The Essential Horse Terms Every Beginner Should Know
Poll – The very top of the horse’s head, located between the ears.
Forelock – The section of mane that falls between the ears onto the forehead.
Crest – The top curve of the neck where the mane grows.
Mane – The long hair growing along the top of the neck.
Neck – Connects the head to the body and helps the horse balance.
Throatlatch – The area underneath the jaw where the neck joins the head.
Shoulder – The sloping bone beneath the skin that influences stride length.
Withers – The highest point of the horse’s back where the neck meets the body. Saddle fit is measured here.
Chest – The front of the horse between the shoulders.
Barrel – The ribcage and midsection of the horse.
Back – The area between the withers and loin where the saddle sits.
Loin – Connects the back to the hindquarters.
Croup – The top of the hindquarters between the back and tail.
Hip – Large muscles over the pelvis that provide power.
Dock – The muscular top portion of the tail.
Tail – Used for communication, balance, and swatting flies.
Elbow – Joint located behind the front leg.
Knee – The large joint halfway down the front leg (equivalent to a human wrist).
Cannon Bone – Long bone between the knee/hock and fetlock.
Fetlock – The joint just above the hoof that acts like a shock absorber.
Pastern – Area between the fetlock and hoof.
Hoof – The hard outer structure protecting the horse’s foot.
Heel – Back portion of the hoof.
Frog – Rubbery triangular structure on the bottom of the hoof that helps absorb shock.
Sole – Bottom surface of the hoof.
Coronary Band – Produces new hoof growth.
Stifle – The horse’s knee on the hind leg.
Hock – Large hind-leg joint similar to the human ankle.
Gaskin – Muscular upper portion of the hind leg.