Good conformation is based on the
physical appearance in which includes proper balance, mass (degree of muscling), structural correctness, and
desirable breed for its
purpose. Horses with imperfect
confirmation may experience a variety of health problems as they age or by
injury from repeated physical stresses.
Balance
Balance is the single most
important trait; which is the even, smooth aesthetic blending of all muscles
and parts. It is determined by length of the neck (pole to withers) and underside (throat
latch to neck/shoulder junction), back (withers to croup) and along the underline (elbow to stifle). The back should be ˝ of the underline. The
underside should be ˝ the neck. The
angle of the shoulder determines agility and defines the length of the neck; it
should be 45-50 degrees.
Structure and Muscling
·A horse with a long, moderately sloping shoulder
will typically have a long neck, a short back and a smooth stride. The length
of the neck determines the stride and flexibility. The back should be short and
strong with a long underline. A long
croup accommodates more muscle mass, which should be even and smooth. The ideal
withers are slightly higher than the croup appearing sharp and prominent.
·The head gives a window into disposition and entire
confirmation. The set of the ears, size
of nostril, shape and size of the eyes and depth of mouth are factors. Soft, quiet, larges eyes usually indicate a
docile disposition. Ears should appear
alert, sitting proportionate and squarely on top of the head. Large nostrils and a defined muzzle are
associated with “pretty Headed” horses.
·The barrel is an indicator for performance, power
and stamina. The barrel is basically, room available for lung and heart
functions. The greater lung capacity means more air can be taken in with each
stride.
·Muscle mass can be seen in front of or behind the
horse. In front look for major width
from shoulder to shoulder, a large circumference to the forearm, and an obvious
"v" in the front muscling. The
rear should be wide from stifle to stifle, and the quarter should tie in deep
to strong gaskins. The side should reveal strong forearms, a deep quarter,
strong gaskins, and a long croup.
Structural
Correctness: Ideal Views
Soundness and Structure
Unsoundness is any deviation in structure in which it
interferes with usefulness. Blemish and
abnormalities may detract from appearance, but the horse may still be sound.
Disposition
How does the horse behave to being groomed, saddled,
trailered and ridden?
Faults in disposition will be indicated by the horse’s
responses such as fidgeting, nervousness, pawing, nipping or biting, buckling
or refusal to follow commands. A champion horse will exhibit superior
conformation whether it is a halter horse, pleasure horse or performance horse.
A horse's form is related directly to function. When certain qualities of
conformation are limited, then a limitation in ability will occur.
Riding and Movement - Balance is the
single most important trait; which is the even, smooth aesthetic blending of
all muscles and parts. The stride should have a free flow and cover ground
easily with a free flowing motion
Ride-ability for Purpose
- A horse should walk, trot,
lope and accept leads. The horse should be easily guided with mild or no
resistance while responding to the riders commands from a beginner to an
advanced rider. The horse should demonstrate quick response, smoothness,
cooperative attitude to authority during maneuvers.
Disposition - A good disposition is one in which the horse remains
tranquil under circumstances which conflict with its own desires when ridden by
a rider it trusts. The horse understands that it must conserve his energy for
tasks and does not waste it by jigging, head tossing, and fighting with the
rider.
Temperament- is the horses “frame of mind”. Temperament can be observed by horses body language. Ideally a horse with a gentle nature and
willingness to cooperate has a good temperament. A poor temperament can be observed during
normally interactions of feeding, grooming, saddling; such as signs of
nervousness, anxiety, agitation, jumpiness, bucking, pawing, biting, kicking or
refusal to cooperate.
Intelligence - The intelligence of a horse is
its trainability, ability to apply knowledge and use its own natural
instincts to reason.
Vice or Bad Habit- A vice is usually an abnormal
behavior that usually shows up in the barn or stable environment that
results from confinement, improper management, or lack of exercise. A
vice can affect a horse's usefulness, dependability, and health. A bad habit is considered to be an
undesirable behavior that occurs during training or handling. Examples are
cribbing, weaving, and self-mutilation. Examples are rearing, halter pulling, striking and kicking.
Health - State of complete physical, mental and
well-being of a horse. Eating well and exercising to attain physical fitness
and meet the tasks required. A healthy
horse should be able to pass a vet exam.
Training - There are
many interpretations of levels of a broke horse. Here are some levels of broke
horse as defined by some trainers. Please use your skills in assessing where
your horse fits.
Unbroken –
A horse not comfortable around humans
Started- An
uneducated horse learning about working with humans in a gentle manner.
Green
Broke- a horse that has some of the basics and understands all of what is
expected of the horse but has more riding experience in more
situations
Finished-
anything presented to the horse can be addressed mentally and emotionally in a
quite manner so that the rider can work the horse and think his way through the
situations in order to get to the desired result.
