Passive and Active Stretching

The massage is usually followed by a series of passive stretches undertaken while the horse is standing still.   The aim here is to maintain or restore normal range of motion by moving various joints through their normal range before applying a little more pressure to increase that range.   This process stretches the joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, skin and connective tissue which helps with flexibility and helps prevent muscle fatigue and joint, tendon and ligament strain.     This compares with active stretching which is a movement conducted by the horse. Examples include using titbits such as carrots, to encourage the horse to stretch his neck in a particular direction to help increase flexibility. Various exercises either ridden, or conducted  in-hand, designed to utilise and improve the use of various muscle groups would also be classed as 'active' stretching.   NB It is important that the horse is warmed up either through massage or exercise, before stretching can take place.