Triceps Brachii

The triceps is a large muscle comprising of three heads; long, lateral and medial.

Long head

Origin: the rear border of the scapula.

Insertion: Olecranon (elbow) of the ulna.

Function: Flexes the shoulder under concentric contraction 

Lateral head

Origin: The lateral border of the humerus.

Insertion: Olecranon (elbow) of the ulna.

Function: Extend the elbow joint

Medial head

Origin: The medial border of the humerus.

Insertion: Olecranon (elbow) of the ulna.

Function: Extend the elbow joint.
-
Soreness: When this muscle is tight, the skin may twitch when it is being palpated, the horse may have a shortened stride and/or jump flat as shoulder flexion may be affected. A tight band of fibres and/or tightness throughout the whole muscle is usually felt when this muscle is stressed, which can be released with massage techniques such as cross fibre friction during an appointment.

​Shoulder extension stretches will aid in reducing tension in this muscle and improving the range of movement.