An experimental study on the role of the reciprocal tendinous apparatus of the horse at walk.

The locomotor pattern of the hind limb of seven horses has been studied in intact animals and after transection of the following structures: the peroneus tertius tendon, the cranial tibial muscle, both cranial tibial muscle and peroneus tertius tendon, and the superficial digital flexor tendon. The investigation was carried out by high speed cinematography and electromyography. It is concluded that (1) the muscles and tendons over the cranial aspect of the tibia play an important role during the support phase; (2) the movements of the hind limb may be performed without the action of the cranial tibial and gastrocnemius muslces; (3) the tendons in the shank store elastic energy during the support phase; (4) the gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles may centre the force of the load through the long axis of the tibia.