Muscle Deep Dive: Latissimus Dorsi

Let's take a deeper look at the Latissimus Dorsi. This muscle is an important mover of the forelimb, and is often something that requires attention during my visits.

Originates:

Broad origin along the supraspinous ligament in a large region of connective tissue called the thoracolumbar fascia

Inserts: Humerus

Action: Supports the back and flexes the shoulder. Working with the Teres Major muscle, the Latissimus Dorsi pulls the foreleg backwards, allowing the body of the horse to be pulled forward when the foreleg is placed on the ground. Further to this, as the muscle is fan like in appearance, it prevents the horse's body from buckling when they are pulling forwards or pulling heavy loads (Wyche, 2002).

Could you spot tension in this area?

• Pulling faces/sinking away or flinching when tacking up (saddling and/or girthing) • Reduced range of forelimb motion • Resistant to lateral work

Do you know some causes of tension in this muscle?

• Poor saddle fit • Unbalanced riders • Poor girth fit (especially those that are elastic on one side)

Eloise Campion Equine Sports Therapy.