CHA Horse Conformation & Evaluation 3

Question 1

What is 'forging' in horse movement, and which conformation flaw can contribute to it?

Accepted Answer

The hind foot strikes the front foot or shoe; often caused by a long back or short underline

Answer

Forging is when the toe of the hind foot strikes the sole or shoe of the front foot; it is commonly related to a long back, short underline, or horse that is not collected.

Question 2

What is 'tracking up' in horse movement, and why is it significant?

Accepted Answer

The horse's hind hoofprint lands in the same spot or ahead of the front hoofprint, indicating good engagement

Answer

Tracking up means the hind hoof lands in or beyond the print left by the front hoof, indicating good impulsion, engagement, and correct movement.

Question 3

What conformation fault is described as 'base narrow' when viewed from the front?

Accepted Answer

The feet are set closer together than the legs at the chest

Answer

Base narrow means the feet are closer together than the width of the chest, which increases stress on the outside of the limbs and can predispose to stumbling.

Question 4

What does 'dishing' or 'paddling' describe in horse movement, and which conformation fault commonly causes it?

Accepted Answer

The foot swings outward; caused by being toe-out (splay-footed)

Answer

Dishing/paddling refers to the lower leg swinging outward during the stride, and it is typically caused by toes that point outward (splay-footed or toe-out conformation).

Question 5

What does 'camped out behind' mean in horse conformation?

Accepted Answer

The hind legs are positioned too far backward behind the point of the buttocks

Answer

Camped out behind means the hind legs are placed well behind the point of the buttocks rather than under the body, limiting the horse's ability to engage its hindquarters.

(CHA) Certified Horsemanship Association Practice Test

(CHA) Certified Horsemanship Association Practice Test

CHA Horse Conformation & Evaluation 3