Conformation Clinic - Part 1© Patricia Celley
Feb 1, 2003
Over the next six months I would like to present a mini clinic in conformation. Conformation refers to the way a horse's body parts are put together. It is a lot more than what makes a horse pretty to look at. Conformation is a matter of form equaling function. It will determine the athletic ability of the horse and what type of riding discipline it is best suited for.
We will approach the subject as a judge would when evaluating the contestants in a halter (or conformation) class or as you would when looking to purchase a horse. As we consider each section of the horse, I will discuss the desired conformation, common deviations and other unsoundnesses that may affect the area. An unsoundness is a condition that may have been caused by an injury or developed as a result of the horse's conformation. An unsoundness is not a temporary condition. It will have an effect on the horse's ability to perform or amount of care he will need for the rest of his life. In competition a judge may also mark down a horse because of blemishes which are injuries that may leave permanent marks, but do not affect the horse's ability to perform in any way. I will also discuss blemishes which have the potential to become unsoundnesses. The first thing that we notice about a horse is his head. Therefore, I would like to begin by discussing the head and neck. A horse's head should be well proportioned to the rest of his body. The profile of the face should reflect the characteristics of its breed. The Arabian face is the most easily recognized with its deep concave dish. Arabian bloodlines have contributed to many other breeds, and a slightly dished profile is attractive and desirable to most. A long straight profile is conformationally correct for most other breeds. The face should also be broad between the eyes. A Quarter horse face has very distinct features and prominent bone structure giving it what is referred to as a chiseled appearance. Ears are another feature that is somewhat breed specific. In general they should be properly proportioned to the rest of the head and set directly above the eye. Of course in Mules they will be much larger, but should still be carried alertly. Some gaited breeds, such as Saddlebreds, have ears that are very narrow at the top, and almost look like they will touch together when the horse has them up. You can tell a lot about a horse's temperament and disposition by the way he carries his ears. Floppy ears may be sign of illness or indication that the horse has been drugged.
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