Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Breed Confirmation Page

Equine Conformation:

Symmetrical disposition of the parts of a horse (how the horse is proportionally put together). Equine conformation refers to the correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation in a horse can limit its ability to perform a specific task. Although there are several universal "faults," a horse's conformation is usually judged by what its intended use may be. Thus "form to function" is one of the first set of traits considered in judging conformation. A horse with poor form for a Grand Prix show jumper could have excellent conformation for a World Champion cutting horse, or to be a champion draft horse. It is also important to remember that every horse has good and bad points of its conformation, no horse is perfect, and many horses (including Olympic caliber horses) excel even with conformation faults.

Conformation of the Head and Neck

The standard of the ideal head varies dramatically from breed to breed based on a mixture of the role the horse is bred for and what breeders, owners and enthusiasts find appealing. Breed standards frequently cite large eyes, a broad forehead and a dry head-to-neck connection as important to correctness about the head. Presumably, the construction of the horse's head influences its breathing, though there are few studies to support this. Historically, a width of 4 fingers or 7.2 cm was associated with an unrestricted airflow and greater endurance. The relationship between head conformation and performance are not well-understood, and an appealing head may be more a matter of marketability than performance. Among mammals, morphology of the head often plays a role in temperature regulation and water balance. As one of the relatively few mammals that sweat, it is unlikely that a horse's head conformation plays a significant role in water balance. Many ungulates have a specialized network of blood vessels called the carotid rete, which keeps the brain cool while the body temperature rises during exercise. Horses lack a carotid rete and instead use their sinuses to cool blood around the brain. These factors suggest that the conformation of a horse's head influences its ability to regulate temperature but not water balance.

The Head - Descriptive terms for head types (Click on links to see a photo):
Dished Face: The horse has a concave or "dished" profile, often further emphasized by slight bulging of forehead.
Dished heads are associated with Arabians and Arabian-influenced breeds, which excel at Endurance riding and were originally bred in the arid Arabian desert. There are several theories regarding the adaptive role of the dished head.
It may be an adaptation to reduce airflow resistance and increase aerobic endurance.
It may also have a role in cooling inspired air, or cooling blood headed to the brain.
Roman Nose: Convex heads are associated with Draft horses, Baroque horse breeds and horses from cold regions.
This trait likely plays a role in warming air as it is inhaled, but may also influence aerobic capacity.

Other descriptive terms of the head include:
Pig Eye: A small eye, primarily an aesthetic issue, but claimed by some to be linked to stubbornness or nervousness, and thought to decrease the horse's visual field
Small Nostrils: Opening of the nostrils (the nares) is narrow and somewhat restricted, limiting ability to expand the nostrils for breathing while working hard and may occur in any breed.
Especially affects horses in high-speed activities (polo, racing, eventing, steeplechase) or those that need to sustain effort over long duration (endurance, competitive trial, combined driving).
These horses are therefore best for pleasure-riding or non-speed sports.
Small nostrils are often seen in horses that also have narrow jaws and muzzle.

Overshot jaw (parrot mouth) or undershot jaw ("monkey jaw" or "sow mouth"):
The upper jaw extends further out than the lower jaw, with the horse having an overbite (parrot mouth), or the lower jaw extends farther out than the upper jaw, with the horse having an under bite (sow mouth).
Both defects can affect the chewing of the horse and the horse's ability to clip grass.
Both defects are fairly rare

