4 - H H o r s e P r o j e c t M a n u a l - Conformation & Evaluation

Conformation & Evaluation

How is this horse
put together?

Conformation - Conformation refers to how the horse is built, or the

structural makeup of the horse.

Conformation affects how the horse will perform. For each particular
purpose or function of horses, there is a particular form that will enhance
that function. Consider the following points when evaluating the
conformation and form of a horse for a certain function.

The horse is an athlete. We must evaluate the structures which

contribute to the horses ability to perform and remain sound.
Conformation is inheritable - whether it is good or bad.

hind

chestnut

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& Eval.

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Head

Conformation and breed type should

be evaluated against a standard of
excellence. Most breed associations
establish a standard of excellence for
their own breed.
Look for a head that is in proportion
with the rest of the horse and has a
pleasing profile.
The eyes should be large, bright, wide
set and placed well to the outside of the
head.
Muzzle should be well tapered, not
coarse. Nostrils should be large and
able to flare to allow increased airflow
in and out of the lungs. Mouth of the
horse should be such that the lips and
front teeth meet evenly. A horse with an
overshot upper jaw (front top teeth
extend out past the lowers) is said to
have a parrot mouth. A horse with an
overshot lower jaw (lower jaw is longer
than the upper) is said to have a
monkey mouth. Both of these traits are undesirable because they are
inheritable and they make grazing difficult.

Parrot Mouth
(Overshot top jaw)

Monkey Mouth
(Undershot top jaw)

Ears should be alert and proportionate to the rest of the head.

Check that there are no unsightly bumps or cavities and check for signs
of blindness and deafness when buying a horse.

Chest

The chest should be relatively wide, deep and well-muscled. A chest that is
too wide produces a labouring, waddling, unathletic stride. A chest that is
too narrow may cause the horse to experience interference when it travels.

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Shoulder

The horses front leg is attached to the body only by muscle and
tendons. A longer shoulder increases the area of attachment and
length of muscles, providing greater shoulder rotation, forearm
extension and length of stride.
The slope of the shoulder is measured along the ridge of the
scapula (shoulder blade). The shoulders of the horse should be
sloped at the same angle as the pasterns.
Muscling in the shoulder should be long and well-developed for
strength and absorption of concussion. Too much muscle
increases the weight on the forehand and decreases the freedom
of movement.

Shoulder

Forearm

Gaskin

Conform
& Eval.

The size of the forearm affects its function. The forearm should be
relatively long in relation to the length of the cannon bone, and well
muscled. A short forearm decreases the length of the stride. Long muscling
in the forearm provides greater contraction and lift of the leg. Volume of
muscling provides power and support for the lower leg.

A longer gaskin allows greater extension of the hindleg. Long muscling

provides greater contraction and lift of the leg. A greater volume of
muscling provides power for impulsion to drive the horse forward.

Knee

The size of the knee affects its function. A relatively large flat knee increases
the area of attachment for tendons, ligaments and muscles from the forearm.
A large and flat knee also increases the area of support to reduce stress on
the knee.

Hock

A strong hock that is large enough to provide room for adequate muscle and
tendon attachment, while keeping in proportion to the size of the horse is
desirable. The front of the hock should be reasonably smooth with no
meatiness or swelling. The back of the hock should be square and well
defined.

Cannon Bone

The length of the cannon bone affects the function of the horse. A short
cannon bone is stronger than a long cannon bone. The bone should be
relatively large. The legs are a very important part to watch for major scars,
swelling, and any injuries that may cause lameness. When viewed from the
front or back the legs should be straight, with joints lined up. A horses legs
should stand straight under the four corners of its body without angling in or
out.
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Pasterns

The length and angle of the pasterns are important. These short sections of
leg just above the hoof should be sloped. When the horse is standing
square, the front pasterns should be at an angle of about 45 degrees to 50
degrees and the back pasterns should be at an angle of about 50 degrees to
55 degrees. Moderately long, sloping pasterns help to absorb concussion. If
the horse is built so that its pastern is too upright it will be rough to ride. If
it is too sloped or too steep, the horse may be susceptible to injury of the
tendons, ligaments and the fetlock joint.

