Stepflex Ltd

Stepflex Ltd Here at Stepflex we provide our clients with bespoke equine therapy treatment. Treatments and progra

Treatments and programs ranges from post injury, to performance enhancing.

Retraining the Thoracic Sling: The Missing Piece in Many Ex-Racehorses“Why does my ex-racehorse feel heavy in the hand?”...
29/05/2026

Retraining the Thoracic Sling: The Missing Piece in Many Ex-Racehorses

“Why does my ex-racehorse feel heavy in the hand?”

One of the most commonly overlooked areas during retraining is the thoracic sling.

Unlike humans, horses do not have a collarbone. Instead, the trunk is suspended between the forelimbs by a complex system of muscles, including:
• Serratus ventralis
• Pectorals
• Trapezius
• Rhomboids

When these muscles lack strength or coordination, horses may show:

• Heavy forehand movement
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Reduced self-carriage
• Poor topline development
• Shortened stride length
• Increased loading through the front limbs

Many ex-racehorses have spent years moving efficiently in a forward, speed-orientated posture. During retraining, they must learn to elevate the forehand, stabilise the trunk, and redistribute load more effectively.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises commonly used to support thoracic sling function include:

Pole work
Dynamic mobilisation exercises
Hill work
Transition training
Groundwork focused on posture

Developing the thoracic sling is often one of the most important foundations for long-term soundness and performance.

Harry Coleby
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Advanced Cert Vet Physiotherapy
Stepflex Physiotherapy

Harvard References

Stubbs, N.C., Kaiser, L.J., Hauptman, J. and Clayton, H.M. (2011) ‘Dynamic mobilisation exercises increase cross sectional area of musculus multifidus’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 43(5), pp. 522–529.

Clayton, H.M. and Hobbs, S.J. (2017) ‘The role of biomechanical analysis in equine locomotion research’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 49(5), pp. 560–568.

Hobbs, S.J., Baxter, J. and Clayton, H.M. (2014) ‘The influence of postural adaptations on equine locomotor performance’, Equine Veterinary Education, 26(9), pp. 435–444.

5 Simple Exercises Commonly Used in Retraining Ex-RacehorsesOne of the most common questions I get asked is:“What exerci...
14/05/2026

5 Simple Exercises Commonly Used in Retraining Ex-Racehorses

One of the most common questions I get asked is:

“What exercises can help improve strength and condition in an ex-racehorse?”

While every horse should be assessed individually, there are several rehabilitation and conditioning exercises that are frequently incorporated to help support:

- Balance and coordination
- Core stability
- Hindlimb engagement
- Topline development
- Straightness and postural control

The exercises included in this post are examples of movements often used within retraining and rehabilitation programmes to help horses adapt to a new way of working.

It is important to remember:

There is no “one size fits all” programme.

Each horse presents differently depending on:
• Previous workload
• Injury history
• Current strength and conditioning
• Biomechanics
• Rider influence
• Saddle fit and management factors

Correct progression is just as important as exercise selection.

Which exercise have you found most beneficial when retraining an ex-racehorse?

—

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace individual veterinary or physiotherapy assessment. Exercise prescription should always be tailored to the individual horse.

—

Harry Coleby
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Stepflex Physiotherapy

Why Ex-Racehorses Need Different ConditioningFitness does not always equal stability.Racehorses are conditioned for spee...
12/05/2026

Why Ex-Racehorses Need Different Conditioning

Fitness does not always equal stability.

Racehorses are conditioned for speed and cardiovascular performance — but often require redevelopment of:
• Postural control
• Core stability
• Slow stabilising muscle groups

This is why many retrained racehorses initially struggle with:
• Straightness
• Balance in transitions
• Contact consistency
• Developing topline

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises help support:

Thoracic sling function
Core activation
Symmetrical movement
Efficient muscle recruitment

Correct conditioning takes time.

The goal is not simply to make the horse tired —
it is to create a stronger, more resilient athlete.

What has been the biggest challenge retraining an ex-racehorse?

—

Harry Coleby
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Stepflex Physiotherapy

Harvard References:
Hodgson, D.R., McKeever, K.H. and McGowan, C.M. (2014) The Athletic Horse. Elsevier.
Greve, L. and Dyson, S. (2015) ‘The horse-saddle-rider interaction’, Vet J, 203(3), pp. 275–281.

POST 1 — Transitioning the Racehorse AthleteRetraining begins long before ridden work changes.The Thoroughbred has been ...
07/05/2026

POST 1 — Transitioning the Racehorse Athlete

Retraining begins long before ridden work changes.

The Thoroughbred has been conditioned for:
• Forward locomotion
• High-speed loading
• Repetitive movement patterns
• Specific muscular recruitment

When transitioning into a new discipline, the musculoskeletal system must adapt to entirely different biomechanical demands.

Common early challenges include:
• Reduced thoracic stability
• Tightness through the topline
• Hindlimb weakness
• Difficulty with balance and self-carriage

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy during retraining focus on:

- Restoring postural strength
- Developing correct muscle recruitment
- Improving symmetry and movement quality
- Supporting gradual adaptation to new workloads

A retrained racehorse is still an athlete — simply learning a different job.

