Type and Conformation

ADH 4.0 Type and Conformation Horses average 15.2 hands tall and weigh approximately 1,300 to 1,700 pounds. Horses must appear powerful in their motion with high-stepping action in both the front and rear. The highest quality horses carry themselves with an upright neck and well-defined, supportive shoulders. They have large, expressive eyes and forward ears, complemented by an attractive head. The squareness of the trot, along with the correctness and soundness of the legs and feet, is paramount. At the trot, the quality of suspension is of utmost importance, featuring high-stepping, open flexing front-end motion driven by the powerful propulsion of the hocks. The shoulder should be clean and well laid back onto prominent withers that are higher than the back and croup. The croup should not be too flat, too sloped, or inverted. The body should be proportional to the horse's height and gaskins, and the hindquarters should have a powerful presentation. Legs must be straight, clean, and strong, with well-defined muscular forearms.