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Mechanics of Equine Judging

Mechanics of Equine Judging. Lameness. Lameness. Soundness of limb requirement for show ring Most breed associations disqualify lame animals. Judges should check for lameness regardless of class. Signs of Lameness. Head bobbing – Head goes up as lame forelimb strikes the ground

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Mechanics of Equine Judging

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  1. Mechanics of Equine Judging Lameness

  2. Lameness • Soundness of limb requirement for show ring • Most breed associations disqualify lame animals. • Judges should check for lameness regardless of class

  3. Signs of Lameness • Head bobbing – Head goes up as lame forelimb strikes the ground • Lame on both forelimbs – shortened, stilted gait rather than head bob • Hip hikes up as lame rear limb strikes the ground and head drops • Attitude, willingness to move forward and expression are indicators

  4. Obvious Lameness • Consistently observable at the trot • Marked nodding, hitching or shortened stride • Inability to move • Minimum weight-training in motion or rest

  5. Mechanics of Equine Judging Conformation

  6. Conformation • Physical appearance of animal due to arrangement of muscle, bone and tissues • Good – overall blending of parts to make animal suitable for purpose • Basic steps involved: • Tracking – Way of Going • Profile from distance • View from front/rear

  7. Elements of Good Conformation • Attractive Head • Short, well set ears • Large, bold eyes • Short distance from eyes to muzzle • Large nostrils • Refined muzzle with shallow mouth • Sex characteristics

  8. Neck – Balance Arm • Throatlatch trim and refined • Depth of throatlatch equals one-half length of head • Top line of neck is distance from poll to withers • Bottom-line of neck is distance from throatlatch to neck-shoulder junction

  9. Balance – Single Most Important • Forms basics for movement, length of stride and performance • Equine basically proportional, but may not be balanced

  10. Slope (Angle) of Shoulder • Slope of shoulder determines top to bottom line ratios of neck as well as length of back to the length of underline • Steeper shoulder, shorter the equine’s stride • Angle of pastern correspond to angle of shoulder

  11. Top Line Includes withers, back, loin or coupling and croup From side – higher at the withers than croup Short top line and long underline Short back relative to long underline Hindquarters appear square from side view

  12. Elements of Conformation • Barrel with good spring of rib • Depth of heart girth indicative of capacity for reproduction and athletic ability • Sex characteristics reflect masculinity of jaw and heavy muscling for male or refinement and feminity of female

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