Which muscle is responsible for raising the secondary curve in the horse?

Which muscle is responsible for raising the secondary curve in the horse?

• A. Trapezius
• B. Rhomboideus
• C. Cleidomastoid
• D. Serratus ventralis

Answer: (D)

Raising the secondary curve relies on muscles that lift and support the trunk and shoulder girdle. The serratus ventralis pulls the scapula forward and upward attached to the upper ribs, effectively suspending and elevating the thorax and guiding the spine into the secondary curvature seen in a well-arched horse. The other muscles mostly move or stabilize the shoulder blade or neck rather than actively lifting the trunk to shape that curve—for example, the trapezius helps with withers elevation and scapular movement, rhomboideus retracts the scapula, and cleidomastoid controls head and neck position.

Raising the secondary curve relies on muscles that lift and support the trunk and shoulder girdle. The serratus ventralis pulls the scapula forward and upward attached to the upper ribs, effectively suspending and elevating the thorax and guiding the spine into the secondary curvature seen in a well-arched horse. The other muscles mostly move or stabilize the shoulder blade or neck rather than actively lifting the trunk to shape that curve—for example, the trapezius helps with withers elevation and scapular movement, rhomboideus retracts the scapula, and cleidomastoid controls head and neck position.