The area between the stifle and hock is called the, "Gaskin." It should be relatively long in comparison to the cannon bone and show good muscle development. A horse with poor muscle tone in this area is referred to as, "weak in the gaskin."
Another common swelling in the hind legs that does not affect the horse's performance can be found further down the leg, in and above the fetlock joint. It is referred to as, "Wind Puffs." Sometimes it is also referred to as, "Wind Galls." It is usually found in horses that have been on a strenuous training program that is abruptly stopped. It is also found in horses that are confined to stalls for long periods of time.
As you look at the hind legs of the horse, make note of the same correctness you looked for in the front legs of the horse. Stand behind the horse and look to see that his back legs follow straight down along your imaginary line dropped from the buttocks on either side. "Narrow behind," is a common conformational flaw which describes a horse whose back legs are too close together. From the side view, you should also look for the same 45 degree angle in the slope of the pastern and check to see that the horse's toes point straight forward.
Next month we will talk about the hoof. Yes, a whole issue dedicated to the amazingly complex, highly under rated hoof and the many conformational flaws and diseases that can affect it. As the saying goes, "No feet, no legs, no horse!" Till then...Happy Riding!
