Latest Articles
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What’s The Difference Between Flexibility And Mobility?
Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles and connective tissues to stretch passively. It involves the lengthening of muscles and connective tissues, allowing for greater range of motion around a joint. Flexibility is primarily about the elasticity and extensibility of tissues. Mobility encompasses both flexibility and the ability to actively move a joint through its Read more
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The Polymodal Nature of C Fibers and Their Role in Pain Perception
C fibers, a type of polymodal nerve fiber, respond to various stimuli including thermal, mechanical, and chemical triggers. They are primarily responsible for transmitting pain (nociceptive) and temperature sensations. When there is a reduction in proprioceptive input, which helps the body understand its position and movement in space, the nervous system may compensate by increasing Read more
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Journey of the Nerves in Horses: Understanding Protection, Connectivity, and Movement
Introduction Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals for movement, sensation, and overall bodily functions. To perform these functions efficiently, nerves require protection, connectivity, and the ability to move freely within the body. This article explores how large nerves are cushioned and protected by connective tissue, how they remain interconnected within this network, and how they Read more
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How You Can Improve Mobility in Your Horse’s Trunk
A stiff or rigid trunk often stems from a horse intentionally holding itself still to alleviate pain, such as that caused by ulcers. It can also result from overtraining strength without training suppleness— commonly observed in racehorses and ex-racehorses – or in horses ridden in a way that restrict the range of motion. After a Read more
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The Impact of Kinesiology Taping on Horse Locomotion & Core Engagement
Recently a study was done investigating the effects of a kinesiology taping application to the abdominal muscles on locomotor parameters before and after lungeing exercise in horses. They discovered that horses wearing special kinesiology tape on their abdominal muscles appear to have better forward propulsion at the trot and possibly better core engagement. Background: Kinesiology Read more
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The Preflex Mechanism: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction “Preflex” is a term used primarily in biomechanics and neuromechanics to describe the intrinsic mechanical properties of muscles and other soft tissues that contribute to stabilization and movement before any neural reflexes can be initiated. It refers to the ability of the musculoskeletal system to respond to perturbations and maintain stability through purely mechanical Read more
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Buttercups in Horse Pastures: Management & Concerns
Buttercups may seem innocuous with their bright yellow flowers, but these plants do pose a threat to the health of horses grazing among them. Perhaps even more concerning is that buttercups tend to choke out desirable, nutritious plants such as grasses and clover. Understanding the factors that contribute to their proliferation and implementing effective management Read more
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How Electrolytes Affect Muscle Function and Exercise Recovery
Electrolytes are essential minerals involved in regulating your horse’s fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and other important physiological processes. If your horse is training, competing or living in hot and humid conditions it may require more electrolytes than if it were less active or in cooler environments. Some of the most important electrolytes for Read more
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A Shift in Perspective: From Mechanics to Tensegrity
The study of equine movement and structural integrity has long been rooted in traditional mechanics. This conventional approach views the body much like a machine, with bones acting as levers and joints as fulcrums, moved by the force generated by muscles. While this perspective has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of biomechanics, a paradigm Read more