Horse anatomy : ANSC 070 dissertation, Diploma in Farm Management

Abstract

There are many equine reference books in libraries throughout the country - and equally as many on bookshelves in bookstores. The trouble with this is that you cannot keep them at home as handy references, if borrowed from the library, and most horse books are quite expensive to buy. Also as in most fields of study there are as many self-proclaimed experts expounding material as there are the genuine article. So with the prospect of being at University to learn about the equine animal, it seemed a good opportunity to further that learning, through studying the books and combining the two sources of knowledge to produce a project that took the best from all sources. Thus lessoning the possibility of me being mis-informed by some of those self-proclaimed experts, I hope! This dissertation is not a scientific one - there are no studies undertaken - it contains information gathered from a wide variety of sources and that deemed the most useful and appropriate included. It has been compiled as a reference guide for the quick "run-down" if you like on systems of the horses anatomy. It has been written by me, for me, to further my understanding of the horse, and to allow me to be more aware of what I am asking of it in many situations. I believe that the more you understand the horse mentally and physically, the greater your relationship can be. The project is written in an informal tone, in an effort to move away from the scientific lay­out and terminology which so often inhibits further reading and enjoyment. It covers subjects that allow the beginner horse-owner to the modestly attired rider / competitor to further understand the physical mechanics of the animal they own. It is not intended to be a reference of illness, lamenesses and associated conditions, but to allow an insight into how the horse works. It is by no means a complete reference and certainly does not cover all the areas I would have like to. However it is a start of knowledge gained and ahich can only be built on. Unless mentioned at the time of reading, all views are related to the ridden horse and personal views that of myself. All diagrams have been listed in the appendices with respect to their source.