Horse Anatomy and Functions

Front

Pastern

Back

The angle of the pastern bone should match the angle of the hoof wall.

Front

Forelock

Back

Helps shield eyes from sun, flies and rain.

Front

Poll

Back

Crucial for head, neck and body biomechanics. Should be the highest point of head carriage in a balanced horse.

Front

Eye

Back

Provide 350 monocular vision.

Front

Muzzle

Back

Gathering of food, sensing texture/temperature, smelling and social interaction.

Front

Mandible (Jaw)

Back

Breakdown of tough fibrous material by side to side and vertical motions.

Front

Crest

Back

A fat storage site.

Front

Withers

Back

A key structural point for fitting saddles.

Front

Shoulder

Back

Support 60% of the horse's weight, absorbing shock, enabling movement.

Front

Point of shoulder

Back

Crucial for turning and shifting centre of gravity, aiding agility.