Horse Anatomy - Understand The Anatomy Of A Horse For Better Riding And Training

If you take a close look at the anatomy of a horse you will be amazed about its perfection. The horse is just perfectly adapted to the natural environment it evolved from.

The equine anatomy is not made to be ridden by a human. If we are not careful with how we ride and train our horses we will do harm to them.

Also every horse has its own individual conformation. This determines what the horse is capable of doing. Not every horse is built to be a top class jumping or dressage horse. Trying to push a horse to do things it can't do is frustrating for the horse and can end up being dangerous for the rider.

Points Of A Horse - External Equine Anatomy

Click on the horse picture for a larger image!

Understanding horse anatomy also means that riding horses in the 'Rollkur' style (Hyperflexion) is not correct even though very successful riders do it! These horses all show signs of stress and tension, they can't engage their hind end and can't round their backs if ridden that way. This can lead to problems like stiff muscles, Kissing Spines, tendon issues or behavioral problems.

It is very important to build up the correct muscles so our horses can carry us without pain or long term damage. The book "Tug of war" from Gerd Heuschmann should be a must read for every rider, no matter what discipline! Read every page of it!

Look here if you want to learn more about equine anatomy and biomechanics and the implications it has on riding horses.