Pastern Angle Too Sloped

Ideal Pastern Angle

Hooves

Fore foot

Pastern Angle Too Upright

It is a good idea to start looking at a horse from the ground up; No Hoof No Horse. Hooves should be healthy and a good size for the size of the
horse. They should be big enough to distribute the stress and concussion of
the horses weight.
Hoof walls should be
free of major cracks
where the outer wall is
actually split from the
coronet down. Such
cracks may cause a
horse to be lame.
Hooves should be clear
of founder rings.
Front feet tend to be
Front View
Rear View
Side View
round. Hind feet tend
to be more pointed.
Both front feet should be the same shape and size, and both back feet
should be the same shape and size.

Hind foot

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Throat latch
Neck

A clean, trim, well defined throat latch that is capable of flexing is desirable.
Horses use their head and neck to balance.
Adequate length depends on what the horse
is used for. The depth and set of the neck
on its shoulders also affects the horses
function. A trim neck, set relatively high
into the shoulder, is preferred over a thick,
low set neck.

Withers

The withers are located at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades
and are the highest point of the horses back. The height of a horse is
measured from the ground to the top of the withers because they are the
highest constant part of the horse. The withers should be prominent and
well defined in order to hold a saddle in place.

Heartgirth

The horse needs depth of heartgirth and spring of fore-rib to provide room
for maximum function of the heart, stomach, liver and lungs.

Back

The horses back should be about as long as its neck. Avoid a short-neck,
long-back combination. This reduces the balance, handling and ability of
the horse to manage weight. The loin and back muscles help carry the
weight of the rider and lift the forehand of the horse. The back must be
strong and well-muscled. When you feel along the back of the horse, it
should be flat and soft, not rough and bony.

Loin

The loin is the pivot point of the horses back. A short, wide and muscular
loin is needed to carry power from the hind legs forward. In contrast to the
rest of the back the loin is not supported by any bony structure except the
spine. The loin should feel elastic when palpated (examined by touch),
showing lots of muscling and strength. It should be short, wide and
strongly muscled.

Hip and Croup

A long hip and croup have longer muscles which increases the length of
stride. The shape of the hip and croup varies according to the body type. A
more level hip and croup provides a long, flowing stride. A more sloping
hip and croup allows the hind legs to drive further underneath the body for
power and speed.

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Hindquarters

Muscling

The hindquarters include the croup, hip, stifle, gaskin, hock and lower
hindleg. The muscling and strength of the hindquarters determines the
amount of power the horse has to offer. Everything about their structure
should reflect speed, power, endurance and athletic ability (depending on the
purpose of the horse).

Muscle is the tissue which contracts and relaxes to cause your horse to move.
Muscling refers to the length, definition and volume of muscling in your
horse.

Length

Long, smooth muscles are more desirable than short, bunchy muscles. Long
muscles give the horse a longer stride and more endurance. Bunchy muscles
tire more quickly and give your horse less endurance.

Definition

You can easily see the outline or definition of each muscle beneath the skin
of your horse. A horse that is overweight has little muscle definition because
it is difficult to see the muscles. A horse that is in good condition (neither
underweight so that the ribs stick out, nor overweight), will show the best
muscle definition. For more details, refer to the Body Condition Score Chart
in the Health Section (page 106-107).

Volume

This is the amount of muscle. The greater the volume or amount of muscle,
the greater the strength of the horse.

Where do you look for muscling?

To find the amount of muscling on your horse, look in these areas.
1.

Chest

2.

Shoulder, arm and forearm

3.

Loin and croup

4.

Buttock and thigh

5.

Stifle and gaskin

What is the volume of muscling? Is it

desirable for the breed and for the purpose of the horse? For example, a
reining horse requires more muscling in his hindquarters than in his
forequarters.
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Stallions - Should look masculine and, when compared to geldings and
Note: a lack of masculinity in
the stallion or a lack of
femininity in the mare may
indicate a reduced ability to
reproduce.

mares, stallions show:

1.

heavier, more powerful muscling

2.

a larger and broader head

3.

a larger muzzle and jaw

4.

a thicker more muscular neck

5.

more substance of, or (larger) bone.

Mares - Should look feminine. Compared to stallions and geldings, mares

show more refinement about the head and neck. Compared to stallions,
mares are not as heavily muscled and have less substance of bone.

Geldings - Should look more masculine than the mare, but much less
masculine than the stallion. The volume of muscling and substance of bone
in a gelding will be about the same or slightly more than in the mare.

A horse is said to be in balance when all of the parts of the body are in
correct proportion to each other (no part is too big or too small in relation
to other parts). Smoothness is how the parts of the horses body blend
together.

Balance

Symmetry

Methods of Determining Balance:

When viewing the horse from the front and rear, divide the
horse in half down the spinal column and down the middle
of each limb. Each half should be a mirror image of the
other.

