Horse EvaluationEquine Science & Technology

Horse EvaluationHow to Select a HorseAs with other classes of farm animals, any one or a

combination of all four of the following methods may serve as a basis for selecting horses:

1. Individuality

2. Pedigree

3. Show-ring winnings

4. Progeny testing.

Horse EvaluationSelection based on Individuality The horse should be purchased within a price range that the

rider can afford. The amateur should have a quiet, gentle, well-broke horse

that is neither headstrong nor unmanageable. The size of the horse should be in proportion with the size

of the rider. The horse should be well suited to the type of work to be

performed.

Horse EvaluationSelection Based on Pedigree Complete pedigrees in terms (speed, show winnings, etc.)

can be useful Pedigree selection is of special importance where animals

are so young that their individual merit cannot be determined with any degree of certainty.

Horse EvaluationSelection Based on Show-Ring Winnings Breeders of pleasure horses have long used show-ring

records as a basis of selection. The show record may be a most valuable criterion in

indicating the utility value of a horse.

Horse EvaluationSelection Based on Progeny TestingAlthough selection based on progeny testing is the most

infallible tool available to the horse breeder, it must be pointed out that the following limitations exist:

Because of the relatively few offspring, it is difficult to apply progeny testing to females.

There is a hazard that the stallion being tested will be bred to only a few select mares and that only the top offspring can be tested.

Horse EvaluationConsiderations When Buying a Horse Although many fine horses are bought and sold at sales,

there is little opportunity to “try them out”. Many reputable breeders or dealers will let the prospective

buyer take a horse home to try out. The price is important.

Although a high price may be justified for superior breeding and performing horses, sound judgment should always prevail.

Horse EvaluationConsiderations When Buying a Horse Before buying a horse, the buyer should have the horse

examined by a licensed veterinarian. The buyer should always be on the alert for possible

misrepresentations.

Horse EvaluationWhat to Look For A horse must conform to the specific type that fits the

function it is to perform. The horse should be true to the characteristics of the breed

that it represents.

Horse EvaluationBalance Balance refers to the overall symmetry of the horse. Balance is best evaluated by viewing the horse from the

side. All parts should blend and appear symmetrical.

Horse EvaluationGood Head, Neck, and Shoulders The head should be well proportioned to the rest of the

body, refined and clean cut, with a chiseled appearance. The neck should be fairly long.

It should be carried high, Slightly arched, Lean and muscular, and Clean-cut above the throatlatch

with the head well set.

Horse EvaluationAmple Chest and Barrel Well sprung ribs are desired. A deep wide chest A large, full heart girth provides needed space for vital

organs It indicates a strong constitution

Horse EvaluationWell-Muscled Arm, Forearm, and Gaskin The muscles of the arm, forearm, and gaskin should be

well developed. The powerful muscles of the croup, thigh, and gaskin give

the animal the ability to pull, jump, or run.

Horse EvaluationCorrect Legs, Feet, and Pasterns “No foot, no horse.” The legs should be straight, true, and squarely set; the bone

well placed and clearly defined. The pasterns should be sloping; the feet large and wide at

the heels. The hock should be large, clean, wide from front to back,

deep clean cut, and properly set. The knee should be deep from front to rear, be wide when

viewed from the front, be straight, and taper gradually into the leg.

Horse EvaluationBlemishes- include those abnormalities that do not

affect the serviceability of a horse. Such unsightly things as wire cuts, rope burns, nail punctures, shoe boils, capped hocks, etc.

Unsoundness may be caused by any one or various combinations of the following:

1. Bad conformation.

2. Strain and stress on the horse

Horse Evaluation3. Accident and injury.

4. Nutritional deficiencies.

Horse EvaluationUnsoundness of the Head and Neck

Blindness Partial or complete loss of vision. A blind horse usually has very erect ears and a hesitant

gait. Blindness can be detected by a veterinarian’s examination.

Horse EvaluationWobblers Number one neurological disease in horses. Cervical Vertebral Malfunction (CVM) commonly known

as wobblers. This condition primarily affects long-necked horses such as

Thoroughbreds. Begins with hind-limbs as evidenced by dragging of the

toes.

Horse EvaluationUnsoundness of the Shoulders

Sweeney A depression in the shoulder due to atrophied muscles. Sweeney is caused by nerve injury and is more commonly

seen in harness horses that wear a heavy collar. No known treatment will restore the nerve.

Horse EvaluationUnsoundness of the limbs

Bog Spavin A filling of the natural depression on the inside and front of

the hock. Common treatments include removal of excess fluid,

corticosteroid injections into the joint capsule, liniment and pressure bandages.

Horse EvaluationGravel Usually caused by penetration of the protective covering of

the hoof by small bits of gravel or dirt. Once material enters the soft tissue inside the wall or sole,

Infection develops rapidly producing pus And gas that creates pressure And intense pain in the foot.

Horse EvaluationRingbone A bony growth on the pastern bone generally of the

forefoot, although occasionally the hind foot is affected. The condition usually causes lameness, accompanied by a

stiff ankle. Follows severe straining, blows, sprains, or improper

shoeing.

Horse EvaluationSplints Abnormal bony growths found on the cannon bone. Splints may enlarge and interfere with a ligament and

cause irritation and lameness. When found on young horses the problem often disappear.

Horse EvaluationThrush A disease of the frog of the horse’s foot caused by

unsanitary conditions. Produces a foul smell. Treated with sanitation accompanied by trimming away the

affected frog.

Horse EvaluationJudging Procedures for Breeding or Halter Class Master the terms of the horse & parts. Have an idea in mind, and be able to recognize both

desirable characteristics and common faults. Follow a procedure in examining:

Front view Rear view Side view Soundness and Action.

Horse EvaluationFor more information on judging visit the University of

Kentucky College of Agriculture website below.

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/AGMANIA/HORSE/INDEX.asp