Equine conformation

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Equine conformation evaluates the degree of truth of the horse's bone structure, the muscle, and the proportions of its body in relation to each other. Unwanted conformations may limit the ability to perform certain tasks. Although there are some universal "mistakes", horse conformation is usually judged on what it is intended to use. So "form to function" is one of the first set of properties to be considered in assessing conformation. A horse with a bad shape for the jumper of a Grand Prix show can have excellent conformations for the World Championship hoofers, or be a champion horse. Each horse has good points and bad conformations and many horses (including Olympic caliber horses) excel even with conformational errors.

Video Equine conformation

Head and neck conformation

Shoulders straight, upright, or vertical

The shoulder blade, measured from the top of the point withered to the shoulder point, lies in an upright position, especially when following the spine of the scapula. Often accompanies low wilting.
Shoulders are common and are visible in all types. Upright shoulder affects all sports.
Horses have shorter muscle ties that have less ability to contract and lengthen. This shortens the length of the pace, which requires the horse to take more steps to cover the ground, and thereby cause a greater risk of injury to the forefoot structure and accelerates muscle fatigue.
Upright shoulders can lead to rough and inelastic travel due to high knee action. This improves concussion on the forefoot, possibly promoting the development of DJD or navicular disease in a hard working horse. Impact stress tends to strengthen the shoulder muscles, making the horse less elastic with the reduced range of motion required for long range steps.
The erect shoulder causes the shoulder joint to open and rest on the short, steep bones of the arm, making it difficult for the horse to lift his shoulders and fold the angle tightly, necessary for a good jump, or in a cut.. A horse with an upright shoulder usually does not have a nice shape on the fence.
Horses are usually easier to accelerate in running.
Upright shoulders are best for gaited or show off parks, horse parades, and activities that require fast indentations, like horse riders or racing Quarter Horse.

Lean or beveled shoulders

The horse has a sloping shoulder angle (measured from the top of the wilted point to the point of the shoulder) with the layered lines behind the elbow. Often accompanies a deep and high-pitched chest.
Sloping shoulders are common. This mostly affects jumps, races, cuts, repetitions, polos, events, and dressage.
Horses have long shoulder blades in which the muscles that are attached effectively contract so as to increase the extension and efficiency of the steps. It distributes the attachment of the shoulder muscles to the body over a large area, reducing the jar and preventing shoulder stiffness by impact. Horses have a free elasticity and shoulder swing, allowing the extension of the required steps in dressing and jumping. Long steps contribute to stamina and help maintain speed.
The longer the shoulder blades and arms, the easier it is to fold the legs and fold the fence. The scapula hitch slid back horizontally as the horse lifted its forefoot, increasing the scope of the horse above the fence. [1]
A sloping shoulder has better absorption and provides a comfortable ride because it can hold the back so the rider does not cross the front foot.
Leaning shoulders are most advantageous for jumping, dressing, driving, choping, polo, driving, racing, and endurance.

The Humerus (a.k.a tulang lengan)

The bone of the arm comes from the point of the shoulder to the elbow, it is covered by a heavy muscle and serves as a leverage point for the forefoot muscles attached near the elbow.

"Ideal"

The humerus must be very strong and shorter than the shoulder length, has many connection points for the muscles.
Should be connected to the shoulder in the ball and the socket connection, this is the only joint on the front branch that is able to move from side to side.
The length can be determined by looking at the point of the shoulder to the point of the elbow.

Ideal Humerus Conformation (all sizes while horses stand up)

the shoulders and upper arms should be between 100-120 degrees
instead of trying to visualize where the bones of the arms and shoulders to get the above angle measured, the judge could use an angle between then the shoulder point and the humerus, which should be at an angle of about 85 degrees.
long, shoulder sloping and short upright humerus
the humerus is at the desired length when 50-60% shoulder length

Error

"Too Long Humerus"

The humerus is considered too long when more than 60% of the scapula's length.
When this error occurs then the shoulder muscles become too stretched, and the forearm movements decrease.
Due to limited movement horse is more likely to be awkward.
too long = too horizontal that leads to the horse "stands under itself"

The note "standing under" means that the horse's legs are too far below his body and his chest stands out.

"Short Humerus"

The humerus is considered too short when less than 50% shoulder length.
The humerus is usually in a horizontal position.
That covers the shoulders (shoulder and humerus) to less than 90 degrees.
With short-sleeved bones, the horse will look like it has no breasts at all and its legs will stand out too far in front of its body.
Ordinary, usually seen in Quarter Horses, Paints, and Warmbloods
Short humerus lowers the scope of the horse, and contributes to the short, choppy step.
Short steps increase collision pressure on the forefoot, especially the legs. The jerked rider and the horse absorbs many concussions. More steps are needed to cover the ground, increasing the likelihood of front-end congestion.
Horses tend to be less able to perform lateral movements.

Note: that the shoulders are too skewed (less than 45 degrees) then the horse's front legs will be stiff and stiff.

