Description
Basic Biomechanics – Understanding Horse Movement
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanics of a living body and the forces exerted by muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure. In horses, this can get very technical and is often a study in physics heavily laden with mathematical formulas and force diagrams.
This introductory course focuses not on the physics of movement, but on developing a proper understanding of the muscular actions that produce movement, the gaits of the horse, and how movement in the horse is affected both positively and negatively by its development program.
The textbooks for this course are Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement by Susan Harris and Muscles in Motion by Sara Wyche, both of whom are considered experts in their fields. There are additional online written resources and videos that bring a greater depth of understanding to help integrate written materials with visual help.
Videos include the normal gaits of the horse so the student can learn the patterns of footfalls for each gait, in both gaited and ungaited horses. Additional videos include a look at the traveling pattern of horses with conformation challenges in the lower limbs and differing lameness conditions.
Pre-Requisites: none
While a prior study in equine anatomy is very helpful, there is enough anatomy presented within the texts for this course to support the material that is discussed.
Required Books:
- Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement. Susan Harris (sold on Amazon)
- The Horse’s Muscles in Motion. Sara Wyche (sold on Amazon)
Important: After payment is completed, look for the Download Enrollment Instructions button at the bottom of the Checkout page. The Enrollment Instructions pdf file can also be found under My Account. Log in to your account and click on the Downloads button. There you will find the Download Enrollment Instructions. The instructions will direct you to this website where the course is located: Avalon Performance Horse and Rider
You should also receive an automatic email after your purchase which is your sales receipt and includes the instructions to find the Download in My Account. If you do not see the sales receipt in your In-Box, please check your spam folder or junk file.
