matter. It was actually difficult to get photos of him with all four feet flat on the ground. Brentina was much more amenable to posing for photos, but she had more practice due to numerous photo sessions as an equine celebrity in the United States. The stifle placements (using the visible protrusion as


a marker) are alike on both horses despite the gender differences. It may not appear to be so at first glance, because Barclay’s underline is fairly level while Brentina has considerable difference from girth to flank, which can create a bit of an optical illusion. This stifle placement—at or just below the bottom of the sheath on a male horse— is also typical of a top dressage horse. It provides sufficient range of motion for extension without adding excessive stress to the muscles and joints during maximum collection. In a grand prix jumper the stifle protrusion


Barclay II


would be considerably lower so as to maximize scope. The lines depicting the pillar of support show similarity


Brentina


at the bottom, but Barclay’s pillar of support emerges further ahead of the withers, which is a factor for lightness of the forehand. Both have similar lengths and rises to the humerus, and the pillar of support bisects the humerus on both horses just rearward of the midpoint, which enables good extension. The base of Barclay’s neck is higher than his sister’s, an additional factor for him being lighter on the forehand than Brentina. Although the mare is not heavy on the forehand, her baby brother is lighter than she is. One can see that he has less weight in front of his pillar of support due to the line emerging further ahead of the withers and him having a higher base of neck. Perhaps his lightness is what made it so easy for him to dance around instead of standing still for photos. Overall, both horses


are built to be athletes and built to do dressage at the upper levels, but the differences in the forehands could well make the gelding touchier to ride because he would require a very accurate ride and sensitive, reactive hands. WT


About Judy: Having researched equine conformation for the last 30 years, Judy has written two books about the subject with two more on the agenda. She travels worldwide giving clinics about conformation for all disciplines. Her website is www. jwequine.com.


Warmbloods Today 45


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