Hi Group B,
Welcome to Equine SEL sign off blog, 556AVN - Biomechanical assessment and exercise prescription.
In your group, using your allocated scenario, discuss a remedial exercise program appropriate to your case and stage of repair, which would improve locomotion and proprioception. You need to include groundwork and ridden work, explain the concept of "core stability" and how this is achieved. Give the pros and cons of the use of lunging, long reining, and the use of training aids, in relation to your case. You all have from now until our next taught session (04.02.22) to contribute to this blog. You must contribute to this blog to get your SEL signed off. Ensure that your entries are based on evidence and that you are reactive to one another to allow a good discussion of the topic. I will be keeping an eye on the blog, but if you have any issues, you should email me. Please ensure that you register your name with your comments so that I know who has written what.
You have been
referred a 13 year old dressage horse who has shown loss of performance. The
owner identified low grade lameness on certain dressage movements whilst
schooling at home.
A full lameness
work-up highlighted the horse was 1/10 lame positive hock flexion test and
positive result on nerve block of the tarso-metatarsal joint.
X-rays confirmed arthritic changes of the tarso-metatarsal joint.
The horse was
treated with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) and intra-articular corticosteroid
injections.
Post treatment
the veterinary surgeon recommended box rest for 3 days and then to be turned
out and gentle ridden exercise (road) for 4 days. Hacking could be commenced in
week 2.
The horse could
have physiotherapy treatment to ensure no muscular tightness before return
to full work.
At the end of the
second week the Veterinary Surgeon recommend that REP, in conjunction with the
hacking, be incorporated with the aim to encourage engagement of hindquarter
and increase activity of affected hock.
Exercises:
ReplyDeletePoles
Linear walk and trot
Raised poles
Transitions
Long reining
Backing up
Hill work
Back up , uphill
Caudal weight shift
Lunging - good cardio but only in circles. Circles require more force through the outside limb so could be useful in later REP.
Long reining - predominantly walk and trot but can do straight lines. Contact on the bit as if a rider is on board but without the weight of the rider. Useful to get this horse moving again and beneficial for owner to watch the horse move from the ground
Training aids - useful to aid and encourage correct posture and movement. If used incorrectly then can be detrimental. If round the back end, may impact hind limb retraction but proprioceptive element can encourage stepping under more effectively. With this case, we don’t want to limit the hind limb ROM so a training aid like German rope or side reins for correct head and neck position would be beneficial.
Wk1:
Long reining in walk
30 mins, 3 days a week
Linear walk poles
5-10 reps within a long reining session
Backing up
5-10 steps, every day
Caudal weight shifts
5-10 reps, every day
Hacking 2 days a week
Wk2:
Long reining walk and trot. Including serpentines and figures of 8
30 mins, 4 days a week
Linear walk poles . alternate sides raised
5-10 reps within long reining session
Backing up
8-12 steps, every day (not in one go, do a set of 4 or 5 steps then stop
Tail pulls
8-10 reps every day
Wk3:
Lunging with German rope / side reins
Replace 2 long reining days with lunging for 20 mins
Linear trot poles
On lung or long reins. 8-12 reps within a session
Hill work out hacking
2 days a week
Tail pulls
10-12 reps every day
Wk4:
Lunging walk and trot with German rope
3 days a week, 20-30 mins
Raised trot poles
On the lunge, 8-10reps
Hill work out hacking. Back up, uphill
2-4 days a week
Light schooling
Replace up to 3 hacking or ground work days with 30-40 min light schooling
- Hannah
Paulekas and Haussler (2009) state that the use of poles will improve proprioception and also core and limb engagement. This supports the use of poles in the REP plan as after reduced amount of exercise during and post treatment the horse may have lost a level of muscling. Poles also improve ROM of joints as the limb has to be lifted more each time. They also explain that uphill work helps to strengthen the pelvic limb as it requires increased flexion and protraction of the limbs.
ReplyDeletePaulekas, R. and Haussler, K. (2009) Principles and practice of therapeutic exercise for horses, Journal of equine veterinary science, 29(12), pp. 870-893.
