the level of the bottom of the sheath, this horse’s stifle is below sheath level (or where the level of the sheath would be on a male horse if looking at a mare). Notice that the stifle protrusion on this horse is not
as low as those eventers who excel in cross-country and stadium (such as Horse #2); nor is it as low as a grand prix jumper’s stifle. The jumper’s lower stifle placement aids in scope and length of gallop stride while making sustaining collection more difficult. This horse’s rear triangle configuration does not preclude the horse from competing at an international level of eventing, but it does reduce the cushion for error when jumping while aiding in most dressage requirements. Little wonder this horse is most often in the top ten
after the first phase, but frequently loses positioning in the latter two phases.
Horse #2
Unlike Horse #1, this horse exhibits essentially equal ilium and femur sides of the rear triangle, which is a
jumper trait. But like Horse #1 this horse shows the longest side of the rear triangle from point of hip to stifle protrusion, a definite advantage for cross-country. Here we have the lowest stifle placement of the three
horses. The low stifle not only adds to stride length (by extending the range of motion of the hind leg), it adds to scope over fences. Not surprisingly, this horse tends to move up the
ranks as the phases progress. Although not usually at the bottom of the standings after dressage, this horse is not usually in the top ten after the first phase, but often finishes in the top ten.
Horse #3 This horse, although a tragic story, serves to teach us several lessons. Like the previous two horses, this horse has good lumbosacral placement for athleticism. However, the side from point of hip to stifle protrusion is not the longest side, reducing the horse’s ability to jump from an open gallop. Furthermore, the femur side (point of buttock to stifle
protrusion) is the shortest side of the rear triangle. As mentioned in previous columns, this structure leads to a stride ellipse that trails behind more than reach under the body while putting additional stress on the hind legs, especially from the hock down. This structure also shortens the stride and reduces scope. On top of that, this horse has the highest stifle
placement of the three sample horses, meaning that he has the least amount of scope and the shortest stride. What the structure of this horse’s hindquarters teaches us—as uncomfortable as it may be—is how deadly the results can be when a horse is asked to exceed its physical limits. On cross-country at his first international 4* event, he hit his back feet on several fences before the solid obstacle that cost him his life.
About Judy: Judy has researched equine conformation for 30 years and has written three books on the subject (the most recent, an e-book). She travels worldwide giving conformation clinics for all disciplines. Judy also analyzes individual horses based on photos and gives breeding consultations. Learn more at
www.jwequine.com.
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