The Neck - Generally speaking; the ideal neck is about 1/3 horse’s length, measured from poll to withers, with a length comparable to the length of the legs.
Short Neck: A neck that is less than 1/3 the length of the horse. Short necks are common, and seen in any breed.
A short neck is often quite flexible despite appearing thick and muscular, and the function and range is rarely altered. May be slightly less flexible at the poll, but the horse's maneuverability and agility are generally not affected. It does not shorten stride length, which has more to do with shoulder slope.
The horse may not excel at jumping high obstacles or galloping at high speeds, and may not be as handy at quick directional changes.
Long Neck: A long neck is a neck is one that is much more than 1/3 the length of the horse. Long necks are common, especially in Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, and Gaited Horses.
It may make it hard to balance the horse, and the horse may fatigue more quickly as a result of carrying too much weight on its front end.
Lengthy neck muscles are difficult to develop in size and strength. A long-necked horse needs broad withers to support the weight of head and neck.
It is easier for the horse to fall into the bend of an S-curve than to come through the bridle, which causes the horse to fall onto his inside shoulder.
This makes him difficult for the rider to straighten.
This horse is best for jumping and speed sports (without quick changes of direction), or for straight line riding like trail riding.
Large Crest: The horse has an overly large crest that may fall to one side in extreme cases.
A large crest is relatively uncommon, although any horse can develop an excessively large crest. It is usually seen in stallions, ponies, Morgans, and draft breeds.
It is usually from fat deposits above the nuchal ligament. An excessively large crest not only looks bad, but it puts more weight on the forehand.
A horse with excessive crest due to obesity needs a proper conditioning program.
Bull Neck: The horse has a short, thick, and beefy neck with short upper curve.
The attachment to its body is beneath the half-way point down the length of shoulder.
This trait is fairly common, especially in draft breeds, Quarter Horses, and Morgans.
It is generally more difficult to maintain balance if the rider is large and heavy or out of balance, which causes the horse to fall onto its forehand.
Without a rider, the horse is usually fine.
A bull neck is desirable for draft or carriage horses, so as to provide comfort for the neck collar. The muscles of the neck also generate pulling power.
The horse is best for non-speed sports.
Upside-down / Ewe Neck: An upside down / ewe neck is a neck with muscling on the underside and an internal structure that causes it to bend upward instead of down in the normal arch. This fault is common and seen in any breed, especially in long-necked horses but mainly in the Arabian Horse and Thoroughbred.
The fault may be caused by a horse who holds his neck high (stargazing). Stargazing makes it difficult for a rider to control the horse, who then braces on the bit and is hard-mouthed. An ewe neck is counter-productive to collection and proper transitions, as the horse only elevates its head and doesn’t engage its hind end.
The horse's loins and back may become sore. The sunken crest often fills if the horse is ridden correctly into its bridle. However, the horse's performance will be limited until proper muscling is developed.
Swan Neck: The horse has a neck set at a high upward angle, with the upper curve arched, yet a dip remains in front of the withers and the muscles bulge on the underside. This conformation type is common, especially in Saddlebreds, Gaited horses and Thoroughbreds.
A swan neck makes it easy for a horse to lean on the bit and curl behind without lifting its back. Often caused by incorrect work or false collection.
Arched / Turned Over Neck: A nicely turned-over neck.
The crest is convex or arched with proportional development of all muscles. This is an ideal neck.
Common, seen in all breeds and in all sports. The neck appears as if it is flowing into the back, so it looks good and creates an efficient lever for maneuvering.
The strength of the neck with proportional development of all muscles improves the swing of shoulder, elevates the shoulder and body, and aids the horse in engaging its hindquarters through activation of the back. Good for any sport.
Knife Necked Horse: A long, skinny neck, with poor muscular development on both the top and bottom.
Appearance of a straight crest without much substance below. A knife-neck is relatively uncommon in older horses.
Any breed can be affected. It is sometimes seen in young, green horses.
It is usually associated with poor development of back, neck, abdominal and haunch muscles, allowing a horse to go in a strung-out frame with no collection and on its forehand. It is often rider-induced, and usually indicates lack of athletic ability.
It can be improved through skillful riding and the careful use of side reins to develop more muscle and stability.
The horse is best for light pleasure riding until its strength is developed.
Horizontal Neck: The neck is set on the chest neither too high nor too low, with its weight and balance aligned with the forward movement of the body.
Although relatively uncommon, it is usually seen in Thoroughbreds, American Quarter Horses, and some Warmbloods.
Advantageous to every sport, as the neck is flexible and works well for balancing.
The neck is not too bulky, thin, long, or short. The horse is easy to supple, develop strength, and to control with hand and legs aids.

