New conformation pics

[GotaDunQH]

Well, I hope nobody takes me too seriously. It was said in jest. But I have had personal experience with Arabians and they can be a little resistant to training. They wake up in a new world every day.

Any breed that lets the trainers show halter with whips could use a little help.

I used to love Arabs, owned one. Then switched to QH's a LONG time ago. Arabs just have a little too much "radar" for me. It can be difficult to harness that distractibility and turn it into focus.

[Psychotic Parakeet]

Dancing Forever (Rahy x Dancinginmydreams by Seeking the Gold) stands stud in India. Here is his conformation photo:

[GotaDunQH]

Dancing Forever (Rahy x Dancinginmydreams by Seeking the Gold) stands stud in India. Here is his conformation photo:

Wish it was a slightly better confo shot; he's angled away from the camers in the front and the pic is taken at his hip and not his barrel. Now THIS horse is built more like an AQHA runner. He's slightly downhill, but I like the shorter back shorter loin connection. I like the shorter cannons in the front, wish he had cannons a tad shorter in the back. He looks like he's back at the knee, and he's very slight through the stifle and gaskin.

[SCHARM456]

Okay. http://www.teviscup.org/results/tevis-cup-winners

Not familiar with the Tevis Cup; is that an endurance race?

[GotaDunQH]

Not familiar with the Tevis Cup; is that an endurance race?

Yep...it's a 100 mile endurance ride...and is veryy grueling.

[mdh888]

I quess that I just don't get endurance racing. There's not much of an art to it. Sorta like survival of the fittest.

There are so many disciplines that can be called real art: dressage, cutting, reining, jumping, and racing. I've always been interested in the form (conformation) of the horse and how it applies the horse's particular function.

Jennifer and I agree on QH conformation but that does not always translate to TB conformation. You will never hear a TB enthusiast complain that a horse's cannon bones are too long. If the TB had shorter, flatter cannon bones, I really think there would be fewer injuries. Also, you rarely hear a TB faulted for a weak topline, which many have. And you never hear the word balance used in critiquing a TB. Balance = correctness = soundness.

But I do love hearing everyone opinions.

[mariasmon]

And you never hear the word balance used in critiquing a TB. Balance = correctness = soundness.

Seriously? I hear that a lot.

[mdh888]

I'm pleasantly surprised by his conformation pic. He has some nice balance and bone. I always thought he looked clunky in person while he was racing. He really could end up being quite useful as a sire though.

Well, I did find somebody who mentioned balance. Right on!!

[mdh888]

Seriously? I hear that a lot.

Well, I'm sure I miss a lot of good opinions. And I did go back and reread some of the posts and found someone who mentioned a strong topline. Tell me what you like personally.

[mdh888]

http://www.equinechronicle.com/ridin...on-clinic.html

Here's a great comformation clinic given by an amazing horseman. Try your hand at placing these horses. Fun!!

Be sure to read his comments. He hits the nail on the head about conformation.

[TBird]

You will never hear a TB enthusiast complain that a horse's cannon bones are too long. If the TB had shorter, flatter cannon bones, I really think there would be fewer injuries. Also, you rarely hear a TB faulted for a weak topline, which many have. And you never hear the word balance used in critiquing a TB. Balance = correctness = soundness.

You must not talk to the same TB enthusiasts as I do. Virtually every horseman I know looks for balance (or lack thereof) first when assessing conformation. Shorter cannon bones are preferred. As for topline, if it's weak, people note that. TBs need to be good athletes just as much as they need to be fast.

[TBird]

Well, I did find somebody who mentioned balance. Right on!!

Maybe I missed something...when you referred to TB enthusiasts do you mean on the internet? Or who deal with horses in person? (My post above was about the latter.)

[mdh888]

You must not talk to the same TB enthusiasts as I do. Virtually every horseman I know looks for balance (or lack thereof) first when assessing conformation. Shorter cannon bones are preferred. As for topline, if it's weak, people note that. TBs need to be good athletes just as much as they need to be fast.

I am really glad to hear this. I just wish we could see less unsoundness. I'm not talking about breakdowns when a horse takes a bad step. I'm talking about poorly conformed legs which is far too common. What do you think??

PS - I've always followed your posts and admired what you said.

[mdh888]

Maybe I missed something...when you referred to TB enthusiasts do you mean on the internet? Or who deal with horses in person? (My post above was about the latter.)

I always try to keep in mind that this is a forum made up of people who love TBs but have differing real experiences. Some I am sure have had no real hands on experience. I grew up near Aiken, SC and worked at several farms and stables. I showed hunter/jumper for years then switched to QHs. My last horse related job was working at Oklahoma Stud in Purcell, OK.

You have an excellent point, I was referring to the posters on this forum SO maybe I should not have generalized so much.

[TBird]

To me, the biggest problem with conformation discussions that take place here (or anywhere else on the internet) is that opinions are formed, and stated, based on a one dimensional picture. Even someone who has a ton of hands-on experience, can only give a qualified guess as to what's really there. Also the skill of the photographer can play a large role in determining how correct (or incorrect) a horse looks.

[mdh888]

To me, the biggest problem with conformation discussions that take place here (or anywhere else on the internet) is that opinions are formed, and stated, based on a one dimensional picture. Even someone who has a ton of hands-on experience, can only give a qualified guess as to what's really there. Also the skill of the photographer can play a large role in determining how correct (or incorrect) a horse looks.

Agreed. But I still like to hear everyone else's opinion. And photos are all we have to work with here.

[serenassong]

Dancing Forever (Rahy x Dancinginmydreams by Seeking the Gold) stands stud in India. Here is his conformation photo:

Coloring looks like daddy. Anyone know how tall he is? I hope that they have good luck with him, although I would like for the Rahy's to stay here as much as possible- need someone to step up to the plate.

[Purcocious]

I quess that I just don't get endurance racing. There's not much of an art to it. Sorta like survival of the fittest.

There are so many disciplines that can be called real art: dressage, cutting, reining, jumping, and racing. I've always been interested in the form (conformation) of the horse and how it applies the horse's particular function.

Jennifer and I agree on QH conformation but that does not always translate to TB conformation. You will never hear a TB enthusiast complain that a horse's cannon bones are too long. If the TB had shorter, flatter cannon bones, I really think there would be fewer injuries. Also, you rarely hear a TB faulted for a weak topline, which many have. And you never hear the word balance used in critiquing a TB. Balance = correctness = soundness.

But I do love hearing everyone opinions.

I hear balance tons when it comes to yearlings. I've shown many yearlings in which the first word out of the looker's mouth is 'Wow! This horse has beautiful balance!' Or to the negative.

Everyone looks for correctness as well, but the problem you run into is if they can run through it then many times it's forgiven when breeding time comes sound.

[mdh888]

Everyone looks for correctness as well, but the problem you run into is if they can run through it then many times it's forgiven when breeding time comes sound.

Did you mean when breeding time comes "around". If so, you're right.

[mdh888]

Hard to find much wrong with this guy....I think he needs to move across the pond!

Sea the Stars. I never knew he looked this good. OOPS - the photo did not show up. Just refer back in the thread.


PS - Hey, Jennifer - What do you think of him???