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ConformationConformation of a horse is the physical appearance due to the arrangement of muscle, bone and other body tissue. Conformation is a combination of muscle, skeletal soundness and symmetry. It is the overall blending of body parts to form a graceful athlete. All horses have conformation. However, the quantity and quality of the blending of these body parts determines the acceptability or unacceptability of the horse's conformation. Each breed organization has identified its "ideal" horse. Therefore, the breed's "ideal" represents the breed's "standard of excellence." Prior to comparing two or more horses, it is essential to have a mental picture of the "ideal" horse of the breed. The purpose of judging, either in competition or as a tool in selecting a horse, is to find, within a group of horses, the horse most typical of the "ideal" of that breed. Examples used in this section are for the Tennessee Walking Horse as well as most light horse breeds, although some unique breed differences may exist on specific conformation points. Unfortunately, the "ideal" horse may not possess the optimal conformation for all potential performance events. This problem should be recognized by both the competitive judging team members, as well as the experienced horse show judge. It is essential to evaluate horses based upon their merit that day. Do not attempt to predict the potential riding qualities of a horse based on conformation. This tendency is called "crystal balling" and is often about as accurate as this method of prediction. After all, there are performance classes where an animal's ability to perform under saddle can be evaluated. However, there are performance classes held at breed shows that include conformation as part of the evaluation criteria for that performance event. Therefore, conformation is important in all areas of horse evaluation. It is important to establish a systematic approach to evaluation. Once developed, this approach will allow you to evaluate horses quickly and consistently. A system that works for many people includes initial tracking (walk and intermediate gait) the horse for soundness, structural deviations and movement. Secondly, view the horse from the side (profile), starting with the head, throatlatch, neck, shoulder and front column of bones, topline, hindquarters and rear column of bones. This profile is done at a distance to visualize the entire horse. Next, approach the horse to get a front view. Width of chest, muscling and structure of the front leg and hoof combined with close observation of the horse's head and neck are appropriate. Moving to the rear, muscling of the entire hindquarter as well as hind limb structure are evaluated. After a complete close inspection of the horse, move away from the horse and observes the horse from a distance to further evaluate balance, structural correctness, and muscling. These evaluation criteria are discussed and defined in structural correctness and skeletal structure. Horse breeders continue to breed for horses with acceptable conformation. Well-conformed horses should be more athletic and superior performers. To evaluate conformation, it is essential to know the parts of the horse and to have a thorough understanding of all these parts, the function of each, and an evaluation system that allows for consistent, repetitious evaluation of horse conformation. Any evaluation system that allows for consistent, repetitious evaluation will work for a horse show judge or a novice who is simply comparing horses. More on conformation:
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