as butt high, and Y-2 will have a longer stride than him as an adult. However, both of these yearlings have the same issue with the bottom of the pillar of support being so far behind the heel. While that is a weakness in both, the main difference is that Y-1 is much lighter on the forehand than Y-2. Y-1’s pillar emerges further in front of the withers, the humerus shows more rise from elbow to point of shoulder and the base of neck is much higher. Given the same demands, Y-1 will last longer than Y-2, but neither has a forehand suited for longevity, especially in anything involving speed or jumping. I would not recommend either of them to a client looking for a performance horse.
Y-3 and Y-4 These two yearlings are quite similar to each other and slightly better than the first two in LS placement. Y-3 has more of a jumper rear triangle while Y-4 has a bit more of a
dressage rear triangle at this stage of development; however, Y-3 has more of a dressage stifle placement and Y-4 has more of a jumper stifle placement. The pillar of support is just behind the heel on each of them, making them better than the first pair, but still at risk if required to compete in disciplines involving speed and/ or jumping. They are fairly close in comparison as far as lightness of the forehand is concerned, but Y-3 has a bit more rise to the humerus from elbow to point of shoulder. If the price was right, I might recommend Y-4 as a lower-
level hunter (on the flat) since the natural movement of this horse will suit that discipline. I would also warn that good management and a lighter schedule are advised.
W-1 and W-2 Despite the different angles of the photos, W-1 does have better LS placement than W-2. He also has an ilium side shorter than the femur side, a trait found in top dressage horses, some eventers and some hunters. W-2 has a femur side shorter than the ilium side, which is not suitable for higher levels of competition in any discipline as it puts strain on the hind leg from hock down and causes the ellipse of the stride to be more behind and less under the horse. However, there may be slight changes in these measurements as the youngsters mature. Both have similar stifle placements—lower than dressage but not as low as top eventers or jumpers. The pillar of support is into the rear quarter of the hoof on
W-1
W-1, which is a trait for soundness, but it emerges behind the heel on W-2. Although both are light on the forehand, W-2 has already started to develop muscle on the underside of his neck due to the bottom of his pillar. W-1 could do some jumping, some eventing, some
driving and some dressage, but he will likely shine as a competition hunter at the higher levels. He would also do well as an equitation mount. In closing, I will add that it is difficult to find a perfect
youngster, but it is good to know their limitations and strengths so that they can be kept within their specific comfort zones as they mature, go through training and/or into competition.
W-2
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 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.
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