2015 SENIOR CONFORMATION
EASY
1920 (easy)
Q: What is calf-kneed?
A: Knees bent backward
HIH230-6
1921 (easy)
Q: Describe goose rumped.
A: Short, steep croup
TH154/HH9
1922 (easy)
Q: What is the difference between splay foot & pigeon toe?
A: Splayfoot - front toes turned out/heels turned in;
Pigeon toe - front toes turned in/heels turned out
HIH230-1,2
1923 (easy)
Q: What is Roman nosed?
A: Face bows out instead of being flat (convex face)
HH10/HIH220-4
1924 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: What angle of slope should the shoulder have?
A: 45 - 50 degrees
(accept any number within this range)
1925 (easy)
Q: Name an undesirable trait of the croup.
A: Goose rumped
TH154/HH9
1926 (easy)
Q: What is the most common defect in the rear legs?
A: Cow hocks
HIH230-7
1927 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Why should the bottom line of a horse be longer than the top line?
A: For a longer stride (also accept so the legs don’t interfere)
1928 (easy)
Q: What is buck-kneed?
A: Knees bent forward
HIH230-6
1929 (easy)
Q: Why shouldn't a horse have low, flat withers?
A: They don't hold a saddle very well
HIH220-6
1930 (easy)
HIH230-7
Q: What is the term for a horse possessing too little angle in the hock?
A: Post legged
1931 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Give one reason why the pastern should have adequate slope.
A: If it's too straight, it doesn't cushion the shock of the foot striking the ground (shock absorption)
Predisposes horse to navicular disease, more concussion, can lead to injury and/or rough ride
1932 (easy)
Q: What do all breeds have in common?
A: Skeletal structure
HIH230-1
1933 (easy)
Q: What is the term for toes pointing inward?
A: Pigeon toe or toe-in
HIH230-1
1934 (easy)
HIH230-7
Q: What is the term for a horse with too much angle in the hock?
A: Sickle hocked
1935 (easy)
Q: What is a pig-eyed horse?
A: Horse with small eyes
HIH220-4
1936 (easy)
Q: Name a conformation fault of the neck
A: Ewe necked
HH9
1937 (easy)
Q: What is the ideal angle of hoof to ground?
A: 45 degrees
HH11
1938 (easy)
Q: Describe the term "paunchy".
A: Too much belly
HH9
1939 (easy)
Q: What is the term for a thin, sharp, arched back?
A: Roached back
HH9/TH152
1940 (easy)
Q: Describe swayback.
A: Concave appearance of back (back sags down)
HIH450-6/TH152/DET260
1941 (easy)
Q: Describe roached back.
A: Convex appearance of back OR back arched up
HH9/TH152
(accept either)
1942 (easy)
HH9/TH133
Q: What term means that a horse is proportionally as long as it is tall?
A: Balance
1943 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Besides supporting the weight of the saddle & rider, what is another reason that the loin should be short &
strong?
A: Carries power from the hind legs forward OR lifts forequarters when horse is in motion
(accept either)
1944 (easy)
HIH230-5
Q: Define the term "camped out behind".
A: Hind legs appear to reach out behind a line drawn from the buttock to the ground
1945 (easy)
Q: Describe the term "out at the hock".
A: Hocks too far apart
HIH230-7
1946 (easy)
HIH230-7
Q: A horse whose hocks are far apart with his feet set close together is said to be what?
A: Bow legged, out at the hock, or open behind
1947 (easy)
HIH220-7
Q: When viewed from the side or rear, name one desirable characteristic of the rear quarters.
A: Thick, deep, well-muscled
1948 (easy)
Q: To evaluate conformation, it's necessary to know what?
A: The parts of the horse
(anatomy)
HIH220-3
1949 (easy)
HIH230-5
Q: What is sickle-hocked?
A: Too much angle at the hock OR curved, crooked hock when viewed from the side
1950 (easy)
TH151/HIH230-5 picture
Q: Which movement is a more serious fault - inward or outward?
A: Inward
1951 (easy)
TH153-54/HIH153-54
Q: Name one area of the hindquarter where the muscle should have thickness.
