What makes a nice conformation?

[HollyWoozle]

I often see people asking whether their horse has a good conformation and it got me thinking... what actually makes for a good conformation? I have no clue!

I can obviously tell if a horse is nice looking and healthy but other than that, I really don't know anything about conformation, bone etc. etc. When we recently bought Belle, I took a lot of photos and videos to ask horsie friends what they thought before going ahead and buying her (as I knew I didn't have a clue about the technical stuff).

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what they think makes for a nice conformation and why those things are important.

Hopefully this might be useful for other people as well. Thanks!

 

[Shilasdair]

Well, as you set yourself up as the benchmark for all right thinking horse owners in the 'Do you condone this' thread, I can only assume this post is in jest.
S

 

[HollyWoozle]

I did say in that post that I am not a super rider, nor am I some hugely knowledgeable horsewoman. I know how to keep my horses happy and healthy, how to ride well enough for what I do and when unsure, I ask the opinions of people who know better than me (which is what I'm doing now).

I apologise if I came across as being some sort of know-it-all in the other thread, I was merely sharing my opinion and answering the question asked to the best of my knowledge. Therefore, I'd appreciate it if people did the same in my thread.

 

[Shilasdair]

[ QUOTE ]
I did say in that post that I am not a super rider, nor am I some hugely knowledgeable horsewoman. I know how to keep my horses happy and healthy, how to ride well enough for what I do and when unsure, I ask the opinions of people who know better than me (which is what I'm doing now).

I apologise if I came across as being some sort of know-it-all in the other thread, I was merely sharing my opinion and answering the question asked to the best of my knowledge. Therefore, I'd appreciate it if people did the same in my thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd love to answer, but I know nothing. Ever. And I wasn't there. And I have an alibi.
S

 

[lucy1984]

Im not sure but I guess a horse that doesnt look in proportion to other parts of the body. I own a horse that has rubbish conformation. I know its his neck that is too short for his body and 'ewe' like, but I'm hoping he will look better as he grows and when ridden. He is a typical gypo trotter x something and shouldnt of been bred IMO but who else has he got if I dont love him?

 

[ElliePippa]

I think that a nice round bottom, and not too goose rumped. A good sloping shoulder, with a well set neck, not too cresty, not to ewe necked. Good feet are also vital, and the hocks will always play a big role in the horses way of going. But then again, other aspects of the conformation also depend on the job your doing.
For example, apparantly a goose rump is favoured for showjumpers, but not in showing

 

[Adina]

Try "The Horse Conformation Handbook"by Heather Smith Thomas. Its quite comprehensive and compares horses for different jobs. I was given it as a present so don't know the cost. A lot of showing/breeding books are a bit vague and only show you near perfect horses.