Conformation The croup helps transfer energy for thrust and power from the hindquarters. This includes Bute or Banamine, etc. 6. If conformational liabilities affect a horses performance in a specific sport, then you might ultimately need to find a different horse for that pursuit and point him toward another sport that capitalizes on his strengths and abilities. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse's conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex . However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; Age and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and age, Muscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, Comparative aspects of exercise physiology, The respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, The Athletic Horse Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine, Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially, Carpal hyperextension due to a caudal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones, the radiocarpal joint being <180 degrees (, Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee, Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment, Traditionally described as the metacarpus laterally deviated relative to the carpus; however, the displacement is usually in the radiocarpal joint (, 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 and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance, Forefeet differ in size, shape, or both, causing variable hoofground angles, Tibiotarsal (hock) angle 53 degrees or less (, Either a rotational change in the hindlimb or tarsus valgus >180 degrees, Width of head and third metacarpal/metatarsal. Tools of Conformation Measurement 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 (. Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. Dynamic conformation. Good conformation is the foundation for good performance. . (37.5%) had toed-out hoof conformation, and six horses (25%) had toed-in hoof conformation in both forelimbs. Muscle fatigue diminishes this stabilization ability, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, she says, and potentially causing severe and acute damage to cartilage, bones, and soft tissue. The Front Legs . Weller et al. Horses that carry themselves in a way that generates less impact when they land likely do less damage to bones and joints than those individuals that come crashing down with each step., Toed-in (carpal or tarsal or fetlock varus), Toed-out (carpal or tarsal or fetlock valgus). Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in. 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. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. 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. 1. Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones (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.) Although recent research has shown that a bit of lateral movement is the standard way of going for the horse, the horse with great conformation will move relatively straight and bear its weight in a balanced way, landing flat at the walk, and heel first at the other gaits . The hind legs have fewer lameness issues than the front legs because they only carry 40 percent of the horses weight. If it is on the large side, the horse will be very difficult to raise off the forehand. 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 . A good farrier balances the horse, not just the foot., In horses with limb deviations, hoof angles tend to develop imbalances more quickly than horses with good limb conformation because the way the crooked leg moves causes uneven wear on the hoof, adds Duberstein. 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. Question 11. A proportionate horse is usually square. . The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high to provide good chest space. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. Uneven feet Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs "winging! Short-Backed vs. Long-Backed Horses. 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. A horse with good balance always has an attractive profile, which means he appeals to the eye. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). 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? Muscle mass and conditioning don't change a horse's basic structure. Generally, a horse's neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. A wide chest (from the front) allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity. "A long or short neck may affect the way the horse rides but it will . The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. 4. Magnusson (1985) showed less variance among judges on overall impressions and type traits. Blemishes that do not affect these characteristics and have nothing to do with the horse's . 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 Figure 15-5). Yet, most studies have employed generalized or horsemanship terms in describing conformational traits. Straight behind Conform ation analysis is the system atic com parison of one horse to another, and all horses to an ideal type for the breed or athletic pu rpose. CONFORMATION OF HORSES Agriscience 334 Equine Science #8893-B TEKS: 119.66 (c)(2)(B). Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THIS HORSE, PLEASE SUBMIT AN ADOPTION INQUIRY VIA OUR WEBSITE: ALLABOUTEQUINE dot ORG. The Crest: the top part of the neck under the mane. The veterinarian palpates the horse, checking muscles, joints, bones and tendons for evidence of pain, heat, swelling or any other physical abnormalities. Assessment of conformation Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). 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 (MCPJ or fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. N. CREVIER-DENOIX. Base-narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs "padding". Characteristics of hoof conformation in feral horses have been used to question this concept. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. 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) Horse tends to paddle, which hastens fatigue. What movement defect is this due to bad conformation? Chin Groove: the part of the horse's head behind the lower lip and chin. 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. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). If your horse's withers are higher, your horse has uphill balance. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Chestnut: a small calloused are on the inside of each leg. Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance , as the ultimate long-distance athletes, are generally balanced front to back, with lean muscle mass and shoulder angles that optimize efficiency at moving across the ground with minimal effort or limb lift. Radiography has also been used to measure joint angles and segment lengths. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. Another strategy for helping horses deal with conformational flaws is sound conditioning. A horse with good conformation has a centerline that splits the leg to the level of the fetlock (the horse's ankle), and then falls to the ground just behind the heel. The hind cannon bone is usually longer and wider than the front cannon bone. FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). 11. It is critical that the farrier examine the entire bony column of the horse and balance the foot with respect to the weight-bearing forces that result from all aspects of a horses conformation. The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. 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. Pain and conformation. Inward rotation of the hocks leads to osteoarthritis and thoroughpin. 4. If the red hair comes from the chestnut pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be red. CHAPTER 15 Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. Increases winging of hoof flight with potential for interference injury. Transition between the proximal and the middle thirds of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow, 5. 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. Metacarpophalangeal varus 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. 5. There is emerging a new way of assessing conformation in the dynamic realm, until now . Most horses have 18 pairs. Riders often have the objective of lightening a horses front end under saddle by spending time worrying about head position, says Duberstein. Ideal front leg conformation. 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. Conformation Quiz. ACVIM, of High Desert Equine, in Reno, Nevada, says watching a horse in motion always trumps looking at him standing still. Hindlimb Toed in feet Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). Conformation refers to the structure or outline of an animal as determined by the arrangement of its parts. The neck should tie into the horse's body fairly high with a distinct chest area below. Weller et al. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. 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. It can be remedied if it is managed from day one but, if it is left, it can cause big problems.". 1. Tied in below the knee The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. This can be demonstrated by the red lines in Figure 2. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 degrees. 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. There is wide variation of conformation between and within different breeds, the significance of which requires expert understanding of optimal breed characteristics and potential effects on soundness or performance. 5. Dorsal edge of the coronary band 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. A horse should have well-formed withers where the shoulder can attach to the rest of the body. When an owner complains about tripping, subtle or inconsistent forelimb lameness, or difficulty in transitions, cervical arthritis is on my list of potential differentials., Collatos says she tends to avoid a low-set neck conformation for upper-level dressage or show jumping prospects. 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