A: Thigh, gaskin, stifle
1952 (easy)
Q: Name one characteristic you want in a horse's eye.
A: Large, clear, set wide apart, bright, bold, alert, soft, kind
HIH220-4
(accept any reasonable answer)
1953 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Shoulder, pastern & hoof should all have approximately what angle?
A: 45 degrees
1954 (easy)
HIH220-8
Q: Body type, color patterns, gaits & way of going are all examples of what type characteristics?
A: Breed characteristics
1955 (easy)
HIH230-2
Q: Define base narrow.
A: Horse's legs are closer at the ground than they are at the chest
1956 (easy)
HIH230-6
Q: Base-wide, narrow-chested horses have feet that are usually what?
A: Toed out or splay footed
1957 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Should the topline of a horse be shorter or longer than the underline?
A: Shorter
1958 (easy)
HIH220-4
Q: What is monkey-mouthed?
A: Undershot jaw OR lower jaw sticks out more than the upper jaw
1959 (easy)
Q: Which is a more serious condition - toed in or toed out?
A: Toed out
HIH230-6/TH151
1960 (easy)
HIH220-1
Q: What is the term for the physical appearance of an animal?
A: Conformation OR phenotype
(accept either)
1961 (easy)
HH9
Q: What part of the horse's body has a conformation problem when it's referred to as being goose rumped?
A: Croup or rump
1962 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Why should horses have proper shoulder & pastern angles?
A: Shock absorption
(also accept length of stride, comfortable ride)
1963 (easy)
TH139/H1-34
Q: Referring to horses, what is a hand?
A: Measurement of height
(Additional info -- one hand = 4 inches)
1964 (easy)
HH9
Q: What is the average weight of a desirable saddle horse?
A: 900 - 1300 pounds
(accept any number within this range)
1965 (easy)
HIH220-4
Q: What term describes a face that is concave in appearance?
A: Dished
1966 (easy)
Q: What is tucked up?
A: Thin & cut up in the flank like a greyhound
HH4
1967 (easy)
Q: What is the term for flat-ribbed?
A: Slab sided
HH9
1968 (easy)
Q: What is the term for the convex profile of a horse's face?
A: Roman nose
TH143/HIH220-3
1969 (easy)
HH47
Q: If the judge describes your halter horse as being “open behind”, what is he saying about the horse?
A: Hocks are too far apart & feet are too close together
1970 (easy)
HS10
Q: The cannon bones should give what appearance when viewed from the side?
A: Flat
1971 (easy)
Q: A coon-footed horse has too much slope at what joint?
A: Pastern
HIH220-6/ADV323-2L/HH8
1972 (easy)
Q: The length of neck plays an important part in what?
A: Length of stride
HS9
1973 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Why is it important to have a 45 degree angle to the shoulder?
A: Allows foreleg to extend the stride (longer stride)
1974 (easy)
H1-13
Q: Why are the withers used as the measuring spot for a horse's height?
A: Highest, non-movable part of the horse
1975 (easy)
Q: Describe parrot mouth.
A: Lower jaw is shorter than upper jaw (overshot jaw)
HIH1060-3
1976 (easy)
Q: What is another name for parrot mouth?
A: Overshot jaw
HIH220-4
1977 (easy)
HIH230-7/DET71/TH154
Q: When looking at the horse from the rear, how would you describe a horse whose hocks are too close
together?
A: Cow hocked
1978
(easy)
HIH1060-5
Q: What is the term for the conformation defect where the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth?
A: Parrot mouth
(also accept parrot mouth)
1979 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Describe a coon-footed horse.
A: Too much slope at pasterns OR long, sloping pasterns (fetlock may hit the ground as the horse moves)
(accept either)
1980 (easy)
Q: Describe undershot jaw
A: Upper jaw is shorter than lower jaw
HIH220-4/HH9
1981 (easy)
HS6
Q: Name one time when the front feet & legs serve primarily to support the horse.
A: When horse is at rest, when landing over a jump, when on leading foreleg at lope/gallop
(only need to give one)
1982 (easy)
Q: What is another term for back at the knees?
