Next time you think your horse has a high croup, just remember this guy!
The alt text on this pic lists a few other flaws… Ok, ok, I’m referring to the short neck, thick jowl, and pig eye (although that could just be an odd photographic moment) ). His shoulders look to be at a good angle but either his elbow is high or his heartgirth is low because it looks to me like he’d have issues with range of motion stemming from the heartgirth/barrel getting in the way of the elbow.
Oh the conformation gods did not smile upon this little guy. I’m not saying he’s not a great horse, more bringing up ye old conformation debate: What conformational flaws can a horse’s innate ability and/or desire overcome?
[Of course, it all depends on what you want the horse to do!]
12 Comments
His high head and short choppy looking strides would make him not my pick for an comfortable ride. No complains on who’s been feeding him and happy not to see rock grinder spurs trying to make him do things he’s not built to do. I see so many horses go thru the sale barns with that same high goose rump and people always seem to be impressed. To me, it’s not pretty and it does make for pretty gaits because of the unlaying bone structure and angles.
My gelding is cow hocked and has no problems whatsoever looking fantastic (and I’m not just saying that because he’s mine). He also doesn’t have the best shoulder for jumping, but boy can he JUMP. He clears 4 feet with perfect form, which I consider pretty good for a 15 hand Quarab. I’m sure he could go higher with better conditioning, but I have no desire to jump that high, so I’m not going to force him to. He is also amazing at turning on a dime, probably because he just throws himself around turns rather than bending.
Again, I’m certainly not biased…
This horse has “cow pony” written all over it. I can’t quit staring at his neck though. I bet you could ride him with actual pony reins! All the horses I’ve rode that look like this are really rough. Interested in seeing other’s comments. There are lots of horses like that in my area.
I have a 16.2hh thoroughbred mare.
I ride her in pony games reins every now and again.
http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo75/precious-paris/honey13.jpg
I do sometimes wish she had a longer neck, my nose feels oddly exposed every time I’m riding her…
He’s the complete opposite of my flat crouped NSH mare
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/614577_10150974105863414_782935669_o.jpg
I hit send too soon…
This crouptastic cow pony has a lot of issues and doesn’t look to be the most comfy ride but he looks well cared for. My mare’s confo problems are: she’s long in the back which makes it hard for her to collect herself. Not impossible but it is harder for her than a compact horse.
Aaaahh… No spurs, No over-sized curb, no harsh riding – what a relief. BUT although this horse looks like he’s on steroids and so looks “strong” – is he really a weight-carrier, ie. suitable for his large rider? He’s doesn’t seem to have much bone beneath the knee and his short back is requiring a saddle that is too small for this rider, causing the rider to come down virtually on the cantle instead of in the middle of the saddle – can’t be good for the horse’s back.
Halter breeding gone wrong. Wait, that’s an oxymoron right?
I have this horse sitting in my yard … just kidding, but my QH mare looks remarkably similar. She does not, however, have his high croup. Let me tell you, she is definitely rough (like riding a lawn mower with two flat tires) but I love her anyway. Her super sweet temperament more than makes up for what she lacks in looks.
P.S. She is not a show horse, just a really good pasture pony.
Here’s the link for her picture http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i472/kateycook/annie.jpg
That is one “rugged” back end. At least he isn’t being offered as a stud who is a “soupa raare colorz”
The first photo of the horse in motion, screams to me this poor animal has a congenital defect with its spine (he does not have that happy being ridden expression). I just pray that it is not breeding stock. Would however potentially be a nice pat a pet pony for a family with no riding interests.