HORSE SENSE: Conformation considerations 15 April 2016 Premium

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15 April 2016

Leanne O'Sullivan on 15 Apr 2016

HORSE SENSE: Conformation considerations

This week in Horse Sense we take a look at what prospective buyers should consider in relation to a horse's conformation

Leanne O'Sullivan

15 April 2016

Conformation evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task and can affect the horse’s soundness.

Horse Sense conformation

Horse Sense conformation parrot mouth

Horse Sense conformation pigeon-toed

HORSE SENSE broken back hoof pastern axis conformation

LAST week in Horse Sense, Teagasc equine advisor, Declan McArdle, discussed the importance of taking a good photograph of a horse that is for sale. It has become the norm to upload photos and videos of horses for sale to the web as clients are reluctant to travel without first seeing a photograph of the horse.