Conformation critique

[kinnip]

I agree that his topline is the main issue. I can't believe his hooves were even longer than that!! I feel the most important feature in a hunter/jumper is intelligence. If he's got that and a good disposition, go for it. Besides, it sounds like you're already in love.

 

[DFCottage]

haha I mainly want to give the guy a chance. He's got a great mind, especially considering what he's been through. But I agree, the main thing is the topline. I'm hoping it just needs muscle, but I'll see what the vet says. He's got so much potential and athletic ability, but I just want to make sure he's going to conformationally be able to handle what I'll be asking of him. Seeing him jump the other day definitely encouraged me! Plus he just came off a 3 6" fence (after trotting up to it) and just trotted away.. ate some grass... so the mind is there

 

[EweSheep]

His face expression is kind, quiet and eyes are alert and wants to please. It does not look like he was "soured" by his previous work outs.

I agree on the top line and looks like his knee is too flat or "camped under" but again, it could be due to the photo.

With proper exercise and good feed, he should gain the croup and back muscles back since it looked like he was underweight.

A pre purchase exam by your vet would be the wisest choice you can ever make and impartial judge of a vet is a bonus too. Also ride him with your vet present will scope out any problems with his gaits and what you are planning on using him for.

Good luck!

 

[DFCottage]

If anyone would like to see his videos, check out the links:

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

I watched him completely cross canter up to one of the 3 6", take it clean, and land just fine. And as you can see, he trots them decently! He needs lots of work with balance, his knees are pretty even for the most part, but I think with more muscling, balance (and cantering!) he'd look even better.

 

[patandchickens]

I really don't ahve a problem with his pastern angles (not bad to begin with, and probably the remainder a byproduct of his hooves having a ways to go yet) nor with the way he is standing (to me, he is neither built nor posed like a horse that habitually stands badly under himself, I think it's just 'one moment in time' - btw I think that also means his shoulder is not as upright as some here think). JME, and of course it is really hard to be certain from just one photo.

on looking further what are thoughts on the belly(see pic #2)? I can see ribs but isn't the girth of the belly a little large. What does that say?(or again am I showing my inexperience).

If you mean *at* the girth, he is good 'n deep through the heart, which is a Good Thing (especially for galloping type work such as eventing, but it helps a little with any kind of o/f work). I really LIKE how deep he is through the shoulder and girth area. (And the withers tie in fairly far back, they don't just 'die' under where the pommel would go, which is a GREAT help over fences as well as in dressage).

If you mean the fact that his belly is a little bit lower just to the rear of the girth area, enh, it's no big deal whatsoever, he's just out of shape and may have had a bit of a hay or worm belly in the past. It's WELL within the realm of normal variation and would diminish a bit as he fits up anyhow.

Truly, I like him, despite not having the giantest hind half in the world. He sounds affordable. He reminds me of some good useful horses I've known. If he vets (with attention to the odd muscle deficit alongside the croup), I'd sure buy him

Good luck,

Pat​

 

[Kanchii]

I think with some work at building muscle in his rear and over his back, and especially on the top of his neck (side reins anyone?) he'll be great, he looks sweet!

 

[tpflabs]

I guess the only thing I would add is... be carefull the skinny horse, as his food needs are met, so his energy level might increase to a point where he might be unmanageable..
I rode jumpers from off the track that came in in worse shape than him.. once they got back to health, most times we figured the trainer was underfeeding 'cuz they were psycho..

he looks very sweet..

 

[chickenzoo]

He seems like he has a willing, easy going temperment at this point. Kind eye, long nostril, i think his picture is throwing off his stance. He is a little long through the barrel and hollow through the back, but some of that can be fixed with excercise. my main consern too is the topline. That bump by his back going over the point of the hips raises a red flag. I would have th vet check it out and make sure his spine is in alighnment, that could be throughing his stance off. You could test it some by running your thumb, pressing down into the sides near the spine in the top back muscles and watch his reaction. Also run your fingers pointed up along his belly to see how he sucks his stomach up. If he has back issues it will effect how he holds his stomach and also tell some about his ability to carry himself. Other than that he seems like a nice horse that deserves a loving home.

 

[DFCottage]

Well, unfortunately that other bay gelding I was looking at had a MAJOR heart murmur. Stage 5. So sad on a 5 year old. However, I think I may have found a nice one! I love the white flecks by his right ear... He's an incredibly sweet horse. 2 years old, registered. We're gonna flex him on Thursday and see how he does. My only worry was is that he's a bit toed out in front, but my vet said that many TB's are like that until their chest fills out, then the elbows straighten and everything comes into alignment.

 

[Badhbh]

Aww too bad about the other one. That's very sad. Hopefully he can find a nice place to live where he can just be a lawn ornament and have a peaceful life