Parts Of The Horse - Detailed Anatomy Page 13
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204 - H H o r s e P r o j e c t M a n u a l - Parts of the Horse
Muscular System
Muscles work by contracting (shortening of muscle fibers) and relaxing
(lengthening of muscle fibers). Skeletal muscles tend to work in pairs
(continued)
because muscles can only pull, not push. One muscle group flexes (bends a
joint) and another extends (straightens). In the leg of the horse are a group
of muscles that cause flexion of a joint (flexor muscles) and an opposing
group that extends or straightens the joint (extensor muscles).
Flexion
- The shortening (flexing) of a muscle to bend a joint.
Extension
- The lengthening (extending) of a muscle to straighten a joint.
The contractive process is a chemical reaction within the muscle that
produces heat in addition to performing work. The heat of contraction and
recovery is important in body temperature regulation. This is why, in cold
weather, horses shiver to produce heat to help them maintain body
temperature.
Training and Muscles
Muscle is an extremely adaptable tissue. A horse’s muscles adapt in relation
to the specific type of training it receives.
Training for quick bursts of high-intensity exercise involves training for
strength. This involves increasing muscle mass through high-intensity
exercises for short periods of time to increase strength.
Training for endurance, three-day eventing, cattle drives or combined driving
etc. involves building up the muscles over a period of time where the work
load on the muscles is progressively increased.
Overexertion of a muscle, without adequate conditioning, will lead to muscle
fatigue. A careful conditioning program, combined with proper nutrition,
will prevent muscle disorders.
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