A Visual Guide to External Horse Anatomy Quiz

Answer: withers

The size and shape of the withers determines how a saddle will fit the horse. The neck and shoulder muscles attach at the withers. Horses are measured in hands, which is equal to four inches.

Answer: True

Horses have 360 degree vision, with blind spots directly in front and behind them. They are not color blind, but they cannot see red. Their eyes are most commonly brown, but they can be blue, green, or hazel. They use monocular vision most often, with binocular vision used when looking ahead.

Answer: throatlatch

The throatlatch is located under the jaw. It is where a part of the bridle, also called the throatlatch, is placed.

Answer: True

Chestnuts are calluses located on the inner part of a horse's legs. Most horses have one on each leg. They come in different sizes and shapes and are unique to each horse.

Answer: pastern

The pastern is located between the top of the hoof and the fetlock. It helps to absorb the force asserted on the hoof from walking.

Answer: chin groove

The chin groove is also known as the curb groove. On bridles that have them, the chin or curb strap is located at the chin groove.

Answer: hock

The hock is also called the gambrel. It is located on the hindlegs below the gaskin. If a horse is worked hard, the hock can take a lot of strain and cause problems.

Answer: fetlock

The fetlock is commonly mistaken as the ankle, but it is really closer to the ball of the foot in a human. It sometimes gets arthritic or inflamed if it is put under too much strain. With certain breeds, such as the Clydesdale, the fetlock is the location of long hairs called feathers.

Answer: 3

The cannon is located between the hock and fetlock. In a healthy horse, it should be straight.

Answer: poll

When standing straight up, the poll is the highest part of the horse, not including the ears. The crownpiece of the bridle goes over the poll.