The equine balance-maintaining extensor thrust reflex is stimulated at the hoof level from information gained via the interaction of the hoof, to the ground. This information is gathered and translated to useful, actionable information via the proprioceptors.
Proprioceptor
Definition noun, plural: proprioceptors A sensory receptor (sensory nerve) located in the subcutaneous tissue, that is capable of detecting movement (motion) and the positioning of the horse's body through a stimulus produced within the body by the sensory nerve.
This feedback of sensory information from the proprioceptors associated to the ground forces loading the limbs, does actually regulate the motor generation of patterns of movement. ie gaits. Even though the generation of the gaits (and reciprocal postural stability patterns) isn't initiated by the proprioceptors, as this is the role of the CPG (central pattern generators) the proprioception does provide important information to allow them continue appropriately, and efficiently.
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