sVa Mini Mania-Western

So I wanted to comment a bit on all of these, partially because I think they're all quite neat, crisply done, and were presented wonderfully. They did a really nice job of promoting your show and I think any show or horse event (real world!) would love to have these types of images to promote them.

So as always, take the more nit-picky comments with a grain of salt. I only do it because I know you can handle it and I know it's appreciated!

The main thing in this piece is the set of the horse's head. Yes, you do see this particular headset in the Western Pleasure ring and, unfortunately, it's creeping into some of the performance events as well (reining, reined cow, etc.). However, the actual ideal, and what shows up in the rulebooks of the AQHA, APHA, and other bodies clearly states that the poll should NOT drop below the withers and the ears especially should not sink so low. This mare isn't quite in the complete peanut-roller category as her nose is still above her knees, but it isn't the ideal. If you watch a horse who is positioned like this move you'll notice that it is very heavy on the forehand and almost feels like it's pulling itself along with its front legs. This position is actually detrimental to the horse and how it moves, explained further in a moment.

For curiosity's sake I peered at your reference as I thought the horse might actually be loping, but wasn't sure if that was actually the case or not. This type of movement is sometimes referred to as a "trope." Again, if you've seen it in action the horse appears to be pulling itself along with the front legs and oftentimes appears quite lame in the action. The crippled appearance of this movement gives you a hint to how it affects the horse himself, it is a damaging, crippling movement that wreaks havoc on the horse's body.

Compare to these two: [link] [link] Note the poll is around level with the withers, the shoulder is lifted, and the hindquarters are driving much farther underneath the body. The smaller image is taken in almost exactly the same stage of stride as your reference and you can see the increased bend through the hind leg and the greater ease of the horse's movement. I admit it's still not a frame that I'm particularly fond of, but these are closer to the frame that is sought after and considered ideal for the discipline.