Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse PDF

Preface

Equestrian literature is full of books and information on the arts of riding and education of the horse. The ideas presented in this book come from a specific angle and they cast a new light on the preparation and exercise of the horse. The various attitudes and movements of the horse during classical exercises have been the main objective of our reflections and there are very few studies that have supported analyses of the regional biomechanics of the horse from a precise anatomical basis.

The objective of this book is to provide riders and trainers of competition horses with an anatomical and functional overview. This will allow them to understand and analyse the different exercises to which their horses are subjected during training and competition. Basic knowledge is indispensable in the understanding of movement; it serves to implement, in a rational way, preparatory exercises for the specific movements of each discipline.

The text in this book reflects a combination of objective information derived primarily from anatomical study through dissection, experience in the biomechanical function of the locomotor system, photographic observation and cinematographic evaluations. Analysis of this information has resulted in an improvement in the understanding of locomotion of the horse during different gaits and exercises. The key goals of this information are to identify the attitudes that result in most of the constraints on the osteoarticular and musculotendinous systems and to research the key mechanisms of efficient movement. The aim is to address the daily concerns of trainers, who search to improve the performance of their horses while striving to maximize the integrity of the musculoskeletal apparatus. The study has been deliberately limited to the most frequent movements found in equine sports and to the exercises most frequently used during preparation of horses destined for competition. The analysis is far from exhaustive and many other movements could have been evaluated. This book focuses on the most important aspects of equine locomotion and will provide a foundation for further reading and investigation into the biomechanics of the horse.

This publication should be of interest to all equine professionals and the concepts developed herein will allow them to manage more effectively the sport career of these exceptional athletes, characterized by their physical capacity and their will to perform. With a better understanding of the physical constraints imposed on the horse during riding, the rider should be able to manage the body and mind of their partner in an improved manner.