This presentation discusses conformation evaluation and selection of horses. It covers evaluating a horse's balance, muscle structure, quality and refinement, breed and sex characteristics, and way of going. Key points for conformation include looking at the horse's length of shoulder, back, and hip for balance. Muscle structure is evaluated from the side, front, and rear. Quality and refinement looks at the overall appearance and bone quality. When selecting a horse, it's important to consider the experience of the rider and the intended use of the horse.

1. Please note: This presentation is intended for users with high-speed internet connections. Unfortunately, we cannot offer support for dial-up users at this time. Welcome you to MHU’s live web presentation featuring Kathy Anderson! www.myhorseuniversity.com

2. Conformation and Selection of Horses Kathy Anderson University of Nebraska Extension Horse Specialist

3. Conformation and performance ability “Form to Function”

4. Conformation Evaluation Balance Muscle Structure Quality and refinement Breed and sex characteristics Travel, way of going

5. Conformation Evaluation: Balance Horse is in proportion Length of shoulder = length of back = length of hip

6. Balance Neck is equal to or longer than Shoulder, back and hip 2 to 1 ratio Top of neck to bottom 2 1

7. Conformation Evaluation: Balance Head is equal to or shorter than Shoulder, back and hip

8. Balance Back is shorter than underline

9. Conformation Evaluation: Balance Heart girth is equal to distance below belly to ground

10. Evaluation of Balance

11. Evaluation of Balance

12. Conformation Evaluation: Muscle Evaluate from side Evaluate from front Forearm V in front Pectorals

13. Conformation Evaluation: Muscle Evaluate from rear Wider through stifle than point of hip Inner and outer gaskin

14. Muscling

15. Muscling: Moderate

16. Muscle : Light

17. How the horse is put together Head Throat latch Neck Conformation Evaluation: Structure

18. Structure: Head

19. Structure: Throatlatch, Neck, and Shoulder

20. Conformation Evaluation: Structure How the horse is put together Shoulder Withers Back Hip Legs

21. Hoof Pastern Axis

22. Evaluation of Structure: Hip

23. Structure: Top line, Hip, and Hock Strong top line Hip shape Hock placement

24. Conformation Evaluation: Structure

25. Structure

26. Structure

27. Foot Flight

28. Conformation Evaluation: Quality and Refinement Overall general appearance Head and neck Quality of bone/muscle

29. Conformation Evaluation: Breed and sex characteristics Female/Male Breed characteristics Stock horse Arabian Morgan

30. Conformation Evaluation: Way of going How travel In front Straight, pick up feet Narrow/wide/average From rear Straight, pick up feet Narrow/wide/average From side Length of stride Tracking up with hind legs

31. Quality

32. Personality/Trainability Critical Easy to get along with “ Likeable”

33. So you want to buy a horse? Key’s to getting what you want! Who is it for? How experienced are they? What do they want to do? Where to keep it? What is the price range? Where will you find it?

34. Horse Buying Green + Green = Black & Blue! Be honest with the level of ability Young horse + Young rider = trouble! Not all “older” horses are “quiet” horses

35. Horse Buying What do you want to do with the horse? Trail ride Show Each horse has a purpose Be honest with what the purpose is

36. Horse Shopping Be patient Be honest

37. Thanks for your time!!

38. Thank you for attending MHU’s Live Web Presentation. For more information about our program, please visit: www.MyHorseUniversity.com Email: [email_address] | Phone: 517-432-4540