GYM exercises such as pelvic tilts and backing up have been seen to improve gait quality. The importance of core strengthening exercises was also discussed in this paper and explained to positively correlate with hind limb protraction therefore the pole work, backing up and lunging with training aids to encourage core engagement is supported in this REP (Oliveira et al., 20015)
Oliveira, K., Soutello, R., Fonseca, R., Costa, C., Meirelles, P., Fachiolli, D., and Clayton, H. (2015) Gymnastic training and dynamic mobilization exercises improve stride quality and increase epaxial muscle size in therapy horses, Journal of equine veterinary science, 35, pp. 888-893.
This is my REP with some background information on core stability, training aids and why I have taken arthritic changes into account, reasoning has been given.
ReplyDeleteLunging and long reigning can target working on core strength (NAVP. n,d).
I am in agreement with Hannah that the use of training aids may help to influence core strength and stability however they can be detrimental or beneficial and knowledge of clear clinical reasoning should influence the choice of which training aid will be used for a specific case (NAVP. n,d). They also could be detrimental if the owner were to not fit them correctly
Core stability is important to maintain self carriage, carrying weight such as the rider and in order to perform highly engaged movements for disciplines such as dressage or jumping at high speeds (Higgins, 2009). Without good core stability it can lead to loss of balance, poor performance, fatigue and could lead to further injuries. Lengthening the dorsal chain and tightening the ventral chain gives core stability. You can do this with the horse making them do big steps and lift hind limbs (Williams and McKenna, 2014). Key muscle areas involved in core stabilising are at the back, abdominals, iliopsoas, hip stabilisers and thoracic sling.
Since there are arthritic changes it would be good to keep the horse moving so the joint is not immobilised. With OA causing joint instability, atrophied musculature, lack of shock absorption secondary to muscle weakness it can diminish proprioception leading to lack of coordination putting the joint at more risk of further injury (Paulekas and Haussler, 2009). Also keeping the joint in an active ROM to decrease stiffness and swelling.
Given the underlying condition of the horse I've devised the following plan and would be interested in what others think.
Week 1:
Long reigning, 25 mins
Scatter poles, in hand, walk - Within the long reigning session (Proprioception, rom), Once per day, 3x a week, 5 minutes 3x a week
Caudal weight shifts, (done after schooling)5 -10 reps every day 2x a day
Backing up , 4 - 5 steps every other day 2x a day
Continue with hacking, 2x a week
Long reigning: building top-line muscles, rhythm, balance and straightness. influencing both sides equally develops symmetry. engagement and thus development of epaxial muscles
Week 2:
Long reigning 30 mins, include a trot, could include figure of 8 (WS), Once per day, 3x a week
Linear poles in hand 5 minutes 2x a week
Backing up - could include weight boots, 5 - 10 steps every other day 2x a day
Caudal weightshift, 10 - 15 reps every other day, 2x a day
Continue with hacking and include uphill and downhill work , 2x a week
Backing up: Changes in direction, such as serpentines, figure 8s, side passes, patterns around obstacles and changes in direction whilst backing up requires an increased dynamic balance control (Paulkas and Hausler, 2009)
Poles: Core strength, stability, proprioception, rom, promotes work off the hind end and pelvic limb flexion
Has been suggested that pelvic- stabilising muscles such as glutes, biceps femoris, and other hamstring muscles can be strengthened by stepping over obstacles
Week 3:
Lunging in walk - Include poles on the lunge, Training aid (Equi ami), 20 mins lunging 3x a week
DMEs on the affected hock, Hold for 7 seconds, 4 reps, 2x a day
Continue hacking start to introduce inclines and declines, 2x a week
DEMs: Helps to increase muscle mass and core strength
Inclines and declines: Working on a slope, uphill and downhill, over obstacles and lunging in circles, negotiating an inclined surface requires greater proprioception and dynamic balance control and additional muscular effort. Core stabilising musculature is also activated at greater levels
Week 4:
Lunging with training aid move onto trot include raised trot poles, 15 mins, 3x week
Raised poles rider on linear, 15 mins, 3x a week
DMEs on the affected hock, Hold for 7 seconds, 6 reps, 2x a day
Continue with hacking - keep on with inclines and declines, 2x a week
- Cara
A lot of the exercises that Hannah has sated i have agreed with if not just used slightly different ones
ReplyDeleteExercises that could be used;
On the ground
Long reining
Lunging with and without training aids
Pole work
Raised pole work
Backing up, could inc weighted boots
Caudal weight shifts
DMEs
Ridden
Linear poles
Raised poles
Inclines and declines when out hacking
Proprioception;
Scatter poles
labyrinth
backing up
- Cara
Short term goals = increase ROM, proprioception and flexion of HQs and affected hock(s).
