The Forelimb muscle chain is what gives the fount legs movement and knowing which muscles are responsible for what is important so that we can see what areas may be tight and how this can affecting our horses movement.
Forelimb Protraction Chain
The strength in this chain is important for forelimb expression. What we mean by this is expressive movement. You'll see this when you do extended trot or if you have a breed that has a naturally high gait. This chain runs from the fore toe through to the poll. Tension in this chain restricts the ability to retract the forelimb, resulting in loss of power through the limb.
Brachiocephalic mm. = extends the shoulder and pulls it forward.
Suprapsinatus m. = extends and stabilizes the shoulder joint
Biceps Brachii m. = extends the shoulder and flexes the elbow, helping to bring the leg forward.
Extensor Carpi Radialis m. = extends the knee joint.
Thoracic Trapezius m. = lifts up and moves the scapular back, allowing the low part of the forelimb to move forward.
Thoracic Serratus Ventralis m. = moves the scapular backwards and helps stabilize the body in movement.
Forelimb Retraction Chain
The strength in this chain is important for forelimb power, cadence and expression. The main job for this chain is to pull the forelimb back into retraction and to pull the body over the planted forelimb. This chain runs from the fore heel through to the lumbosacral region of the back. Tension in this chain restricts the ability to protract the forelimb and reduced expression in movement.
Cervical Trapezius m. = lifts up and moves the scapular forward, allowing the low part of the forelimb to move backwards.
Infraspinatus m. = suspends the shoulder, slides the scapula forwards and back and lifts it up.
Deltoideus m. = Flexion of the shoulder and lifting of the humerus.
Latissimus Dorsi m. = Flexes the shoulder and takes the forelimb back. When the limb is in stance, it moves the body forward.
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris m. = flexes the knee.
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Pics from Gillian Higgins books.Â
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