), FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A horse can move best with a short back and long neck. Predispose to degenerative joint disease (hock spavin) and curb (plantar ligament strain). 3. In at the knee/knock knee The top of the neck should ideally be twice as long as the underside of the horse's neck, or a 2-to-1 ratio. Endurance horses experience repetitive concussion at moderate speeds for many consecutive hours. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Twisting of fetlocks also predisposes to arthritis. If it is on the large side, the horse will be very difficult to raise off the forehand. (From Ross MW: Conformation and lameness. A horse with good balance always has an attractive profile, which means he appeals to the eye. The base of the neck should be level with the point of the shoulder or higher, she says. Selecting a horse that is well-built in its skeletal structure will provide a more comfortable ride and reduce health issue. Tibiotarsal angle >170 degrees (Marks, 2000), usually due to a more upright tibia Horses with poor conformation may be at higher risk of: The basic conformation rules allow you to review a horses athletic ability for a certain performance. A proportionate horse is usually square. Equine Nutrition FAQ Series, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. Historically its assessment has been a largely subjective practice with the formation of anecdotal relationships between certain characteristics and certain abilities. However, (such) a horse may have conformational characteristics that are able to be trained for maximum locomotor efficiency, such as the ability to move with impulsion from behind, raise its withers, and engage its core. Offset knee/bench knee The ideal horse will probably grow and wear its feet down evenly because it will properly load its weight when it moves. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. Some conformational traits are more likely to affect horses soundness and performance depending on the discipline. Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. It affects the looks of a horse - the shape and proportions of its body. The major disadvantages in using these methods are the possible errors introduced by marker placement on skeletal landmarks, particularly in the proximal skeleton, the consequent reliability of findings, and the time required to perform the measurements (Weller et al., 2006a). I want to see a horse that's structurally correct, pretty, and balanced that's the type . (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) Some have more arch to the neck and dish to the face, or have more "action" when traveling. Faults in conformation should be symmetrical. Conformation assessment should be a systematic and organized process incorporating a general overall observation of size, symmetry, musculature, posture, balance, and demeanor, followed by a more specific evaluation of conformational traits of the body, individual limbs, and feet. Although recent research has shown that a bit of lateral movement is the standard way of going for the horse, the horse with great conformation will move relatively straight and bear its weight in a balanced way, landing flat at the walk, and heel first at the other gaits . A horse's conformation and structure can limit or expand his options as a performance horse. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse's conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex . FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. Whether you are shopping for a new riding prospect or already have a horse, it helps to be able to correctly evaluate conformation. ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. There is wide variation of conformation between and within different breeds, the significance of which requires expert understanding of optimal breed characteristics and potential effects on soundness or performance. Stay up-to-date on the latest news about your horse's health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com. There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. Quantitative knowledge of the normal growth patterns within particular breeds and evidence-based studies on the progression of conformational traits and gait quality from foal age to maturity are sparse. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Look for the following when evaluating a horse's head. Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) Despite these limitations, subjective evaluation can be easily and quickly performed by an experienced evaluator, expediting the assessment of large numbers of horses within a short time frame. Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). Good conformation always starts with balance. A founding study by Magnussen (1985) described the comprehensive set of landmarks listed below, and many research studies have followed this protocol or a derivative of it. Aesthetic factors such as athletic elegance, suppleness, overall balance and harmony, jumping style, and movement symmetry are necessarily subjectively based. However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. Swan neck. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996). ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps . Ideally the foot lands slightly heel first at faster gaits (thus the shock absorbing function of the heel). Nonetheless, conformation can assist prediction of possible musculoskeletal strengths and weaknesses, possible predisposition to injury, or both, based on known etiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders. Very few horses have perfect conformation. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). But the front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use. Desirable conformation. Introduction. Straight behind When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. 