• Aiken, SC

    info@equus-soma.com

     

  • Equus-Soma

    Equine Osteology & Anatomy Learning Center

     

  • Waldoboro, ME

    207-542-6132

  • Equine Osteology & Anatomy Learning Center

    Osteology: the study (-ology) of the structure and function of bones (-osteo).

  • The Beginning ... 

          Acquiring the full skeleton of my event horse (Petey) was just the beginning of an ongoing quest to educate myself and others about equine osteology, anatomy and associated pathologies.  With the generous donations (bones) from fellow horse owners, we currently have full or partial skeletons from nearly 40 horses of varying breeds and ages.

  • What is the Equine Osteology & Anatomy Learning Center All About?

           The Learning Center is about research, discovery, and education.  It is about sharing the life stories and lessons revealed through the skeletal remains of our beloved horses.
                                       Even after death, they have so much more to teach us.

            The Learning Center has many examples of "common" ailments including kissing spine, fused hocks, splints, laminitic coffin bones, osteoarthritis, side and ring bone.

            The Learning Center has great examples of lesser-known osteo-anomolies and pathologies such as transitional vertebrae and Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM) otherwise referred to as "congenital malformation of C6-C7 vertebrae" and "rudimentary 1st sternal rib".

  •         At the Learning Center  you will learn the real story of Growth Plates because you will see first hand, the immature bones from 2, 3, 4 & 5 year old horses.
            Holding and inspecting the bones is the best way to appreciate what the horse's body will do for us and in many cases, what it shouldn't or can't do for us.

            This is why the Learning Center  is open to the Public (by appointment please) and we strongly encourage anyone involved in the horse business whether for pleasure or sport, to visit.

            We especially welcome horse health-care providers ex., veterinarians, students, dentists, osteopaths, bodyworkers/physios, farriers & barefoot trimmers. If you are conducting research, need to study for a course or just want to refresh your memory on equine anatomy that you had in vet school, simply contact us to schedule some quiet, private time with the bones.   The Learning Center also has a growing library of osteology & anatomy references to help with your studies and answer your questions.

  • Discover who is behind the Learning Center concept, collects the bones and teaches.

    Tell Me More!

    Learning Center Founding Females
    Learning Center Founding Females

    Discover who is behind the Learning Center concept, collects the bones and teaches.

    Tell Me More!

  • * Visitor Information & Fees *

            The main focus of the Learning Center is research, the second priority is education.  Therefore the Learning Center is open to the public for "guided" tours and seminars (by appointment only).

            1) "Short Format" - Approximately 2 hours long and includes showing the collections, basic equine skeletal anatomy and an overview of the pathologies. Groups are limited to 10 people @ $50/person.

            2)  "Long Format" - We are also available for more "formal" presentations with larger groups of 6 to 15** people @ $150/person. These typically run approximately 4 hours (seated) depending on the group size and particular interests for that day.  We take a 30 minute lunch break (BYO).  Coffee and tea are provided.

            3) Individuals - are welcome to visit for shorter periods (less than 2 hours) for example, if you want to see what the Bone Room is all about or if you have a particular question about bones.  There is no "set fee" for this but we are very appreciative when monetary donations magically appear in the donation vase by the door.  You will still need to make an appointment.

            We can cater the information to better suit subjects specific to your group (ex. bodyworkers, saddle fit, etc.) so please contact us to discuss your particular interests and to schedule a visit!

  • Current bone collections at the Learning Center.

    Tell Me More!

    Collections

    Collections

    Current bone collections at the Learning Center.

    Tell Me More!