Have you retrained an ex-racehorse before?
What were some of the areas you found difficult?

Harry Coleby
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Stepflex Physiotherapy

Harvard References:
Stubbs, N.C. et al. (2011) ‘Dynamic mobilisation exercises increase cross sectional area of multifidus’, Equine Vet J, 43(5), pp. 522–529.
Dyson, S. and Murray, R. (2003) Management of the sport horse. Saunders.

Following a number of recent client enquiries, I’ll be starting a new educational series focused on the retraining and r...
07/05/2026

Following a number of recent client enquiries, I’ll be starting a new educational series focused on the retraining and rehabilitation of racehorses.

Retraining the ex-racehorse is about far more than changing discipline — it involves understanding biomechanics, postural adaptation, muscular development, and the transition from racing athlete to a new way of working.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing evidence-informed posts covering:
• Common physical challenges in retraining
• Rehabilitation principles
• Muscle development and conditioning
• Stability and posture
• Returning horses to work correctly
• Long-term soundness and performance

The aim is to provide clear, practical information for owners, riders, and trainers navigating the retraining process.

If there are any specific topics or questions you would like covered throughout the series, please feel free to message or comment below.

I hope you all enjoy the upcoming posts.

First post coming this Friday

Harry Coleby
Veterinary Physiotherapist
Stepflex Physiotherapy

Is your horse feeling tight, flat, or underperforming?What feels like a training issue is often physical.Muscle tension,...
01/04/2026

Is your horse feeling tight, flat, or underperforming?

What feels like a training issue is often physical.

Muscle tension, compensation, and reduced efficiency can all affect performance before lameness becomes obvious.

Physiotherapy helps to:

- Restore normal movement
- Improve muscle function
- Support long-term soundness

If something feels “not quite right” — it’s worth investigating.

Appointments available — message or call to book.
Tel : 07908779417

“He felt fine yesterday… but stiff today.”Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs following unaccustomed or increase...
29/03/2026

“He felt fine yesterday… but stiff today.”

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs following unaccustomed or increased workload, particularly involving eccentric muscle activity.

At a tissue level:
• Microdamage to muscle fibres
• Inflammatory response
• Temporary reduction in force production

Clinically, this may present as:
• Generalised stiffness
• Reduced willingness to move forward
• Shortened stride
• Sensitivity to palpation

This is not always injury — but it does indicate the workload exceeded current capacity.

Physiotherapy supports recovery by:
- Promoting circulation
- Reducing secondary muscle tension
- Guiding appropriate return to work

Have you noticed stiffness 24–48 hours after harder work?

—

Educational content only.

Harvard References:
Hodgson, D.R., McKeever, K.H. and McGowan, C.M. (2014) The Athletic Horse. 2nd edn. Elsevier.
Proske, U. and Morgan, D.L. (2001) ‘Muscle damage from eccentric exercise’, J Physiol, 537(2), pp. 333–345.

Have you noticed a difference in how your horse feels?Subtle changes are often the first sign of underlying musculoskele...
25/03/2026

Have you noticed a difference in how your horse feels?

Subtle changes are often the first sign of underlying musculoskeletal dysfunction.

• Slight stiffness
• Reduced impulsion
• Uneven contact
• Slower recovery

These are rarely “just one of those things.”

Early assessment allows:

- Faster resolution
- Reduced compensation
- Better long-term performance

Appointments are limited each month to maintain clinical quality.

To improve communication, record keeping, and your horse’s rehabilitation journey, I am now using Equigate for:Client re...
24/03/2026

To improve communication, record keeping, and your horse’s rehabilitation journey, I am now using Equigate for:

Client records
Detailed reports
Tailored exercise plans
Ongoing case management

This allows everything to be stored in one place — making your horse’s care clearer, more structured, and easier to follow.

All client account set ups are free

🐎 Your Horse’s Hooves Speak Volumes 🐎An unbalanced hoof isn’t just a “foot problem” — it affects your entire horse.When ...
16/12/2025

🐎 Your Horse’s Hooves Speak Volumes 🐎

An unbalanced hoof isn’t just a “foot problem” — it affects your entire horse.

When a horse’s hooves are out of balance, the load through the limb is no longer distributed evenly. This means certain joints, tendons, and ligaments are forced to absorb more stress than they were designed to handle. Over time, this uneven loading can contribute to joint strain, inflammation, reduced performance, and even long-term soundness issues.

Think of it like wearing shoes with one heel worn down — eventually your knees, hips, and back feel the impact. Horses are no different.

Balanced hooves help:
✔️ Support correct limb alignment
✔️ Reduce unnecessary joint stress
✔️ Protect long-term soundness

Hoof care isn’t just about what you see on the ground — it’s about how your horse moves, feels, and stays sound for years to come. Ensuring that your horses hooves are regularly maintained by an appropriate professional in correct balance today can save joints and soft tissues from injury.

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The Cottage, Bexfields Farm
Chelmsford
CM28BY

Telephone

+447875373969

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