21/01/2026
Clinical Considerations of the Equine Cervical Vertebrae
The equine cervical spine is an anatomically and functionally complex region that may contribute significantly to altered gait, reduced performance, and compromised postural control. Cervical dysfunction is increasingly recognised in horses presenting with poor performance, asymmetrical movement patterns, or coordination deficits.
The cervical region comprises vertebrae, intervertebral joints, musculature, neural structures, and the spinal cord. Given the role of the head and neck in balance, proprioception, and postural regulation, pathology or functional impairment within this region may have widespread biomechanical consequences. Consideration of cervical health is therefore warranted when evaluating training, ridden work, feeding practices, and responses to physiotherapy.
Work by Dr Sharon May-Davis has demonstrated anatomical variation in the attachment of the nuchal ligament lamellae, with some horses showing reduced or absent support to the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae compared to descriptions in standard anatomical texts. This anatomical variation may increase reliance on surrounding soft tissue structures to provide stability at the cervicothoracic junction, highlighting the importance of appropriate muscular support at the base of the neck.
Management factors may influence cervical loading patterns. Feeding from haynets—particularly slow feeders, and the horse pulling repeatedly in the same direction—may contribute to cervical muscle asymmetry and altered loading of the lower cervical vertebrae. Given that the head represents approximately 10% of total body mass, even minor asymmetry within the cervical region may result in compensatory strain, particularly in the caudal cervical spine.
Training and exercise considerations are also relevant. Inadequate development of the thoracic sling may reduce the horse’s ability to support the base of the neck, leading to increased demand on the cervical musculature and vertebral structures during lunging or ridden work. Training approaches that encourage cervical flexion without engagement of the thoracolumbar region and abdominal musculature may result in a false outline, contributing to thoracic sling weakness and secondary cervical overload.
During clinical assessment, practitioners should evaluate the cervical region for asymmetry, muscle atrophy, or compensatory hypertrophy, as well as reduced range of motion or altered neuromuscular control. Identification of cervical involvement is essential when developing an appropriate management and rehabilitation plan.
(Images sourced from Google)
