degree. However, because she is considerably longer in the rear cannon bone than in the fore cannon bone (compare the yellow lines), she would have the curvature many refer to as sickle hocks even if she were standing square. Note that the hocks are compensating for, rather than creating, any perceived fault. The combination of her long rear cannon and her low stifle places her hind hooves well under her body during forward motion, which is not a disadvantage in her sport unless it creates excessive forging. Actually, the bend in her hocks and the reach under herself with the hind legs may even improve her dressage scores with some judges. However, if she were short in the femur as well as long in the rear cannon, she would show less curvature, but would actually be putting more strain on her hocks than she does currently. I personally do not have an issue with a horse appearing to be sickle-hocked if the actual hind leg construction (in its entirety) fits with the job the horse is asked to do. So far, the mare’s hocks appear cleaner than many dressage horses of similar age on the international stage. Pillar of support – The top of the line extended
through the groove in her forearm emerges well in front of her withers for lightness of the forehand. It also emerges into the rear quarter of the hoof for soundness and longevity. Humerus – Her humerus shows ample rise from elbow
to point of shoulder to allow the mare to quickly raise her knees to clear jumps. The rise also contributes to her lightness of the forehand. Base of neck – The distance from point of shoulder
Above: FischerRocana FST at the 2015 Rolex Kentucky event, where she placed first with world champion rider Michael Jung.
Stifle placement – The visible protrusion created by the stifle joint is well below where a sheath would be if she were a male horse. This low stifle placement leads to a greater range of motion of the hind leg and equates with a longer stride as well as more scope over fences. Sickle hocks or not – If we define sickle hocks based solely on the curvature depicted by the blue line, then we must take into account the mare’s stance. She is standing under herself, which accentuates the curvature to some
to base of neck on this horse greatly contributes to her lightness of the forehand. Lightness of the forehand is an advantage in all three phase of eventing and certainly contributes to longevity in this demanding sport. Overall – She may not appeal to everyone’s eye, but, she is built to be the international eventer that she has repeatedly proven she is.
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 33
Allen MacMillan / MacMillan Photography
Kristin Crowe / MacMillan Photography
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