Your horse's neck is an amazing system with over a hundred different muscles and seven large vertebrae. Regardless of the similarities, each horse has a different structure and unique posture - just like people. This causes a difference in physical appearance, ability, and even behavior. Horses' daily routines include constant movement of their neck which requires a large amount of muscular support. In addition to the muscular support provided by the neck, it is also used as a balancing mechanism; a horse's head and neck position is directly related to their freedom of movement and weight distribution of the locomotor system.
It is not uncommon for performance horses, at one point or another, to develop pain in their neck, and is common in those athletes that must collect themselves or turn quickly (such as dressage horses, eventers, jumpers, and barrel racers). Since the neck of the horse holds such high importance structurally and functionally, it is important to practice good maintenance routines to help keep those areas free of soreness, stiffness, or injury. A proper preventative care regimen can include elements such as stretches, exercise and therapy.
Signs of Neck Pain:
Veterinarians have a variety of treatments for neck pain for horses including >>>
For a dual therapy, our SMART line offers the benefits of both therapies at once. Our SmartHood is designed for the equine athlete's neck, with magnets lining the vertebrae and acupressure points. It is not only great for rehabilitation of injuries, soreness, and stiffness, but also prevention! Incorporate a SmartHood into your horse's daily routine and reap the wellness benefits.
Equine stretches provide numerous benefits to horses, includingimproving their flexibility, preventing injuries, and enhancing their overall performance. Just like humans, stretching plays a key role in maintaining a horse's physical well-being. Horses, like any athlete, need aproper warm-up and cool-down regimen, which often includes a series of stretches. Integrating these stretches into a horse's daily routine can help maintain their suppleness, improve blood circulation, and reduce muscle tension.