Foreleg Conformation

Objectives

Define foreleg conformation principles Describe ideal and faults of foreleg

conformation principles

Forelimb Conformation

Purpose: Bears 2/3 of the body weightSpeed, stride, agility for movementFaults are more serious than hind limb

Forelimb Conformation

Ideal: Straight legs (with appropriate angles)Sturdy bone structureFlat kneesWell-shaped fetlocksProper hoof conformation

Shoulder

Slope of shoulder influences the length of stride

Straighter the shoulder = shorter stride Measure the slope from the top of the

withers to the point of the shoulder

NOTE:

We will cover angles in depth later! Know the principles of conformation now!

Straight, Upright, Vertical Shoulder—fault Common fault Slope is upright, often accompanied by

low withers Results in a shorter stride Imparts a rough ride

Laid-back or sloping shoulder—fault Angle measured from the top of the

withers to point of the shoulder Withers are set behind elbow Often accompanies deep chest and high

withers Common

Laid-back or sloping shoulder—fault sometimes Muscles attach over a large area Decreases jarring of the rider Can have greater scope over fences

Long Arm Bone (Humerus)

Between point of shoulder and point of elbow

Long when 50 to 60% of the length of scapula

Allows greater scope if long

Short arm bone (Humerus)

Oriented in a horizontal plane (relative to the ground)

Decreases scope and makes for a short, choppy stride

Good for forward propulsion/sprinting sports

Long Forearm

Length between elbow and carpus Common (especially gaited horses) ‘Ok’ conformation if coupled with a short

cannon bone Needs to be accompanied by good

muscling

Short Forearm

Distance between elbow and carpus Uncommon fault Mostly found in QH and Morgan breeds Causes horse to increase number of steps Can increase knee action = less speed

Long Cannon

Length between carpus and fetlock Makes knee appear too high relative to

entire horse Common Can cause stress on the carpus

Short Cannon

Desirable characteristic Short relative to the radius (forearm) Common Action like a pulley (shorter lever = more

power from forearm)

Slight, Fine, or Insufficient Bone

Actual measurement or visual appraisal Measure circumference at top of the

cannon 1000 lb horse = 7-8 inches Visually, too thin or fine for entire body

Diagrams from TOBA

Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association

http://www.toba.org/index.html

Ideal Front View

Line from point of shoulder to the toes All joints in alignment No rotation in the front limbs

Bench, Offset Knees

Front view Cannon bone is set to the outside of the

knee Common fault Stresses the tendons/ligaments

Knock-Kneed

Front view Horse stands close at the knees or is “in”

at the knees Caused by the bones of the upper and

lower limbs not connecting properly to the knee

Results in a toed out stance

Rotated Cannon Bone

Front view Cannon bone rotates to outside in axis

relative to the knee joint

Long, Sloping Pasterns

Side view Long relative to entire body and more than

¾ of the cannon bone length Slopes backwards Favored for “smoother” ride, but causes

strain on tendons and ligaments if extreme

Short, Upright Pasterns

Side view Short if less than half the cannon bone

length A long, upright pastern is still a fault Restricts stride length

Toed In/toed out (front view)

Toed in/Pigeon toed = apex of foot turns inwardMore stress on lateral portion of the legHorse will ‘paddle’

Toed out/Splay footed = apex of foot turns outwardMore stress on the medial portion of the legHorse will ‘wing in’ or ‘dish’More serious because a horse can interfere

Base wide

Front view Hooves are wider than shoulders Can be combined with toed in or toed out Can be combined with narrow chest or

wide chest

Base Narrow

Front view Feet are set closer than the shoulders Common Predisposes the gait to plaiting or rope-

walking

Bow kneed

Front view Horse stands to the outside (lateral) of the

front feet

University of Minnesota, Extension Diagram

Tied-in below the knee

Side/profile view Legs angle in below the knee (back of the

leg) Circumference at top of the cannon is less

than at the fetlock Limits the strength of the flexor tendons Fault

Calf kneed

Side view/In profile Line from the middle of forearm to the

fetlock Knee is behind this line Relatively uncommon Causes unsoundness, less power, less

speed

Buck kneed, Sprung, Goat KneesOver at the knees Side view/In profile Line from the middle of forearm to the

fetlock Knee inclines forward Often induced by an injury Increases risk to develop bowed tendon

Bone

Recall that 1000 lb horse = 7-8 inches Muscle strength = attachment to good

bones Concussive forces = injury Equal to the horse’s overall size Fine boned versus coarse boned