Perfect or Not? Conformation
September 8, 2010Naturally one would like to have horses with perfect conformation, but no horse is perfect. Despite some sporthorses having good conformation others do not but this does not stop them from performing.
Certain aspects of conformation have to be good, the horse`s structure and the distribution of muscles. This enables the sporthorse to be supple and physically capable. You also have to consider the potential and character with endurance and speed.
A horse with near perfect conformation, as is wanted for the showing ring, but without the above mentioned qualities is not necessarily suitable for sport.
Although good conformation is important, it has been found that it is not absolute. It is essential to breed from animals that have proved themselves in competition and it has been found that systematically breeding from proven bloodlines builds a steady improvement in progeny.
In todays modern breeding sporthorses are bred with longer lines with a dressage horse more rectangular and of proportional build with a vertical appearance, all the gaits must be pure , he must show self carriage be light show flexion in the joints and engagement.
The showjumper also rectangular in appearance and proportional build but horizontal to the eye, his walk and trot are regular the canter must be pure he must be quick willing and have courage,is intelligent looks and evaluates the jump.
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