CHA Horse Conformation & Evaluation 2

Question 1

What is the ideal hoof-pastern angle for a horse's front feet?

Accepted Answer

50–55 degrees

Answer

30–35 degrees

Answer

40–45 degrees

Answer

60–65 degrees

Question 2

What conformation fault is described as 'cow hocks'?

Accepted Answer

The hocks point outward while the feet point inward when viewed from behind

Answer

The hocks are unusually large and swollen

Answer

The hind legs are camped out behind the horse

Answer

The hocks are set too high relative to the cannon bone

Question 3

What is the significance of the cannon bone length in horse conformation?

Accepted Answer

Shorter cannon bones relative to the forearm are generally preferred for soundness

Answer

Longer cannon bones indicate more stamina

Answer

Cannon bone length determines the horse's height only

Answer

Cannon bone length has no effect on performance

Question 4

What does 'sickle hocked' mean in horse conformation?

Accepted Answer

The hind cannon bone angles forward from the hock when viewed from the side

Answer

The hind legs are set too wide apart

Answer

The hocks are excessively straight

Answer

The hocks turn outward when viewed from behind

Question 5

What is the primary function of the withers in horse conformation, and why are well-defined withers important?

Accepted Answer

They provide an anchor point for shoulder muscles and help keep the saddle in place

Answer

They increase the horse's lung capacity

Answer

They indicate the horse's breed purity

Answer

They measure the horse's overall flexibility

Question 6

What does 'pigeon toed' (toe-in) mean in horse conformation, and what movement problem can it cause?

Accepted Answer

The feet point inward, often causing the horse to wing outward during movement

Answer

The feet point outward, causing the horse to paddle

Answer

The feet are unusually small relative to body size

Answer

The horse places its hind feet inside its front hoof prints

Question 7

When evaluating a horse's back in conformation, what is a 'swayback' (lordosis)?

Accepted Answer

An abnormal downward curve or dip in the topline between the withers and croup

Answer

A back that is excessively long and level

Answer

A back that is extremely short and strong

Answer

An upward arch in the back called a roach back