Conformation Clinic: Performance Geldings

Evaluate and place these performance geldings. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s. Judging conformation in classes such as this class of geldings is based on the categories of balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and muscle, in that order of priority. In assessing balance, I look for whether the horse is divisible into thirds with his shoulder, midsection, and hindquarters being of equal lengths. The structural correctness category is based on bone structure, and this can also affect balance. For example, an upright shoulder is often seen with a long middle section when dividing the horse into thirds.