Don’t expect instant results, and never force your muscles and joints. Work on the rusty-hinge principle: When a rusty hinge makes a door stiff, you oil the hinge, and then rock the door to and fro to loosen it, trying to increase the distance with each stroke. If you force it, the hinges or the door could break. When your joints say “enough,” ease off and ask for a little more next time.
Obviously doing these exercises regularly will bring the greatest benefit, but this may be difficult when facilities or assistance with longeing is limited. In such cases many of these movements can be done while sitting at the halt — preferably with someone holding the horse.
Many of the individual arm exercises can also be done riding off longe by holding the reins in one hand — use a little imagination. However, never compromise on safety and proper technique. Do the exercises correctly, otherwise they’ll be of minimal benefit.
Additional tips:
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Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.
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