Conformation of the Chest, Shoulder, and Forearm

The Shoulder

Straight, Upright, or Vertical Shoulder: The shoulder blade, measured from the top of the withers to the point of shoulder, lies in an upright position, particularly as it follows the scapular spine.
Often accompanies low withers. Upright shoulders are common and seen in any breed, particularly in Quarter Horses. An upright shoulder affects all sports. The horse has shorter muscular attachments that thus have less ability to contract and lengthen. This shortens the stride length, which requires the horse to take more steps to cover ground, and thus causes a greater risk of injury to structures of front legs and hastened muscular fatigue. An upright shoulder may cause a rough, inelastic ride due to the high knee action. It increases concussion on front limbs, possibly promoting the development of DJD or Navicular disease in hard-working horses. The stress of impact tends to stiffen the muscles of the shoulder, making the horse less supple with a reduced range of motion needed for long stride reach.
An upright shoulder causes the shoulder joint to be open and set low over a short, steep arm bone, making it difficult for a horse to elevate its shoulders and fold its angles tightly, which is needed for good jumping, or in cutting. A horse with an upright shoulder usually does not have good form over fences.
The horse is usually easier to accelerate in sprinting. An upright shoulder is best for gaited or park showing, parade horses, and activities requiring a quick burst of speed, like roping or Quarter Horse racing.
Laid-Back or Sloping Shoulder: The horse has an oblique angle of shoulder (measured from the top of the withers to the point of shoulder) with the withers set well behind the elbow. Often accompanies a deep chest and high withers. A sloping shoulder is common. It mostly affects jumping, racing, cutting, reining, polo, eventing, and dressage. The horse has a long shoulder blade to which attached muscles effectively contract and so increase the extension and efficiency of stride. It distributes muscular attachments of the shoulder to the body over a large area, decreasing jar and preventing stiffening of the shoulders with impact. The horse has an elasticity and free swing of its shoulder, enabling extension of stride that is needed in dressage and jumping. A long stride contributes to stamina and assists in maintaining speed. The longer the bones of the shoulder blade and arm, the easier it is to fold legs and tuck over fences. The laid back scapula slides back to the horizontal as the horse lifts its front legs, increasing the horse's scope over fences. A sloping shoulder has better shock-absorption and provides a comfortable ride because it sets the withers back, so a rider is not over the front legs. A sloping shoulder is most advantageous for jumping, dressage, eventing, cutting, polo, driving, racing, and endurance.

The Humerus (Arm Bone)

The arm bone is from the point of shoulder to the elbow, and its length dictates how tightly the elbow and lower joints can bend and reach for extension.
Long Arm Bone: The humerus is long when it is 50-60% of the length of the scapula. The elbow is beneath the middle of the withers if the humerus is long. This conformation mostly affects jumping, steeplechase, eventing, lateral movements of dressage, and cutting. A long humerus increases movement of elbow away from torso, both forward and to the side, allowing more tucking over fences and increased stride in speed events. It provides a scaffold for lengthy muscle attachments of flexor and extensor muscles, which contract with greater force to increase power and speed. A long arm bone is best suited for speed events, jumping, and dressage.
Short Arm Bone: Humerus is usually in a horizontal position which closes the shoulder angle (shoulder and humerus) to less than 90 degrees. Short arm bones are usually seen in Quarter Horses, Paints, and Warmbloods. A short humerus decreases the scope of a horse, and contributes to a short, choppy stride. This increases the impact stress on front legs, especially the feet.
The rider is jarred and the horse absorbs a lot of concussion.
More steps are needed to cover ground, increasing the chance of front-end lameness.
The horse tends to be less able to do lateral movements.
Advantageous for sprinting sports
Horse is best used for pleasure riding, non-impact activities, and sprinting sports like roping or barrel racing

