EQS 102: The Big Picture

What is conformation

“The bits”

• How the small parts contribute to the structure of the organism

Conformation is made up of the pieces of the horse’s structure

• Bones

• Muscles

• Connective Tissues

  • Ligaments

  • Tendons

How do the bits hang together?

Function of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons

Joints

Big

• Outside of halter classes, money is the motivation

• Joints are typically the points of pain, not bones

Why is conformation important

• “well built” or “form follows function”

• Well built usually does better than poorly built

Rules of Conformation

• Math, physics, geometry

• measurements, structural strength, leverage forces, and angles

  • How do they affect movement?

  • How are they measured

Conformation and elusive qualities

we don’t like to talk about them because we can’t control them

Does conformation guarantee future soundness or performance

NO

Selective breeding is important

some sports are breed specific

Conformation Pieces

• Structures and how they hang together (angles)

• The bones

• The muscles

• Fats

Two facets

Bones → structure doesn’t change

Fats and muscle → conditioning changes

Elusive Balance

• Shades of meaning

• Find it in the details

• How the parts measure against each other

• Angles and the connections

• Faults vs. Ideal