How Horse Conformation Influences Performance

Is Your Horse’s Conformation Affecting His Performance?

If you hang around horse people long enough, someone will bring up the topic of how horse conformation and its influence on performance. Like most things equine-related, everyone has their own opinion of what type of conformation is “ideal.” However, no one can argue that conformation has an impact on a horse’s athletic ability and on his comfort as a riding mount. More importantly, how a horse is built can make him more, or less, capable of performing specific tasks.

The term “conformation” relates to the arrangement and interrelation of the muscle and bone that makes up a horse’s body. A horse’s form determines how his body will function. Compared to human athletes, horses are no different than people. Basketball players have height and lean muscling for quickness and agility. Power lifters have bulkier muscles and a thicker bone structure which limits their dexterity but makes their build ideal for boosting a heavy weight. Similarly, lanky and long-strided Thoroughbreds are the kings of the long-distance runners in the equine world, and no other breed outshines the sure-footedness and natural stamina of the Arabian when it comes to competing in endurance.

Your horse has conformation that makes him more suited to some tasks that to others. Like a human athlete, the length and angles of your horse’s bones and how they interrelate to his musculature determine his ability as a performer. Structural weaknesses can make him more prone to physical stress and discomfort and limit the type of work he can do. Conversely, a well-balanced horse will be more capable of performing well and comfortably.

You can judge a horse’s overall balance and athleticism by evaluating a few key areas. One of the most important is the relationship between the shoulder and hip angle. Draw a line from the point of his shoulder to the center of his withers. Next draw a line from the point of his shoulder that runs parallel to the ground until it reaches the rear edge of the horse’s backend. From that point, run a line up through the thigh at an angle that takes it through the point of the horse’s hip. Ideally the angle of the hip and the angle of the shoulder should be the same. A 45 degree slope is best, but as long as the two angles match, the horse is well balanced. Even with perfect hip and shoulder angles, a horse with a wither that is lower than the highest point of his croup is going to have a very difficult time elevating his front end and shifting his weight rearward. A high croup is normal while a young horse is growing, but once matured a level topline, or one that is slightly higher in front, is preferable.

Also look at the overall symmetry of the horse by dividing him into thirds. Draw a vertical line through the center of his withers and another through the point of his hip. Each section should be of equal length. The topline of the neck, from poll to withers, should be twice the length of the underline, from throatlatch to where the neck joins the chest. The length of the topline, from loin to wither, should be half the distance of the underline, from elbow to stifle.

Other factors come into play as well, such as the set of your horse’s neck. If it’s placed low on his chest or is thick at the base, it will be more difficult for your horse to carry himself lightly on his forehand. A thick throatlatch decreases your horse’s ability to flex at the poll, which is essential for softness in the bridle especially when you’re asking for collection. How his muscles drape across his skeletal frame affects how well he can propel and maneuver himself. Some horses have more muscling on their forehand (shoulder, chest, foreleg) than they have on their hindquarters. That means that they will be more likely to pull themselves across the ground on their front ends than push from behind. Sometimes this is more the result of improper carriage than conformation. If a horse doesn’t use his body correctly, his muscles will be underdeveloped. You can improve the strength and condition of the hindquarters by teaching the horse to drive himself forward from behind.

If you find yourself struggling to get your horse to lower his head, round his back, carry himself in an uphill frame, or execute specific tasks well, you may be working against the limits of his conformation. While you can improve your horse's muscular strength and flexibility, his underlying structure is set in stone. Evaluate him with an objective eye to see if he's doing the best he can. If you discover legitimate reasons for your horse’s resistance, work within his abilities. A few modifications in his training program, and in your expectations, can help your horse be more comfortable, confident, and create a more enjoyable experience for you both.

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