Conformation

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EbonyJayne

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I really don't know a lot (pretty much nothing) about conformation. How can I learn? I want to be able to see a horse and know what is good and bad. I'm amazed how some users can see one picture and have a full paragraph on what's good/bad ect.
 
If you google 'horse leg conformation' for example, lots of drawings will come up showing different faults.

http://pets-lovers.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1635.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYptn4iFw...kWVqdM/s1600/Hindqaurter%2520conformation.jpg

The links above are examples. Do bear in mind that these have the US terms. So in the UK, we would call 'calf knees' 'back at the knee' and 'buck knees' are 'over at the knee.' 'Fine bones' would be 'tied in at the knee.' The drawing of base wide fore legs isn't that different to the ideal drawing, so not a good example. One thing that isn't discussed in these particular drawings is cannon length. Short cannons are good.

It also good to google each fault separately as you can then find extreme examples, which does get your eye in, for spotting the fault when it's more subtle. Things to look into are roach back, sway or dipped back, upright shoulder, ewe neck etc...

Some breeds have conformation traits that are desirable in their breed, for example arabs and their high tail carriage. However the point about short cannons being desirable is universal to all breeds.
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...act=rc&uact=3&dur=894&page=2&start=16&ndsp=23
 
Its all experience. Learn the basics then look at a tonne of pictures and bother some nice people to ask their opinions. I wonder if there is a test you can do like a online quiz? lol
 
The thing I'm rubbish at understanding with conformation is does bad conformation mean your horse has "had it",or with correct schooling and muscle building, can the conformation be corrected (or at least vastly improved?)

I ask this as from those diagrams I think my horse is "base narrow" and wonder if there are ways I can help him stand correctly?
 
PaulnasherryRocky said:
The thing I'm rubbish at understanding with conformation is does bad conformation mean your horse has "had it",or with correct schooling and muscle building, can the conformation be corrected (or at least vastly improved?)

I ask this as from those diagrams I think my horse is "base narrow" and wonder if there are ways I can help him stand correctly?
Click to expand...

No; if he's base narrow that's the way his legs grow and can't be "fixed". However, many young, unfurnished horses can start off narrow and widen out as they muscle up, but if they are built that way they stay that way. Unless he has problems with brushing or knocking into himself it shouldn't really make much of a difference. A lot of conformational "faults" are only really a problem if the horse has to perform at a very demanding level, like racing or 3-day eventing.
 
Faracat said:
If you google 'horse leg conformation' for example, lots of drawings will come up showing different faults.

http://pets-lovers.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1635.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYptn4iFw...kWVqdM/s1600/Hindqaurter%2520conformation.jpg

The links above are examples. Do bear in mind that these have the US terms. So in the UK, we would call 'calf knees' 'back at the knee' and 'buck knees' are 'over at the knee.' 'Fine bones' would be 'tied in at the knee.' The drawing of base wide fore legs isn't that different to the ideal drawing, so not a good example. One thing that isn't discussed in these particular drawings is cannon length. Short cannons are good.

It also good to google each fault separately as you can then find extreme examples, which does get your eye in, for spotting the fault when it's more subtle. Things to look into are roach back, sway or dipped back, upright shoulder, ewe neck etc...

Some breeds have conformation traits that are desirable in their breed, for example arabs and their high tail carriage. However the point about short cannons being desirable is universal to all breeds.
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...act=rc&uact=3&dur=894&page=2&start=16&ndsp=23
Click to expand...

I must say Faracat your knowledge amazes me! Not just with this but also the colour genes and I'm sure I've read a lot of comments made by you on other threads, you often seem to have a mass of information on many questions asked on here. 👍
 
That's so kind of you EJ. With horses there's always more to learn which is something that I like about them, I just wish that I wasn't learning about veterinary issues because my own horses have weird medical problems (I mean you Floss! ;)). I'm not anywhere near as good with the subtleties of conformation as Cortez or Adorable Alice, but I do believe in 'form to function' and can spot basic faults. The old FHOTD blog was very interesting RE conformation and it's a shame that it folded.
 
I have a side image of my (far from perfect!) older gelding that you are all welcome to critique :)

Meandarthur3_zps904f25c5.jpg


Standardbred, aged nineteen, hasn't worked in about a year and a half. Possibly part mountain goat to judge by his cliff climbing skills...
 
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