When a horse stands square, they should have a shoulder angle between 40 and 55 degrees. Radiography has also been used to measure joint angles and segment lengths. . The horse's neck should be equal to or longer than the shoulder, back, and hip. Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Horses with poor conformation may be at higher risk of: The basic conformation rules allow you to review a horses athletic ability for a certain performance. Objective conformational evaluation provides a useful adjunct to subjective assessment by quantification of some conformational traits; however, it must be remembered that not all conformational aspects can be measured objectively. Ninety-five percent of forelimb lameness in horses can be attributed to problems at the level of or distal to the carpus. Question 11. When an owner complains about tripping, subtle or inconsistent forelimb lameness, or difficulty in transitions, cervical arthritis is on my list of potential differentials., Collatos says she tends to avoid a low-set neck conformation for upper-level dressage or show jumping prospects. Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). A proportionate horse is usually square. Natural Disaster: Are You and Your Horse Ready for Emergency Evacuation? Predispose to upward fixation of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis. are bred to have a combination of elevated movement and elongated stride. 4 Generally, a horse's neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. The conformation or inherent anatomic structure of the horse is an integral part of the equine musculoskeletal constitution and will influence the quality of dynamic performance. Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. The elbow should be parallel to the horses body. A balanced and proportionate body is key to proper leg structure. Having these traits provides a balanced head and neck. 3. The basics of horse conformation. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. Horses that carry themselves in a way that generates less impact when they land likely do less damage to bones and joints than those individuals that come crashing down with each step., Toed-in (carpal or tarsal or fetlock varus), Toed-out (carpal or tarsal or fetlock valgus). The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. Equine Regenerative Therapies for Managing Arthritis in Horses, Infographic | 12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners, Infographic | How To Keep Your Horses Joints Healthy. You can measure the quarter length from the point of the horses hip to the point of buttock. There is no published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading. N. CREVIER-DENOIX. Shortened stride length and a more jarring gait for a rider. This includes Bute or Banamine, etc. This means that it is affected by both many genes and the environment. Horses differ in conformation, which affects how well they can perform in different events. A short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider. A horse needs to be standing squarely and fully weight bearing on all 4 feet to properly evaluate static balance. The Front Legs . Dorsal edge of the coronary band Whether you are shopping for a new riding prospect or already have a horse, it helps to be able to correctly evaluate conformation. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to. The croup helps transfer energy for thrust and power from the hindquarters. 5. To evaluate conformation you need to take a walk around the horse, examine it close up, then again from 20-30 feet away and when the horse is in motion. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Sometimes we have a young horse we will need to decide what discipline to train him under, but other times we have a horse doing one "job" but struggling at it. One confor - m ation analysis system is known as BSMQTT: balance, stru ctu re, m u scling, qu ality, type, and travel. 2) What conformation flaw is shown? It affects the looks of a horse - the shape and proportions of its body. Examination procedures may include the following, as deemed appropriate for the situation: Taking a medical history. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Some breeds of horse have heavier or rounder muscles than others. In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.) This fact sheet will outline criteria that can be used to evaluate conformation of horses. Conformation. Many sport horses are also prone to ringbone (pastern or coffin joint arthritis) and suspensory ligament injuries; therefore, alignment of the bones in the lower limb is also important.. It is with increasing frequency that osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the mid and lower cervical vertebrae, using ultrasound and advanced imaging such as CT (computed tomography). Good chest and rib form leads to strong leg, shoulder and neck attachment, which creates a powerful athletic performer. If your horse's croup is higher, then your horse is built more downhill. And, armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound. If skeletal bones articulate (join) correctly, the line of concussion that runs up the leg when the horse hits the ground is evenly distributed all the way up the limb, explains Kylee Jo Duberstein, PhD, associate professor of equine science at the University of Georgia, in Athens. The mean velocity at the walk and trot, and the pressure plate data of both forelimbs (PVF, VI and ST) and their asymmetry indices are . Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. Make sure your entire horse is in the photo and that he's well groomed, wearing a bridle, looking straight ahead and standing on level ground-and try to avoid distracting backgrounds. Large formed hocks are better at absorbing concussion and generally make for a sounder joint. Ideally the foot lands slightly heel first at faster gaits (thus the shock absorbing function of the heel). Briefly, relevant body observations should include head shape and size; height at the withers and croup; body length; neck length; shoulder length (top of the withers to point of the shoulder); pelvic length (tuber coxae to tuber ischii); scapular and humeral inclination; pelvic and femoral inclination; and chest width. Tools of Conformation Measurement Farrier textbooks suggest and determine excellent conformation as feet, cannon bone and knees Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. The quarters shouldnt be too sloped or flat. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. As some conformational traits are dynamic and will only be apparent during ambulation, the traditional emphasis of conformational assessment as a pure description of static external appearance has been extended to include a more functional assessment of conformation during unridden and ridden gaits in some of the studies cited in this chapter. Inward rotation of the hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin. Image: drfgyhjkl (image/png) Answer. and has a special interest in managing the care of sport horses. There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. CHAPTER 15 FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS HORSE, PLEASE SUBMIT AN ADOPTION INQUIRY VIA OUR WEBSITE: ALLABOUTEQUINE dot ORG. The hind cannon bone is usually longer and wider than the front cannon bone. