The Horse Conformation Handbook

by Thomas, Heather Smith

• ISBN13: 9781580175586
• ISBN10: 1580175589
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-15
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Summary

Conformation concerns body structure and anatomy. In this comprehensive volume, Heather Smith Thomas explains how conformation relates to function and what to look for when evaluating a horse. She teaches the reader to see beyond a horse's physical beauty to identify desirable attributes and potential faults, and with copious illustrations and explanations, trains the eye to recognize the hallmarks of soundness, durability, trainability, and athletic potential. Thomas begins with an in-depth discussion of equine anatomy and the importance of balance and proportion. She also explains how to detect "heart," that indefinable quality that distinguishes a horse from his peers and compels him to excel. The book concludes with real-world applications of the principles of good conformation, including helping a horse succeed by matching him with the right job and what the conformation of the aging horse can tell you. Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit and sound during a long life of service. Whether you're buying your first horse, choosing breeding stock, or simply want to learn more about your equine companion, The Horse Conformation Handbook will help you understand horses better than ever before.

Author Biography

Heather Smith Thomas has written extensively on animal health care, authoring thousands of articles and 24 books on the subject. Her books include Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle, Essential Guide to Calving, Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle, The Cattle Health Handbook, The Horse Conformation Handbook, Storey’s Guide to Raising Horses, Storey’s Guide to Training Horses, and Stable Smarts. She raises cattle and horses on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Preliminaries	p. 1
Anatomy and Principles of Conformation	p. 6
Basic Anatomy	p. 9
Head and Neck Conformation	p. 27
The Teeth	p. 49
Chest Conformation	p. 67
Back Conformation	p. 81
Foreleg Conformation	p. 105
Hindquarter Conformation	p. 141
Foot Conformation	p. 171
Evaluating a Horse	p. 190
Body Proportions	p. 193
Body Angles	p. 205
Height	p. 221
How a Horse Moves	p. 233
Athletic Ability	p. 253
Type	p. 269
Soundness	p. 309
The Senior Horse	p. 341
Appendixes	p. 350
Applying What You've Learned	p. 352
Training Your Eye: Six Case Studies	p. 359
Glossary	p. 366
Recommended Reading	p. 374
Index	p. 375
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