Blemishes, Lameness and Unsoundness Found in Horses

Dr. Ann Swinker, Cooperative Extension Horse Specialist, Pennslyvania State University

A horse that is unsound has imperfections that affect its ability to serve. Many unsound conditions are the result of weaknesses in body structure. These weaknesses will become worse when excess strain is placed on already weak parts. A horse that is lame is disabled so that movement, especially walking, is difficult and uncomfortable.

Blemishes are imperfections found on horses, but usually do not affect the horse’s ability to serve. Old, healed-over wire cuts, rope burns and saddle marks are blemishes. No horse is perfect. Understand common blemishes, lameness and unsoundness are judged on their importance in relation to the way you will use the horse.

Definitions of blemishes, lameness and unsoundness:

Poll evil — inflamed swelling of poll between ears.

Fistulous withers — inflamed swelling of withers.

Saddle sore — inflammation caused by poor fitting tack.

Thoroughpin — puffy swelling on upper part of hock and in front of the large tendon.

Capped hock — enlargement on point of hock, depends on stage of development.

Curb — hard swelling on back surface of rear cannon about 4 inches below point of hock.

Quarter or sand crack — vertical split in the wall of the hoof.

Toe crack — vertical crack in the toe of the hoof, similar to a quarter crack.

Bone spavin or jack spavin — bony growth usually found on inside lower point of hock.

Bog spavin — meaty, soft swelling that occurs on inner front part of the hock.

Hernia — protrusion of internal organs through the wall of the body, umbilical or scrotal areas are most common.

Shoe boil or capped elbow — soft, flabby swelling at the point of elbow.

Bowed tendons — enlarged, stretched flexor tendons behind the cannon bones.

Ringbone — bony growth on either or both sides of the pastern.

Sidebone — ossified (hardened, bone-like formations) lateral cartilage, protruding above and toward the rear quarter of the hoof head.

Splint — capsule enlargement usually found inside upper part of front cannon.

Wind puff — puffy swelling that occurs on either side of tendons above fetlock.

Sweeney — atrophy or decrease in size of a single muscle or group of muscles, usually found in shoulder or hip.

So remember when judging, or buying a horse---No horse is perfect. We must have an understanding of common blemishes, lamenesses and unsoundnesses and make judgements on their importance in relation to the way you will use the horse. A qualified veterinarian can help assess the soundness and/or lameness of the horse horse. Soundness can affect the horse's suitability for a specific purpose and influences its long-term usefulness.