Length = Height

The length of the horse from the point of shoulder to the

point of buttock should be equal to the height of the horse
from the top of the withers to the ground.

Height
Length

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Depth of Heartgirth
= Length of Leg

The length of the leg from the fetlock

to the elbow should be equal to the
depth of the heartgirth from the elbow
to the top of the withers.

A B=B C
A

XB

Levelness of Topline

Center of the Horse

The point of the croup should be on

the same height as or lower than the
top of the withers, so that the horse
naturally travels uphill.

When the horse is divided through the

center of the back, the forequarter
(not including the head and neck),
should be equal in size to the hindquarter.
Note that the center of gravity is different from the center of the
horse. Because of the weight of the head and neck, the center of
gravity is just behind the elbow when the horse is standing. When the
horse is divided through the middle of the back, approximately 60 per
cent of the weight is carried on the front legs, because of the
additional weight of the head and neck.

Top to Bottom Line

Ratio

Square

The well balanced horse has a shorter top line

(from the point of the withers to the point of
the hip) in comparison to a longer underline
(from the point of the elbow to the stifle).

Draw a box around the horse so that the

width of the box is equal to the length of the horse from the point of the
shoulder to the point of the buttock and the height is equal to the height of
the horse from the top of the withers to the ground. On a well balanced
horse, this box will form a square - all sides are equal.

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Divide the Horse in
Thirds

Divide the horse into thirds by dropping lines

down from the top of the withers and the
point of the hip. The length of each of the
three segments should be the same.

Conform
& Eval.

Equal Lengths

Quality and
Refinement

In the well balanced horse, each of the head,

neck, shoulder, topline and hip should be of
approximately equal lengths. However, it is
often preferable for the neck to be slightly
longer.

Refinement is a general lack of coarseness. The factors closely associated

with quality and refinement are:

Conformation
Faults

A.

A refinement of body parts - the horse should be smooth and cleancut, not coarse, with body parts that blend smoothly together.

B.

Tendons and joints should be well defined, not fleshy.

C.

Tight, thin skin.

D.

Hard, smooth, durable hooves.

E.

Obvious gender characteristics.

In the following list are a number of common conformation faults found in

horses and deviations from the ideal horse. All horses have some
conformation faults, and judging conformation involves evaluating which
horse has fewer and less important ones, or which horse is more correct
Roman
than the others in its class.
Nose

Head

Roman Nose - the bridge of the nose has a rounded

or convex shape when viewed from the side. This
conformation fault restricts the horses frontal vision.

Pig Eye - small eyes which are set too far back into the
head. This conformation fault restricts vision, especially
to the rear, as a result the horse often has a nervous or
unruly disposition.

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Conformation
Faults (continued)
Neck

Ewe Neck - neck appears to be turned over. This

conformation fault restricts flexion at the poll.
Cresty Neck - excess fat deposits on the crest of the
neck. This fault may be a sign of a horse that will
founder easily. A cresty neck reduces flexibility and
suppleness.

Shoulder

Chest

Steep Shoulder - shoulder angle steeper

than 50 degrees. This decreases the length of
stride in a horse and makes them rough to
ride. It also increases concussion on the
forelegs.

Narrow Chest - legs are too close

together and legs may interfere when horse
travels.

Extra-Wide Chest - legs set too far

apart. This produces a labouring, waddling
stride and lack of flexibility. Therefore, it
reduces the horses athletic ability.

Topline

Mutton Withers - low, wide withers. It is hard to keep the saddle in place
without the girth (cinch) being too tight and the saddle is prone to slip to the
side.

Roach Back

Sway Back - weak topline. This is usually seen

in older horses and in horses with long backs
and, or loins. This restricts the horses ability to
pull legs forward beneath the hindquarters.
Roach Back - loin has a rounded (convex) appearance when viewed from
the side. This can restrict flexibility.

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Hip and Croup
Goose Rump

Goose Rump the rump slopes sharply from the croup

to the dock when viewed from the side. This decreases the
length of stride.

Rafter Hip - when viewed from the rear, the width at the
point of the hip is greater than the width at the stifle. It
indicates a lack of muscular development.

Heartgirth and Flank

Conform
& Eval.

Shallow Heartgirth - depth from

withers to elbow is less than the length
from elbow to fetlock. This restricts the
capacity for heart and lungs and may
decrease the endurance of the horse.

