Horse Types, Judging Of Conformation In Horse, Faults In Stand And Action. Flashcards
What is horse conformation and what are the x5 factors
Defn: complex exterior evaluation.
Degree of correctness of horses body parts and proportions in relation to each other - overall balance.
Bone structure,
Musculature,
Dynamics of movement (gait),
Breed and sex characteristics.
B M S Q T T
what is judged during balance
3 sections judged separately: shoulder, body, HQ.
each section should be well-balanced in comparison to each other e.g. head and neck should not be too long for shoulder/body and vv.
Description of structure of each body part (x5 parts)
head: should follow breed type + good definition of bony framework.
neck: should provide ample movement + flexion without impairing airway.
FL: carries 60 - 65% of body weight. (1) slopes and angles of bones that absorb the concussion, (2) straightness and trueness of limbs.
Body: wither (capable of holding saddle) + thorax (wide + deep) + back (short, straight, strong).
HQ: engine. a line dropped from point of buttocks should touch: rear border of the hock, run parallel to cannon bone and strike the ground 3-4 inches behind the heel.
how is muscling judged
by length, thickness, smoothness and distribution.
muscle should reflect speed, power, endurance and athleticism.
how is quality judged?
mane + tail should be full, not course + rough.
skin should be thin + pliable, tendons and vessels can easily be seen.
What is judged for type?
refers to characteristics for the breed standard or particular athletic purpose.
arabian vs stock horse vs hunter
what is judged for travel?
should travel in a balanced manner within its frame and move with ground-covering strides.
Rhythm: regularity of foot fall is equal.
Tempo: speed in m/min. (see GAT for speed).
Cadence: rhythm and impulsion in the gait.
Impulsion: closing hip joint and engaging hocks under the horse.
Collection: on the bit, hocks under the horse, ‘bouncy’ stride, head fixed, full control over limbs, responsive to rider.
Effect of conformation on breeding value and selection criteria
Conformation is a certain form of breeding value.
Desirable conformation: good performance.
Undesirable conformation: can limit performance.
Every horse has good and bad points.
Many horses excel even with conformation faults.
x4 steps in procedure of judging conformation
Entering show ring: overall balance, correctness, structural soundness, breed + sex characteristics, comparison with ‘ideals horse of the relevant class.
Watching the gaits.
Look for good + bad conformation points in detail.
Placing.
How is dynamic conformation judged?
By Walk and trot: under saddle and in-hand, a good walker is usually a good galloper.
How is the trot judged
2 beat,
Suspension between gaits,
Even strides,
Good ground covering technique,
Any action is to be avoided.
How is the wind judged
Get horse to gallop,
Listening for any signs of noise.
Scoping.
What are gait faults and Why are gait faults undesirable
What: gait faults are abnormal leg action that occur while the horse is in motion.
Why: predispose the horse to certain lameness/ injury/weakness.
x7 abnormal movements
Paddling (dishing), lower foreleg moves outwards instead straight when suspended during gait.
Winging - outward movement of front hooves, more common in horses who have a standing toes-inward conformation.
Interfering,
Plating - horse swings each hindleg in front of the other before placing it on the ground.
Forging,
Overreaching - hoof of HL hits of hoof of FL in movement.
Scalping,
Lameness.
Decribe weight + size of heavy / draft horse
16+ hands
700kg+
