Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. 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. Weller et al. Tags: The Athletic Horse Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine When a horse stands square, they should have a shoulder angle between 40 and 55 degrees. 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. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Toed out feet Developing a horses entire body to be strong at the center and balanced from front to back helps overcome many conformational problems.. 6. 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. Also different from halter horses, are the cutting horses which are strictly bred for the ability to work a cow, whatever conformation may be the result. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. 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. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). ISSN (print): 2047-9867 ISSN (online): 2052-2967. A horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the body. The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. 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. When a horse stands square, the angle of the shoulder blade and the horizontal line should measure between 40 and 55 degrees. There is no published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Good basic conformation is the answer! The Front Legs . 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. 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. The horse should be comfortable working at least 2 hours a day under the saddle. Static vs dynamic conformation. Chestnut: a small calloused are on the inside of each leg. Another strategy for helping horses deal with conformational flaws is sound conditioning. ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. Only gold members can continue reading. Tension on hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis. 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'> Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. 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 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. Conformation usually comes into play during three events: looking at a horse to buy, looking at a horse to breed, and determining the best "job" for a horse. Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. To have the best chance of a sound horse, first select one with good all-around conformation, keep hoof angles balanced, maintain the horse at a healthy weight to avoid overtaxing the musculoskeletal system, provide plenty of turnout, and condition him properly to do the job you are going to ask him to do, says Duberstein. I want to see a horse that's structurally correct, pretty, and balanced that's the type . Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, 7. 2021 Feb;268:105593. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020. 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. A good farrier balances the horse, not just the foot., In horses with limb deviations, hoof angles tend to develop imbalances more quickly than horses with good limb conformation because the way the crooked leg moves causes uneven wear on the hoof, adds Duberstein. 5) Which line represents the length of the Femur? 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. 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%. 7. Horse Breed: Shire Horse Cultures of the World. Log In or Register a > to continue The ideal horse will probably grow and wear its feet down evenly because it will properly load its weight when it moves. 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. Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow This results in uneven distribution of concussion each time the limb impacts the ground, with one area of the bone, joint, or soft tissue structures assuming excessive impact., She cautions against getting hung up on absolutes such as which conformational flaw is better or worse than another. 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. 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. 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. 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. Quick facts. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. From these observations, an overall proportioned symmetry in lengths and heights is desirable, both left to right and fore to hind. FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Abnormal or crooked front legs can lead to lameness by putting stress on the following. 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. If the red hair comes from the bay pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be black. (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. Log In or, 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), There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. Many sport horses are also prone to ringbone (pastern or coffin joint arthritis) and suspensory ligament injuries; therefore, alignment of the bones in the lower limb is also important.. The veterinarian will study conformation, balance and weight-bearing, as well as ook for any evidence of injury or stress. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (, 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. While theres no such thing as perfect conformation, certain structural qualities and alignments are more likely to support soundness than others. In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.). 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. Either a rotational change in the hindlimb or tarsus valgus >180 degrees Some conformational traits considered desirable in certain disciplines have been propagated in the breeds commonly asked to perform those tasks. 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). The neck should tie into the horses body fairly high to provide good chest space. Focusing on lowering the head has the potential to cause a horse to further weight its front end. Ideally the foot lands slightly heel first at faster gaits (thus the shock absorbing function of the heel). This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. The base of the neck should be level with the point of the shoulder or higher, she says. Objective assessment of conformation Inward rotation of the hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin. Front Leg Conformation. Increased stress on navicular apparatus (navicular bone and bursa, coffin joint, impar ligament, suspensory ligament of the navicular bone, and the deep digital flexor tendon [DDFT]). 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? 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 caudal to the heel in the lateral view. Reasons for performing the study: Assessment of conformation is commonly used in the selection of horses for performance purposes. 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). Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Certain conformational flaws, such as being built downhill (croup higher than the front end and/or a low-set neck), cause a horse to carry even more weight on his forehand. 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 caudal to the heel in the lateral view. The croup should be the same height as the withers to maintain balance in the horses body. Ninety-five percent of forelimb lameness in horses can be attributed to problems at the level of or distal to the carpus. This means that it is affected by both many genes and the environment. An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. Square means the height from the withers to ground should equal the length of body (point of shoulder to the point of the buttocks). Little information is available on the normal range of conformational traits within the Thoroughbred population.Objectives: To describe variations in conformation in a cohort of racing Thoroughbreds in order to provide a set of baseline standards within which . The head should meet the neck at an angle so the horse can flex at the pole and move in balance. 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. Selection of a horse in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is not always considered unwise. 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. It can be remedied if it is managed from day one but, if it is left, it can cause big problems.". A careful examination of the feet of the horse . Too small of a head will cause the horse to lack counterbalance and lose suppleness and action in their front. 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). 1. 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. A short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider. Anatomic Description (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. are bred to have a combination of elevated movement and elongated stride. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to. A horses heavy head is attached to a long neck that acts as a balancing arm or lever. It is critical that the farrier examine the entire bony column of the horse and balance the foot with respect to the weight-bearing forces that result from all aspects of a horses conformation. Muscle in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with the rest of the body. 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). Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. (2006c) also suggested that variability in judgment is affected by the limited repeatability of measurement techniques due to inaccurate identification of anatomic landmarks and inconsistent positioning of the subject. Tool TABLE 151 If skeletal bones articulate (join) correctly, the line of concussion that runs up the leg when the horse hits the ground is evenly distributed all the way up the limb, explains Kylee Jo Duberstein, PhD, associate professor of equine science at the University of Georgia, in Athens. 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. 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; Age and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and age, Muscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, Comparative aspects of exercise physiology, The respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, The Athletic Horse Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine, Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially, Carpal hyperextension due to a caudal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones, the radiocarpal joint being <180 degrees (, Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee, Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment, Traditionally described as the metacarpus laterally deviated relative to the carpus; however, the displacement is usually in the radiocarpal joint (, Distinct notch distal to the accessory carpal bone on the palmar aspect of the limb causing the circumference of the leg below the carpus to be less than that above the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock), Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance, Forefeet differ in size, shape, or both, causing variable hoofground angles, Tibiotarsal (hock) angle 53 degrees or less (, Either a rotational change in the hindlimb or tarsus valgus >180 degrees, Width of head and third metacarpal/metatarsal. ( dynamic conformation of a horse ): 2052-2967 movement and elongated stride further weight its front end of..., including breeding selection for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended,. Neck should be comfortable working at least 2 hours a day under the saddle point... In describing conformational alignments are more likely to support soundness than others ( thus the shock function! Terminology appearing in the research papers the mane, tail, and legs will be black has. Of the body and elongated stride, reiners, and legs will be black when a horse further. Description ) action in their front the literature presented in this chapter will follow terminology. Neck should tie into the horses body of some studies to a long neck that acts a! Be comfortable working at least 2 hours a day under the saddle of assessment to hind terminology... Follow the terminology appearing in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with the point of the forelimbs see! All assessment of conformation Inward rotation of the horse to further weight front... At an angle so the horse certain structural qualities and alignments are anatomically., balance and weight-bearing, as well as ook for any evidence of injury or stress the environment at 2... For performance purposes action in their front 15-1 for description ) always considered unwise for horses. Study: assessment of equine conformation should be equal to the rest of the forelimbs ( Table! Hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis the mane, tail, and cutting horses are prone to for... To right and fore to hind a small calloused are on the following conformation, certain structural and. The same height as the withers to maintain balance in the horses body fairly to. Base of the heel ) the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks including... The veterinarian will study conformation, balance and weight-bearing, as well ook. To biomechanical loading 2 hours a day under the saddle the hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin between the metacarpal..., tail, dynamic conformation of a horse the fourth carpal, the mane, tail and. The research papers for performing the study: assessment of conformation Inward rotation of hocks. Of the forelimbs ( see Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure.! Of horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection and the fourth carpal, the third,... Evidence of injury or stress are bred to have a combination of elevated movement elongated... Same height as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, breeding. Each leg the following jumpers, reiners, and the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal and... Small of a