CONFORMATION FOR PERFORMANCE

Understanding what to look out for Conformation, along with temperament, should be any rider’s number one consideration when buying a horse, or asking it to perform in their chosen career. A note on breeds When looking at different horses of different breeds, it quickly becomes apparent that they come in a multitude of shapes and sizes.…

BylizzieNovember 13, 20250Comments

Horse Channel

A SPOTLIGHT ON STALLIONS

Understanding their characteristics, behaviours and needs Stallions possess distinct characteristics, behaviours, and roles that distinguish them from mares and geldings. Here, we explore what makes a stallion a stallion, delving into his biological attributes and temperament and looking at effective strategies for managing and training these magnificent animals. What sets a stallion apart The primary characteristic…

BylizzieOctober 17, 20250Comments

Horse Health

PELVIC PROBLEMS – UNDERSTANDING SACROILIAC DISEASE IN HORSES

Sacroiliac disease is a relatively common condition that affects the sacroiliac (SI) region in horses. The sacroiliac joints, located where the spine meets the pelvis, play a crucial role in the horse’s locomotion and ability to carry weight. Damage and dysfunction in the joints and the region generally can give rise to obvious pain and…

BylizzieJune 23, 20250Comments

Horse Breed Horse Training

TRAINING THE EYE – HOW TO ASSESS CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT

Whether you’re shopping for a youngster, evaluating your current mount, or simply seeking to better understand your horse’s strengths and challenges, developing an ‘educated eye’ for conformation and movement is one of the most valuable skills a rider or owner can cultivate. It’s more than just assessing beauty or elegance — it’s about predicting performance…

BylizzieJune 17, 20250Comments

Horse Health

IN SUSPENSE – UNDERSTANDING SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT INJURIES

The suspensory ligament is one of the most common soft tissue structures to be affected by injury in the horse. This ligament plays a significant supportive role in the horse's lower leg, so injury to this structure can prove devastating. The suspensory ligament The horse's suspensory ligament runs from just below the hock or knee and…

BylizzieMarch 5, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: CONFO SHOTS

Q: How do I stand a horse up correctly for conformation shots? A: Knowing how to take a good conformation shot is a great skill for any horse person to have. A conformation photograph can be a make-or-break factor in a horse’s sale, or if you are taking a photo for your records, using a consistent…

BylizzieNovember 29, 20240Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

CRUCIAL CONFORMATION, PART 9 – THE SHAPE OF THE NECK

When choosing or evaluating a horse, there are many factors to consider: breed, breed type (how the horse embodies the characteristics of his breed or type), pedigree, colour, temperament and personality. However, the most important element is the conformation, particularly if you want the horse to have an athletic career or breed. Choosing a horse…

BylizzieJanuary 17, 20240Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

CRUCIAL CONFORMATION, PART 10: CHEST CONFORMATION

When choosing or evaluating a horse, there are many factors to consider: breed, breed type (how the horse embodies the characteristics of his breed or type), pedigree, colour, temperament and personality. However, the most important element is the conformation, particularly if you want the horse to have an athletic career or breed. Choosing a horse…

BylizzieJanuary 10, 20240Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: POSTURE

Q: What can posture tell us about our horses? A: The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘conformation’ as: “the way in which something is formed; the structure of something, especially an animal” while ‘posture’ is defined as: “the position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting”. These definitions may sound similar, but when…

BylizzieFebruary 25, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: CONFORMATIONAL FACTORS

Q: Which conformational factors are considered important to look for in a riding horse? A: When looking at the conformation of the horse to assess his rideability, the following factors should be considered: The back and ribs A relatively short back is generally strongest for taking weight, as it has shorter, stronger coupling than a longer back.…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20200Comments

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