05/10/2025
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Myofascial Network Notes: How Fascial Lines Stabilize, Support, and Transmit Power
The myofascial lines work together to stabilize, support, and transmit power throughout the horse’s body:
Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL): Engages to lengthen the spine and maintain posture along the back.
Deep Dorsal Line (DDL): Provides deep spinal support and segmental stability.
Superficial Ventral Line (SVL): Shortens and lifts the belly to support the torso.
Deep Ventral Line (DVL): Stabilizes internal organs and maintains core integrity.
Lateral Lines: Stabilize the thorax, assist in lifting the belly, and support back engagement.
Functional Lines: Transmit power forward, linking the back to the limbs for coordinated movement.
Spiral Lines: Create controlled asymmetry and torsion, allowing smooth rotational flow throughout the body.
Front Limb Lines:
• Superficial Front Limb Lines: Lift and swing the forelimbs forward, linking into the back and spine for coordinated motion. They contribute to stride length, forelimb protraction, and elasticity in the gait.
• Deep Front Limb Lines: Connect through the pectorals and deeper stabilizing muscles, linking into the ventral line. They support the thoracic sling, stabilize the trunk between the forelimbs, and aid balance and engagement through the underside of the body.
Key Integration:
All four front limb lines—superficial and deep—converge in the thoracic sling, a fascial and muscular network that:
• Supports the horse’s forehand while providing both strength and elasticity
• Absorbs shock from the forelimbs during movement
• Suspends and stabilizes the ribcage and everything inside it between the shoulders
• Links the forelimbs to the spine and core, ensuring coordinated, efficient movement
In essence: The myofascial system functions as a dynamic network of lengthening, lifting, stabilizing, and power-transmitting structures, enabling the horse to move with efficiency, fluidity, and resilience.
When any of these lines are restricted, the effects ripple throughout the body, often without obvious lameness:
• Postural compensation: If the DDL or SDL is tight, the horse may hollow its back or lose suspension in the gait.
• Core instability: Restrictions in the ventral or thoracic sling lines can make the horse “fall on the forehand” or struggle to engage the hindquarters.
• Asymmetry and torsion: Spiral line restrictions can subtly rotate the body, causing uneven weight distribution, uneven hoof wear, and apparent “behavioral” issues.
• Power transmission loss: Functional line tightness or front limb restrictions reduce stride length and elasticity, which can mimic fatigue or lack of training.
Because these dysfunctions don’t always show as pain on palpation or obvious lameness, owners, trainers, and even vets may attribute changes to behavior, saddle fit, or general conditioning—rather than underlying fascial restriction.
