Horse Movement: Structure, Function and Rehabilitation

Description

Anatomy, particularly functional anatomy, is a vital and dynamic subject, an appreciation of which leads not only to superior husbandry and welfare, but also to a better understanding of the anatomical challenges associated with riding, training, overtraining, injury and rehabilitation. Using Alexa McKenna's fabulous illustrations, this book shows the correlation of the skeleton, muscular system and locomotion, providing a clear insight into the functional and dysfunctional horse. It also addresses the largely misunderstood concept of 'perfect conformation' and looks at the effect on function of the rider and tack, using cutting-edge diagnostic techniques such as thermal imaging and gait analysis. Again with the emphasis on the visual, readers will be able to appreciate how muscles function in differing athletic disciplines by analysing the heat generated in musculoskeletal structures after exercise. This will also highlight the importance of post-competition recovery. The book concludes with a range of useful techniques to improve the function of any horse, including stretches, taping, wrapping and other proprioceptive techniques to increase balance, flexibility, awareness and posture.

Gail Williams PhD has a first-class honours degree in animal sciences and a PhD in equine biomechanics from Bristol Veterinary School. She is a qualified veterinary physiotherapist and works with top vets, horses and riders in the UK and USA. She lectures around the world on all aspects of veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation and her research papers have been published in many journals.

Gain an insight into how your horse's body works, and discover some tools to help reduce the chance of him picking up an injury. Author Gail Williams, a qualified veterinary physiotherapist, aims to equip you with knowledge about your horse's skeletal system so you can understand more about how injuries occur and how they can be prevented. There's a fascinating section on foot balance and gait analysis, plus some useful stretches and groundwork exercises you can use with your own horse to improve his muscle tone and range of movement, and keep him in tip-top physical shape. While you may be forgiven for thinking the topic of anatomy is quite technical, this book makes it something that everyone can understand. Horse Vet Gail Williams explains how your horse moves, and why and how it can go wrong. The wonderful illustrations by Alexa McKenna will help you understand how horses use their muscles in different disciplines, as well as the issues associated with overtraining and injury. Horse & Rider 'This is a useful book to have on your shelf and addition to any collection certainly' Four Front Magazine