Horse Anatomy
Learn the parts of the horse with plain-language explanations, what each part does, fun facts, and ways to practice.
Knowing the parts of a horse helps you describe what you see, talk clearly with vets, farriers and instructors, and notice problems early.
Explore the body parts
Each body-part page explains:
- What the part is, in plain words
- What it does for the horse
- A fun fact worth remembering
Practice what you learned
- QuizGrooming Tools
- Coming soonLabel the Hoof
All body parts(23)
- MuzzleThe nose and mouth area.
- NostrilsThe openings of the nose.
- PollThe area just behind the ears.
- ForelockThe hair that falls between the ears and down the forehead.
- ManeThe hair along the top of the neck.
- NeckConnects the head to the body.
- WithersThe ridge between the shoulder blades.
- ShoulderThe front area where the leg joins the body.
- ChestThe front of the body between the front legs.
- BarrelThe round midsection of the body (ribcage area).
- BackThe top line behind the withers.
- LoinThe area between the back and the croup.
- CroupThe top of the hindquarters near the tail.
- TailThe long hair at the back of the horse.
- Girth AreaThe area behind the front legs where the girth sits.
- FlankThe side area in front of the hind leg.
- StifleA joint in the hind leg, like a knee.
- HockA hind leg joint, like an ankle.
- Cannon BoneThe long bone in the lower leg.
- FetlockThe joint above the hoof.
- PasternThe area between the fetlock and the hoof.
- HoofThe hard foot of the horse.
- FrogThe soft, triangle-shaped part on the bottom of the hoof.
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