Mobilise, Activate, Strengthen: A Proven Approach to Equine Rehabilitation & Training

As an equine physiotherapist and rehabilitation specialist, I’ve spent years refining my approach to horse rehab and training. One of the most effective strategies I use is Mobilise, Activate, Strengthen—a structured progression that ensures lasting results while keeping your horse comfortable, balanced, and engaged in the process.

This strategy should especially be used after time off, after injury, during rehab, and ongoing to ensure flexibility, correct core strength, and correct biomechanics so the horse can move freely.

In my experience, the majority of horses have some form of thoracic sling dysfunction because they are naturally heavier on the forehand. This is not always addressed in standard training, which can lead to long-term compensatory issues. By incorporating mobilisation, activation, and strengthening work, we can help rebalance the horse and support proper thoracic sling function.

Step 1: Mobilise

Before your horse can effectively activate and strengthen their core, they must first regain freedom of movement. Mobilisation is about improving joint flexibility, releasing restrictions, and ensuring that muscles can move smoothly and without compensation.

Common signs that your horse may need mobilisation work include:

• Stiffness in turns or lateral movements

• Resistance to bending or flexing

• Shortened stride or uneven movement

• Heavy on the forehand

Techniques such as dynamic stretches, gentle in-hand exercises, and targeted physio techniques help unlock mobility, setting the foundation for the next phase.

Step 2: Activate

Once mobility improves, it’s time to activate the core. Core activation exercises are designed to wake up the deep stabilising muscles that support spinal alignment and overall balance. Without proper activation, your horse may compensate with incorrect muscle groups, leading to poor posture and even injury.

Activation exercises help with:

• Engaging the correct muscles for movement

• Improving body awareness and balance

• Preparing for correct strengthening work

These can include specific groundwork techniques, baited stretches, and targeted postural exercises that encourage correct muscle engagement.

Step 3: Strengthen

After mobilisation and activation, strengthening can begin. Strength work builds endurance, power, and stability, allowing your horse to perform at their best while reducing the risk of injury. However, strengthening without prior mobilisation and activation can lead to compensatory patterns and further issues.

A well-structured strengthening program includes:

• Progressive core exercises

• Hill work and pole work

• Correctly executed transitions and lateral work

Start With the Right Exercises – 80% Off My Core Exercises Course!

If you’re ready to implement this Mobilise, Activate, Strengthen approach, my Core Exercises for Your Horse course is the perfect place to start. It includes core mobilisation and core activation exercises that will set your horse up for long-term success. For a limited time, you can get 80% off this course—making it the easiest and most affordable way to give your horse the foundation they need!

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Your horse’s health and performance start with the right foundation. Let’s build it together!