Targeted Exercise: Quads Activation for the Stifle Joint

This exercise helps to improve the strength and stability of quadriceps muscles through an eccentric contraction and isometric hold.

How to do the exercise:

With your horse standing square, stand at 90 degrees to the horse's body and gently pull tail to the side, getting the horse to shift their weight over to engage the quadriceps. A taught band of muscle will be visible (see attached video and images). Release slowly as the horse will be resisting the movement and may over-compensate and fall with the quarters to the opposites side.

Gently pull the tail to load the hindlimb on the side you are standing.

Notice the activation of the Quad muscles compared to the image above.

If the limb is too far forward, then the exercise becomes more difficult. If the leg is too far back, then the exercise may be too easy. As always, a proper assessment of the horse should be performed first to determine how challenging this exercise is for your horse and how many repetitions should be performed.

How often should I do this?

Aim to do this exercise 6-8 times, 1-2 sets, 3-4 times per week on each side. Start slow (even just 1-2 seconds), and build up to 10 second holds each time.

Progress/ Alternatives

This exercise can be progressed by challenging the horse:

• by positioning the limb slightly forward,

• increasing duration of the exercise or,

• placing the limb on a stability pad

• Shift the focus: Isometric v's Eccentric contraction

  • Eccentric (Building muscular strength): 1 rep = 3 sec second pull, hold 1 seconds, release.

    4-6 reps, 2 sets each side.

  • Isometric loading (maintaining strength and stability): 1 rep = 1 second, hold 3 seconds, release.

    4-6 reps, 2 sets each side.

Watch the full process of a tail pull

Signs of Fatigue

Although this exercise may look fairly simple it can be quite challenging for some horses. Take not about the differences in strength between one side versus the other, you may be surprised!

Whilst performing this activation, look for signs of fatigue that may be telling you that you are either holding too long or the horse has had enough reps. These include:

• horse moving away or constantly shifting the limb position,

• full body resistance (the whole body leaning away from you to avoid activation),

• muscular fasciculations.

  
  

If this happens then simply stop the reps and think about the next time that you try the exercise to reduce either the reps or hold duration.

Cautions

We always recommend checking with your vet or equine health practitioner before starting any new exercise programs with your horse. If you think your horse has any physical issues, including in the stifle region, seek professional advice for an exercise/ rehab program that is customised to your horse.