Every good rider, trainer, and breeder knows how important their horse's hocks are. Unfortunately, they can experience varies health conditions and abnormalities. Certain issues will leave the horse unsound or with "ugly" legs. Make sure to study up on these problems and how you can prevent them!

Hock Problems

  1. Bog spavin: With a bog spavin, the front of the hock will have puffiness or swelling, though heat and lameness are not common. They're usually caused by poor conformation, excessive strain, or injury.
  2. Thoroughpin: With thoroughpins, there is soft swelling just above the point of the hock. This fluid can be pushed back and forth. Often, it's caused by a horse being pushed too hard or from an injury.
  3. Capped hocks: There is swelling at the point of the hock. The fluid accumulations to form a "cap". While unsightly, these do not cause most horses issues. They usually occur from an injury or leg stress like a horse kicking at their stall.
  4. Curb: The plantar tarsal ligament, which runs down the back of the hock experiences thickening or bowing. Slipping or pulling the ligament are often the reason for this issue.
  5. Osteochondritis dessecans (OCD): Bone and cartilage separates from the rest of the bone. Young horses can develop OCD from rapid growth or trauma. There is a genetic component in many cases.
  6. Fractures: Most fractures are due to trauma or degenerative joint disease. The hock consists of eight bones, which leaves it susceptible to injury.

There are other conditions that can plague your horse's hocks, though these are the most common! It's essential you properly care for your horse's legs. You can reduce their risk for many of these issues.

horse hock COWGIRL magazine
The legs of a young horse. Photo by Francesca Pieleanu.

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