Basic Locomotion

The Hindquarter:
All propulsion and forward motion comes from the hindquarters. If you watch a horse in motion, you will readily see the hind legs flexing and bending, collecting energy. Once the hindquarters are flexed (at the hip, stifle, hock, fetlock, and pastern), they simply have to straighten and propel the horse forward. It's a basic mechanical issue of gathering, storing, and releasing energy.

The Forequarter:
The forelegs are more simple. A look at equine anatomy makes this clear: unlike the hindquarters, which are hinged to the pelvis, the forequarter is not hinged at the shoulder; rather than having a complex articular (joint) connection, it connects to the ribcage via tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) referred to as the thoracic sling.

Ultimately, the forelimb is designed to support the front portion of the body as the hind legs push it forward. There is no true downward flexion in the front limb (other than compensatory flexion and absorption, primarily at the fetlock and pastern), so the forelegs don't actively create energy or propulsion. Simplistically (some would say "reductively"), forelegs function as support columns and shock absorbers. They carry the weight and absorb the energy which the hind legs create; this "carry" function allows the hindquarter to flex and propel.

Since most of us have wheeled a load or two of "muck" from stalls, an analogy might be useful... When you push a wheelbarrow, you drive with your legs, bending and flexing to push the wheelbarrow forward. Through your arms, you can feel the wheel of the barrow stabilizing the load and absorbing the shock as you maneuver it, but it remains relatively passive; it does not help you drive.

With this information in mind, knowing that it's physically impossible for a horse to pull himself forward with his forequarter... Somebody please tell me why people insist on using toe grabs on racehorses!!

FEATURED EVENT!

Horse Owner Clinic Forrest Hill Farm 6.23.11 - 6.26.11
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