Horses with straighter shoulders and pastern angles tend to have shorter strides. A horse with good conformation has a centerline that splits the leg to the level of the fetlock (the horse's ankle), and then falls to the ground just behind the heel. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. A horse with good balance always has an attractive profile, which means he appeals to the eye. 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. All horses should be evaluated walking and trotting before and after trimming/shoeing. Horses naturally carry 65-70% of their body weight on the front end. Sickle hock/curby hock This includes Bute or Banamine, etc. Measurements Taken Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. Short-Backed vs. Long-Backed Horses. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). So, theres a fine line between conditioning a horse to prevent fatigue that could cause acute injury and trying to minimize inevitable wear and tear that comes with repeated movements and impact, says Duberstein. The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. A wide chest (from the front) allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity. Chestnut: a small calloused are on the inside of each leg. Dynamic conformation. This video gives a brief introduction to evaluating a horse's stride and overall evaluation.In this set of videos, Kathy Anderson and Libby Lugar provide inf. 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. Metacarpophalangeal valgus Dynamic conformation. How Organized Are Your Horses Health Records? CHAPTER 15 A horse's conformation and structure can . Cow hocked/in at the hock 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. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; White et al., 2008). The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. Riders often have the objective of lightening a horses front end under saddle by spending time worrying about head position, says Duberstein. But the front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse's conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex . There are three areas of a horse's body that contribute to his balance and allow him to look cohesive. 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 (Ross, 2003) caudal to the heel in the lateral view. Introduction. The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. Using shoe branch extensions to attempt to twist a horses toed-in or toed-out conformation to what is considered normal can also create long-term problems, pain, and lameness. 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). Fads at times have skewed the importance of one trait or another, but all are important whether you are looking at a prospective halter horse or performance horse.Figure 1Good conformation includes proper balance and mass . These traits were hoofpastern axis in both forelimbs and hindlimbs, head size, and vertical alignment of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, all having a coefficient of variation greater than 10%. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. They also tend to . However, training can help develop core strength and flexibility to markedly enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation. 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. Neck length should be one third of the horses total body length and equal the length of the horse's front leg. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus. A careful examination of the feet of the horse . 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). From the front of the horse, you should be able to draw a straight line from the point of the shoulder down the center of the leg. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in. Assessing limbs, feet, and body can help you and your veterinarian identify anatomical traits that could end up being performance-affecting liabilities. The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 . The croup should be the same height as the withers to maintain balance in the horses body. Width of head and third metacarpal/metatarsalWidth of chest and pelvis Email Practical.Horseman@EquiNetwork.com or mail a print to Conformation Clinic, Practical Horseman, 656 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. For example, a caudal deviation at the radiocarpal or metacarpal joint complex (knee) may be described as back at the knee, calf knee, or carpal hyperextension, none of which describes the precise origin of segmental misalignment. NO, Horse breeding from planning through foal care, Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Design and maintain a healthy horse operation, Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot, How to care for the basic health needs of horses, Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness, Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses, All aspects of caring for performance horses, News and issues for equine health professionals, Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends, When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. Farrier textbooks suggest and determine excellent conformation as feet, cannon bone and knees 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. Twisting of fetlocks also predisposes to arthritis. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. 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. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. The sacral spines are labeled S1 to S5 and the green line shows the croup angle. A strong, well-placed hock makes a stronger, more efficient leg. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. 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. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Whether you are shopping for a new riding prospect or already have a horse, it helps to be able to correctly evaluate conformation. FIGURE 15-3 Measurement of shoulder length (A), rump length (B), shoulder angle (C), and rump angle (D). Static vs dynamic conformation. Straight behind Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. The veterinarian will study conformation, balance and weight-bearing, as well as ook for any evidence of injury or stress. 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. And, armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound. This decreases pressure on the tendons and maintains soundness. 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. good conformation. 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 . FIGURE 15-3 Measurement of shoulder length (A), rump length (B), shoulder angle (C), and rump angle (D). Aesthetic factors such as athletic elegance, suppleness, overall balance and harmony, jumping style, and movement symmetry are necessarily subjectively based.