Capped elbow, commonly known as a shoe boil, is a condition that affects the point of a horse's elbow. While it can look alarming, it is usually a cosmetic issue rather than a serious cause of lameness. Understanding what causes capped elbow, how it develops, and how it can be managed can help horse owners identify the problem early and prevent it from becoming more severe.

The poll is a small area with a surprisingly large influence on how a horse feels and moves. Positioned just behind the ears, it marks the point where the head meets the neck. While it may appear simple from the outside, the poll is a highly specialized region where several important structures come together.