Why Horse Leg Proportions Matter

Have you ever wondered why some horses look more athletic and durable than others? Well, it might have something to do with their cannon length. What’s that, you ask? It’s the part of the horse’s leg between the knee and the fetlock. And it turns out that it’s very important for the horse’s performance and health.

The Cannon Bone

The cannon bone is the large metacarpal or metatarsal bone of the horse. It supports most of the weight of the horse and transmits the force of the muscles to the ground. The cannon bone is surrounded by tendons and ligaments that help stabilize the joint and absorb shock.

The length of the cannon bone varies among different breeds and individuals of horses. Some breeders have been trying to make horses taller by selecting for longer cannons. But they forgot one thing: the forearm. That’s the part of the leg above the knee. And it should be longer than the cannon for optimal balance and strength.

The Forearm

The forearm is the part of the horse’s leg that contains the radius and ulna bones. It connects the elbow to the knee and allows for flexion and extension of the leg. The forearm also contains many muscles that power the movement of the leg.

The length of the forearm should be longer than the length of the cannon for a well-proportioned horse. This ensures that the muscles and tendons are in harmony and that the horse has a good muscle-to-tendon ratio. This ratio is usually indicated by a long forearm and a short cannon.

The Benefits of a Good Muscle-to-Tendon Ratio

A horse with a good muscle-to-tendon ratio has many advantages over a horse with a poor one. Here are some of them:

• Speed: A horse with a long forearm and a short cannon can generate more force and acceleration than a horse with a long cannon and a short forearm. This is because the longer forearm provides more leverage and torque for the muscles to work with.

• Agility: A horse with a long forearm and a short cannon can also change direction more easily and quickly than a horse with a long cannon and a short forearm. This is because the shorter cannon reduces the inertia and momentum of the lower leg, making it easier to control.

• Soundness: A horse with a long forearm and a short cannon is less prone to injuries and fatigue than a horse with a long cannon and a short forearm. This is because the shorter cannon reduces the stress and strain on the tendons and ligaments, preventing inflammation, tears, and lameness.

How to Measure Horse Leg Proportions

If you want to measure your horse’s leg proportions, you will need a measuring tape, a level surface, and an assistant. Here are the steps to follow:

• Stand your horse on a level surface and make sure it is square, meaning that its legs are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.

• Use the measuring tape to measure from the point of elbow to the point of knee. This is your horse’s forearm length.

• Use the measuring tape to measure from the point of knee to the point of fetlock. This is your horse’s cannon length.

• Divide your horse’s forearm length by its cannon length. This is your horse’s muscle-to-tendon ratio.

• Compare your horse’s ratio to these guidelines:

  • A ratio of 1.5 or higher is ideal for most horses.

  • A ratio of 1.4 to 1.5 is acceptable for most horses.

  • A ratio of 1.3 to 1.4 is borderline for most horses.

  • A ratio of 1.2 to 1.3 is poor for most horses.

  • A ratio of 1.2 or lower is very poor for most horses.

As you can see, horse leg proportions matter a lot for your horse’s performance and health. You should always look for a horse with a long forearm and a short cannon, as this indicates a good muscle-to-tendon ratio. A horse with a long cannon and a short forearm, on the other hand, has a poor muscle-to-tendon ratio and may suffer from various problems.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.