Conformation

When Referring to the appearance of horses, the term 'conformation' is invariably used. The conformation of a horse is the way the horse has been put together, which is effectively the bone structure beneath the skin.

A horse can be described as having' good conformation', meaning that he is considered to have been put together correctly, and in proportion and balance for the job he has been bred to do.

Alternatively, 'bad' or 'poor' conformation' describes a horse that has certain weaknesses in its frame, and that may lead to injury, or at the very least, an impaired ability to do his job.

When looking at a horse and considering its conformation, it is important to distinguish between the actual skeletal structure of the horse, and the condition the animal is in.