Corner
By Judy Wardrope Four-Star Eventers
These three horses competed at the 4-star level with varying degrees of success, providing us with an opportunity to see which conformational traits they have in common and where they may differ. We can also see if the principles of functional conformation apply to eventers of different body types in terms of lightness and/or heaviness as well as old style and/or modern type.
HORSE #1 Lumbosacral gap (LS) – His LS gap (where the
articulation of the vertebrae changes and just in front of the high point of the croup) is well placed, being bisected by a line drawn from the top point of one hip to the top point of the other. This allows him to transfer his power forward and upward. Rear triangle – He is slightly shorter on ilium
side (point of hip to point of buttock), which is a dressage trait and longest from point of hip to stifle, which aids in the ability to jump from an open gallop stride. Both of these traits are advantageous in the modern eventer. Stifle placement – The stifle protrusion is well
below sheath level, providing a greater range of motion for the hind leg – stride and scope. Pillar of support – The top of the pillar (an
extended line based on the naturally occurring groove in the forearm) emerges well in front of withers (lightness of forehand) and into rear quarter of hoof (soundness). Humerus – His is relatively short and
well angled from elbow to point of shoulder, adding more lightness to forehand as well as ability to quickly lift his knees. Base of neck – The base of his neck is
well above his high point of shoulder for more lightness of forehand. Overall – He is the heaviest of the
three horses, but he is not heavy in his movements. He actually built to do the job safely and efficiently at the 4-star level. He competed at Rolex against a strong international field.
About Judy: Judy has researched equine conforma- tion for 30 years and has written three books on the subject (the most recent, an e-book). She travels world-wide giving conformation clinics for all disciplines. Judy also analyzes individual horses based on photos and gives breeding consultations. Learn more at
www.jwequine.com.
56 May/June 2017 1 HORSE #2
Lumbosacral gap (LS) – His LS placement is less than perfect (about 2” rearward of ideal, which is just skirting the limits for athleticism at about 1.5”); therefore, he is not able to use this area as effectively to transfer power or to compensate for other factors. Rear triangle – Like Horse #1 he is slightly
shorter on ilium side and longest from point of hip to stifle. Stifle placement – Although his stifle is below
sheath level, it is not as low as on the other two horses, meaning his natural stride will be shorter and he will have less natural scope. Pillar of support – His pillar emerges in front of withers, but not as far in front as either of the other two horses, meaning he is not as naturally light on the forehand. It also emerges just into the
Conformation
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
