Is your horse short-strided in front, have stiff, choppy movement, or intermittently “off” in front with no apparent problem in the feet or lower legs? This could be the result of tension or strain in the muscles that attach the forelimbs to the body, and that are responsible for the fore, back and lateral movement of the forelegs.

Restriction in the movement of the scapula, and in the neck-shoulder-withers junction of the horse can be the source of several movement problems in the front end.

In general, releasing tension in this area can result in a better range of motion in the horse's front limbs.

In this video Jim Masterson of the Masterson Method demonstrates a bodywork technique that you can use to help your horse safely release tension that may be contributing to movement issues in the front end. The Masterson Method teaches horse owners a unique, interactive method of equine bodywork for alleviating soreness, strain, and tension in the horse.