Some Elements of Structure and Function

Question 1

In the cold how does horses structure influence their ability to cope?

Answer 1

-minimize heat loss
-warm air entering the lungs

Question 2

In the heat how does horses structure influence their ability to cope?

Answer 2

-maximize heat loss
-humidify air entering the lungs

Question 3

More surface area/mass means:

Answer 3

more heat loss

Question 4

Large horses dissipate heat ________ ________ than smaller/skinnier horses:

Answer 4

more poorly

Question 5

Internal air conditioning

Answer 5

horses have a long nasal passage and trachea so the air has time to warm before it gets down into the lungs

Question 6

Why do we want the “ideal” structure for horses legs?

Answer 6

landing and pushing forces are distributed equally through the whole leg and the limb swings forward and back

Question 7

“Ideal” leg structure

Answer 7

limbs should be parallel and a line should be perpendicular to the ground (through the entire leg)

Question 8

Base narrow

Answer 8

legs are more narrow together
-more forces on the outside

Question 9

Base wide

Answer 9

legs are wider apart
-more forces on the inside

Question 10

Toed out/splay footed

Answer 10

toes are facing out

Question 11

Toed in/pigeon toed

Answer 11

toes are facing in

Question 12

In at the knee/knock-kneed/carpus valgus

Answer 12

knees are more in towards the midline

Question 13

Carpus /bow legged

Answer 13

knees are more out away from the midline

Question 14

Cow-hocked

Answer 14

hocks are pointed in towards each other
-puts more stress on the hocks

Question 15

Horses that toe in often:

Answer 15

paddle out (wing out)

Question 16

Horses that toe out often:

Answer 16

wing in (more potential for the limbs to hit each other)

Question 17

Defect in movement:

Answer 17

-can contribute to wasted motion
-can predispose to limb interference
-often become more exaggerated at speed or with fatigue

Question 18

Misalignment:

Answer 18

-reduces even force distribution
-affects limb flight

Question 19

Angular limb defects:

Answer 19

-carpus valgus
-cow hocks
-carpus varus

Question 20

Forelimb stride characteristics:

Answer 20

-length of stride (ability to reach forward)
-arc of hoof flight (close or away from the ground)

Question 21

The structure of the shoulder and lower limb affects:

Answer 21

the force distribution of the forelegs

Question 22

The fetlock and pastern do what?

Answer 22

absorb concussion

Question 23

What happens with an upright pastern?

Answer 23

it absorbs less concussion and forces are transferred to other structures

Question 24

The structure of the pelvis, femur, and lower leg affects:

Answer 24

the stride characteristics of the rear legs

Question 25

Hind limb stride characteristics:

Answer 25

-engagement and power of the hind quarter (ability to reach under and support the body during push off and turning)

Question 26

Speed =

Answer 26

stride length x stride rate

Question 27

What characteristics of structure can increase speed?

Answer 27

-long legs
-long period of suspension

Question 28

What characteristics of structure effect efficiency?

Answer 28

-less energy used if low to the ground
-light legs (fewer bones, heavy bones are close to the body, major muscles are close to the body or smaller)
-gaits
-upper arm to lower leg conservation of momentum
-pendulum motion recycles energy

Question 29

What characteristics of structure effect strength?

Answer 29

-bone histology (fibers are parallel)
-enlarged bones (ie: coffin bone)
-fused bones
-tongue and groove support structure of joints
-limited rotation of joints
-straight column of bone