4-H Model Horse Project

DATE:		Monday, September 05, 2005
TIME:		2:00 p.m.
PLACE:		Castle Toys
TOPIC:		Conformation
INSTRUCTOR:	Twyla

The term "conformation" means how a horse is put together.

Reference Books:

Conformation & Performance by Nancy Loving 
		ISBN 914327-75-5

Eyewitness Handbook of Horses by Elwyn Hartly Edwards

The Ultimate Horse Book by Elwyn Hartly Edwards

The Breyer Value Guide (can order a copy through Castle Toys)

Terminology:

Sickle Hock - the leg curves inward too much
Post Leg - the horse's leg is too straight
Goose Neck - the neck is too shallow / narrow resulting in reduced air flow
Toed Out - foot / feet stick out to sides
Toed In - foot / feed face inwards
Lazy Expression - no expression on horse's face
Narrow Base - the legs are too close together for the horse's body frame
Cow Hocks - the back legs are too close and the feet stick out. 
(This is good for heavy workhorse breeds but an imperfection for lighter breeds)

Breed Notes:

Arabians have short backs because they have one less vertebra and one less rib 
than other breeds

 
Model Notes:

A general rule for estimating the proper conformation of your model is that the 
lengths of the head, neck, back and hips should all be equal.

If your model is an original finish (OF) ensure it has a hole in it, otherwise 
the model will bloat.

Breed assignment is crucial in showing.  Judges mark the models based on how well 
the models mirror the specified breeds.

When showing your model, you may wish to make a note card stating special remarks 
and/or add a photo or postcard to illustrate comparisons between your model and 
the actual animals.

Huckleberry Bey is a good Morab model (Morgan / Arabian cross breed).

Use fleece or terry bags to carry or store your models in.  Marks and imperfections 
will result in reduced marks from judges.

JAH (Just About Horses) Magazine offers coupons for a chance to win or be eligible 
to buy special models.  This is a nice way to get unique or special edition models.

Special edition Christmas horse models usually become available in October.

All model equipment must be functional.  Example: If using a model jump in a diorama, 
the horizontal poles must come be removable just like the jumps used in show jumping.

The 3 Cs for selecting your model horse:
1.	CONFORMATION
2.	CONDITION
3.	COLLECTIBILITY

Model horse shows in the United States tend to focus more on collectibility than Canadian
shows do.  A show in the USA may assign different judges and ribbons based on condition, 
conformation and/or collectibility.


Collect the models you love,
regardless of which ones will fare better in model horse shows.




(Note: from Amanda)
Special Thanks to Michelle & Colby for providing us with these notes from the workshop/meeting.