The Horse Conformation Handbook

Thomas begins with an in-depth discussion of equine anatomy and the importance of balance and proportion. She also explains how to detect "heart," that indefinable quality that distinguishes a horse from his peers and compels him to excel. The book concludes with real-world applications of the principles of good conformation, including helping a horse succeed by matching him with the right job and what the conformation of the aging horse can tell you.

Horses with good conformation move fluidly, experience less wear and tear on joints, and are more apt to stay fit and sound during a long life of service. Whether you're buying your first horse, choosing breeding stock, or simply want to learn more about your equine companion, The Horse Conformation Handbook will help you understand horses better than ever before.

Conformation refers to a horse's shape and the configuration of its body parts. Thomas, an expert on horses and an experienced writer on the subject, offers an extensive information guide for assessing a horse's conformation for riding purposes as well as for buying or breeding. She first describes a horse's anatomy and the principles of conformation, categorized by body part. She then details how to evaluate this anatomy in terms of proportion, angle, height, movement, athleticism, type, and "soundness," in addition to assessing an older horse. Included are diagrams, a glossary, and case studies, in which six photographs of horses are analyzed. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Heather Smith Thomas raises cattle and horses on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho. She is the author of 10 books and thousands of articles on animal health care. Her books include Essential Guide to Calving, Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle, and Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle.