Transcript Document 7180438

Horse Evaluation
Equine Science & Technology
Horse Evaluation
How to Select a Horse
As with other classes of farm animals, any one or a
combination of all four of the following methods may
serve as a basis for selecting horses:
1.
Individuality
2.
Pedigree
3.
Show-ring winnings
4.
Progeny testing.
Horse Evaluation
Selection based on Individuality
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The horse should be purchased within a price range that the
rider can afford.
The amateur should have a quiet, gentle, well-broke horse
that is neither headstrong nor unmanageable.
The size of the horse should be in proportion with the size
of the rider.
The horse should be well suited to the type of work to be
performed.
Horse Evaluation
Selection Based on Pedigree
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Complete pedigrees in terms (speed, show winnings, etc.)
can be useful
Pedigree selection is of special importance where animals
are so young that their individual merit cannot be
determined with any degree of certainty.
Horse Evaluation
Selection Based on Show-Ring Winnings
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Breeders of pleasure horses have long used show-ring
records as a basis of selection.
The show record may be a most valuable criterion in
indicating the utility value of a horse.
Horse Evaluation
Selection Based on Progeny Testing
Although selection based on progeny testing is the most
infallible tool available to the horse breeder, it must be
pointed out that the following limitations exist:
 Because of the relatively few offspring, it is difficult to
apply progeny testing to females.
 There is a hazard that the stallion being tested will be bred
to only a few select mares and that only the top offspring
can be tested.
Horse Evaluation
Considerations When Buying a Horse
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Although many fine horses are bought and sold at sales,
there is little opportunity to “try them out”.
Many reputable breeders or dealers will let the prospective
buyer take a horse home to try out.
The price is important.
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Although a high price may be justified for superior breeding and
performing horses, sound judgment should always prevail.
Horse Evaluation
Considerations When Buying a Horse
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Before buying a horse, the buyer should have the horse
examined by a licensed veterinarian.
The buyer should always be on the alert for possible
misrepresentations.
Horse Evaluation
What to Look For
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A horse must conform to the specific type that fits the
function it is to perform.
The horse should be true to the characteristics of the breed
that it represents.
Horse Evaluation
Balance
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Balance refers to the overall symmetry of the horse.
Balance is best evaluated by viewing the horse from the
side.
All parts should blend and appear symmetrical.
Horse Evaluation
Good Head, Neck, and Shoulders
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The head should be well proportioned to the rest of the
body, refined and clean cut, with a chiseled appearance.
The neck should be fairly long.
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It should be carried high,
Slightly arched,
Lean and muscular, and
Clean-cut above the throatlatch
with the head well set.
Horse Evaluation
Ample Chest and Barrel
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Well sprung ribs are desired.
A deep wide chest
A large, full heart girth provides needed space for vital
organs
It indicates a strong constitution
Horse Evaluation
Well-Muscled Arm, Forearm, and Gaskin
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The muscles of the arm, forearm, and gaskin should be
well developed.
The powerful muscles of the croup, thigh, and gaskin give
the animal the ability to pull, jump, or run.
Horse Evaluation
Correct Legs, Feet, and Pasterns
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“No foot, no horse.”
The legs should be straight, true, and squarely set; the bone
well placed and clearly defined.
The pasterns should be sloping; the feet large and wide at
the heels.
The hock should be large, clean, wide from front to back,
deep clean cut, and properly set.
The knee should be deep from front to rear, be wide when
viewed from the front, be straight, and taper gradually into
the leg.
Horse Evaluation
Blemishes- include those abnormalities that do not
affect the serviceability of a horse. Such unsightly
things as wire cuts, rope burns, nail punctures,
shoe boils, capped hocks, etc.
Unsoundness may be caused by any one or various
combinations of the following:
1. Bad conformation.
2. Strain and stress on the horse
Horse Evaluation
3.
4.
Accident and injury.
Nutritional deficiencies.
Horse Evaluation
Unsoundness of the Head and Neck
Blindness
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Partial or complete loss of vision.
A blind horse usually has very erect ears and a hesitant
gait.
Blindness can be detected by a veterinarian’s examination.
Horse Evaluation
Wobblers
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Number one neurological disease in horses.
Cervical Vertebral Malfunction (CVM) commonly known
as wobblers.
This condition primarily affects long-necked horses such as
Thoroughbreds.
Begins with hind-limbs as evidenced by dragging of the
toes.
Horse Evaluation
Unsoundness of the Shoulders
Sweeney
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A depression in the shoulder due to atrophied muscles.
Sweeney is caused by nerve injury and is more commonly
seen in harness horses that wear a heavy collar.
No known treatment will restore the nerve.
Horse Evaluation
Unsoundness of the limbs
Bog Spavin
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A filling of the natural depression on the inside and front of
the hock.
Common treatments include removal of excess fluid,
corticosteroid injections into the joint capsule, liniment and
pressure bandages.
Horse Evaluation
Gravel
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Usually caused by penetration of the protective covering of
the hoof by small bits of gravel or dirt.
Once material enters the soft tissue inside the wall or sole,
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Infection develops rapidly producing pus
And gas that creates pressure
And intense pain in the foot.
Horse Evaluation
Ringbone
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A bony growth on the pastern bone generally of the
forefoot, although occasionally the hind foot is affected.
The condition usually causes lameness, accompanied by a
stiff ankle.
Follows severe straining, blows, sprains, or improper
shoeing.
Horse Evaluation
Splints
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Abnormal bony growths found on the cannon bone.
Splints may enlarge and interfere with a ligament and cause
irritation and lameness.
When found on young horses the problem often disappear.
Horse Evaluation
Thrush
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A disease of the frog of the horse’s foot caused by
unsanitary conditions.
Produces a foul smell.
Treated with sanitation accompanied by trimming away the
affected frog.
Horse Evaluation
Judging Procedures for Breeding or Halter Class
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Master the terms of the horse & parts.
Have an idea in mind, and be able to recognize both
desirable characteristics and common faults.
Follow a procedure in examining:
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Front view
Rear view
Side view
Soundness and
Action.
Horse Evaluation
For more information on judging visit the University of
Kentucky College of Agriculture website below.
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/AGMANIA/HORSE/INDEX.asp