An interesting read. Croup and "hip"[edit source] The croup is from the lumbosacral joint to the tail. The "hip" refers to the line running from the ilium (point of the hip) to the ischium (point of the buttock)of the pelvis. After the point that is made by the sacrum and lumbar vertebrae, the line following is referred to as the croup. While the two are linked in terms of length and musculature, the angle of the hip and croup do not necessarily correlate. But it is desirable for a horse to have a square to slightly pear shaped rump. A horse can have a relatively flat croup and a well-angled hip. Racehorses do well with hip angles of 20-30 degrees, trotting horses with 35 degrees. Once a horse is developed, the croup should be approximately the same height as the withers. In some breeds a high croup is hereditary trait. Steep croup but fairly long "hip". Steep Croup or Goose rump A steep croup is often linked to shortened stride Less of a fault for slow-moving horses such as draft breeds than for light riding horses Some breeds prefer a steep croup on their horses. Quarter horses in particular. Flat croup. Flat or Horizontal Croup The topline continues in a relatively flat manner to the dock of tail rather than falling off at oblique angle at the hips. Seen especially in Saddlebreds, Arabians, and Gaited horses Encourages a long, flowing stride. This helps a horse go faster, especially when a flat croup is sufficiently long to allow a greater range of muscle contraction to move the bony levers of skeleton. Short croup Length from L-S joint to dock of the tail is insufficient for adequate muscular attachment Reduces power of hindquarters Usually seen in conjunction with multiple hind leg faults Short "hip" The L-S joint is often behind the point of hips. Insufficient length from point of hip to point of buttock Horse will have difficulty collecting. A well-muscled build may hide a short pelvis. Provides less length of muscular attachments to the thigh and gaskin. This diminishes engine power in speed or jumping events. Short hip is less effective as a muscular lever for collection and to contract the abdominal muscles as the back rounds. More muscular effort is required. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_conformation
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 21:57:30 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015