How to perform the Thoracic Sling Stretch with your horse

Описание: Thoracic Sling Stretch
Tips and benefits:
• Gently pull down on the elbow and release
• The point of shoulder should come down a forward
• Repeat up to 5 times
• Stimulates the thoracic sling muscles (shoulder girdle)
• Stimulates the tricep muscles
• The ‘harder’ side to stretch will be the horse’s tighter side and the side they will tend to lean to during ridden work
• Assists in creating a more symmetrical horse as the thoracic sling group of muscles, tendons and ligaments join the horse’s forelimbs to the main skeletal structure so if this is tight on one side the horse is likely to be ‘crooked’ in other parts of their body due to the pull of the thoracic sling
• Keep the movement quite small to begin, increasing the range of motion if you can
• Small relaxed movements are more beneficial then larger tense movements

Before trying this exercise:
• Please only perform stretches and mobilisations with your horse when they are warm (after exercise or after a 10 minute brisk walk)
• Always perform the exercises in a safe environment on an even surface with good footing, do not attempt if your horse is likely to kick
• Never force the horse beyond their comfortable range of motion (ROM), stay within your horse’s current capabilities and work to increase this over time
• Repeat the exercise evenly on both sides
• Be mindful of your own posture when mobilising your horse to prevent straining your back
• If your horse has any of the following conditions you should not attempt this technique with your horse and if you haven’t already done so please contact your vet:
(Discharge/Mucous from the eyes or nose, Laboured Respiration, A wound that is less than 7 days old, Colic, Cushings, Laminitis, A Neural Disease e.g Tetanus, Neuralgia, An Infectious Disease e.g Strangles, Equine influenza, Herpes, Pneumonia)
• If you horse has a previous tendon or ligament injury or has arthritis please check with your vet or therapist that this exercise is suitable for your horse.
If you have enjoyed this video please visit my website for more exercises to try with your horse www.jessicalimpkin.co.uk/equine-massage-homework