The Horse Conformation Handbook

Author: Heather Smith Thomas

Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit and sound during a long life of service. In this comprehensive volume, Heather Smith Thomas explains how conformation relates to structure and function and what to look for when evaluating a horse. She teaches you to see beyond a horse’s physical beauty to identify desirable attributes and potential faults, and with copious illustrations and explanations trains your eye to recognize the hallmarks of soundness, durability, trainability, and athletic potential.

Thomas begins with an in-depth discussion of equine anatomy and general principles of conformation, then addresses the critical components of horse evaluation: body proportion and balance, body and leg angles, and height. Next, she covers real-world applications of the principles of good conformation, including helping a horse succeed by matching him with the right job. She also explains how to detect “heart,” that indefinable quality that distinguishes a horse from his peers and motivates him to excel. The book concludes with a special tutorial that will train your eye to see what Thomas sees when evaluating a horse.

Whether you're buying your first horse, choosing a horse for a competitive sport, selecting breeding stock, or simply want to learn more about your equine companion, The Horse Conformation Handbook is an invaluable reference.

Softcover
Pages: 400
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 7/8
Color: Illustrations throughout