Conformation Clinic: Performance Horse Mares

I’m judging these three mares based on how I feel they’d succeed as performance horses. Many qualities are required of performance horses, including a good mind, but good conformation and adequate muscling will make any performance horse’s job easier on mind and body, and help preserve soundness.  I’m first looking for overall balance, from front to back and top to bottom. A well-balanced horse will have front and hind ends that match in good angles, substance, and muscling, as well as good depth to the body. I want to see a topline that’s shorter in relation to the underline, well-sloped shoulders and hips, and clean legs with structural correctness.