CONFIRMATION EVALUATION

42- Leg stands too tar forward/back ( 5-10 )[ 19, 2l, 68 , 7 1 , 7 2]

The slope of the hoof and pastern has a direct relationship as to how the horse stands in the rear. An angle of 50-55 degrees is allowed.

Excessive angulation of the hock joint by the leg being extremely forward is called Sickle Hocks. It is quite common, and very poor conformation.

43- Leg stands too straight ( 5-10 ) [ 21,86,89]

Now that I have you concentrating on the angle made by the leg and hock, let me caution that if there is none, if the leg is well under the horse, and the line only parallels the rear edge of the cannon bone, then the stance is too straight.

Special attention should be paid to this, as without the guide lines, it would appear that this conformation is correct. Instead, this happens to be a condition that is prone to a number of problems.

44- Cocked ankle ( 10 ) [40]

Also, I mentioned before that a horse will rest a rear leg by shifting his weight, ''cocking'' one ankle. This is not at all the same as Cocked Ankles, or Knuckled Fetlocks, observed when both feet are standing flat on the ground. If in doubt, check for a broken hoof to pastern axis.