Back Muscles

Why are back muscles important?

1. Important for locomotion

2. To have a strong core and back to be able to do sports

What are the two abdominal muscles we are considering “back muscles”?

1. Rectus abdominus

2. External and internal oblique muscles

Longest muscle in the body that stabilizes vertebrae?

Longissimus dorsi

What is the deepest muscle in the back located between the longissimus dorsi and the spinous process of the thoracic vertebrae? This muscle also causes sway back is weak.

Spinalis

Function of back muscles? (Psoas minor and iliopsoas)

1. The horse pushes with hind limb for motion

2. Psoas muscles stabilizes and rounds the lumbar spine

3. Back muscles extend spine and raises the head

4. Raising the head lifts the front end

Why does the horses center of gravity change?

It is required for efficient movement of the horse

Why do abdominal muscles need to be big and bulky?

Their is no bone supporting these muscles

What muscles are apart of the bowstring effect?

Spinalis, longissimus dorsi, internal and external oblique muscles, rectus abdominus

Ligaments and muscles on the dorsal part of the body prevent what?

Overrounding (caving in). The muscles that pull on the dorsal surface are longissimus and spinalis