All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. 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. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). The stance of the horse has been identified as a major source of error in conformation assessment, as small changes in limb placement and weight distribution can introduce significant variation in segmental alignment. Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially It is proposed that such a system of static conformation assessment, in conjunction with a similar system for dynamic linear assessment, would provide useful quantitative selection criteria in the description and breeding of horses. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Selection of a horse in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is not always considered unwise. Notably, the definition and number of traits evaluated, the point scale scoring system of conformational traits, and the image of an ideal phenotype varies greatly among registries, organizations, and countries; therefore, specific classification is essential for comparative evaluations. Make sure your entire horse is in the photo and that he's well groomed, wearing a bridle, looking straight ahead and standing on level ground-and try to avoid distracting backgrounds. A strong, well-placed hock makes a stronger, more efficient leg. FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus. One confor - m ation analysis system is known as BSMQTT: balance, stru ctu re, m u scling, qu ality, type, and travel. Shortened, choppy stride with potential to stumble. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. Some conformational traits are more likely to affect horses soundness and performance depending on the discipline. Strain on inner hock joint structures predisposes to osteoarthritis. Tibiotarsal angle >170 degrees (Marks, 2000), usually due to a more upright tibia Objective assessment of conformation This means that an imaginary line drawn down the front of the horse's pastern should continue in that line down the front of the hoof wall. 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. This includes Bute or Banamine, etc. An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. 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. Only gold members can continue reading. RELATED CONTENT | 7 Conformation Flaws: Piecing Together What We Know, Contracted heels or a club foot may predispose a horse to concussion-related foot lameness, she says. The denition of conformation can be articulated Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. However, training can help develop core strength and flexibility to markedly enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation. A horse can best move if it has a long neck and short back. Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. , as the ultimate long-distance athletes, are generally balanced front to back, with lean muscle mass and shoulder angles that optimize efficiency at moving across the ground with minimal effort or limb lift. 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. A nicely sloped hoof will transfer weight from the tendons to the upper leg. 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. Dorsal edge of the coronary band 5. Another strategy for helping horses deal with conformational flaws is sound conditioning. . However, (such) a horse may have conformational characteristics that are able to be trained for maximum locomotor efficiency, such as the ability to move with impulsion from behind, raise its withers, and engage its core. Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. 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 opposite of a ewe neck, with a pronounced curve on the topline, but still a conformation fault, as the horse will not go correctly and may hollow his back. Concussion is the force that travels up the leg each time the hoof hits the ground and if excessive, leads to injuries and conditions such as ringbone (a disease of the pastern joints). Inward rotation of the hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin. FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). A horse with good balance always has an attractive profile, which means he appeals to the eye. As some conformational traits are dynamic and will only be apparent during ambulation, the traditional emphasis of conformational assessment as a pure description of static external appearance has been extended to include a more functional assessment of conformation during unridden and ridden gaits in some of the studies cited in this chapter. 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). Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head, where: Head length is measured from the front of the muzzle to the top of the poll, Neck length is measured from the poll to the mid-shoulder. Some have more arch to the neck and dish to the face, or have more "action" when traveling. and more. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. A founding study by Magnussen (1985) described the comprehensive set of landmarks listed below, and many research studies have followed this protocol or a derivative of it. 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'> There is wide variation of conformation between and within different breeds, the significance of which requires expert understanding of optimal breed characteristics and potential effects on soundness or performance. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). This horse can develop an overall lighter movement that reduces concussive force on the feet and limbs to mitigate the development of forelimb lameness resulting from poor hoof conformation., Riders in many disciplines desire certain neck sets and conformation that lead to musculoskeletal issues, says Collatos. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion based on conformation alone is risky. A horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the body. Faults in conformation should be symmetrical. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). 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. . Proximal end of the spine of the scapula, 4. 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). If the red hair comes from the bay pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be black. From foal to adult, horses can develop all sorts of leg alignment issues like pigeon-toed, bow-legged or knock-kneed in the front legs, and cow-hocked, sickle-hocked in the hind legs and many more. FIGURE 15-3 Measurement of shoulder length (A), rump length (B), shoulder angle (C), and rump angle (D). Stay up-to-date on the latest news about your horse's health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Assessing a horses limbs, feet, and body can help you and your veterinarian identify anatomical traits that could end up being performance-affecting liabilities. But correct basic conformation that promotes a sound horse works for all breeds. 5. Fatigue amplifies such busy limb motion, making the horse more likely to interfere (one foot hitting the other leg) in addition to adding impact more on one side of the hoof and limb than the other.. A horses conformation is the way it is made up, its structure, how its body parts relate to each other and how it is proportioned. 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. Long or short neck. When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. 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. 2. She describes how the forelimbs and hind limbs function differently: The hind limbs generate tremendous propulsion, but more in a horizontal manner, while the front limbs tend to generate a vertical force to push the horse upwards off the ground.. This upsets their natural balance. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. 2) What conformation flaw is shown? 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. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. Smaller-Footed Horses. Collaborate with your veterinarian, as well, using radiographs (X rays) to evaluate hoof angles and foot placement and guide shoeing and trimming recommendations. