Conformation of horses pdf

Any scars on the knees suggest that the horse isnt careful over a fence or has a tendency to slip or trip on roads. Recent books include storeys guide to raising horses, storeys guide to training horses, the horse conformation handbook, stable smarts, beyond the flamesa family touched by fire, care and management of horses, understanding equine hoof care, good horsebad habits, essential guide to calving, and cattle health handbook. A horse that exhibits correct conformation should be a natural athlete. Following are some characteristics of specific breeds such as draft horses, fine or society breeds, and stock horses. Each breed organization has identified its ideal horse. Conformation analysis is the systematic comparison of one horse to another and all horses to an ideal type for the breed or athletic purpose. However, a horse s form is related directly to function. The ideal conformation of a young horse for any competition or sound family mount. Pdf conformation should be judged in light of the horses discipline. The purpose of the conformation horse class the purpose of this class is to preserve the ultimate, ideal conformation of stock type horses by selecting individuals in the order of their overall resemblance to the wcha conformation standard. Wcha yearling nomination form world conformation horse.

Color horses have the option to pay only a color nomination. To develop a strong foundation for horse judging skills remember your a, b, cs. Heather smith thomas has written extensively on animal health care, authoring thousands of articles and 24 books on the subject. Horse fact sheet the horse is an oddtoed ungulate mammal belonging to the taxonomic family equidae. Evaluating horse conformation uga cooperative extension.

Conversely, a horse with the wrong structure for a job may improve slightly with muscling, but he will never reach the top of that sport, while horses with the right structure can do that job fairly well even with. As an interesting side note, in one study of icelandic conformation it was noted that the horses with the steeper croups were those most likely to perform a flying pace. Equine conformation evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse s bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Conformation is defined as the correctness of bone, musculature, and proportions. Of the many basic tenets of ideal horse conformation, how many exist. The assessment of conformation is subjective, and different people will have different preferences, tolerances, and intolerances. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse s conformation. Some horse judges support fads and are more forgiving of certain faults than others.

Conformation refers to the structure or outline of an animal. Conformation includes type, muscling, balance and structural smoothness. A horse with poor form for a grand prix show jumper could have excellent conformation for a world champion cutting horse, or to be a champion draft horse. Test your eye for horse conformation expert advice on horse. Kylee jo duberstein, equine specialist, department of animal and dairy science. This enables one to systematically compare among horses and with the ideal horse in that breed.

It relates directly to the horses ability to perform specific tasks. Unlike livestock, which are judged for production purposes, horses are looked at in terms of their athletic performance ability. A horse s conformation and structure can limit or expand his options as a performance horse. A horse that has balanced conformation with neck, back and hip of equal lengthwill generally be a good mover and that translates into good performance. If youve spent any time around horses or horse people, youve heard this word or related words used again and again. The variation in conformation of 356 swedish warmblood horses is described, using a quantitative method of measuring horses. The arabian horse is known for its ancient bloodlines, which in many cases can be traced directly back to the desert. The horse conformation handbook, by heather smith thomas. Apr 08, 2008 to obtain basic knowledge about selecting horses for therapeutic riding, the influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and relationships between these factors and the evaluation on horses as the therapeutic riding were studied. Jan 29, 2020 each breed has its own proper characteristics. Frequently there is a confusion in terminology, especially in the use of vernacular descriptions. This is because we want to start with the xray structure conformation.

The neck should tie into the horse s body fairly high to provide good chest space. Femalemale characteristics are noticeable in the correct sex of the horse. The student should then read the chapter on conformation and the importance of a horse that demonstrates correct. Horse judging helps in the development of a keen eye to evaluate the usefulness of a horse for a particular purpose. This horse has a rather long functional back in relation to. In addition, different breeds and horses with different jobs to do may be compared to slightly different ideal conformation standards. Start your conformation analysis by becoming familiar with the parts of the horse figure 1. Evaluating sport horse conformation, part 2 dressage today. Teaching youth an equine conformation judging system.

