1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

strains and tendon ruptures more easily because the hind quarters are placing more pressure then the hock can handle. If this is the case, the horse may be used in pleasure riding or light carriage work. Something that won't force the hind quarters to thrust forward so hard.

These conformation faults are but a few of the problems a hock could give a horse. There are many other undesirable shapes for hocks to be. It could be cut out under the hock in front, or less of a bend causing the leg to be "camped out" or behind the point in the buttocks. They could be sickle or sabre-hocked, over-angulated long hind legs, where the legs are in front of the point of the buttock. They could cause post-legged or straight behind legs, where the angles of the hock and stifle are open, leaving the leg in a vertical position, rather then at the normal 60 degree angle. They could cause bowed legs or be wobbly hocks or even cow hocks, which is a medial deviation.

When looking to buy a horse, first know exactly what you want your horse to do. Then look at the hocks and make sure that the hock has a shape and a location on the leg that can handle the work you intend for it. Don't decide to have a jumping athlete, by the pretty face of the horse. Choose your animal with care because there will be a lot of heartache, when something goes wrong. You wouldn't ask a Shetland pony to do the work of a draft horse, so don't ask a horse with a infirm hock to do the work of an athlete.

Learn more about this author, Gimme a Dream.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Horse anatomy: The hock?
We want to hear your view. Write now!