|
|
Post by lilnagy on Aug 24, 2009 14:29:31 GMT -5
I need help from someone of you who knows more about horse mechanics than I; When a horse is trotting in a circle, say 15 meters, which side of the hind end is getting a better workout? And am I correct in thinking the outside is getting a better stretch? Isabelle is getting 20 minutes a day of longing at a trot, right now equally divided into 5 minute sections, with a reverse after each 5. We also are doing some backing. The chiropractor and the vet both think that what Isabelle needs most right now is to build strength/muscle on the injured side. I would like to give the weak side more work than the strong side. Thanks! Lil
|
|
|
|
Post by lilnagy on Aug 25, 2009 18:48:30 GMT -5
Wow! I can't believe I have stumped all of you! Do any of you have any other input or ideas for strength building? The vet said this would be a situation where swimming would help, but alas, no money in the budget for a horse swimming pool. I did think of putting a few ground poles around the round pen, to make her lift herself up more. Lil
|
|
|
|
Post by sbutter on Aug 25, 2009 20:07:15 GMT -5
Hmmm....I am no expert on this and that is why I haven't responded, but my way of thinking is...if a horse has an injured leg and is carrying it, what direction would it have an easier time carrying the leg? So if the left side is injured, I would think that it would be harder for the horse to go counterclockwise. I do think exercising both directions would be important to give the different muscles a break and to stretch them, since the outside will be stretched more.
Again, you may want to get a more knowledged person's opinion on this.
|
|
|
|
Post by DianneC on Aug 25, 2009 20:44:05 GMT -5
Any hills around? Up and down hills would be good. I would think that straight work would be better to start with so that she doesn't get sore stifles.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilnagy on Aug 26, 2009 10:41:47 GMT -5
I found this in an article at thehorse.com "As the horse works to stay straight on a circle, he strengthens muscles on the inside while stretching muscles on the outside. Just as we are right- or left-handed, horses tend to have a dominant side, too. Working the horse in both directions on a circle helps him overcome that tendency and become more evenly muscled. The benefits of circle work for the horse include improved strength, balance, straightness, and flexibility." But I am still open to ideas!
Diane, we do have good hills here for trail riding, but it will be a while yet before the vet oks that. I am looking for ideas I can use in my 50' round pen. She is up to 25 minutes at a trot now, with a break part way through, with no complaints I can see
|
|
|
|
Post by DianneC on Aug 26, 2009 22:17:20 GMT -5
Sounds good. I know that with an injury there is often strain on other muscles to try and compensate for the injured ones.
|
|