Elbow

the highest point on the front leg, not covered by muscles.
The protruding part of the ulna forms the elbow, known as the olecranon process.
the range of motion at the elbow is 55-60 degrees

Conform

It should not come out or go in and have to sit right in the forearm.
The olecrannon process should be viewed in a vertical position from the back.
The elbows should align with the front withers and no farther from the top wither.
Must blend in smoothly with your forearm muscles.

Possible Error

"Behind/Tied with Elbows"

The elbows are too close to the body and turn the legs.
This conformation will keep the hooves out.
They tend to wing when knees are flexed.
Feet can cross, and they can stumble.
This also tends to be accompanied by a narrow chest.
There is also a restricted movement and this results in a shorter step.

"Elbow Turned"

Usually associated with a narrow-base conformation and a dove convention.
The feet are too wide in the chest and too close to the foot.
This makes the horses paddle as they flex the knees.

Lower Arms (radius)

Connects your elbows and knees

Conform

Should be parallel to the knee and the cannon (if viewed from front or side)
Must be thick, wide, well developed, and long.
Unite with ulna.
Minimal fats, muscles should be visible.
The forearm muscles are known as extensors and the back of the forearm is known as the flexor.
The forearm's abdomen should not be large unless this breed is known for this; the Little Horses and more in the Draft breeds
There should be an inverted "V" at the top of the chest.

Long Forearm

Long arms are desired, especially if the horse also has a short gun. This increases leverage for maximum step length and speed.
Good muscle on long sleeves is very advantageous for horse jumps, as strong forearm muscles absorb concussions from impact and spread tension in the tendons and joints when landing.
Long sleeve is the best for speed events, jump events, and long distance trail riding.

Short Sleeve

Although not common, it is usually seen in Morgans and Quarter Horses.
Short sleeves affect speed and jump over events, but have little effect on horse events.
The length of the step depends on the length of the forearm and shoulder angle, so short sleeves cause the horse to increase the number of steps to travel, increase overall muscle effort and speed up fatigue.
Increases knee action, gives an animated look. Knee action is not compatible with speed.

The Chest

The shape of the horse's chest plays an important role in the level of endurance and stamina. A horse that will do slow and steady work may not be hampered by a chest conformation that limits lung capacity, but other horses that will do jobs that require speed, strength, or endurance require as much space for maximum lung expansion as possible. Horse ribs form the outer surface of the chest and determine the appearance of the center of the horse, or Barrel, the area between the forefoot and the hind legs.

Conform

The horse's breast is measured from the lower end of the neck to the top of the front foot.
The ribs play an important role in the shape of the chest, whether narrow or wide.
The overall shape of the horse's chest plays a key role in front foot movements.
The horse's chest should be well defined and not fused with the neck.
The width of the chest is measured from shoulder to shoulder, at shoulder points.
The chest should be wide, with a relatively wide gap between the forelegs, but not too wide, as this can cause the horse to experience decreased speed and agility.

Chest Form When looking at the chest from the front, the chest should be wider at the bottom than at the top. The shoulder blade should be closer together at its peak, toward their shoulders, than at the point where the front shoulder is attached.

Most important to remember: The width of the chest allows for pulmonary expansion and determines agility!

Ribas Well Sprung

Ribs that have a greater degree of curvature, have "larger rib ribs."
A horse with a rounded rib usually has a type of endurance (ie Arab or Thoroughbred)

Slab-Sided Ribs

Flat, short and erect rather than tilted back.
The ribs go straight down, not outward and backward, limiting the space for lung expansion.
Horses with throwing side ribs tend to have less developed abdominal muscles and less stamina.
Also longer, weaker waists, and can not carry that much weight.

Barrel Chest and Deep Chest

Most horsemen prefer a deep and wide chest above the trunk, because the length of their legs tends to be greater than the depth of the chest.
Although, a horse with a barrel chest that has the right proportions can provide as much deep chest space (in terms of efficiency and true endurance)
Barrel chests tend to have good stamina.

Chest Chest Narrow Chest

Too narrow in front with narrow breasts, and not enough space between his front shoulders.
Narrow-chested horses have a harder time carrying heavy riders.
With a chest that is too narrow the forelegs may be too close together, or it may widen to a broad base.

Chests Too Large

The rib that is too wide to block the sweep to the back of the upper arm.
Also spread the rider's legs apart uncomfortably and put pressure on the rider's knee.
A chest that is too wide will reduce speed and agility

[All information comes from "The Horse Conformation Handbook" written by Heather Smith Thomas]

Narrow breasts

With a square standing horse, the width of the front legs is relatively narrow. However, this can be distorted by how far the feet are placed at rest. The narrow breasts often describe the general thickness and development of the shoulder.
Narrow breasts are usually seen on Gaited horses, Saddlebreds, Paso Finos, and Tennessee Walkers
The ability of a horse to carry weight depends on the size of the chest, so a horse that does not work properly with a working draft may be either in a harness or with a light rider.
Narrow may come from a bracket that can cause toes to change, making the horse look narrow.
Horses may tend to be webbing, and more likely to interfere, especially on running
Horses are the best for horse riding, driving in harness, and horseback riding.

