5 Core Exercises for your Horse

What does the core do?

The core muscles are located around the horse's abdomen and are closely linked to the muscles that support the back. The core muscles help to improve posture, maintain a strong back, and assist carrying the weight of the rider. 

Why is it important?

By having a good core, the risk of injury for your horse is reduced, this is because your horse will be able to move in a more balanced and controlled way. This is especially important when the horse is carrying a rider. 

Who could benefit from an improved core?

EVERYONE!! All humans and horses can benefit from improving their core strength because it is so important for functional mobility. Youngsters can benefit prior to backing to prepare them for carrying a rider. Benefits for horses recovering from injury or surgery include maintaining muscle condition following prolonged rest and reducing the risk of reinjury. 

How can you improve your horse's core?

Groundwork that can be performed in-hand is a great way to improve your horse's core and strengthen your bond. Below are 5 core exercises we recommend. Make sure you start slow and gradually advance each exercise by increasing the intensity, frequency or duration of the exercise. Watch your horses demeanour and behaviour closely and if you see any signs of pain or distress, simplify the exercise or stop and ask a professional for advice.

1. Carrot stretches 

Using a carrot or similar, slowly ask your horse to stretch by guiding them with the treat. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds, and always guide back to neutral in between. Stretching to the side, (nose-to-shoulder, and then advance to nose-to-girth), down to the floor (nose-to-hock, and then advance to nose-to-fetlock), and up to the sky. These exercises will increase the range of motion of the spine and neck joints and also stretch/activate the muscles stabilising these joints.

2. Tummy Tuck

At the spot where your horse's girth sits in the middle of their belly, firmly tickle or gently scratch for 15-20 seconds. This encourages flexion through your horse’s back and ribs, activating the core muscles. This exercise can also indicate mobility and stiffness of your horse's spine.

3. Poles

Start by setting out up to 6 trotting poles about 1m apart in a straight line on the floor, then walk your horse over them in-hand or long-reined. When your horse picks up his feet over the poles, their core stability muscles will be activated. You can increase the difficulty of this exercise by raising the poles up to 4 inches off the ground.

4. Unstable surfaces

Different surfaces, such as grass, tarmac, sand and mud, will activate your horse's core stability at different levels. Softer and unstable surfaces, such as sand and mud, will challenge these core muscles more than firmer ones. 

5. Backing up 

When your horse is standing square, apply gentle pressure to the chest and head collar to encourage them to step backwards. Try to keep the horse's head low, and aim to achieve 10 steps. Asking your horse to walk backwards encourages them to lift and flex their back, which will strengthen the muscles that stabilise the back, and when your horse steps back the core muscles will contract. 

Congratulations for getting to the end!

I hope you’ve learnt some new exercises for core strengthening to try out with your horse, or at least recognise some of these and now know a little more about how they help. Core strengthening really is important, especially if your horse gets ridden. We’d love to hear how core strengthening has helped your horse, leave us a comment below! 👇