Withers is a term used to describe the highest point of a horse's shoulder, located near its neck. The word is spelled with a "w" and "th" sound, followed by a short "i" vowel and an "er" sound. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈwɪðərz/. The "w" is voiced, and the "th" is an unvoiced dental fricative sound. The short "i" is represented by the symbol /ɪ/, and the "er" sound is denoted by /ərz/. The proper spelling and pronunciation of withers are critical for individuals involved in equine studies, veterinary medicine, or horseback riding.
Withers is a specific anatomical term used primarily in relation to animals, particularly horses. It refers to the highest point of a horse's shoulder, where the neck and back meet. More precisely, it represents the ridge between the shoulder blades, typically located behind the base of the neck. The withers is an important landmark for measuring the height of a horse, as it is the highest point on the animal’s back that can be easily identified.
The withers area is of great significance because it serves as an attachment point for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It plays a vital role in supporting the horse's body weight, allowing for efficient movement and providing stability during locomotion. Additionally, the withers area is an essential reference point for properly fitting saddles or harnesses, ensuring the horse’s comfort and preventing potential injuries or discomfort.
From a practical standpoint, accurately measuring a horse’s withers height is crucial for determining the appropriate size of equipment or evaluating its overall conformation. Furthermore, veterinarians often assess the condition of a horse’s withers when examining its musculoskeletal health. Any abnormalities, soreness, or inflammation in the withers area can be indicative of underlying issues or potential injuries that warrant veterinary attention.
In conclusion, the term "withers" refers to the highest point on a horse's shoulder, located at the ridge between the shoulder blades. It has significant functional and practical implications relating to the horse's movement, conformation, and overall well-being.
The ridge on a horse's back between the shoulders at the termination of the mane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The ridge, between the shoulder-bones of a horse at the bottom of the neck and mane.
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 "withers" originated from Old English, where it was spelled "wiþre" or "wiþra". Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "widrōną", which means "against" or "from". This ultimately connects to the Proto-Indo-European root "*wi-" which indicates separation or apartness. Over time, the word "withers" evolved primarily in the context of horses, and today refers to the highest part of a horse's back, specifically where the spine and shoulder blades meet.