Three-Legged Horses

Three-legged horses may be born with this malformation or suffer from an amputation. in both cases a prosthetic limb may be able to help them live a normal life. Three-legged horses also occur in mythology and symbolism, where they generally have a negative meaning.

Congenital Conditions

Horses generally cope very poorly with being born missing all or part of a leg. Horses born with this condition or those that are seriously injured die typically or are euthanized; very few pictures of them exist. One example being the vintage postcard shown below.

Sadly many foals born with partial or missing limbs are not able to survive.

Prosthetics

However they can be fitted with a prosthetic leg. There are several examples of horses that performed very well with equine fake legs. Some examples are given below.

Midnite (2011): Midnite is a miniature horse that was rescued from a neglectful owner and fitted with a prosthetic at a rescue ranch.
Molly (2010): Appaloosa Molly was injured during Hurricane Katrina (see video below). She is also the subject of a children's book titled "Molly the Pony."
Cheyenne (2009): Cheyenne is a Tennessee Walking Horse who lost a leg after being tangled in barbed wire.
Riley (2008): Riley's leg had to be amputated to save her life, but a prosthetic leg allowed her to live is like any other horse!
Peggy (1963): Peggy was a Shetland Pony who lost a forelimb on a wire fence and was fitted with a false leg.

Discussion

These horses are not only symbols of perseverance and will to go on, but also the lengths their owners are willing to go to in caring for their animals.