Shallow Flank - pronounced narrowing

in the flank region. This decreases capacity
of the digestive system and decreases the
foal carrying capacity in mares.

Feet and Legs

It is common to have more than one defect in the feet and legs. For
example offset knees accompany toed out. To help identify defects in the
feet and legs, take a string with a weight attached to the bottom, or a
straight stick. This string or stick, can then be used to help evaluate the
front legs and the back legs of a horse standing square.

Front Leg Defects

A.

Viewing from the Side - From the side, the string or stick, would

hang so that it divides the knee, cannon and fetlock, and hits the ground at
the bulb of the heel.
Buck Knees (Over at the Knee) - the knee is forward of a line
that bisects (divides in half) the foreleg. This horse may be
susceptible to bowed tendons.
Calf Knees (Back at the Knee) - the knee is behind a line
that bisects the foreleg. This places excess stress on the
front of the knee and strain on the tendons. This horse
will be susceptible to chip fractures of the knee and bowed
tendons. Calf knees are more serious than buck knees.
Ideal Front Leg
Calf Knee

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4 - H H o r s e P r o j e c t M a n u a l - Conformation & Evaluation

Conformation
Faults (continued)

Feet and Legs (continued)

Tied-In at the Knee small, narrow tendons look as if they are
squeezed in just below the knee. The leg appears narrower at
the base of the knee than at the fetlock, when viewed from the
side.

Tied in at
the knee

B.

Viewing from the Front - From the front, the string

or stick would hang so that it bisects the knees, cannons,
pasterns and hooves.
Knock Knees - the knees lie inside parallel lines bisecting
the forelegs. This places excess stress on the outer knee
and strain on the inside ligaments of the forelegs.
Bowlegs - the knees lie outside parallel lines bisecting the
forelegs. This places excess stress on the inner knee and
strains on the outside ligaments of the forelegs.
Bench Knees - the cannon bone is offset to the outside
of the knee. This places more stress on the inside splint bones
and the horse will be more susceptible to splints or knee chips.

Hind Leg Defects

A.

Viewing from the Side - From the side, a string

dropped from the point of the buttocks, should run down the back of the
hock, cannon and fetlock. It should hit the ground about a hoof s
distance behind the bulb of the heel.
Sickle Hocks - excessive angulation of the hock joint. The horse
appears to be standing under from the hock down. This places
excess strain on the plantar ligament and the horse will be
susceptible to curbs.

Ideal Rear Leg

Post-Legged - insufficient angulation of the hock

joint and stifle. The entire leg appears too straight and
the hind leg is set ahead of a line dropped from the
point of the buttock. The pasterns are usually also
too upright. This places excess stress on the front of the hock
joint and on the stifle joint. A horse will be susceptible to bog
spavins, thoroughpins, bone spavins or stifling.

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B.

Viewing from the Rear - From behind, the string would still
hang from the point of the buttocks. Ideally, it should run through the
middle of the gaskin, hock, cannon bone and fetlock. It should hit the
ground between the bulbs of the heel.

Cow Hocks - the hocks are closer together than the fetlocks when standing.
They point toward one another, causing the feet to be widely separated and
often pointing outward. This hindleg defect places excess stress on the hock Conform
joint and strain on the ligaments. This horse is susceptible to bone spavins, & Eval.
curbs or thoroughpins.
Ideal Hind Legs

Bowed Hocks (also called Out at the hocks or Bandy-legged) - the

hocks lie outside parallel lines bisecting the hind legs. This may cause
interference because horse moves narrower at the ground than at the hock
and places excess stress on the hock joint and strain on the ligaments. This
horse will be predisposed to bog spavins, curbs or thoroughpins.

A.
Bowed Hocks

Cow Hocks

Front or Hind Leg

Defects

Viewing from the Side - The front and rear legs must also be

evaluated for how they are positioned under the body of the horse. They
should come under the horses body so that they stand square and strong, as
the ideal pictures show. With a picture of ideal legs, it is then easier to
evaluate legs for the following defects:

Standing Under
Front - the entire foreleg from the elbow down is too far under the body.
This places excess weight on the forelegs.
Rear - the entire hindleg is placed too far forward
under the body. The horse may also be sicklehocked or post-legged; stress is the same as for
sickle hocks or post-legged, respectively.

Standing Out
Front - the entire foreleg from the elbow down is
too far forward. This places excess stress on the
front of the knee and strain on the ligaments and
tendons.

Standing
in front

Standing
behind

Rear - the entire hindleg is placed too far backward.

