Lumps and bumps

AS prey animals, horses have evolved to move at speed with the minimum energy expenditure. To this end, a horse has as little weight in the lower limbs as possible, allowing the legs to act like springs. However, to some extent everything comes at a cost and, generally, the faster the legs the less protection they have.

To save weight, below a horse’s knees and hocks there is essentially no muscle and very little fat. Fluid is also kept at a minimum, and the skin should feel like it’s shrink-wrapped on to the bones and tendons of the lower legs. This is the same with all horses, even those with feathers, who often just have thicker skin.

However, this evolutionary design leaves the legs vulnerable to damage, so it is vital that we can recognise any problems. To do this, it is important first to know what the normal leg should look and feel like. Familiarity with the lumps and bumps that have always been there allows for changes to be recognised. The fact that the lower leg