The equine Hamstring group consists of 3 main muscles; The Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus and the biceps Femoris. This group of muscles run down the back of the hind limb. The hamstrings main action is forward movement, to extend the hip to draw the leg back, flex the stifle and extend the hock. They also aid in lateral movement, kicking, and rearing. 

 

Biceps femoris 

What does it do?

• Extends the hip and stifle joints 

• Flexes the stifle

• Extends the hock 

If the leg is not planted, this muscle retract, adducts and rotates the limb inward. 

 

Semitendinosus

What does it do?

• Extends the hip, stifle and hock joints

If the leg is not planted, the muscles flexes the stifle, retracts and adducts the limb 

 

Semimembranosus

What does it do?

• Extends the hip

• Extends stifle joint 

• Directs the movement of the tibia femur 

If the leg is not planted, the muscle retracts, adducts and rotates the limb inward