How Restricting is an Upright Shoulder?

[Willow1306]

The title possibly isn't worded too brilliantly but basically how much of a problem can a shoulder which is more upright than the ideal be?

I know the basics, that it can limit movement and make it less comfortable and that horses are more likely to get concussive problems as a result. What other implications are there?

Unfortunately i'm not in a position to buy but I always browse classifieds etc. and saw a horse which looked a nice sort but had a really upright shoulder. There was a video of it being loose schooled and its movement was OK, not big and flashy nor probably as free/open as i'd like to see but seemed straight and correct. So it just got me thinking would the shoulder issue be particularly limiting?

Imagining i were on the look-out to buy and wanted this horse- As a rider i'd like a horse that would do a bit of everything with the capability to affiliate at the lower levels (but probably progress no further than BE novice). Although i've no intention to be particularly competitive i'd want something that could do what i want well and in style and be physically OK to handle the work load. Do you think a horse with a particularly upright shoulder could do the above OK or would you steer clear? Obviously there are a lot of other important factors but just wondered what you're opinions were to my, probably particularly stupid, question?

 

[DidiR]

I think you've identified the main drawbacks, conformation isn't my strong point, but you would want a pair of good front legs and feet so as to be sure that the shoulder wasn't exacerbated by a weakness in the limb conformation that could be highlighted by work.

 

[Ezme]

An upright shoulder, as long as it isnt coupled with upright foot conformation, shouldn't restirct what they can do at the lower levels. They may find it a bit harder to produce extended paces but doesn't mean they can't do them and they can be a little bouncy. A fairly upright shoulder is acctually a desirable quality in a coaching horse and they will travel 50miles a day plus

 

[KatB]

Mine has an upright shoulder but has good forelimb action in his paces and is neat infront and relatively free through his shoulder. I think with any horse, you have to view their weaknesses with the whole picture, and make a decision based on that

Mine was brought with the purpose of eventing, and is generally a tough little horse. The people I brought him from had no doubt he would be capable of going Intermediate, and indeed you do see alot of eventing types which are quite upright. Wouldnt bother me aslong as it didnt show in its performance.

 

[Thistle]

Floss is upright in her shoulder but can use it. She has improved with correct work and a wow saddle. She is happy to pop 1.35m for fun and regularly events at Novice.

However she is extremely cat like and very light and pingy on her feet so concussion isn't too much of a problem.