When we talk about movement in an organism we are generally referring to the interactions between bones and muscles. When we talk about the movement of a particular muscle or group of muscles, we may tend to isolate the movement to an area of the body. In reality, any movement in the body creates movement throughout the body. The simple act of picking up a glass primarily involves the muscles of the arm and shoulder, but also requires adjustments in the neck and trunk to maintain balance. It is orchestrated throughout the body as it adapts to the new positioning. Picture a toddler who has just begun to learn this skill. Often they are unable to judge the weight of the glass or the direction it needs to take to get from the table to their mouths. Over time, the child masters the orchestrated movements necessary to effortlessly lift and drink from a glass. This is a classic example of two concepts called fascial integration and proprioceptive training. The seamless integration of all of these movements is possible because of the relationship of the connective tissue to the muscle, tendons, and bones.
If you could remove every other tissue from the body except the connective tissue, you would have before you a perfect architectural model of that organism like looking at the steel girder of a building before the windows and doors are all in place and the walls painted. Like the web of a spider, the connective tissue system is sensitive to any stimulus it receives. Stimuli then travel like a ripple in a pond. Consequently, any disruption in this system can result in far-reaching effects on the horse’s health and movement.