Even a slightly misaligned hyoid apparatus (the group of bones in the neck that support the tongue and larynx) in a horse can have a wide-ranging impact on the function and movement of fascia, certain muscles and nervous system. This anatomical misalignment can potentially lead to several neuromuscular and mechanical problems.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate from the cervical spine (C5–T1) and controls movement and sensation in the forelimbs. If the hyoid apparatus causes muscular imbalances or tension in the scalenus, brachiocephalicus, or trapezius, it may lead to compression or irritation of the brachial plexux. Even a small misalignment in this area can create a chain of issues that affects posture, muscle coordination, and nerve function.

The cervical nerve roots are responsible for motor control and sensation in the neck and upper limbs. Any misalignment or compression of these nerve roots due to a rotated hyoid can lead to numbness or tingling sensations along the neck, shoulders, or forelimbs.

Every muscle in the horses body eventually connects to the hyoid.

The bones that make up the hyoid apparatus are the only bones in the body not to connect to another bone - they are held in place solely by ligaments.

The hyoid and cranial nerves are intricately connected with the jaw.

The deep muscles of the neck that help attach the neck to the thoracic cavity (the chest region) are primarily responsible for stabilizing the cervical vertebrae, supporting the connection between the neck and the thoracic spine, and enabling the movement of the neck relative to the chest and shoulders. These muscles help in anchoring the neck to the thoracic region and assist in various neck functions like flexion, extension, and lateral movement.

Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory Nerve): innervates the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and other muscles in the neck and shoulders. Compression or irritation of the accessory nerve due to a rotated hyoid apparatus can reflect on surrounding deep muscles.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal Nerve): Although the trigeminal nerve mainly serves the face, it can also be involved in referred pain if tension or misalignment in the hyoid apparatus causes discomfort or changes in the neck's posture. This may manifest as sensitivity around the face, jaw, or sinuses.

The hyoid apparatus consists of a selection of small bones that articulate together. Its name means "shaped like the letter upsilon (Y)", and it is situated at the base of the skull; between the cheeks of the horse. The hyoid apparatus connects to the skull via the temporohyoid joint. At this joint, the hyoid apparatus articulates with the skull. The hyoid apparatus gives biomechanical form and function to the larynx, pharynx and the tongue.

The position of a fetus during gestation can influence the development of certain cranial nerves and associated structures. If a horse fetus is positioned in a way that causes compression or restriction of the facial nerve or the cranial nerve roots during the critical period of nerve development, it could lead to improper development or positioning that may or may not interfere with other factors later in life yet with properly timed care addressing arising symptoms helping the body into functional alignment the horse may learn to manage and use his features with little to simple routine maintenance therapies like accupuncture, craniosacral and similar. Injury, trauma or habits isn't always the cause of misalignments, fascia knots or stress tension.

The tongue connects to the hyoid apparatus.

The hyoid apparatus has muscular connections from the throat to the forelimbs (omothyroid), shoulder (omohyoid) and sternum (sternohyoid).

Sternohyoid = hyoid to sternum; Omohyoid = basihyoid to medial scapula/subscapular fascia; these muscles provide a direct connection from the hyoid apparatus to the shoulder of the horse via the ventral neck. Tension within these muscles, along with sternothyroid, results in restricted shoulder movement and the development of hypertonicity. Contraction of these muscles can put strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Additionally, hypertrophy and hypertonicity of the sternocephalic muscle can occur when the horse strains against the bit as a result of negative pressure upsetting the hyoid apparatus.

The muscle chain continues ventrally, connecting the pectoral area to the abdominal muscles.

The abdominal muscles are connected to the pelvic muscles.

Small muscles of the hyoid apparatus connect to the TMJ and the poll. The TMJ has a dual purpose of mastication and registering of postural information. Therefore, it is an important anatomical location for nerves that control proprioception and balance; the highest concentration of mechanoreceptors (sensory nerves that report shape change) are found in the periphery of the disc and at the attachment site of local ligaments.The TMJ articulates with the hyoid apparatus.

