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Anatomy is often said to be boring, but nothing could be further from the truth. Anatomy, particularly functional anatomy, is a vital and dynamic subject, an appreciation of which leads not only to superior horse management 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 addresses the largely misunderstood concept of "perfect conformation" and looks at the effect of the rider and tack on the function of the horse, 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 analyzing 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.
About the author
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.
Summary
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.
