Equine Anatomy

Deciduous- erupt from the age 0-9 months old. Aka baby teeth Permanent- erupt from the ages 6 months to 4 years and 6 months old

Aid in mechanical digestion of feedstuffs consumed and are used to determine the ages of horses

Dark, indented areas in the center of the incisor teeth. As the teeth grind food, they begin to disappear and are gone by age 12

The angle in which the upper and lower incisors meet

Incisors- cut the forage Interdental space- indigestible feedstuff and foreign bodies are discharged Fodder or hind cavity- used for chewing

Jaw, wolf teeth, canine teeth, incisors, premolars, molars, two sets of teeth

Typically have 44 teeth

Typically have 36-40 teeth

Hindgut fermenters Each organ serves the same function as in mono gastric animals

Composed of keratin and grows throughout the life of the horse. Protects internal hoof anatomy

Joins the sole to the inner hoof wall

Area inside white line. Protects internal structures

Valley between the frog and the bars of the hoof

Cushion for the foot; helps distribute weight Most important

Furthest weight bearing point on the hoof

Back of the hoof that is covered in skin and hair. Provides cushion, circulation, and strength

Runs along the frog; adds strength to the heel

Top of the hoof wall; strengthens internal hoof structures

Between the fetlock and the pattern joint. Increases flexibility and reduces impact.

Between the long pattern bone and coffin bone. Allows hoof to move side to side

Front of the leg; designed to flex the leg and hoof forward

Back of the leg; designed to flex the leg and hood in a rearward motion

Between the short pattern and coffin bone. Supports the deep flexor tendon

Large bone found in the hoof; gives strength and stability to the hoof, tendon attachments, and protects blood vessels and nerves