ReplyDeleteLong term goals = maintain arthritic condition to a comfortable level for the horse, maintain ROM and flexibility of all joints, potential to return to previous work load and perform previous DR movements.
Clinical reasoning = insertion of DMEs will encourage and improve proprioception, weight bearing and balance; inclines and declines will target proprioception strengthening of muscles and joints.
Week 1:
- long reining in walk --> 20 mins once a day for 3 days a week.
- caudal weight shift or sacral rocks --> 5-10 reps everyday (whilst assessing how horse is coping).
- in hand linear poles --> 20mins once a day for 2 days a week.
Week 2:
- long reining over alternating raised poles in walk; also including serpentines --> 25mins once a day for 3 days a week.
- tail pulls --> 10-15 reps everyday.
- hacking --> 25mins for 2 days a week.
Week 3:
- insertion of equi-ami training aid to involve walk and trot; transitions etc --> 30mins once a day for 3 days a week.
- pelvic tilts --> 10-15 reps each day (these reps can be altered dependent on how the horse is coping; also these can be split throughout the day, not performed all at once).
- hacking --> 30mins for 2 days a week (with insertion of incline and trot work).
Week 4:
- continuing with use of equi-ami; insertion of linear poles for initial workout --> 30mins once a day for 1 day a week.
- equi-ami with insertion of alternating raised poles --> 30mins once a day for 2 days a week.
- hogs back --> 5-8 reps, once a day for 1 day a week.
- hacking --> 35mins for 2 days a week (insertion of inclines, rein back and trot work).
Core stability → This is defined as the ability to withhold additional weight such as: the rider and tack, whilst performing set movements, disciplines etc. Involving the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, coinciding with the thoracic segment, is the largest of the epaxial muscles, holding a major role in trunk stability. The rectus abdominis muscle works in accordance with the LD to promote tension and dorsal flexion in the thoracolumbar spine, helping to create a stable and rigid platform to facilitate locomotion (Shaw et al., 2021; Garcia Lineiro et al., 2018). This is explained through the bow and string theory → The spine is a bow that’s held in place by tension on the string, created by the abdominal wall. Contraction of this wall of muscles tenses the bow to create flexion or rounding of the back. The same happens when a horse engages his hind legs. The string is tensed, i.e. the back extends or hollows – due to the protraction of his forelegs and retraction of his hindlegs. The string is also tensed by the weight of his organs inside his abdomen (Guire, 2015).
Lunging = lunging can cause undue strain on inner limbs due to repetition of circles, as well as potential to alternating a gait through leaning when performing a circle; but does allow assessments of all gaits.
Long reining = long lining improves straightness and proprioception but you are limited to only assessing the walk and trot gait.
The use of training aids = equi-ami is a less invasive aid compared to the pessoa, providing encouragement towards core engaging muscles, whilst engaging HLs in order to improve overall muscle strength; pole work improves ROM, engages the core musculature, improves flexibility and extension of the hock, stifle and fetlock regions (Shaw et al., 2021; Paulekas and Haussler, 2009; Oliveira et al., 2015).
- Sydney.
