The Quadriceps - Tensor Fascia Lata/Quadriceps Femoris

Well naturally - the Quadriceps compliment the Hamstrings.

The "Quads" originate at the Point-of-Hip (Tuber Coaxe) and then attach in the the stifle area through fascia.

When the Hamstrings flex (hindlegs go backwards and/or up), the Quads extend. When the hamstrings extend (hindlegs come forward and/or up), the quads flex. And like the hamstrings, if the quads have a good range of motion, then you will have a better ride.

Also like the hamstrings, the quadriceps absorb the energy, coil it up, and send forward into the lovely, "bouncing-ball" we all love to ride. When the quads are unable to flex to compliment the hamstrings, the "pogo-sticking" begans again. However, it is a slightly different feel when the quads are not flexible.

With lack of flexibility in the quadriceps, the horse may be able to bring the leg forward, but not extend in back OR sink into the stride. In turn, the stride is "shortened backwards." Instead of getting a full swing of the leg forward and through, you get a stride that is longer on the front swing and shorter on the back swing. It may appear like the horse is "tippy-ing" on his/her hindlegs so the stride is short and choppy OR the stride looks wide and the hips can roll (there is usually more going on here, but that's another day). Again, there is no absorption of the horse's energy.

So! Without too much redundancy from the previous post - Here are some exercises to help strengthen the Quadriceps:
1) Pole work. Working your horse over raised poles can create flexion and extension in the quads. I like to use "half poles." I call them "half poles" because you raise the pole on alternating sides (try starting with 2 poles). This way, the horse lifts one leg a little higher every time he/she walks over a pole. An eight-to-ten inch lift is a good place to start. Many horses with flexibilty problems will hit the poles until they are able to raise their legs. That will come with better flexion. Be sure have the correct striding in between your poles. Not to mention - start at the walk BEFORE you try the trot.

2) Half steps. Half steps can be the beginning of "collection" work for many riders, but it is also a great exercise for the quads. With half steps, you ask for a shortened stride for 3-4 steps of whatever gait you are in. Of course, walk is easiest, canter, most difficult. So, be forgiving and give your horse a chance to learn this. When you get your 3-4 half steps, be sure and GO FORWARD! to give the horse a break and keep that range of motion. Also, VERY IMPORTANTLY, make the half steps come form YOUR BODY, NOT the REINS!! Otherwise you will create front-to-back movement instead of a BACK-TO-FRONT movement. We want to strengthen his butt, not his neck.

3) Same as Hamstrings - Baby Walk Pirouette and "Western Pleasure" jog. See previous post!

Wait there is more! What other muscles compliment the Hamstrings & Quadriceps???