Igniting curiosity for equine anatomy, fostering a community of discovery.
If you have the anatomy bug you are in the right place!
This online class will allow you to look under the horse's skin and gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of the soft tissue as one whole unit, where everything is interconnected. By understanding the inner workings of a horse's body, you can better identify potential issues and choose the more appropriate address.
Online class
Join me on the incredible journey through the body of the horse. Sensitively prepared materials from whole horse dissections will help you to understand the body as it is in reality. The comparisons of many horses will teach us that a horse, same as any other living creature, is very unique individual who will require a specific, individual approach to training, riding or treating.
The comparison of many horses will teach us that a horse, the same as any other living creature, is very unique and individual. They require a specific, individual approach to training, riding and treating.
Viewer discretion is advised. The intention is not to offend but to provide information.
For any equine professional, understanding the anatomy is crucial.
It can be difficult to navigate through thick books, decipher Latin names and have a clear image of the described structures.
While it may seem daunting, gaining a visual understanding of horse anatomy through dissection can greatly aid in your comprehension. Seeing the intricate details of the body and how everything fits together can provide a deep understanding that lasts far beyond just memorizing terms and diagrams.
This content may include sensitive material. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics.
By gaining a deeper understanding of a horse's internal structure, you will be better equipped to provide support for these amazing animals.
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian looking to expand your knowledge or someone just starting in the equine industry, get ready to delve beneath the surface and discover the fascinating world that lies beneath the horse's skin.
The Equine Anatomy in Layers online class may include sensitive material. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics.
If you have any questions related to this class or if having any issues, please drop me an e-mail: ivanaruddock@aol.com
Please find here:
Superficial muscles chart (as a fast visual aid)
Simple manual (if you need some references)
The skin is the most superficial medium for all bodyworkers. It is a very important tissue, highly innervated with a rich blood supply. We will have a good look at its connection with the fascia and the deep parts of the body and mostly we will look under it!
We will explore the subcutis with its superficial and deep compartments, superficial fascia and loose connective tissue. We will observe the gliding of the superficial fascia over the deep muscles and also look at the situation when this gliding is compromised (due to adhesions). One whole lesson will be dedicated to skin muscle, comparing its size in many horses so we will know how to look for its contours in a live horse.
Nowadays, the word fascia is a 'buzzword', with everyone using it! Often I see that there is a misunderstanding between the superficial and deep fascia, the difference between their function and also a difference in possible dysfunctions of each layer. Superficial fascia differs from loose connective tissue (but they are still interconnected!) and it differs from deep fascia as well. Once again, they are interconnected but they are individually different. We will look at the superficial fascia as a layer that wraps the whole body.
Firstly, we will look at the muscles of the abdominal wall. They are flat, broad muscles that are organized in layers, with each layer having a little secret - an inguinal ring, cremaster muscle and even a connection with the hip joint! This module surely brings some light into that!
Layer by layer, muscle by muscle. Under the large hamstring group are hidden large nerves, supplying the the whole hind limb. There will be a sciatic nerve coursing on the sacroiliac ligament. Locking the stifle is an important system that allows the horse to stand and rest with minimal muscular effort. It is an amazing design and we will see it in the action together with the reciprocal system.
Finally, we will understand that locking the stifle is normal, the problem arises when the knee cap gets caught and trapped in the locked position and the horse cannot flex his hind limb, that condition is called Upward patellar fixation.
In this module, we will concentrate on the major intrinsic muscles, which means muscles that will move only with joints of the front limb. We will have a good look at the passive stay system on the front limb. The system of ligaments and tendons is smartly designed to provide support for the horse, allowing it to rest and snooze with minimal muscular work.
The head is one of the most abused body parts - abused by us, humans - the rider and handlers. We put so much tack on the head! Do we know what is hidden under the skin?
We will learn about the delicate tissue that can suffer...and cause pain and discomfort and pain.
Guttural pouches and hyoid apparatus are topics that this module will explore, and maybe give you some tips for their address (or a reason why not to address them).
In this module, I will explain the most common questions about ovaries, their location, how they are suspended and of course testis and castration. How the heart is connected to the sternum?
You can plan and check your progress.
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