Pronunciation: [pɐstˈɜːn] (IPA) 
The word "pastern" refers to the area of a horse's leg between the fetlock and the hoof. The spelling of the word is unusual, but can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription /ˈpæstərn/. The "a" is pronounced as /æ/ and the "e" is silent. The "st" combination is pronounced as /st/ and the "er" sounds like /ər/. When reading the word out loud, it's important to emphasize the first syllable and not stress the final "n".
The pastern is a term used in equine anatomy to refer to the part of a horse's leg that lies between the fetlock joint and the hoof. More specifically, it is the area where the long bones of the lower leg (the cannon bones) meet with the short bones of the hoof (the coffin bone). The pastern consists of two parts: the upper and the lower pastern.
The upper pastern, also known as the proximal pastern, is the longer section of the pastern that extends from the fetlock joint to the middle part of the lower leg. It consists of two bones called the first and second phalanges, which are connected by a joint.
The lower pastern, also known as the distal pastern, is the shorter section of the pastern that extends from the middle part of the leg to the hoof. It consists of a single bone called the third phalanx or coffin bone.
The pastern serves as a shock-absorber, allowing the horse to move with flexibility while also providing support. It is an important area for horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians to monitor for any signs of injury or lameness. Proper care and maintenance of the pastern, including regular trimming and proper hoof care, are crucial for the overall soundness and well-being of the horse.
The lowest part of a horse's leg, consisting of the foot under the fetlock to the hoof or heel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pastern" is derived from the Old French word "pasturon", which itself originates from the Latin word "pastor", meaning "shepherd". In Latin, "pastor" referred to the feeding and tending of animals, including horses. Over time, "pasturon" in Old French evolved to "pasturne" and eventually became "pastern" in English, referring specifically to the part of a horse's foot between the fetlock and the hoof.
