Anatomy In Motion - the Visible Horse

Anatomy in Motion™
The Visible Horse

Anatomy in Motion: The Visible Horse is a unique demonstration by Susan Harris, in which she paints the muscles and skeletal system on a living horse to show how the anatomy of the horse works in motion at all gaits. The skeletal system, painted on one side, demonstrates the structure and movement of the body and limbs. On the other side, the colorfully painted major muscle groups show how the "circle of muscles" works to produce good movement and balance. As the horse works on the longe line, it's easy to see and understand the function of the bones and muscles, what causes good and poor movement, and common causes of movement problems.

The Visible Horse demo has been presented at major equine expos and clinics in North America, Europe and Australia, including Equitana USA, Equitana Asia- Pacific, Equineaffaire, Ride With the Stars Super Clinics, and the Quarter Horse Congress. This presentation is available on DVD and VHS video (please see below).

The Visible Horse, an Inside Look at Conformation, is a new presentation that uses the painted horse to look at the horse's skeletal structure, the foundation of conformation. When you look at bone structure, shoulder angles, and proportions with "x-ray eyes," you view conformation, movement and soundness with a new understanding. It's also easier to identify blemishes and unsoundnesses when you see the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments on a living horse. This demonstration is presented at equine expos, clinics and workshops, but is not yet available on video or DVD.


(Click on the image above to see full sized photograph)
The Skeletal System	The Muscle Groups	The Circle of Muscles in Trot	Skeleton in Motion Freejumping

The Original Painted Horse: Satori, a 23 year old purebred Arabian gelding owned by Peggy Brown, was the original "Living Anatomy Model Horse" from the first Visible Horse presentation at Equitana USA in 1996. Satori is truly "a horse of a different color!"

It takes Susan up to 4 hours to paint every bone and muscle on the horse. The paints used are washable and hypo- allergenic, so they don’t hurt the horse’s skin and they wash off afterward.

The Visible Horse on TV Susan Harris in demo Anatomy is beautiful!

The Visible Horse DVD or video contains the entire "Anatomy in Motion: The Visible Horse" presentation, plus slow-motion studies of the English and Western gaits. It is clear and understandable for 4-H or Pony Club groups, but comprehensive enough to be of interest to instructors, trainers, judges, saddle fitters, equine massage therapists, artists, and other equine professionals.