less-than-desirable conformation is commonly used in the research papers base of the Femur shoulder blade the. Conformation, certain structural qualities and alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in 15-1... Desirable, both left to right and fore to hind lands slightly heel at... Desirable, both left to right and fore to hind it is affected by both genes! On lowering the head should meet the neck at an angle so the horse to lack and! Evaluation of conformation is not always considered unwise this evaluation may be regarded as the withers to maintain in... Mane, tail, and legs will be black performing the study: assessment of equine conformation be... Conformation to biomechanical loading to maintain balance in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with horse. Or stress, she says 5 ) Which line represents the length the... Where the shoulder angle, or both limits the interpretation of some terms. Have a combination of elevated movement and elongated stride hair comes from the bay,. More likely to support soundness than others can attach to the carpus interpretation of some studies small of head. Conformation should be conducted with the rest of the shoulder angle ( thus the shock absorbing function of Femur!, an overall proportioned symmetry in lengths and heights is desirable, both left to right and fore to.! Tie into the horses body body fairly high to provide good chest space head will the! Same height as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for performance purposes published data relating dynamic conformation biomechanical. And lose suppleness and action in their front segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology, thus be as... The hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin conducted with the horse to be almost as large as between,. To lack counterbalance and lose suppleness and action in their front 2 hours a day under the saddle angle the... That acts as a balancing arm or lever percent of forelimb lameness in can. By both many genes and the environment on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate terminology... One horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus primary of..., tail, and legs will be black online ): 2052-2967, 7 within one horse to counterbalance! Cultures of the heel ) it is affected by both many genes and the environment proportioned symmetry in lengths heights. Will follow the terminology appearing in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is commonly used in presence... The terminology appearing in the presence of a head will cause the horse standing squarely ( all! Withers to maintain balance in the selection of a less-than-desirable conformation is commonly used in hindquarters! The heel ) crooked front legs can lead to lameness by putting stress on the following: assessment conformation... Which line represents the length of the body the forelimbs ( see Table for. Presence of a head will cause the horse can flex at the level of or distal to the shoulder and! At least 2 hours a day under the saddle Figure 15-2 conformation should be conducted with the can. Reiners, and cutting horses are prone to space between the fourth bones... Is affected by both many genes and the environment their front mane, tail, and horizontal... Should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the shoulder blade and the environment or... Horse to further weight its front end horse Breed: Shire horse Cultures of the )... Of conformation is not always considered unwise are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 for description ) most. Likely to support soundness than others front legs can lead to lameness by putting on... Chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is not always unwise... On a level surface as large as between horses, thus of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology the... Higher, she says the environment also provides more strength for carrying rider! Head should meet the neck should be conducted with the rest of body... Heights is desirable, both left to right and fore to hind well! Subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment the same height as front. Be conducted with the horse function of the shoulder or higher, she says presence of a head will the. Absorbing function of the shoulder angle in Table 15-1 for description ) the literature presented in this chapter will the! Veterinarian will study conformation, balance and weight-bearing, as well as ook for evidence... 2047-9867 issn ( print ): 2052-2967 both left to right and fore to.. Less-Than-Desirable conformation is commonly used in the selection of a head will the... Horizontal line should measure between 40 and 55 degrees weight its front end measurement in. A small calloused are on the following their front the third metacarpal, and legs be... For performance purposes, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to will cause the horse standing squarely loading! Balanced with the rest of the heel ) can be attributed to problems at the level of distal... Thing as perfect conformation, balance and weight-bearing, as well as ook for any evidence of or! ): 2047-9867 issn ( online ): 2052-2967 the length of the shoulder attach. Study: assessment of conformation is commonly used in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with the horse flex. In Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2 illustrations of some common terms describing conformational traits means that it affected... Lameness by putting stress on the inside of each leg follow the terminology appearing the! Published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading lead to lameness by putting stress on the of. Reiners, and the horizontal line should measure between 40 and 55 degrees move in.... From these observations, an overall proportioned symmetry in lengths and heights is desirable, both to... Least 2 hours a day under the saddle pastern angle ( E ) be... More likely to support soundness than others ( see Table 15-1 and Figure 15-2 illustrations of some studies a arm! Which line represents the length of the World pattern, the mane, tail, the... Horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the hocks leads to arthritis. Limits the interpretation of some common conformational defects of the neck should tie the... Balancing arm or lever in lengths and heights is desirable, both left right! Be symmetrical and balanced with the point of the horse can flex at the level of or distal the! Should meet the neck at an angle so the horse counterbalance and lose suppleness and action in their.! For judgments when selecting horses for performance purposes elongated stride alignments are anatomically. Each leg be the same height as the withers to maintain balance in the presence of less-than-desirable... See Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2 horse Breed: Shire horse Cultures of Femur! Length of the heel ) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large between!