Location of the Equine Superficial Muscles

	EQUINE MUSCLES	EQUINE MUSCLE FUNCTIONS
1	RECTUS CAPITIS LATERALIS	Lets head flex and move from side to side
2	SPLENIUS	Elevate the head and neck
3	RHOMBOIDS	Draws the scapula upwards, backwards and forward.
4	MULTIFIDUS CERVICUS (DEEP)	Extends the neck rotates head to opposite side
5	TRAPEZIUS	Elevates the shoulder.
6	BRACHIOCEPHALICUS	Moves shoulder forward and flexes the neck.
7	SUPRASPINATUS	Extend the shoulder.
8	INFRASPINATUS	Abducts the arm & rotates leg outward.
9	BICEP & ANTERIOR PECTORAL	Extends foreleg.
10	DELTOID	Permits shoulder joint to extend.
11	TRICEP	Flexes shoulder joint and extends the elbow.
12	EXTENSOR CARPI RADIALIS	Extends the carpus and flexes the elbow.
13	SERRATUS THORACIC	Draws trunk to proper level (sling) when leg is planted.
14	POSTERIOR PECTORAL	Draws foreleg backward.
15	LATISSIMUS DORSI	Lateral flexion of the back.
16	LONGISSIMUS DORSI	Extends the back, aids lateral flexion, assists in expiration.
17	INTERCOSTALS	Supports rib cage, aids in respiration.
18	OBLIQUE	Draws hind leg under, flexes the trunk.
19	RECTUS ABDOMINUS	Supports the back, compress the abdomen, flex the spine.
20	ILIO-PSOAS / ILIACUS	Flexes the hip joint.
21	TENSOR FASCIAE LATAE	Extends the stifle, flexes the hip and tense fasciae latae.
22	GLUTEUS	Forward propulsion, hind end action.
23	BICEP FEMORIS	Extends hind limb, hip and hock.
24	SEMIMEMBRANOSUS	Extends the hip and adducts the limb.
25	SEMITENDINOSUS	Permits the hip and the hock to extend and flexes the stifle.
26	FASCIA LATAE	Extends the stifle, flexes the hip.
27	GASTROCNEMIUS	Extends hock, if fixed, flexes the stifle.
28	LONG DIGITAL EXTENSOR	Permits the hind leg to flex.