A: Calf-kneed
HIH230-6
1983 (easy)
HIH230-5,6
Q: Which condition is more serious, over at the knee or back at the knee?
A: Back at the knee
1984 (easy)
HIH220-3
Q: What is a base wide horse?
A: One that has a greater distance between their front feet at the ground than at the chest
1985 (easy)
Q: What is the term for a horse with small eyes?
A: Pig eyed
TH124/HIH220-4
1986 (easy)
Q: At what angle should the head join the neck?
A: 45 degrees
HH10
1987 (easy)
Q: What do you call a horse that toes out in front?
A: Splay footed or toed out
HIH230-2
1988 (easy)
Q: What is the term for protruding eyes?
A: Bug eyed or bovine eyes
HH8/TH144
1989 (easy)
TH144/H2-6
Q: Parrot mouth or overshot jaw is a conformation defect involving what bone?
A: Mandible &/or maxilla
(accept either)
1990 (easy)
HIH220-3/TH144
Q: Describe a horse with lop ears.
A: Ears positioned on sides of head OR ears pointing outwards/carried horizontally
1991 (easy)
HIH220-4
Q: Typically, which horse will be more responsive to the bit - a shallow mouthed or a deep mouthed one?
A: Shallow mouthed
1992 (easy)
Q: Give 2 descriptive terms for ideal stock horse ears.
A: Small, short, pointed, straight, set wide apart
HIH220-3
1993 (easy)
HIH220-6
Q: Give 2 descriptive terms for ideal stock horse pasterns.
A: Medium length, strong, clean, sloping at 45 degree angle, angle same as shoulder angle
1994 (easy)
Q: What is cow-hocked?
A: Hocks close together, feet wide apart
HIH230-7
MEDIUM
1995 (medium)
TH145
Q: At rest, what percent more weight do the front legs support than the hind legs?
A: 9 - 10 percent
1996 (medium)
HS7/DET53
Q: Where is the center of motion?
A: Approximately over the 15th vertebrae OR 10" behind the center of gravity
1997 (medium)
HS7
Q: Which can be altered the center of motion or center of gravity?
A: Center of gravity
1998 (hard)
HS7
Q: How far behind the center of gravity is the center of motion?
A: 10 inches
1999 (medium)
DET222
Q: What is the slang term that describes a short & thickset horse?
A: Pudgy
2000 (medium)
TH146
Q: Steep shoulders are usually associated with what type pasterns?
A: Short & steep
2001 (medium)
CAHA40
Q: If a horse is sickle hocked, excessive strain will be placed on what ligament?
A: Plantar (ligament at back of hock)
2002 (medium)
DET52/HS6
Q: At a standstill, where is the center of gravity located on a horse?
A: 6 inches behind the elbow OR about the rider's knee in the mid-section of the horse OR near outer edge of
the 8th rib
(accept either)
2003 medium)
TH133
Q: Ideally, in a balanced horse, what should be the relationship between the height of the horse at the withers
& the length of the body from point of shoulder to point of hip?
A: They should be the same
2004 (medium)
TH146
Q: Short, straight pasterns are associated with what other conformation problem?
A: Straight, steep, or upright shoulder
2005 (medium)
TH154
Q: When viewed from the rear, which part of the horse's hindquarters should be the widest?
A: Stifle area
2006 (medium)
HIH220-6
Q: How does the slope of the shoulder influence the length of the stride?
A: The steeper/straighter the shoulder the shorter the stride; the more sloping/angular the shoulder, the
longer the stride
2007 (medium)
TH147
Q: A buck-kneed horse is sprung forward or over at the knee. This is considered a less serious fault than what
type of knee conformation?
A: Calf kneed or back at the knee
2008 (medium)
ADV323-2L
A: The angle of the shoulder is essential to the overall balance of the horse. As the slope of the shoulder
becomes straighter, what effect does this have on the length of the back?
A: Back gets longer
2009 (medium)
Q: You do the math: In inches, how tall is a 16 hand horse?
