Which type of muscle is primarily responsible for movement in horses?

Skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for movement in horses due to their structure and function. These muscles are attached to the bones by tendons and work in pairs to facilitate motion. When skeletal muscles contract, they pull on the bones, allowing for a wide range of movements necessary for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and performing more complex maneuvers.

Skeletal muscles are classified as voluntary muscles, meaning that they can be consciously controlled by the horse. This allows for precise coordination and control of movement, which is essential for various equestrian activities.

In contrast, smooth muscles are found in the walls of internal organs and are involved in involuntary actions, such as digestion, and cardiac muscles are specialized involuntary muscles found in the heart, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. While voluntary muscles encompass the category of skeletal muscles, it is the skeletal muscles specifically that are directly responsible for the locomotive abilities of horses.