Pigeon-breasted

The front leg is too far back under the body, giving a great appearance to the breast as seen from the side. The forelimbs are located behind a line drawn from wither to the ground, arranging the horse beneath him. This is often associated with a long shoulder blade that drops a rather low shoulder point with a relatively horizontal arm bone, a more elbows backward arrangement.
A relatively unusual error, mostly seen in the Quarter Horses with large and large muscles.
Big muscles and big legs under the body lower the efficiency of the step and swing the shoulder, thus speeding up fatigue. This can disrupt the forefoot, forcing them to move sideways rather than directly under a horse. Causes a "rolling" style that slows the pace of a horse, especially when running fast.
It should not be too distracting for running sports that require fast acceleration. The inverse V of pectoral is important for the coils, doges, and the quick rotation required by stock horses.
The quality of this conformation is most useful in Quarter Horse racing, barrel racing, roping, and horse sports where the low front bends & amp; The horse turned quickly.

Maps Equine conformation

Content conformation

Withers

Mutton withered

Horses have widened flat and wide, from short spikes projecting from 8-12 vertebrae.
Visible in any type.
The wood is an important complement to the ligaments and muscles that extend the head, neck, shoulders, and spine, and also the insertion point for the muscle that opens the rib to breathe. If mutton goes away, the horse has less range of motion as it stretches the head and back muscles, so it is less able to lift the back with its head and neck lengthening, which affects the ability to collect.
It's hard to hold a saddle. If the saddle slides forward, it can put the load on the forehand, disrupt the balance and restrict the shoulder movement with saddle and rider movement, leading to shortened, disturbing or forging moves.
Horses are often difficult to adjust with the bridle
Riding and not jumping activities are best for horses

Lacking behind the wilt

A "rack" behind the withers, giving a hollow appearance, often created by a lack of muscle development
Usually found on a high-pitched horse of all kinds
Often implies a less developed muscle bed for the saddle to rest. Saddles will often bridge this area to pinch wither, creating pain from wither and muscle. The horse then will not come out, lengthen the shoulders, or use his back, especially for speed or leap. It also prevents the horse from the actual height from the back needed for collection. Unsuitable Saddles (with not enough high pommel arcs or narrow trees) can start or worsen this condition, because the horse will avoid the movement causing the discomfort, causing the loss of muscle behind the wilting.
Running horses with high upright necks (like married horses) do not develop strong and active back muscles. They are often perforated in the back and just below withered due to lack of collection.
This conformation is usually induced by a rider from a horse that is allowed to move behind, and is usually seen on horse-riding horses and long-distance trails or endurance horses.
Protective movements by horses to minimize pinching of saddles may contribute to back pain. Unconditioned persistent trains may overuse multiple musculoskeletal structures, leading to arthritis.
This conformation will not affect performance if the saddle fits properly. If the saddle is not, the horse is best used for non-speed and non-jump sports.

High wood [2]

The 8th to 12th thoracic vertebrae are long and tilted backwards to create a steep and high curve
Mainly seen in Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, and some Warmbloods
The high wood provides levers for the back and neck muscles to work together efficiently. When the head and neck are lower in length, the back and waist muscles converge or shorten. The wilted back angle is usually associated with sloping shoulders, which provides good movement of the shoulder blades. This makes it easier for the horse to engage in gathering, lengthening, twisting its back to jump, or extending its shoulders for better pace and speed.
If the thrower is too high and narrow, it is possible that a poorly fitting saddle will overwrite and slip too far, creating pain especially with the weight of the rider. Performance and will will suffer.

Back

Longer return [3]

With the back measured from the top withered to the croup top, it exceeds 1/3 of the overall length of the horse's body. Usually associated with long, weak waist.
Seen on forced horses, Saddlebreds, Thoroughbreds, and some Warmbloods.
The ability of the horse to return depends on its ability to lift the back and waist, requiring strong back and stomach muscles. A long back is flexible, but it is harder for the horse to tighten and straighten the spine to develop the speed or waist of the coil to collect and involve the backside to push the back foot forward. This then affects the level of top-level bandages, cutting, curbing, racing barrel, and polo: a sport that requires quick involvement from the back. Reduce the horse's flexion style to jump flat with less bascule.
It's hard to develop long-back muscle strength, so horses are more likely to be tired under the rider and sway over time. Stomach has more difficulty in compensation, so they also tend to develop. The waist and back legs can swing more than normal, increasing the occurrence of muscle pain that leads to stiff, rigid ride. Cross cutting or quick cuts are likely at high speeds from horses with long backs.
The rear movement is flatter and quieter, making the journey more comfortable and easier for the horse to change direction.

