So it's February. Punxsutawney Phil has declared six more weeks of winter. I am not usually one to rely on the shadow distribution of underground dwelling critters for an accurate meteorological forecast. I am though a Montana native. And here in Montana we are almost always guaranteed six more weeks of winter come February 2nd.

That said, it seems that we are a ways off from getting out and spending an exuberant amount of quality time with our, still rather furry, horse friends. But wintertime gives us that much needed time to look inward. We may happily look back on past adventures, or focus on future goals set for the coming season. A time to catch our breath or gain insight into new explorations.

So much of my year is dedicated to being out amongst our horses. Be it riding, groundwork, trimming, roping, feeding, fencing, working up the arena, mucking stalls, spreading compost, readying the trailer or any of the other hundred things that horsemanship entails. To say the least I stay pretty busy early spring to late fall. There are many days that find me outside from sun up till sun down. And for me, there is no other way that I would rather have it.

With most of my year spent living quite actively I know there can be a tendency to become stiff and tight. To combat this I keep to a regular stretching routine throughout the year. I find it very beneficial for my riding and important to my overall health and well being. When riding I need to be able to remain fluid in my movements. Horses are sensitive creatures and it doesn't take much of being out of position to confuse or concern them.

I feel that being flexible is a huge component to working with horses and benefits all aspects of riding. Tightness in the saddle can be a real detriment to quality riding. It takes a substantial amount of flexibility to climb up into the saddle properly without putting unneeded strain on a horses back. No reaching up and dragging yourself into place by grabbing onto the horn all while kicking frantically at the air and cursing expletives under your breath.

Upon mounting, quality riding requires that we are able to weight our stirrups, sit up straight and move with our horses. For guiding and directing, our legs need to be able to scissor forward and back independent of one another. And the ability to twist our upper torso is key to the turnaround. All of this is required on even a well trained, nice riding horse.

The green horse on the other hand, takes all of the above multiplied by about 100. At times the flexibility it takes to reach back far enough for the hind end to move over can almost be likened to the splits. Influencing the front end may not quite take the same acrobatic ability but does require a fair amount of hip flexion. There are times when all it takes for a horse to understand a leg cue is to move your leg just a little further along their side body.

A less seasoned horse also has a tendency to spook a little easier than the more advanced horses. Though turning quickly to flee a perceived scary object is inherent in all horses. An instinct that has assured their survival for millions of years. At times a troubled horse may spin so fast that a person who is all tensed up and tight in the saddle may be thrown clear off. It will help person immensely if they can remain loose and have the ability to make quick movements. Traits of remaining flexible throughout the body.

*Here I prepare for a turnaround. My upper torso twists as my left shoulder drops back. My left leg (not pictured) has also dropped back to allow a place for this horse to move into.*

I would recommend that anyone working with and around horses add a stretching program to their daily regimen. Flexibility will not only help with riding but will add years to a persons ability to ride well into their "golden years." Winter can be an excellent time to begin a new practice or improve on an already existing program. Stretching can be a great way to wake up and start ones day. Come the spring thaw when our schedules pick up and our horses gain more of our attention, we will be all warmed up and ready to ride.

Happy Trails, Eric

Easton Horsemanship