A term used in human anatomy to refer to the tendon connecting the gastrocnemius muscle of the leg (gaskin) to the calcaneus. The achilles tendon complex in the horse is more commonly known as the common calcaneal tendon and includes tendons from the gastrocnemius, biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles.

A collective term used to refer to the group of muscles and tendons which originate from the distalfemur and insert on the tuber calcanei of the hock. It comprises: the proximal portion of the superficial digital flexor tendon (tendo plantaris), the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle and the combined tendons of the biceps femoris muscle and the semitendinosus muscle.

A limb deformity that is may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form is a form of flexural deformity and can affect both the deep and /or the superficial flexor tendon. In young horses horses during growth it is often the deep flexor tendon that is involved, leading to the development of a club foot. In older horses, a tendoninjury can cause contracture of the superficial flexor tendon, leading to an extremely upright pastern.

The tendon connecting the deep digital flexor muscle to the palmar/plantar surface of the distal phalanx. It lies underneath the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) along the back of the cannon and passes through the SDFT where this inserts on the middle phalanx.

The tendon responsible for the extension of the distallimb (fetlock, pastern and coffin joints. In the forelimb the common digital extensor tendon has four origins on the humerus, radius, ulna and the fascia of the forearm, it inserts on the dorsal aspect of the proximal and middle phalanx and finally on the extensor process of the distal phalanx. In the hindlimb, the long digital extensor originates on the femur and has the same insertions as the common digital extensor in the forelimb.

A large tendon sheath which envelopes the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons where they pass  over the palmar/plantar aspect of the fetlock joint. Its proximal margin is several cm above the fetlock joint, its distal margin slightly below the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

A tendon which connects a muscle involved in the flexion of a limb to a bone. Horses have two very strong flexor tendons which flex the digit; the superficial and deep flexor tendons.

A condition where a foal is born with flexor tendons that are too long or loose relative to the bones of the limbs, leading to a hyperextension of the fetlock and phalangeal joints. The toe of the hoof is typically raised from the ground the heels or bulbs are used for weight bearing. In extreme cases, the fetlock may touch the ground.

The tendon attaching the superficial digital flexor muscle to the middle phalanx. It forms the palmar/plantar contour of the distallimb.

A strong band of connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. They are a collection of parallel collagen fibres with extreme tensile strength. There are relatively few blood vessels or nerves in tendons, which explains their poor healing properties after injury.

Inflammation of a tendon.

A membrane bound, fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the tendons at locations where they pass over joints. The tendon sheaths are filled with highly viscoussynovial fluid (similar to the fluid in joints) and this protects the tendinous structures from the stress of their increased movement and constant change of direction.

A boot made of leather, plastic, neoprene or felt that is attached to the cannon region of horses' limbs to prevent injury through interference from another limb or through contact with a solid object (e.g. a jump).