[prairienights]

A well-conformed horse is pretty. Even non-horsey people with untrained eyes can pick out a pretty horse. They're balanced, proportionate, all their parts seem to belong to the same horse, they have an attractive face, no legs put on backwards or anything.

I think the ideal horse would be able to stay sound after running 100 miles in a day over rough terrain, jump 5ft courses, win a race against thoroughbreds, be competetive in grand prix dressage, work cattle, and win a halter class.

[Fire_Dawn]

Originally Posted by prairienights

A well-conformed horse is pretty. Even non-horsey people with untrained eyes can pick out a pretty horse. They're balanced, proportionate, all their parts seem to belong to the same horse, they have an attractive face, no legs put on backwards or anything.

I think the ideal horse would be able to stay sound after running 100 miles in a day over rough terrain, jump 5ft courses, win a race against thoroughbreds, be competetive in grand prix dressage, work cattle, and win a halter class.

If you find a horse like that, let me know

[denraydar]

Even within the breeds there are differences in conformation that do not necessarily mean one is better than the other.
For instance the Arabians bred for show are thinner, longer necked than the Arabians bred for endurance where heavier bone is prized.
What is considered a conformational fault in one breed is considered a non-issue in others.
What does the perfect horse look like? It depends. It is kind of like picking the perfect anything, beauty dependent upon the variables, the most important being the eye of the beholder.

[ldovepaints]

Thanks Sandra and Fire! That is very helpful. Can you elaborate on the attractive face comment for each breed. I understand the Arabian "dish" face and such but have been curious about the other breeds. I have heard the term "baby doll" and "ranch" head, but don't quite understand the meaning and desirability of these terms.

Again Thank You! This is very helpful.