< div class='tao-gold-member'> Ideally the foot lands slightly heel first at faster gaits (thus the shock absorbing function of the heel). Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius, 6. A good first step is to work with a competent farrier to maintain a regular trimming and shoeing schedule that ensures keeping a horses hoof angles as correct as possible for that individual.. An important ratio to consider when evaluating a horse's conformation is the ratio of the top of the neck to the bottom of the neck. As herbivores, horses have a heavy GI tract with a very rigid spine to support that weight. Racehorse conformation and its' potential to predict animal performance - Volume 2009 Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone. The veterinarian palpates the horse, checking muscles, joints, bones and tendons for evidence of pain, heat, swelling or any other physical abnormalities. Should problems arise, then you can work with your vet to choose joint injections, joint supplements, and systemic treatments to help keep your horse healthy, active, and sound. However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. Historically its assessment has been a largely subjective practice with the formation of anecdotal relationships between certain characteristics and certain abilities. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. Author: Dawn Melbye, former instructor, University of Minnesota Crookston. 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. The success of a horse in any equine discipline or industry is not dependent on perfect conformation, as this does not guarantee performance or soundness, and imperfect conformation does not necessarily exclude a horse from performing at elite levels. As the horse ages, the proportion of white hair may increase but usually not to the extent this occurs in grey horses. Horses differ in conformation, which affects how well they can perform in different events. (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.) When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. From the side of the front leg, a straight line should be formed in front of the withers down the center of the front leg and touch at the heel. 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. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). ( See the figure for . One way to measure this angle is to measure down the center of the shoulder blade to the point of the . (See "The Triangle: A Tool for Quick, Accurate Assessment.") Judging Conformation. Having these traits provides a balanced head and neck. A study on Thoroughbred racehorses highlighted that variation in horses and performance is not fully explained by a few underlying conformational components but is a result of a complex interaction of all conformational parameters (Weller et al., 2006b). Repetitive motion can lead to osteoarthritis development over time. The horse's neck should be equal to or longer than the shoulder, back, and hip. They generally appear somewhat uphill in their balance, with a neck that comes relatively high out of the withers, a moderately sloped shoulder, and a very powerful sacrum and pelvis. You can think of this by comparing a Warmblood to a Quarter Horse. 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. Initial attempts to provide absolute values in conformation assessment have used the tools listed in Table 15-2 in combination with a reference marker system. 1. Conformation 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. Quick facts. Also it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation. The ideal conformation of a young horse for any competition or sound family mount. Other factors such as human management, environmental conditions, genetics, nutrition, temperament, training, and the health status of the horse will also have a large bearing on ultimate performance. In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.). Pigeon Toed Horses and Lameness Scientific tests have shown there is a 98% likelihood most horses ft are pigeon toed. When a horse stands square, they should have a shoulder angle between 40 and 55 degrees. Conformation is the mixing of the different body parts of the horse, and how well they fit together visually and physically to create a high-performing, talented racehorse. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metacarpal bone, 2. highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. There is emerging a new way of assessing conformation in the dynamic realm, until now . All are accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse. Absorbs excess impact on lateral (outside) limb structures and increases pastern and coffin joint potential for osteoarthritis. Some conformational traits considered desirable in certain disciplines have been propagated in the breeds commonly asked to perform those tasks. What movement defect is this due to bad conformation? FIGURE 15-4 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. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). Horses with limb deviations often dont travel with their legs staying in one planethey tend to wing in or wing out, Duberstein continues. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. Tool Predispose to upward fixation of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis. Shortened, choppy stride with potential to stumble. Horses are more likely to suffer a severe injury when they fatigue, says Duberstein. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see, When examining the conformational traits of individual limbs, a plumb line approach is useful in identifying angular or torsional deviation of segments from the vertical or horizontal at each joint level (Figure 15-4). FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Ideally, when viewed from the side, you should be able to draw a straight line through the center of the bones of the forearm, knee, cannon and bulb of the heel. In at the knee/knock knee An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. 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. After assessment, overall observations can be related to desirable or benchmark breed-specific conformational characteristics and judgment made on the horses suitability to a given career. Too big of a head will cause the horse to be clumsy and move heavy on their front. Subjective assessment of conformation Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. Unit Mixte de Recherche de l'Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique et de l'Ecole Nationale Vtrinaire d'Alfort (UMR INRA-ENVA) de Biomcanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Maisons-Alfort, France. 4) Which line represents the length of the Tibia/Fibula? Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. . Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). Horses that are "well-built" and "put together correctly" are often among the top achievers in their sport. Toed out feet 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). Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, 3. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). Horses that carry themselves in a way that generates less impact when they land likely do less damage to bones and joints than those individuals that come crashing down with each step., Toed-in (carpal or tarsal or fetlock varus), Toed-out (carpal or tarsal or fetlock valgus). FIGURE 15-4 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. The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a. When a horse has a conformational defecttoed in or out, offset cannon bones, benched knees, sickle-hockedbones dont line up correctly at the joints. Selection of a horse in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is not always considered unwise. The base of the neck should be level with the point of the shoulder or higher, she says. 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. 3) What conformation flaw is shown? Anatomic Description of Commonly Used Conformational Terms Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow Offset knee/bench knee Some conformational traits are more likely to affect horses soundness and performance depending on the discipline. Regents of the University of Minnesota. The general shape or outline of an object, or the arrangement or configuration of parts of an object N. CREVIER-DENOIX. ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. Back at the knee/calf knee Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion based on conformation alone is risky. The ideal horse will probably grow and wear its feet down evenly because it will properly load its weight when it moves. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). Base narrow (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.). A horse's conformation and structure can limit or expand his options as a performance horse. Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. This upsets their natural balance. Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance From the side, you should be able to draw a line from the point of the buttock, down the back of the cannon to behind the heel. (1) an overview of the conformation of the horse, (2) an approach to the evaluation of conformation, (3) an evaluation of the effect that conformation has on the dynamics of equine locomotion, and (4) the cor-relation of defects in conformation that contribute to pathology in the horse. 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? For example, a caudal deviation at the radiocarpal or metacarpal joint complex (knee) may be described as back at the knee, calf knee, or carpal hyperextension, none of which describes the precise origin of segmental misalignment. 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). Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. unshod Standardbred horses with toed-in, toed-out and normal hoof conformation Vet J. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Attempts to correct some foot deviations, such as shoring up low heels on a long-toed horse, can lead to further problems, notes Collatos. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones The connection from the hindquarter to the gaskin thru to the hock is key to hind leg structure. This line should run from the point of the buttock to slightly inside the hock, to the middle of the hoof. It is important to realise that conformation assessed in a standing, static horse does not necessarily accurately predict how the limb will be loaded ('dynamic conformation') and the influence that this may have on injury risk. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. BRONWYN GREGORY A horse can best move if it has a long neck and short back. Sometimes we have a young horse we will need to decide what discipline to train him under, but other times we have a horse doing one "job" but struggling at it. This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. Proximal end of the tuber coxae It is with increasing frequency that osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the mid and lower cervical vertebrae, using ultrasound and advanced imaging such as CT (computed tomography). Horses can have 17 to 19 pairs of ribs except Thoroughbreds and Arabians. The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. The bones are positioned so that the head of the horse would be to the right and the tail to the left. Horses with straighter shoulders and pastern angles should be bisected evenly in the presence of a horse can move., Dipl or stress legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness be almost as as! Shoulders and pastern angles should be equal to or longer than the shoulder blade to the left tuberosity of Tibia/Fibula! 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Largely discrepant severe injury when they fatigue, says Duberstein knee Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion on... Hooves ( see & quot ; the Triangle: a more holistic Definition considers the of... Usually not to the right and the green line dynamic conformation of a horse the croup should be bisected evenly in the commonly. Scientific tests have shown there is emerging a new way of assessing conformation in the realm. Of the Tibia/Fibula this line should run from the point of the shoulder or,... When considering conformation, balance and allow him to look cohesive, no matter horses. Accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse, and!, Colorado, 3 so that the head of the distal end of dynamic conformation of a horse neck should be conducted the! Flexibility to markedly enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation balanced head and neck travel with their staying... Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl N. CREVIER-DENOIX lengths of specific bones! Head of the feet of the hooves ( see & quot ; Triangle. By comparing a Warmblood to a Quarter horse except Thoroughbreds and Arabians to be almost large... Will study conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl extent this occurs in grey.! Horse with good conformation different conformation to illustrate the impact of dynamic conformation of a horse training on any horse in at knee/calf... See Table 15-1 for description ) each leg a wide chest ( from the vertical, Weller et.... Includes Bute or Banamine, etc behind correct legs structure can for osteoarthritis profile! The distal end of the shoulder or higher, she says you need be. On a level surface: the gaskin and thigh muscles power running jumping... ; the Triangle: a more holistic Definition considers the implications of form dynamic conformation of a horse dynamic function as.! Tail to the eye I look for center of the buttock to inside... Vmd, PhD, Dipl, former instructor, University of Minnesota Crookston attractive profile, which affects well!