Elements of Structure and Function in horses Flashcards
How does shape impact heat loss
Narrow framed - allows for better heat loss
Larger round frame - doesn’t loose heat well
What is the ideal front and rear limb conformation
A straight line should go from the point of the shoulder and divide the leg in 1/2 and it should be aligned straight up and down and the limbs are parallel
Why do we want limbs to be straight
Forces are distributed equally through whole leg
The limb swings straight forward and back
What is the rule of thumb when thinking about conformational defects in horses
Small deviations are less important that large deviations
Deviations in limbs enduring minimal stress are less important than deviations in limbs enduring large stress (horses job is extremely important)
What is base narrow
The line from the point of shoulder goes straight down but it hits the outside of hoof instead of down the middle
More force on outside
What is base wide
The line from the point of shoulder does straight down but hits the inside of the hoof instead of down the middle
More force on inside
What is toed out
The heels are turned in and the toe of the hoof turns out
What is toed in
The heel is turned out and the toe is turned in
What is knock knee
The knees go inward
What is bowlegged
The knee is turned out outward
Most will be toed in
What is cow-hocked
The hocks turn in towards each other
What does structure affect
Affects how forces are distributed
Affects how the limb moves
What horses paddle out
Toed in horses
What horses paddle in
Toed out horses
What do defects in movement cause
Contribute to wasted motion
Predisposed to limb interference
Often become more exaggerated at speed or with fatigue
What does misalignment cause
Reduces even force distributed
Affects limb flight
Defects like cow hocks are often referred to as angular limb defects
Why are angles of limbs so important
They impact the cushion and shock absorption
What is the length of stride
The ability to reach forward
What is arc of the hoof flight
Close or away from the ground
What are the main shock absorbers in the horses legs
The fetlock and pastern
What is important about hind limb stride characteristics
Engagement and power of hind quarter
-Ability to reach under
-Ability to support the body during push off and turning
What mechanics of horse legs allow them to go fast
Long legs and long periods of suspension
Phylangies in the lower part of leg became longer
What mechanics of horse legs allow them to be strong
Bone histology - fibers are parallel
Some bones are fused and some become enlarged
Limited rotation
Support structure of joints
Straight columns of bones
The bones have a tongue and groove joints
What mechanics of the horse leg allow them to be efficient
They have light legs and fewer bones
Heavy bones are closer to the body
Major muscles are are close to the body
They naturally change gaits to be more efficient
They recycle energy
When standing they can lock their legs
