Why I don't often recommend carrot stretches !

Because honestly, most of the time they are done so badly there is really no benefit to them. We also need to remember that the goal is flexibility and strength in equal measure in order to achieve optimal performance.

With horses this is a challenge. We cannot simply explain to them that you need to do XYZ, for X number of times, it is also hard to ensure that stretches are targeted properly. With human clients I will spend a lot of time ensuring that they have the correct technique when stretching, often positioning that works for one person will need to be tweaked for another to achieve the desired sensation when stretching.

We know that the evidence shows we need to keep a stretch in a sustained position for 20-30 seconds regularly for any benefit to be achieved. How many of you can honestly say you can hold a carrot or treat in front of your horse to get them to stretch calmly for 20 seconds without losing your fingers? I know I can't, and this is the problem!

Sometimes Likit's can be helpful but they still aren't ideal. I have one client who has target trained her horse, that works very well but for the average owner this isn't practical or necessary in order to achieve the desired outcome.

I do occasionally show owners passive stretches for legs, providing the horse is a willing participant and the owner has the physical ability to complete the stretches without detriment to themselves, (if they don't, it's a good way to pick up human physiotherapy clients but somewhat unethical!).

So what's the answer?

In my opinion the best way to achieve flexibility and strength is mobilisation through movement, where the horse is actively participating in taking their body through a range of motion whilst developing strength and balance.

I believe selecting training exercises which target areas of stiffness, weakness and tension are the key to developing a comfortable sound horse, and in my opinion, owners time is better spent working with their horses through movement rather than spending time performing carrot stretches which fall short of achieving any form of therapeutic benefit.