Hock action - experts enlighten me please, I'm confused!

[kerilli]

I've heard people talking about different hock action required for SJers compared to Dressage horses, for example. Something very technical, I'm sure. Please enlighten me, as I really don't understand. I thought an equine athlete was an athlete, but obviously there's more to it... thankyou for any info.

 

[CVSHotShot]

Hock angles for a jumper tend to be more closed where Dressage horses will tend to to have a straighter hock, as it will require less effort to close the joint angles and collect.

http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/2008/06/dressage-versus-jumper-conformation.html

Have a look at this page, it is very helpfull if you manage to remember it all! lol x

 

[Rollin]

A ver interesting article.

 

[kerilli]

thank you for linking to that article, very interesting. slightly less confused now!

 

[Partoow]

Bootys mum that was an exellent artical.
Personally i want to see and athletic horse and often find the 'dressage' horses rather 'false' in their way of going with a slow hind leg, and the only thing a slow hind leg can do is get left behind.[for the Grandprix this is not good]
So for me i actually like the showjumpers as the set of neck is good the hindleg is quick and under the body.I want a quick reactive horse, thats what you tend to get with the jumping lines.
Greater opening of the shoulder in a good shoulder should be developed through good training.Especially in the trot.
I want to see scope in the walk and the canter .I want to see good articulation of the hock and knee joints with the horse well supported in 'each corner'
There has been a trend in the past to have more horizontal dressage horses, as it looks 'flash', but i think this is changing back to the thought that a good athlete ia a good athlete.
For the same reason the cyclist at the olympics got a medal at the games previously; she is a good physical and mentally adept athlete.