What is horse flanks?

Horse flanks are the sides of a horse's body between the ribs and the hips. They are covered with muscles that are involved in the horse's movement and are important for support and balance. On the flanks of a horse, you may notice a slight indentation called the girth groove. This is where the horse's girth or cinch straps go when riding. The horse's flanks can also be a sensitive area, so it's important to be gentle when grooming or handling this area. Horses may also twitch or kick if their flanks are touched too roughly or unexpectedly. Additionally, the flank area is a common location for a horse to experience spasms or cramps. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, poor conditioning, or overexertion.