CONFORMATION FAULT: Downhill Balance
Downhill Balance: The Bottom Line on the Topline This horse demonstrates downhill conformation, which can appear in any breed, but which is particularly common among the stock horse breeds. Many growing horses, especially those in the stock horse breeds, go through phases where the top of the croup is taller than the highest point of the withers. In many cases, the front end eventually catches up, but when this build persists into adulthood, it is generally considered a conformation fault. Variously termed as being “downhill”, “bum high” or having “downhill balance”, such horses are said to be more prone to front end lameness and back problems, as well as to have more difficulty performing athletic endeavors. However, there is little in the way of scientific evidence to support the assertion of increased lameness risk, and some argue that downhill balance is not a fault at all. There is even the perception in some circles that downhill balance can be an advantage,