A horse's suspensory ligament keeps the fetlocks of the front legs from extending too much. It is also an important part of the "stay mechanism" that makes horses able to stand for long periods with little effort. Unfortunately, it is a common injury site--a 1999 survey by the Center for Equine Health showed that suspensory ligament injury is second only to colic among health issues affecting horses. Stretching your horse's suspensory ligaments can help prevent injury.
Step 1
Place the board on the ground and place the toe of one of the horse's front hooves on the board, so the toe is on the edge of the board.
Step 2
Go to the other side of the horse and pick up the opposite front leg.
Step 3
Stay in this position for 15 to 30 seconds.
Step 4
Repeat on the other side.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure your horse is warmed up before you stretch the suspensory ligament. It's best for the horse to do this stretch every day. If you don't have time to do it every day, do the stretch before or after each ride. Proper hoof maintenance, proper arena maintenance and proper training are also key for keeping your horse's suspensory ligaments healthy.
- If the horse is showing signs of injury, like swelling or limping, do not try to stretch the ligament. Consult your horse's veterinarian. Check with your horse's veterinarian to make sure it doesn't have a health problem that would make this stretch bad for it. Make sure the horse is calm, and let it go if it pulls away.
Things You'll Need
- Small flat board, 3/8- to 5/8-inch thick
