Is one thick leg also a stable leg in horses?

When a horse has thick legs, it is often said: 'Oh, those are stable legs.' This can be true for horses that stand still a lot, especially if the legs become thinner after some movement. This can occur in horses that are outside 24/7 as well as horses that are stabled. But if your horse has one thick leg, could it also be a stable leg? Or should you look further?

Stable legs are usually seen in even numbers. Often both hind legs are a bit thicker, especially at the cannon bones and hocks. Sometimes a horse also has thickened forelegs. If you give a horse with stable legs free movement or take him for a walk, lunge or ride, the accumulated fluid often disappears after half an hour and the legs become thinner again. Did you know that horses that are outside 24/7 can still get stable legs?

Horse has one thick leg

Stable legs can occur when a horse stands still too long in its stall. The lymphatic vessels in the legs may then not be able to drain the lymphatic fluid properly. This fluid then accumulates in the lower legs. Once the horse starts moving again, the lymphatic system can work better and drain the fluid. If the lymphatic vessels in a horse's leg have ever been damaged, for example by an injury or by cellulitis, then only that particular leg may become thicker. In such cases, one stable leg can indeed develop. Usually as an owner, you will know if your horse has an old injury to one leg. In other cases, one thicker leg is likely not a stable leg. Especially if the leg is not thickened at the bottom, but above the knee or hock.

Causes of a thick leg

If your horse has one or more thick legs, it is best to take a good look first. Never automatically assume it is stable legs! A thick leg could also be cellulitis, elephantiasis (chronic cellulitis), or a (tendon) injury. Always check a thick leg for small wounds, mud fever, greasy heel, or other skin problems. Is the leg warm? Does your horse have a fever? Does your horse want to walk, is he not lame, and does the leg become thinner with movement?

Preventing stable legs

The best way to prevent stable legs is to make sure your horse does not stand still for too long in a row. Always provide free movement with multiple feeding spots so a horse that is outside 24/7 continues to move. For example, put willow branches in the paddock and do not place the water trough next to the feeding spot. In addition, even in winter, regularly take your horse out of its stall and go for a walk, lunge, or train. Movement is essential for keeping every horse healthy. Horses that have previously suffered damage to their lymphatic vessels often benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Special socks can sometimes help against stable legs. Give horses that tend to get thick legs four mild detoxes a year with nettle extract. Cleavers also have a diuretic effect. But free movement is most important!