A: 64 inches
DET129
2010 (medium)
TH181
Q: What type of deviation in movement usually occurs when a horse is toed in?
A: Paddling or winging out
2011 (medium)
Q: What are mutton withers?
A: Low, flat withers
TH150/DET84
2012 (medium)
Q: Explain a flat-footed horse.
A: When the angle of the foot is less than 45 degrees
DET109
2013 (medium)
Q: Define symmetrical.
A: Proper balance or relationship of all parts
HS8
2014 (medium)
HIH220-6
Q: Describe the conformation defect of the leg (not hoof) that predisposes a horse to navicular disease
A: Short, steep pasterns
2015 (medium)
TH135
Q: In reference to conformation, describe a horse that is "built downhill"?
A: Height at hips is higher than height at withers
2284 (medium)
HIH230-7
Q: 2 part question: What are the terms used when there is a) too little angle in the hock and b) too much
angle at the hock with the feet set too far under the body?
A: Too little angle - post legged;
too much angle - sickle hocked
2285 (medium)
TH181/HH11
Q: If a horse has his front legs set too wide on the corners of his body, what is the resulting action?
A: Rolling, labored action
2286 (medium)
HH9
Q: What term describes the condition when all of the parts of a horse blend together well, with long, tapering
muscling?
A: Smoothness
2287 (medium)
TH143
Q: The proportions of the head tend to be an indicator of what?
A: Body proportions
2288 (medium)
HIH220-5
Q: The shape of the neck is due largely to the amount & shape of what?
A: Muscles
2289 (medium)
HIH230-6
Q: 2 part question: What is the best angle for the front & rear pasterns?
A: Front - 45 degrees;
Back - 50 degrees
2290 (medium)
Q: What term means refinement in the horse?
A: Quality
TH139
2291 (medium)
TH144/HIH220-3
Q: Explain the difference between the conformation faults mule ears & lop ears.
A: Mule ears - long, thick & heavy;
lop ears - carried horizontally to the side
2292 (medium)
TH153-54
Q: What 2 things can influence whether the slope of a horse’s croup is considered desirable?
A: Breed preferences & intended use
2293 (medium)
Q: What happens when the angle of the croup is too steep?
A: Stride is shorter
HIH220-7/TH153-54
2294 (medium)
Q: Conformation is directly related to what?
A: Skeletal structure
(also accept action or way of going)
HIH230-1,250-1
2295 (medium)
HH12
Q: Describe the ideal motion of a horse.
A: Straight, true, long, well-coordinated stride (accept any appropriate answer)
2296 (medium)
ADV323-2L
Q: What is the term for a horse with shallow heels, standing low in the pasterns?
A: Coon footed
2297 (medium)
TH146
Q: Name 2 ideal conformation traits that are associated with a long, elastic, springy stride.
A: Sloping shoulders & sloping pasterns
2298 (medium)
Q: What are bench knees?
A: Cannon not centered on knee OR off-set knees
HIH230-3
2299 (medium)
Q: What generally determines the length of a horse's stride?
A: Length of forearm
TH146
2300 (medium)
Th145/HIH230-5 picture
Q: Which is the more dangerous deviation in the flight of the foot, paddling or dishing?
A: Dishing
2301 (medium)
HIH230-6
Q: Which conformation defect interferes with movements that require work off the haunches such as
stopping, turning or sliding?
A: Cow hocks
2302 (medium)
HIH220-7
Q: A flatter & more level croup results in what type of hind leg action - vertical or horizontal?
A: More vertical
2303 (medium)
TH145
Q: What percent of a horse's weight is carried on its forequarters?
A: 60 - 65%
(accept any number within this range)
2304 (medium)
TH151
Q: Describe the motion of a horse that has low, flat withers.
A: Rolling gait & heavy on front end (overall - moving poorly)
2305 (medium)
HIH230-2
Q: A base-narrow horse is predisposed to landing on what part of the foot?
A: Outside hoof wall
2306 (medium)
TH145
Q: What is the term for an excessively thick crest that lops to the side?
A: Broken crest or lop neck
2307 (medium)
FCH389
Q: What is the term for a neck that has a thickened, rounded underline & a concave top line?