Short Term Goals:
ReplyDeleteIncreasing flexion and ROM of limbs, particularly the hock affected by lameness and the tarso-metatarsal joint with arthritic changes
Strengthening core and hindlimb musculature
Encouraging the horse to work engaging hindlimbs and moving correctly
Improving balance and coordination
Reducing pain and discomfort
Long Term Goals:
Return to full performance and ridden work (dressage)
Maintain the horse working correctly in an outline (core and hind engagement)
Maintaining the health and function of the arthritic joint
Addressing other compensatory issues
Potential exercises:
Pole walk: linear ground poles (walk and trot) → raised poles alternate ends → fully raised poles
Figures of 8 and serpentines
Labyrinth/maze
Hogsback
Backing up
Inclines (hill work when out hacking)
Pelvic tilts
Thoracic lifts
Tail pulls
Caudal weight shifts/ sternum push
Sacral rocks
4 Week REP Plan:
Week 1 -
Longlining in walk (incorporating figures of 8 into the warm up) 25 minutes 3x a week alternating with hacking
Linear walk poles incorporated into the long lining session - 5 minutes
Tail pulls - 3-5 reps each side holding for a few seconds 2x daily
→ a pessoa could potentially be used in longlining sessions to encourage the horse to work correctly and induce further strengthening of core and hindlimb musculature
Week 2 -
Introducing hill work (mainly inclines) whilst out hacking
Longlining in walk (incorporating serpentines) 25 minutes 3x a week alternating with hacking
Alternating raised poles at one end, linear formation, walk whilst longlining - 5-7 minutes
Pelvic tilts
Week 3 -
Hill work (inclines) and introducing bursts of trot whilst out hacking
Lunging in walk and trot transitions 25 minutes 3x a week alternating with hacking - lunging over linear ground poles (trot) 5 minutes
Backing up in hand - 5 good strides 2-3 reps daily
Pelvic Tilts - each held for a few second 2-3 reps 2x daily (a reflex movement so dont want to ask for too many repetitions)
Week 4 -
Hacking (inclines and trot transitions)
Lunging 25 minutes - trotting over raised linear poles (5-7 minutes or so depending on fatigue) - if the horse is progressing nicely the lunging could be swapped for ridden work in the school including the poles
Backing up - 5-7 good strides 2-3 reps daily
Pelvic tilts - each held for a few seconds 2-3- reps 3x daily
Pelvic tilts:
Voluntary movement of thoracolumbar intervertebral joints through their ROM
Found to hypertrophy multifidus muscle and strengthen other sublumbar, abdominal and hindlimb musculature, also improved stride quality (after 3 months) (Oliviera et al., 2015)
Pessoa:
The bum roller provides tactile stimulation around the hindlimb which causes the horse to improve their posture and stimulates core muscle recruitment (Kaneps, 2016)
Improves overall outline, hindlimb propulsion and way of going without increasing limb loading. There isn't however any current documentation or research into long term effects (Dyson, 2017)
The placement of the pessoa from the hindlimb to the bit can cause increased pressure on the mouth with each stride, this could potentially cause injury in the mouth as well as lead to desensitisation which may impair the horses ability to interpret signals from a rider in ridden work. Also not effective in lordotic horses (Walker et al., 2013)
Core Stability:
Core stability concerns the strength of the abdominal and epaxial muscles that make up the ‘bow and string’ of the horse
Engagement of the core and supporting musculature causes the horses spine to flex upwards, rounding to create an outline, this allows the horse to carry itself and any additional weight such as tack and a rider effectively, this allows for effective locomotion
Leah
Lunging:
DeleteTraining rollers used in both lunging and longlining cause increased pressure over T11 and T12 - this pressure also increases and moves caudally with the affiliation of a pessoa (Makechnie-Guire, 2018)
Good for increasing general fitness and stamina
All gaits can be utilised exercising the horse this way (walk, trot, canter)
Horse working on a circle, more forces experienced through the inside limb as it is in stance phase longer than the outer limbs - horse adapts by leaning into the circle, therefore important to do equal work on both reins to ensure the horse remains balanced and symmetrical
Moving in a circle on lung induces symmetrical asymmetry between the left and right reins in thoracolumbar movement (Greve et al., 2017)
Long reining:
Useful for reintroducing a horse to bit contact and the influence of a handler that imitates a rider
Helps to create a create a horse working in balance, improves coordination, and is beneficial for rebuilding muscle strength
A versatile exercise that can be carried out in a school/arena or out on a hack etc.