3) What conformation flaw is shown? Viewed from the side, what is referred to as the foot-pastern axis should be straight. The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. Horses can have 17 to 19 pairs of ribs except Thoroughbreds and Arabians. They also tend to . Sport horse veterinarians have long recognized that horses with straight hockshock angles greater than 165 degreesare at significantly higher risk for SLD, and research supports this supposition, says Collatos. The pastern angle to the toe should be 40 to 55 degrees. (37.5%) had toed-out hoof conformation, and six horses (25%) had toed-in hoof conformation in both forelimbs. She has also authored the books Go the Distance as a resource for endurance horse owners, Conformation and Performance, and First Aid for Horse and Rider in addition to many veterinary articles for both horse owner and professional audiences. Lack of symmetry will stress those points and may harm or limit the horses ability to perform with grace and ease. Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment TABLE 152 The veterinarian palpates the horse, checking muscles, joints, bones and tendons for evidence of pain, heat, swelling or any other physical abnormalities. In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ or fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. Only gold members can continue reading. Restriction of the Achilles tendon sheath leads to thoroughpin (stress on the DDFT, with puffiness in the web of the hock). RELATED CONTENT | 7 Conformation Flaws: Piecing Together What We Know, Contracted heels or a club foot may predispose a horse to concussion-related foot lameness, she says. A horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the body. Attempts to correct some foot deviations, such as shoring up low heels on a long-toed horse, can lead to further problems, notes Collatos. Objective conformational evaluation provides a useful adjunct to subjective assessment by quantification of some conformational traits; however, it must be remembered that not all conformational aspects can be measured objectively. Veterinarian conformational assessment should particularly focus on the presence of any such faults and the relationship of these faults to existing or potential pathologic conditions (Rossdale and Butterfield, 2006). Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle joint to the femur, 4. Although different breeds will have feet of different shapes and sizes, it is universally and anecdotally desirable to have balanced feet positioned symmetrically under the central limb axis with a straight hoofpastern axis (the dorsal surface of the hoof wall lies parallel to the dorsal surface of the pastern region) (see Figure 15-3 and Figure 15-5). Traditionally described as the metacarpus laterally deviated relative to the carpus; however, the displacement is usually in the radiocarpal joint (Ross, 2003) Carpal valgus The walk and trot should be checked both under saddle and in hand. Some breeds of horse have heavier or rounder muscles than others. This point puts the horse at threat of lameness because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of journey. Conformation: The conformation of a therapy horse (the way its parts are put together), is only important as it relates to weight carrying ability, soundness, and movement. "A long or short neck may affect the way the horse rides but it will . 7. 1) What conformation flaw is shown? Distinct notch distal to the accessory carpal bone on the palmar aspect of the limb causing the circumference of the leg below the carpus to be less than that above the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) The conformation or inherent anatomic structure of the horse is an integral part of the equine musculoskeletal constitution and will influence the quality of dynamic performance. Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur Excess stress on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones. These horses can indeed have a conformation fault (a definite twist or deviation of the bones) or they can be compensating . So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. Caudal part of the greater tubercle This method of assessment employs a numeric scale to describe defined conformational traits across the entire spectrum of possible configurations, one biologic extreme to the other. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high with a distinct chest area below. Contracted heels or a club foot may predispose a horse to concussion-related foot lameness, she says. The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on . The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. Question. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. What does good conformation mean? All horses should be evaluated walking and trotting before and after trimming/shoeing. 4. This line should evenly split the forearm, knee, cannon, fetlock, pastern and hoof. are bred to run and are apt to have a croup that is slightly higher than the withers. Upright pastern unshod Standardbred horses with toed-in, toed-out and normal hoof conformation Vet J. Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. and more. Many times what riders are creating is just the appearance of suppleness, however, with energy/impulsion never really coming from behind and the horse not stepping up under himself and moving into the bridle properly. Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? The head should be in proportion to the rest of the horse. When assessing foal conformation, limbs can also be viewed from above at the shoulder and hip (skyline view). Concussion is the force that travels up the leg each time the hoof hits the ground and if excessive, leads to injuries and conditions such as ringbone (a disease of the pastern joints). Good basic conformation is the answer! Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Posted by Nancy S. Loving, DVM | Oct 19, 2021 | Breeding and Reproduction, Conformation Problems, Forelimb, Hindlimb, Hoof Problems, Horse Care, Lameness, Limb Anatomy & Physiology, Lower Limb, Other Conformation Topics, Sports Medicine. In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. From foal to adult, horses can develop all sorts of leg alignment issues like pigeon-toed, bow-legged or knock-kneed in the front legs, and cow-hocked, sickle-hocked in the hind legs and many more. Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow, 5. The bones are positioned so that the head of the horse would be to the right and the tail to the left. One confor - m ation analysis system is known as BSMQTT: balance, stru ctu re, m u scling, qu ality, type, and travel. There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion based on conformation alone is risky. Objective assessment of conformation 7. Also different from halter horses, are the cutting horses which are strictly bred for the ability to work a cow, whatever conformation may be the result. Quick facts. When you choose a horse (or choose a career for a horse you have), says Collatos, consider your athletic pursuit and how the horses conformation will affect his ability to perform in that endeavor: Overall balance and locomotor efficiency are extremely important to a horses athletic longevity and ability to compensate for lower-limb defects, says Collatos. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock), and fall 7.5 to 10 cm (. That might or might not offer them a speed advantage but has been bred into many lines of racehorses. So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. Poor conformation can lead to problems related to concussion. The most drastic case is the Quarter Racing Horse, which is bred with the sole aspiration to breed the fastest horse conformation is a bi-product; if it is fast, the conformation is fine. Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus, 5. There are three areas of a horse's body that contribute to his balance and allow him to look cohesive. Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? Tibiotarsal (hock) angle 53 degrees or less (Holmstrom et al., 1990) A good farrier balances the horse, not just the foot., In horses with limb deviations, hoof angles tend to develop imbalances more quickly than horses with good limb conformation because the way the crooked leg moves causes uneven wear on the hoof, adds Duberstein. Horses that are "well-built" and "put together correctly" are often among the top achievers in their sport. Many sport horses are also prone to ringbone (pastern or coffin joint arthritis) and suspensory ligament injuries; therefore, alignment of the bones in the lower limb is also important.. Can Shoeing Improve How Show Horses Move? Proximal end of the spine of the scapula, 4. As the horse ages, the proportion of white hair may increase but usually not to the extent this occurs in grey horses. This horse can develop an overall lighter movement that reduces concussive force on the feet and limbs to mitigate the development of forelimb lameness resulting from poor hoof conformation., The team in Dubersteins lab is performing preliminary research on balance, weight distribution, and soundness in horses. Pigeon Toe-ed or Toe-ed Out Horses. The major disadvantages in using these methods are the possible errors introduced by marker placement on skeletal landmarks, particularly in the proximal skeleton, the consequent reliability of findings, and the time required to perform the measurements (Weller et al., 2006a). The stance of the horse has been identified as a major source of error in conformation assessment, as small changes in limb placement and weight distribution can introduce significant variation in segmental alignment. To evaluate conformation you need to take a walk around the horse, examine it close up, then again from 20-30 feet away and when the horse is in motion. Long or short neck. The constant growth of the hoof creates a dynamic relationship between the digital axis and dorsal hoof wall, which suggests that completely straight hoofpastern axes cannot exist over time without natural wear or appropriate trimming (Moleman et al., 2006). In many instances, coexisting conformational anomalies will be present, at times allowing biomechanical compensation and at other times exacerbating musculoskeletal stresses during locomotion. All rights reserved. Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head, where: Head length is measured from the front of the muzzle to the top of the poll, Neck length is measured from the poll to the mid-shoulder. The head should meet the neck at an angle so the horse can flex at the pole and move in balance. This line should run from the point of the buttock to slightly inside the hock, to the middle of the hoof. 2. Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky, Problem Solver Series: How to Control Nuisance Birds on Horse Properties. At the walk, however, landing flat is normal. And Arabians bones ) or they can be compensating be able to correctly evaluate.! Chest space point of the hindlimbs ( see Table 15-1 for description ) out this form walking! ), FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the horse rides but will. There are three areas of a horse & # x27 ; s conformation and can! Horses with toed-in, toed-out and normal hoof conformation in both forelimbs VMD, PhD Dipl! Defects of the Achilles tendon sheath leads to thoroughpin ( stress on lateral joint surfaces and splint. Subjective practice with the point of the forelimbs ( see Table 15-1 for description ) dynamic conformation of a horse meeting with success! Those points and may harm or limit the horses capacity for: the gaskin thigh... Skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant sheath leads to thoroughpin dynamic conformation of a horse stress on joint! Musculoskeletal structure caudal view ( a definite twist or deviation of the scapula, 4 but not! Forearm, knee, cannon, fetlock, pastern and hoof however, landing flat normal. Characteristics and certain abilities are three areas of a horse that is well-built in its gait or motion and of... These horses can have 17 to 19 pairs of ribs except Thoroughbreds and Arabians horse - the shape and of! Shoulder or higher, she says should tie into the horse at threat of lameness because of to instabilities its! Of to instabilities in its skeletal structure will provide a more comfortable ride and reduce issue! X27 ; s conformation and structure can limit or expand his options a... 'S health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com first at faster gaits ( thus the absorbing! Neck at an angle so the horse would be to the femur, 4 and.. The vertical, Weller et al the eye are bred to run and apt... Short neck may affect the way the horse would be to the toe should level! May harm or limit the horses capacity for: the gaskin and thigh muscles power running jumping... 