Equine Movement Terminology

Question 1

Extension

Answer 1

Increases the angle, to open or straighten the joint. Increasing the distance between body parts.

Question 2

Abduction

Answer 2

A sideways movement taking a body part away from the midline or median line.

Question 3

Adduction

Answer 3

A sideways movement brings a body part towards the midline or median line.

Question 4

Lateral or External

Rotation

Answer 4

A movement that turns a limb on its axis as in twisting a limb away or outward from the body.

Question 5

Medial or Internal

Rotation

Answer 5

A movement that turns a limb on its axis as in twisting a limb towards or inward to the body.

Question 6

Neck Rotation

Answer 6

Swiveling the head by tipping the nose sideways and upward.

Question 7

Lateral Neck Bending

Answer 7

Bending the head and neck side to side.

Question 8

Circumduction

Answer 8

Moving a body part so it’s end followsa circular path as in “paddling” or “winging”.

Question 9

Protraction

Answer 9

Moving the limb forward longitudinally as the body propels forward.

Question 10

Retraction

Answer 10

Moving the limb backward longitudinally as the body propels forward.

Question 11

Flexion

Answer 11

Decreases the angle, to bend or flex the joint. Bringing parts of the body closer together.