>So I am curious what other have noticed, and how their horses
>travel. Is there an "ideal" for endurance horses?
>This may not be clear, I am talking about watching them trot
>from behind.
>
hello,
Star has the worst conformation you have ever seen on a horse (and if my
husband ever gets his page together, you could see a picture). He is
extremely sickle hocked and rotates his legs inward as he moves. His hind
feet come very close together but he has never interfered. When I ride
behind him, I can't look just because it gives me the willies watching him
move - I can't believe he does as well as he does. Star has the fastest
trot around and can maintain a steady trail trot for hours - just don't ask
him to corner at speed without doing some heavy collection first. He has
torn all the ligaments in my left ankle and fallen on me several times
early on when I didn't collect for a sharp turn (he has learned his lesson
and collects himself now - gotta love dressage). All-in-all, I would never
have bought a horse with conformation like his but it works. He is a very
successful trail horse and eventer and I couldn't ask for more! I do not
put boots on him and his legs are strong and solid despite his
shortcomings. Horses can overcome a lot conformational insufficiencies and
I do not think there is such a thing as an "ideal" endurance horse except
one that gets down the trail safely and soundly.
Shannon Loomis and Quail Meadow Star (with many more miles left to go)