The Forearm (Radius)

Long Forearm: The length of the radius (between elbow and carpus) is long.
Long forearms are frequently seen in all breeds, especially Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, and Warmbloods. A long forearm is desirable for any performance activity, especially if the horse also has short cannon bones. Long forearms increase the surface area and length of muscular attachments to gain best leverage for maximum stride length and speed. Good muscling of a long forearm is especially advantageous to jumping horses, as the strong forearm muscles absorb concussion from the impact and diffuse the strain on tendons and joints on landing. A long forearm is best for speed events, jumping events, and long distance trail riding.
Short Forearm: The distance of radius from elbow and carpus is proportionately short.
Although uncommon, it is usually seen in Morgans and Quarter Horses. A short forearm affects speed and jumping events, but has little effect on stock horse events. The length of stride is dependent on the forearm length and shoulder angle, so a short forearm causes horse to need to increase the number of steps to cover a distance, increasing overall muscular effort and hastening fatigue. Short forearms increase the action of the knees, giving an animated appearance. Knee action is not compatible with speed. Best for showing, hunter equitation, harness, parade.

The Chest

Narrow Breast: With the horse standing square, the width between the front legs is relatively narrow. However, this can be skewed by how far apart feet are placed at rest. A narrow breast often represents general thickness and development of shoulder. A narrow breast is usually seen in Gaited horses, Saddlebreds, Paso Finos, and Tennessee Walkers. A horse's ability to carry weight is dependent on the size of its chest, so a horse that doesn't do well with draft work may be fine in harness or with a light rider. Narrowness may be from turned-in elbows which can cause toes to turn out, making the horse appear narrow. Narrowness in the chest may be from immaturity, poor body condition, inadequate nutrition, or under-developed breast muscles from a long time in pasture and lack of consistent work. The horse usually has undeveloped shoulder and neck muscles. A narrow breasted horse may tend to plait, and is more likely to interfere, especially at the trot. The narrow breasted horse is best for pleasure riding, driving in harness, and trail riding.
Pigeon-Breasted: In a pigeon breasted horse, the front legs come too far back under the body, giving a bulky appearance to the breast as viewed from the side. The front legs lie behind a line drawn from the withers to the ground, setting the horse under himself. It is often associated with a long shoulder blade that drops the point of shoulder somewhat low with the arm bone relatively horizontal, setting the elbow more to the rear. Pigeon breasted; is a relatively uncommon fault, mostly seen in Quarter Horses with big, bulky muscles. Bulky breast muscles and legs set under the body decrease the efficiency of stride and swing of shoulders, thus hastening fatigue. It may interfere with the front legs, forcing them to move to the side rather than directly under horse. Pigeon breasted causes a “rolling” gait that slows the horse’s speed, especially at the gallop. This characteristic should cause little interference in the sprinting sports that need rapid acceleration. The inverted V of the pectorals are important for quick turns, doges, and spins needed by stock horses. This conformation quality is most useful in Quarter Horse racing, barrel racing, roping, and stock horse sports where a low front end crouches & the horse makes quick turns.

