title: Core Training and Rehabilitation in Horses.
abstract: The central body axis or core is a key component in controlling body posture and providing a stable platform for limb movements and generation of locomotor forces. Persistent dysfunction of the deep stabilizing muscles seems to be common in horses indicating a need for core training exercises to restore normal function. Core training should be performed throughout the horse's athletic career to maintain a healthy back and used therapeutically when back pain is identified. This article reviews the structure and function of the equine thoracolumbar spine with special reference to function, dysfunction, conditioning, and rehabilitation of the core musculature.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Sport Horse Science, LLC, 3145 Sandhill Road, Mason, MI 48854, USA. Electronic address: claytonh@cvm.msu.edu.
authors.forename: Hilary M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Clayton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D009068:Movement; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Back pain; Balancing exercises; Core training; Dynamic mobilization exercises; Horse