ECC Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy 2

Question 1

Cavaletti poles are incorporated into equine rehabilitation programs primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Encourage core engagement, rhythmic movement, and improved limb placement awareness

Answer

Cavaletti poles require the horse to lift its limbs higher and engage its core and back muscles, improving neuromuscular coordination and consistent limb placement.

Question 2

Which muscle group is most critical to strengthen during rehabilitation of a horse with thoracolumbar pain?

Accepted Answer

Epaxial (back) muscles and abdominal muscles together

Answer

The epaxial muscles and abdominals form the horse's core support system; strengthening both provides dynamic stabilization of the thoracolumbar vertebral column.

Question 3

What is 'baited stretching' as used in equine rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Using a food treat to guide the horse to voluntarily move its head and neck into specific stretch positions

Answer

Baited stretching uses a food reward such as a carrot to motivate the horse to voluntarily flex, extend, and laterally bend its neck and trunk, promoting active spinal flexibility.

Question 4

Hydrotherapy is most beneficial in equine rehabilitation for:

Accepted Answer

Reducing limb edema and promoting circulation while permitting movement with reduced weight-bearing

Answer

Hydrostatic pressure from water reduces edema while buoyancy decreases weight-bearing load, allowing the horse to move its limbs through full range of motion with less joint stress.

Question 5

For an average-sized horse, trotting pole spacing in ground pole rehabilitation work is typically set at approximately:

Accepted Answer

4-5 feet apart

Answer

A spacing of 4-5 feet accommodates the average horse's trot stride length, encouraging consistent, rhythmic foot placement without forcing exaggerated or shortened steps.

(ECC) Equine Chiropractic Certification Practice Test

(ECC) Equine Chiropractic Certification Practice Test

ECC Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy 2