Typical dry head by a thoroughbred. The veins are clearly visible. A nice dry leg on a thoroughbred. Skin tight between the tendons, the veins around the knee visible. |
This
article will explain in my best effort the very little known/observed
anatomical characteristic in horses. To my knowledge and observation I
have not seen many horsemen these days, describing the anatomy of the
lymphatic system of equine legs. This part is very important in the
individual or a particular breed description, because it does influence
greatly the durability and soundness of a horse. If we are speaking of a
“wet leg” lymphatic system, we are talking about legs in horses, that
contain more fluid as against the “dry leg” that contain less fluid.
These characteristics are closely associated with either porous or dense
bone structure. Horses of the western
group have mostly “wet/lymphatic" legs with larger, porous and
weaker bones, while the “dry” legged horses of the Oriental
group have actually smaller but stronger, more dense bones and also
stronger tendons. In the exterior of a horse can be seen that in the
“dry leg” the tendons and veins are clearly visible and the skin is
“sucked” tight between the tendons, while in the “lymphatic” the
opposite is true. When breeding horses, these qualities (dry leg) or
deficiencies (wet leg/lymphatic) of horses deserve a great consideration
when trying to produce a durable and sound lasting horse for faster
speeds/gaits. lymphatic system (lim-fatik sistm)n. The
interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and
organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body. More photos coming soon! |
Written by Ludvik K Stanek a.k.a. Lee Stanek