Let's Talk Backs
(These are some of the body parts I may be mentioning in case you wanted a refresher)
A level topline, with
rump and withers at the same height, is good, but many consider an uphill
build, with the withers above the level of the rump, to be much better. An uphill horse has a much easier time
collecting with better movement overall. It’s structurally better for a horse
as well, as they’re more inclined to carry their weight with their back end
instead of on the forelegs, which are naturally weaker. There’s no significant
downside to an uphill horse. The rump should never be
higher than the withers. The withers should be well defined, but the back
should not dip more than a few inches in the middle, or have no curve or an
inverted curve. The croup should be rounded instead of sloping in a line down
from the point of hip.
This is a horse that is only slightly uphill (with overall nice conformation). Being slightly uphill is commonly preferred in the hunter/jumper world.
This
is a very downhill horse, with the withers lower than the rump.
If the back does dip in more than a few
inches, it’s called a swayback. This deformity can cause back pain in the horse.
If the horse’s back had no curve or an
inverted curve, it's called roach back.
