What do you look for in a Thoroughbred conformation?
There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse’s conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex character (also known as type). Balance is arguably the most critical aspect to evaluate when examining the horse.
What should a Thoroughbred look like?
Good-quality Thoroughbreds have a well-chiseled head on a long neck, high withers, a deep chest, a short back, good depth of hindquarters, a lean body, and long legs. Thoroughbreds are classified among the “hot-blooded” breeds, which are animals bred for agility and speed and are generally considered spirited and bold.
What is good conformation on a horse?
Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse’s athletic ability. Generally, a horse’s neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. The neck should tie into the horse’s body fairly high to provide good chest space.
What should I look for in a thoroughbred yearling?
Good Conformation in a Yearling
- Physical type – a presence about the horse that makes it stands out.
- Athleticism – good physical development.
- Size – well grown.
- Proportion – how the horse is blended together.
- Intelligence – alert and well behaved with a bright eye.
How do you tell if a horse is a good mover?
A horse that has balanced conformation–with neck, back and hip of equal length–will generally be a good mover and that translates into good performance. A horse that exhibits correct conformation should be a natural athlete.
What is a Thoroughbred horse personality?
Thoroughbreds are classified as “hot-blooded” horses, or horses that tend to be spirited, bold, intelligent, and athletic. It’s a demeanor not every equestrian can handle, but it does make for a magnificent horse.
What should I look for in a Thoroughbred yearling?
Why do horses stand camped out?
Camped-out horses have their hind legs set out behind the point of the buttock posterior to the imaginary line. This fault prevents the horse from getting its hind legs under itself to move collected. These horses tend to jab their legs into the ground and are unable to lift their bodies sufficiently to be good movers.
Why do horses stand camped under?
Camped-under is a condition in which the forelimbs are too far under the horse’s body. This conformational fault will prevent a horse from having a long, fluid stride and predispose it to unsoundness. This condition also exerts increased pressure on ligaments and tendons.
What makes a good stallion?
Temperament It is no good having a stallion that has the best conformation possible and a pedigree to die for if his temperament makes him difficult to handle. “A good temperament is one of the most important things I look for in a stallion — good looks alone are simply not enough.