it! Need I say more?
Start by making a C with your hand and placing your hand at the top of your horses mouth.
It's as simple as that, your horse will do the rest!
Your horse will let you know when they are done likely by either pushing your hand out of their mouth with their lip or raising their head beyond your reach.
Tip: If your horse raises their head right away they likely are just unaware of what you are doing. Go ahead and try it again until they realize they can stretch their jaw. They will typically realize after a few tries if they are resistant at first.
Leg pressure point release and tendon stretch.
A lot of stress and pressure is being placed on the horses pastern and fetlock every time they are ridden. This pressure point release will help relieve pressure and tightness that builds up over time. Many horses enjoy this release point and mobility stretch.
Tendon Stretch
Raise the horses hoof and move the tendon back and forth with your hand. Start with gentle pulls and apply more of a stretching pull to the horses comfort.
Tip: This stretch will not work if the horses hoof is on the ground.
Leg pressure point release
Place your thump below the horses fetlock and rotate the area about five times.
Apply pressure to the point. Start with moderate pressure and add the greatest pressure to your horses comfort or your ability. Hold this pressure for about eight seconds.
Back stretch
A good back stretch is so easy to do and very beneficial to your horse. Especially if your horse has a history of swayback or arching their back.
Scratch under your horses mid-line using both your hands.
Begin in the middle with both hands together
Pull your hands away and back together as you continue to scratch for about 20-30 seconds.
Tip: Do this stretch before and after you ride and/or a couple times a day.
Quick Neck Massage
This simple neck massage is easy to do for anyone and can be done in less than five minutes. Horses hold a lot of stress and tension in their necks. This simple trick can help your horse release a lot of that stress and tension and the best part, it is so easy to do!
Ok, now let's learn how to do it!
Place both hands at the top of your horses neck toward the poll cupping the top of the neck.
Pull one hand towards yourself and away with the other hand at the same time.
Continue down the horses neck alternating pulls.
Keep in mind: Your horse may be resistant and unsure about this at first. If your horse is expressing discomfort start easy and work up to using deeper pulling motions. As you slowly but surly continue to work your way up and down their neck they will begin to feel relief and become more accepting. They will eventually begin to enjoy it.
Tip: Let your horse guide you trough each step. Read their body language and hear what they are needing as far as pressure and movement coming from you. Remember to move through these steps on your horse with intention and love. Thinking about why you are working with your horse speaks volumes and opens them to your healing hands.
Signs your horse is enjoying these techniques:
Shaking his head
yawning
licking his lips
soft eyes
Let me know in the comments if you try any of these tips on your horse!
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