Anatomy & Injuries of an Equine Shoulder

The equine shoulder is a large muscle mass on the horse's body, but most of the injuries that affect the shoulder are minor compared to more common equine injuries.

  1. Placement

    • The horse's shoulder begins at the base of the horse's neck and consists of the muscle mass above the forelegs.

    Parts

    • The horse's shoulder has two bones. The scapula sits directly at the base of the neck; the humerus connects the scapula and the leg bones. The rest of the shoulder is soft tissue.

    Fun Fact

    • No bones--only muscles, ligaments and tendons--connect the horse's shoulders and forelegs to the rest of the skeleton.

    Broken Bones

    • Though considered uncommon by the Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook, horses can break the scapula and humerus. These breaks require severe trauma to happen.

    Soft-tissue Injuries

    • A horse's shoulders may sustain muscle bruises, soft tissue pulls and strains. Cuts and punctures are more common injuries.