Relationships between conformation, performance and health in 4-year-old swedish warmblood riding horses

Abstract

The correlation between conformation and performance traits of 195 tested 4-year-old riding horses was estimated using a quantitative method for measuring certain conformational details as well as by traditional judging of conformation. Performance was assessed by scoring gaits and jumping under saddle. Furthermore, medical and orthopaedic status was recorded. It is concluded that the inclusion of certain quantitative conformational measurements would improve the traditional judging system as a means to predict performance, and especially gaits under saddle. Conformation, including evaluation of walk and trot at hand, accounted for 43% of the variation in gaits under saddle. Correlations between conformation and jumping ability and health were much weaker (R 2=7–10%). The femur proved to be the most important of the quantitative conformation measurements, as a long and forward sloping femur places the hindleg further forward under the horse, which facilitates the function of the hindleg and improves balance.