fetlock

American  

[fet-lok] / ˈfɛtˌlɒk /

noun

1. the projection of the leg of a horse behind the joint between the cannon bone and great pastern bone, bearing a tuft of hair.

2. the tuft of hair itself.

3. Also called fetlock joint.  the joint at this point.

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fetlock British  

/ ˈfɛtˌlɒk /

noun

1. a projection behind and above a horse's hoof: the part of the leg between the cannon bone and the pastern

2. Also called: fetlock joint.  the joint at this part of the leg

3. the tuft of hair growing from this part

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Etymology

Origin of fetlock

1275–1325; Middle English fitlok, akin to Middle High German viz ( ze ) loch, ultimately derivative of Germanic *fet-, a gradational variant of *fot- foot

Example Sentences

Havnameltdown had lesions in each fetlock, which occur when the cartilage has worn away from repetitive injury.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

It’s a repetitive strain injury that results in a fracture to the cannon bone above the fetlock due to large loads transmitted during high-speed workouts.

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2023

In 2019, 19 of the 21 early fatalities were all fetlock failures.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2023

The concern was that Ulysses has a small amount of inflammation in his left front fetlock.

From The Guardian • Nov. 4, 2017

In the fetlock, just above the hoof, my beautiful pony had a deep, raw, red wound.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls