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Dino Stretch

Benefits of Stretching Your Horse

Panel Expert: Dino Fretterd

Submitted by member: Westward

What are the benefits of stretching a horse?

Answer by Dino

Muscles work in a three-phase cycle: excitation, contraction and relaxation. If a muscle is in a passive contraction, this creates muscle tension, weakness and imbalance. Think of simply holding a piece of paper. As long as you hold that piece of paper, your muscle is in a contracted state.

Muscles create movement as well as provide structural support. Doing proper stretches with your horse will improve the posture and performance of the horse. An additional benefit of stretching is that it allows you to work with a more relaxed horse. This is especially evident with hoof care. Muscle/tendon tension has serious effects on the feet. It causes the horse to adopt different postures, which then results in a weight bearing/distribution issue, which you see in the growth patterns of the horse.

Some techniques that a qualified CEHP may use are massage, trigger points, myofascial release, joint mobilization, stretching and even skeletal alignment manipulations.

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Dino Fretterd

Dino started working on horses in 1996 after he received his certification in Equine Massage Therapy from the Optissage in Circleville, Ohio. He previously worked on people for 17 years, specializing in muscular/skeletal dysfunction.  During this time he worked with Chiropractors and Orthopedic Surgeons aiding in their patient’s recoveries. Dino’s latest and best endeavor yet is his Posture & Performance DVD Series. This 3-DVD set will change your life, and the way you view your horse. Visit Dino's website for more information: www.dinosbest.info

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