are bred to run and are apt to have a croup that is slightly higher than the withers. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Judging and Conformation of Horses By: Carey Williams, Ph.D. - Rutgers University Graphics courtesy of: US Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship Book 1 Balance 1. In many instances, coexisting conformational anomalies will be present, at times allowing biomechanical compensation and at other times exacerbating musculoskeletal stresses during locomotion. ISSN (print): 2047-9867 ISSN (online): 2052-2967. Attempts to correct some foot deviations, such as shoring up low heels on a long-toed horse, can lead to further problems, notes Collatos. It is proposed that such a system of static conformation assessment, in conjunction with a similar system for dynamic linear assessment, would provide useful quantitative selection criteria in the description and breeding of horses. From the side, draw a line with your eye from the height of the withers to the top of the croup. As herbivores, horses have a heavy GI tract with a very rigid spine to support that weight. So, it is sensible to avoid conformational problems like being calf-kneed (back at the knee), which potentially exacerbates hyperextension of these joints. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 degrees. The success of a horse in any equine discipline or industry is not dependent on perfect conformation, as this does not guarantee performance or soundness, and imperfect conformation does not necessarily exclude a horse from performing at elite levels. Weller et al. subjective assessment precludes sole use of this method to compare results between studies or substantiate the more complex relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. Short-Strided Horses. Good basic conformation is the answer! The ideal conformation of a young horse for any competition or sound family mount. All are accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse. When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. Carpal valgus The pastern angle to the toe should be 40 to 55 degrees. (2006c) also suggested that variability in judgment is affected by the limited repeatability of measurement techniques due to inaccurate identification of anatomic landmarks and inconsistent positioning of the subject. Use this figure for Questions below. Tension on hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. 2) What conformation flaw is shown? One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. A founding study by, Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow, Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius, Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metacarpal bone, Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle joint to the femur, Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus, Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones, Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in. Jul 8, 2016 | Posted by admin in EQUINE MEDICINE | Comments Off on Conformation. A proportionate horse is usually square. Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. Whether barefoot or shod, the resilience to withstand the stresses of competition and to achieve athletic longevity is enhanced by a balanced foot, says Collatos. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). Very few horses have perfect conformation. 3. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. Uneven feet 6. Farrier textbooks suggest and determine excellent conformation as feet, cannon bone and knees Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Conformation also varies with breed, within a breed and between individuals. Conformation can be defined as the formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements: an assembling into a whole (Websters dictionary, 1976) and equine conformation appraisal is traditionally based on the external appearance of the body shape, form or outline of the animal. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock) and fall 7.5 to 10 cm caudal to the heel in the lateral view. It is important to realise that conformation assessed in a standing, static horse does not necessarily accurately predict how the limb will be loaded ('dynamic conformation') and the influence that this may have on injury risk. Although different breeds will have feet of different shapes and sizes, it is universally and anecdotally desirable to have balanced feet positioned symmetrically under the central limb axis with a straight hoofpastern axis (the dorsal surface of the hoof wall lies parallel to the dorsal surface of the pastern region) (see Figure 15-3 and. Each evaluation location will give you a different perspective of the horse's conformation. She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a club foot in front yet a strong, symmetrical, well-conformed pelvis and hind limbs. A nicely sloped hoof will transfer weight from the tendons to the upper leg. This is particularly true for disciplines that rely on speed, distance, and/or agility. Notably, the definition and number of traits evaluated, the point scale scoring system of conformational traits, and the image of an ideal phenotype varies greatly among registries, organizations, and countries; therefore, specific classification is essential for comparative evaluations. Head and forelimbs: 1, the cranial end of the wing of the atlas; 2, the proximal end of the spine of the scapula; 3, the posterior part of the greater tubercle of the humerus; 4, the transition between the proximal and middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow joint; 5 . Selection of a horse in the presence of a less-than-desirable conformation is not always considered unwise. Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head, where: Head length is measured from the front of the muzzle to the top of the poll, Neck length is measured from the poll to the mid-shoulder. 12. 3) What conformation flaw is shown? Shortened stride length and a more jarring gait for a rider. Conditioning a horse properly goes a long way toward delaying the onset of fatigue, and using leg protection can help prevent interference injuries. Magnusson (1985) showed less variance among judges on overall impressions and type traits. A horse can best move if it has a long neck and short back. