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The sinews and bones of the leg should be thoroughly understood by all horse owners.
Splint is a bony growth on the side of the splint bone, caused by the stretching of the ligaments that attach the splint bone to the cannon bone. It often occurs in young horses as a result of working them on ground that is too hard. It is more common on the inside of the leg than on the outside, and if well below the knee or hock may not cause lameness. It is often very difficult to detect, but when a horse goes unaccountably lame splint is frequently the cause.
Treatment: Quiet work on soft ground, and patience.
Bone spavin is a bony enlargement on the lower part of the inside of the hock. The higher it is the more it will interfere with movement. It is the result of concussion and usually occurs on young horses. When on the exterior of the bones, bone spavins are called ‘detectable’; when between the bones they are called ‘occult,’ because they are not easily discovered.
Symptoms: The horse perpetually rests the limb.
When on the move the toe is dragged somewhat, sometimes causing a stumble, and there is a slight vibration, Treatment: Very easy, judicious work on a high-heeled shoe is sometimes recommended; other authorities advise taking the shoe off. Firing or punch-firing should be avoided if possible, but may have to be resorted to; blistering is of no value.og spavin is merely a round soft swelling on the hock joint. It is a sign of weakness.
Treatment: Rest, and hand rubbing.
Thorough pins: This is much the same as bog spavin. It occurs on the upper and back part of the hock. The swelling is often on one side only, but sometimes it goes right through: hence the name.
Treatment: Judicious exercise, with hand rubbing.
Windgalls are the same as thorough pins, but appear just above the fetlock joint.
Treatment: As for thorough pins.
Curb: This is a sprain at the back of the hock, appearing especially with young horses who have been jumped.
Treatment: Rest.

Shoulder sprain is rare. Many horses are thought to have sprained a shoulder when it is the foot that is at fault.
Symptoms: The horse steps short, is more lame going uphill than going down, and drags his leg when backed or when going forward; he shows pain when pressure is applied to the part, and may object to passive movement.

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