I am not afraid of hearing negative comments; Pippi's personality and sweet temperament was the reason for buying her. She is sound, has never been lame, or had any injuries that have sidelined her (knock on wood), and is becoming a very nice Hunter. So let it rip.
- no space in the Throat Latch
- neck a little short and thick (grew into it more over the summer, she is now 6)
- neck is thick like a geldings neck
Thanks for any input. I am using my own horse as a learning tool, as I know what she looks like. ;)
(yep, that's me showing Pippi, in borrowed western wear. Weedgie in a Cowboy Hat)
She is a very pretty horse. :D Remember that I'm no expert either so don't take my words for absolute fact. All opinions are subjective.
ReplyDeleteIf she's six now that means she's five in the picture so she would be done growing in the height department, so she is built downhill(which in some Western events can actually be desirable eg. cutting).
Her rear legs appear to be straight (common in Paints) which makes her hocks high. Short cannons, both front and rear, are desirable for strength, but high hocks depending on her use aren't a horrible fault. Basically it can make it more difficult for them to shift their weight to their hindquarters such as what is needed in dressage horses, but not impossible by any means.
She does have a short neck and thick throatlatch. The overdeveloped muscle in the bottom of the neck is simply a training thing. Working her long and low will help build muscle over the back and topline, which will also make her back look shorter and stronger (which is probably why you say she's grown into it some, basically it's because she's developing the correct muscles).
Her pasterns do look short and straight to me (although I'm not great with angles), which can cause a choppy trot and in the long term if she's used hard can lead to arthritis in the joint. I don't see that being a problem though because most people don't use them that hard.
Like I said she's a pretty horse and I doubt she'll have any conformation related issues so long as she isn't jumped a lot. Short, straight pasterns and straight rear legs can cause jumpers to have problems after a while. Chrome's straight rear legs and club hooves are the reasons I will never jump him. In both cases I would say it's typical of their breeds though. Friesians were driving horses and Paints were cow horses, so they really aren't meant to be jumpers. :)
Unfortunately I can't really comment on her shoulders. That's the one thing I have absolutely no clue on. I'm horrible with guessing shoulder angles. She looks well put together for her breed. You have a good one especially since she's so kind and smart. Working on correct muscling is what I would focus on. In those pictures she looks a little immature, but it's probably just the lack of muscling. :)
Sorry for rambling hehe.
Thank you for your comments. Her neck has changed slot with the training, as well as her loins. She grew an inch this spring, and her body changed a lot. Looks much more like a mare now, with better defined muscles yet a softer appearance. (if that makes sense)
ReplyDeleteGosh, feel like I have a better handle on this conformation thing after all. Somehow it is easier for me to judge Pippi. Thanks again for your help .
Thank you very much for your kind comment and thoughts on Pie - much appreciated. Your horse is lovely - but I'm no judge of conformation so can't comment there.
ReplyDelete