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Points of the Horse



By Lachlan Bell | Published 01/14/2006 | Horse Conformation and Vital Signs |

It is important to be able to correctly identify the parts of a horse to discuss Conformation.

Abdomen/Belly - broad area underneath the horse

Back - area between the Withers and the Loin

Barrel - area below the back, around the rib cage.

Buttock - area below the Dock, at the very back of the muscled area above the hind legs.

Cannon Bone - the long bone in the lower leg.

Cheek/Jowls - the rounded bones on the side of the horses head.

Chest - area between the shoulders, across the front of the horse.

Chin Groove - hollow area between the chin and the jaw.

 

Coronet - narrow band at the hair line; between the Hoof and the Pastern.

Crest - the top of the Neck.

Croup - area in front of the doak and tail.

Dock - solid, flessy part of the horses tail; where the tail joins the body.

Ears

Elbow - point at the top of the Forearm.

Eye

Fetlock - the joint between the pasturn and cannon bones.

Flank - area at the back of the barrel; below the loin.

Forearm - upper part of the foreleg; between the Knee and upper arm.

Gaskin - area at the front of the hind leg; above the Hock and below the Stifle.

Head

Hock - major joint on the rear legs; between the cannon bone and gaskin.

Hoof - the horses foot.

Knee - major joint in the forelegs; between the cannon and the forearm.

Loin - area in front of and below the croup, and above and in front of the hind quarters.

Muzzle - area on the head that includes the nostrils, chin and mouth.

Neck - area between the head and the Shoulder.

Nostril - the horses nose.

Pastern - the small bone above the foot; between the coronet band and fetlock.

Poll - area between the ears at the top of the head.

Shoulder - area at the front of the horse, between the neck and barrel.

Stifle - area below and behind the flank and in front of the hind quarters.

Throat Latch - hollow under the head, between the cheeks.

Withers - area at the base of the Mane, where the neck and the back meet.

Author

Lachlan Bell was born and raised in Chinchilla, Queensland, Australia. His love for horses began at an early age, and he was a member of the local pony club since the age of 6. He has been breaking and training horses for over 10 years.