How Do You Judge a Horse

There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse’s conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex character (also known as type). Balance is arguably the most critical aspect to evaluate when examining the horse.

What are the three characteristics that you use to judge a performance horse?

Structure (i.e., soundness and correctness of conformation) Breed and sex characteristics. Quality and refinement. Correct manner of travel or way of going.

What do judges look for in a riding horse?

According to the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) the riding horse should have quality, substance, good bone, correct conformation, presence and true action.