Conformation definition of conformation by merriamwebster. So in order to identify the difference, the question what defines posture and what defines conformation. An important ratio to consider when evaluating a horse s conformation is the ratio of the top of the neck to the bottom of the neck. All horses must be nominated as weanlings to compete as yearlings and older at all wcha sponsor events color nominations for weanlings. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multitoed creature into the large, singletoed animal of today. Although a horses basic body conformation will vary by breed, all horses should have basic athletic structural attributes. One conformation analysis system is known as bsmqtt. Judging horse leg conformation equimed horse health. Horses differ in conformation, which affects how well they can perform in different events. Aug 07, 2010 a horse with poor form for a grand prix show jumper could have excellent conformation for a world champion cutting horse, or to be a champion draft horse. Body proportions depend primarily upon the underlying skeletal structure. When choosing a horse, one should be able to recognize standard conformation and conformation faults and match the purpose of the horse with the conformation that is best suited for that purpose. Mission and vision statement world conformation horse. To evaluate a horses conformation you must know several common names associated with horse anatomy.

The poll is the bony prominence lying between the ears. As you work through judging horses, you will accomplish these objectives. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horses athletic ability. Generally, a horse s neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. All horses with apha, aphc, phba, abra or arha registry are eligible for color divisions. Although there are several faults with universal disadvantages, a horse s conformation is usually judged by what its intended use may be. This site is like a library, use search box in the widget to get ebook that you want. To obtain basic knowledge about selecting horses for therapeutic riding, the influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and relationships between these factors and the evaluation on horses as the therapeutic riding were studied. Balance, structure, muscling, quality, type and travel. When evaluating horses, the ideal will always be in demand. Judging horse leg conformation horse health matters. Conformation is viewed in relation to the whole horse, not only at rest, but when moving. Conformation analysis is the another and all horses to an ideal type for the breed or athletic purpose. The headneckshoulder hookups in a horse help determine his ability to flex and collect himself, and play a role in his agility and athleticism.

Relatively speaking analyzing the conformation of three horses who have pedigrees featuring argentinus. Pdf the forelimb and hoof conformation in a population. Conformation icelandic horse an analysis by lee ziegler horse one although the typically luxurious mane hides a good deal of the shoulder and the top of the withers, making it a little difficult to find these points, i have marked where i think they may be on this picture. However, reproductive failure in mares is a common problem and can be accounted to many issues.

With poor conformation, a horse may be best suited to quiet trail rides. Action, balance, conformation performance or the inability to perform. Takehome message conformation is the study of body proportions. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horses conformation. This fact sheet will outline criteria that can be used to evaluate conformation of horses. The front legs should be well muscled through the forearm and a good length of the upper front leg is essential for speed. When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. Improve knowledge of conformation and performance traits of various breeds of horses.

Click download or read online button to get the horse conformation handbook book now. Every horse has good and bad points of its conformation and many horses including olympic caliber horses excel even with conformation faults. The mystery of the hunters bump 396kb pdf horse sport, october 2005. Mar 14, 2016 when examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task. If youve spent any time around horses or horse people, youve heard this word or. Horses with poor conformation can be made to look good in photos through handler manipulation.

In the long run, whenever you sacrifice certain qualities of conformation, a limitation in ability will occur. Evaluating horse conformation 4 a cooperative extension bulletin 1400 how the neck ties in to the shoulder also tends to also influence the shape of the horse s neck. His hind legs show a very slightly longer femur than tibiafibula. Evaluating horse conformation kylee jo duberstein, equine specialist department of animal and dairy science w hen examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture. Conformation and function in the riding horse by deb bennett, ph. When im judging or evaluating a horse, the first thing i look for is overall balance. Here are explanations and drawings for the bsmqtt conformation analysis. The head should be in proportion to the rest of the horse. Sporthorse breeder and judge julie winkel, who critiques readers horses in the practical horseman conformation clinic each month, explains her fits in a box judging system. Conformation and soundness daniel marks, vmd conformation should be judged in light of the horses discipline. Influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and.

