Musculus longus capitis
A deep ventral muscle that flexes the atlanto-occipital joint and upper cervical spine. Works with the longus colli to control the telescoping gesture of the neck during proper engagement.
Origin: Transverse processes of C3-C6
Insertion: Basisphenoid bone of the skull
Action: Flexes the atlanto-occipital joint; ventroflexes the upper cervical spine
Innervation: Ventral branches of cervical spinal nerves (C2-C4)
Weakness of the longus capitis and longus colli contributes to the horse's inability to achieve true throughness and self-carriage.
Weakness of the longus capitis and longus colli contributes to the horse's inability to achieve true throughness and self-carriage. Signs include: Cannot maintain poll flexion without heavy rein contact; tongue over the bit; behind the vertical as compensation; improved with correct gymnastic training over time.
See the Longus Capitis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model