Placement

• The horse's shoulder begins at the base of the horse's neck and consists of the muscle mass above the forelegs.
  
  

Parts

• The horse's shoulder has two bones. The scapula sits directly at the base of the neck; the humerus connects the scapula and the leg bones. The rest of the shoulder is soft tissue.
  
  

Fun Fact

• No bones--only muscles, ligaments and tendons--connect the horse's shoulders and forelegs to the rest of the skeleton.
  
  

Broken Bones

• Though considered uncommon by the Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook, horses can break the scapula and humerus. These breaks require severe trauma to happen.
  
  

Soft-tissue Injuries

• A horse's shoulders may sustain muscle bruises, soft tissue pulls and strains. Cuts and punctures are more common injuries.