Title: Evaluate the structural correctness of a horse.
Course: Equine Science, Advanced (18104-II) > Section: Judging the Horse

Evaluation should include

- horse’s skeleton, or bone structure, (which can predict how the horse will move; structure should be evaluated from the front, profile, and rear)
- angle of the shoulder (i.e., The angle of the horse’s shoulder should be approximately 45° since a shoulder angle of less than 45° results in a shorter stride as well as a longer back.)
- hoof angles (pastern conformation)
  - long toe, short heel will create a long stride
  - short toe, long heel will create a short stride
- hip shape (e.g., square hips)
- throat latch
- head and neck size
- hoof and pastern (i.e., 45°)
- withers
- back
- legs
- top line
- hock placement.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How is structural correctness related to the horse’s athletic ability or usefulness?
- When purchasing, selecting, or evaluating a horse, what specific areas should one examine at for structural correctness?