Confomation Standards of the American Quarter Horse
Stance: The American Quarter Horse normally stands at ease with his legs well under him which explains his ability to move quickly in any direction.
Action: The American Quarter Horse is collected in action enabling him to turn or stop with noticeable ease and balance, with his hocks well under him.
Head: The head of an American Quarter Horse reflects alert intelligence. He has a short broad head topped by small ears: kind wide-set eyes; large nostrils; short muzzle; and firm mouth. Well defined jaws give an impression of strength.
Neck: The head of the American Quarter Horse joins the neck at a near 45-degree angle, with a distinct space between jawbone and neck muscles allowing him to work with his head down without restricting his breathing. The medium length, slightly arched, full neck blends into sloping shoulders. Shoulders: The American Quarter Horse's good saddle back is created by medium-high distinct withers, extending back and combining with deep sloping shoulders. This helps keep a saddle in the proper position for balanced riding.
Chest and Forelegs: As shown by his heart girth and wide-set forelegs, the American Quarter Horse is deep and broad chested. His smooth joints and short cannon bones are set on clean fetlocks, and medium length pasterns are supported by healthy hooves. The powerfully muscled forearm tapers to the knee, whether viewed from the front or back.
Back: The short back of the American Quarter Horse is full and powerful across the kidneys. The barrel is formed by deep, well-sprung ribs which extend to the hip joints. The underline, or abdominal area, should rise cleanly to the flank.
Hindquarters: Viewed from either side or the rear, the hindquarters are broad, deep and muscled fully through the thigh, stifle and gaskin down to the hock. The thickly muscled hind leg indicates the American Quarter Horse's great power and speed. When viewed from the rear, there is great width extending evenly from the top of the thigh to the gaskin. The hocks are wide set, deep and straight.
Bones, Legs & Hooves: The flat strong bones are free from fleshiness, puffs and injuries. The hooves are well rounded and roomy, with deep open heels.
