string test question?

[MasterBenedict]

When doing the string test do you lay the tape measure against the leg following the contour of the leg or in a straight line from mid knee to coronet band?

 

[twobearsarthur]

Straight line

 

[dianchi]

You follow it, although it should be pretty straight!

 

[MasterBenedict]

hmmm well if I do it completely straight or tight against the leg the results vary quite a bit....

 

[mynutmeg]

Whats the youngest thing works?

 

[Meowy Catkin]

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/stringtesting.html

There are two methods on here. One for foals and one for yearlings and above. I always hold the tape taught and the elbow to fetlock method has been pretty accurate. The knee to coronet is a good guide, but not as accurate IME.

 

[Goldenstar]

Hers the golden star test , if you were hoping for 15.3 you will get 17.2 if you where after 16.2 you get 15.1 never seems to fail.

 

[Cortez]

Elbow to ergot has been consistantly accurate for me over 40 years and coming up on 200 foals-to-adults; I've never had it be more than 1/2 and inch out, + or -. And you do it straight from elbow to ergot, then swing it up and follow the contours of the shoulder to wither.

 

[Cortez]

Hers the golden star test , if you were hoping for 15.3 you will get 17.2 if you where after 16.2 you get 15.1 never seems to fail.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Absolutely right! And yet another reason to buy "finished product" in the size/age/colour/sex you wanted. Oh, and cheaper too.........