Widerrist

Widerrist, known in English as the withers, is the highest point of the back at the base of the neck in four-legged mammals, most commonly horses. It is the region where the neck meets the torso and is formed by the dorsal ends of the scapula (shoulder blades) and the adjacent thoracic vertebrae. The withers create a prominent ridge along the animal’s back and serve as a key anatomical landmark.

In horses, the withers are influenced by bone structure and surrounding muscles. The height and shape of the withers vary with breed, individual conformation, and condition. Some horses have well-defined, high withers, while others have flatter or more rounded withers. The withers are a relatively stable reference point over the back, though muscular development can affect their apparent prominence.

The withers are used as an important measurement and reference in veterinary and equestrian contexts. Height at the withers is the standard way to express a horse’s size, measured from the ground to the withers and traditionally recorded in hands. The shape and height of the withers also impact practical considerations such as saddle fit and equipment clearance; high or irregular withers can complicate saddle design and fit, influencing comfort and biomechanics during movement. In addition, the withers serve as a landmark in conformation assessment and breeding decisions, reflecting how neck and thorax balance contribute to athletic potential and performance.