Photo by Brian Dunlap
Hilda Gurney analyzes the conformation of a 5 year old American Warmblood Gelding.
Darius has a nice expression on his face and a calm looking eye. His mouth is large for easy bit fit. His head could be better shaped with a smaller muz- zle and larger jowls for athletic reasons, but his head shape will not affect his ability to perform.
Hilda Gurney is a renowned dressage judge, competitor, Olympic medalist and breeder based in Moorpark, CA.
Darius’s neck is a nice length, not too long or short, but could be better developed over its topline. However I can tell that he is ridden over his topline by the lack of an incorrect bulging bottom muscle at the bottom of his neck. A higher set neck on his shoulders would help Darius have a more uphill balance.
A well developed shoulder and pronounced withers that reach well back-
ward provide for a very good saddle position. Darius is well muscled over his loin and shows good development of the muscles over his back and loin as well as his haunches. Darius’s hock angles are good although they are on the straight side of good. Too angled hocks put more strain on the haunch muscles during engagement, while a too straight hock tends to stress the hind suspensory ligaments. I would like to see more muscular development in his thigh and gaskin area. Dressage demands tremendous muscular development and strength.
Darius could have bigger joints that would distribute stresses over a greater area but his legs look solid and clean. For higher level dressage his chest and shoulders might be a little heavy and his forelegs longer compared to his hind legs for a more uphill build. However I would need to see him move to evaluate this. Often horses compensate for a heav- ier forehand by stepping better with their hind legs under their body. This then results with them elevating and lightening their forehand. Darius is in good condition and carrying the correct amount of weight for maximum muscling without being overweight. He is an example of a useful type of sport horse.
If you’d like to submit a photo of a 3, 4 or 5 year old prospect to WT for analysis in a future issue, please send photo and information to
editor@warmbloodstoday.com.
Name: Darius Age: 5 Height: 16.1
Sire: DaVinci - Dutch WB Dam: Conditas Pride - Thoroughbred Breed: American Warmblood Intended Sport: Dressage Owner’s name: Kathy Wilson Farm name: Thanksgiving Farm Location: Lincoln, MO
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