• Aiken, SC

    info@equus-soma.com

     

  • Equus-Soma

    Equine Osteology & Anatomy Learning Center

     

  • Waldoboro, ME

    207-542-6132

  • Whole-Horse Dissections with Sharon May-Davis, PhD General Information

  • Meet Sharon!

           Sharon May-Davis comes to us all the way from Australia.  She is a life-long horsewoman, a successful competitor, dedicated researcher and authority in the areas of equine anatomy, biomechanics and dissections.  She has worked therapeutically on horses all over the world including top performance horses in 8 different disciplines.
           Academically, Sharon has a PhD from the University of New England (Australia).  She has published 20 scientific peer-reviewed papers (with more in the works) in areas of congenital malformations, variations in anatomic morphology (congenital or induced) and the potential influence these have on performance, management and equine behavior.  Information for these studies is based on her findings gleaned from over 500 equine dissections (~30 breeds) in 10 countries.
           Sharon is probably best known as author of the first papers describing the congenital malformations of C6-7 to which she later assigned the acronym ECVM .  Additional research projects focus on comparative morphology between equine species and sister taxa by means of analyzing paleontological specimens. 

  • What to Expect

            Over the 3 days, Sharon will take you on an amazing journey as she unveils the complex layers of fascia, musculature, nerves, blood vessels, bones and secrets beneath the skin.

            Specific topics include joint pathology, fascial connections, ligaments, muscles and their interrelationships.  We will review what is known of the donor horse's life history, medical/behavior issues and clinical diagnostics (if available).  As the dissection progresses, Sharon will point out pathology in the body that may relate to problems with which the horse had been living.  Imagine a real-life equine CSI episode with your very own "CSI" Expert Guide!

    Sharon's dissections are also "hands on" (for those willing).  You will be able to: 

    • palpate normal / abnormal muscles and areas of restriction in the fascia;
    • experience range of motion of both the front and hind limbs, and get a better understanding of the stay apparatus of each, including the upward fixation of the patella;
    • see and feel the effect of different bits and noseband pressures to understand how they affect (restrict) the movement of the hind limbs via connection to the hyoid apparatus;
    • and much, much more!

  • Course Fee - What is Included

    The cost for each November dissection is $750 USD.    See side panel for our Refund Policy.

          Your Fee includes:
                 -  Manual (PDF)
                 -  Disposable protective wear for the dissection (gloves, gowns, booties)
                 -  Coffee & tea
                 -  Folding chairs

         Not included in the fee (your responsibility):
                 -  Transportation
                 -  Accommodations
                 -  Drinking water
                 -  Meals (a catered lunch will be available for purchase)
                 -  Note taking supplies

  • Who Can Attend

           We can accommodate only 15-20 participants in each dissection depending on if the horse is recumbent or standing.  Criteria are based on the size of the horse and if she/he has ECVM.

           Priority for attendance is being given to:  equine veterinarians, academics (i.e., those involved in equine research through a university or private facility), osteopaths, bodyworkers and physiotherapists  actively working on horses.

           If all of the slots don't fill, we will then add hoof care providers, saddle fitters, equine dentists, instructors/trainers and students of these disciplines. 

           The reasoning behind Sharon's preferred audience is based on the technicality of the dissections and the method in which Sharon teaches/shares the information.  In other words, a working knowledge of anatomical terminology is a must.