These horses are usually not very athletic, as they
cannot work off their hindquarters.

Standing
in front

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Pasterns

Correct Pasterns

Side View

Front View

Rear View

Ideal Pastern

Steep Pasterns - often accompanied by a steep shoulder. This increases

the effect of concussion on the fetlock joint, pastern joint and navicular
bone.

Weak Pasterns - pasterns are usually too long and sloping. In extreme

Steep Pastern

cases, the fetlock may touch the ground when the horse
travels. This horse will be predisposed to injury of the
tendons, ligaments and the fetlock joint.

Broken Hoof/Pastern Angle - the angle of the pastern

and the angle of the hoof are not the same.

Coon Foot - when the pastern slopes more than the

front wall of the hoof, so much that the angle is nearly
parallel to the ground it is called a coon foot. This places
additional strain on the tendons and ligaments.

Club Foot - A club foot is a serious conformation fault

Weak Pastern

in which the hoof angle is too steep (60% or more). This

horse may be susceptible to osselets, ringbone, navicular
syndrome, side bones and splints. They often stumble and
are unsafe to ride.

B.

Coon Foot

Viewing from the Front/Rear

Base-Narrow - the forelegs and/or hindlegs are closer together at the

ground than at the top of the leg. If the base of the feet is narrow, this may
be accompanied by toe-in or toe-out conformation. There is more weight
and stress placed on the outside of the legs and the horse may be susceptible
to windpuffs, ringbone and sidebone.

Ideal Front Legs

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Base-Wide - the forelegs and/or hindlegs are farther apart at the ground
than at the top of the leg. This may be accompanied by toe-in or toe-out
(most common) conformation. This places more weight and stress on the
inside of the legs and predisposes a horse to windpuffs, ringbone and
sidebone.

Toe-In (Pigeon Toed) - the toes point toward each other.

If the horse toes in, or is pigeon toed, more weight and
concussion is placed on the outside of the pastern and hoof.
This is usually seen with base-narrow and bow-legged
conformation.

Splay-Footed
(Toed Out)

Way of Going or
Travel

Assessing Athletic
Movement

Toe-Out (Splay-Footed) - the toes point away from each Pigeon Toed
other. This may be seen with either base-narrow or base-wide (Toed In)
conformation and is often present if the horse is cowhocked. If the horse toes out, or is splay-footed, more weight and
concussion is placed on the inside of the pastern and hoof. More horses are
splayed in the front than back. This is one of the most common
conformation faults.

The way the horse travels is the way the horse moves. Ideally, both the front
and hind legs should move forward in a straight line. The back feet should
travel in almost the same tracks as the front feet. The horse should move
with a long, fluid, ground clearing stride rather than a short, choppy stride.
This is the most efficient way of moving and it places the least stress on the
limbs. Watch the horses feet carefully for how straight the horse travels and
check the tracks left by the horse for signs of deviations in the horses stride.
Such deviations may indicate a conformation fault, that may eventually cause
a problem.

Athletic movement should not be confused with way of going. A horses

athletic movement is determined by the lightness, rhythm and impulsion of
his stride. Some horses can travel extremely crooked, yet possess a very
light, rhythmic movement with tremendous impulsion. For further
information, a video entitled Assessing Athletic Movement is available
through Alberta Agriculture, Rural Development and Food.

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Deviations from
Travel in Horses

A.

Viewing from the Front/Rear

Ideal

Winging Out
(Paddling)

Dishing

Rope Walking
(Plaiting)

Interference

Paddling (Winging Out) - throwing the feet outward while in motion.

This is usually associated with toe-in conformation.

Winging In (Dishing) - throwing the feet inward while in motion. This is

usually associated with toe-out conformation and is more serious than
paddling since it may lead to interference when the horse moves.

Plaiting (Rope Walking) - twisting of the striding leg around the

supporting leg so that the horse appears to be walking a tightrope. One
forefoot may appear to land directly in front of the other. This is more
serious than paddling since it may lead to interference and stumbling.

Interference - when one foreleg/hind leg strikes the opposite foreleg/hind

leg while in motion.

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B.

Viewing from the Side

Overreaching - the hind foot strikes the heel of the forefoot

before the forefoot leaves the ground. If the horse is shod, the
front shoe may be pulled off by the hind foot.
Forging - the toe of the hind foot strikes the sole or shoe of
the forefoot while in motion.

Scalping - the toe of the forefoot strikes the coronet band of

the hind foot.

Is this horse
sound?

