The leg has three major joints: the ankle, knee and hip joints. These joints are the rider’s “springs.” They support the body while allowing it to move. Each of these joints must be allowed to move freely, or the springs Read more…
Horses are herbivores that can survive on a steady supply of healthy grass, shrubs and general plant life. The University of Connecticut estimates that horses graze for 15 to 17 hours a day if left in an environment where there Read more…
1: Endoskeletons: The skeletons of humans and horses are examples of endoskeletons. They provide bodies with support, protection of organs, and aid in movement. The human skeleton is an endoskeleton that consists of 206 bones in the adult. What type Read more…
These bones have been shown to move independently through strong intercarpal ligaments that help to dissipate the axial stress through the carpus. The equine carpus is colloquially called the ‘knee’, but this is not the analogous human joint. The equine Read more…
For example, the bones in the legs of a horse and donkey are similar in both structure and function. What animals have similar structures? Bats, whales, and many other animals have very similar homologous structures, demonstrating that these creatures all Read more…
The carpus is a compound joint composed of the radius and ulna proximally, 6 carpal bones, and the fused 3rd and 4th metacarpal bones distally. The carpal bones are arranged in 2 rows. The proximal row of the carpal bones Read more…
Your horse’s shoulder blade (scapula) is a large paddle-shaped bone connected to his upper leg bone. What are horse shoulders called? The withersThe withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal, typically a quadruped. In many species, Read more…
Shoulder. The shoulder is the large bone that runs from the withers down to the chest. A well-sloped shoulder can indicate a horse that will have smooth gaits. Horses with more vertical shoulders can have choppier gaits. Where is the Read more…
A horse rises by first rolling onto his breastbone with his legs tucked beneath him. He then raises his head high, which lifts his chest slightly and allows him to begin unfolding his legs. Straightening his forelegs in front of Read more…
Your bedding choice must provide support for your horse’s hooves while standing and for the whole body when lying down. This helps prevent stable injuries and allows the horse to lie down and get up safely without slipping. Why do Read more…