| Foreword | | vii | |
| Acknowledgements | | viii | |
| Introduction | | 1 | |
| Definitions of Biomechanical Concepts |
| | 5 | |
| Gravity and the Horse's Muscles |
| | 6 | |
| The Centre of Gravity and the Horse's Movement |
| | 9 | |
| The Gravity Line and the Horse's Balance |
| | 11 | |
| Balance, Stability, Equilibrium and Agility |
| | 12 | |
| 'Force' in Equine Communication |
| | 23 | |
| | 25 | |
| | 34 | |
| | 36 | |
| | 36 | |
| | 36 | |
| | 45 | |
| Muscles and Associated Tissues |
| | 47 | |
| General Functions of Muscles |
| | 49 | |
| Specific Functions of Muscle Groups |
| | 50 | |
| Equine Anatomical and Physiological Idiosyncrasies |
| | 57 | |
| | 66 | |
| The central nervous system |
| | 66 | |
| | 70 | |
| Comprehension, learning and memory |
| | 76 | |
| Communication and Self-carriage |
| | 86 | |
| The Biomechanics of Contact |
| | 86 | |
| | 95 | |
| | 99 | |
| | 107 | |
| The Engine and the Brakes |
| | 108 | |
| The Shoulders and Forelegs |
| | 108 | |
| | 111 | |
| Engagement and Collection |
| | 114 | |
| The Biomechanics of Engagement |
| | 114 | |
| | 117 | |
| Biomechanical Misconceptions |
| | 120 | |
| Classical Riding and Biomechanics |
| | 120 | |
| | 120 | |
| | 136 | |
| | 136 | |
| | 138 | |
| | 139 | |
| Auxiliary Lungeing Equipment |
| | 140 | |
| | 143 | |
| The Biomechanical Effects of the Rider's Movement on the Horse |
| | 148 | |
| The Horse's Responses to Initial Backing |
| | 148 | |
| The Biomechanics of Adaptation to the Rider's Weight |
| | 149 | |
| Effects of Intent and Motivation |
| | 156 | |
| Effects of Learned Behaviour |
| | 159 | |
| The Gaits - Nature Versus Training |
| | 163 | |
| Principles of Gait Analysis |
| | 164 | |
| | 166 | |
| | 177 | |
| | 191 | |
| The Movements - Nature Versus Training |
| | 211 | |
| | 212 | |
| | 227 | |
| | 230 | |
| | 246 | |
| | 249 | |
| The Flying Change and the Counter-canter |
| | 251 | |
| The Biomechanics of Jumping |
| | 254 | |
| Conclusion | | 259 | |
| Glossary | | 261 | |
| Index | | 261 | |