Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. This study followed 115 young racehorses to determine which . 11. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus. 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. Caudal part of the greater tubercle Measure back length from the middle of the withers to the point of hip. Having these traits provides a balanced head and neck. This decreases pressure on the tendons and maintains soundness. Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. 2. 7. This line should run from the point of the buttock to slightly inside the hock, to the middle of the hoof. 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. From the rear view, you should be able to draw straight lines down the rear legs. 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. Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. 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. 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. Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus Good conformation is key to the intended performance of your horse. It should be round with muscle to provide a smooth contoured shape. 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. A proportionate horse is usually square. The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. 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. The sacral spines are labeled S1 to S5 and the green line shows the croup angle. When a horse has a conformational defecttoed in or out, offset cannon bones, benched knees, sickle-hockedbones dont line up correctly at the joints. 1) What conformation flaw is shown? 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). ), FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). 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. Back at the knee/calf knee However, training can help develop core strength and flexibility to markedly enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation. This allows the horse to be more flexible, balanced and collect more naturally. Conformation: The conformation of a therapy horse (the way its parts are put together), is only important as it relates to weight carrying ability, soundness, and movement. A horse can move best with a short back and long neck. The ideal conformation of a young horse for any competition or sound family mount. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. 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. Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. 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. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. Hindlimb Calipers Equine Regenerative Therapies for Managing Arthritis in Horses, Infographic | 12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners, Infographic | How To Keep Your Horses Joints Healthy. are bred to work cattle, and a lower headset facilitates rapid turns with exceptional speed and quickness from the hindquarters. A horse's back should be shorter than their underline. Goniometer (see Figure 15-3) Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle joint to the femur Radiography has also been used to measure joint angles and segment lengths. 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. Metrics History Published online 18 February 2014. . Conformation refers to the structure or outline of an animal as determined by the arrangement of its parts. Horses with limb deviations often dont travel with their legs staying in one planethey tend to wing in or wing out, Duberstein continues. 8. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. Major areas to focus on are balance, muscling, type and way of going. 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. Tends to wing the feet with potential for interference injury. She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). 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 evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. 1. Suspensory ligament injuries are common and serious causes of lameness in all disciplines. 5. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies.
Look for the following when evaluating a horse's head. The back should be one-third of the horses length. Conformation Chestnut: a small calloused are on the inside of each leg. Ideal front leg conformation. Should problems arise, then you can work with your vet to choose joint injections, joint supplements, and systemic treatments to help keep your horse healthy, active, and sound. 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. 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. 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. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. 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. Swan neck. Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone. Anatomic Description of Commonly Used Conformational Terms Tags: The Athletic Horse Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine
Cranial end of the wing of atlas Also it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation. Correct front legs will move in a straight line and promote the following. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The cannon bone in the foreleg should be shorter than that of the rear leg. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. An overabundance of muscling is the last thing I look for. Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs "winging! Faults in conformation should be symmetrical. Then, stand back and look at the whole picturethe entire horsenot just the offset knee or base-narrow stance or turned-out toes, says Collatos. Joint anglesScapular/pelvic inclinations 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 lower jaw that is clearly defined and well separated underneath the jaw, A clean throatlatch without heavy fat and muscling. This line should evenly split the forearm, knee, cannon, fetlock, pastern and hoof. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, 7. 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. Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky, Problem Solver Series: How to Control Nuisance Birds on Horse Properties. You can measure the quarter length from the point of the horses hip to the point of buttock. This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. Offset knee/bench knee Increase in fetlock drop and potential for suspensory ligament strain.
While theres no such thing as perfect conformation, certain structural qualities and alignments are more likely to support soundness than others. 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. So, theres a fine line between conditioning a horse to prevent fatigue that could cause acute injury and trying to minimize inevitable wear and tear that comes with repeated movements and impact, says Duberstein. If a horse has bad conformation, then that means the bone structure may be disproportioned. Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996). . 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). Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. 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. 7. 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. 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. Strain on inner hock joint structures predisposes to osteoarthritis. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). When assessing foal conformation, limbs can also be viewed from above at the shoulder and hip (skyline view). Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in. A proportionate horse will be symmetrical on both sides of its body. After assessment, overall observations can be related to desirable or benchmark breed-specific conformational characteristics and judgment made on the horses suitability to a given career. Conformation is a major factor in the physical soundness of a horse. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. There are a few characteristics that could point to weak points in our equine's framework. 3) What conformation flaw is shown? These horses can indeed have a conformation fault (a definite twist or deviation of the bones) or they can be compensating . Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially Excessive bulk can cause soundness problems. Attempts to correct some foot deviations, such as shoring up low heels on a long-toed horse, can lead to further problems, notes Collatos. 5. 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.. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. 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. If your horse's croup is higher, then your horse is built more downhill. 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. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). 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