>From different equine conformation sources: The shoulders should be long, sloping, flat, and smooth. A horse with a long sloping shoulder has greater extension of the forearm and the front leg can be raised higher. A horse with a good sloping shoulder will have a more graceful way of going and will stay sound longer. A good shoulder gives the appearance of being lean and muscular, not beefy. A long, sloping shoulder generally allows for the higher neck carriage desired of horses who will be ridden under saddle seat tack.
With an upright shoulder, the horse has shorter muscular attachments that thus have less ability to contract and lengthen. This shortens the stride length, which requires the horse to take more steps to cover ground, and thus causes a greater risk of injury to structures of front legs and hastened muscular fatigue. An upright shoulder may cause a rough, inelastic ride due to the high knee action. It increases concussion on front limbs, possibly promoting the development of DJD or navicular disease in hard-working horses. The stress of impact tends to stiffen the muscles of the shoulder, making the horse less supple with a reduced range of motion needed for long stride reach. An upright shoulder causes the shoulder joint to be open and set low over a short, steep arm bone, making it difficult for horse to elevate its shoulders and fold its angles tightly, which is needed for a good jump and in cutting. Thus the horse usually does not have good form over fences. The horse is usually easier to accelerate in sprinting. An upright shoulder is best for gaited or park showing, parade horses, and activities requiring a quick burst of speed, like roping or Quarter Horse racing. __________________________ Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
