Appaloosa Foal Conformation

Well, I think most people know I'm an Appy fan for life! I recently found a foal that I am in love with and it happens to be even better than my dream color of Champagne, she's a Gold Cream Champagne...

I'm curious what one looks for in a foal to judge if the foal will turn out to be a pretty nicely conformed horse.

While there are a ton of ifs surrounding if I'll ever be able to own this filly, any information I learn here will only help me in the long run.

I currently do not have the owners permission to post her pictures but I did ask. In the meantime, if anyone can provide the basics, I'd be very thankful!

Oh, and pictures of other foals that are really nice will help me to compare them to her so pictures are great.

Here's what I like to look for. Study the mare and sire, see their strengths and weaknesses and how they've performed. Maybe ask for a string test on the foal to approximate the height.





Here's Lily. I like to look for a horse that's well proportioned in 3rds. The neck/shoulder is the same size as the barrel and the same size as the hindquarters. I like a short back. I also like good angles. I think it's a 45 degree angle on the shoulder that matches the angle of the croup. I also like nicely angled pasterns. Not upright, not too long. A natural topline is also a plus, and also a nice neck that ties into the head. A small pretty head is a preference of mine. I also like minimal color. I forgive butt-highness unless either one of their parents is butt high. I also like to see them use themselves at the lope and trot. I also like a kind eye and a willing personality.

I sent you a PM about the filly I'm in love with:) Lily is adorable and thanks for the advice. Sometimes people are so technical and confusing but I totally understood.

Oh of course you put Lily! Perfect little Lily and none of my little Poppy!

I think you know by now I am jealous that you get to spend all day with both those girls.

:P Fine, here's Poppy for comparison of a shorter, western style horse.

It really depends on what you're looking to get out of a horse. You're going to look for different characteristics in a potential speed horse than you will in a pleasure horse. You'll want fairly different attributes in a cowhorse than what you'll look for in a jumper.

A good place to start would be studying up on horse anatomy. Especially the legs. The better you understand the mechanics of how the body is put together and how it is meant to function, the easier it will be for you to pick apart a horse's conformation.

Thanks! I'm mainly looking for a horse that would be an all around pleasure type horse, maybe compete in a select few western events, a horse my son can learn to ride on one day, and eventually a broodmare but the broodmare part is many many many years down the road so no one panic about that part!!!