Beginner Conformation

Conformation is how the horse is put together. The horse should be well balanced and look like it's well put together. This makes for a more attractive horse, but more importantly it makes for a sounder horse who's muscles and joints can work correctly. Different types of conformation will be more appropriate for different sports. The best conformation for olympic level dressage is quite different than the best conformation for plowing a field. The basic ideals though remain the same and good conformation helps the horse move well.

Here are some of the basics:

Head - proportionate with the rest of the body, wide at the forehead tapered at the muzzle, refined. Eyes should be large and alert. Face can be slightly dished ("farmer's wisdom" has horses w/ a Roman nose - bulging out - being stubborn). The nostrils should be large and wide (allows more air in). Avoid a large and heavy head.

Neck - should be proportionate to the head and body. It should go straight from the throat to the shoulder.

Back - should be straight, strong, and short; avoid a sway back

Loins - should be short strong and wide. Avoid too long.

Croup - well defined, rounded.

Chest - should be deep and full with a deep girth.

Legs - properly aligned and proportioned (see intermediate).

There is LOTS of literature out there about how precisely to analyze all of these. There are all sorts of lines and angles to memorize. See the reference section for these. For the easiest understanding check out the Threshold Picture Guide. It's little but useful :)