Conformation?

Question

Ok, I already know a bit about conformation, but this year for 4-H and FFA I'm going to start horse judging. I've been looking at my own horses for conformational flaws, and I'd like to know what you think, just to test myself (and, I'll admit, I'd like to know what others have to say about my horses conformation). So be blunt if you wish, I'm not fishing for compliments. I love my horses to death and whatever anyone says about their conformation isn't going to change that.

So here they are:

Skip----11 years//QH//Gelding//15.2hh

http://a394.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/122/l_f5346a8d3f1e9c333198516d86b7f621.jpg [he's the first horse there, standing by me in the silver & black]

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj236/turnxandxburn/myhorses/100_6602.jpg

http://a519.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/125/l_ba0d3712a358eb7dbf044269bb8e65ae.jpg

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj236/turnxandxburn/myhorses/100_1210.jpg

Answer 1

The first thing in horse judging is analyze as many horses as you can, so this is a great start.  I'd be interested to hear your own opinions on your horses.

My daughter did 4H Horse Judging for years.  It was one of the best learning experiences ever.

Here're my impressions of your horses:

Skip:  On the plus side, he has pretty good balance overall.  Excellent angles in the hindquarter.  In good coat and condition.  A lovely, attractive head.  A clean throatlatch.

On the minus side, he's built downhill.  I don't care for the hock angle behind - slightly cowhocked and he's both posty and sickle.  Front legs are funky - both knees sprung, pigeon toed and pigeon breasted.  Head carriage is higher than I like for a quarter horse. Straight shouldered.

Brandi - Really can't tell much.  Her hindquarter lacks depth compared to the rest of her, meaning she'll have trouble working off her rear and may be heavy on the forehand.

I can see from the working pictures that both horses are kind and willing, and that you have a good rapport.  It's hard to really judge well from pictures.

And some of my horses would be booted out of any conformation class...  but they're good at what they do and I too love 'em to death!  Beauty is as beauty does, and it's the heart that matters most.

Answer 2

Ok well they are cuties! I need pictures of the rear end!! Hocks etc...

Skip has nice hooves and creat conformation but carries quite a bit of weight in his hooves. ( A little stocky)

Brandi's pictures arent the best to judge conformation but they both are ADORABLE!

Answer 3

Your QH, Skip has a very stocky build. You have no butt pictures so I cannot tell his hocks. He is very muscled in front and maybe has a little bit of a sloping shoulder. He has high set withers but maybe all QH's do, I am not very much of a QH person at all. He has more of a quarter rump then a full rump like many of the halter horses. He has a high set rump (his rump is higher then his withers). Do his front toes tip in a little?

I am not very good with confirmation but I tried my best. You have a very beautiful horse. He still looks like a baby in that halter picture!

Answer 4

You might want to look at their backs , all looked a little long backed and necks are a little short . , but overall nice looking horses .