Short return [4]

The horse's back measures less than 1/3 of the overall length of the horse from the top of the peak to the croup
Can be seen in any type, especially in American Quarter Horses, Arabic, and some Warmbloods
The back may be less flexible and stiff and stiff. If the back spine is too small, the horse may have difficulty bending and then develop spinal arthritis. It affects the performance of dress and jump. If it is still behind and body, the steps will be stiff and not elastic. Horses may exceed the limits, forge, or the scalp itself if the hind legs do not move straight.
The horse may be useful and lively, able to change direction easily. Good for polo, roping, cutting, curbing. If the horse has good muscle, it is able to support the weight of the rider with a rare back pain.
Conformations are best used in sports agility

Saddle-, hollow-, low-, sway-backed/down behind [5] [6]

The dips back ridge feels in the middle, forming a concave contour between wilted and croup. Usually causes a high head and stiffness through the back. Associated with long returns.
Often associated with weakness of the back ligaments. Examples include children with multiple children and backs with age, old horses where age is accompanied by weakening of the ligaments, horses with poor fitness/conditions that prevent adequate ligament support from the back muscles, or excessive injury to muscles and ligaments from overwork, big weights, or premature work on immature horses.
Some horses with high croup and straight back are often seen swaying.
Often accompanies the waist length. If the waist is not wide, the ligament structure may weaken, causing the back to fall.
The swing re-positioned the rider behind the center of gravity, disturbing the balance. * Horses can not be upgraded for actual collections, which can affect any sport except most of all are dressage, jumping, and stock work. The back may hurt due to lack of support and weight of the rider.
Horses can not reach a quick impulse because the back is less connected to the front end. To reach speed, the horse must create some rigidity in the back and spine, which is impossible with wobble. This causes problems in racing, eventing, steeplechasing, and polo.
This horse is best suited for horseback riding and for teaching students.
Although the backs of sway are usually associated with older horses, there are also innate (sometimes genetic) forms of swaying back. Horses with this condition will obviously sway at a young age, sometimes even before they are one year old. Several lines of American Saddle Horse seem to carry this gene. [7]

Loin and clutch

Repeats again [8]

In areas where the back and waist are joined by croup (clutch) there is a curvature of the upper curve of the spine. Often results from a short back, or injury or malalignment of the lumbar spine.
Often accompanied by less developed waist muscles in breadth, substance, and strength. The spine has been "fixed" in a curved position, and the attaching muscles can not contract properly to rotate or raise the back. So it is difficult to involve the back or reverse back by lifting the waist muscles. Vertebra often decreases motion so the horse takes shorter steps behind.
Jumping and dressing up is greatly affected.
Horses are more stiff on the back and less flexible in movement up and down and side to side.
There may be back pain due to a vertebral collision.
There are less elastic nuances under the rider because the back is too stiff. Sports agility (polo, cutting, reining, barrel racing, gymkhana) is more difficult.
Common mistakes

Length or weak waist/weak clutch [9]

Coupling is a reconnection of the lumbosacral joint. Ideally, the L-S connection should be directly above the hip point. The weak coupling is where the L-S connections farther back. The waist is the area formed from the last rib to the hip point. The waist is measured from the last rib to the hip point, and should be one and a half the width of the hand. Waist length is associated with long back. Croup is often relatively flat and high quarters.
Horses with a weak or loose waist may have good lateral bends, but collections suffer because the actual bundle depends on the circumference of the waist to bend the hind legs. Because the hind legs and hind legs can not be positioned under the body, the hind legs will be strewn behind, so the horse is more likely to walk on the forehand. This creates coordination and balance issues, as well as inequality of the front.
Horses need hind legs to jump, and to go up and down hills. Weak loin impedes this, especially affecting the race horses, jumps, and tracks.
Loin sets the weight distribution on the forehand by allowing the horse to lift its back and distribute its weight backward. The horses can not paralyze the moving waist with a stiff back and a flattened L-S joint, throwing the back leg out backwards. This limits the ability of the gowns, and also affects curb, chop, and polo horses because they can not burst with encouragement.
Long couplings are associated with long backs and short hind legs. This will limit the collection to any discipline.

Short -coupling

Also known as close coupled.
Related to the short back, which will enable a boost and high accumulation.

Coarse merge/widow tops

At the waist, the horse has a much lower hollow area than the most important piece of croup.
Very unusual, and does not affect the use of horses in sports.
Cosmetically unpleasant. The muscular waist may be strong and sufficient with minimal effect on the ability to reassemble or push with the thighs. However, if a horse does not have a strong waist, he will have difficulty in raising the back for engagement.

Croup and "hip"

The group is from the lumbosacral joint to the tail. "Hips" refers to the line that flows from the ilium (pelvic point) to the pelvic iskium (pelvic point). After the point made by the sacrum and lumbar vertebrae, the following line is called croup. While both are related in terms of length and muscle, the angle of the hip and croup is not always correlated. However, the desired horse has a square shape to slightly pear-shaped. A horse can have a relatively flat croup and a healthy hip. The horse races are fine with a hip angle of 20-30 degrees, running a horse with 35 degrees. Once the horse is developed, the croup should be about the same height withered. In some breeds, high croup is a hereditary trait.

