Equine Conformation, Soundness, and Movement

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering equine anatomy, foot structures, gait phases, and movement terminology based on veterinary and horsemanship manual notes.

Deep Digital Flexor Tendon

Inner tendon running behind the carpal bones, around the fetlock joint, and across the navicular bone, fastening to the underside of the coffin bone.

Superficial Flexor Tendon

Outer tendon which runs from behind the carpal bones, and around the fetlock joint, and branches out to each side of the pastern.

Common Digital Extensor Tendon

Runs down the front of the leg to the top of the coffin bone.

Sesamoid Bones

Two small bones at the back of the fetlock joint that form a "pulley" through which the flexor tendons pass.

Stay Apparatus

A system of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that can lock the major joints of the front and hind legs and hold them firmly in position so that the horse can remain standing even when relaxed.

Reciprocal joints

Joints such as the hock and stifle which are constructed so that when one bends or straightens, the other must also.

Coffin Bone (Pedal Bone)

The major bone of the foot which supports the weight of the horse.

Navicular Bone

Small wedge-shaped bone which lies under the back of the coffin bone.

Navicular Bursa

Fluid-filled sac which cushions the navicular bone and the deep flexor tendon.

Digital Cushion

Spongy structure above the frog containing blood vessels, which helps to pump blood back up the leg with each step when pressure is applied.

Coronary Band

Outer band of tissue at the hairline from which the hoof grows.

Corium

The deep tissue beneath the coronary band which produces the horn.

Wall

The hard outer shell of the hoof made of tiny hairlike tubules called "insensitive laminae" that supports the horse's weight.

Bars

The parts formed where the wall of the hoof angles backwards at each end, aiding in absorbing shock and allowing the foot to expand.

Sensitive Laminae

Tiny hairlike tubules that grow from the surface of the coffin bone and interlock with the insensitive laminae of the wall; they possess blood and nerve supply.

Periople

Thin varnishlike outer layer of the hoof which keeps moisture in.

Sole

The ground surface of the hoof inside the wall; it should be arched or concave and contains a deep sensitive layer next to the coffin bone.

Frog

A rubbery, wedge-shaped structure between the heels that helps absorb shock and pumps blood by compressing the digital cushion.

Lateral Cartilages

Wing-shaped cartilages extending from the upper sides of the coffin bone that form the flexible bulbs of the heels.

Stride

A sequence within a gait during which all $4$ legs complete a step.

Swing phase

The part of a stride that begins when the foot leaves the ground, swings backward, flexes, and then swings forward.

Grounding (impact)

The moment during a stride when the hoof strikes the ground.

Support phase

The phase of a stride during which the leg bears weight.

Thrust

The phase of a stride that begins as the leg reaches a vertical position under the weight and continues until the foot leaves the ground.

Engagement

The degree to which the hind leg reaches forward under the body during movement; greater engagement results in greater power.

Breakover

The moment when the hind leg extends behind the horse and leaves the ground.

Nuchal ligament (cervical ligament)

Ligament connecting each of the $7$ cervical vertebrae to the withers and the dorsal ligament system.

Circle of Muscles

The entire system of muscle groups in the horse's body that works in harmony during good movement.

Sound

A state of being free from lameness, pain, or disability.

Symmetrical movement

Movement where both front and both hind legs move evenly with the same height, arc, and length of stride.