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.

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 compet

The authors, a world leader in equine anatomy and imaging and a horse physiotherapist of international repute, provide a unique blend of basic biomechanics and practical physical therapeutic techniques, to relieve pain and improve performance, particularly in the sporting horse. This subtle and original book will be of interest to all those involved in equine welfare including veterinary practitioners, veterinary students, therapists, horse owners, riders, and trainers.

A unique blend of basic biomechanics and practical physical therapeutic techniques that relieve pain and improve performance in the horse.

The Dynamic Horse describes the principles underlying the science of biomechanics, then illustrates how these principles apply to horsemanship and equine locomotion using examples that will be familiar to anyone accustomed to working around horses. Through knowledge of biomechanics, the reader will develop a better understanding of how horses move and perform. The Dynamic Horse addresses key concepts including tempo, rhythm, balance, characteristics of different gaits, speed and economy of movement, and jumping mechanics.Written with Dr. Clayton's characteristic clarity, The Dynamic Horse is an excellent companion for her popular text Conditioning Sport Horses.

The Dynamic Horse is written for everyone who wants to understand equine biomechanics and locomotion. This book addresses key concepts, including tempo, rhythm, balance, and collection; jumping mechanics; speed and economy of movement; characteristics of different gaits; locomotor qualities that affect athletic performance and soundness.

An illustrated study of the biomechanics of horse-and-rider movement like no other. Everything you know about riding and the horse’s movement isn’t what you think it is! Did you know that: • On a functional level, traditional ways of teaching rider position and horse movement do not actually work with the biomechanical system that is horse and rider? • Use of the inside rein does not encourage the horse to bend to the inside? • Training exercises and lessons that claim to be simple cannot be as easily applied as it might seem? In these pages, physical therapist and equine movement specialist Stefan Stammer uses a startlingly unique collection of color illustrations to make movement patterns in the horse visible to the human eye, in order to help riders better understand the principles of energy and motion happening within the horse. By forming new mental images for the rider, Stammer’s goal is to profoundly impact the rider’s daily work with her horse so that it is harder for her to make common mistakes or interfere with the horse’s natural mechanisms. With his hind end as his engine, the horse generates kinetic energy (the energy his body possesses due to its motion). For optimal movement and performance, this energy should flow through the horse’s body to the horse’s mouth, where it is fine-tuned with the rein aids before cycling back to the hind end. However, this movement flow is often unintentionally disrupted on its way through the horse by the rider. When, however, the cycle of kinetic energy within the horse is supported through the correct understanding and application of biomechanics—the mechanical laws relating to his and his rider’s movement and structure—the outer shape of horse and rider together achieve “positive tension.” This is the rhythmic stimulation of all the neuromuscular functions necessary to perform harmoniously and at peak ability. Most importantly, once the rider understands the basic principles of the biomechanics of a horse in movement, her “feeling” in the saddle will improve. Better “feel” is an integral building block for the small and subtle steps of progress, which should accompany a rider for her entire life with horses. This smart, fascinatingly composed book is for any horseperson looking to limit riding and training mistakes, grow an understanding of how the horse best functions, and optimize equineability and performance.

An incredible illustrated reference to help keep the horse sound in body and mind and at the top of his game. In this highly illustrated book, equine physical therapy expert Helle Katrine Kleven begins with a comprehensible introduction to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as an instructive conversation covering biomechanics basics, then explores the major areas of physical therapy in detail. Readers will find practical how-to guidance in the most popular therapeutic modalities, as well as cutting-edge alternatives that are currently gaining ground: Fascia work Stretching Massage Stability and strengthening exercises Laser therapy Kinesiotaping And much more. With this incredible course in preventive and rehabilitative techniques, horse owners and professionals will be thoroughly prepared to ensure their horses’ comfort and well-being. The book includes: Over 300 color photos and illustrations. Facts and tips in easy-to-read callouts throughout. A section on preventive measures to stop problems before they start. Handy anatomical guides to the equine skeleton, muscle layers, and fascia.

Get your horse in shape and maintain his overall fitness, regardless of his age or abilities. Equine Fitness will have your horse looking and feeling his best with a series of fun exercise routines specifically designed to enhance his strength, stamina, and agility. Clear step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations make the exercises easy to follow, and the book includes a handy set of pocket-sized cards that you can use in the ring. Jec Ballou’s simple conditioning program promises lasting results for healthy horses and satisfied riders.

This is a comprehensive handbook of the anatomy of the equine locomotor system. This uniquely illustrated guide has been produced in close collaboration with veterinary experts and provides an excellent tool for those involved in veterinary medicine, equine physiotherapy and training of horses. The extensive and clear anatomical plates cover the skeleton, ligaments and muscles and include terminology in English and Latin.