The primary site of soft tissue injuries in the horse is the back of the cannon bone. The structures starting from the skin going forward to the cannon bone are the Superficial Flexor Tendon, the Deep Flexor Tendon, the Check Ligament and the Suspensory Ligament.

Joint disease from inflammation (synovitis) to degradative change (Osteoarthritis) is perhaps the most common lameness issue affecting performance and pleasure horses.

Joint disease is a common issue among competitive and active horses. The joints most affected in hunter/jumper, dressage and reining horses are the hocks, and the coffin joints in the front legs, followed by the stifle joints.