Limited in terms of gait, ideally only safe for a handler to long rein in walk, if a trot is desired, the handler would have to move along side the horse with one lead draped around the horses bum (may be an issue if the horse is sensitive to touch around their hind, may also be an issue of control from the handler, or a safety issue of tripping etc if the lead drops for some reason)
References:
Bromiley, M. (2007) Equine Injury, Therapy and Rehabilitation (3rd ed.), Oxford, Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Dyson, S. (2017) Equine performance and equitation science: Clinical issues, Applied Animal Behaviour Science (online), 190, pp. 5-17. Available at (Accessed 20th October 2021).
Greve, L., Pfau, T. and Dyson, S. (2017) Thoracolumbar movement in sound horses trotting in straight lines in hand and on the lunge and the relationship with hind limb symmetry or asymmetry, The Veterinary Journal (online), 220, pp. 95-104. Available at (Accessed 1st February 2022)
Kaneps, A. J. (2016) Practical rehabilitation and physical therapy for the general equine practitioner, Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice (online), 32 (1), pp. 167-180. Available at (Accessed 20th October 2021)
Mackechnie-Guire, R., Mackechnie-Guire, E., Bush, R., Fisher, D., Fisher, M. and Weller, R. (2018) Local Back Pressure Caused by a Training Rolled During Lunging With and Without a Pessoa Training Aid, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (online), 67, pp. 112-117. Available at (Accessed 25th October 2021).
Oliviera, K., Soutello, R. V. G., Fonseca, R., Costa, C., Meirelles, P. R. L., Fachiolli, D. F. and Clayton, H. M. (2015) Gymnastic Training and Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Stride Quality and Epaxial Muscle Size in Therapy Horses, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (online) 35 (11-12), pp. 888-893. Available at (Accessed 22nd October 2021).
Walker, V. A., Dyson, S. J. and Murray, R. C. (2013) Effect of a Pessoa training aid on temporal, linear and angular variable of the working trot, The Veterinary Journal (online), 198 (2), pp. 404-411. Available at (Accessed 20th October 2021).
Leah
Oliveira. K., Soutello.R., Fonseca.A., Costa.C., Paulo .R., Meirelles.D., Facciolli.F. and Clayton.H.(2015) Gymnastic Training and Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Stride Quality and Increase Epaxial Muscle Size in Therapy Horses ‘Journal of equine veterinary science’ 35 (11-12) pp.888-893
ReplyDeleteDMES exercises such as pelvic tilts and backing up have been seen to improve gait quality and stride length . The importance of core strengthening exercises was also shown in this paper and explained positive correlation with hind limb protraction therefore improved stride quality. Pole work, backing up and lunging with training aids to such as the equi ami are shown in my REP. (Oliveira et al., 2015)
Paulekas and Haussler (2009) stated that the use of poles will improve proprioception and also core and limb engagement. This ensures that the use of poles in my REP plan will benefit the horse from possibly lack of musculature from lack of exercise pre and post treatment from the vet. It also supports the aim of increasing hock activity as poles are used to increase range of motion . They state that incline work helps to strengthen the pelvic limb as it requires increased flexion and protraction of the limbs.
Paulekas, R. and Haussler, K. (2009) Principles and practice of therapeutic exercise for horses, Journal of equine veterinary science, 29(12), pp. 870-893.
