Why is a horse's stifle joint important?

The stifle joint plays a critical role in a horse's movement and weight-bearing capabilities. As one of the major joints in a horse's hind leg, the stifle joint connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and involves the patella (knee cap). This joint enables the horse to extend and flex its hind leg effectively, which is essential for walking, trotting, cantering, and jumping.

Without a properly functioning stifle joint, the horse would struggle with locomotion and would not be able to bear weight effectively on its hindquarters. This could lead to further complications and issues within the horse's overall balance and athletic performance. Therefore, the significance of the stifle joint cannot be understated as it is integral to the horse's ability to move efficiently and perform various tasks in riding and work.