Conformation of the horse
Pigeon toed horse
If the toes are turned inwards the horse is pigeon toed.
It is likely to swing the forelegs outwards below the knee. This is known as dishing.
Dishing can occur in both front legs. An exaggerated dishing movement puts strain on the fetlock joint, which could lead to the horse being unsound.
Feet turned out
The horse is likely to knock the opposite fetlock joint with its hoof or shoe as its leg goes forward.
This is known as brushing.
Protective boots must be used at all times when you ride.
This is a serious conformation fault and without protection the joints will become enlarged by constant rubbing and
may lead to interfering injury around fetlock or splint.
Hoof conformation
Hoof problems develop when a horse is said to be flat footed.
It is more commonly seen in Thoroughbreds.
The soles of the foot are flat and have a tendency to bruise easily on stony ground.
Different types of head conformation
The horse with a Roman nose
A beautiful head of a dished face Arab horse
Small nostrils
A horse with small nostrils can be found in any breed and often accompanies a narrow jaw and muzzle.
Small nostrils limit the horse's ability to breathe hard while exerting itself.
This especially affects horses in high-speed activities such as racing,eventing, steeplechase and point to point or those that need to sustain effort over long duration like endurance riding, competitive trial riding and combined driving.
Horses with small nostrils are therefore best used for pleasure riding or non-speed sports.
Conformation of the horse >> Home
What is conformation ?
Correct conformation
Conformation faults
Conformation for different jobs
Foreleg conformation of the horse
