Conformation..again

[Cheval Gris]

So I have been reading all these posts about critiques on horse pics, so I have one for you. I am an ex pony clubber but have been out for some time. I had the same horse for 10 years so I don't have an experienced eye for conformation faults, aside from the obvious ( i was never in the market). I purchased my first OTTB as a project last year, who can jump the moon and is very smart and willing. I just wanted to know what you guys thought of his conformation faults/eventing limitations. I don't want to take him past prelim, main goal is a training 3 day. He is a little long in the pasterns and slightly over at the knee, but what else am I missing? I spent a lot of time looking at the other pics to see what you guys were pointing out, and I am getting better. I appreciate your comments! Here are the links...first time i have posted pics on here.

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/lwinningham/goodthree.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/lwinningham/goodtwo.jpg
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr84/lwinningham/goodone.jpg

[Divine Comedy]

Photos might help the process, :D

[Cheval Gris]

Are the pics showing up? First time I have posted pics!

[BCEVENTER]

Yup...they worked for me!

[Divine Comedy]

Okay, I see them now. :-)

I think his neck is a little short and set a little low. His shoulder is pretty good, although it could have a little more slope (but my horse's shoulder is in about the same spot, so if wishes were horses, lol). Nice big feet, good pastern angles, legs are pretty good although he is slightly over at the knee in his LF, not a huge problem IMO. He is set uphill, which I actually prefer in an event horse because they can carry themselves more easily. His back is a little long, which may mean that he will have difficultly pushing from the hind end, BUT it will also make it easier for him to bend. My horse is like that too, and beginning to push well from the hind end after almost two years of flat work. Just be patient, it will come.

Overall, I quite like him, and I think he will do great for your chosen goals.

By the way, if you want to get practice looking at conformation, try fuglyhorseoftheday. She often posts pictures of crap horses and points out their flaws, which gave me great practice on seeing flaws.

[rennyben]

I think he's lovely! I'm not at all an expert, but in the 10 secs. I looked at the photo I saw nothing that jumped out ... he just looks like he can run and jump. Have fun!!!

[Cheval Gris]

Thanks for you alls input!! It is always fun to see what people think, especially when you are pretty new to the breed like me. He is a jumping machine though! I cant wait to see how he progresses, and yes, it is a slow process!

[HandsomeBayFarm]

No bareback riding for you, my dear. Ouch!

Otherwise, nice horse.

[ThirdCharm]

I don't see anything that really jumps out at me--you can nitpick ANY horse, but nothing that would make me turn him down!--he looks like a pretty athletic, useful type.

Jennifer

[TB or not TB?]

Agreed with everyone else. I really like him. He also has a lot of substance which some TBs lack. Once he develops a topline he will be a real stunnner!
I like his withers actually - seems to indicate good jumping ability. Decent hind end. Over at the knee doesn't bother me at all. If I were looking for a personal prospect and saw a pic of him, I'd go take a look. :) Good luck! I bet you'll have a grand time.

[CookiePony]

I like him too and don't think his neck is set on all that low. I hope his temperament is as nice as his conformation seems to be.

Careful with saddle fit-- remember that not all horses with high withers need narrow trees!

[purplnurpl]

I always find it interesting that so many people find 'over at the knee' a fault.
that's what I look for in a horse that will go the distance.

If he's got the will and heart then with some hard work and grit you will accomplish all of your goals on him. : )

Have fun.

[Cheval Gris]

He has a great attitude, one of the sanest OTTB i have ever seen! He has quite a round jump which I am still adjusting to, coming from a flat QH. Believe it or not, he already weighs 1200lbs and wears a wide tree saddle. He was pretty thin when I got him so he has come a long way. I can't wait to see him after another year of flat work! Bringing these TBs along is so fun! I don't think I will ever go back!:winkgrin:

[Gry2Yng]

Really like him. Have had two OTTB's that are over at the knee. One did a two star and was only held back by me. The other is too green to tell, but in all respects she ROCKS. She was a canter cutie from earlier this year.