STRETCHING

S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G (or LONG AND LOW)

The suppleness of the horse's back is of utmost importance, being the basis for all future good work and comfortable riding. With the ability to stretch the back comes the ability to collect. If a horse cannot stretch properly it means there is stiffness in the back, and any stiffness will inhibit the horse's ability to achieve true collection.

Stretching the topline of the horse or "to show the horse the way down" means to ride the horse with a longer topline, lowering his neck from the withers (top of the shoulders) in order to supple his back. The horse's back must still be rounded and he must still engage his hindquarters. He must not be lazy in this exercise or on the forehand, but be able to stretch down and forwards, with a supple, swinging back. He should not change his balance, rhythm or tempo (speed of the rhythm).

The horse should be able to stretch whenever the rider asks him to do so. This is usually done in between more strenuous exercises, and more importantly at the end of each training session. Stretching can be done in trot and in canter, although in canter the horse should not be so low as in trot. Stretching in canter should only be done if the horse is old enough and has established a good, well-balanced canter.

In stretching, by squeezing the inside rein, the rider should encourage the horse to "take the rider's hands forwards", his nose can be a little behind the vertical, or in front of the vertical depending on the ability of the horse. Ideally the nose should reach a line the same height as the horse's knees. The rider must encourage him to maintain the engagement of the hindquarters and help him to maintain the same rhythm, using half halts whenever necessary.

If the horse tends to be on the forehand he must not be stretched too low, but more out and forwards in front. The horse's poll (the point between the ears) should be no lower than the height of the horse's withers.

Stretching in canter can be done as a half stretch and can be referred to as relaxing the back in canter especially after more strenuous canter exercises involving collection. Click here for video (Sally on 4 year old stallion Cocu relaxing the back in canter).