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Evaluating Soundness
 Hocks
Correct hock structure is critical to the
mobility and longevity of sheep. The hocks on sheep
should have about 20 degrees of set to provide maximum
flexibility and power. The bone structure of the hock
should be clean, flat and free of swelling of any kind.
The picture on the left shows hocks that have too much
set, which forces the rear legs up under the animal
making it difficult and awkward for it to handle its
rear end. This condition of too much set to the hock
is referred to as being "sickle hocked". The picture
on the right shows a ewe with the correct set to its
hock. This hock structure gives the ewe flex and power
when she is on the move. A good measure of correctness
for the hock is the animal's ability to get its rear
leg beyond the dock (tailhead) when it is walking.
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