A: Ewe neck
2308 (medium)
TH151
Q: A horse that travels with a rolling gait & a heavy front end often has what type of conformation?
A: Low, flat withers (also accept round, thick withers or mutton withers)
2309 (medium)
CAHA40
Q: What is a common conformation fault in the rear limbs that puts a strain on the plantar ligament leading to
a curb?
A: Sickle hocks
2310
(medium)
DET34
Q: In reference to measurements in horses, how is “bone” measured?
A: Circumference of the cannon bone about half way between knee & fetlock
2311 (medium)
HIH220-1
Q: Where can you find a description of the ideal horse's head for a certain breed?
A: In the breed association's standards/publications
2312 (medium)
TH157
Q: Give a reason why you wouldn't consider purchasing a horse with poor conformation
A: Predisposes horse to unsoundness OR genetic defects could be passed to offspring
2313 (medium)
HS9
Q: Why does a thick neck cause increased shock to the front legs?
A: Adds excess weight to the front legs (front legs ordinarily carry more weight than hind ones)
2314 (medium)
Q: What is a broken crest?
A: When horse has excessively thick crest that lops to side
TH145
2315 (medium)
HIH220-6
Q: What is the most critical conformational factor in the balance of the horse?
A: Slope of shoulder
2316 (medium)
DET58
Q: What is meant when it's said that a horse has "clean legs"?
A: No blemishes/unsoundnesses on the legs OR legs from knees/hocks down are all smooth
2317 (medium)
Q: Why is a trim throatlatch desirable on a horse?
A: Doesn't restrict air/blood flow OR helps in balance
HIH220-5
2318 (medium)
HIH220-6
Q: What 2 things are most affected by the angle of the shoulder?
A: Length of stride & shock absorption
2413 (medium)
DET60
Q: What is the general term that's used to describe a horse that is closely coupled & stoutly built?
A: Cobby
2414 (medium)
TH162
Q: A horse with a short, steep pastern will endure more concussion & may be predisposed to what disease?
A: Navicular disease
2415 (medium)
HIH230-1
Q: Why is it extremely important that the skeletal structure of the front limbs be correct?
A: Because the horse carries over 60% of his weight on his front legs
2416 (medium)
Q: What are limber or rotating hocks?
A: When points of hocks turn outward
HS11
HARD
2417 (hard)
FCH385
Q: This conformational problem causes the horse to walk on the toe, resulting in the heel growing long and
the toe wearing off. The foot will have an upright appearance. Name this defect.
A: Club foot
2418 (hard)
HS10
Q: What is the most undesirable shoulder & leg conformation?
A: Steep shoulder, long arm, short forearm, long cannon
2419 (hard)
HS9/HIH220-6
Q: Why does a steep shouldered horse generally have a short stride?
A: The arm doesn't extend very far forward
2420 (hard)
HS9
Q: How far rearward should the withers extend?
A: Approximately 1/4 the distance from the point of shoulder to rear flank
2421 (hard)
TH146
Q: What are the two most important aspects of ideal conformation of the forelimbs?
A: Slope and angle of the bones; straightness of the limbs
2422 (hard)
HIH510-1
Q: On the front leg, where is the center of gravity?
A: The middle of the leg from point of shoulder down leg to hoof
2423 (hard)
HS7
Q: How can a horse's center of gravity be altered?
A: By rider shifting his weight OR by horse raising, lowering or extending his head
2424 (hard)
INT223-2
Q: 2 part question: Describe the ideal shape of a horse's withers & identify why this shape is important.
A: Shape - sharp, prominent & well-defined; helps hold the saddle in place
2425 (hard)
HIH230-7
Q: What happens as a result of the hocks being too wide apart?
A: As horse drives forward, hocks are forced outward & energy is lost OR added strain on bones, ligaments &
joints can cause many kinds of movement interference OR horse is predisposed to ringbone and/or sidebone,
toeing out, winging
(only need to give one)
2426 (hard)
HIH230-1
Q: How would you determine the straightness of a horse's front legs?
