04/06/2026
If you are my client, these exercises will usually be part of your rehab homework unless there is a very good reason for them not to be!
When done correctly, ‘carrot stretches’ (or dynamic mobilisations, to use their proper name) can be extremely beneficial for your horse.
Previous research showed that following a program of DMEs x4 weekly for 12 weeks resulted in a significant size increase of the horses’ multifidus muscles. The multifidi are small postural muscles that connect between the vertebrae and help stabilise the spine. Along with the abdominal muscles and iliopsoas group, these make up the horse’s core muscles.
This linked research demonstrates the effect of DMEs on muscle activation. Understandably, the more difficult exercises like reaching the nose back to the hip resulted in greater muscle activation! However, this is too advanced for many horses initially, and is something that has to be built up to gradually.
Key tips for good baited DMEs:
🥕 Best done after exercise (or massage) when the muscles are warm
🥕Stand the horse as square as possible
🥕Avoid letting the horse twist their head too much. When bending to the side a small degree of rotation is anatomically normal, but try to avoid the head tipping so the ears are unlevel. (I would say the horse pictured in the thumbnail is twisting too much)
🥕 Work within the horse’s capabilities - if the horse is lunging around to sn**ch the treat this is a sign it is too hard, and is a ballistic contraction, which we want to avoid
🥕Likewise, if you’re guiding the head between the front legs and the knees bend you may be going too far. It’s not terrible if one knee bends slightly, but ideally you want to stop at the point just before the horse feels the need to do this to get the full benefit of the exercise
🥕Smooth, gradual motion. Reset with the head in neutral between reps. I like to alternate as well, so left side, right side, between the legs, etc.
🥕Hold 7-10 seconds
