Conformation of Horses Presentation Part 2: Head and Neck #8893-B

Head Head shape varies by breed Affects the field of vision and balance

Head From the front and side From the side triangular shaped jaw should be deep head tapering to a smaller-sized muzzle

Head If the head is too large, the vision can be restricted. Should not be too long or too short Should be in proportion with the rest of the body.

Head Length between eyes and muzzle is very important. Turbinates reside in the muzzle and heat and cool the inhaled air before it enters the lungs. Turbinates – soft, bony structures in the head that are supplied with large amounts of blood.

Head If the head is too big, the center of gravity is shifted forward Extremely long and narrow heads have a large blind spot in front of them.

Head Arabian horse Opposite is Roman nose dish-shaped face improved vision Opposite is Roman nose convex shaped impaired vision

Head - Jaw Upper and lower teeth must meet evenly to avoid eating problems Parrot mouth - upper jaw too long Undershot jaw - short upper jaw Both can be heritable

Head - Eyes Large, clear, set on the side of the head Wide set allow for almost 360 degree field of vision Pig-eyed - small eyes set too far back in the head

Head - Ears Ears should not be: too far apart droopy set too close together

Neck Head and neck function as balance mechanism Ideal neck: long and trim clean throatlatch below and behind the jaw where the head and neck meet

Neck Clean throatlatch provides enough space between the jaw, throat, and neck Allows the head and neck to move without difficulty

Neck Wasty throatlatch leads to difficulty with breathing Neck should blend smoothly into the shoulder and tie high into the throatlatch

Neck Necks that are undesirable include: Arched neck Swan neck Eye neck Close-coupled neck Necks that insert too low or too deep into the chest

Neck