Barn-ready anatomy guide

Horse Leg Anatomy

A clean rider’s map to the horse’s lower limb: bones, tendons, ligaments, digital pulse checks, and wrap-aware zones. Use it to observe better, not to diagnose from the barn aisle.

Quick answer: Learn the simple map first: knee or hock, cannon, fetlock, pastern, hoof. Then learn the soft-tissue landmarks riders hear about most: SDFT, DDFT, suspensory ligament, check ligament, extensor tendon, and digital pulse points.

Use this guide with the right routine

Check first. Product second. Wrap carefully.

If you find heat, swelling, lameness, sharp pain, or a stronger-than-normal digital pulse, stop and call the right professional. If the horse is in routine post-work care territory, use the product path that fits.

Digital Pulse GuideShop 16oz Gel

Red flags override routine care

  • Sudden or worsening lameness.
  • Heat, swelling, strong pain response, or sharp sensitivity.
  • Strong digital pulse with hoof heat or foot soreness.
  • Wounds, punctures, drainage, fever, or abnormal behavior.
  • Wrap marks, bandage bows, pressure ridges, or swelling after wrapping.

Bones & joints

  • Knee/hock: upper lower-limb landmark.
  • Cannon: main long bone.
  • Fetlock: joint above the pastern.
  • Pastern: sloped area above hoof.
  • Hoof: foot capsule, sole, frog, white line, heel, coronary band.

Tendons & ligaments

  • Superficial digital flexor tendon.
  • Deep digital flexor tendon.
  • Suspensory ligament.
  • Check ligament.
  • Extensor tendon.
  • Annular and sesamoidean support structures.

Digital pulse check

  1. Stand safely beside the horse.
  2. Use fingertips, not your thumb.
  3. Feel inside or outside near the fetlock/pastern where the digital artery runs.
  4. Compare left to right.
  5. Pair the pulse check with hoof heat, movement, stance, and attitude.

Read the full Digital Pulse Guide →

Wrap-aware zones

  • Use clean, dry legs and clean materials.
  • Keep pressure smooth and even.
  • Avoid ridges over the back of the cannon where tendons run.
  • Do not wrap over wet product, broken skin, heat, swelling, or pain.
  • Recheck for heat, pressure, slipping, or swelling changes.

Product path after red flags are ruled out

Related guides

Educational support only. This page does not replace veterinary or farrier diagnosis, treatment, imaging, or emergency care.

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