with excessive joint fluid and/or synovium is called bog spavin. Degenerative joint disease of the tarsometatarsal or distal intertarsal joint is referred to as bone spavin. Curb, or tarsal plantar desmitis, is traditionally considered a sprain of the plantar ligament, which runs down the back of the hock, serving functionally as a tension band connecting the calcaneus, the fourth tarsal bone and the fourth metatarsal bone. Recent work has shown that curb can be caused by damage to one of many soft tissue structures in this region. Stringhalt Conformational defects Also see equine conformation Because the hock takes a great deal of strain in all performance disciplines, correct conformation is essential if the horse is to have a sound and productive working life. Common conformational defects include sickle hocks, post-legged conformation/straight hocks, cow hocks, and bowed hocks. Depending on the use of the horse, some defects may be more acceptable than others. See also Ham hock Ankle Fetlock Heel Limbs of the horse Zoology Mammal anatomy Horse anatomy