Core stability - Defined as the ability to hold additional weight such as: the rider and tack, whilst performing set movements in certain disciplines . it involves the longissimus dorsi muscle and the thoracic segment. The epaxial muscles together hold a major role in trunk stability of the horse .The rectus abdominis muscle works together with the longissimus dorsi to create tension and dorsal flexion in the thoracolumbar spine, helping to create a stable outline to perform good quality locomotion (Shaw et al., 2021)
Shaw.K., Ursini.T.,Levine.D., Richards.J. and Adair.S. (2021) The effect of ground poles and elastic resistance bands on longissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis muscle activity in walk and trot Journal of Equine veterinary science 107
The use of an equi ami or resistance band is less invasive than other training methods such as the pessoa. It encourages core engagement and hindlimb activity to improve muscle strength. Pole work aims to improve range of motion , musculature and would aim to improve the activity of the affected hock (Shaw et al , 2021 ; Oliveira et al , 2015).
Lungeing - can introduce strain on limbs through the horse performing circles however does allow good cardiovascular exercise. Allows assessment through all gaits and can be use with poles.
Long reining - only limited to walk and trot , can keep the contact with the bit and the bridle on and is beneficial for the owner and professional to watch the horse work as they are walking or trotting away from them.
Kyla
Pros and cons of training aids for the case
ReplyDeleteAims :
Increase activity of affected hock
Increase engagement of the hind quarters
Exercises that could be used:
Pole work - linear poles in walk for the first week long reining
Caudal weight shift
Backing up - could include weight boots further into the REP plan
Long reining
Hill work - incline and decline
Weekly plan:
Week 1:
Long reining 20 minutes in walk with bridle on to keep contact once a day 3 times a week scatter poles
Caudal weight shift 5-7 reps two times a day every other day - monitor how the horse is coping with the exercise
Backing up 4-5 good steps 5 times a week two times a day
Hacking 2x per week 25 minutes
Week 2:
Long reining 20 minutes in walk with linear poles to begin to include figures of 8s and serpentines within the session bridle on 3 times a week
Caudal weight shift 10 - 15 reps two times a day every other day
Backing up - possibly include weight boots depending on how the horse is doing 5-10 good steps every other day 5 times a week two times a day
Hacking - include incline and decline 20 minutes 2x per week
Week 3:
Introduce lunging with training aid - equi ami or resistance band include linear poles on the lunge - begin to trot ( transitions) 25 minutes 3 times a week
Pelvic tilts 3 reps once a day every other day
DMES on affected hock - twice a day held for 5s every other day
Hacking 2 times a week 25 minutes incline and decline
Week4 :
Lunging with training aid to include raised linear poles in trot
Pelvic tilts 3 reps twice a day every other day
DMES on affected hock twice a day held for 7s every other day
Hacking 2 times a week 30 minutes on incline and decline
Kyla
I agree with the suggested exercises that have been previously mentioned such as:
ReplyDelete• Poles
• Inclines declines
• Labyrinth
• Long reining – walk
• Backing up
• Hill work
• Caudal weight shift
• Tail pulls
• Weight shifting
Short goals: improve Range of motion, increase flexion of hindquarters and the affected hocks
long term goals : Return to full performance , encourage the horse to continue working in an outline, assessing any compensatory issues that arise.
Week 1
Long reining – 30 min 3 days a week
Tail pulls – 10 -15 reps each day
In hand scatter poles - 20 min 3 days a week
Week 2
Long reining (incorporate linear poles for 5 reps ) 30 min 4 days a week
Tail pulls – 8-10 reps twice a day
Backing up – 8-10 reps every day (not all at once- do sets of 4/5)
Week 3
Long lining 45 min 4 days a week
Linear Trot poles – incorporated into long lining for 8 reps)
Tail pulls – 10 – 15 reps twice a day
Hacking (incorporate incline/ decline ) – 30 min twice a week
Backing up – 10 reps every day ( done in sets of 5)
Week 4
Long lining (incorporating raised poles for 8 reps on each rein) – for 45 min 4 dyas a week
Hacking (incline/ decline) – 35 min twice a week
Backing up- 12 reps ( should be done in 2 sets of 6 steps ) every day
Hacking/incline decline work - Castejon – Riber et al, 2017 explains that hill work is commonly used amongst riders due to the effect that different gradients have on the activation of the different muscles. Walking on a hill gradient helps to develop independent muscles in each of the horses hind legs
Long lining is mostly used in a walk but can also be used in the trot gait. It is used to encourage the horse to work in a straight line and allows the handler to have contact on the bit as if they were riding but allows the horse to work without the weight of the rider on them.
