For muscle building as well as stretching, you can ask your horse to lift his back muscles. There are two ways you can do this. One is to place the tips of your fingers directly under his belly, close to where the saddle's cinch or girth would go, and push up. Some chiropractors also use this method to get the horse to lower his head. The resulting action in the horse is to lift his belly and arch his back upwards. This exercise is also known as "belly lifts."
You can get a similar type of reaction by placing your hands on the horse's rump, about a hand's width from either side of the tail. Using your fingertips, push or scratch up towards the hip. You will know when you have hit the right spot because your horse will lift his back up. He may also tuck his tail under, like he is trying to sit down. If you ever got a cold hose up under a horse's tail unexpectedly you know the motion, but it will not be as exaggerated. These exercises are the equivalent of horse sit-ups. They are difficult for the horse to do. It is always best to do the other stretches first, and then only do one or two at a time. They can do wonders to strengthen your horse's back, engage his hindquarters for collection, and improve his suppleness.
Till next month...Happy Riding!
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