Hypertonicity of the hyoid musculature = often have lateral imbalances of the hyoid bones. When viewing the horses head from underneath, the tongue can be located in the depression between the two ramus of the mandibles. Applying gentle pressure underneath can identify a bony structure, which is the basihyoid bone. Lumps around this area are likely saliva glands. Feeling the location of this bone can determine deviation of the hyoid. Sliding the tips of the fingers along the inside curvature of the mandible upwards can move the hyoid gently to determine tension.

manually worked on neck, shoulders and armpits assisting horse to release entrapments allowing for expansion at origins and attachments of the hyoid around the shoulder blade and thoracic sling by adddressing the origin of the omohyiod to prepare tension areas for follow-up hyoid releases

horse: Kalli Date: 11/21/24

Subclavius muscle:

Origin: Sternum and costal cartilages (1-4)

Insertion: Blends with the supraspinatus muscle and shoulder fascia.

Function: Suspension of the trunk - assists the serratus ventralis when hoof is on the ground. It rotates the thoracic limb in a paramedian plane, leading to the movement of the scapula cranially and humerus caudally.

Innervation: Cranial pectoral nerve.

Targeting imbalances around the illopsoas complex to address disengaged internal obliques and protracted subclavius muscles aiming to restore balance in the pectoral muscle group.
Recognising sensitivity: objection and struggle to perform a forelimb protraction stretch and trouble during the suspension phase of the stride

Horse: Aubie Date: 11/21/24

The cranial phase of the step cycle in equines refers to the portion of the gait cycle where the limb is advancing forward (cranially) in preparation for the next placement on the ground. During this phase, the limb moves in a swinging arc, typically driven by coordinated muscular contractions and joint flexion. This motion is essential for generating stride length and maintaining fluid movement.

In the cranial phase:

1. Joint Flexion: Key joints like the shoulder, elbow, carpus (knee), and fetlock are flexed, allowing the limb to clear the ground efficiently.

2. Muscle Engagement: The protractor muscles, such as the brachiocephalicus and pectoral muscles, play a significant role in pulling the limb forward.

3. Balance and Support: As the limb swings cranially, the opposing limb (on the same side or the contralateral side, depending on the gait) supports the horse’s weight, ensuring stability.

This phase transitions into the stance phase, where the limb makes contact with the ground and bears weight. The cranial phase is vital for stride efficiency, balance, and propulsion during movement, and any restrictions or dysfunctions here can impact overall gait mechanics and performance.

Ascending Pectoral

~ the largest of the pectoral muscles and the one in contact with the girth ~

Function: Suspension of the trunk between the thoracic limbs, forelimb retraction and stabilisation of the glenohumeral joint; reinforces the action of the latissimus dorsi.

A DIAGRAM DEMONSTRATING THE HYPAXIAL AND ILIOPSOAS ACTIVATION REQUIRED FOR COLLECTION (Sustainable Dressage)

Conditioning the pectoral muscle group

Incline and decline work -- decline work utilises the pectoral mm. as brakes; can also be replicated in transitions focused on taregting objects and mindfull movement

Hill work - limited to walk and trot to begin with to have maximal effectiveness. Pole work.

Isometric exercises — Shifting the weight gently from forelimbs to hindlimbs... From side to side. Awereness of limb placement trained on cue. Lateral exercises.

Varying terrains and surfaces for proprioceptive mechanism activation and thus neuromuscular feedback.

sacrum:

dorsal view

caudal view

cranial view

ventral view

horse: Friskoey

date: 11/21/24

Building trust with a semi-feral horse is an art that blends patience, respect, and the ability to listen without words. Craniosacral therapy (CST) offers a surprising yet powerful way to bridge the gap between fear and connection. Using gentle, barely perceptible touch, CST works with the horse’s craniosacral system to release stored tension and encourage deep relaxation. What makes it remarkable is how the process respects the horse’s autonomy, allowing them to feel in control—something critical for trust-building. As the horse begins to associate human touch with comfort rather than threat, their defenses soften. This newfound trust paves the way for more targeted interventions like myofascial alignment and releasing entrapments. In time, CST becomes more than therapy—it becomes a conversation, a moment where the horse decides to trust and let you in.

horse: Rya, short initial asessment

Date: 11/21/24

very likely any further alignment treatments summarize this and this sections as no evident structural misalignments present during first hands-on except poll tension right and scapula pro-/retraction difficulty on left side.Young horses with thoracic sling weakness are almost always cue to look into training/nutrition/environmental stress and consistency/balance between conditioning techniques - balance-promoting adjustments

Predict the future

You didn’t come this far to stop

also facing the fact that if our domestic horses aren't grazing in diverse, knee-deep pasture fields or valleys, re-creating a natural balance is only available through aspects of management strategies than involve taking into consideration all environmental factors to compromised equine thriving