Lunging – commonly used to help with cardio of horse, can only be done in circles however you can include walk or trot poles.
Backing up - helps to improve their flexor muscle strength, improves muscle co-ordination and proprioception. It also helps to strengthen their core muscles and flexion of the spine
Pole work- (Ballou, 2018; Klimke & Klimke, 2018; Castejon-Riber et al, 2017; Haussler et al. 2020) Can be done by long lining, lunging or while being ridden , Repetitions should be gradually increased Used to focus on straightness, Ensures use of core and mobilising their spinal joints. Helps with Increase ROM, Increase amount of flexibility, proprioception and coordination, Used to increase stride length.
Core stability is used to describe the strength of A strong core allows the horse to support their back and a to have a foundation to have the correct balance and movement along with posture.
This can be achieved by doing different exercises to help the horse engage these muscles. Examples of this are: abdominal lifts , baited stretches, backing up (Higgins, 2016)
I agree with the suggested exercises that have been previously mentioned such as:
Delete• Poles
• Inclines declines
• Labyrinth
• Long reining – walk
• Backing up
• Hill work
• Caudal weight shift
• Tail pulls
• Weight shifting
Short goals: improve Range of motion, increase flexion of hindquarters and the affected hocks
long term goals : Return to full performance , encourage the horse to continue working in an outline, assessing any compensatory issues that arise.
Week 1
Long reining – 30 min 3 days a week
Tail pulls – 10 -15 reps each day
In hand scatter poles - 20 min 3 days a week
Week 2
Long reining (incorporate linear poles for 5 reps ) 30 min 4 days a week
Tail pulls – 8-10 reps twice a day
Backing up – 8-10 reps every day (not all at once- do sets of 4/5)
Week 3
Long lining 45 min 4 days a week
Linear Trot poles – incorporated into long lining for 8 reps)
Tail pulls – 10 – 15 reps twice a day
Hacking (incorporate incline/ decline ) – 30 min twice a week
Backing up – 10 reps every day ( done in sets of 5)
Week 4
Long lining (incorporating raised poles for 8 reps on each rein) – for 45 min 4 dyas a week
Hacking (incline/ decline) – 35 min twice a week
Backing up- 12 reps ( should be done in 2 sets of 6 steps ) every day
Hacking/incline decline work - Castejon – Riber et al, 2017 explains that hill work is commonly used amongst riders due to the effect that different gradients have on the activation of the different muscles. Walking on a hill gradient helps to develop independent muscles in each of the horses hind legs
Long lining is mostly used in a walk but can also be used in the trot gait. It is used to encourage the horse to work in a straight line and allows the handler to have contact on the bit as if they were riding but allows the horse to work without the weight of the rider on them.
Lunging – commonly used to help with cardio of horse, can only be done in circles however you can include walk or trot poles.
Backing up - helps to improve their flexor muscle strength, improves muscle co-ordination and proprioception. It also helps to strengthen their core muscles and flexion of the spine
Pole work- (Ballou, 2018; Klimke & Klimke, 2018; Castejon-Riber et al, 2017; Haussler et al. 2020) Can be done by long lining, lunging or while being ridden , Repetitions should be gradually increased Used to focus on straightness, Ensures use of core and mobilising their spinal joints. Helps with Increase ROM, Increase amount of flexibility, proprioception and coordination, Used to increase stride length.
Core stability is used to describe the strength of A strong core allows the horse to support their back and a to have a foundation to have the correct balance and movement along with posture.
This can be achieved by doing different exercises to help the horse engage these muscles. Examples of this are: abdominal lifts , baited stretches, backing up (Higgins, 2016)
- Taylan