Tazsprout
12-23-2010, 09:04 AM
I really like the fact that we have this thread. I'd REALLY enjoy it if the people who ride SS join in, and I'd really hate it that means the discussion spins off unpleasantness about what people find desirable in a horse's conformation... or worse yet, sniping about differences in opinion among the SS and sport horse lovers.
So here are some pitfalls to avoid -- I learned these from Dr. Bennett!
1) Although there are breed standards and sport horse standards, these are all based on "preference" and usually that preference is neither well thought out or well defined.
Example from the QH world: what does "well muscled" mean, anyway? Strong enough to do the job? Looking like a double muscled beef cow? Example from SB world "what does "long necked mean" ? long relative to what? What does "too long" look like? I could (and have) go on an on in this vein..
2) every varient of conformation that is not frankly pathological has a plus and a minus. A short, strong back is powerful (but not flexible), a long flexible back is comfy and can cover ground (but you will be injecting that SI joint sooner or later). I think there is probably a reason that (for example) longer backs work in SS horse, and I'd like to hear discussions about what that might be. It no good just stating "long backs are bad" (unless you veer into the pathological range..and where does that start, anyway?).
3) Despite long held tenets of belief about what is desirable, the horses will prove you wrong .... OFTEN. The Warmblood standards also go on about a "short back" but in fact many open jumper lines are long in the back. Some dressage horse are as well. We all agree that straight legs are desirable, and I've seen successful long-time competitors who walk like ducks (or bow legged cowboys..).
4) There is a big difference between desirable as in it helps the horse basic "horsey" functionality and desirable as in "this is the look we are going for".
5) Its really REALLY easy to poke holes in ANY horse, so whenever anyone says "I like this one" someone is sure to pop up and say "well, but what about... [fill in the blank]. People apparently LIKE to do this..:)
6) You can't measure "want to."
I hope this forum continues and we can include people from many, many disiplines.
Chris
So here are some pitfalls to avoid -- I learned these from Dr. Bennett!
1) Although there are breed standards and sport horse standards, these are all based on "preference" and usually that preference is neither well thought out or well defined.
Example from the QH world: what does "well muscled" mean, anyway? Strong enough to do the job? Looking like a double muscled beef cow? Example from SB world "what does "long necked mean" ? long relative to what? What does "too long" look like? I could (and have) go on an on in this vein..
2) every varient of conformation that is not frankly pathological has a plus and a minus. A short, strong back is powerful (but not flexible), a long flexible back is comfy and can cover ground (but you will be injecting that SI joint sooner or later). I think there is probably a reason that (for example) longer backs work in SS horse, and I'd like to hear discussions about what that might be. It no good just stating "long backs are bad" (unless you veer into the pathological range..and where does that start, anyway?).
3) Despite long held tenets of belief about what is desirable, the horses will prove you wrong .... OFTEN. The Warmblood standards also go on about a "short back" but in fact many open jumper lines are long in the back. Some dressage horse are as well. We all agree that straight legs are desirable, and I've seen successful long-time competitors who walk like ducks (or bow legged cowboys..).
4) There is a big difference between desirable as in it helps the horse basic "horsey" functionality and desirable as in "this is the look we are going for".
5) Its really REALLY easy to poke holes in ANY horse, so whenever anyone says "I like this one" someone is sure to pop up and say "well, but what about... [fill in the blank]. People apparently LIKE to do this..:)
6) You can't measure "want to."
I hope this forum continues and we can include people from many, many disiplines.
Chris