Horse Kick

  • Strengthens legs (glutes and hamstrings)
  • Improves pelvic stability, which assists with balance walking (flat, incline, decline) and climbing up/down steps or uneven surfaces safely.
HANDOUT
PRACTISE JOURNAL
TECHNIQUE VIDEO

Uses

  • Combine this exercise with the Elephant Balance, to develop children’s abilities in motor planning and sequencing of movement.

Instructions

* Make sure there’s plenty of space behind you 

  1. Kneel on all fours 
  2. Bend your right knee up to your tummy
  3. Squeeze your buttocks to kick your right leg back (to the same height as your hips)
  4. Bend your knee back to your tummy
  5. Do 10-20 kicks, then switch legs
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Watch Points

  • Plenty of space behind you (so you won’t kick something or someone)
  • Back straight
  • Hips and shoulders still throughout the movement
  • Kicking back with ankle flexed 
  • Kicking up to hip height, not higher
  • Lie on your back.
  • Lift one leg off the floor and bend that knee up towards your tummy.
  • Squeeze your buttocks to kick your leg out straight (just off the floor).
  • Then bend your knee back towards your tummy.
  • Do 5-10 kicks then switch legs.