more than a picture. It is also a conformational trait that needs to be taken more seriously when reviving a breed of horse, such as the Sugarbush Draft.
If the breed simply looks at a portion of the whole - such as if a horse has a good shoulder, long back, straight legs, etc - but forgets to consider the ratio that makes the breed look like a unique breed, it will not take very many generations before the ratios begin to change. Then, the overall appearance of the breed moves from traditional to modern. Take for example the following pictures of classic and modern Percherons from the Percheron Horse Association. The image on the left is a 1939 photo of the Percheron stallion, Milaet. The one on the right is a 2013 photo of the Percheron stallion, Westwind King’s Talisman. As these pictures show, there is an obvious difference in a traditional and modern Percheron.
While the angles of the joints effect the attachment of the muscles - and in many cases predict the soundness of the animal - the ratio of body parts makes up the phenotype of the breed. Scientifically, phenotype literally means the observable expression of the genetics. But, when speaking of breeds, it also means how easily identifiable a breed or group of individuals is. Certain breeds, such as the Friesian, have a strong phenotype. These horses are always black (to be registered), have long clean lines to their bodies, high set, upright necks, and an abundance of hair. Other breeds, especially those still in a formative stage, have a less distinct phenotype.
In breeds such as the Sugarbush Draft, where outcrossing to other breeds is allowed, awareness of the conformational ratios helps breeders prevent crosses that move away from the ideal phenotype. Horses with similar body types, or phenotypes, have a greater chance of producing a foal with the same phenotype. Repeating this process eventually results in setting the "breed type" and narrowing the variance of body ratios seen in individuals of the breed.
However, the ratio of body parts is only one small part of conformation. While it is the most overlooked one, it also has the least effect on soundness and future health issues. The angles of a horse's limbs and joints can determine the horse's future disciplines as well. Each part of a horse's body matters, and while no horse is a perfect example of conformation, owners and breeders should be aware of the ideal to give their animals the best future possible.
Check back next time, where we discuss the conformation of the neck.
The Hitching Post/February, 2014 9
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