Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit. Explaining how conformation relates to structure and function, Heather Smith Thomas shows you how to identify a horse’s desirable attributes and potential faults. You’ll learn to train your eye to see past an animal’s physical beauty and recognize proper balance, leg angles, and height as you confidently select horses that have superior durability, trainability, and athletic potential.

The most comprehensive guide to the horse's body - inside and out - ever published. In athletics as in architecture, form follows function, and nowhere is that truth more important than in equestrian sports. The better a horse's conformation (how the animal measures up, or conforms, to the ideal standards of its breed or type), the better it will be able to perform. Using hundreds of photographs and drawings, this masterfully produced book will show you how to develop the eye that any horseman needs to assess equine conformation and anatomy. Its comprehensive text focuses on: Ideal and abnormal conformation features Balance and symmetry The relationship between conformation faults and athletic ability Colors and markings Anatomical elements, teeth, and aging Digestive, neurological, respiratory, and circulatory systems The relationship between structure and function Now in paperback, Horse Conformation is the single most valuable book on its subject and one that deserves a prominent place in every horse owner's or rider's library.

Written for those involved in riding, training or breeding today's competition horses, and especially valuable for anyone wishing to buy a horse for a chosen competition.

Contains description of the ideal dressage horse and what it takes in conformation, movement, and temperament for a prospect to go from the lower levels to Grand Prix. This work analyzes the elements of success and explains the differences (and similarities) between 'ordinary' horses and those that become international superstars.

Everything you need to know about horse anatomy is found here. Follow expert Dr. Deb Bennett as she takes an in-depth, informed look at conformation and reveals how to improve your performance and harmony with your horse. The three popular volumes of Principles of Conformation Analysis are now available in this one edition, providing the most comprehensive insight into equine structure and its effects on movement, soundness, and performance. Within these pages, you'll find: * Valuable guidelines for examining the suitability of horses for various activities * Hundreds of photos, charts, and drawings explaining various body parts and the way they work together * Detailed information on how to minimize conformational limitations and maximize your horse's performance, whatever his breed or sport * Simple methods for analyzing hind legs and detecting horses with lame backs * Exclusive lab exercises from Dr. Deb's files that offer practical help in evaluating your own horse Whether you're looking for an international dressage horse or a comfortable pleasure mount, Principles of Conformation Analysis will improve your eye for conformation.And no matter how you're involved in the horse industry--as a buyer, trainer, rider, or breeder--this book will enrich your equestrian experience.