Most people see horses as strong and resilient animals, and they actually are - but they also tend to have pretty vulnerable legs.
It's relatively easy for a horse to damage a leg, and it's also pretty hard to heal it correctly.
Let's find out why that happens, and why evolution hasn't fixed it yet.
They are pretty thin
Horses have vulnerable legs because their legs are relatively thin and have many important parts like bones, tendons, and ligaments that are not well-protected by muscles or thick skin.
They are also long
Unlike some animals, horses have long legs that support their large bodies.
This design makes their legs strong for running and carrying weight, but it also makes them more vulnerable to injuries because there's less muscle and protective tissue around those vital leg parts.
In the wild, horses had to run away from predators, and having long legs helped them do that.
However, in domesticated settings, where they might encounter different terrains and obstacles, these long, thin legs can be easily hurt.
So, horses need extra care and protection for their legs to keep them healthy and safe.
That's why horse owners often use leg wraps, boots, or take other precautions to minimize the risk of injuries.
Conclusion
If you're a horse owner, or just love spending time with these beautiful animals, then be very careful not to harm their legs - these traumas might not heal well.
Take good care of your animals, so they can be healthy and happy!
