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The Equine Nervous System

By Sozo Equine®

Learn how to recognize, assess, and treat restrictions along the pathway of each nerve to finally get the results you want for the horse and stubborn problems you're treating.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the anatomy and structural organization of the equine nervous system, including neuron structure, spinal cord anatomy, spinal nerve roots, peripheral nerves, cranial nerves, and the divisions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. 
  2. Differentiate foundational neurological concepts, including afferent vs. efferent fibers, upper motor neuron vs. lower motor neuron dysfunction, C fibers vs. A-delta fibers, and weakness vs. neurological restriction
  3. Define nerve impingement and spinal cord compression, and identify clinical indicators associated with each condition in the horse.
  4. Explain the physiology of the pain cycle, including peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms, and apply strategies to effectively modulate or interrupt the pain cycle.
  5. Identify and categorize the major nerve plexuses (cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal) and cranial nerves, including the primary nerves that arise from each region.
  6. Recognize patterns of dysfunction for individual nerves, including typical presentation, common causes of dysfunction in each nerve, compensatory patterns, and performance limitations.
  7. Perform structured neurological assessment patterns, incorporating activity analysis, palpation of nerve pathways and soft tissue, and biomechanical assessment.
  8. Implement targeted treatment plans for nerve dysfunction, selecting appropriate interventions such as nerve glides, vibration therapy, balance pads, myofascial release, taping, cupping, and blading based on anatomical and biomechanics findings and assessment outcomes.

The Equine Nervous System

  1. Welcome

    2 lessons
    1. Welcome
    2. Housekeeping

  2. Introduction To The Nervous System

    3 lessons
    1. Introduction To The Nervous System
    2. Assessment
    3. Modalities

  3. Cervical Plexus

    6 lessons
    1. Introduction To The Cervical Plexus
    2. Overview Of The Cervical Plexus
    3. Ansa Cervicalis Nerve
    4. Lesser Occipital and Great Auricular Nerve
    5. Trasnverse Cervical Nerve
    6. Phrenic Nerve

  4. Brachial Plexus

    11 lessons
    1. Introduction To The Brachial Plexus
    2. Overview Of The Brachial Plexus
    3. Musculocutaneous Nerve
    4. Axillary Nerve
    5. Radial Nerve
    6. Median and Ulnar Nerve
    7. Dorsal Scapular Nerve
    8. Long Thoracic Nerve
    9. Suprascapular Nerve
    10. Thoracodorsal Nerve
    11. Pectoral Nerves

  5. Lumbar Plexus

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction To The Lumbar Plexus
    2. Overview Of The Lumbar Plexus
    3. Genitofemoral Nerve
    4. Illiphypogastric and Illioinguinal Nerve
    5. Lateral Femoral Nerve
    6. Obturator Nerve
    7. Femoral Nerve

  6. Sacral Plexus

    7 lessons
    1. Introduction To The Sacral Plexus
    2. Overview Of The Sacral Plexus
    3. Cranial Gluteal Nerve
    4. Caudal Gluteal Nerve
    5. Sciatic Nerve
    6. Pudendal Nerve
    7. Perforating Cutaneous Nerve

  7. Coccygeal Plexus

    1 lesson
    1. Caudal Rectal Nerve

  8. Cranial Nerves

    1 lesson
    1. Overview Of the Cranial Nerves

  9. Manuals

    3 lessons
    1. Anatomy Manual
    2. Kinesiology Taping Manual
    3. Exercise Ideas

  10. Certification of Achievement

    1 lesson
    1. Submission Requirments

"This class was the missing piece for me. 

I can't believe I never look at the horse through this lens before."