Croup or Goose rump

A steep group is often associated with short steps
Fewer errors for slow-moving horses like breeds than for horses
Some breeds prefer steep croup to their horses. A quarter of horses in particular.

Flat or Horizontal Group

The topline line continues in a relatively flat way to the tail dock rather than falling at an angled angle at the hip.
Seen especially between Saddlebred, Arabic, and Gaited horses
Push long and flowing moves. This helps the horse move faster, especially when the flat group is long enough to allow a greater range of muscle contraction to move the skeletal bone lever.

Short group

The length of the L-S connection to the tail dock is insufficient for adequate adhesion
Reduce the strength of the backstage
It's usually seen along with some back leg errors

Short "hips"

The L-S joint is often behind the hip point. Insufficient length from the hip point to the buttock
Horses will find it difficult to collect.
A well-muscled building can hide a short pelvis.
Gives fewer muscle ties to the thighs and gaskin. This reduces engine power in speed or jumping.
Short hips are less effective as muscle controllers to collect and contract the abdominal muscles as a back spin. It takes a more muscular effort.

Flat "hips"

The pelvis is flat, the line from the hip point to the buttock point is flat and not tilted correctly, the result is that the pelvic structure is too long. L-S joints often culminate, ishium is placed incorrectly.
It's harder to engage the back, so the back tends to be stiff. Thus it is difficult to excel in dressage, jumping, stock horse work. Minimizes the ability to develop power at the slower speeds required by the horse draft.

Jumper's Bump (also known as Hunter or Racking Bump ) [10]

Horses have an enlargement at the top of the croup, or malalignment of the croup with the pelvis and lumbar vertebrae, caused by tearing of the ligaments at the top of the croup. One or both sides of the L-S connection may be affected.
Quite common, usually seen on horse jumps and horses whose shelves are in a reverse frame.
This is a torn ligament caused by excessive hindquarter attempts, or from a horse that has its back slipping down or running up a very steep hill. It usually does not cause problems once it's healed, although it's easier to injure again.
Usually associated with a horse with a weak waist or a long back that can not fold the coils properly to take. Usually caused by overpacing the young horses, a rider who allows the horse to jump when assembled, or by squeezing (or other gait) in a very upside-down frame.

Tail

High Eye Set

The tail comes out of the body parallel to the top of the back.
Generally visible, usually in Arabic, Saddlebred, horse echo, and Morgans
There are no direct performance consequences. Often, though not always, it is associated with a flat croup. Tall tails contribute to the appearance of a horizontal croup, which may be aesthetic concern for some people.
Gives an animated appearance, which is good for parade, showcase, or drive

Low Cost Set [11]

Tails out of the body well along the thighs. Related to pelvis or steep ribs.
Visible in any type, especially on the design races
Only aesthetic attention except directly caused by pelvic conformation.

Wry Tail/Tail Brought to One Sided

The tail is brought tilted to one side rather than parallel to the spine
May be associated with spinal misalignment, possibly due to injury
Maybe because the horse is not straight between the rider's aids, it can be used to determine how straight the horse goes behind. Over time, the wrong body trains can cause excessive pressure on the limbs.
Probably due to discomfort, irritation, or injury

Ribcage and pelvis

Chest and Barrel/Rib Luggage

The round ribs increase the dimensions of the chest, creating a round, cylindrical or barrel shape to the ribs. Short ribs tend to be short.
Visible in any type, especially American Quarter Horses, and some Warmbloods
Provides plenty of room for lung expansion.
Too many roundabouts increase the size of the barrel, can limit the movement of the upper arm, the length of the step, and thus speed up. Round ribs with short rib lengths more resting the shoulders.
Pushing the rider's legs further to the side of the body, and can be uncomfortable, especially in sports that take hours in the saddle or in need of sensitive foot tools (clothing, cutting, curbing).

Pir-Shaped Ribcage/Widens Go Flank

The horse is narrow and behind the circle in the middle, then widened to the side
Ordinary, especially in Arabic, Saddlebred, and Gaited horses
Makes it hard to hold the saddle in place without a chest or crupper cover, especially on uneven terrain, jumping, or doing low work with fast-change directions (cutting). As the saddle continues to shift, the rider's balance is affected, and the horse and rider must make constant adjustments. The saddle slip has the potential to create friction and friction on the back or cause sore back muscles.
Horses are best used in sports on terrain and for non-jumping activities

Ribas Tidied

The backs of the ribs with long, wide, and sufficient spaces with ribs curled and chest deep from front to back. The largest part of the barrel is just behind the thickness area. The last rib came out and leaned to the back, with the other ribs having the same length, roundness, and backward direction.
Desired for any sport.
Increase intake of strong air, improve muscle performance and efficiency
Sticky attachment areas of shoulder, leg, and neck muscles allow for a wide range of movements for muscle contraction and step speed.
The weight of the rider is easily balanced and stable because the saddle remains stable and the rider can maintain close contact on the side of the horse with the foot.
There is enough room to develop strong loin muscles while still having a short waist distance between the last rib and the pelvic point (close clutch).

