Episode #193: Understanding Adductor Issues in Horses
In this episode, we explore often overlooked adductor issues in the equine hind limb and how these medial thigh muscles create far reaching effects through the pelvic limb, hip joint, back, and overall performance. The adductor group plays a vital role in drawing the limb toward the midline, stabilizing the hip, and supporting balanced movement alongside the abductors and other key muscles like the gluteals and hamstrings.
When these muscles become tight, weak, or imbalanced, it can lead to uneven loading on the hip, pelvic asymmetries, shortened strides, medial limb tracking, reduced engagement, and compensatory tension that travels upward through the sacroiliac joint and lumbar back, ultimately affecting everything from daily comfort to jumping bascule and dressage collection.
Learn to palpate for left and right differences in tone and tightness, watch for signs like uneven stance, pelvic tilt, or reluctance in lateral work, and support your horse with simple bodywork and groundwork exercises. These approaches invite better mobility, symmetry, and throughness without force, helping restore fluid gait and a supple back.
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Please note: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.