ABSTRACT
Regardless of the gait (walk, trot or canter), lowering of the head and neck results in several biomechanical changes to the forehand.
Firstly, horizontalization of the head and neck results in forward displacement of the centre of mass of the horse. The immediate consequence of this is increased loading of the forehand, with subsequent offloading of the hindquarters (4.2). Overloading of the forehand in this particular attitude increases the work on the thoracic muscular girdle that suspends the trunk of the body between the two forelimbs (see Chapter 3, The neck and trunk). As a consequence, development of the pectoral and serratus muscles is enhanced, result ing in improved support and lightening of the fore hand when the neck is in a natural position. Despite the importance of this movement in the various disci plines, it is important to remember that it must not be overly repeated or implemented for prolonged periods. This is because overloading of the forehand results in
additional stress on the joints and tendinous structures of the forelimbs. Therefore, this movement is contra indicated in horses with a history of tendinitis or joint problems in the forelimbs.