Slab-Sided

Poor springs from the ribs due to flatness and vertical flattening of the ribs. The ribs are long enough.
Ordinary, especially in Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walkers, and Gaited horses
There is less room for the enlarged lung, limiting the efficiency of muscle metabolism with long and difficult exercises
If there is a short depth in the chest, the horse will have limited lung capacity which is likely to limit the ability of the horse to speed of work
Horses generally have lateral flexibility.
Narrowness makes it difficult for motorists to use aids because the feet often hang without fully covering the horses. More effort is needed to stay on the horse because limited leg contact and saddles tend to shift.
Horses have a harder time to carry a rider's load because of the reduced base of support by the narrow back muscles.

Tucked/Herring-Gutted/Wasp-Waisted

The waist under the pelvis is angular, narrow, and tucked with limited abdominal muscle development. Often associated with short rear ribs, or malnourished horses.
Visible in any type
Often the result of how horses are trained and driven. If a horse does not use his back to get involved, they never develop their abdominal muscles. It seems like a sleek runner (greyhoundish), with stringy muscles on topline and gaskin.
Lack of abdominal development reduces the strength of the overall movement. Stamina is reduced, and the back tends to injury. The horse is incapable of fluid, elastic step, but may be able to cover the ground even though the body trains are correct.
Speed â€‹â€‹and jump sports should be avoided until muscles are developed.

Good Back Depth

The depth of the back is the vertical distance from the lower back to the lower abdomen. The point in front of the sheath or udder should be parallel to the ground and proportional inward to the front of the chest just behind the elbow at the waist.
Visible in any type, especially Warmbloods, Quarter Horses, and Morgans.
A good depth shows a strong abdominal muscle, which is important for strength and speed. It's important to dress, jump, and race. A strong abdominalist has a strong back, which is suitable for carrying heavy riders and pulling thighs.
Do not confuse the fat horse in the "show" condition, because fat only hides wasp-waistedness.

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Conformation of the back and hips

The Hindquarters

Short Hindquarters

Measured from the hip point to the buttock, the back should ideally be at least 30% of the length of the horse as a whole. Something less is considered short. Most horses between 29-33%; 33% is usually "Ideal," Horse racing may have a length reaching 35%.
Inadequate length minimizes the length of muscle needed for strong and rapid muscle contraction. Thus, this reduces the speed of distance, stamina, sprint strength, and defensive ability.
Tends to reduce the ability of a horse to actually involve the stern that needs to be collected or to break in a sliding halt
Horses are best suited for fun sports that do not require speed or power
Often associated with a too steep angle that causes Goose Rump
The croup point is behind the hip, making the loin and clutch weaker
It may also cause the horse to be crescent with its back foot too far under the body

Steep-Rumped

Seen from the side, the pelvis has a steep and declining slope.
Unusual, except in ordinary horses, but seen in some Warmbloods.
The sharp slope of the pelvis lowers the buttocks so that it closer to the ground & amp; shorten the muscles from the butt & amp; the gaskin. Shorten the rear leg swing due to reduced extension & amp; rotation of the hip joint. A horse needs a good hip range to get good running speed and mechanical efficiency of the hip and croup for power & amp; encouragement. Therefore, horses are not good at flat racing or running fast.
It's harder for a horse to "get in" and involve the back. It causes the waist and lower back to work harder, making them vulnerable to injury.
Geese goose is very valuable in sports with fast spin & amp; spin (curb, cut). Horses are able to generate power for short and slow steps (good for draft work).
Horses are best suited for stock horse work, slow power events (concepts in harness), low speed events (equitation, pleasure, trail)

Goose-Rumped

Seen from the side, the pelvis has a relatively flat profile, but is tilted with sufficient length, but the flatness does not extend to the tail dock like on a Flat-Crouped horse.
This group is very tall and shows a sloping intersection and a low tail connection, as well with a sharp tilted stack
The pelvis is too far down and too short
Creates a low buttock point, draws it closer to the ground, making the back less strong & amp; inhibits stifle movement
Common on some Warmbloods and can be considered as desirable properties on some breeds.
Often seen in Arab descent due to high tail placement; can show levelness
This conformation enables a good engagement from the back, while providing the long and speedy steps of the Flat-Crouped conformation.
A horse that is a goose-clump does not have enough swing and power behind it and will not be suitable for event speed and endurance
Often associated with good jump performance.
Note that the term Goose-Rumped is sometimes used as a synonym for Steep-Rumped, potentially causing confusion, since both conformations show somewhat different qualities in horse performance.
Horses with goose hockey are also more vulnerable to hindquarter injuries
Often associated with "Cat-Hammed" horses
Does not affect the design race due to the slow little steps

Cat-Parang/Frog's thigh

The horse shows off its long, thin thighs and gaskins with insufficient muscle
Horses have a poor development on the back, especially the quads and thighs. Associated with goosed-rumps & amp; sickle scythe.
Rarely, usually seen on Gaited horses. Can develop from year to year in captivity.
Horses do not have the necessary development for speed and strength, so horses are not fast or strong. Thus it is not profitable to race flat, polo, eventing, jump, steep, and racing harness.
Horse walking styles tend to be quieter than driving while running, so horses often form a stiff body & amp; back, making travel stiff.
This error can also be associated with poor nutrition and conditioning

Thighs

The thigh is a muscular area above the femur.
The femur and tibia bones should be of equal length, allowing more room for the longer thigh muscles; this allows for greater speed and power and for longer steps
The thigh should be muscular, long and deep.
The inner thigh must be full and give a square or rectangular view to the back when viewed from behind
The back of the thigh or "ham" should be thick enough to touch each other until parted.

