[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by Moostang

I don't know.. maybe we should make an exception for the late great Secretariat

ROFLMAO. When I'm done laughing at myself I'll be embarrased!!!!

[Acme Acres]

Originally Posted by Lou3

lol they really do look for different things in the stock horse world then. Based off conformation alone I REALLY dislike him. neck ties in too low, croup like a ski slope, hocks too straight, weak loin attachment front legs seriously crooked (in both pictures).

But then I have never cared much for what he produced in the breeding sheds either.

His hocks are great. They're not sickle hocked and they're far from posty. And I see neither front leg being crooked. Further more if he was (like we ask from many people) stood up square, it certainly wouldn't do him any harm. As far as being a producer, sure he didn't do well with is get on the track, but as we all know, as a broodmare sire, he was great... and that's VERY important!

I dare you to look at 99% of ALL stallions that have been shown and tell me you'd breed to them when they get into true pasture condition. A good number of broodies too are the ones that look the worst but produce the best.

[Lou3]

how can you not see his front legs being crooked? He is blatantly and severely over at the knee showing very clearly in both pictures.

[Kissitgoodbye]

Yes he may be a little over the knees, but obviously that didn't stop him. Not all horses are going to be perfect.

And again that didn't stop him from being a great race horse.

[Acme Acres]

Over at the knees and crooked legs are two different things (to me). And I'd gladly take one a little "over" than one that's calfkneed!

[JBandRio]

Blatantly and severely over at the knee? Hardly!! Mildly? Yes, but at his age (and he's definitely a Sr stallion in those pictures) it's not something unheard of given general body aches and pains.

THIS is bordering on "blatantly and severely" over at the knee:

(that's St Simon, racehorse from the late 1800s)

And another:

[JBandRio]

This one too, most likely due to poorly trimmed feet (as is likely the case in the 2nd one I posted above)


The same horse after a good trim:


Both of those, and this horse's story, are from http://www.barefootbasics.co.uk/jamieAddInfo.htm

[Acme Acres]

Yes! JB has great examples of over at the knee!

[JBandRio]

The grande ol' boy in his younger days:


You can see his neck isn't nearly so thick - that was a product of aging and sagging muscles.

[Sandra-A1]

Secretariat was considered by many to have near-perfect conformation.

Secretariat's stud career wasn't unsuccessful, but while he passed on to his sons many outstanding characteristics, none of them displayed their sire's ability to sprint for a mile and a half, annihilating top notch fields and world records in the process.

His greatest star was a daughter, Lady's Secret. Horse of the Year in 1986, and an impressive performer despite her lack of size

Also notable was Secretariat's son General Assembly. A beautiful colt, he inherited his father's good looks, conformation, and even some of his speed.

As a broodmare sire, Secretariat had much greater success, and was responsible for the remarkable mare Weekend Surprise, dam of Horse of the Year and Belmont Stakes winner A.P. Indy as well as Preakness winner Summer Squall. Secretariat's daughters also produced Storm Cat, Chief's Crown, Dehere, and more.