Massage and stretching exercises for coughing horses
It is not only the lungs that are affected in coughing horses - the respiratory muscles is often overexerted and tense, which makes breathing even more difficult. Options such as massages, physiotherapy and special stretching exercises can provide your horse with targeted relief. Would you like to be able to massage your horse yourself?
Katrin Obst shows you four simple exercisesthat you can do on your own.
Before you start
It is important that the exercises are only carried out after a warm-up phase. To prepare the horse optimally, it can be led at a walk for 20 minutes beforehand, for example. A short walk is ideal.
Stretching the chest muscles
Horses with respiratory disease often suffer from tension or shortening of the chest muscles. This is not only uncomfortable, but also restricts the mobility of the chest muscles. This can make breathing even more difficult.
Step 2: Place your free hand on the inside of the carpal joint and gently guide the leg outwards until you feel a slight resistance.
Step 3Hold the position for 10-15 seconds and repeat the exercise up to 10 times per front leg.
Massage the chest muscles
In addition to stretching, the massage of the chest muscles should not be neglected. The kneading movements also loosen and release the muscles. Many horses relax during the massage and can finally breathe properly again.
Step 2: Massage the chest muscles with light pressure and kneading movements, similar to kneading dough.
Loosen the intercostal muscles
As the name suggests, the intercostal muscles are located between the individual ribs and support the horse's breathing. In the case of respiratory problems, the muscles often tense up, making it harder for the rib cage to open. This also makes breathing shallower, which further promotes respiratory diseases.
Step 2: Make sure to massage both sides of the horse evenly.
Note: The Novafon can also be used to work the intercostal muscles.
The duck dance
The famous melody of the ‘duck dance’ sets the pace for this mobilisation exercise.
Step 2: Use your free hand to bounce your elbow bump to the rhythm of the ‘Duck Dance’ melody.
This exercise benefits horses with lung problems by loosening the shoulder joint, the shoulder blade and the structures of the thoracic spine and ribs.
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