withers

Withers is the term used for the highest region of the back of a four‑legged animal, located where the neck meets the shoulders and the torso. In horses and other large mammals, the withers form a ridge along the back that is created by the spine and the surrounding muscles. The withers are the standing point of the animal’s back and serve as a reference height because this area is typically the highest point when the animal is standing squarely.

Height at the withers is a standard measure of body size in many quadrupeds. For horses, the height is measured from the ground to the withers and is commonly expressed in hands, with one hand equaling four inches. This measurement helps describe breed size, assess growth and condition, and guide equipment fitting such as saddles and tack.

Breeds differ in wither shape and prominence. Muscular development, conformation, age, and health influence how pronounced the withers are. Severe changes can indicate back problems or injury, while very pronounced withers may affect saddle clearance and pressure distribution. Proper evaluation of the withers is part of general conformation assessment in veterinary practice.

The term withers is also used in cattle and dogs to describe the same dorsal region at the shoulder blades; here it is used in height measurements and in assessing conformation and movement. While the specific anatomy varies among species, the withers consistently serve as a practical reference point for size and anatomy.