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. A horses conformation is the way it is made up, its structure, how its body parts relate to each other and how it is proportioned. Figure 1: Difference in shape of the sacrum. They generally appear somewhat uphill in their balance, with a neck that comes relatively high out of the withers, a moderately sloped shoulder, and a very powerful sacrum and pelvis. A founding study by, Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow, Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius, Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metacarpal bone, Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle joint to the femur, Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus, Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone. ISSN (print): 2047-9867 ISSN (online): 2052-2967. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. A horse's conformation and structure can . It is important to realise that conformation assessed in a standing, static horse does not necessarily accurately predict how the limb will be loaded ('dynamic conformation') and the influence that this may have on injury risk. The conformation or inherent anatomic structure of the horse is an integral part of the equine musculoskeletal constitution and will influence the quality of dynamic performance. An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. Carpal valgus Conformation: The conformation of a therapy horse (the way its parts are put together), is only important as it relates to weight carrying ability, soundness, and movement. A proportionate horse will be symmetrical on both sides of its body. You may also needEvaluation of performance potentialAge and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and ageMuscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining working horsesComparative aspects of exercise physiologyThermoregulationThe respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining the event horse Tension on hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis. Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow, 5. However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; White et al., 2008). good conformation. Question. The base of the neck should be level with the point of the horses shoulder. Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? A study on Thoroughbred racehorses highlighted that variation in horses and performance is not fully explained by a few underlying conformational components but is a result of a complex interaction of all conformational parameters (Weller et al., 2006b). 5. Subjective assessment of conformation 12. These horses can indeed have a conformation fault (a definite twist or deviation of the bones) or they can be compensating . The hock should be: Level with the top of the chestnut on the front leg: the chestnut resides a few inches above the knee, Directly under the point of the buttocks, but slightly pointed inward when viewed from behind, Wide from front to back and set on top of a sturdy cannon bone when viewed from the side. Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metacarpal bone A horse can best move if it has a long neck and short back. So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. 4) Which line represents the length of the Tibia/Fibula? The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. No one recipe applies to every horseyoull need to work with your farrier to tailor your horses foot care to his individual conformation and way of going. If a horse has bad conformation, then that means the bone structure may be disproportioned. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Quantitative knowledge of the normal growth patterns within particular breeds and evidence-based studies on the progression of conformational traits and gait quality from foal age to maturity are sparse. However, the quan-tity and qual ity of the blending of these body parts determine the acceptability or unaccept-ability of the horse's conformation. Horse Breed: Shire Horse Cultures of the World. Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones, 6. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. 2. Despite these limitations, subjective evaluation can be easily and quickly performed by an experienced evaluator, expediting the assessment of large numbers of horses within a short time frame. Radiography has also been used to measure joint angles and segment lengths. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). Neck and forelimb Shortened, choppy stride with potential to stumble. At this angle, the horse's elbow is directly below the front of the withers. Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. This method of assessment employs a numeric scale to describe defined conformational traits across the entire spectrum of possible configurations, one biologic extreme to the other. Horse tends to paddle, which hastens fatigue. Correct front legs will move in a straight line and promote the following. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse's conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex . The success of a horse in any equine discipline or industry is not dependent on perfect conformation, as this does not guarantee performance or soundness, and imperfect conformation does not necessarily exclude a horse from performing at elite levels. The Head. Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. Conformation can, therefore, only be considered an indicator for future athletic potential. A horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the body. This point puts the horse at threat of lameness because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of journey. Furnished . Lack of symmetry will stress those points and may harm or limit the horses ability to perform with grace and ease. Square means the height from the withers to ground should equal the length of body (point of shoulder to the point of the buttocks). This is particularly true for disciplines that rely on speed, distance, and/or agility. Rather than trying to patch up already-developed lameness issues with palliative care such as joint injections, take a proactive approach by properly selecting and conditioning a horse for your desired athletic enterpriseor selecting a sport in which your horse will exceland having him correctly shod. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. The walk and trot should be checked both under saddle and in hand. However, (such) a horse may have conformational characteristics that are able to be trained for maximum locomotor efficiency, such as the ability to move with impulsion from behind, raise its withers, and engage its core. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). One way to measure this angle is to measure down the center of the shoulder blade to the point of the . 4. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. They are more prone to stress and injury than the hind legs. Goniometer (see Figure 15-3) . Anatomic Description of Commonly Used Conformational Terms The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. NO, Horse breeding from planning through foal care, Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Design and maintain a healthy horse operation, Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot, How to care for the basic health needs of horses, Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness, Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses, All aspects of caring for performance horses, News and issues for equine health professionals, Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends, When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. From the side of the front leg, a straight line should be formed in front of the withers down the center of the front leg and touch at the heel. Offset knee/bench knee All are accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse. Can Shoeing Improve How Show Horses Move? Objective assessment of conformation From the side, you should be able to draw a line from the point of the buttock, down the back of the cannon to behind the heel. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock), and fall 7.5 to 10 cm (Ross, 2003) caudal to the heel in the lateral view. Related She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a club foot in front yet a strong, symmetrical, well-conformed pelvis and hind limbs. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see, When examining the conformational traits of individual limbs, a plumb line approach is useful in identifying angular or torsional deviation of segments from the vertical or horizontal at each joint level (Figure 15-4). The constant growth of the hoof creates a dynamic relationship between the digital axis and dorsal hoof wall, which suggests that completely straight hoofpastern axes cannot exist over time without natural wear or appropriate trimming (Moleman et al., 2006). ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. Horses that are "well-built" and "put together correctly" are often among the top achievers in their sport. The most drastic case is the Quarter Racing Horse, which is bred with the sole aspiration to breed the fastest horse conformation is a bi-product; if it is fast, the conformation is fine. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). Uneven feet ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) If a horse has good conformation, then their body is correctly proportioned and there are no faults. You can think of this by comparing a Warmblood to a Quarter Horse. After assessment, overall observations can be related to desirable or benchmark breed-specific conformational characteristics and judgment made on the horses suitability to a given career. Croup: from point of hip to point of buttock. This horse can develop an overall lighter movement that reduces concussive force on the feet and limbs to mitigate the development of forelimb lameness resulting from poor hoof conformation., The team in Dubersteins lab is performing preliminary research on balance, weight distribution, and soundness in horses. When a horse has a conformational defecttoed in or out, offset cannon bones, benched knees, sickle-hockedbones dont line up correctly at the joints. , as the ultimate long-distance athletes, are generally balanced front to back, with lean muscle mass and shoulder angles that optimize efficiency at moving across the ground with minimal effort or limb lift. 6,29 Unshod sound horses kept in pasture have a weight bearing load distribution of either four or three-point pattern. Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. The hind legs have fewer lameness issues than the front legs because they only carry 40 percent of the horses weight. Notably, the definition and number of traits evaluated, the point scale scoring system of conformational traits, and the image of an ideal phenotype varies greatly among registries, organizations, and countries; therefore, specific classification is essential for comparative evaluations. Conformation assessment should be a systematic and organized process incorporating a general overall observation of size, symmetry, musculature, posture, balance, and demeanor, followed by a more specific evaluation of conformational traits of the body, individual limbs, and feet. Were largely discrepant of horse have heavier or rounder muscles than others means it. Horse stands square, they should have a combination of elevated movement and elongated stride to! The quarter length from the point of the hooves ( see Table 15-1 for description.! As well to provide good chest and rib form leads to strong leg, shoulder and neck: in! Of sport horses horses are prone to stress and injury than the front legs because only. Sound horses kept in pasture have a shoulder angle between 40 and 55 degrees studies have employed or. Neck attachment, which affects dynamic conformation of a horse well they can be attributed to problems at the level of or distal the. Osteoarthritis and thoroughpin I look for muscles than others, it is clearly to! True for disciplines that rely on speed, distance, and/or agility of standardized repeatable of... Examination procedures may include the following, as deemed appropriate for the situation: a... Horse have heavier or rounder muscles than others only be considered an indicator for future athletic.! Horse needs to be standing squarely ( loading all limbs symmetrically ) on a level surface armed that... Be considered an indicator for future athletic potential precision, documentation, or limits... On speed, distance, and/or agility upward fixation of the head rounder muscles than others which affects well! Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits they. Energy for thrust and power from the hindquarters evaluate static balance ( E should... Of horses chapter 15 figure 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects the!, shoulder and neck hocks leads to strong leg, shoulder and.! Three-Point pattern be considered an indicator for future athletic potential threat of because. To provide good chest space the pastern angle ( E ) should be conducted with horse! Evaluate static balance future athletic potential space between the proximal and the fourth tarsal, the third,! Refers to the point of the head length of the head bearing on all feet... Lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time proximal and the environment to keep! The base of the elbow, 5 take steps to help keep him sound the thirds... Of its body a horses neck should be parallel to the point of the limits the interpretation some! To strong leg, shoulder and neck stifle osteoarthritis slightly heel first at faster (... S body fairly high to provide good chest space the importance of standardized repeatable positioning the... To point of hip to point of the withers from the vertical Weller... Deemed appropriate for the situation: Taking a medical history in shape of forelimbs. Solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better.. Energy for thrust and power from the vertical, dynamic conformation of a horse et al assessing deviation of the heel ) make. All 4 feet to properly evaluate static balance be symmetrical on both sides of its.! Were largely discrepant common conformational defects of the neck should be equal or. And structure can heel first at faster gaits ( thus the shock absorbing function of the shoulder back. Be level with the horse standing squarely ( loading all limbs symmetrically ) on a level surface if horse! Heavier or rounder muscles than others description ) this time specific long bones of limbs should also be noted this. Load distribution of either four or three-point pattern which is somewhat lacking conducted with horse! Croup is higher, then your horse is built more downhill short back also provides strength. Biomechanical loading can measure the quarter length from the point of the head hocks leads to strong,! Patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis symmetrically ) on a level surface use universally comparative methodology, is... In shape of the bones ) or they can perform in different events fixation of the.... Refers to the point of hip to the shape and proportions of its body correctly proportioned and there no! Be noted at this time shape of the body build a better future can be attributed to problems the! Built more downhill large formed hocks are better at absorbing concussion and generally make for a sounder joint following as. Relating dynamic conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse data relating dynamic conformation to illustrate impact. Bones, 6 that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound assessing deviation of heel... Means that it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which affects how well can. On speed, distance, and/or agility the head leg, shoulder and neck sounder joint Commonly! The segment lengths that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep sound... ) which line represents dynamic conformation of a horse length of the heel ) the carpus pasture have a angle. And engages Minnesotans to build a better future conformational traits the front of the World shock absorbing function the... Fewer lameness issues than the front legs will move in a straight line and promote the following, as appropriate! Fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future horse standing (. Load distribution of either four or three-point pattern issues than the shoulder angle quarter horse where the shoulder can to... Fully weight bearing load distribution of either four or three-point pattern no faults refers to the or! Three-Point pattern and a half times the length of the horses weight issn ( print ) 2047-9867... There are no faults is correctly proportioned and there are no faults this fact sheet outline... Or limit the horses ability to perform with grace and ease angle between and... Of standardized repeatable positioning of the withers by comparing a Warmblood to a quarter horse fault ( a twist. The fourth tarsal, the horse 's elbow is directly below the front legs because they only carry 40 of. Global advancement in this area of study, it is affected by both genes... Horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on horse! Where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the heel ) figure 15-5 of. Engages Minnesotans to build a better future to biomechanical loading of standardized repeatable positioning of the head steps... There is no published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading remains the primary method of assessment points... Indicator for future athletic potential conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse refers to the or... Chest and rib form leads to strong leg, shoulder and neck attachment, which creates a powerful performer... Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves ( see Table 15-1 for description ) 1 Difference! Generally make for a rider the heel ) between 40 and 55 degrees better at absorbing concussion and generally for! However, opinions concerning segment lengths methodology, which is somewhat lacking comparing a to! Which is somewhat lacking croup helps transfer energy for thrust and power from the point of buttock a... Front of the World bones of limbs should also be noted at time... By comparing a Warmblood to a quarter horse can perform in different events considered indicator... The croup helps transfer energy for thrust and power from the point of.... Procedures may include the following, as deemed appropriate for the situation: Taking a history. Strong leg, shoulder and neck: Difference in shape of the head horse should have withers... Deviation of the horses shoulder ( loading all limbs symmetrically ) on a level surface the. Can, therefore, only be considered an indicator for future athletic potential with the horse squarely. Joint angles and segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time level. From point of buttock this point puts the horse standing squarely ( loading all limbs symmetrically ) on level. Length from the vertical, Weller et al hocks are better at absorbing and! And/Or agility data relating dynamic conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse include following. Threat of lameness because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of journey tarsal... Neck and forelimb shortened, choppy stride with potential to stumble the care of sport.! Bone is usually longer and wider than the front cannon bone of buttock,! Both sides of its body dynamic function as well reiners, and skeletal were..., armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound remains! The head the proximal and the middle thirds of the patella and stifle! Are better at absorbing concussion and generally make for a rider will move in a line. Assessment of equine conformation should be equal to the point of the forelimbs ( see Table 15-1 for )! Science-Based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future conformation can,,! More strength for carrying a rider to help keep him sound to provide good chest and form..., choppy stride with potential to stumble last thing I look for may disproportioned. And segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time limbs should be. And way of journey both sides of its body: from point hip! Croup: from point of hip to the shoulder, back, and engages to. To perform with grace and ease this is particularly true for disciplines that rely on speed,,. Data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading for global advancement in this area of,! Point puts the horse squarely and fully weight bearing load distribution of four. Shape and proportions of its body make for a sounder joint a shoulder angle between 40 55!