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Back Continued

Lesson 4

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Objective Define common terminology used in

describing back conformation

Describe conformation principles of the

back and hindquarters

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Clarificationmeasurements

A = 1/3 B

A

B

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Wasp-waisted, Tucked up

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Topline versus Underline Horses average of 7 feet in length (poll to

point ofbuttocks)

Total length includes neck, back, croup

BUT topline often defined just as back and

croup (withers to tail)

Underline from elbow to stifle

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Topline versus Underline Topline (withers to tail) shorter than

underline

Determined by bone structure of cervicalvertebrae

Long cervical = more sloped shoulder =

topline (long or short?) Short cervical = upright shoulder = topline

(long or short?)

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Loins Between last rib and point of croup and hip

joint

Ideally = short and wide

Strong = convex (slight) muscling

Related to spring of rib

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Loins Considered long if more than 1 to 1

hand widths

Long-coupled = long back and too short of

a hindquarter; limits collection

Short-coupled (close coupled) = short

back, high propulsion and collection

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Loins Lumbosacral joint very important

Corresponds to coupling of the loin

Visualized using loin triangle

Line from hip to hip and to first lumbar

vertebrae (just behind rib)

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Miscellaneous Faults

Roached back

Loins and back join into croup

Upward or convex curve to the spine

Common fault (weak musculature)

Widows Peak

Hollow area lower than croup in loin area

Uncommon

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Croup and Quarters Look at length, width, thickness, muscle

development and slope

Croup is highest point formed by upper

pelvis

Ideal = Equal in height to withers and well

muscled

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Croup and Quarters Size and shape depends on pelvis and

sacrum

Affects tail set and athletic ability

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Croup and Quarters Built up-hill

Withers higher than croup

More weight on hind end (stifle injuries)

Built down-hill

Withers lower than croup/ high rump

More weight on forehand

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Croup and Quarters

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Croup and Quarters Ideal quarter = neither too flat or too

sloping

Measured from point of hip to point of

buttock

Not a severe shock absorber (like

forelegs)

Attachment through bone

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Croup and Quarters Longer pelvis = better speed performance

Approximately 1/3 of total body (too short

= less than 30%--some up to 35%)

Purpose = direct and positive force in

moving the body forward

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Croup and Quarters Ideal locations: point of hip in line with

croup or sl. Cranial

Look at underlying structures! Dont let tail set affect analysis of

conformation!

Length of quarter very important Slope dictates type of work

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Croup--fault Hunters Bump

Tearing of the ligaments at the SI (sacroiliac)

joint/Subluxation ofjoint

Enlargement at top of the croup

Both or one side

Mostly in jumping horses

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Goose or Steep Rump--Fault

Pelvis assumes steep, downward slope

Relatively uncommon

Mostly draft horses

Shortens backward swing

Predisposed to lower lumbarinjury

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Short Hindquartersfault Short if less than 30% of horses overall

length

Common

Minimized speed and stamina

Reduced ability to engage hindquarter

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Quarterfaults High Tail Set

Tail appears to come out ofbody level with

the top of the hip Mostly in gaited horses

Low Tail Set

Tail comes out ofbody well below hip

Associated with goose-rumped horse

Mostly draft horses

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