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Post by sparkysunny on Mar 14, 2016 19:46:02 GMT
Is there any way of improving a pony's conformation? I know that, if a pony is not totally true to type that can't be changed but can anyone please suggest any tips to make a pony have more 'presence'? I'm not explaining this very well but hope my HG friends will understand what I mean. Our Section C always gets a really good ride mark (not that she's done many shows yet) - she had the 3rd highest in the only RI qualifier we've contested so far - but her conformation marks are generally low. If they continue to be low, it seems pointless putting her into RI qualifiers... Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.
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Post by 19simeon56 on Mar 14, 2016 20:19:54 GMT
If by conformation you mean the basic structure/skeleton the answer is no but you can improve things by feeding and correct exercise depending on what the fault(s) are-are you willing to elaborate on why her conformation marks are generally low,it may enable us to maybe give you some advice.
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Post by sparkysunny on Mar 14, 2016 21:02:41 GMT
I would upload a picture but can't, for some reason. I don't know why her conformation marks are low - obviously you don't find this out until after the class. She's not striking - chestnut with paler 'socks' which are not white and which may appear dirty! She is what I would call a more old-fashioned stamp and looks 'ordinary' next to the more fashionable, flashy Cs. She moves well (which is reflected in her ride marks) and is very well schooled and balanced, but that isn't going to do anything for her conformation marks, unfortunately!
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Post by welshiegirl on Mar 15, 2016 13:49:03 GMT
conformation is conformation you can't change it. It shouldn't matter what colour or how white her socks are, obviously it plays a part in preference but judges will be looking past this and at the actual bone structure and true conformation.
By not white paler socks can you not use a paste and paste them to make them whiter?
My welsh c mare is a proper traditional leg at each corner type, and always gets high conformation marks, it tends to be her ridden marks that can let her down as she does not have any knee action or isnt 'flashy' in anyway (sounds how you're describing yours), but this is normally translated within the ridden mark rather than the conformation mark?
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Post by gillwales on Mar 15, 2016 17:16:09 GMT
I agree with others, you can not change conformation, however you can do things to make the most of her good points which should help to improve the bad bits.
Shoeing and correct hoof trimming can do a lot to imporve the shape of a hoof, reduce and turning in or out.
Trimming the mane can either lengthen or shorten a neck, although natives should be "au- naturel" you can put in a long single plait at the top of a mane.
Set the saddle a little further back to lengthen a neck or shorten a back.
Lots of hay and clean water to deepen a pony, you can also change the colour of the girth. Make certain your saddle enhances your pony, some swamp, some look like a pimple on a pigs backside!
I would ask your Judges politely if they could explain their conformation marks, If you keep getting the same answer then you know the answer to your question.
Good luck
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Post by sparkysunny on Mar 15, 2016 18:57:43 GMT
welshiegirl and gillwales - thank you both very much. I know conformation can't be 'changed' which I tried to make clear in my OP (not very well, I think!), but I am just looking for ways to enhance her natural features! I think we'll work on the basics first and take it from there - mane/tail/whitening legs/tack etc.
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