This is the forequarter of the horse used for the
hindquarter sample in the first article in this series. He was an Olympic dressage horse.
Forequarter #2 – This horse shows a pillar of support emerging well in front of the withers for lightness of the forehand even though he is standing under himself in this photo. Like the previous horse, the bottom of the pillar emerges into the rear quarter of the hoof for maximum soundness. The humerus shows a steep rise from elbow to point of shoulder, making him quick with his forelegs over jumps. It would also make him have too much knee action on the flat for the hunter classes. As with the previous horse, the base of neck is well
above the point of shoulder for even more lightness of the forehand. If this forequarter were combined with the
hindquarter above, the horse would still be limited by the problems of the hindquarter’s construction. This is the forequarter of the horse used for the
2 3
hindquarter sample in the second article in this series. He was a grand prix jumper.
Forequarter #3 – This horse shows a pillar of support emerging in front of the withers for some lightness of the forehand. It is not quite as far in front as with the previous two horses, but is still adding lightness to the forehand. As with the other two forequarters, it emerges into the rear quarter of the hoof for soundness. This horse has the least amount of rise to the
humerus, yet it still rises enough so as to not add weight to the forehand. However, it does not contribute as much lightness when compared to the previous two horses. It also means he would likely jump with hunter form in front. His base of neck is well above his point of shoulder,
adding to the lightness to his forehand. Although not quite as light as the previous two horses, he is by no means heavy on the forehand. If this forequarter were combined with the hindquarter above, the horse would still be limited by the problems of the hindquarter’s construction.
Based on the three articles
in this series, we can see that variations in forequarters produce varying abilities and that a good hindquarter allows for a certain amount of compensation for the forequarters. However, if the hindquarter is poor, the horse will have limitations despite superior forequarters.
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.
Warmbloods Today
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