Lecture # 3 IDEAL CONFORMATION OF THE HORSE DR. KASHIF ISHAQ EQUINE CONFORMATION Evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, Its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task. Thus "form to function" is one of the first set of traits considered in judging conformation. 1
CONFORMATION OF THE HEAD AND NECK The Head The standard of the ideal head varies dramatically from breed to breed based Mixed purpose defines it in different ways. Breed standards frequently cite large eyes, a broad forehead and a head-to-neck connection as important to correctness about the head The construction of the horse's head influences its breathing A width of 4 fingers or 7.2 cm was associated with an unrestricted airflow and greater endurance Head conformation and performance are not wellunderstood, and an appealing head may be more a matter of marketability than performance Head often plays a role in temperature regulation and water balance. Use their sinuses to cool blood around the brain The conformation of a horse's head influences its ability to regulate temperature 2
DESCRIPTIVE TERMS Dished face Concave or "dished" profile, often further emphasized by slight bulging of forehead Dished heads are associated with Arabianinfluenced breeds It may be an adaptation to reduce airflow resistance and increase aerobic endurance. It may also have a role in cooling inspired air, or cooling blood headed to the brain. A Roman nose The horse has a convex profile. Convex heads are associated with draft horses in cold area, This trait likely plays a role in warming air as it is inhaled, but may also influence aerobic capacity. 3
FAULTS OF THE HEAD INCLUDE Pig-eyed horse A small eye, primarily an aesthetic issue, but claimedbysometobelinkedtostubbornness or nervousness, and thought to decrease the horse's visual field Small nostrils Small nostrils Opening of the nostrils is narrow and somewhat restricted, limiting ability to expand the nostrils for breathing while working hard May occur in any breed Especially affects horses in high-speed activities Often seen in horses that also have narrow jaws and muzzle 4
Parrot mouth The upper jaw extends further out than the lower jaw, with the horse having an overbite (parrot mouth), or the lower jaw extends farther out than the upper jaw, with the horse having an underbite (sow mouth). Both defects can affect the chewing of the horse and the horse's ability to clip grass. Both defects are fairly rare THE NECK The ideal neck is about 1/3 horse s length, measured from poll to withers, with a length comparable to the length of the legs. Short Neck A neck that is less than 1/3 the length of the horse. 5
Short necks are common, and seen in any breed. A short neck is often quite flexible May be slightly less flexible at the poll, but the horse's manoeuvrability and agility are generally not affected. It does not shorten stride length, which has more to do with shoulder slope. The horse may not excel at jumping high obstacles or galloping at high speeds, and may not be as handy at quick directional changes. Long neck Long necks are common, especially in Thoroughbreds and Gaited Horses Hard to balance the horse, and the horse may fatigue more quickly as a result of carrying too much weight on its front end. Lengthy neck muscles are difficult to develop in size and strength. A long-necked horse needs broad withers to support the weight of head and neck. It is easier for the horse to fall into the bend of an S-curve than to come through the bridle, which causes the horse to fall onto his inside shoulder. This makes him difficult for the rider to straighten. The horse is best for jumping and speed sports (without quick changes of direction), or for straight line riding 6
EXCESSIVELY LARGE/FALLEN CREST The horse has an overly large crest that may fall to one side in extreme cases. Relatively uncommon, although any horse can develop an excessively large crest. It is usually seen in stallions, ponies and draft breeds. It is usually from fat deposits above the nuchal ligament. An excessively large crest not only looks bad, but it puts more weight on the forehand. A horse with excessive crest due to obesity needs a proper conditioning program. 7
BULL NECK The horse has a short, thick, and beefy neck with short upper curve. The attachment to its body is beneath the halfway point down the length of shoulder. This trait is fairly common, especially in draft breeds, Quarter Horses, and Morgans. It is generally more difficult to maintain balance if the rider is large and heavy or out of balance, which causes the horse to fall onto its forehand. Without a rider, the horse is usually fine. A bull neck is desirable for draft or carriage horses, so as to provide comfort for the neck collar. The muscles of the neck also generate pulling power. The horse is best for non-speed sports. 8
EWE/UPSIDE-DOWN NECK A neck with internal structure that causes it to bend upward instead of down in the normal arch. This fault is common and seen in any breed, especially in long-necked horses The fault may be caused by a horse who holds his neck high (stargazing). Stargazing makes it difficult for a rider to control the horse, An ewe neck is counter-productive to collection and proper transitions, as the horse only elevates its head and doesn t engage its hind end. The horse's loins and back may become sore. However, the horse's performance will be limited until proper muscling is developed 9
SWAN NECK The horse has a neck set at a high upward angle, with the upper curve arched, yet a dip remains in front of the withers and the muscles bulge on the underside. This conformation type is common, especially in saddlebreds, Gaited horses. A swan neck makes it easy for a horse to lean on the bit and curl behind without lifting its back. Often caused by incorrect work or false collection. ARCHED/TURNED-OVER NECK The crest is convex or arched with proportional development of all muscles. This is an ideal neck. Common, seen in all breeds and in all sports. The neck appears as if it is flowing into the back, so it looks good and creates an efficient lever for maneuvering. The strength of the neck with proportional development of all muscles improves the swing of shoulder, elevates the shoulder and body, and aids the horse in engaging its hindquarters through activation of the back. Good for any sport. 10
KNIFE-NECKED A long, skinny neck, with poor muscular development on both the top and bottom. Appearance of a straight crest without much substance below. A knife-neck is relatively uncommon in older horses. Any breed can be affected. It is sometimes seen in young, green horses. It is usually associated with poor development of back, neck, abdominal muscles, allowing a horse to go in a strung-out frame with no collection and on its forehand. It is often rider-induced, and usually indicates lack of athletic ability. It can be improved through skillful riding and the careful use of side reins to develop more muscle and stability. The horse is best for light pleasure riding until its strength is developed. 11
HORIZONTAL NECK The neck is set on the chest neither too high nor too low, with its weight and balance aligned with the forward movement of the body. Although relatively uncommon, it is usually seen in Thoroughbreds Advantageous to every sport, as the neck is flexible and works well for balancing. The neck is not too bulky, thin, long, or short. The horse is easy to supple, develop strength, and to control with hand and legs aids. 12
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