Critique Quarter Horse Gelding

I posted a critique before for Kelty, but the pictures were incorrect *shame*
So now I present you with the left side straight (nearly) square image of my horse, Mitey Sharp Man.

Please include effects with your critiques... That is why I want a critique- to better understand his movement & possible limitations
(if you can)

I.e ("angled croup shortens stride, BUT also helps to get those legs under him for quick turns") or so I've been told.

INFO:
Weight- 1030 lbs (vet said this was a good weight for him)
Though the picture makes him ribby... Do you think he looks underweight? :( He gets a flake of alfalfa am and 2 lbs safechoice grain pm.. and a 1/2 cup flax. I wanted to up his alfalfa but my barn owner said he doesn't even eat every bit in the morning...) What do you think?
Hands- 14.3
Breed- American Quarter Horse
Age- 6 years
Lineage: (for those who are interested) Sire was a pretty successful track racer, dam was a barrel racer

Job(s)-
Being my best buddy.
Competitive trail riding.
And a reining "handle"
(We are working hard to be able to go to amateur reining shows. Someday... *dreamy sigh*)






I swear I feed him! :( he looks ribby doesn't he...

So I know he's really short backed (23" saddle.. hah)
But I don't know implications
Long-hocks
But I don't know past that it makes them weaker

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

He doesn't really look that short backed. Not too much for his overall build anyhow & he has a good frame that should fill out nicely with more work & muscle.

Thanks! I guess its hard to see since he's proportional to himself. Short short short :p
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I'm not going to be any help for conformation, but he is beautiful!

I'm not good at judging conformation, but nothing big sticks out at me and I think he's absolutely gorgeous! I would take him in a heartbeat if my checkbook would allow it! Is he on pasture or getting free choice grass hay? He really doesn't look all that skinny, but if you want to put more weight on him you could give him more hay.

:)
He's on pasture that's pretty barren, with a round bale though. He gets alfalfa am and grain at night
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Very nice looking gelding!!

He's handsome. For a quarter horse, I'd want to see a little more weight on him. Is he a hard keeper? He has a really nice neck. Its properly muscled and a really nice length. Short backs are good! They're stronger. He is well proportioned.

He has a really nice, clean throatlatch for a quarter horse.

I can't critique his hocks much because of his leg positioning. I like his pasterns, good ankle and length. He may be tied in at the knee a little? Hard to tell in pictures.

I'm no good at critiquing hips.

Nothing really incorect stands out to me. He is a well built guy and I'll bet he's a smooth ride! Very pretty.

I actually really like him! A LOT better than a lot of stallions you see "For Stud" online. LOL The only thing I would like to see is a bit lower hawks ( they can get under themselves better) other than that I really like him.

Thanks for your responses! I really appreciate it. What's tied in at the knee? What does it do?

He has never been a hard keeper :(
I guess I need to up his night grain or something.
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