Conformation definition is the act of conforming or producing conformity. Evaluating horse conformation the masterson method. The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing. However, many apparent conformational features are actually produced by posture the way the animal carries itself rather than.

And that has also made such a huge difference to my decisions on what horses to buy, but also towards understanding why some of my horses have limitations and problems. An ideal chest is deep and contains the space necessary for vital organs. American paint horse association, 2800 meacham blvd. If the mane is uneven or the legs have excess hair, especially around the fetlocks, it can obscure the conformation. Similar findings have been reported in horses with less mean hock. Horses with poor conformation may be at higher risk of.

Pony conformation 752kb pdf horse sport, december 2006. The work should be done only by a person fully experienced in the structure of the foot and leg who has the knowledge of corrective measures. An additional nomination fee is required to be eligible for color classes within all wcha futurity programs. Conformation for the barrelgaming horse head wide distance between eyes large nostrils for increased oxygen intake short mouth as opposed to a long mouth, in which the bit can interfere with the teeth, also tend to be less. Teaching youth an equine conformation judging system dr. With the exception of showing a breed known for its flowing mane and furry fetlocks, breeders should present their horses as neatly as possible.

Conversely, a horse with great conformation may appear poor in photos due to the photographers lack of knowledge. Bob mowrey extension horse commodity coordinator north carolina state university. Mar 15, 2005 heather smith thomas has written extensively on animal health care, authoring thousands of articles and 24 books on the subject. A narrow chest can lead to interference with the front legs. Balance, struc ture, muscling, quality, type and travel. A horses conformation determines how well it can perform the functions asked of it. The student should then read the chapter on conformation and the importance of a horse that demonstrates correct conformation and breed characteristics. Conformation plays an important role in the ability of a horse to perform. In short, posture is how the horse organises itself, or stands, whereas conformation is. How horses are put together and why they can run so fast. The judges then walked down the row checking the conformation of the horses and getting a closer look at each one. Grooming 66 corrective trimming and shoeing on some horses improves or corrects inherited faults in conformation. The better a horse s conformation how the animal measures up to, or conforms, to the ideal standards of its breed or type, the better it will be able to perform. Good conformation is key to the intended performance of your horse.

The selection should be based on the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness and move. Horse conformation head, neck and shoulders equimed. Start your conformation analy sis by becoming familiar with the parts of the horse. Knees should be broad and flat with no puffiness or lumps. The illustrations give clear examples for use during evaluation. In athletics as in architecture, form follows function, and nowhere is that truth more important than in equestrian sports. Variation in conformation of swedish warmblood horses and. An introduction to functional conformation horse council bc. However, they would only be eligible for color division held within each class. If you have read articles or ebooks on horse conformation by judy wardrope. Overall, few conformation abnormalities were observed, and hoof shape and size was within the normal expected range for horses of this size.

With good conformation, and that important factor of heart and athletic ability, horses are capable of exceptional athletic performance. If it is on the large side, the horse will be very difficult to raise off the forehand. This unsoundness is the faults in an animals conformation that lead to an inability of the animal to perform effectively in events or breeding. If you want to breed your mare and need to narrow the stallion choices, there is. Equine vulvar conformation correction kayla smith, senior, animal science broodmares are a very important aspect to running an equine breeding business and in order to produce healthy foals the mares in return need to be healthy. Test your eye for horse conformation expert advice on.

Unlike most breeds, arabian horses have existed as a pure breed for thousands of years. A nice hip for a reiner is not constructed the same as for an endurance horse page 8. The horse conformation handbook download ebook pdf, epub. The best approach for correcting a gait fault is to examine the animals conformation and footflight pattern. Feb, 2017 if the mane is uneven or the legs have excess hair, especially around the fetlocks, it can obscure the conformation. Horse conformation head, neck and shoulders horse with good neck conformation for dressage. The influence of equine conformation on performance aura. To truly judge a horse s conformation, the horse should be walked into position naturally and.