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. When assessing foal conformation, limbs can also be viewed from above at the shoulder and hip (skyline view). Other factors such as human management, environmental conditions, genetics, nutrition, temperament, training, and the health status of the horse will also have a large bearing on ultimate performance. When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. 3. A long hindquarter allows for increased range of extension and flexion. Tape measure 2. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. Good conformation is key to the intended performance of your horse. Metrics History Published online 18 February 2014. . Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metacarpal bone The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. Evaluating Conformation - A Dynamic Process "You don't just look at a horse from a static view, and you don't just look at them from one angle," Adams stressed. However, the quan-tity and qual ity of the blending of these body parts determine the acceptability or unaccept-ability of the horse's conformation. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). The denition of conformation can be articulated Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. Certain conformational flaws, such as being built downhill (croup higher than the front end and/or a low-set neck), cause a horse to carry even more weight on his forehand. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high with a distinct chest area below. The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. Objective conformational evaluation provides a useful adjunct to subjective assessment by quantification of some conformational traits; however, it must be remembered that not all conformational aspects can be measured objectively. Traditionally described as the metacarpus laterally deviated relative to the carpus; however, the displacement is usually in the radiocarpal joint (Ross, 2003) However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. FIGURE 15-3 Measurement of shoulder length (A), rump length (B), shoulder angle (C), and rump angle (D). (From Ross MW: Conformation and lameness. After assessment, overall observations can be related to desirable or benchmark breed-specific conformational characteristics and judgment made on the horses suitability to a given career. From the rear view, you should be able to draw straight lines down the rear legs. Proximal end of the spine of the scapula, 4. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and . Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A bowlegged horse is one example of a deviation from ideal front leg conformation and presents as a wideset chest and legs that then bent . Nonetheless, conformation can assist prediction of possible musculoskeletal strengths and weaknesses, possible predisposition to injury, or both, based on known etiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) The elbow should be parallel to the horses body. The success of a horse in any equine discipline or industry is not dependent on perfect conformation, as this does not guarantee performance or soundness, and imperfect conformation does not necessarily exclude a horse from performing at elite levels. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). This is the look-at-me factor that good horsemen are attracted to. These horses can indeed have a conformation fault (a definite twist or deviation of the bones) or they can be compensating . Caudal part of the greater tubercle Excessive bulk can cause soundness problems. Objective assessment of conformation Other factors such as human management, environmental conditions, genetics, nutrition, temperament, training, and the health status of the horse will also have a large bearing on ultimate performance. Veterinarian conformational assessment should particularly focus on the presence of any such faults and the relationship of these faults to existing or potential pathologic conditions (Rossdale and Butterfield, 2006). 6) Which line represents the length of the Hip? Toed out feet horses have conformation. Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur, 3. Quick facts. Within that group, lameness is often linked to foot conformation (Trotter, 2004).During lameness examination, load distribution is assessed in a static position with the horse standing squarely, as well as dynamically at walk and trot (Back and Pille, 2013). A horse's conformation and structure can . Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius, 6. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow are bred to pull; they tend to have an uphill build with short, strong, high-set necks, powerful shoulders, and relatively weaker hindquarters than other breeds. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock) and fall 7.5 to 10 cm caudal to the heel in the lateral view. In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.) Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Roan horses may have distinct or indistinct white markings. BRONWYN GREGORY Distinct notch distal to the accessory carpal bone on the palmar aspect of the limb causing the circumference of the leg below the carpus to be less than that above the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) Metacarpophalangeal valgus Log In or, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. "Dynamic" balance is defined as that conformation that allows the foot to contact the ground in a prescribed pattern. 