Conformation of the Body - Withers

Mutton Withers: The horse has flat and wide withers, from short spines projecting off the 8th-12th vertebrae. Mutton Withers can be seen in any breed. The withers are an important attachment for ligaments and muscles that extend head, neck, shoulder, and back vertebrae, and are also insertion point for muscles that open ribs for breathing.If mutton withered, the horse has less range of motion when extending the head and back muscles, so is less able to elevate its back with its head and neck extended, which affects ability for collection. This condition makes it difficult to gain hold with a saddle. If saddle slides forward, it can put weight on the forehand, interfering with balance and restrict the shoulder movement by saddle and rider movement, causing shortened stride, interfering or forging. This horse is often difficult to fit with a driving harness. Pleasure riding and non-jumping activities are best for the horse
Hollow Behind Withers: A “shelf” behind the withers, gives a hollow appearance, often created by lack of muscular development.Usually found in high-withered horses of any breed This condition often implies a less-developed muscular bed for the saddle to rest on. The saddle will often bridge in this area to pinch the withers, creating soreness of the withers and muscles. The horse is then less willing to move out, extend the shoulders, or use its back, especially for speed or jumping. It also prevents a horse from true elevation of the back needed for collection. A poorly-fitting Saddle (with an insufficiently high pommel arch or a narrow tree) may initiate or exacerbate this condition, as the horse will avoid movements which cause discomfort, thus leading to muscle loss behind the withers. Horses that trot fast with high, erect neck (like Standardbred race horses) do not develop strong, active back muscles.
They are often hollow behind and just below withers due to lack of collection. This conformation is commonly rider-induced from a horse allowed to move strung-out behind, and is usually seen in gaited horses and long-distance trail or endurance horses. Protective movement by the horse to minimize saddle pinching may contribute to back pain. Persistent body carriage without collection can overuse some musculoskeletal structure, leading to arthritis. This conformation will not affect performance if saddle fits correctly. If the saddle does not, the horse is best used for non-speed and non-jumping sports.
High Withers: The 8th through 12th thoracic vertebrae are long and angle backward to create steep, high withers. Especially seen in Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, and some Warmbloods; high withers provide a lever for the muscles of the back and neck to work together efficiently. As the head and neck lower to extend, the back and loin muscles correspondingly shorten or lengthen. The backward angle of withers is usually associated with sloping shoulders, which provides good movement of the shoulder blade. This makes it easy for the horse to engage in collection, lengthen, round its back for jumping, or extend its shoulder for improved stride length and speed. If the withers are too high and narrow, there is a chance that a poorly fit saddle will impinge on withers and slip back too far, creating pain especially with the rider’s weight. Performance and willingness will suffer.

The Back

Long Back: With the back measured from peak of withers to peak of croup, exceeds 1/3 of horse’s overall body length. A long back may be associated with long, weak loins. Especially seen in gaited horses, Saddlebreds, Thoroughbreds, and some Warmbloods. The horse's ability to engage back depends on its ability to elevate the back and loins, requiring strong back and abdominal muscles. A long back is flexible, but harder for horse to stiffen and straighten spine to develop speed or coil loins to collect and engage the hindquarters to thrust rear limbs forward. This then affects upper level dressage, cutting, reining, barrel racing, and polo: sports that require rapid engagement of the hindquarters. Reduced flexion forces the horse to jump flatter with less bascule. It is difficult to develop a long back's muscle strength, so a horse is more likely to fatigue under the rider and tends to sway over time. The abdominal muscles have more difficulty in compensating, so they are also less likely to develop. Loins and hindquarters may swing more than normal, increasing the occurrence of sore muscles which leads to a stiff, rigid ride. Cross-firing or speedy cutting likely at high-speeds from a horse with a long back. Movement of the back is flatter and quieter, making a more comfortable ride and is easier for horse to change leads.
Short Back: The horse's back measures less than 1/3 of overall length of horse from peak of withers to peak of croup. Short back can be seen in any breed, especially in American Quarter Horses, Arabians, and some Warmbloods. The back may lack flexibility and become stiff and rigid. If vertebral spines of back are excessively small, the horse may have difficulty bending and later develop spinal arthritis.
This adversely affects dressage and jumping performance. If still in back and torso, the stride will become stiff and inelastic. The horse may overreach, forge, or scalp itself if the hind legs do not move straight. The horse may be handy and agile, able to change direction with ease. Good for polo, roping, cutting, reining. If the horse has good muscling, it is able to support weight of rider with rare occurrence of back pain.