Evaluating a Horse: An Overview of Conformation

Conformation is a term used to describe the proportion of a horse’s body based on bone structure, muscle, and other tissue arrangement as well as intelligence and athletic ability when compared to ideal characteristics and physical standards of a particular breed. In evaluating a horse to determine acceptability or unacceptability, one must pay close attention to conformation in relationship to breed standards and the purpose of the horse. In other words, what are your plans for this horse and what purpose will he serve? For example, are you looking for a trail horse, a dressage events horse, or a racehorse?

Why is Conformation Important?

It is important to consider conformation when evaluating a horse because unacceptable conformation may have an adverse affect on his ability to perform. For example, if a horse has a dense bone structure, he is at a greater risk of injury, if his body is poorly proportioned, he will have balance issues, and if he lacks intelligence, chances are he will be difficult to train.

What are the Criteria of Good Conformation?

A horse with good conformation will meet breed standards and have an overall balance of anatomically correct body parts. Their bone structures will be substantial giving a well-proportioned frame for muscles and other tissues. They will be physically fit, alert, and aware of their surroundings.

Which Horses Have Perfect Conformation?

There are no horses that have perfect conformation although many think the racehorse, Secretariat was near-perfect. Every horse regardless of pedigree has some physical fault. The key is to evaluate the horse and look for those faults, which are least likely to have an adverse affect on his intended purpose.

What are Conformation Faults?

A conformation fault is a flaw in the horse’s anatomy that may adversely affect his performance to a point, which makes him unsuitable for a given activity. Some examples of conformation faults are:

• Pig eyes – small eyes that are set close together which may impair their field of vision 
• Toeing out – outward pointed feet that may cause one leg to hit the other when running which may cause the horse to fall or develop bone spurs. 
• Toeing in – describes feet that slope inward causing problems with the horse’s stride 
• Back at the knee – occurs when the knee joint sits back too far, which adds stress to the knees. Often times, back at the knee causes problems with chipped bones and torn ligaments or tendons. 
• Sway back – a term used to describe weakness in the back causing soreness and difficulty saddling the horse. 

Horses serve many purposes and as such, potential owners have different ideas of what may constitute acceptable or unacceptable conformation. When evaluating a horse, remember to keep the horse’s intended purpose in mind when accessing conformation, which will decide if this horse will work for the intended purpose. In the end, all you can do is evaluate a well-bred horse that is sound and hope for the best.