sheath level results in a substantially increased range of motion of the hind leg, which in turn, gives the jumper more scope. Cadett’s stifle is proportionately lower than that of a grand prix dressage horse of similar height. The top jumpers have ilium and femur measurements
that are essentially equal, as seen in Cadett. When the jumper compresses the angles of the hind legs, which is the equivalent of compressing a spring, having equal lengths adds stability. A horse with a femur side that is shorter than the ilium side will place the hocks behind the body when the spring is compressed, which stresses the hocks when pushing off the ground to uncoil the spring and jump a fence. As with dressage, lightness of the forehand is an
advantage in a jumper. Cadett shows the top of the pillar of support (a line extended through the naturally occurring groove in the forearm) emerging well in front of the withers, which adds to lightness of the forehand. Cadett’s high point of shoulder adds to the lightness
of his forehand and makes him quick with his front legs over a jump. When the scapula moves rearward, the point of shoulder rises, moving the elbow and forearm in turn.
Above: Ashlee Bond and Cadett 7 race for the win in the 2009 $50,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, presented by Adequan, at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. © Flying Horse Photography
The humerus that is well-angled from elbow to point of shoulder means that the elbow/forearm travel through a shorter range of motion, and thus allows the horse to be quicker or ‘snappier’ with the knees. The bottom of the pillar of support emerges into the
rear quarter of the hoof on Cadett, aiding in soundness of the forelegs and longevity in the sport. If the pillar emerged behind the hoof, the stress on the suspensory apparatus of the forelegs would be amplified, particularly on landing after a fence. If the pillar emerged forward of the rear quarter of the hoof, the concussive effects of the sport could lead to navicular-type syndromes. A base of neck that is well above the point of shoulder
adds even more lightness to the forehand. In this case, the base of neck is well above a high point of shoulder, maximizing the lightness. A jumper uses its neck as a counterbalance when jumping; therefore, length of neck is an advantage in the sport.
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 59
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84