The Warm Up: Long Extended Trot (Hannah and TC)

The warm up is a very important aspect of a horse’s workout routine. It’s the beginning of the ride where the equestrian can allow the horse to fully get adjusted.

This is the time when I analyze my horse’s movements in order to make sure they haven't come up lame and limping or stiff. I’m able to to adjust to my horse’s way of thinking, moving, and reaction to commands. It’s also the time when I can gauge what my horse needs in that day’s workout.

If the horse has a lot of energy it’s a good idea to work the horse’s body. This will prevent the rider from getting into a battle with the horse. If I allow it to burn its extra energy then it will become relaxed and willing to work. If the horse is overthinking everything and trying to jump ahead of my directions, than that day I work with its mind. That day then includes maneuvers that will push the horse to tune into my commands along with a little bit of thinking for itself. Every day, a horse's needs vary , and as the equestrian, we have to be able to adjust as needed.

During winter, the horses might get stuck inside due to bad weather. On these days many of the horses need a longer warm up due to being stiff or having tight muscles from not being able to stretch or move around much.

The warm up is the time that the animal gets to stretch their neck, legs, back, etcetera… One of the most valuable warm-up exercises is to have the horse perform a long extended trot. This allows for the horse to stretch out their neck, move faster, and fully extend their legs. You can clearly see the benefits of long trotting a horse by watching Hannah Neumann work with a young mare. Before the horse long trots, the mare is stepping short of her natural stride. Afterwards, the mare long trots, she is able to extend fully and fluidly. Her steps are relaxed, she reaches further with a lot of movement from her hips, and her walking rhythm relaxes.

PC: Jaksen Curtin

“Warming up a horse is very important step that many people tend to skip. Without a proper warm up a horse will not be able to move and perform to the best of their ability. Long trotting is a perfect technique to use, it’s faster than a normal trot, forcing a horse to extend their reach. When a horse stretches out their stride they not only engage their legs but also their back and entire topline. By getting all of these parts warmed up and moving properly, a horse will be able to function at a higher level, be safer, and more comfortable.” - Hannah Neumann

As the legs extend the tendons and muscles of the horse loosen up witch allows the horse to be less susceptible to getting hurt during the workout. Warming up also allows the horses to calm down, burn extra energy, and get into a workout mindset at their own pace. Warming up by having the horse trot and extend allows the animal to warm up its muscles properly and prepares it for the workout ahead.