Healthy Bones in Horses and Why They Matter More Than You Think
- Horses Inside Out
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
A horse’s bones form the framework that supports every step, jump, and turn. Without strong, healthy bones, even the best training, nutrition, and care can fall short. Yet, because bones lie beneath layers of muscle and skin, problems are often hidden until they start to affect a horse’s movement, comfort or performance. Understanding how to protect and maintain skeletal health is essential for anyone who wants their horse to stay sound and active for as long as possible.
What is Bone?
Bone is living tissue with nerves and blood vessels that contains proteins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. The horse must receive adequate amounts of these minerals to remains healthy. Bone is very responsive to changes in blood supply, nutrition, pressure and physical demand.
Bones can be classified as
Long bones such as the radius, humerus and cannon bones. These are the main levers of the body that allow movement.
Short bones such as the carpus (knee) and tarsus (hock), which are strong, compact and act as shock absorbers within the joint.
Flat bones found in the skull and scapular. These provide protection for the delicate organs beneath.
Irregular bones which included the vertebrae and have projections for muscle and tendon attachment.
Sesamoid bones such as the small bones within the fetlock that give strength and are found where a tendon passes over a joint.
Did you know?......Bone is the second hardest substance in the horse’s body after tooth enamel
The Skeleton
The horse has approximately 205 bones that are divided into:
The Axial Skeleton. This comprises of the skull, vertebrae, sternum and ribs.
The Appendicular skeleton. Made up of the fore and hind limb bones.
The 5 Functions of the Skeleton
Acts as support. The skeleton provides a stable and rigid framework for the attachment of muscles and tendons
Assists movement. When skeletal muscles contract, they pull on bones to produce movement.
Protect internal organs
Produce and store blood cells in the bone marrow
Store minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus which contribute to bone strength
“Bony changes take time to develop, they don't occur overnight unless the horse has sustained a fracture, says Dr Sue Dyson. It takes at least 14 days, often longer before you can appreciate changes in bone shape. Also, bones adapt constantly through a horse's life, based upon the forces placed upon them.”
Building and Maintaining Bone Strength
As part of the musculoskeletal system, correct conditioning of bone is just as important as that of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Bones adapt to both exercise and inactivity and this adaptation helps maintain their strength and resilience. They must be robust enough to withstand the forces created by a horse’s mass, speed, and gait. Without proper conditioning, bones and the structures connected to them are more vulnerable to strains, sprains, and concussive injuries. Regular, varied exercise combined with ample turnout supports bone strength while keeping joints mobile and supple. A good training regime should also include work on different surfaces. Striking the right balance is key: some work on firmer ground helps condition bones but overdoing it can increase the risk of concussion-related injuries.
What Can Go Wrong?
Bone-related issues in horses can develop gradually or be present from birth. There are many that may impact on a horse’s comfort and performance. Here are just a few.
Arthritis: Degenerative joint changes that lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and discomfort.
Kissing spines: When the bony processes along the spine come into contact as a result of bony changes, often resulting in pain, tension, and behavioural changes under saddle.
Here you can see bony changes in the thoracic region of the back. Both kissing spines and facet joint arthritis is visible. Neck and hock problems: Areas prone to arthritic changes that limit flexibility, straightness, and athletic ability.
Congenital abnormalities and ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation): Developmental issues that may not be obvious in young horses but can affect posture, balance, and comfort over time.
Even items of tack can play a role. For example, the way bits are used can leave subtle marks on bones in the skull. These are visible reminders of how training and tack choices influence skeletal health.
If you suspect that your horse isn’t comfortable or may not be performing well, seeking the advice of your vet to try and get to the bottom of the issue is key. This may involve x-rays and other diagnostics to get a proper diagnosis and put together a treatment plan. It is a complex process and one that may take some time.
Explains Sue; “People often jump to conclusions when they see X-ray findings, linking them to a range of clinical signs and assuming they add up neatly—sometimes even to ‘five’ instead of ‘four.’ In reality, many signs are completely non-specific. A horse tossing its head, for example, might be reacting to oral pain, neck pain, back pain, an ill-fitting saddle, or even front foot discomfort. As clinicians, it’s vital that we piece together all the evidence to create a coherent picture rather than focusing on any single finding.”
Helping Keep Bones Healthy
Bone is a living tissue that responds to use. The right kind of stress - controlled, consistent exercise encourages bones to remain strong and dense. Here are some key factors to consider:
Varied movement: Regular hacking, hill work, and turnout help stimulate bone adaptation.
Balanced nutrition: Adequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and quality protein are critical, especially for young and growing horses.
Weight management: Keeping horses at a healthy body condition reduces unnecessary strain on joints and bones.
Routine assessment: Early detection of discomfort or subtle gait changes allows for timely intervention before problems become severe.
Learn More in Our Upcoming Docuseries Episode
The topics that are mentioned in this article and more, are the focus of Chapter 3 of our docuseries The Bare Bones of the Matter. In this episode, Dr Sue Dyson, a renowned lameness consultant and performance specialist, joins Gillian to reveal the fascinating “stories” bones can tell. Using Freddie Fox's skeleton they explore:
Common conditions such as arthritis, navicular disease, kissing spines, ECVM, and hock issues
How to assess your horse’s back and recognise early warning signs
Practical methods for supporting and strengthening skeletal health
Eye-opening insights into how everyday equipment, like bits, can affect the bony structures of the head
Chapter 3 premieres on Wednesday 8th October 2025
Packed with clear explanations, myth-busting facts, and hands-on techniques, this chapter will give you the tools to better understand your horse’s body and take action to support and even improve its long-term well-being.
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