Someone mentioned something about downward sloping backs and the problems
fitting saddles to them. I am an equine massage therapist, and while I will
not mention a specific breed, I call that type of conformation an "Impressive
back". The breed, and that specific conformational DEFECT, is my bread and
butter as a therapist. (along with the problems their eenyteeny feet they
also were bred for cause).
It looks nice, I suppose (not to me, but then, I am old fashioned) but
it's not a very good back when it comes to packing a saddle and rider.
Compare photos of horses of that breed thirty years ago-nice, level, STRONG
backs, that could carry a western saddle and rider all day long. Now the poor
things look like they are standing with their forefeet in a hole. I can
honestly say, I make a lot of money massaging horses with this type of back.
This is my humble opinion. I do not mean to hammer anybody who is breeding
for
this type of conformation. Please, I don't want e mail from some rabid fan of
the breed, frothing at the mouth and telling me I am an idiot who "don't know
squat about horses". Perhaps the breed could benefit from a little
constructive criticism. I DO know squat about horses, and I do know what a
good back looks like. As long as people are breeding for sloping backs, I
will make money massaging their hurting horses.
Again Thanks, and that's my two cents worth, whatever it may be worth.
Michelle