Equine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy is a growing discipline that requires trained professionals to care for horses"

Physiotherapists specialized in the care of equine patients must have in-depth knowledge of the horse's anatomy in order to achieve effective training that minimizes possible damage or side effects to the animals. In this way, they will be able to perform rehabilitation work without any risks, improving their health and physical capacity.

One of the main pillars of this Postgraduate diploma is the exhaustive and meticulous knowledge of the horse's anatomy, both from the functional point of view as well as its biomechanical behavior. The movement of the horse is developed fundamentally in three gaits: walk, trot and canter. However, as in humans, each equestrian discipline requires specific biomechanics and therefore has specific locomotor requirements. Knowing this dynamic will allow for getting the best physical performance out of the horse.

Likewise, achieving the maximum sporting performance of an athletic horse depends to a large extent on proper training planning. With proper and individualized planning, in addition to achieving the performance appropriate to the genetic potential of the horse, the risk of fatigue, exhaustion and, therefore, musculoskeletal injuries and overtraining will be reduced. 

This Postgraduate diploma provides students with specialized tools and skills to successfully develop their professional activity, working on key competencies such as knowledge of the reality and daily practice of the professional, and developing responsibility in the monitoring and supervision of their work, as well as communication skills within the essential teamwork.

In addition, as it is an online Postgraduate diploma, the student is not conditioned by fixed schedules or the need to move to another physical location, but can access the contents at any time of the day, balancing their work or personal life with their academic life.

Don't miss the opportunity to study with us in this Postgraduate diploma in Horse Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics and Training. It's the perfect opportunity to advance in your career"

This Postgraduate diploma in Horse Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics and Training contains the most complete and up-to-date educational program on the market. The most important features include:

• Practical cases presented by experts in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional development
• The latest news on horse biomechanics and training
• Practical exercises where self-assessment can be used to improve learning
• Special emphasis on innovative methodologies in biomechanics and training in horses
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

This Postgraduate diploma is the best investment you can make in selecting a refresher program to update your knowledge in Horse Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics and Training”

Its teaching staff includes professionals from the field of physiotherapy, who contribute their work experience to this program, as well as renowned specialists from leading societies and prestigious universities.

The multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive training programmed to train in real situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise throughout the program. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts in horse functional anatomy, biomechanics and training. 

This program comes with the best educational material, providing you with a contextual approach that will facilitate your learning"

This 100% online Postgraduate diploma will allow you to combine your studies with your professional work while increasing your knowledge in this field"

The structure of the content has been designed by the best professionals in the Equine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation sector, with extensive experience and recognized prestige in the profession, backed by the volume of cases reviewed, studied, and diagnosed, and with extensive knowledge of new technologies applied.   

We have the most complete and up-to-date academic program in the market. We strive for excellence and for you to achieve it too" 

Module 1. Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics of Horses

1.1. Introduction to the Biomechanics of Horses

1.1.1. Kinematic Analysis
1.1.2. Kinetic Analysis
1.1.3. Other Methods of Analysis

1.2. Biomechanics of Natural Airs

1.2.1. Step
1.2.2. Trot
1.2.3. Gallop

1.3. Thoracic Limb

1.3.1. Functional Anatomy
1.3.2. Biomechanics of the Proximal Third
1.3.3. Biomechanics of the Distal Third and the Digit

1.4. Pelvic Limb

1.4.1. Functional Anatomy
1.4.2. Reciprocal Apparatus 
1.4.3. Biomechanical Considerations

1.5. Head, Neck, Dorsum and Pelvis

1.5.1. Functional Anatomy of the Head and Neck
1.5.2. Functional Anatomy of the Dorsum and Pelvis
1.5.3. Position of the Neck and Influence on the Mobility of the Dorsum

1.6. Variations of the Locomotor Pattern I

1.6.1. Age
1.6.2. Speed
1.6.3. Training
1.6.4. Genetics 

1.7. Variations of the Locomotor Pattern II

1.7.1. Thoracic Limb Claudication
1.7.2. Pelvic Limb Claudication
1.7.3. Compensatory Clauses
1.7.4. Modifications Associated With Neck and Dorsal Pathologies

1.8. Variations of the Locomotor Pattern III

1.8.1. Trimming and Rebalancing of the Hoof 
1.8.2. Horseshoeing

1.9. Biomechanical Considerations Associated With Equestrian Disciplines

1.9.1. Jump
1.9.2. Dressage
1.9.3. Races and Speed

1.10. Applied Biomechanics:

1.10.1. Rider Influence
1.10.2. Effect of the Frame
1.10.3. Working Tracks and Floors
1.10.4. Auxiliary Aids: Mouthpieces and Yields

Module 2. Exercise Physiology and Training

2.1. Systemic Adaptations to Physical Exercises of Different Intensity and Duration

2.1.1. Introduction to Exercise Physiology and Comparative Exercise Physiology: What Makes the Horse the Ultimate Athlete and What Consequences for the Horse?
2.1.2. Respiratory Adaptations to Exercise

