Saturday, June 8, 2013

Laokoon: Show jumper

It's hard to tell from the action shots, but IMHO this horse has unusual conformation for a sport horse. What an amazing jump! He has lots of good points -- great shoulder, neck ties in beautifully -- but also an awfully long back, and  somehow it seems like if the saddle was removed, the wither would be the lowest point on his body :-). Obviously he's not hindered. My point is not to criticize this amazing horse -- but I guess you don't need perfect conformation for performance.



6 comments:

  1. He does seem as if he is shaped like a hotdog! But also what a calm show jumper he is. I bet he'd be great on the hunt field.

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  2. That is where heart comes in. And, heart can count for a lot in ratio with conformation. I see tremendous heart in that horse. You're right; that back is Dachsund-long.

    My Friesian sport horse is not ideally built for speed or jumping. But, try to tell HIM that. He LOVES it and has beat TBs in "their own sport" because he has heart. Now, do I have to be cautious as far as wear and tear? Absolutely. Nothing a bit of Joint Max Triple, careful hillwork and stretching can't solve. Plus, I won't take him up levels even though he technically could do it. He's simply happy being able to do it ... no matter what level. :)

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  3. Sure looks like he loves to jump, though.

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  4. Super jumper! That was one long and challenging course too...a true test of any good horse.

    As for conformation? As they say, "Pretty is as pretty does."

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  5. SportPoneez is right--it is all about the heart. I'm sure there are a lot of Grand Prix dressage horses that aren't "built" for it--and some trainer made such a pronouncement--but no one ever told the horse. Many of them have such heart they would turn themselves inside out to do as asked.

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  6. A horse can have perfect conformation but no heart for the job. It's a package deal that makes up the "right stuff" for the job. This one is calm and determined. Great video.

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