Premiere Contest WinnerThe Anatomy of a Horse

The Anatomy of a Horse (written for children)

Horse's feet have a hoof, the hard part which he can pound, 
back of this is his frog, bottom part that stays off the ground.
Between his hoof and his leg is a coronet, not like a crown
it blends into the pastern the start of his leg, now don’t frown.

Next is his fetlock, sort of an ankle, not a real lock.
Horse's rear ankle turns backwards and that it is called his hock.
His fetlock has a callous called an ergot,  can you see?
Then comes his harmless cannon, just below his hock or knee. 

On the front leg, it's a knee between forearm and cannon
His hind leg has a hock which joins gaskin to his cannon.
His elbow in the front and his stifle in the back, no fibs,
connect his upper legs to his barrel which is our horse's ribs.

Topside of the barrel, where a rider sits, twixt tail and head, 
highest part of horse's rump is called a croup instead. 
The dock is the soft part from which grows his tail, what the heck;
above his high shoulders are withers, right beneath his neck. 

Behind his ears is a part called his poll, close to his brain?
From his poll, hair makes a forelock, back down his neck, a mane.
We’ve finally reached his head and the last part, called his muzzle,  
his jaw, his nose and mouth.  A horse can be quite a puzzle. 


written October 28, 2016 for Shadow's contest, Horses
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 17, 2017 at 9:19 PM
What a fun refresher course! So long ago my horse crazy years :) I love this.
Poteet Avatar
June 19, 2017 at 5:36 AM
not really familiar with horses as a rider, but as a teacher. Thanks for the comment, Maureen, appreciated.
Duet Avatar
December 9, 2016 at 10:10 PM
Wow! I feel like I've just been to school. Great description! I learned a lot. And, congrats on your win.
Poteet Avatar
December 27, 2016 at 5:54 AM
Well, I hope you love school as much as I do. 17 years of my own schooling plus 40 years teaching public school and then there's Sunday School for at least 10 more years. I appreciate your insightful comment.
Grace Avatar
November 28, 2016 at 11:52 AM
I have ridden horses from the age of 3 to 73. Your poem reminds me of when I joined 4-have at age 8 and we were required to learn all the parts of a horse. Thanks for the trip back in time.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 10:52 PM
You are very knowledgeable I found it very interesting. Congrats on your top win.
Roper Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 9:49 PM
Congratulations on your 1st place win, Reason:-)a very clear way teaching children about horse's body.
Poteet Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 9:50 PM
Thanks, Eve. It was a learning experience for me too.
Haight Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 2:50 PM
Reason, your poem is so well-written and so full of information perfect for children or anyone who does not know many facts about horses. Congratulations on your well-deserved First Place Trophy win. Hugs, Sandra
Poteet Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 9:53 PM
I'm glad you liked the read and how I approached the prompt. Thanks a bunch, Sandra.
Gasun Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Congratulations on your well-deserved top win my dear friend, Reason!Hugs and cheers!
Poteet Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 9:50 PM
Your encouragement is appreciated, Galeo DS.
Nayak Avatar
October 31, 2016 at 10:51 AM
Dear Reason, wonderful write on anatomy of horses with a lovely rhyme scheme!Congrats on your great win!!! //love,Anu:)
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 10:59 PM
This is a keeper Reason! Congratulations on the marvelous way you presented this poem, and on your first place win which is so deserving! 7 ; )
Poteet Avatar
November 1, 2016 at 9:49 PM
thanks, Connie, appreciate the read and the kind remarks.
Daniel Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:01 AM
You made it seem so easy, Reason:) wonderful!! congratulations on well deserved win:) a #7:)
Poteet Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:26 PM
thanks, Jo, it was an engaging topic and I love children.
May Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 8:17 AM
Congrats on a great win
Poteet Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:30 PM
thank you, Joseph.
Scars Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 6:59 AM
Congratulations on your placement! -luloo :)
Poteet Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:29 PM
thank you, luloo. Haven't been on a horse in years. But back in the long ago days, I loved to ride.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 6:47 AM
I could see an older child memorizing your poem as they learn to ride and care for their horse. Congrats, Reason!
Poteet Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 9:30 PM
What a nice thought. Thanks for the encouragement, Kim.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace