Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky
Ringbone is an exostosis of the pastern bone in the form of a raised bony ring just above the coronary band.
Ringbone can be classified as high or low, depending on its location.
High ringbone occurs on the lower part of the first phalanx or long pastern.
Low ringbone occurs on the lower part of the second phalanx (short pastern) at the coronary band.
Faulty conformation that increases concussion is a predisposing cause, but ringbone can also be the result of a direct blow or injury. This is a troublesome condition because its location subjects the horse to continued trauma and, therefore, the prognosis is generally not favorable.
