Conformation pictures for idiots

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I don't think you can judge a horse by photo -- particularly with race horses you want to see how they move, etc.

Not to mention if they crossfire or not...

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by trackrat59

Great topic Ms. Cat. Looking forward to learning something here.

We shall learn together.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Not to mention if they crossfire or not...

* * *

This is from the "sideview" part of the link you posted, Sightseek...

Head - The head should be broad enough to permit adequate air passage. Generally, the distance from the back of the jaw to where the head ties into the neck should be about the size of a fist. Nostrils should be of adequate size. People refer to an "attractive" head. That usually means the head is short, with well-set ears; has large bold eyes, a short distance from eye to muzzle, large nostrils and a refined muzzle with a shallow mouth. In general, there is no physiological benefit to the horse having an "attractive" head. An "ugly" head functions similarly to an attractive head.

Off the top of your (attractive) head can you think of an example either way?

[Danzig]

always thought vicar had a nice, attractive head. just looked him up on the stallion register to see if they still had a pic of him since he went overseas. they do not.

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by Danzig

always thought vicar had a nice, attractive head. just looked him up on the stallion register to see if they still had a pic of him since he went overseas. they do not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a98yEEwf3Tk

great soundtrack. . .

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a98yEEwf3Tk

great soundtrack. . .

thanks for posting that!

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for the examples, guys (... and the really awesome music).

Originally Posted by Cardus

Self-deprecating thread title.

I refuse to have a problem with you. If this were any other week I'd post a smartass comment but I've had enough.

Sorry you didn't like my title (again) and yeah... it was actually truthful because I know absolutely nothing looking at these things.

You can say whatever you want to me and I will not fight back. I don't want to fight with you.

If you'd like to tell me something about conformation that would be great.

If not, fine.

[Riot]

Most stallions are only going to have minor, picky conformation flaws (from perfection) that are overcome by their race record, but you consider when breeding to your mare to them.

"The faster they run, the prettier they get"

Bloodhorse has an excellent small basic conformation book for yearling sales. If you go on the internet, there are lots of equine conformation sites that have good pictures. You can see pics about obvious things like over at knees, toed out, etc. and you can indeed see that type of thing in the paddock esp. with lower end horses.

Go watch the walking videos of the stallions advertised on the farm websites - that will help show you good walks.

You really only develop your eye on live animals, but you can certainly learn the basics from a book and photos.

Seabiscut was noticably "over at the knee". Go find a picture of him?

[Riot]

Here's the three-part Bloodhorse series where different bloodstock agents and trainers look at pictures of yearlings, and come up with completely different interpretations of their physical appearance But it is helpful, it does have different people referring to the same picture and giving an opinion.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...g-conformation

http://www.bloodhorse.com/yearling_c...on_pt_one.html

[Sightseek]

Just a quick glance at WinStar's line-up - Hold Me Back vs. some of their other stallions such as Bellamy Road ( ! ) Super Saver, Distorted Humor etc.

http://www.winstarfarm.com/horses/ho...back-2016.html