Course Description: The purpose of this 14 lecture series of courses is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of equine  key concepts regarding the relationships between conformation, locomotion and performance, development of sport specific conditioning programs and detection of lameness, current regenerative therapies, musculoskeletal disorders and neurological disorders will be covered.  A two part series on equine bone strength and mineral nutrition and equine aquatic therapy is also included.  Lecturer’s included in this series are: Dr. Hilary Clayton, Dr. Melissa King, Dr. Anna Firshman, & Dr. Brian Nielsen. Race Approved for 10.25 ceu’s

Learning Objectives:
Understand recent Veterinary treatment options available for orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries.
Understand the functions of the spine, front limbs, hind limbs and hooves in relation to equine performance.
Recognize and evaluate horses moving at the basic gaits (walk, trot, canter, gallop), recognize common abnormalities and lameness of these gaits and understand components of a lameness evaluation. Equine aquatic therapy parameters will be reviewed and support for using aquatic therapy as a rehabilitation tool will be presented.
Provide a fundamental review of clinical neuromuscular physiology and anatomy as they pertain to the horse.
Recognize commonly seen equine Neurologic and muscular diseases and their veterinary management especially as they relate to rehabilitation. Watch a video of neurologic examination techniques in a laboratory setting.
Become familiar with the terminology, techniques and current research in equine locomotion analysis. Limb kinematics and the interaction between the hoof and the ground, kinetic concepts of mass, weight, inertia, momentum and force, and more specifically the effects of ground reaction force.  Describe temporal and linear kinematic variables together with limb coordination patterns that are commonly used by the horse.   Mineral nutrition of the equine athlete and factors that influence bone strength are also covered.