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. Conditioning a horse properly goes a long way toward delaying the onset of fatigue, and using leg protection can help prevent interference injuries. A horse's head needs to be in proportion to the rest of their body. Box level +/ crossbar 8. 5. 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. 4 Generally, a horse's neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. 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). 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 (Ross, 2003) caudal to the heel in the lateral view. 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. Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee 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) However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. 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 rear view, you should be able to draw straight lines down the rear legs. When buying a new horse, we tend to look at their conformation. The hock should be: Level with the top of the chestnut on the front leg: the chestnut resides a few inches above the knee, Directly under the point of the buttocks, but slightly pointed inward when viewed from behind, Wide from front to back and set on top of a sturdy cannon bone when viewed from the side. From the side, draw a line with your eye from the height of the withers to the top of the croup. Swan neck. 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). CHAPTER 15 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. 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. When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. 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. Excess stress on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones. How Organized Are Your Horses Health Records? Name of breed: Shire Country of origin: England Breed origin: The Shire is a breed of draught horse that originated in England in the 17 th century. At this angle, the horse's elbow is directly below the front of the withers. The pastern angle to the toe should be 40 to 55 degrees. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. 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]). 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%. Orthobiologic Options for Treating Horses. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. Examination procedures may include the following, as deemed appropriate for the situation: Taking a medical history. Dorsal edge of the coronary band 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. Neck and forelimb 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). Cranial end of the wing of atlas When an owner complains about tripping, subtle or inconsistent forelimb lameness, or difficulty in transitions, cervical arthritis is on my list of potential differentials., Collatos says she tends to avoid a low-set neck conformation for upper-level dressage or show jumping prospects. If conformational liabilities affect a horses performance in a specific sport, then you might ultimately need to find a different horse for that pursuit and point him toward another sport that capitalizes on his strengths and abilities. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. The absence of standardized evaluation standards, lack of centralized training programs internationally, and a large source of error introduced by. Conformation will, therefore, partially dictate the relationship between form and function, thus modifying the potential for biomechanical efficiency, superior performance, musculoskeletal durability, and perhaps even longevity (Wallin et al., 2001). 1. BRONWYN GREGORY When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. 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 coordination of movement (including limb interference), balance, power (propulsion, impulsion, and collection), agility, and endurance. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. Horses with limb deviations often dont travel with their legs staying in one planethey tend to wing in or wing out, Duberstein continues. An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. 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. It can be remedied if it is managed from day one but, if it is left, it can cause big problems.". Whether barefoot or shod, the resilience to withstand the stresses of competition and to achieve athletic longevity is enhanced by a balanced foot, says Collatos. Forefeet differ in size, shape, or both, causing variable hoofground angles Good chest and rib form leads to strong leg, shoulder and neck attachment, which creates a powerful athletic performer. The Croup: the top of the hindquarters, from the hip to the dock. The walk and trot should be checked both under saddle and in hand. A short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider. The absence of standardized evaluation standards, lack of centralized training programs internationally, and a large source of error introduced by subjective assessment precludes sole use of this method to compare results between studies or substantiate the more complex relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. A horse that has horizontal balance will have a straight line from withers to croup. Height at withersLength of croup and backWidth of chest and mandibleCircumference of girth; neck at poll and withers (Mawdsley et al., 1996); carpus; the third metacarpal/metatarsal; girth The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. Tools of Conformation Measurement 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 . Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion based on conformation alone is risky. This study followed 115 young racehorses to determine which . Pigeon Toe-ed or Toe-ed Out Horses. 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 evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. Pain and conformation. Carpal valgus 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. 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 15-4 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. 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. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). 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