Science Of Motion Equine Podcast

During this sequence it is fascinating the watch this young horse playing with the biomechanical properties of his vertebral column. When the back muscles properly convert the thrust generated by the hind legs into horizontal forces, (forward movement) and vertical forces, (resistance to gravity and therefore, balance control,) the upward propulsive activity of the forelegs propels the front part of the horse’s body upward in proportion to the hind legs. When by distraction or any other reason the back muscles contract losing their ability to properly control the forward translocations of gravity through the spine, the load on the forelegs increases and the propulsive activity of the forelegs diminish. Jean Luc Cornille