A: Viewing from the front, you can follow a straight line from the point of shoulder down the leg through the
center of the knee, pastern & hoof
2427 (hard)
HIH220/TH153-54
Q: Which of the following horses will most likely have a longer stride – a horse with a long, gently sloping
croup or a horse with a short steep croup?
A: A horse with a long, gently sloping croup
2428 (hard)
HIH220-6
Q: In addition to the ratios of the neck line, a change in the slope of a horse's shoulder also affects what other
major body ratio?
A: Length of back to length of underline
(Also accept -- top line to bottom line ratio)
2429 (hard)
CAHA11
Q: What conformation defect predisposes a horse to carpal chip fractures, especially in young racehorses?
A: Calf knees
2430 (hard)
HIH220-5
Q: What is the determining factor in the ratio of the top to bottom line of the horse's neck?
A: Slope of shoulder
2431 (hard)
HIH220-7
Q: What thoracic characteristics are desirable in the broodmare?
A: Good spring of rib & deep depth of heart
2432 (hard)
TH147
Q: 2 part question: What are the results of the elbow being either too close or too far from the horse's body?
A: Too close -- horse will toe out;
too far - horse will toe in
2433 (hard)
Q: What does excess lateral movement of the feet cause?
A: Reduces efficiency & detracts from coordination
HH12/TH181
2434 (Hard)
HIH220-5 picture
Q: The bottom line of a horse's neck is measured from where to where?
A: Throatlatch to the neck/shoulder junction at chest
2435 (hard)
TH152-3
Q: Why are the length & width of croup important?
A: Long muscles are associated with speed & endurance and width of muscling is related to strength & power.
2436 (hard)
HIH220-6
Q: In a balanced horse, the legs are approximately the same length as what measurement?
A: Depth of heart
2437 (hard)
TH145-46
Q: What allows the horse to stand tremendous concussion when running?
A: Shock absorption properties of the foot
2438 (hard)
HIH1090-1
Q: What are the most critical parts of conformation that make a horse athletic?
A: Long sloping shoulder & long hip
2439 (hard)
Q: If a horse is termed base narrow, how would he travel?
A: Move his knees outward slightly & swing his feet inward
HIH230-5
2440 (hard)
DET26
Q: Give the slang term for thick, meaty hocks that lack in quality.
A: Beefy hocks
2441 (hard)
HIH230-1
Q: What is greatly increased when a horse has correct skeletal structure?
A: Durability OR athletic ability
2442 (hard)
TH145
Q: What is the relationship of body parts to performance called?
A: Form to function
(also accept functional anatomy)
2443 (hard)
HIH220-6
Q: What relationship should there be between a line from the point of shoulder through the shoulder blade
and a line through the pastern to the ground?
A: They should be parallel
2444 (hard)
TH145/HIH220-5
Q: If a horse is thick & coarse in the throatlatch, what can happen when he is asked to flex at the poll?
A: Air & blood flow may be restricted (a trim, refined throatlatch will allow the horse to flex at the poll &
perform while breathing correctly
2445 (hard)
HS11
Q: What does a calf-kneed position of the front legs do to the stride?
A: Results in pounding gait & hard concussion on the feet
2446 (hard)
Q: Why do you want a straight leg as viewed from behind?
A: To deliver power to the stride
TH155-56
2447 (hard)
Q: What is the approximate top to bottom line neck ratio?
A: 2:1
HIH220-5
2448 (hard)
Q: Why is the neck an important conformation point?
A: Horse uses it as a balance arm
HIH220-5
2449 (hard)
Q: Camped out horses are predisposed to what 2 things?
A: Navicular & laminitis or founder
HIH220-5
2450 (hard)
HIH220-5
Q: Why is balance the single most important characteristic in equine selection?
A: Forms basis for movement, length of stride & ultimately performance
2451 (hard)
HIH230-3/CAHA39
Q: Name a conformation problem that increases the possibility of a horse developing splints.
A: Bench knees or offset knees
BONUS
2452 (bonus)
TH147
Q: Name 3 characteristics of a good knee.
