Today’s strengthening exercise is wither and back lifts. There is no boney attachment of the horses scapula, so there movement is dependent on strong muscles. Wither lifts strengthen the trapezius muscle and help the horse pick up its front end easier for proper engagement. The belly lift strengthens the longissimus muscles along the spine. Strengthening these muscle helps your horse lift its back for better engagement. Proper engagement not only enhances your horses performance, but can reduced the risk of some chronic conditions. The printable cards are in the comments.
Todays strengthening exercise is using Theraband balance pads. This is one of my absolute favorite exercises! Not only does it increase proprioception, but it does a great job of strengthening the small intrinsic stabilizing muscles. Printable directions and pictures are in the comments. You can purchase the balance pads off Amazon.
Mindy can really get around in her cart at Animal Medical Center!
Poll and Upper Neck Stretch
Trot/jog and canter/lope cavaletti
Introduction to cavaletti