Like all mammals, a horse has a skeleton that protects vital organs and provides a framework for soft parts of the body. The skeletal system also functions as a lever and aids in locomotion. There are 205 bones in horses, and the most important ones are long bones, which are found in the limbs and the back. Short bones, which are shorter than long bones, are found in the joints, such as the knee, hock and fetlock joints. Flat bones, which enclose body cavities that contain organs, are found in the pelvis and ribcage. The humerus, which runs from the shoulder to the elbow, is another important one.
The head of a horse is shaped much differently than that of a human, and it has a long neck with flexible muscles. The horse’s ears are large, and it has a broad nostril. Its eyes are big, and it has a unique forelock that is sometimes thick and other times thin. A horse’s neck is shaped to allow it to move and provide a platform for its bridle.
A horse’s legs are made up of a front leg and a hind leg. The front leg is called a forelimb and is supported by the shoulder joint (scapulohumeral joint), the elbow joint (humeroradial joint) and the carpus (knee joint). The knee has a hinge joint that can be flexed between 120-130 degrees. The fetlock, which is the small rounded joint at the bottom of the hind leg, is a very strong and impressive mechanism that allows a horse to move at high speeds and jump.
When it comes to the torso, a horse has a wide and deep chest, a massive back that can carry heavy loads and is able to move in many different ways. The horse’s tail is a very important feature that helps to balance the animal, and it can be used to communicate and even swat insects.
The horse’s hooves, which are shaped to support the weight of the animal, need regular care and attention. This is because they are very sensitive to frequent contact with mud, dirt and used litter, which can lead to rot.