365 Days in Horse Country – Pre-Ride Stretch
Horses aren’t the only athletes in the human-horse
team. Riding takes athetic skill in
humans, tii. Just ask any first-time
rider how they feel the day after they ride.
Muscles they didn’t even know they had hurt.
The demands of riding on the muscles and ligaments are why it’s always a good idea to warm up with stretches before you ride. Do each one of the following stretches before you get up on your horse. It only takes five minutes total, and it is well worth it:
- Stretch your neck. Tilt your head slowly first to the right,
with your ear toward your shoulder, and then to the left. Tuck your chin forward into your chest, and
then back up toward the sky. Then, turn
your head as far to the right as you can while keeping your shoulders
straight. Do the same to the left. Follow this routine four times, holding each
stretch for at least five seconds.
- Stretch your quads. Stand up straight and bend one leg up behind
you. Hold your ankle so your knee is
bent. Slowly pull your ankle so your knee
points out behind you. Hold for ten
seconds and switch to the other leg.
Repeat this twice for each leg.
- Stretch your hamstrings. Stand up in front of a fence and brace
yourself with one hand. Reach one leg
high up onto the fence and bend forward.
Hold for ten seconds. Repeat on
the other leg.
- Stretch your inner thigh. Sit on the ground with your knees bent out to
the sides and the soles of your feet touching each other. Push down gently on both knees. Do this twice for ten seconds each.
- Stretch your lower back. Lie on your back with your knees to your chest. Wrap your arms around your legs just below your knees and pull you knees toward you. Hold for five seconds and repeat three times.
Michael