Help! Back conformation

uj1cm

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16 July 2005
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I've been looking for a horse for a while and have finally found one that ticks all the boxes! He was 5 star vetted today and he passed but the vet made a couple of notes regarding his conformation. My biggest concern is with his back (which I was also concerned about when I viewed him) - he is quite short through the back, has high withers and a 'mild' roach back.

He is a 4 year old 15.2 warmblood gelding. He is quite lean and a little under-developed at the moment. I think he still has a bit of growing to do. Is it likely that his back will improve as his condition improves? Has anyone had any experience with roach backs?

He is currently competing in unaffiliated dressage, scoring 65%+ each time out. I plan to do some BD and low level BE with him. The vet says that he will be up to the job but I'm a bit worried. Can anyone reassure me?
 
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With him being only 4, I would expect he will probably grow a bit more and level out. It doesn't sound like he is having problems scoring Dressage scores like that! A short back isn't necessarily a bad thing - it is a sign the horse is strong. I would much rather see a horse with a back slightly too short than one with a back slightly too long.
 
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