Combining nature and
scientific levering to the athletic horse.
Develop 'an eye for a horse'.
Applying Levering to the Racehorse.
The book explains: the rules that determine a horse's
levering; how levering applies to the racehorse; & the
unique levering traits of varied racehorse types such as
sprinters, stayers etc. Furthermore it discusses how
levering relates to ability, distance gearing, yearling
selection, traditional conformation, performance,
breeding, stride length/type, racing conditions, etc.
With the many contradictions involved with the
traditional text book conformation, the author has set
about researching many facets of equine conformation
from scratch. This has been accomplished with specific
software developed for the purpose, with the intention
of not only identifying desired traits, but further
analyzing the not so perfect traits, that often provide
hidden benefits. The author has assessed thousands of
horses for owners, trainers etc, and with this book has
applied his knowledge in a practical way for the horse
person. This information relates form to function, &
goes beyond the traditional text book taking both the
reader & equine analysis into the realm of levering.
The book is not about Veterinary, straight conformation,
or the classic text book show horse.
Includes detailed chapters
on & references to barrel racers & endurance horses, &
explains their unique levering traits that provide agility, efficiency
etc. Every horse person can learn from the varied
race types, and re-apply this knowledge back to their
own horses or discipline.
All the major bones, joints & proportions are discussed,
including their effects on levering. This is an eye
opener, thought provoking and at times controversial. An
open thinking mind, & a keen interest in the racehorse
will be required.
Lots of photos which help the learning process. Ideal
for the person who takes an active part in racehorse
selection, or who wishes to increase their conformation
knowledge or confidence.
The book is a collaborated collection of works by the
author. As
some chapters have initially been published as 'standalone
articles', the basics of levering are cross referenced,
although from slightly varied viewpoints which
effectively covers all angles.
"Ross
Brunt’s take on conformation is like a breath of
fresh air. Sometimes controversial, but never
bland, his articles in 'Breeding&Racing'
are among the most popular and well received.
Capable of cutting through hyperbole to simple
mechanics in layman’s terms, Brunt has combined
his years of analysis to produce an excellent
publication.” “Equine Conformation for the
Racehorse is a treasure-trove for both new and
seasoned buyers alike, and a publication every
trainer should have in their office.” “Brunt’s
book clearly demonstrates that when it comes to
conformation one can’t make a silk purse from a
sow’s ear.”
–
Breeding&Racing magazine.
"If you want to
understand how levering and conformation can
assist the equine athlete this book is a must
read!"
-
Horsewyse magazine.
Questions & answers
Is
conformation more important than breeding?
-
Breeding plays an
important role in determining a racehorses
realised success, as is 'will to win',
upbringing, training etc, and although
conformation is just one part of the jigsaw,
it should not be ignored.
Will
conformation traits provide me definitive
answers about a racehorse? –
No, but it can be
used as a valuable guide when assessing a
racehorse's potential ability
and preferences.
If I read
this book will I be an expert at selecting
yearlings? -
No, although your
potential to purchase both value and educated
horses must
improve. it also provides a solid base of
knowledge that you can then build on.
But many winners have poor
conformed limbs?
-
This
book is not about correct Veterinary type
conformation, rather it deals with the
effects of levering
BUT
do you know?.........
1.
How a short shoulder blade may help the sprinter?
2.
How a short pelvis may help the stayer?
4.
How traits that many
consider as standard
flaws can work in the racehorse's
favour?
5.
What the timing of the
growth spurts are which can provide false
impressions of a potential stayer or sprinter?
6.
How the much preferred
sloping shoulder can hinder racehorses,
depending on how it collates with the horses
overall conformation?
7.
How in a well balanced
‘type’ racehorse, a
certain type of hind ideally matches short fore pasterns?
8.
How certain bone
structure variations may help horses handle wet
or dry tracks?
9. How each joint
angle, bone length affects a racehorse?
10. And
much more besides.
If you answered
mostly yes to the above or
the questions pose no interest to you,
you have no need for this book.
Alternatively if you wish to
learn about the basics of functional racehorse
conformation and the
how and why’s of the above this book may
be for
you.
Many chapters on varied
subjects such as.
1. Distance gearing - An introduction
2. Distance gearing - Sprinters, middle distance
and stayers
3. Distance gearing - Further findings
4. Conformation illusions - Nature comes up trumps
5. The forequarters - Debunking the myths
6. Hindquarters - More than power
7. Gears theory - A modern take on racehorse selection
8. Stride length - A myth exposed?
9. Sprinters shoulder - More than meets the eye
10. Athlete or runner - Can all Olympians run fast?
11. Long striders - Champions or duds?
12. Conformation performance breeding - Run with the
strengths
13. Racehorse power - Strength and speed
14. The 'type' racehorse - Natures hidden benefits
15. Weight & racing conditions - Affect on levering and
power.
16. Soundness For a purpose
17. The weight carrier
18. The topline - A racehorse contradiction
19. Wet track theory
20. The middle distance galloper and the elusive jumper
21. Dead weight - The mystery with an upside
22. Secretariat - Not quite the perfect horse
23. Gallop - Stride phases and breakdowns
24. Yearling selection - Growth spurts
25. What makes a Champion
26. Barrel racer - Two unique types
27. Quarter Horse - Running or stock
28. Arabian endurance - Unique physique