The Hips

Narrow Hips

Seen from the back, wide between the narrow hips.
In horses with narrow hips, flammably and improperly harmonized hips that put more pressure and pressure on the leg joints
Ordinary, visible on any type, though Quarterly Hours tend not to have it. Usually in Tegal, Saddlebred, Arabic, and Gaited horses.
The narrow pelvis contributes to the speed because the horse can get its hind legs well under its body to develop a boost.
A narrow hip shape partially dictated by the developmental exercise of the abdominal muscles.
Good width widens between stifles, hocks & amp; lower legs to activate power, acceleration, & amp; purchase of feet to the ground, prevent injury disorders. Narrow pelvis limits the size of hip muscle ties, affects strength & amp; power.
Horses are best suited for flat racing, trails, riding trains; do not have much driving power

Rafter Hips/Wide Hips

Wide, flat hips are shaped like "T" when viewed from behind. Cattle tend to have extreme types of pelvis.
The hooves are too far up and the legs are too close together; often indicates a narrow base position (not straight from the back), so it emits less power and puts more pressure on the joints
Rarely, usually seen on Gaited, Saddlebreds and Arab horses.
Hip pelvis is often reinforced by poor muscles along the thighs and lower hips. Exercise to improve muscling helps the problem.
Not wanted in a horse with fast gaits

One Lower Hip Hip/Low Tap

From behind, the hip on one side is lower than the other. Probably because of injury to the hip point, or sublaxtion or hip fracture.
Not common
Generally induced by a traumatic blow to the hip. Not inherited.
Gait symmetry is affected (which is bad for dressage or performance horses). Interference with power and drive can alter high fence jumping power or reduce speed.
Horses may not be able to perform heavy activities.
The hip knob interrupts speed and jumps.
Horses are more susceptible to muscle or ligament pain associated with injury or strain. This is especially true of jumpers, riders, steep climbers, or events. However, in many cases, the horse is fully recovered, others often still experience muscle pain and have to settle for just doing a slow job.

High Stifles/Short Hip

The ideal hips form an equilateral triangle from the buttock, hip point, and hold. Short hips have short femur (thigh bones) that reduce the length of the quadriceps and thigh muscles. The thigh bone is short when the handle looks high (sitting on a shroud on a stallion)
Found in any type, but usually in Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds races.
Effective in producing short, fast, and powerful punches (sprints or draft work). The horse has a quick & amp; thus the initiation of fast running speed.
Ideally, the bones of gaskin and femur should have the same length in a horse that does nothing but run or compose a task. A short femur reduces the length of steps behind & amp; the elasticity of the jumper step, the dressage horses, and the average racer/harness want.

Low Stifle/Long Hip

Long hips are made by long femur that drops stiffness to or below the sheath line on the stallion.
Benefits in all sports except running and drafting work
Allows horses to develop speed and strength after moving.
The muscles of the hips, thighs, and thighs will be proportionately long with long hip bones, giving the horse the capacity to develop speed and strength over considerable distances. Produce a land-covering and efficient step in all the echoes.
Good for events, snow/wood racing, flat/harness racing, jumping, and long-distance cycling

src: practicalhorsemanmag.com

Front and back foot conformations

The Cannon and Tendons

Long Cannon Bone [12]

Long cannon between knee and fetlock, making knee look high relative to the overall balance of the horse
Reduce the pull of tendon muscles in the lower leg.
Uneven field or unbalanced leg balance will increase the pressure on the carpus because long tendons do not stabilize the lower limb as shorter
Gaining weight at the extremities, contributing to less efficient and less stable movements. Adding weight to the forefoot increases the muscle effort required in taking a limb, which causes rapid fatigue.
Increased tendon/ligament injury, especially when the horse is also tied up over the knee.
Horses with long cannons are best for short range racing.

Short Cannon Bone

A relatively short cannon from fetlock to knee compared to knee to elbow
This conformation is desired in any performance horse
The bone of a short cannon increases the ease and strength of the power generated by long-arm muscle or gaskin. Enable the efficient pulling of the tendon behind the knee or hock point to move the limb forward and backward.
Also reduce the weight of the lower limbs so that less muscle effort is required to move the limbs, which contribute to speed, stamina, health, and ability to jump.

