Conformation Critique - Help Please?

[simons-mum]

I went to see this little cob today. He's 15.1 and 14 yrs old. He seems a little stiff behind but owner thinks he got kicked in the field yesterday. Great as I am at taking pictures on my mobile i'm rubbish at judging conformation. so would appreciate your thoughts

He is very short-backed and has been ridden in a 17 inch saddle for the last 10 years, it doesn't seem to go back further than his rib-cage tho, and of course he'd be vetted before i make my final decision!

 

[IrishDQ]

I think he looks like a nice compact little chap but then I'm no expert on confo he has a sweet face too, good luck!

 

[Doeylicious]

From the marks left by the saddle, it looks as tho it is being worn way too far forward. I would definitely say he needs a new one going on those marks.

Not very good on confo I am afraid tho!

 

[simons-mum]

Saddle isn't coming with him anyway, so I would get one fitted, i can manage in a 16 inch saddle fairly comfortably if need be.

 

[PinkFloyd]

High at the withers and like you say short backed also his backside needs building up, maybe slightly cow hocked and hocks pretty upright but not enough to put me off, abit over at the knee but could be the angle, his chest looks abit narrow & quite far over and this may mean hes abit heavy through the reins when ridden. sorry its sounds like im really critisising him but overall I do like the look of him hes nice and full through the girth, and his neck and bum would look fantastic once built up, he has afew flaws (but dont we all lol) If he passed the vetting and he suits you I wouldnt let his conformation put you off, on first glance hes already pleasing to look at and with the right work would look even better. Good luck let us know what happens! x

 

[Doeylicious]

Saddle isn't coming with him anyway, so I would get one fitted, i can manage in a 16 inch saddle fairly comfortably if need be.

cool, just wanted to add my two pennorth.

He reminds me of ILurfSmurfs Murphy, but smaller, he has that same 'let me be your friend!' look on his face!

 

[simons-mum]

sorry its sounds like im really critisising him

Not at all! Exactly why I posted, thanks!

 

[hepsibah]

He looks a wee bit roach backed and straight through the hocks. He definitely looks uncomfortable and tense in his rear end which could indicate problems with his back or hips. His front feet are turned out a little and his front legs are a little further under him than they could be.
Nothing too terrible. What is he like? Did you get along with him?

 

[simons-mum]

He looks a wee bit roach backed and straight through the hocks. He definitely looks uncomfortable and tense in his rear end which could indicate problems with his back or hips. His front feet are turned out a little and his front legs are a little further under him than they could be.
Nothing too terrible. What is he like? Did you get along with him?

He's a complete star to ride, exactly what I'm looking for, would have preferred him a little younger and am concerned how he'd cope with moving having lived in the same place for the last 10 years with one owner

 

[disgruntled]

I would take the old "kicked in the field excuse" with a large pinch of salt! His hocks are very straight and the stiffness may be as a result of wear and tear on them. If you are having a vetting though, fine!

 

[Charlemagne]

I'm no expert on confirmation, but my immediate thought was he is very upright through his hocks/stifles no angulation there. I notice this as my Charlie is the same and suffers from locking stifles (i'm not saying this cob will have the same problem but it's just something I notice). It's not stopped my Charlie from doing anything and as long as you get him vetted, it'll be fine. x