Course Length: 1 Hour 50 Minutes

The mechanics of the horse’s neck and shoulder are incredibly complex—especially when you factor in the influence of rider weight, tack fit, and the forces created during locomotion. It’s no surprise that this region is a frequent source of lameness and performance issues in the equine athlete.

In this in-depth Team Talk, Dr. Blaine Bugg breaks down the biomechanics of the cervical spine and front end, helping participants better understand how dysfunctions in this region impact performance, soundness, and comfort. Learn how the nervous system responds to imbalances through bracing and compensation, and how that can translate into what the rider feels in the saddle.

Dr. Bugg will also examine the leverage of the poll, the importance of range of motion, and the relationship between neck function and shoulder mobility. This course is essential for professionals and horse owners who want a clearer picture of how subtle signs in the front end can be connected to deeper mechanical imbalances.

Key Topics Covered:
✔️ Cervical and shoulder biomechanics
✔️ Neurological protection mechanisms (brace, balance)
✔️ The poll and its influence on movement
✔️ Signs of front-end dysfunction from the saddle
✔️ Rider and tack influences on neck/shoulder health