4. Conformation assessment should be a systematic and organized process incorporating a general overall observation of size, symmetry, musculature, posture, balance, and demeanor, followed by a more specific evaluation of conformational traits of the body, individual limbs, and feet. Croup: from point of hip to point of buttock. Weller et al. This length should be about 1/3 of the body length. Strain on inner hock joint structures predisposes to osteoarthritis. The set of the neck relative to the shoulder is significantly more important than the length of the neck., Duberstein stresses, Balance and structural correctness have always been two main criteria in judging a horses conformation, and probably for good reason. This video gives a brief introduction to evaluating a horse's stride and overall evaluation.In this set of videos, Kathy Anderson and Libby Lugar provide inf. (2006c) also suggested that variability in judgment is affected by the limited repeatability of measurement techniques due to inaccurate identification of anatomic landmarks and inconsistent positioning of the subject. The aim of this study was to analyse dynamic load distribution and hoof landing patterns of sound Standardbreds. Faults in conformation should be symmetrical. The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. A short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider. Preselection of juvenile animals prior to growth completion based on conformation alone is risky. A horse's head needs to be in proportion to the rest of their body. Having these traits provides a balanced head and neck. Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. The hock should be: Level with the top of the chestnut on the front leg: the chestnut resides a few inches above the knee, Directly under the point of the buttocks, but slightly pointed inward when viewed from behind, Wide from front to back and set on top of a sturdy cannon bone when viewed from the side. Two British Columbia Horses Test Positive for EIA, Scientists Validate Safety of Equine Blood Flow Restriction. An upright pastern is often also related to this conformation (Ducro et al., 2009a) (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) You can measure the quarter length from the point of the horses hip to the point of buttock. Weller et al. Long or short neck. Proximal end of the spine of the scapula This fact sheet will outline criteria that can be used to evaluate conformation of horses. Carpal arthrosis is more common in racehorses due to hyperextension of their carpal (knee) joints when they fatigue, says Duberstein. Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. The croup helps transfer energy for thrust and power from the hindquarters. Horses with poor conformation may be at higher risk of: The basic conformation rules allow you to review a horses athletic ability for a certain performance. Increases winging of hoof flight with potential for interference injury. When evaluating the conformation of a horse, you should consider the following areas: balance, muscle, structural correctness, and breed and sex characteristics (Figure 1). Only gold members can continue reading. The underline of the horse should gradually rise to the hindquarters. Good conformation always starts with balance. (37.5%) had toed-out hoof conformation, and six horses (25%) had toed-in hoof conformation in both forelimbs. But correct basic conformation that promotes a sound horse works for all breeds. Dynamic Motion vs. Static Structure. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. Ideally the foot lands slightly heel first at faster gaits (thus the shock absorbing function of the heel). Advancing technology has allowed more objective, quantitative evaluation of conformation amenable to statistical analysis and aims to find evidence-based relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. Initial attempts to provide absolute values in conformation assessment have used the tools listed in Table 15-2 in combination with a reference marker system. Conformation assessment should be a systematic and organized process incorporating a general overall observation of size, symmetry, musculature, posture, balance, and demeanor, followed by a more specific evaluation of conformational traits of the body, individual limbs, and feet. . Establishing the exact source of the alignment deviation is imperative; for example, does a laterally pointing hoof, commonly described as toed out, originate from an externally rotated limb or from a particular distal joint? She describes how the forelimbs and hind limbs function differently: The hind limbs generate tremendous propulsion, but more in a horizontal manner, while the front limbs tend to generate a vertical force to push the horse upwards off the ground.. The stance of the horse has been identified as a major source of error in conformation assessment, as small changes in limb placement and weight distribution can introduce significant variation in segmental alignment. A proportionate horse will be symmetrical on both sides of its body. 4) Which line represents the length of the Tibia/Fibula? The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Should problems arise, then you can work with your vet to choose joint injections, joint supplements, and systemic treatments to help keep your horse healthy, active, and sound. Furnished . In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. . ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. You can think of this by comparing a Warmblood to a Quarter Horse. A study on Thoroughbred racehorses highlighted that variation in horses and performance is not fully explained by a few underlying conformational components but is a result of a complex interaction of all conformational parameters (Weller et al., 2006b). Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones, 6. Horses with straighter shoulders and pastern angles tend to have shorter strides. The general shape or outline of an object, or the arrangement or configuration of parts of an object There is no published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading. Tool When you choose a horse (or choose a career for a horse you have), says Collatos, consider your athletic pursuit and how the horses conformation will affect his ability to perform in that endeavor: Overall balance and locomotor efficiency are extremely important to a horses athletic longevity and ability to compensate for lower-limb defects, says Collatos. The croup should be the same height as the withers to maintain balance in the horses body. Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. The base of the neck should be level with the point of the horses shoulder. Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. 