Platter (horse)

A "platter," when used in the context of describing a horse, particularly a Thoroughbred racehorse, refers to the horse's foot conformation, specifically a foot that is overly flat or wide. This is generally considered an undesirable trait. A horse with "platter feet" may be more prone to foot-related issues, such as bruising, abscesses, and difficulty maintaining proper shoeing. The flat conformation can reduce the shock-absorbing qualities of the foot, potentially leading to lameness or reduced performance capabilities. While not necessarily career-ending, the presence of platter feet requires careful management by farriers and trainers.