2.1.2.1. Airway Mechanics
2.1.2.2. Physiological Adjustments During Exercise 

2.1.3. Cardiovascular Adaptations to Exercise

2.1.3.1. Importance of the Cardiovascular System in Aerobic Capacity
2.1.3.1. Interpretation of Heart Rate in Exercises of Different Intensity

2.1.4. Metabolic Response to Exercise
2.1.5. Thermoregulation During and After Exercise

2.2. Systemic Adaptations to Training

2.2.1. Response of Respiratory Function to Training
2.2.2. Cardiovascular Changes Associated with Training and their Consequences
2.2.3. Metabolic Responses to Training and Associated Mechanisms. Intervention of Muscle Modifications Associated with Training
2.2.4. Adaptive Response of Thermoregulatory Mechanisms to Training and Implications for the Equine Athlete
2.2.5. Adaptations of Musculoskeletal Tissues to Training: Tendons, Ligaments, Bones, Joints

2.3. Design of an Exercise Test or Stress Test to Assess Physical Fitness Level

2.3.1. Types of Stress Tests

2.3.1.1. Treadmill and Field Stress Tests
2.3.1.2. Maximum and Submaximal Intensity Tests

2.3.2. Variables to Consider in the Design of a Stress Test
2.3.3. Characteristics of Stress Tests for Speed, Jumping, Dressage and Endurance Horses

2.4. Physiological Parameters to Be Monitored During and After a Stress Test and Interpretation

2.4.1. Respiratory Measures

2.4.1.1. Ventilatory Measurements: Minute Ventilation, Tidal Volume
2.4.1.2. Measurements of Pulmonary Mechanics
2.4.1.3. Arterial Blood Gas Concentration
2.4.1.4. Oxygen Consumption (VO2), Peak Consumption and Peak Consumption

2.4.2. Cardiovascular Measures

2.4.2.1. Heart Rate
2.4.2.2. ECG

2.4.3. Metabolic Measurements
2.4.4. Gait Analysis
2.4.5. Calculation and Interpretation of Functionality Indices Derived from Heart Rate and Lactate Response to Stress Testing: V2, V4, HR2, HR4, V150, V200

2.5. Diagnostic Approach to Loss/Lack of Performance Use of Stress Tests for the Diagnosis of Reduced Performance

2.5.1. Factors Limiting Sports Performance According to Competition
2.5.2. Diagnostic Approach to the Horse with Loss of Performance: Evaluation at Rest
2.5.3. Diagnostic Approach to the Horse with Loss of Performance: Evaluation at Exercise
2.5.4. Stress Tests for the Diagnosis of Loss of Performance
2.5.5. Usefulness of Serial Stress Testing and Calculation of Functional Indices for Early Diagnosis of Performance Loss

2.6. General Basis of Training Training of the Three Essential Capacities: Endurance, Speed and Strength

2.6.1. Basic Principles of Sports Training
2.6.2. Capacity Training

2.6.2.1. Resistance Training
2.6.2.2. Speed Training
2.6.2.3. Strength Training

2.6.3. Periodization of Training. Programming From Data Obtained in a Stress Test

2.7. Specific Training for Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing

2.7.1. Dressage

2.7.1.1. Systemic Adaptations to Exercise during Dressage Testing
2.7.1.2. Stress Tests Specific to the Dressage Horse
2.7.1.3. Training for Dressage Horses

2.7.2. Show Jumping

2.7.2.1. Systemic Adaptations to Exercise during Show Jumping Trials
2.7.2.2. Specific Stress Tests for Dressage Horses
2.7.2.3. Training for Show Jumping Horses

2.7.3. Complete Horseback Riding Competition

2.7.3.1. Systemic Adaptations to Exercise During a Full Competition
2.7.3.2. Specific Stress Tests for the All-Round Horse
2.7.3.3. Training for All-Round Horses

2.8. Specific Training for Endurance and Speed

2.8.1. Resistance and Endurance

2.8.1.1. Systemic Adaptations to Exercise during Endurance Tests of Different Durations
2.8.1.2. Specific Stress Tests for Resistance Horses
2.8.1.3. Training for Resistance Horses

2.8.2. Training for Race Horses

2.8.2.1. Systemic Adaptations to Exercise During Speed Testing
2.8.2.2. Specific Stress Tests for Race Horses
2.8.2.3. Training for Race Horses

2.9. Overtraining Syndrome

2.9.1. Definition and Types of Overtraining Syndrome
2.9.2. Etiology and Pathophysiology
2.9.3. Hematological, Endocrine, Muscular and Behavioral Changes Compatible with Overtraining

2.10. Excessive Fatigue or Exhaustion. Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Pathologies Associated with Physical Exercise

2.10.1. Definition of Exhaustion vs. Fatigue Pathophysiology of the Exhaustion and Post-Exhaustion Syndrome
2.10.2. Pathophysiological Mechanisms Associated With Water-Electrolyte Imbalances and Energy Substrate Depletion
2.10.3. Specific Pathologies Within the Exhaustion Syndrome: Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia/Heat Stroke, Flutter or Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter, Colic, Diarrhea, Laminitis, Metabolic Encephelopathy, Renal Failure
2.10.4. Medical Management of the Exhausted Horse
2.10.5. Exhaustion Prevention Strategies: Before, During and After Competition