Roton Cannon Bone [13]

The cannon rotates to the outside of the knee so it appears to twist on its axis relative to the knee. It may still be true and straight in joint alignment, but more often associated with the appearance of carpus valgus.
Placing excess tension inside the knees and joints under the limbs, potentially causing health problems, although this is not common.

Bench or Offset Knees/Offset Cannons

The cannon is set on the outside of the knee so that the imaginary boundary line does not fall to the center.
Causes excessive strain on the lateral surface of the joint from the knee down and on the outside of the nail.
There is an excessive amount of weight supported by the medial splint, which causes the splint.
Horses are best suited for non-speed activities such as driving, driving, and equity fun.

Tied Below Knee

The cannon, just below the knee, appears "cut" with decreased tendon diameter. Instead of parallel with the cannon, the tendon is narrower than the circumference measured just above the fetlock.
Affects speed events (racing, polo) and concussions (steep, jumping, holding, endurance).
The attraction of muscle pull decreases as the tendon is pulled behind the knee rather than a straight line behind the leg. It reduces power and speed.
Associated with the reduced size of the carpal bones of the accessory behind the knee that the tendon passes. The small joint is susceptible to injury and does not provide adequate support for the foot column when under pressure.
Horses are best suited for sports that shift animal weight backward or that do not rely on perfect front foot conformation (dressage, driving, chopping).

Front Feet - Knee

Medial Carpal Deviation/Carpus Valgus/Knock-Kneed [14] [15]

One or both knees deviate toward each other, with the bottom legs out, producing an outbound attitude. Occurs due to the uneven development of the distal radius growth plate, with outside growth plates growing faster than inside. The bottom of the forearm seems to be leaning inward.
All horses can inherit this, but can also be obtained from balanced nutrition that leads to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) or traumatic injury to the growth plate.
Horses are best suited for horseback riding, low impact, and low speed. The supporting ligament of the carpus will be under excess pressure. May cause health problems in the carpals or supporting ligaments. Horses also tend to get out, causing related problems.
Several studies have begun to show that front foot aberrations in this way will reduce injuries to horses by exercise, especially racing, research conducted in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.

Bucked, Sprung, or Goat Knees/Over at the Knee [16]

Knees tilted forward, in front of a perpendicular line, when viewed from the side.
Often caused by an injury to the check ligament or the structure behind the knee. The foot column is attenuated. Thus, horses tend to stumble and lose balance due to reduced flexibility and from knee joints that are always "emerging".
If congenital, it is often associated with poor muscle development in the front of the forearm, which limits speed and strength.
More pressure is applied to the tendon, increasing the risk of a bent tendon. The angle of DDF attachment and ligament check increases, predisposing the check ligament to the strain. Tendons and fetlocks have increased tension all the time, so horses tend to get injured in the suspensory (desmitis) and sesamoid bone. If the pastern is more upright, there is further pressure.

Calf-Kneed/Back at the Knee [17] [18]

The knees are leaning back, behind the perpendicular line falling from the middle of the forearm to the fetlock.
Usually causes an imbalance in horses in sports speed. Puts excess stress on knee joints due to overextends at high speed when loaded with weight. The back angle causes a compression fracture to the front surface of the carpals, and can cause ligaments injury in the knee. It worsens with muscle fatigue as supporting muscles and ligaments lose their stabilization function.
Kneeling knees weaken the mechanical efficiency of the arm muscles as it pulls behind the carpus, so the horse has less power and speed. Tendons and ligament checks assume excess loads so horses are at risk of strain. Often carpals are small and can not spread concussion impacts. ?
Horses should have a good shoe style, eliminating the LTLH (long-toe, low-heel) syndrome.
Sports that have more hindquarter functions, such as dressage, or slow-moving activity like horse riding, are the best for this horse.

Kaki Depan- The Fetlock

Toed-Out/Lateral Deviation of Pastern from Fetlock/Fetlock Valgus [19]

An angular limb deformity that creates an outward appearance from the bottom fetlock .
Commonly common errors
Creating excess tension on one side of the nail, pastern and fetlock, affecting the horse for DJD, bone ring, leg pain or bruises.
Horses will tend to wings, possibly causing injury disorders. May damage splint or bone of cannon.
This conformation reduces the impulse of the hind legs, as the symmetry and the shift time are changed by the placement of the rotating foot, the specificity of running. Thus, the efficiency of the steps is influenced to slow down the horse's walking style.
Horses can not survive years of hard work.

Toed-In/Medial Deviation of Pastern/Fetlock Varus

An angular limb deformity causes the appearance of a jagged dove from the bottom fetlock, with the toes pointing toward the opposite limb.
Horses are best suited for equestrian pleasure, no impact, low speed, and no spin.
These horses tend to paddle, create excessive movements and twist joints with nails in the air. This is not interesting in show horses, wasteful energy, which reduces the efficiency of his pace, so the horse bolts faster. The nails initially soar on the inner wall, causing excessive pressure on the inner limb structure, leading to a ringbone (DJD) and one or bruising the heel within the nail.

The Hindlegs

Gaskin Short/

Source of the article : Wikipedia

Kamis, 14 Juni 2018