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without a sheath for comparison. Horse #3 is a pregnant mare with similar stifle placement to Horse #2. Horse #4 is a mare with a stifle placement similar to Horse #5. Horse #5 has a stifle placement well below


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sheath level, resulting in a long stride and ample scope over fences. However, because his stifle is so low, sustaining collection would be very tiring for his muscles. Compressing and then releasing the spring of his rear angles would be much more comfortable for him. Subsequently, this stifle placement correlates to jumpers and eventers at the upper levels. Size doesn’t matter. A small horse with a low stifle has more range of motion in the hind leg and can easily have a longer stride and/or more scope than a much taller horse with a higher stifle. All other factors being equal, a pony with a


stifle placement similar to Horse #4 or Horse #5 would have more scope and a longer stride than Horse #1. Fortunately, this is one of the traits that can


be determined in young stock (weanlings and older), because the relationship does not change much with maturity. A youngster with a low stifle will not have a high stifle when mature and a youngster with a high stifle will not have a low stifle when mature.


5


Check it out for yourself. Notice the differences in stifle placement, range of motion, stride length and amount of scope.


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 57


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