What is the status of horses? This concept refers to the anatomical formations of the body of an animal that perform a particular function. When evaluating horses, priority is given to gender, age, and general he alth. To become a horse is determined not only by individual anatomical features, but also in general, taking into account the characteristics of the physique and how typical certain features are for a particular breed.
What is the exterior?
When determining the exterior of a horse, to become a horse, experts are guided by some general criteria. They relate primarily to the proportionality of the structure of the body of the animal. A well-built horse has a better balance of anatomical formations. Such animals are less prone to developing diseases and are considered more suitable for specific tasks. As practice shows, the presence of pronounced defects in the exterior leads to the fact that the horse becomes unable to implement certain techniques according to the owner's command. Such animals, as a rule, have a "recalcitrant" character.
Head
Assessing become horses, specialistsnote how the presented anatomical formation is light and dry, whether it is in harmony with other parts of the body and, above all, with the trunk. It is believed that a large, massive head disfigures a thoroughbred animal, visually adds extra weight to it. Indeed, with this feature, the load on the front legs increases. As a result, the overall balance of the horse's body is disturbed. An obvious disadvantage is also the presence of a disproportionately small head in the animal.
When determining the quality of a horse's body, experts look at the size of the slap - the distance between the ramifications of the lower jaw. The indicator is reflected in the nature of the animal's breathing during physical exertion. Ideally, it should be clean and deep. Here, the presence of wide and large nostrils is also distinguished as an advantage.
Ears should be symmetrical. It is necessary that their value meets the standard requirements that apply to the breed. For example, in Arabian horses, the ears are lyre-shaped and somewhat turned inward. Animals of the Akhal-Teke breed have straight and long ears.
When evaluating the horse's body, the structure of the head, attention is paid to the eyes. In he althy horses, they have a clean structure without turbidity and spots, whitish formations. In a professional horse breeding environment, it is believed that the real decoration of the animal is the presence of wide-open large eyes. Inexpressive, somewhat sunken and small eyes are often called “porkish” by experts.
Of particular importance when assessing the exterior of an animal iscondition of the teeth. The age of a horse is determined by their shape, shade and length. Juveniles have incisors widely spaced according to a semicircle. In older horses, the arcade of the teeth narrows, the anatomical structures tilt in the frontal direction and lengthen.
Neck
Considering the question of what articles are evaluated in horses, it is worth talking about the neck. This anatomical formation plays a crucial role in terms of maintaining the correct balance for animals when moving. Horses, which are bred by selectors for the purpose of riding in teams and moving heavy loads, have a short and massive neck. In riding breeds, it is refined and long. It is considered normal if the neck of the animal is set at a slope of 45o in relation to the horizon.
Krup
The croup is called the back of the horse's torso. Part of the body forms the pelvic and sacral bones. The most powerful and important muscle structures during the movement of the animal are attached to the latter. So, the horse's agility, lifting and traction power depend on the degree of development of the gluteal and femoral muscles of the horse.
Assessing all aspects of a horse, experts look for the presence of a wide, at the same time long and fleshy croup. In this case, the presence of short legs is considered a disadvantage. Indeed, with such a body structure, during movement, the animal is forced to sway to the sides to maintain balance. An obvious disadvantage is also a narrow and short croup. In this case, the so-called notching of the hind limbs during movement is observed.
About high "quality"a thoroughbred animal is indicated by the presence of well-developed, massive, clearly visible muscles in the croup. On the contrary, the roof-shaped form of this part of the body indicates the poverty of the muscles. After all, such outlines of the croup are formed when the sacral bones protrude.
Back
Evaluate the presented anatomical formation according to the width, length, massiveness and shape. Race horses should have a strong and short back. This feature of the body structure contributes to the optimal distribution of the load from the forelimbs to the hind limbs. At the same time, the presence of a too short dorsal part is considered a disadvantage. At the same time, poor mobility of the animal and a shaky gait are observed.
Chest
This part of the horse's exterior is the thoracic spine, ribs and sternum. The performance of the animal directly depends on the length, volume, width and depth of the presented anatomical formation. Allure breeds of horses have a more developed chest according to depth. In this case, the ribs are slightly deflected back. This structure contributes to the creation of optimal leverage for the graceful movement of the limbs. Heavy-duty breeds have the widest and shortest chest.
Shovels
The scapula is formed by a massive bone of a flat shape, which contains prominent muscles. This part of the body is responsible for driving the front limbs of the animal. When evaluating the horse's position, attentionis given to how oblique the shoulder blade is. Experts also look at its length. The sweeping movement of the horse, grace and beauty of movements depend on these parameters.
Sports breeds have more sloping and longer shoulder blades. In cargo horses, the presented anatomical formation is shorter and straighter in relation to the body.
Limbs
The muscles of the front legs of a horse are much less developed compared to the hind legs. When evaluating the limbs, attention is paid to the degree of development of the femurs. They should be long and contain textured, prominent muscles. In this case, the horse shows a wider step.
Meaning has the character of the lower leg. It is either long or short. The presence of a muscular lower leg is considered the dignity of any individual, regardless of breed. In trotting, racehorses, the presented part of the body is much longer compared to draft horses.
Fetters
The track structure connects the shins and hooves, is responsible for the depreciation of the animal during movement. The more developed this anatomical structure, the more enduring the horse and the softer its move. Normally, the fetters of the forelimbs should be inclined at an angle of 60o relative to the horizon. The disadvantage of an individual is the presence of direct and short paths. After all, this feature leads to increased rigidity.
Hooves
In the course of evolutionary development, the front finger of the animal was transformed into a supporting keratinized structure. The base of the hoof is formed by the navicular and coronoid bones. On the frontin the legs of a horse, they are usually more massive. In heavy-duty breeds, the hooves are the largest and contain an elongated frog. Sport horses have steeper support structures with a smaller frog, and a firmer, tighter interior.
Individual breeds of horses can have a variety of hoof colors. They are as dark as possible, striped, mixed according to shade and almost white. The lighter such anatomical formations, the less durable they are.
Elbow
Estimating the main parts of the horse, experts also look at the elbow. Preference is given to individuals in which such an anatomical formation is well developed and tightly pressed against the chest. The elbow protruding to one of the sides indicates an insufficiently high-quality development of the muscles of the shoulder part of the animal's body. The presence of a deficiency leads to the spreading of the limbs in the process of movement. The clipping effect can lead to injuries that occur when one foot hits the other randomly.
Tail
Such anatomical formation should be in the horse on the same line with the croup. Experts give preference to individuals that have a mobile tail and are able to hold it when flying away. The presence of a massive, bushy tail is considered as a negative point in assessing the exterior. After all, it is considered a sign characteristic of distant ancestors. Too thin, weak tail indicates the fragility of the constitution of the animal.
