Musculoskeletal System

Learn why correct poll flexion is crucial for horses, how much bending is healthy, and which mistakes can damage the spine.

Learn how the skeleton, spine, and growth plates develop in young horses and why starting should not begin too early.

What can genetic tests for horses really achieve? Learn more about hereditary diseases, genetic predispositions, and the criticism of PSSM2 and MIM tests.

The hindquarters are the engine: Learn how stepping under and engagement of the haunches improve balance, relieve the forehand & keep the horse healthy.

The topline reveals a lot about the health and training of a horse – learn how to recognize good musculature & specifically strengthen the back.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms of postural fatigue, understand the underlying causes, and discover how targeted training can help your horse.

Sugar, starch, fructans & fibers affect horses very differently. Learn which carbohydrates are problematic for EMS, MIM & laminitis.

How does the horse’s musculoskeletal system work? Learn more about the interaction between the skeleton, thoracic sling, tendons & ligaments.

The biomechanics of the basic gaits: learn how to recognize movement patterns, lameness and rhythm faults at an early stage. Read now!

How does a horse carry a rider in a healthy way? Everything you need to know about the thoracic sling, carrying fatigue and correct training.

Learn how anatomy & biomechanics influence equine health. Correct training, core training principles, warning signs & more!

What makes a horse’s muscles so special? Discover everything about type IIa muscle fibres, lactate shuttling and glycogen stores in horses.

How does equine musculature work? Learn everything about muscle structure, energy supply, and training adaptations in horses.

How does muscle contraction work in horses? Discover everything about the sliding filament model, calcium, ATP and equine muscles.

What is lactate in the horse muscle? Learn how lactate acts as an energy source, pH buffer, and signalling molecule to optimise equine performance

What’s behind the term MIM for PSSM2? Sanoanimal explains where it comes from and what a genetic testing company has to do with it.

Just like in humans, there are numerous muscle diseases in horses, the causes and variety of which are still partly unknown and not as well researched in our four-legged companions as in us. But what is the current state of scientific knowledge?

Are thick, stocked up legs only a problem due to long stabling or are there other causes? Let´s dive deeper!

Joints don’t like the wet and cold - older horses and those that have run in sport often have this problem.

Myopathies and other muscle diseases aren't uncommon in horses. Some are genetic, some have other causes. Learn more about them here.

Once the damp and chilly weather arrives, there is a noticeable increase in the number of horses experiencing issues in their musculoskeletal system. Find out more now.

What is PSSM in horses? Sanoanimal explains in this article how a horse with PSSM should be fed and exercised.

How can feeding influence muscle growth?

Which symptoms indicate tendon and ligament injuries? What therapeutic approaches are there? What do I need to look out for?