Measuring Question

[mcnaughty]

"immediately above the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra"

Is there an easy way of finding this?

This is the point where horses/ponies should be measured by the way (for those who did not know).

Thanks all.

 

[Shay]

Its the highest point of the withers.

Measuring at home is a bit hit and miss anyway - although essential to get ned used to the process for when you need to take them to a formal measurement.

Stand ned up as square and level as you can get him, with his head in a natural but low position. You can't hold thier head low or encourage them to lower it with a treat - we find a reassuring scratch on the forehead helps. With the head relatively low you highest point of the withers is quite obvious. If you still can't see it get him to lower his head further just so you can figure out where it is and then try to find it again with his head in a low but natural position.

It works for most - but some conformation types are harder to find than others.