There are a number of different types of horse conformation, and one of these is cowhocked legs. Cowhocked Legs refers to a horse's leg conformation where the animal's hock joints point inwards, towards each other. This can give the appearance that the horse is standing 'on its toes', and can often be seen in breeds like Shetland Ponies and Welsh ponies. Some people believe that this type of conformation is desirable as it gives the pony a 'quaint' look, however it can actually cause a number of issues for the animal.
One problem that can occur with cowhocked legs is that it puts extra strain on the tendons and ligaments in the legs. This can lead to problems such as tendonitis or bowed tendons further down the line. Additionally, because the hocks are pointing inwards, it means that there is less stability in the joints which makes them more prone to injury. It also means that any shocks or impact from exercise or movement are directed straight onto those joints, rather than being absorbed by muscles or tendons around them.
So while cowhocked legs may look cute on a Shetland Pony, it's important to remember that this type of conformation can cause health problems for the animal further down the line. If you're thinking about buying a pony with this conformation, make sure you speak to a vet or experienced equine professional first to get their advice on whether or not it's suitable for your needs