Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse

Effective horse trainers strive to improve the performance of their horses while preserving the integrity of the musculoskeletal apparatus. Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse supplies an anatomical and functional overview of the topic, enabling trainers to optimize the different exercises their horses undergo during training and competition.

Following a brief description of the biomechanics of the muscles underlying equine movement, the book discusses the muscles of the forelimb, hindlimb, and neck and trunk. These fundamentals have direct bearing on the later chapters, which focus on training and the core exercises for a horse.

This text is illustrated throughout by the author’s top-quality photographs, diagrams, and his own beautiful anatomical drawings. The book is of lasting value to all professionals and well-informed amateurs who work with horses: veterinarians, trainers and riders, researchers, physical therapists, and educators in equine courses.

Table of Contents

Muscular groups and actions

The forelimb

The hindlimb

The neck and trunk

Biomechanical analysis of longitudinal movements

Lowering of the neck

Biomechanics of rein-back

Biomechanical analysis of lateral movements

The forelimbs

The hindlimbs

The vertebral column and trunk muscles

The biomechanical differences between half pass and shoulder-in

Advantages and disadvantages of lateral movements

Biomechanical analysis of jumping

Take-off and propulsion

Take-off and propulsion: biomechanics of the axial regions (head, neck, trunk and pelvis)

Airborne (flying) phase: biomechanics of the trunk and vertebral column

Airborne (flying) phase: biomechanics of the limbs

Landing phase: biomechanics of the vertebral column

Landing phase: biomechanics of the limbs

Biomechanics of the bounce jump

Index