It’s hard to imagine any animal that captures the idea of human beauty more than a horse. These friends of humans attract the eyes of young and old all over the world. Horses are used for many purposes, but there are few cultures where they have not also been valued for their appearances as well. Knowing the basic terms which apply to horse anatomy is a good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating animal. Let’s take a look at a horse, from front to back.

Muzzle:

The muzzle includes the chin, the nostrils, and the mouth of the horse’s face. It’s one of the most important contact points for human/horse interaction.

Poll:

Right behind the ears is the poll, the very top of the horse’s skull. Horses are very vulnerable in this area.

Crest:

This is the top portion of the neck right below the skull, where the mane grows.

Neck:

The Neck begins at the poll and ends at the withers, connecting the head to the shoulders.

Withers:

Withers are what determines the horse’s height, measured in hands. They are the top of the shoulders, marking the end of the neck and the beginning of the back.

Shoulder:

A horse’s shoulder is attached right to its spine, just below the withers.

Chest:

Also called the breast, this is the front part of a horse’s body.

Elbow:

This is where the belly of the horse meets the leg; just like with humans, it forms a joint.

Forearm:

The portion of the front leg between the knee and the forearm.

Knee:

The joint that connects the cannon bone to the forearm. Each knee on a horse has a chestnut, as does each hock.

Cannon Bone:

The bone between the knee and the fetlock in the front legs, and the hock and the fetlock in the rear legs.

Fetlock:

In the front leg, where the cannon, pastern, and sesamoid bones join.

Hoof:

The foot of the horse.

Girth:

Located right behind the elbow of the horse, this is where a healthy non-pregnant horse should be the greatest diameter.

Back:

The area of the horse from the withers to the loins.

Barrel:

The main body of the horse.

Belly:

The lower part of the barrel, the underside of the horse.

Loins:

Also called the coupling, the loins are where the back and the rump (or croup) join.

Quarters:

The part of the horse between the barrel and the tail, the developed muscles of the horse’s hind legs.

Stifle:

A joint where the femur and the hindquarters.

Hock:

The rear counterpart to the knee, where the cannon bone joins the gaskin.

Gaskin:

The rear equivalent of the forearm, the upper bone of the rear legs.

Shank:

The cannon bone, but on the rear legs.

Coronet:

Where the hoof joins the leg (front and rear).

Croup:

The top line of the horse, from the tail to the highest point of the rear.

Tail:

The tail includes not just the hairs that grow and are visible, but vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments as well.