Conformation Flashcards
What does the head play a large role in?
Balance.
To balance the hindquarters what will a horse do?
Raise or lower its head.
What troubles do horses will small and big head experience?
Small: cannot balance properly
Big: experience neck strain leading to leaning on the bit.
What are two traits of a well conformed head?
Symmetrical (balance) and good eyesight.
Should a forehead be wide or narrow?
Wide for better vision.
Slightly narrower for racing.
Why does the mandibular width have to be wide (4 fingers)? What happens if it is too small?
Allow for collection. Less than 2 fingers width prevents the neck from arching properly. It can also interfere with breathing.
How big of a gap does there need to be between the two mandibles? How come?
The gap must fit a fist between the mandible bones to allow enough to room of an adequate windpipe.
What does the length of the muzzle indicate?
Room for a bit.
Why must a horse have large nostrils?
They only breath through their nose.
Out of the three different types of heads which one is most commonly preferred?
Straight head. Dished are more desirable in Arabs and Roman noses common in drafts.
What the two mouth faults?
Parrot - overbite.
Sow - underbite.
How does the neck influence balance?
Horse must move its neck freely in order to balance.
What should the poll to wither measurement of the neck be?
In proportion to the rest of the body