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. In the growing horse, trimming and shoeing can have a huge influence on the growth and development of the bony column. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. Base-narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs "padding". 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. The elbow should be parallel to the horses body. This finding was supported by a study comparing radiographic and visual assessments of hoofpastern conformation in Warmblood foals (Kroekenstoel et al., 2006).Visual assessment was only in agreement with radiologic evidence in 6 of 92 (6.5%) evaluations. A horse can move best with a short back and long neck. Use this figure for Questions below. Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. Conformation: The conformation of a horse refers to how the horse is built. 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. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to. I want to see a horse that's structurally correct, pretty, and balanced that's the type . Conformation refers to the structure or outline of an animal as determined by the arrangement of its parts. The Croup: the top of the hindquarters, from the hip to the dock. (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. Each evaluation location will give you a different perspective of the horse's conformation. The sacral spines are labeled S1 to S5 and the green line shows the croup angle. Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus It does not only help us choose a pretty horse, but it also aids us in assessing their quality and even their risk of injury. The cannon bone in the foreleg should be shorter than that of the rear leg. 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. It is with increasing frequency that osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the mid and lower cervical vertebrae, using ultrasound and advanced imaging such as, Carpal arthrosis is more common in racehorses due to hyperextension of their carpal (knee) joints when they fatigue, says Duberstein. Subjective assessment of conformation Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards terms like Static conformation, Dynamic conformation, What is a way to help predict lameness in a horse? Regents of the University of Minnesota. A wide chest (from the front) allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity. The walk and trot should be checked both under saddle and in hand. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. Magnusson (1985) showed less variance among judges on overall impressions and type traits. Rather than trying to patch up already-developed lameness issues with palliative care such as joint injections, take a proactive approach by properly selecting and conditioning a horse for your desired athletic enterpriseor selecting a sport in which your horse will exceland having him correctly shod. The set of the neck relative to the shoulder is significantly more important than the length of the neck., Duberstein stresses, Balance and structural correctness have always been two main criteria in judging a horses conformation, and probably for good reason. Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow Poor conformation can lead to problems related to concussion. 7. 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. Advancing technology has allowed more objective, quantitative evaluation of conformation amenable to statistical analysis and aims to find evidence-based relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. The general shape or outline of an object, or the arrangement or configuration of parts of an object The stance of the horse has been identified as a major source of error in conformation assessment, as small changes in limb placement and weight distribution can introduce significant variation in segmental alignment. Can Shoeing Improve How Show Horses Move? You can measure the quarter length from the point of the horses hip to the point of buttock. Figure 1. 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). Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). 12. (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. Measurements Taken Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. (See "The Triangle: A Tool for Quick, Accurate Assessment.") Judging Conformation. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and . Goniometer (see Figure 15-3) 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. Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). When evaluating the conformation of a horse, you should consider the following areas: balance, muscle, structural correctness, and breed and sex characteristics (Figure 1). What does good conformation mean? Farrier textbooks suggest and determine excellent conformation as feet, cannon bone and knees "Dynamic" balance is defined as that conformation that allows the foot to contact the ground in a prescribed pattern. Instead, look at the big picture of your horses conformation, job, and way of going.. 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). She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a club foot in front yet a strong, symmetrical, well-conformed pelvis and hind limbs. Maintaining Your Horses Weight During the Winter, Special Report: Preventing 3 Common Equine Joint Issues, JACKSON- Gelding/Bay/Mustang (Nevada) - Project/Ready for Training, JENNINGS Gelding/Cremello/Mustang (BLM) Ridable (Green), Behavioral Signs of Equine Cheek Tooth Findings, Feeding Young Horses: Graduating to a Grown-Up Diet, ALLIE: Dark Brown Dun Mustang Mare Non-Riding Companion Only. Also it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation. Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur But the front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use. Anatomic Description of Commonly Used Conformational Terms, FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). 7. Dynamic Motion vs. Static Structure. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). Muscle fatigue diminishes this stabilization ability, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, she says, and potentially causing severe and acute damage to cartilage, bones, and soft tissue. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high with a distinct chest area below. Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). Joint anglesScapular/pelvic inclinations The back should be one-third of the horses length. 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. Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs "winging! Briefly, relevant body observations should include head shape and size; height at the withers and croup; body length; neck length; shoulder length (top of the withers to point of the shoulder); pelvic length (tuber coxae to tuber ischii); scapular and humeral inclination; pelvic and femoral inclination; and chest width. Conformation can, therefore, only be considered an indicator for future athletic potential. 4. Muscle in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with the rest of the body. This line should run from the point of the buttock to slightly inside the hock, to the middle of the hoof. 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. 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. Conformation Quiz. 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 (. 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. Conformation can be defined as the formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements: an assembling into a whole (Websters dictionary, 1976) and equine conformation appraisal is traditionally based on the external appearance of the body shape, form or outline of the animal. Correct front legs will move in a straight line and promote the following. All horses should be evaluated walking and trotting before and after trimming/shoeing. 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. From these observations, an overall proportioned symmetry in lengths and heights is desirable, both left to right and fore to hind. With poor conformation, a horse may be best suited to quiet trail rides. 11. So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. Horses with straighter shoulders and pastern angles tend to have shorter strides.