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Our infographic below shows the high-risk areas for horses to have injuries. If your horse has a wound in these areas, even if minor, you should contact your vet for support as they have important anatomical structures close to the skin's surface that can easily become damaged, infected or be affected by scarring.
The location is one aspect to consider when assessing a wound, there are several other reasons that may would mean your horse would need to be seen by a vet. Follow our full assessment chart to view the other factors you need to consider.
Requires urgent vet attention
Joints and the lower limb
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Stifle, hock, fetlock, pastern, knee, elbow, shoulder and the lower limb.
These are all synovial joints and if the synovial bursa is damaged it can have significant and long-term complications.
Hoof and the coronet band
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These injuries have a high risk for infection and include synovial joints and sensitive structures.
Damage to the coronet band can also affect the future growth of the hoof.
Eyes
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Eye injuries can worsen very quickly and potentially cause blindness or the loss of an eye.
Contact your vet for support
Underside of the neck, chest or abdoben
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Some of these areas have structures close to the skin and can be damaged or become open to infection.
Head
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Keep a look out for any drooping of the face which would require urgent vet attention.
Ears and muzzle
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Wounds in these areas need careful management as scarring can cause long-term complications with such delicate structures.
Anus or genitalia
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Important structures close to the skin surface and complications can occur if wound scars significantly.
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Get in touch – we’re here to help
Our Horse Care and Welfare team are here to help and can offer you further advice with any questions you may have. Contact us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk. You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels.
Opening times are 8.35am–5pm from Monday — Thursday and 8.35am–3pm on Friday.
*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.