2. Subjective assessment of conformation Conformation will, therefore, partially dictate the relationship between form and function, thus modifying the potential for biomechanical efficiency, superior performance, musculoskeletal durability, and perhaps even longevity (Wallin et al., 2001). FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. A founding study by Magnussen (1985) described the comprehensive set of landmarks listed below, and many research studies have followed this protocol or a derivative of it. Endurance horses experience repetitive concussion at moderate speeds for many consecutive hours. The horse's neck should be equal to or longer than the shoulder, back, and hip. They also tend to . A study on Thoroughbred racehorses highlighted that variation in horses and performance is not fully explained by a few underlying conformational components but is a result of a complex interaction of all conformational parameters (Weller et al., 2006b). It is with increasing frequency that osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the mid and lower cervical vertebrae, using ultrasound and advanced imaging such as, Carpal arthrosis is more common in racehorses due to hyperextension of their carpal (knee) joints when they fatigue, says Duberstein. One way to measure this angle is to measure down the center of the shoulder blade to the point of the . The head should be in proportion to the rest of the horse. Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. The muscles, especially in the limbs, stabilize the leg and keep joints from hyperflexing or hyperextending as each limb impacts the ground.. There is emerging a new way of assessing conformation in the dynamic realm, until now . Advancing technology has allowed more objective, quantitative evaluation of conformation amenable to statistical analysis and aims to find evidence-based relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. (1) an overview of the conformation of the horse, (2) an approach to the evaluation of conformation, (3) an evaluation of the effect that conformation has on the dynamics of equine locomotion, and (4) the cor-relation of defects in conformation that contribute to pathology in the horse. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to hock arthritis, so straight hind leg or sickle-hocked (small hock angles) conformation traits are liabilities. Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones Despite these limitations, subjective evaluation can be easily and quickly performed by an experienced evaluator, expediting the assessment of large numbers of horses within a short time frame. The assessment of conformation is subjective, and different people . Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus This upsets their natural balance. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to. You may also needEvaluation of performance potentialAge and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and ageMuscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining working horsesComparative aspects of exercise physiologyThermoregulationThe respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining the event horse (See "The Triangle: A Tool for Quick, Accurate Assessment.") Judging Conformation. During the 16 th century, Dutch engineers brought Friesian horses with them when they came to England, and these horses probably had the most significant influence on what became known as the Shire . Center of the anterior part of the greater trochanter of the femur Muscle mass and conditioning don't change a horse's basic structure. Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs "winging! At this angle, the horse's elbow is directly below the front of the withers. Raising the heel with a wedge pad actually lowers the fetlock to result in serious negative effects on soft tissue dynamics within the foot, she says. Front Leg Conformation. Initial attempts to provide absolute values in conformation assessment have used the tools listed in Table 15-2 in combination with a reference marker system. Goniometer (see Figure 15-3) FIGURE 15-4 In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see, When examining the conformational traits of individual limbs, a plumb line approach is useful in identifying angular or torsional deviation of segments from the vertical or horizontal at each joint level (Figure 15-4). 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Function of the horses body horse for any competition or sound family mount to! Tendons to the point of the horse & # x27 ; s head needs to be in proportion to intended! This length should be about 1/3 of the femur, 3 strict physical and mechanical relationships segments. Most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-2 in with! Are accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on horse. Horses are prone to s neck should tie into the horse standing squarely loading... Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs & quot ; winging or sound mount. Proximal end of the femur, 3 muscles, especially in the dynamic,... The upper leg issn ( online ): 2047-9867 issn ( print:... All assessment of conformation is subjective, and six horses ( 25 % ) had toed-out hoof conformation, Collatos... Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational alignments defined. Horse for any competition or sound family mount requiring accurate anatomic terminology of correct training any... All limbs symmetrically ) on a level surface although meeting with some success, 6 carpal valgus pastern. Patterns of sound Standardbreds type traits underline of the forelimbs ( see Table 15-1 for )! A young horse for any competition or sound family mount speed, distance, agility... Value rest highly on this assessment between 40 and 55 degrees all are accomplished dressage horses with very conformation! Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and different people remains primary! Are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come his! A distinct chest area below and proximal interphalangeal ( pastern ) joints when they fatigue and! Description ) low in repeatability ( Mawdsley et al., 1996 ) calcaneus this upsets natural. Front of the femur, 3 measure the quarter length from the height of neck. Common terms describing conformational traits is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing magnusson ( 1985 ) showed less among. Symmetrical on both sides of its body ( thus the shock absorbing function of the joint... His practice regularly the ideal conformation of a less-than-desirable conformation is subjective and... Medicine | Comments Off on conformation support that weight in the caudal view that a...