What does a good mover look like?

Question

I know they need to be kind of flat kneed, and almost looking like their floating. Any detail on how to tell what a good mover/bad mover is? Also a good jumper/bad jumper? Also is confirmation a big part of whether your horse is a good mover/jumper or not? Thanks

Answer 1

ok their is no set conformational manual for a good mover.

as every breed is unique in it's physiological make up, so what might be correct conformation  for that particular breed is a major fault in another.

Eg. standardbreds have roach backs and it's a desirable trait in a trotter, whereas in nearly every other breed that would be considered a conformational flaw.

so with this in mind, a good mover simply means , correct conformation for that breed and able to move with the balance and flow for that particular breed also. A good mover is pleasing to the eye and naturally hold itself correctly.

Eg. A first place WB dressage horse would be considered to be a good mover, and so would a first place reiner.

so basically if they move correctly and do their breed justice.

Answer 2

It really depends on the breed. QH, Paint and App like very flat knees in front, and deep hock motion behind.  Arabians performing in english have a knee that will "break level" meaning that when the front leg is raised the area from the knee to the chest is level with the ground.  Conformation does play a part on how a horse moves.  A horse with a more upright shoulder will have a rougher trot, a horse with a very straight "posty" hock will also be rough to ride.  The angle of a horses pastern also has an influence on how a horse moves.  The way a horse is built dictates how it will move.  

Answer 3

Well, for hunters you want a flat kneed movement, but for dressage it should be springyer and more  "up".. high knees and big movement.

A good jumper will have tight knees, and be tight below them, they will hike up their back legs over a fence, and be round (not strung out)  and they'll use their neck to balance.

And yes, a horse with bad conformation will not have nice movement, and probably won't be as good of a jumper (though it depends)

this was an interesting blog on movement

http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/2008/05...

and on on jumping/dressage conformation

http://behindthebit.blogspot.com/2008/06...