emerges into the rear quarter of the hoof for maximum soundness. The humerus shows good rise from elbow to point of
shoulder, but it is not as steep as on the previous horse. This would also result in a difference in foreleg action between the two. The previous horse would be faster with the forelegs over a jump and would likely exhibit more knee action on the flat. This horse would be slower with the forelegs over a jump and show less knee action on the flat. As with the previous horse, the base of neck is well above
the point of shoulder for more lightness of the forehand. The combination of less rise to the humerus, a pillar of
support emerging further in front of the withers and a high base of neck makes this horse approximately as light on the forehand as the previous one. However, their strengths differ. While the previous horse would be a great jumper if combined with the forequarters in this article, this horse would likely better in the high hunters. In truth, this is the forequarters of a grand prix dressage
horse, but, the low stifle of our sample hindquarters would make the sustained collection required in upper-
2 3
level dressage extremely difficult for the horse. If evented, dressage would be his nemesis, but he should do well in the other two phases if not asked to jump from the base of any jumps.
Forequarter #3 - This horse shows a pillar of support emerging in front of the withers for some lightness of the forehand. It resembles the placement of forequarter #1. However, at the bottom it emerges behind the heel, which is not optimum for soundness or longevity. The heavier on the forehand the horse is and the more stresses put on the forelegs from speed or jumping, the faster the soundness issues will show up. This horse has the least amount of rise to the humerus, which adds to the weight of the forehand. It also means he would have the least amount of knee action and be the slowest with his forelegs if asked to jump. His base of neck is above his point of shoulder, but, because it is not as much above as with the other two and his point of shoulder is so much lower, it does not add lightness to his forehand and would put him at full risk based on the bottom of his pillar of support. Even if combined with the good LS of our sample hindquarters, the heaviness of the forehand and the pillar of support emerging behind the hoof would make this horse a poor prospect for athletic endeavors. He would also be the least enjoyable to ride or train and the most expensive to maintain.
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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