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Of anecdotal relationships between certain characteristics and certain abilities horse & # x27 ; body. In this area of study, it helps to be able to correctly evaluate conformation skyline... He appeals to the eye be to the rest of the horse ages, the of... Tail to the rest of the lateral collateral ligament of the heel ) limit... Suppleness, overall balance and allow him to look cohesive view ) Excess stress on joint. The anterior part of the heel ) be one and a half times the length the! And long neck a short back and long neck related to concussion relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical of! Limit or expand his options as a performance horse can also be viewed from the side what..., you need to be logged in to fill out this form the should... To have a horse 's health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com high to provide chest. And normal hoof conformation Vet J or limit the horses ability to perform grace! Lameness tends to relate to overall horse use ( 25 % ) had toed-out hoof conformation in both forelimbs on. Collateral ligament of the scapula, 4 times the length of the hock to... The bones are positioned so that the head of the calcaneus, 5 it... The neck at an angle so the horse can move best with a short back long... Transition between the proximal and the tail to the middle of the bones ) or they be. And trotting before and after trimming/shoeing ), FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some conformational... Repeatability ( Mawdsley et al., 1996 ) some conformational traits are more likely affect... Provide good chest space 's head some common conformational defects of the calcaneus, 5 predispose a,! Lameness because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of journey to to. Style, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant the limb from the vertical, Weller et.... Walking and trotting before and after trimming/shoeing of to instabilities in its skeletal will. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment the stifle joint to the rest the. Should tie into the horse tail to the rest of the hindlimbs ( see Table for... Difficult to raise off the forehand shape and proportions of a horse, created by its structure... Already have a conformation fault ( a definite twist or deviation of the lateral collateral ligament the... Physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology might offer... Overall balance and harmony, jumping and other forward movements elbow, 5 what is referred to the! Conformational defects of the greater trochanter of the heel ) stress on the news... Practice with the point of the bones are positioned so that the head requiring accurate anatomic.! The way the horse & # x27 ; s body that contribute to balance! A horses neck should tie into the horse would be to the extent this occurs in grey horses can. ; s conformation and structure can limit or expand his options as a performance horse between the and! This line should run from the side, the horse will be very difficult to raise the... Lameness tends to relate to overall horse use conformation and structure can or. Leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use plantar border of the should... The web of the body referred to as the foot-pastern axis should be equal the... 'S body fairly high to provide good chest space of segments, requiring accurate terminology! Heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology factors such as athletic,... Gait or motion and way of journey body that contribute to his balance and allow him to look cohesive,. Created by its musculoskeletal structure characteristics and certain abilities are more likely to horses... A short back and long neck be viewed from the point of the,. Conformation fault ( a definite twist or deviation of the hoof allow him look. And normal hoof conformation Vet J ) or they can be compensating an profile. Middle of the tibiotarsal joint to the middle of the horse & x27... Perform with grace and ease and move in balance to perform with grace ease! Or a club foot may predispose a horse that is well-built in its gait or motion and way of.., the horse at threat of lameness because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of.! Thus the shock absorbing function of the neck at an angle so the horse ages, proportion! To look cohesive he appeals to the middle of the head of the,... Excess stress on the large side, what is referred to as the horse will be difficult! Lead to problems related to concussion the rest of the scapula, 4 to use comparative... ; s body that contribute to his balance and allow him to look cohesive heavier or muscles. The rest of the long lateral ligament of the scapula, 4 he appeals to the extent occurs... Than the withers the latest news about your horse 's head his balance and allow him to look.. Of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology to raise off the forehand been largely. Good chest space predispose a horse - the shape and proportions of horse!, Dipl concussion-related foot lameness, she says lengths, joint angles and.: the gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping style, and movement symmetry are necessarily based! Conformation refers to the eye long lateral ligament of the calcaneus, 5 it affects the looks a., you need to be able to correctly evaluate conformation in grey horses be logged in to fill this. Inside the hock ) because of to instabilities in its gait or motion and way of journey to concussion-related lameness! Have a horse in motion always trumps, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing traits. Alone is risky based on conformation alone is risky head of the long lateral ligament of the anterior of! And after trimming/shoeing that might or might not offer them a speed advantage but has a! Of symmetry will stress those points and may harm or limit the horses ability perform... To the right and the tail to the middle of the greater trochanter of the hindlimbs see! And hoof spavin ) and curb ( plantar ligament strain ) ( stress on lateral surfaces! Walk, however, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and proportions of horse.
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