Conformation and Selection for Performance
Course Description
Most breed standards define “Good conformation” as conformation related to the efficiency of movement. However, that is not always what we want in our performance horses. Sometimes, we want a horse to trot well with long, low sweeping strides, sometimes we want low, slow knees, and sometimes we want hindquarters built for speed and power from a standstill.
This course examines conformation as the form relates to the desired function and discusses the conformations desirable for specific events. Students are advised to view horses from many points of view, evaluating each part of the horse in terms of its ability to provide the strength and agility necessary to win at different competitions.
Course Outline
I. Viewing the Horse for Evaluation
A. Front View
B. Side View
C. Hindquarters View
II. Evaluating Head
A. Airways
B. Vision
C. Intelligence
III. Evaluating the Forehand
A. Neck and Shoulder
B. Front Legs
C. Head Girth
D. Back
IV. Evaluating the Body
A. Top Line
B. Rib Cage
C. Underline
D. Loin
V. Evaluating the Hindquarters
A. Croup and Hips
B. Hind Legs
C. Viewing the Spinal Column