The Horse in Motion. the Anatomy and Physiology of Equine Locomotion

Description

We all want our horses to be able to perform to the best of their ability and we know that an effective training regime has many facets. The horse must be worked correctly, fed a balanced ration, mentally and physically healthy and well looked after. This book examines a further aspect of the horse’s performance: it is designed to help all horse owners and riders to understand how a horse moves and how its anatomy helps, or hinders, the horse’s athletic ability.

First, the book uses sequences of photographs and detailed anatomical drawings to show the systems of support and movement at each phase of each of the horse’s gaits. The walk, trot, canter, gallop and jump are all examined, and the effect of the rider on the horse evaluated so that the rider can take appropriate action to avoid hindering the horse. Tips are provided throughout on ways in which the horse’s life can be made easier, such as saddle fitting, warming up and cooling down procedures.

Table of contents

• Part I: Anatomy and conformation
• The head and neck
• The chest and ribs
• The forelimbs
• The abdomen
• The hind limbs
• The back
• Part II: Movement
• Walk
• Trot
• Canter
• Gallop
• Collection
• Lateral movements
• Rein back
• Jumping
• Part III: Lameness and injuries
• Sites of common lameness
• Identification of the lame limb
• Common lamenesses
• Appendices: The points of the horse
• The skeleton
• Superficial muscles
• Deep muscles
• The stay apparatus
• The tendons and ligaments
• The circulation
• The nervous system.