The Essentials of Good Conformation

The author points out that the basics of good conformation are somewhat universal within all breeds. While the fi ne points can differ depending on the fundamental characteristics of each breed, the basics of balance and quality transcend to all breeds. According to the author - balance is an important element of good conformation. The horses body should appear equally balanced from head to tail with the neck, midsection, and hindquarters combining together to create a harmonious whole. A horse with a short neck that is accompanied by a long back and weak hindquarters does not create an appearance that is as balanced as it would be if the horse had a longer neck with an adequate length of back and strong hindquarters.

Basic fundamentals of good conformation include large eyes, appropriately sized ears, a properly set neck (not a ewe-neck or bull-neck), and a sloping shoulder. A short back and strong hindquarters are also important.

There is some variation as to the proper set of the tail. Some breeds, such as Arabians, are noted for their high tail-sets and many display an almost level croup. Other breeds, such as the Spanish Colonial horse, are known for their low tail-sets. Most horse breeds possess a balance between the two extremes with tails that are well set without being excessively low or high.

Correct legs are another important aspect of proper conformation. Cow hocks, pigeon toes, and sickle hocks are conformational faults that are commonly seen in a wide variety of breeds.

Further the author says that in addition to proper conformation, the importance of masculinity and femininity should not be underestimated. Male horses should be obviously masculine, while female horses should exhibit the necessary characteristics of femininity. Females are noted for having more refi nement through the neck and are more likely to display added length through the back. Male horses are notably cresty through the neck with more substance and muscling overall.

Good conformation is essential in a breeding animal, and it is very important for a performance horse. The ability to perform well under saddle or in harness is highly influenced by a horse’s conformation [1, с. 10].

Making the Grade: Differentiating between Registered Horses and Grade Horses

The term grade horse refers to a horse that is not registered with any breed registry. Sometimes this is because the horse is of unknown parentage, and sometimes it is because the horse is a crossbreed that does not meet the registration requirements for a purebred association. If a horse or pony (let's use the example of a Welsh Pony) has been separated from his registration papers and they cannot be traced, then he would be referred to as a grade Welsh, even though he is purebred.

There are two types of breed registries: those with open stud books and those with closed stud books. Despite the implication, a closed stud book does not mean that the registry is closed to further entries, but rather that the stud book is closed to any outside influence.

In these cases, only the offspring of purebred, registered animals are eligible for registration.

Stud books include the registered names and registration numbers of all entries, along with information about each horse’s color, markings, date of birth, sire, dam, and owner. Some breed registries are moving toward online stud books in lieu of printed and bound stud books [1, с. 11].