A: Large, broad, flat, wide, clean, capable of great flexion, straight when viewed from side or front
2453 (bonus)
TH145
Q: Name 3 purposes of the forequarters.
A: Provide propulsion in front, serve as base of support, shock absorption
2454 (bonus)
TH145
Q: Name 3 things that depend on the conformation of the forequarters.
A: Length of stride, smoothness of gait, soundness of legs, power/propulsion
2455 (bonus)
HIH250-1
Q: In a balanced horse, what 3 areas of the horse should be approximately the same measurement?
A: Height at hips, height at withers, length of body
2456 (bonus)
HIH220-1
Q: Name 3 things - not including parts - that you consider when evaluating a horse's conformation.
A: Type, muscling, balance, structural smoothness, form, proportion of various body parts
2457 (bonus)
HIH220-3
Q: Attractive, well-conformed heads for most breeds have common characteristics. Name 3.
A: Short/well-set ears, large/bold eyes, refined muzzles, "breediness", large nostrils, short from eye to muzzle,
sex characteristics (mares look feminine, stallions & gelding look masculine)
2458 (bonus)
HIH230
Q: Name 3 conformation faults of the hindleg.
A: Stands wide, stands close, bow-legged/out at the hock, cow-hocked, sickle hock, post legged, camped out,
camped under
2459 (bonus)
TH147
Q: Name 3 conformation faults of the horse's body excluding its legs.
A: Plain/coarse head, mutton withers, sway back, roach back, ewe neck, straight shoulders, paunchy/pot belly,
wasp waisted/tucked up, narrow chest, shoulders too wide, short/thick neck, slab sided
2460 (bonus)
TH150
Q: When viewed from the side, what 3 parts of the forequarters should be in a straight line with the
shoulders?
A: Forearm, knee, cannon
2461 (bonus)
TH141
Q: Give 3 characteristics of a coarse head.
A: Large ears, thick muzzle, Roman nose, small eye (pig eye), thick throatlatch/neck, long head
2462 (bonus)
INT223-2L
Q: Name 3 things whose length is determined by shoulder angle.
A: Length of neck, length of stride, length of back, depth of heart
2463 (bonus)
HIH220-3
Q: Where should the head be a) broad, b) short, c) deep?
A: Broad in forehead/between eyes, short from eyes to nostrils, deep in jaws
2464 (bonus)
HS8
Q: Give 3 reasons why gaskin muscles should be powerful
A: They give strength to the legs in turning & pivoting, to pull leg forward & enable propulsion, to give a long,
powerful stride
2465 (bonus)
HIH220
Q: The length of a horse's stride is related to what 3 things?
A: Length of shoulder & pastern, length of forearm & gaskin, length of neck
2466 (bonus)
TH145-57/HH230
Q: What are 3 structural faults of the front legs?
A: Base narrow, base wide, bench/offset knees, bow legs, buck knee, calf knee, coon footed, straight pasterns,
tied in at knee, knock knee. Toe in/pigeon toe, toe out/splay foot
2467 (bonus)
HS11
Q: When viewing the rear quarters from the side, what is the best combination of parts to give the best
stride?
A: Long croup, short thigh, long gaskin, short cannon
2468 (bonus)
TH152
Q: Give 2 common terms used to describe a horse that is weak in the coupling & shallow in the flank.
A: Hound-gutted, herring-gutted, wasp waisted, lady waisted, tucked up
2469 (bonus)
HIH various
Q: Name 5 conformation faults whose common name refers to another animal species.
A: Parrot mouth, monkey mouth, ewe neck, calf knee, pigeon toe, cow hocked, coon footed, pig eye, roach
back, wasp waist, cow eyes, goose rump, herring/hound gut
2470 (bonus)
TH147
Q: Give 3 anatomical defects associated with a horse’s knee & explain each.
A: Bowlegged - entire leg appears to bend outward when viewed from front;
Knock knee/close knee - entire knee set to inside of straight line from chest to toe;
Bench knee/offset knee - cannon bones set too far to outside of knee;
Calf knee/back at knee - knees bend backward (hyperextend);
Buck knee/over at knee - knees sprung forward
2471 (bonus)
Q: Long, sloping pasterns will put strain on what 3 things?
