Horse Leg Anatomy

Horse Leg Anatomy | Landmarks, Tendons & Safe Palpation | Draw It Out®
Draw It Out® — Barn-Ready Anatomy

Horse Leg Anatomy

Know the landmarks. Feel the tendons. Wrap with confidence. This rider’s guide maps the lower limb—bones, tendons/ligaments, key palpation points—and flags wrap-awareness zones so routines stay clean and safe.

Wrap Method Guide Recovery Loop Layering System 16oz Gel Page
Bones & Joints Tendons & Ligaments Landmarks Palpation Guide Wrap Zones FAQ

Educational only. Not veterinary advice.

Skeletal

Bones & Joints (Fore/Hind Similar Below Knee/Hock)

  • Knee/Hock: Carpus (fore) / tarsus (hind).
  • Cannon (MC/MT3): Long shaft between knee/hock and fetlock.
  • Splints (2 & 4): Slim bones on either side; “buttons” palpable near distal ends.
  • Fetlock: Metacarpo-/metatarso-phalangeal joint with proximal sesamoids behind.
  • Pastern: P1 (long pastern) + P2 (short pastern).
  • Hoof: P3 (coffin), navicular (distal sesamoid), and the hoof capsule.
  • Coronet: Coronary band at hairline; key for swelling and wound checks.
Quick mental map

Knee/Hock → Cannon → Fetlock → Pastern → Hoof

Front (extensor) = on top. Back (flexors/suspensory) = behind. Palpate structures in the same order—top/side/back—then compare legs.

Soft tissue

Tendons & Ligaments (Back of the Limb Unless Noted)

  • SDFT: Superficial digital flexor—more superficial rope behind cannon.
  • DDFT: Deep digital flexor—deeper rope behind fetlock into hoof.
  • Suspensory: Runs behind cannon, splits to sesamoids; supports the fetlock.
  • Sesamoidean ligaments: Straight/oblique bands below sesamoids.
  • Annular ligament: Strap around fetlock holding tendons close.
  • Extensor (front): Common digital extensor atop the cannon to the toe.
What to feel for

Baseline → changes

  • Heat: Compare side-to-side; back of cannon & fetlock first.
  • Fill: Puffy tendon sheaths or windpuffs near fetlock.
  • Soreness: Gentle fingertip pressure along fibers.
  • Digital pulse: Stronger-than-usual bounce can flag inflammation.
Landmarks

Find These First

  • Extensor groove: On top of the cannon—guide for front wraps.
  • Splint buttons: Little nodules low & medial/lateral to cannon.
  • Ergot/Chestnut: Small callosities behind fetlock / inside forearm/hock.
  • Coronet: Track swelling lines & hoof wall defects.
  • Digital pulse points: Inside/outside of fetlock or pastern.
Palpation posture

Set yourself up

  • Stand near the shoulder/hip; face backwards; one hand on the horse.
  • Use pads of your fingers; avoid the thumb’s own pulse.
  • Compare to the other limb immediately—your best baseline.
How-To

Palpate the Digital Pulse (60–90 seconds)

  1. Locate: Slide fingertips to the inside of the fetlock (palmar/plantar digital artery) or outside if easier.
  2. Feel: Light pressure until a clear bounce is felt; don’t press so hard you occlude it.
  3. Compare: Left vs. right; front vs. hind. Note any stronger-than-baseline pulse and heat/fill nearby.

Concerned? Stop work and call your veterinarian.

Common checks

Quick Daily Scan

  • Run the back of the hand down tendons (detect heat fast).
  • Pinch the skin at the pastern lightly (hydration context; see Hydration Guide).
  • Flex/extend fetlock gently for comfort cues.
Wrap-aware

Pressure & Overlap Zones

  • Even tension: Front→back across the outside of the leg; ~50% overlap.
  • Avoid ridges: No wrinkles/ridges over SDFT/DDFT behind cannon.
  • Figure-8 (polo): Smooth over fetlock; no bulk in the hollow behind.
  • Standing wraps: Quilt smooth; start mid-cannon; down & up past fetlock; secure at top.
  • Recheck: Heat/slip at 15–30 minutes; two-finger test for snug-not-tight.
Product tip

“Wrap-Ready” means…

Use a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16oz Gel, allow full absorption (dry-to-touch hair), wipe any excess near saddle/girth contact, then apply wraps on intact skin with even tension.

Full methods: Wrap Method Guide

FAQ

Where exactly do I feel the digital pulse?

At the inside or outside of the fetlock/pastern where the palmar/plantar digital artery crosses—use fingertips and light pressure; compare both legs.

What’s “fill” vs. “swelling”?

“Fill” often means soft, puffy tendon sheath or joint fluid; “swelling” can be more focal and firm. Any sudden change with heat or lameness warrants a call to your veterinarian.

How tight should wraps be?

Snug and even—never constrictive. Aim for ~50% overlap, smooth surfaces, and the two-finger test under the edge. Recheck at 15–30 minutes.

Can I map landmarks on a photo?

Yes—mark the extensor groove (front), the splint buttons (sides), and the digital pulse points (inside/outside of fetlock) as your go-to reference trio.

Safety first: This guide is educational and not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If you find heat, swelling, strong pulses, or lameness, stop work and call your veterinarian.

Keep routines calm. Keep hands informed.

Pair anatomy awareness with clean, show-friendly care—thin gel → absorb → gear on. See the Recovery Loop for your daily playbook.

Draw It Out® 16oz Gel Wrap Method Guide Hydration Guide

Not a drug. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always follow current show rules and your veterinarian’s guidance.

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