Horse (Equine) Anatomy

Horses are large mammals belonging to the Equidae family. Horses have been domesticated for over 4000 years, with only one truly wild species left - Equus ferus przewalskii, or the Przewalski’s horse. Over millennia, horses have been selectively bred for different purposes including sport, leisure, labour, and historically, warfare. 

Their anatomy reflects this range of functions, showcasing strength, speed, stamina, and adaptability.

For a clearer understanding of horse anatomy, explore our collection of equine anatomical charts and posters. These high-quality illustrations are perfect for veterinary students, educators, and professionals looking to enhance their anatomical knowledge. Each chart highlights key bones, muscles, and systems with labelled visuals that support deeper learning and retention.

The equine muscular system consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle. Skeletal muscle is the most relevant for movement and is responsible for locomotion, posture, and coordination.

Key muscle groups in the horse include:

• Epaxial muscles which originate along the top of the vertebral column, responsible for up and down movement of the head neck, sideways bending of the spine and spinal stability.
• Hypaxial muscles which originate below the vertebral column, responsible for flexion of the neck and spine and spinal stability.
• Major forelimb muscles, including brachiocephalicus, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, trapezius, splenius, and triceps brachii.
• Major hindlimb muscles, including the gluteal muscles, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimebranosus, tensor fascia lata, and gastrocnemius.
• Cutaneous trunci, a thin sheet of muscle that sits below the skin of the thorax and abdomen, responsible for the cutaneous reflex or skin twitch.

These muscles work in harmony to generate the power, speed, and agility horses are known for.

We also offer equine anatomy models that provide tactile, three-dimensional learning opportunities. These models are ideal for demonstrating joint movement, muscle structure, and hoof anatomy, making them essential tools for veterinary training, teaching, and clinical reference. Whether you're an equine physiotherapist, farrier, or vet tech student, these models can help you visualize anatomy with precision.

The hoof is a vital structure that supports the entire weight of the horse. It is made up of both external and internal parts, each playing a unique role in movement and shock absorption.

• Hoof wall: Made of keratin that continually grows, it absorbs shock and supports weight.
• Coronary band: A vascular area above the hoof where new hoof originates.
• Periople: the periople is a protective, waxy layer that covers the hoof wall, responsible for regulating moisture content.

Equine limb anatomy is critical to understanding movement, diagnosing lameness, and delivering effective veterinary care. 

Our detailed equine limb anatomy charts and models offer clear visualisations of the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that support a horse’s powerful yet delicate limbs. Whether you're a veterinary student, equine physiotherapist, or horse owner, these  tools enhance your understanding of common injuries, hoof balance, and biomechanics, making them essential for both clinical learning and stable-side education.

• Sole: concave, non-weight bearing structure that protects the sensitive internal structures.
• Frog: a V-shaped, sensitive structure, that provides a weight-bearing surface for the foot, aiding in shock absorption and blood circulation.
• Bars: structures that sit either side of the frog which add structural integrity.
• Bulbs of the heel: contribute to balance, shock absorption and blood flow.

• Pedal bone (coffin bone): provides shape, structure and an attachment site for the tendons responsible for flexing and extending the foot.
• Navicular bone: guides the deep digital flexor tendon smoothly into the pedal bone.
• Digital cushion: aids in absorbing shock.
• Lateral cartilages: supports the hoof wall during movement, absorbing shock.
• Lamellae: delicate, interconnecting, sensitive structures that connect the hoof wall and the pedal bone, keeping the foot together. The laminae contain dense networks of blood vessels which supply vital nutrients and oxygen to the foot. 

Understanding veterinary anatomy can be far more effective with high-quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters, and digital downloads allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through both visual and tactile learning.

Whether you're preparing for exams, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our veterinary resources provide a practical and engaging way to study animal anatomy.