• Enables horse trainers to optimize horse performance in sport

• Describes the biomechanics of the muscles underlying equine movement

• Examines the muscles of the forelimb, hindlimb, and neck and trunk

• Discusses training and core exercises for horses

• Includes top-quality photographs, diagrams, and anatomical drawings

Summary

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