Basic Horse Anatomy for Equine Owners
Get the basics on horse anatomy that every horse owner needs. Diagrams, illustrations and charts will help you understand how your horse is put together. From equine skeletal anatomy to body parts and teeth. Develop a better understanding of where leg injuries occur, and the inner workings of the horse hoof.
Horse Body Parts
Learn the names of horse body parts with adorable pony model, Cherokee. Take the body parts quiz!
Equine Forelimb Anatomy
Equine forelimb anatomy - Deepen your understanding of the structure and function of the horse forelimb.
Horse Skeleton
The horse skeleton illustrated and labled. Good conformation starts with the skeleton.
Great Anatomy Reference Books
Horse Anatomy is Fascinating!
As an Animal Health Technician I know how important it is to know anatomy. As an artist I find knowledge of the skeletal system of the horse immensely helpful when it comes to ‘getting it right’ while drawing. As a horse owner, I am constantly amazed by the power and beauty of the horse. It seems they have the perfect body design.
I love knowing what ligament goes where, how the muscles are shaped and why a horse behaves the way it does....and it all revolves around the equine anatomy.
Basic knowledge of anatomy sits at the center of almost every aspect of horse ownership. There’s just no way of getting around it. Your understanding effects decisions you make about everything from buying a horse, to properly fitting your tack and all things concerning the health and soundness of your animal.
The better your understanding of horse anatomy the better decisions you will make. Something as simple as giving a horse a vaccine can become very dangerous if you do not know where the spine and jugular vein are positioned in an equine’s neck.
The first time my mare turned up seriously lame I was very concerned and upset. It turned out she had a pulled a ligament in her stifle joint. At the time I didn't even know what a stifle joint was let alone how she managed to pull it. Suddenly I was interested in all things anatomy. It wasn't enough to hear my vet’s explanation about her injury. I needed pictures of horse anatomy so I could fully understand the function of the body part and how it could heal.
As you explore the various sections of equine anatomy, I hope you enjoy discovering new things about the horse as much as I have. What an amazing animal!
More Equine Topics You May Enjoy
Horse First Aid Kit
Find out what items you need to build a well rounded horse first aid kit for your barn, your truck and on the trail.
Camping with Your Horse
Camping with your horse - Learn how to prepare your horse for the trail and the feed.