Unsoundnesses and Blemishes

The term Sound describes a horse that has no problems or injuries that
affect its usefulness. Soundness is extremely important because a horses
useability depends on its ability to move. When you look at a horse, it is
important to watch for unsoundnesses and blemishes. The difference
between these two terms is in how they affect the horse.

Blemishes are an injury or imperfection which affect the appearance of

the horse, but not its usefulness. For example healed wire cuts, rope burns,
and so on.
Unsoundness is an injury or defect which affects the horses usefulness.
They may cause lameness or, in some other way, affect the horse so that it
cannot be used. Horses need to be sound of sight, wind, limb and mind.
While blemishes may not look nice, they dont affect how useful the horse
will be. If your horse has an unsoundness it will restrict what you can use it
for.

The following is a list and description of common unsoundnesses (U) and

blemishes (B) to watch for when selecting or judging horses. Some are
classified as both B and U because blemishes may be unsoundnesses,
depending on their severity.

Blindness (U) - a partial or complete lack of vision in one or both eyes

which may be caused by injury, disease or heredity. Blind horses will not
react to quick motions near the affected eye(s). Blind horses require special
care if they are going to be kept.

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Is this horse
sound? (continued)

Bog Spavin (B, U) - a soft swelling in the natural depression on the front
and inside of the hock joint, usually due to sprain, strain or faulty
conformation of the hock joint. For example a horse that is too straight in
the hindlegs may get a bog spavin. This rarely causes long term lameness.

Bowed Tendons

Bone Spavin (Jack Spavin) (U) - a bony enlargement on the inside and
front lower hock where the hock tapers into the cannon bone, usually due to
faulty hock conformation, excessively straight hindlegs, cow or sickle hocks,
or injury. This usually causes lameness.
Bowed Tendon (B, U) - an enlargement of any or all of the tendons
and ligaments behind the cannon, caused by excess stretching of the tendon
due to stress or faulty conformation such as long weak pasterns or toes that
are too long. A bowed tendon may heal enough to return the horse to work,
but the scarring leaves a bow that is never as strong as before the bow
occurred. This occurs most commonly in the forelegs.

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Is this horse
sound? (continued)

Bucked Shins (U) - inflammation of the front side of the cannon

bone. This is characterized by painful swelling. The horse will usually try
to rest the affected leg(s). It is seen most frequently in young horses which
are subjected to hard, fast work. Lameness is usually temporary if the
horse receives adequate rest.

Capped Elbow (Shoe Boil) (B) - a soft fluid-filled or firm swelling at

the point of the elbow caused by insufficient bedding, kicks and falls, or by
rubbing with the heel of the shoe on the elbow, while lying down.

Capped Hock (B) - a soft fluid-filled or firm swelling at the point of

the hock. It is usually caused by lack of bedding; kicking at the sides of the
box or trailer, etc.

Club Foot (U) - abnormally upright foot with high heel and short toe,
resulting from inability to straighten the coffin joint. Severely club footed
horses are unsafe to ride or drive.

Contracted Heels (B) - the heels of the hoof are too close together
and too upright. This is most common in the forelegs and is usually genetic,
but may be due to improper shoeing. This may be associated with founder
or navicular syndrome.

Cresty Neck (B) - the crest of the neck is thickened by excess fat
deposits (this is not usually considered a blemish). This condition increases
the weight carried on the forelegs and may be an indication of laminitis.
This condition may be associated with founder.

Curb (B, U) - an enlargement of the ligament found on the upper rear

part of the cannon below the hock (the plantar ligament). This is caused
by injury or faulty conformation (sickle or cowhocks) and may cause
lameness. Usually once healed and permanent, the horse becomes sound
again.

Fistulous Withers (B, U) - an infection and/or inflammation of the

withers that leads to an abscess and is usually caused by bruising.

Founder (Laminitis) (U) - an inflammation of the sensitive laminae

of the foot. It is often characterized by horizontal founder rings in the
hoof wall and is usually more severe in the front feet. The horse may stand
camped out in front to relieve pressure on the front feet. The most
common cause of founder is an ingestion of an excessive amount of feed.
Curb

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Is this horse
sound? (continued)

Heaves/C.O.P.E. (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Emphysema)

(U) - difficulty in forcing air out of the lungs due to a loss in elasticity in
the lungs. This is usually more noticeable after exercise as the horse
contracts abdominal muscles forcibly to expel air. It is usually accompanied
by a chronic cough and a heave line (a thickened ridge of muscle along the
lower side of the abdomen). The horse is unsound for strenuous work.
This is often caused by dusty, moldy feed.