Module 3. Therapeutic Exercise and Active Kinesitherapy

3.1. Physiological Basis of Motor Control I 

3.1.1. Sensory Physiology 

3.1.1.1. What It Is and Why It Is Important. Sensation vs. Perception
3.1.1.2. Interconnection Between the Sensory and Motor System

3.1.2. Sensory Afferent Fibers
3.1.3. Sensory Receptors 

3.1.3.1. Definition, Types and Characteristics 
3.1.3.2. Cutaneous Sensory Receptors
3.1.3.3. Muscle Proprioceptors

3.2. Physiological Basis of Motor Control II 

3.2.1. Afferent Sensory Tracts

3.2.1.1. Dorsal Spine 
3.2.1.2. Spinothalamic Tracts
3.2.1.3. Spinocerebellar Tracts
3.2.1.4. Other Sensory Tractsaferent

3.2.2. Efferent Motor Tracts

3.2.2.1. Corticospinal Tract
3.2.2.2. Rubrospinal Tract
3.2.2.3. Reticulospinal Tract
3.2.2.4. Vestibulospinal Tract
3.2.2.5. Tectospinal Tract
3.2.2.6. Importance of the Pyramidal and Extrapyramidal System in Animals

3.2.3. Neuromotor Control, Proprioception and Dynamic Stability
3.2.4. Fascia, Proprioception and Neuromuscular Control

3.3. Motor Control Operation and Alteration  

3.3.1. Motor Patterns
3.3.2. Levels of Motor Control
3.3.2. Theories of Motor Control
3.3.3. How Motor Control is Altered
3.3.4. Disfunctional Patterns
3.3.5. Pain and Motor Control 
3.3.6. Fatigue and Motor Control
3.3.7. The Gamma Circuit 

3.4. Motor Control. Alteration and Re-Education

3.4.1. Consequences of Altered Motor Control
3.4.2. Neuromuscular Re-Education 
3.4.3. Learning Principles and Other Theoretical Considerations in Motor Control Re-Education
3.4.4. Assessment and Goals in Motor Control Re-Education
3.4.5. Importance of Rider-Horse Communication in the Neuromotor System 

3.5. Motor Control. Re-Education II: Core Training

3.5.1. Basis of Application 
3.5.2. Core Anatomy of the Horse
3.5.3. Dynamic Mobilizations
3.5.4. Facilitation or Strengthening Exercises 
3.5.5. Imbalance or Destabilization Exercises

3.6. Motor Control. Re-Education II: Proprioceptive Facilitation Techniques 

3.6.1. Basis of Application 
3.6.2. Environmental Stimulation Techniques 
3.6.3. Use of Proprioceptive or Tactile Stimulators and Wristbands
3.6.4. Use of Unstable Surfaces
3.6.5. Use of Neuromuscular Taping
3.6.6. Use of Resistive Elastic Bands

3.7. Training and Active Rehabilitation Programs I 

3.7.1. Initial Considerations
3.7.2. The Natural Gaits of the Horse: Biomechanical Aspects to be Considered in Re-Education

3.7.2.1. Walk
3.7.2.2. Trot
3.7.2.3. Canter

3.7.3. Working With the Neck in a Low and Elongated Position: Biomechanical Aspects to Be Considered in Reeducation
3.7.4. Working in Circles: Biomechanical Aspects to Consider in Re-Education

3.8. Training and Active Rehabilitation Programs II 

3.8.1. The Backward Step: Biomechanical Aspects to Be Considered in Re-Education

3.8.1.1. Initial Considerations
3.8.1.2. Effects From a Biomechanics Perspective
3.8.1.3. Effects From a Neurological Perspective

3.8.2. Two-Track Work: Biomechanical Aspects to Be Considered in Re-Education
3.8.3. Work With Bars and Cavalettis: Biomechanical Aspects to Be Considered in Re-Education
3.8.4. Slope Work: Biomechanical Aspects to Be Considered in Re-Education
3.8.5. Footwork and Use of Auxiliary Renderings: Biomechanical Aspects to be Considered in Re-Education

3.9. Training and Active Rehabilitation Programs III 

3.9.1. Considerations and Objectives in the Design of an Active Rehabilitation Program 
3.9.2. Considerations of the Effect of Training on Muscle Physiology 
3.9.3. Consideration of the Effect of Training on the Cardiorespiratory System 
3.9.4. Considerations of Specific Active Rehabilitation Programs 
3.9.5. Effect of the Rider on Posture and Movement

3.10. Hydrotherapy 

3.10.1. Therapeutic Properties of Water
3.10.2. Resting and Exercise Hydrotherapy Modalities
3.10.3. Physiological Adaptations to Exercise in Water, With Special Emphasis on Locomotor Adaptations
3.10.4. Use of Water Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Tendon Ligament Injuries
3.10.5. Use of Water Exercise in the Rehabilitation of pathologies of Dorsal Pathologies
3.10.6. Use of Water Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Joint Pathologies
3.10.7. Precautions and General Considerations When Designing a Water-Based Exercise Protocol in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

This training will allow you to advance in your career comfortably"