Dr. Stuart Brown DVM from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington Kentucky generously wrote this article on colic in foals following a number of inquiries and questions. This in-depth overview comes from his expertise in broodmare reproduction and routine primary care. Learn more about h...
Read MoreAnatomy / Pedigree

Conformation is the overall shape and structure of a horse, which is evaluated by looking at the bone structure, muscles and body proportions.
Good conformation starts with the bones - 205 bones make up the equine skeletal anatomy.
The horse skeletal structure is held together with ligaments, tendons and muscles.
The hocks, on the back legs of a horse, are similar to the ankle joint on a human skeleton. The hocks are essential for propelling a horse forward as they are the engine of the animal.
The hind quarters can propel the horse forward 40 miles an hour in six strides.
Horses have a range of vision that covers a combined 330 degrees. Humans have a range of vision of a combined 120 degrees.

Every thoroughbred's ancestry can be traced back to three foundation stallions imported to England in the 18th century: the Darley Arabian, the Byerly Turk and the Godolphin Arabian. These stallions are the forefathers of thoroughbred horses.