Hernia (U) - a protrusion of an organ or body tissue through the

abdominal wall or through another natural or accidental body opening. there
are two types of hernias: reducible and irreducible.

Monkey Mouth (U) - a hereditary condition in which the lower jaw is

longer than the upper jaw.

Navicular Syndrome (U) - an unsoundness caused by a degeneration

of the navicular bone. The primary causes are strenuous work, concussion,
improper shoeing and poor conformation (small feet, steep pasterns and
shoulders). It rarely affects the hind feet. The horse may point the most
affected foot or stand with the forefeet extended forward. The horse will try
to land toe first when travelling to avoid frog pressure and concussion,
making the stride short and choppy. No cure exists, but drugs, corrective
shoeing and some surgery may be used to ease pain.

Osselets (B, U) - an enlargement, either fluid-filled or bony, on the front

side of the fetlock joint. The horse may travel with a short, choppy stride.
It is usually caused by stress and concussion from hard work or faulty
conformation. Lameness is usually temporary unless the bone growth
interferes with joint mobility.

Parrot Mouth (U) - a hereditary condition in which the lower jaw is

shorter than the upper jaw.

Poll Evil (U) - an inflamed area between the ears usually caused by a
bruise in the poll region.

Popped Knee (Water on the Knee) (B, U) - a swelling of the front

of the knee, usually caused by injury or concussion.

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Is this horse
sound? (continued)

Quarter Crack (B, U) - a deep crack in the area of the outside or

inside quarter, starting at the coronet and running down through the entire
wall of the hoof. Requires proper hoof care.
Quittor (B, U) - a deep-seated inflammation of the hoof which drains
pus through the coronary band. This is caused by a direct injury such as
puncture wounds, cuts, interference, etc. It is usually only a temporary
lameness if treated early.

Ringbone (U) - bony enlargement(s) (arthritis) on one or more bones

and, or joints of the pastern region. It is most common in the forelegs and
is caused by injury or faulty conformation such as short, upright pasterns.

Roaring (U) - characterized by a whistling or roaring sound when the

horse breathes in. This occurs especially with increased respiration from
exercise. It is caused by paralysis of the muscles of the larynx, often due to
a lengthy respiratory infection.

Sand Cracks (B) - surface or shallow cracks in the hoof wall. They
may start at the coronet and go down, or at the bottom of the hoof wall
and go up. This is usually caused by improper hoof care or alternating wet
and dry conditions.

Sidebone (B, U) - bony enlargement(s) above and to the rear of the

hoof, a result of ossification (turning to bone) of the lateral catilage. It is
most common in the forelegs and is usually caused by concussion or faulty
conformation.

Splint (U) - a bony enlargement, most commonly found on the inside

of the front cannon bone. May occur anywhere along the length of the
splint bone. It usually is due to strain, injury or faulty conformation. It
rarely affects the horse after the initial lameness has disappeared except
where it occurs high enough to interfer with joint action.

Stifled (U) - when the patella, found in the stifle joint (which
corresponds to the kneecap in the human), becomes displaced and locks in
an extended position, it is referred to as a stifled condition. It may release
on its own or may require manual manipulation. This is seen most
frequently in post-legged horses and once this occurs, the ligaments are
stretched and the horse will be prone to stifling again. It may be surgically
corrected.

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Is this horse
sound? (continued)

Stringhalt (U) - an involuntary flexion of the hock causing an upward

jerking motion during movement. It may affect one or both hind legs. The
cause of this is unknown and the action is accentuated when the horse is
turned or backed. It is most noticeable after the horse has rested. Severe
cases may be corrected surgically.

Sway Back (B, U) - a weak, hollow topline. This restricts the ability of
the horse to pull its legs forward beneath its hindquarters.
Sweeny (B, U) - atrophy or shrinkage of the shoulder muscles. In
advanced cases, the shoulder appears flat and the shoulder blade or scapula is
readily visible. Caused by a direct injury to the suprascapular nerve which
serves the shoulder muscles. The nerve does not regenerate, so the
performance ability of the horse is limited unless surgery is performed.
Thoroughpin (B) - a puffy swelling in the hollow above the hock joint.
It is moveable by hand pressure from one side of the hock to the other and
is usually due to strain injury or faulty conformation. It rarely affects the
horse after the initial lameness has disappeared.

