Biomechanics

Body Movements

When examining the anatomy-based ability of the horse to move its topline, certain areas are of particular interest.
The region with the greatest up-and-down flexibility — that is, the ability to round and hollow the back — is found at the transition between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. Next in mobility is the area around the 16th thoracic vertebra (the rear part of the saddle region), followed by the transition between the last cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra.

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Lateral Movement

Movement in the lateral plane is greatest between the 9th and 14th thoracic vertebrae (roughly beneath the rider’s leg) and, to an even greater extent, in the neck.

It should be noted that during lateral movement, a certain degree of rotation also takes place simultaneously.

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Neck and Poll

The horse’s poll is a highly complex area made up of the back of the skull and the first and second cervical vertebrae, also known as the atlas and axis.

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Between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), there is limited up-and-down and sideways movement. However, between the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis), movement is almost entirely rotational.

Both of these joints — and their optimal function — are especially important for enabling the horse to bend its neck along its body smoothly and without restriction.