Leg Marking Locations
Here are the most common horse leg markings you’ll see.
Before we can name horse leg markings, we need to know the parts of the leg. This diagram shows the main leg areas we use when describing markings on both the front legs and the hind legs.
Take a moment to look closely at the graphic. Notice how the labels line up across the front and hind legs. Even though the joints bend differently, many of the same names are used.
Knee and Hock
At the top of the diagram, you’ll see two labels:
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Knee on the front leg
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Hock on the hind leg
These joints are in similar positions on the body, but they have different names depending on whether the leg is in front or behind.
Fetlock
The fetlock is the joint just above the hoof. It looks a little like an ankle.
The fetlock bends when a horse walks or runs. Many leg markings stop near this joint or start just below it.
Cannon
Below the knee and hock is the cannon bone.
The cannon is the long, straight section of the leg. This area is very important for leg markings because many markings are named based on how far up the cannon the white goes.
Pastern
The pastern is the short area between the fetlock and the hoof.
Pastern markings are higher than a coronet but lower than a sock. This is a key area to recognize, because pastern markings are very common and easy to confuse with other markings.
Coronet
The coronet is the area right at the top of the hoof.
A coronet marking is a thin band of white that sits just above the hoof. It does not climb up the pastern.