Thrush (B, U) - an infectious condition of the frog of the hoof

characterized by a black, foul smelling discharge. It is an anaerobic condition
(meaning that it thrives on a lack of oxygen) and usually results from wet
and/or dirty conditions. It must be treated.

Toe Crack (B, U) - a deep crack in the toe area of the hoof, starting at
the coronet and running down through the entire wall of the hoof. Requires
proper hoof care.

Windpuffs (Windgalls) (B) - puffy, fluid-filled swellings at the fetlock

joint. It is usually a result of heavy work or stress to an unconditioned horse.

Evaluating

Look closely at a horses conformation, muscling, balance and the way that
he travels. Compare each horse to a quality standard (ideal) and decide
which one is most desirable to you.

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Judging

Judging a Conformation Class

A common activity in 4-H is to judge the conformation of
a class of horses. This activity usually involves four horses.
The task is to compare the horses and select out the one
that you think is most structurally correct, 2nd, 3rd and the
least structurally correct.
When judging conformation, consider each of these
factors:
Soundness
Conformation
Muscling and Balance
Travel or Way of Going
Check the animals over carefully from bottom up and front
to back, comparing these factors. The horse with the best
combination of all of these will be your top placing.

General Appearance

Judging Tips - Comparative Terms

Below are examples of some terms used in horse judging. Please refer to
horse judging manuals or breed web sites for additional terms.
Heavier muscled, more ideally balanced mare (stallion etc)
Shows more refinement and style
Was a balanced, refined and feminine mare.
More alert and attentive expression.
More substance of muscle and bone
More rugged and durable type of frame.

Balance
Longer, more sloping shoulder
Deeper barrelled horse
Deeper ribbed, wider chested
Shorter top line
Stronger over the back, loin and croup
Exhibited more balance with all parts blending smoothly together.

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Grants give credit to an
inferior animal for an area
where quality surpassed the
higher-placed animal.
Criticisms are a chance to
demonstrate that you know
the ideal. They are used to
describe an animals faults as
they relate to the ideal.
They are used in the body of
the reasons only when a
problem can not be described
by comparisons and grants.

Muscling
Showed more tone and power of muscling from end to end.
Was more powerfully muscled in his quarters.
Fuller through (his/her) forearm and shoulder, and was more
powerfully muscled through (his/her) hindquarter.
Thicker, heavier muscled stifle.
Heavier muscled forearm.

Head and Neck

Trimmer throat latch coupled with a longer, smoother neck
Finer featured
Longer necked
More prominent through the jaw
Shorter distance from eye to muzzle.

Structure
Stood straighter on his/her legs
Cleaner about the knees and hocks, with a flatter cannon bone
Stands on a shorter cannon
More correct angle at the hock
Longer more sloping pasterns
Wider, deeper heel
Hooves more proportional to body size.

Way of Going
Moves out straighter and more correct at the walk (trot)
Straighter, truer stride
More fluid
More flexion of the knee and hock, showing more reach
Drives from behind with more hock action

Breed, Sex, Character and Quality

Higher quality hair coat
Showed more breed character and femininity/masculinity
More prominent, deeper jaw
Showed more breed character about the head and neck
Was more stylish and eye appealing

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Outline for a Set of
Reasons

When you give your reasons for placing animals in a certain way, you
should give your reasons based on how you have judged the animals, i.e.
comparatively. If you were buying a horse from this group, why would
your first choice be the horse that you have placed on top? Why was your
#2 horse your second choice and not your first choice? Why was #2
placed over #3. Why was #3 placed over #4? And, finally, why would
you not buy #4?
In giving reasons, a class of four animals is divided into three pairs: a top
pair, a middle pair and a bottom pair. The basic outline for an entire set of
reasons (for a placing of 1-2-3-4) is as follows:
Give the name of the class and how you placed it.
I placed this class of <name of class> <placings - using the numbers of the horses in
the order you place them> for the following reasons:

Top Pair
Reasons for placing 1 over 2, using comparative terms. Include grants for 2
over 1, which point out advantages of 2 over 1 (if any). Use comparative
terms. Include criticisms of 2 using comparative or descriptive terms.

Middle Pair
Reasons for placing 2 over 3.
Grants for 3 over 2 (if any).
Criticisms of 3.

Bottom Pair
Reasons for placing 3 over 4.
Grants for 4 over 3 (if any).
Criticism of 4.
Repeat how you placed the class
For these reasons, I placed this class of <class name> <placings>.
For more information on judging, refer to your judging manual.

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