withers

Fades and declines

The withers are the ridge between a horse's shoulder blades, the highest point of its back.

Horse height is measured from ground to withers: a mare standing fifteen hands at the withers.

The term applies to similar anatomy in other four-legged animals.

The unrelated verb wither means to shrivel or decline.

equine

mane

Neck hair, horse/lion

croupLaryngeal infection in children
loinLower back region
forelegAnimal's anterior limb

haunch · poll · dock · fetlock · pastern · hoof · flank · barrel · hindquarters · forequarters

anatomy

shoulder

Upper arm joint

ridgeNarrow raised strip
crestHighest point or tuft
napeBack of neck

topline · dorsal · thoracic · vertebrae · scapula · musculature · ligaments · highest point · back · spine

tack

saddle

Mounted rider's seat

girthMeasurement around something
pommelSaddle's front knob
gulletThroat or food passage

tree · fitting · pressure · clearance · bridlepath · blanket · padding · measurement · sore · rubbing

measurement

height

Vertical extent upward

handsGripping limbs' extremities
stickThin piece of wood
tapeAdhesive strip on roll

level · standard · pony · growth

veterinary

fistula

Aberrant anatomical channel

bursitisInflamed joint cushions
sorePainful or annoyed
swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement

injury · inflammation · abscess · diagnosis · treatment · radiograph · palpation · lameness · atrophy · muscle wasting

Categories

horseshorse, mare, mares, stallion, stallions
animal partsappendage, forelimb, hind leg, hind legs, hindlegs
horseback ridinghorseback riding, horse riding, horses, horse, pony
forequartersshoulder, neck, brisket, chuck, shank
ungulate anatomyhooves, hoof, antlers, brisket, hock
mare-relatedmane, tail, hoof, hooves, foal

Opposites

vitality/growth

withersflourishes

Prospers or ornamental strokes

thrives · blossoms · blooms · prospers · burgeons

horse anatomy

withershaunches

Rear hip region

hindquarters · croup · rump · hocks · stifle

strength and vigor

withersstrengthens

Increases force or durability

intensifies · surges · swells · expands · builds

Phrases

withered on the vinePerished from inattention
withering awayGradual decline toward nothing
wither awayGradually decline and vanish
wither on the vineFail through neglect
withering lookDisapproving stare conveying contempt
withered awayDeclined until gone

Family

withered, wither, withering, witheringly, wither away

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