Conformation refers to a horse's shape and the configuration of its body parts. Thomas, an expert on horses and an experienced writer on the subject, offers an extensive information guide for assessing a horse's conformation for riding purposes as well as for buying or breeding. She first describes a horse's anatomy and the principles of conformation, categorized by body part. She then details how to evaluate this anatomy in terms of proportion, angle, height, movement, athleticism, type, and "soundness," in addition to assessing an older horse. Included are diagrams, a glossary, and case studies, in which six photographs of horses are analyzed. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR More Reviews and Recommendations

Heather Smith Thomas raises horses and cattle on her family ranch in Salmon, Idaho. She writes for numerous horse magazines and is the author of seven books, including Storey's Guide to Raising Horses and Storey's Guide to Training Horses.

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