Back Conformation

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.