Conformation in Dressage horse by Tracy Towns B Ed, Equine Studies Student

Most dressage movements are performed from the hind quarters, so it is very important that these are sound and powerful. Other important conformation points are slope of shoulder and pastern, and ‘uphill’ build, and a long slightly sloping croup. A horse possessing these conformation traits are likely to find it easier to perform high level dressage movements (with correct training), whilst maintaining soundness over the number of years it takes to achieve this.

‘built uphill’
It is preferable for a dressage horse to be ‘built uphill’, meaning the withers sit higher than the croup. This assists the horse in collection or working ‘off the forehand’ and enables it to transfer and carry weight on the hind limbs (see Fig. 2). An indication of this is the line between the widest point at the base of the horses neck and the actual position of the lumbosacral joint (located about 4” lower than the ‘hollow spot’ in the loins). The line between these two points should run slightly uphill. A downhill line infers that the horse will find it difficult to lighten the forehand. However, a horse that is too ‘uphill’ can suffer strains to rear joints.(Bennett, 1996)
Figure 3. Linda O’Leary and Gaisborough Donner Bella, displaying movement ‘off the forehand’
Raising the forehand is a biomechanical skill which greatly enhances the ability of the dressage horse. It is this action which allows the horse to shift its centre of gravity and weight from the forehand to its hind. This allows the foreleg to move forward with greater freedom. This occurs as the horse raises its head and neck, contracts serratus ventralis and raises the thorax. Flexion of the hock then occurs and the subsequent drop in hindquarters moves the centre of gravity back enough to release weight off the forehand. (Pilliner et al, 2002).

High set neck
There are varying opinions regarding the length of neck required for the elite dressage horse. Assuming that an average length is appropriate, the neck should be well set from the line of shoulder, that is, placed higher than halfway up the shoulder line. The lower part of the S curve should be short, with a long upper curve. This structure makes it easy for the horse to work on the bit, and to achieve a neck telescoping gesture (Bennett, 1988). Head and neck position influence back movements, especially at the walk. The neck in a high position compromises stride length and stride characteristics (Rhodin et al, 2005). This indicates that a well set neck can assist in the quality of stride of the horse.

Rectangular back
The horses’ length of back should be in proportion to its body. If the back is too short then saddle placement can become difficult and movement restrictive. If the back is too long, it is more difficult for the horse to shift its centre of gravity to carry weight on its hindquarters, and the rider’s weight sits in an unsupported section of the back. (Schumacher, 1998) This is likely to cause pain and weakness in the back for this type of horse.

Deep set withers
The withers of a dressage horse should be high and well set into the back. The withers act as a fulcrum, which assists in raising the back to carry a rider using the ‘elastic ring’. This also assists in correct saddle placement, so that the rider sits closer to the horses’ centre of gravity (CG). This makes it easier for the horse to shift the CG to the hind quarters as required. (Schumacher, 1998)

Straight Forelimb
The front limbs of a dressage horse should ideally be straight to enable straight and unrestricted movement. Any conformation that shows paddling, or toeing out is undesirable. The dressage horse does however, work extensively from its hocks, it is more likely to be able to cope with minor structural imperfections of the foreleg than some other disciplines (Bennett, 1989).

Long sloping shoulder
A long sloping shoulder, with large angle at elbow, is desirable in the dressage horse. An upright shoulder predisposes the horse to high knee action, which is not conducive to lengthening and extending the stride as is required in a dressage test. A long, correctly angled scapula will allow for a longer stride length (Pilliner et al, 2002).

Long humerus
A long humerus is also desirable in the dressage prospect. This increases the horses ability to move the elbow away from the torso either toward the front or to the side (Bennett, 1988)
Adduction and abduction movements are required for the horse to move laterally. These movements are allowed only through the shoulder joint (Denoix and Pailloux, 2001). To achieve these movements the shoulder joint must be unrestricted by a saddle. Figure 4. Diagram showing movements of adduction (left) and abduction (right) (Denoix and Pailloux, 2004) http://www.eques.com.au/dressage/jan06/figure3.gif

Long pastern with good angle
A dressage prospect must have reasonable length and slope to their pasterns, otherwise the suspension and cadence they require in their gait is not possible (Marks, 2000)
The angle of pastern should be similar to the angle of shoulder to reduce stress on the pastern, fetlock and knee joints (Bennett, 1988) See picture: http://www.eques.com.au/dressage/jan06/pastern-conformation.gif A- normal angulation of hoof and pastern B – short upright pastern predisposing to injuries of the fetlock joint, ringbone of the pastern joint and navicular bursitis C- long up right pastern predisposes to injuries of the fetlock joint and navicular bursa. This type of conformation does not seem to predispose to ringbone as often as does B. Figure 5 – Examples of pastern conformation (Adams, 1974)

Short loins, long croup bone
Most dressage horses work extensively from their hind quarters, and most high level movements require the horse to carry most of its weight behind. Therefore, the hind limb of the dressage athlete must demonstrate strength, soundness, the ability to ‘collect’ or carry weight on its hind limbs. The ability of the hind quarter to compress and to release energy is critical in correct passage and piaffe. An ideal dressage athlete should have short loins, be close coupled, with a croup that is long and slightly sloping. Ideally the lumbosacral joint lies as far forward as possible, which then makes the croup bone long. This enables more leverage is available to the horse during collection. (Bennett, 1989)

Long forward sloping femur
A long forward sloping femur in a horse will help to extend its gaits by the ability to advance hind limbs under its body. (Marlin and Nankervis, 2002)

Angulated hock
A strong, well angulated hock is able to flex easily and achieve more collection. (Pilliner, Elmhurst and Davies, 2002) It must be noted however, that too much angulation will cause undue pressure on the joints in this region. (Bennett, 1989).

Diagonal Advanced Placement or DAP
A relatively new concept of Diagonal Advanced Placement or DAP (Holmstrom, 1980?), refers to a specific movement quality whereby the horses’ hind hoof contacts the ground milliseconds before the front hoof in the trot. Dr Clayton (2005), suggest that these horses have their withers and shoulders elevated relative to the haunches. This would suggest that these are the more ‘uphill’ horses. Some suggest that this is an ideal measure of a naturally well gaited dressage horse.

Conclusion
The elite dressage horse is indeed a great athlete demonstrating strength, balance and power. The most important skill for the horse to obtain is that of engagement and collection which is required to be able to perform the difficult high level dressage movements.
Most horses are capable of performing to preliminary or novice levels of competition; few have the conformation, strength and temperament to compete within the highest levels.
Specific conformation traits make it easier for the dressage horse to perform its task, and take it to high levels whilst maintaining soundness. The most important of these conformation traits are in the horses’ hind quarters, as for the majority of movement the horse needs to carry its weight on its hind.

See original article here: http://www.eques.com.au/dressage/jan06/conformation_dressage_horse.htm