re: backward walking
SELINA COBB (tcobb@sfsu.edu)
Wed, 11 Dec 1996 23:13:59 -0800 (PST)
Does anyone know if there is any conditioning or strengthening advantage
to backing a horse up for more than a few steps (ie, walking backwards)?
Obviously a horse needs to know how to back readily for
maneuveribility reasons; and I've heard of using a few steps of back-up to
get the hindquarters engaged. But what about a few laps around the arena
or even a few minutes of backwards? Good or bad? Or just silly?
I'm wondering about this because while researching an entirely
different topic I came across an human article which said "Backward
walking on a treadmill is a common tool for lower extremity rehabilitation
in the clinical setting" (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical
Therapy, Sept'95).
Comments anyone?
Tina Cobb from Santa Rosa, CA w/Trav,KC and Arnie the Gold Ret.