A: Tendons, sesamoid bones, suspensory ligaments
TH150
2472 (bonus)
HH11
Q: Name 3 ideal features in the bones of the legs.
A: Flat, clean, free from fleshiness & puffiness, adequate strength/substance to support the horse during
activity
2473 (bonus)
CAHA39/HIH/HHvarious
Q: Name 3 conformation faults of the horse's knee.
A: Calf knee, buck knee, bench/offset knee, knock knee, cut under at knee
2474 (bonus)
HIH250-1,2
Q: Besides dividing a horse's body into thirds, name 3 measurements that should be the same in a balanced
horse.
A: Length of neck & length of head; depth of heart & length of leg; height at withers & height at hips; width of
shoulders & width of hindquarters
2475 (bonus)
HIH220-4
Q: List 3 undesirable characteristics of the head.
A: Roman nose, pig eyes, parrot mouth, monkey mouth, mule ears, lop ears
2476 (bonus)
HH10,11
Q: Name 3 areas on the front section of the horse that have an approximate 45 degree angle.
A: Head joined to neck, shoulder, pastern, hoof to the ground
2477 (bonus)
Q: Name 3 features of ideal withers.
A: Sharp, prominent, well defined, as high as hips
HIH220-6
2478 (bonus)
Q: Name 3 desirable characteristics of the hock.
A: Wide, deep, clean, large
TH154/HH11
2479 (bonus)
Q: Describe 3 desirable characteristics of a horse's ribs.
A: Well-sprung, long, close
TH152
2480 (bonus)
Q: What are 3 things that correct structure provides?
A: Symmetry, smoothness, quickness/balance to action
INT223,225
2481 (bonus)
Q: Name 3 parts of the horse that should be short.
A: Arm, cannon, back, loin
TH146-56
2482 (bonus)
Q: Name 3 parts of the horse that should be long.
A: Shoulder, forearm, croup, gaskin, neck, withers
TH146-56
2483 (bonus)
HIH220-4/TH144
Q: What are 3 characteristics you want in the eye?
A: Deep, wide-spaced, large, clear, bold, alert, soft/kind expression
2484 (bonus)
TH152-54
Q: In what 3 areas of the hindquarters should muscles have thickness?
A: Thigh, gaskin, stifle
2485 (bonus)
TH149-50
Q: Name 3 characteristics of good cannons.
A: Short, broad, straight, flat, tendons clearly defined, set well back
2486 (bonus)
HS8
Q: The forehand refers to the forepart of a horse & consists of 3 areas. Name them.
A: Head & neck, shoulders, forelegs
2487 (bonus)
HIH220-5
Q: Name 2 characteristics of a good neck.
A: Long, lean, attached high on shoulders with prominent withers
2488 (bonus)
HIH510-2
Q: Name 3 things that may affect a horse's foot balance.
A: Conformation, gait, speed, level of training, hoof length, shoe weight, head position, head weight, rider's
skill, rider's weight, load being pulled/carried
2489 (bonus)
HIH220-6/TH151
Q: What are 3 reasons why the back & loin must be strong?
A: Protect the internal organs, bear weight of rider, transmit propulsion generated by the hind legs
2490 (bonus)
TH152-54
Q: When viewed from the side or rear, what 3 characteristics should the rear quarters have?
A: Thick, deep, well-muscled
2491 (bonus)
Q: What are 3 desirable characteristics of a horse's hoof?
A: Well-shaped, roomy, balanced in size with horse
HIH505-1/HH11
2492 (bonus)
HHvarious/HIHvarious
Q: What are 3 normal measurements pertinent to a horse's size?
A: Height, weight, girth, bone
2493 (bonus)
TH153
Q: In what 2 ways is the angle of the croup important to the stride of a horse?
A: Length, efficiency
2494 (bonus)
HS11
Q: When viewed from the side, what is the best combination of length for the various parts of the front
quarters?
A: Long shoulder, short arm, long forearm, short cannon