The position of the horses head and neck is fundamental to Equine Biomechanics .
The position of the head and neck dictates how the horse moves through his back.Many horses with saddle problems, or dentistry problems raise the head in order to escape discomfort. This has the effect of hollowing the back, making it difficult for the horse to bring his hind leg underneath him.
Following Equine Spinal Therapy, Pauline often advises horse owners to work their horses stretched in a long and low ( forward and down ) outline to facilitate correct muscular development, and to help alleviate back problems.
Fig 1 Stretching forward and down
Imagine a horse reaching expectantly towards his feed bucket. His neck is shaped in an arch and there is an element of reach in his stance.
Why forward and down?
When the horses head and neck is stretched forward and down, the horses back is raised, allowing him to engage the muscles of his hindquarters to propel him forwards. In this position, the weight of the rider is supported by the nuchal and supraspinous ligaments, allowing the topline muscles to move freely and to develop correctly.
What are the benefits?
- It helps to minimize muscular spasms in the neck and back.
- It can help with the correct alignment of the vertebrae in the neck and thorax.
- It can help with problems such as kissing spines.
- It helps to separate the spinous processes along the thoracic spine.
- It raises the horses back and supports the weight of the rider.
- It allows the back to develop strength and stability.
Essentially, the horse must be able to carry the weight of the rider, and be able to move freely forwards in a balanced and relaxed manner whilst keeping a regular rhythm. In order to do this we need to develop the horses topline muscles whilst at the same time engaging the antagonist bottom line abdominal and flexor muscles.
Role of Nuchal Ligament
The horse can easily balance himself and the huge weight of his head, neck and abdominal contents with very little muscular effort. One of the main reasons for this is the role of the NUCHAL LIGAMENT. The nuchal ligament is a very strong elastic and fibrous cord which runs from the poll to the spinous processes of the withers.
Fig 2 The nuchal and supraspinous ligament as shown play an important role in back biomechanics.
From the rear of the skull at the external occipital protuberance, the nuchal ligament creates the extremity of the topline of the neck extending to the spinous processes of the withers. It also spreads like a fan and attaches to the cervical vertebrae offering them valuable stability.
The supraspinous ligament runs from the base of the nuchal ligament on top of the withers attaches to the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar spine and ends at the sacrum.
These structures help to raise the back due to the attachment to the spinous processes. They also give the back support, strength and stability. When the head and neck is lowered, the nuchal ligament becomes taught and exerts a forward pull on the spinous processes helping to raise the back. This also allows the muscles of the Longissimus dorsi to work in a relaxed way allowing the energy to be transferred from the propulsive hindquarters through the back, neck and poll to the riders hands.
Reasons why the horse may not want to work forwards and down.
- May lack impulsion from hindquarters.
- Lack of suppleness
- Incorrect muscle development.
- Teeth problems
- Saddle problems
- Bitting problems
Young horses that have not yet developed topline muscle, or those lacking topline muscle need to be ridden with the head and neck in a froward and downward position to encourage a loose relaxed back. However, all horses benefit from this type of work as a warm up and cool down after more strenuous work.
For more information on Equine Biomechanics, Therapeutic Exercises, Muscle or Skeletal Problems or Riding Lessons please contact Pauline on 07791 423772