The better the horse's body is attuned to the breeding goal- the sport - the easier the requested job can be done. And just as important: with less chance of injuries. That is why it is important as a breeder or rider to be able to assess the different body parts, and what effect the conformation has on the performance of the horse under saddle. In this article we focus on the leg conformation

Lean legs, curb, a weak pastern position: these are frequently heard terms, but what do they mean exactly? And: why does the KWPN find it so important to meticulously assess every part of a horse's foundation? The answer is simple: because we want to breed healthy horses that can handle the demand – the sport performance – well, and for more than just a few years. A horse's foundation is a critical factor from a sustainability point of view. After all, sport horses are all about movement, where we strive for the highest achievable. That is why we are particularly attentive to the risk of wear and tear in the legwork. With the correct position of the legs, the joints, ligaments, and tendons are loaded as evenly as possible. And that reduces the risk of injury.

Learn more
Would you like to read more about the stance of the front leg, the pastern position, position of the hind leg and deviations we encounter in warmblood breeding? Download the PDF of the article and learn more! The KWPN developed the book 'The KWPN Horse: Selection for performance’, which discusses in detail all parts of the linear score form. You can order this book through our office for $20 plus shipping. Email to order: office@kwpn-na.org

Article: The importance of correct leg conformation