​Three Gateways to Sound, Healthy Horse

There are essentially three primary gateways responsible for a healthy horse:
Cervical Plexus, Brachial Plexus, Lumbosacral Plexus
Starting at the head, the Cervical Plexus, then moving to where the neck ties into the shoulders with the Brachial Plexus, and finally where the lumbar and sacral spines meet at the Lumbosacral Plexus.

These three areas not only encompass the spinal cord, but they also are the three key areas of articulation along the axial skeleton. AND, they also are major intersections for the majority of nerves in the body.

Nerve plexuses are complex networks of interwoven nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Nerve plexuses are weblike networks of nerves that are formed from the proximal segments of spinal nerves and function to organize nerve signals. 
 
 Gateway #1- The cervical plexus is a network of ventral branches from the upper cervical spinal nerves that provide sensory and motor innervation to the upper neck, throat, and peri-laryngeal structures. Indications of dysfunction include reactivity in the poll/ear area, chronic TMJ pain, difficulty maintaining collection, reactivity when asked to bend laterally. There are 5 nerves in this gateway:

• Ansa Cervicalus Nerve
• Great Auricular Nerve
• Lesser Occipital Nerve
• Phrenic Nerve
• Transverse cervical nerve

 
Gateway #2- The brachial plexus contains the nerves that supply the motor/sensory nerves to the muscles and associated structures (joints, ligaments, etc.), and skin of the forelimb and hooves. Indications of dysfunction include forelimb weakness, stumbling, reactivity when being girthed, in ability to bring leg forward , short striding, reactivity to touch. There are 15 nerves in this gateway:

• Median Nerve
• Ulnar Nerve
• Dorsal scapular Nerve
• Long thoracic Nerve
• Thoracodorsal Nerve
• Axillary Nerve
• Lateral thoracic Nerve
• Lateral cutaneous Nerve
• Lower subscapular Nerve
• Suprascapular Nerve
• Musculocutaneous Nerve
• Cranial pectoral Nerve
• Radial Nerve
• Medial pectoral Nerve
• Lateral pectoral Nerve

 
Gateway #3- The lumbosacral plexus is the network of nerves that supply communication to the glutes, hamstrings, gaskins, and distal hind limbs. Indicators of dysfunction include toe dragging/scuffing, weak push, difficulty backing straight.
There are 6 nerves in this gateway:

• Femoral Nerve
• Iliohypogastric Nerve
• Ilioinguinal Nerve
• Lateral femoral Nerve
• Obturator Nerve
• Genitofemoral Nerve

 ​It is all about the big picture. With the LISTEN Approach, I provide a Christ-centered approach to holistic equine care so that horses with mystery lameness, chronic pain, and behavioral issues experience healing from the inside out.

 Blessings,
Amy
Peak Performance & Wellness Solutions
A Christ-centered approach to holistic equine care.

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