Core stability and strength exercises for the non-ridden horse: Introduction

This is the introduction from the book ‘How To Maintain Core Stability In 10 Easy Steps: Maintaining Core Stability In Your Horse When He Can’t Be Ridden’, available for just £1.99 on Kindle (or free if you have Kindle Unlimited).

Please be aware that this blog includes affiliate links, where you can buy the product at no extra cost to yourself, whilst helping to support me to write more blogs towards healthier, happier horses and handlers.

Introduction

We have all heard about core stability. Any idea what it is, or why it’s important?

Within our body, we have different types of muscle, with essentially different functions. One classification could be ‘movement’ muscles and ‘stability’ muscles.

The movement muscles tend to be the ones closer to the surface. They cause one bone to move in relation to another and create movement. As an example, your biceps are movement muscles, causing your forearm to move in relation to your upper arm. The movement muscles are designed to have high power, for a relatively short period of time. They are like sprint muscles.

The stability muscles tend to be much closer to the joints, and stabilise the joint, rather than move it. One place these stability muscles are particularly important is along your spine. The muscles close to the vertebrae help control the ability of one bone to move in relation to another, and so help to protect the spine. The stability muscles are designed to work at relatively low power, for long periods of time. They are like endurance muscles.

The core stability muscles commonly discussed are the muscles close to our spine (in particular, the low back). They do exactly as they say – they stabilise our core. When I was at university studying Physiotherapy, we were taught to think of the core stability muscles as being like a corset, or like a tin can supporting the spine. I like to visualise things, so I found this helpful.

This idea also helps us to realise that muscles wrap all around the spine, and so they include the muscles in front of our spine (including our tummy muscles) as well as our back muscles. It’s the multiple small muscles that are close to the spine that we’re talking about, rather than the large movement muscles that are closer to the surface.

Nowadays it’s recognised that ‘stability’ is perhaps not the best word. ‘Stability’ suggests ‘stillness’, and this is most definitely not what we want. In reality, we need functional stability. Our spine needs to be stable as we move, not just when we’re standing, lying or sitting still. In fact, it’s even more important that our spine is stable when we’re moving.

Why should we work on core stability?

As humans, if we hurt our back, we have to work to regain core strength. The muscle function only returns fully if we remind the muscles what they’re meant to do. This is why Pilates is recommended so often. We assume the same principle applies to horses.

How can we help our horse to maintain core strength if he can’t work? Perhaps he’s on box rest following injury or surgery. Maybe it’s as simple as the ground is frozen for several days and it’s not safe to ride. There are plenty of reasons we might not be able to exercise our horse. This guide offers suggestions on how to keep some level of fitness, at least in terms of core strength.

I’ve put this guide together with two particular clients in mind. One has a horse recovering from kissing spine surgery. She was working in walk, trot and canter in hand, and had just begun ridden work in walk. All was progressing according to plan, and then a cold spell hit. Thankfully the mare was able to be turned out, but the drive and the school were frozen solid. It wasn’t safe to do anything other than walk to the field and back.

The other client has a couple of different horses who are also unable to work due to frozen ground. The forecast is not great for the next few days, and she’s asked for some tips on how to keep them in shape. One is an older horse with multiple diagnoses from the vet, including arthritic changes in his neck and back. Because of this, he stiffens up easily. The other is a younger horse who struggles with his weight (I feel his pain!). He developed ridden behavioural problems earlier this year, possibly due to a combination of excess weight contributing to foot pain in both front feet, and his constantly changing shape causing a considerable challenge in terms of saddle fit. The weight problems have been managed well, and this in turn solves the saddle fit issues. His behaviour has recently improved. Now that he can’t be ridden because of the snow and ice, it would be a shame to lose those hard-earned improvements.

Hence this book is focused on how you can maintain your horse’s core strength and functional stability when he can’t be ridden.

Chapter 1: Baited Stretches

This is where the bulk of the research is in terms of building core strength. In particular, the multifidus muscle has received lots of attention, both in the human field and the equine. There are multiple studies showing that regular baited stretches (more commonly known as ‘carrot stretches) improve the size of the core stability muscles. That’s for horses, of course – although I’m pretty sure I’d improve my core strength through stretching for chocolate!

When I ask my clients to do baited stretches with their horses (which I do on a regular basis, because they are so very effective), I stress that there does not have to be any skill involved. As long as your horse is bending and stretching to get a treat, without moving his feet, then he will be developing his core strength.

I generally recommend encouraging your horse to reach towards his tail on each side, and towards the ground between his front feet. You can add in lots more though – towards each shoulder, towards the middle of the saddle area, towards his stifles, towards his hocks, towards his front/back feet. If he moves his feet, try standing him with his quarters in a corner of the stable to reduce his options.

Safety is an absolutely top priority. If your horse is going to start biting you because he’s expecting a treat whenever he sees you, then baited stretches are not right for him. If he’s food-centric enough, then a Likit or similar works really well. It encourages him to stretch for longer and reduces the risk of getting your fingers bitten.

If he’s food-centric enough, then a Likit or similar works really well.

Reviews for ‘How To Maintain Core Stability In 10 Easy Steps: Maintaining Core Stability In Your Horse When He Can’t Be Ridden’ by Sue Palmer

“This book has been a life saver for an elderly pony that has been on long term box rest. The changes are noticed very quickly and you increase the bond with your pony at the same time . Its easy to follow with clear instructions and no jargon . everyone would benefit from this book” Amazon Customer (verified purchase)

“Very easy to understand and follow, especially when you horses are on box rest ,but worth doing anytime at all” David (verfied purchase)

‘How To Maintain Core Stability In 10 Easy Steps: Maintaining Core Stability In Your Horse When He Can’t Be Ridden’ by Sue Palmer

About Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio

Sue Palmer, aka The Horse Physio, is an award-winning ACPAT and RAMP registered Chartered Physiotherapist, an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Trainerand holds an MSc. Formerly a competitive rider and BHSAI, she works full-time treating horses. Sue shares her passion for ethical and harmonious horsemanship through multiple courses, books, and articles. Sign up at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk to be the first to hear about new releases.