Conformation of successful stallions?

[ASB_Stars]

I know that there were a few comments about Tapit, and his shoulder, etc. that seemed to reflect some people’s dislike of his conformation. Obviously, he still sires horses who out run that- especially Juddmonte’s latest edition by him, Arrogate.

What stallions do those who follow racing, or are involved, really like from a conformation standpoint, and why?

I am going to throw this guy out there- he is well bred, and modestly successful. But, for me, he is beautifully conformed. I love all of his angles, the fact that he does have angles in his hocks, stifles and hips, and the way that his should lays back on his uphill build. What say you all? Please post links to those who you really like. Thanks!

https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/159151/factum

[LaurieB]

Just an FYI, Arrogate is by Unbridleds Song, not Tapit.

There are lots of really good looking TB stallions but, among them, most “perfect” conformation I have ever seen is Bernardini.

https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-…728/bernardini

[ASB_Stars]

OOOPPPSS! Thanks for that.

LOVE the front half of Bernardini, and, obviously he is incredibly successful. However, I don’t like his loin coupling, and he is really straight through his hocks, for me. But I am looking with a sport horse eye- NOT a race horse one.

That’s why I wanted to start the topic- to see the different views.

Thanks!

[Simkie]

@LaurieB you had a filly awhile ago that I had in my stable watch as “perfect filly”…I just loved the way she was put together. Her name was Timeless Forest, I think? What ever happened to her? Do you still have a picture of her to share?

I also like her sire Forestry a whole lot from a conformation perspective. I didn’t realize he’d gone to Brazil.

Based purely on pedigree, I’d LOVE to see a conformation shot of this guy: http://www.pedigreequery.com/sahara+sky3 He’s standing at R Star in 2018, but brand new and not on their site yet. Liked Pleasant Tap a lot, can’t wait to see how this son of his does. According to the Blood Horse this is the only stallion standing from the Pleasant Colony sire line?

[LaurieB]

Simkie, I can’t believe you remember Timeless Forest. She was gorgeous but, no, we do not still have her. We sold her probably 5-6 years ago and she went to Chile. I do still have some pictures of her but I have no idea how to share them here on COTH.

[Texarkana]

@ASB Stars

What stallions do those who follow racing, or are involved, really like from a conformation standpoint, and why?

What do they like? Stallions who get fast horses. Seriously. No one thought Northern Dancer or Mr. P were conformational masterpieces, but look what they’ve done for the breed.

That’s not to say breeders don’t consider conformation; but it’s more a matter of functionality than appearance alone.

@ASB Stars , I’ve sent horses to Poplar Creek and they are SUPER easy to deal with and welcoming to all breeds… just saying in case you want to send a mare of any type to Factum. #enabling

[ASB_Stars]

@Texarkana

What do they like? Stallions who get fast horses. Seriously. No one thought Northern Dancer or Mr. P were conformational masterpieces, but look what they’ve done for the breed.

That’s not to say breeders don’t consider conformation; but it’s more a matter of functionality than appearance alone.

@ASB Stars , I’ve sent horses to Poplar Creek and they are SUPER easy to deal with and welcoming to all breeds… just saying in case you want to send a mare of any type to Factum. #enabling

Thanks- this wasn’t a breeder search. I’m all done. If I get time, I will post a picture of my TB stallion, who was a grandson of Ribot.

[Simkie]

@LaurieB

Simkie, I can’t believe you remember Timeless Forest. She was gorgeous but, no, we do not still have her. We sold her probably 5-6 years ago and she went to Chile. I do still have some pictures of her but I have no idea how to share them here on COTH.

Oh I just LOVED her. The most perfect filly ever I have her picture saved around here somewhere…probably on an old hard drive, at this point.

What’s the skinny with her Candy Ride filly? WHAT a pedigree. So sporty! What’s going on with Jellybean? :yes:

You can upload pics directly to COTH but I think it’s easier to use imgur or something. Once they’re on the internet for anyone to see, you can copy/paste directly into the body of your message.

[LaurieB]

Jellybean was a tragedy unfortunately. She was born with a severely contracted hind leg and hoof. We had the best guys at Hagyard work on her for months. The leg was splinted for a long time, then wrapped for a long time. We thought at one point we might get her riding sound, but no. Then we thought maybe pasture sound. Also no. She was put down at about eighteen months of age. It was heartbreaking. Other than that, she was one of the nicest foals we’d ever bred.

[Palm_Beach]

@ASB Stars

I know that there were a few comments about Tapit, and his shoulder, etc. that seemed to reflect some people’s dislike of his conformation. Obviously, he still sires horses who out run that- especially Juddmonte’s latest edition by him, Arrogate.

What stallions do those who follow racing, or are involved, really like from a conformation standpoint, and why?

I am going to throw this guy out there- he is well bred, and modestly successful. But, for me, he is beautifully conformed. I love all of his angles, the fact that he does have angles in his hocks, stifles and hips, and the way that his should lays back on his uphill build. What say you all? Please post links to those who you really like. Thanks!

https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/159151/factum

I think his front end is stronger than his hind end, so he looks a bit unbalanced to me. I’m a huge huge fan of Sadler’s Wells, and think his son Galileo is about as perfect as they get wrt conformation. Frankel has a massive hip - he looks a bit rump high to me, but his race record is about as perfect as they get. They all, of course go back to the nifty Northern Dancer.

https://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Sadlers_Wells_photos
http://coolmore.com/stallions/galileo/
https://www.juddmonte.com/stallions/frankel/default.aspx

[ASB_Stars]

I just love Galileo. Stunning- and, obviously iconic.

[gumtree]

@ASB Stars

OOOPPPSS! Thanks for that.

LOVE the front half of Bernardini, and, obviously he is incredibly successful. However, I don’t like his loin coupling, and he is really straight through his hocks, for me. But I am looking with a sport horse eye- NOT a race horse one.

That’s why I wanted to start the topic- to see the different views.

Thanks!

Bernardini went to stud 2 years after Tapit. So he 2 less crops of racing age. He was a far better racehorse then Tapit. Both are bred very similarly, Tapit is by a son of AP Indy and has a Mr. P on top and bottom Both of their dam sires are by Fappiano. His is by the very good stallion Quiet American and his dam was a top racehorse. Tapit by the top stallion and sire of sires Unbridled. His dam was a minor stakes winner at 2.

Given the fact he was a far superior racehorse than Tapit. Most would say better bred and given the fact he was owned by Darley. Who were/are in a position to give him ALL the opportunity in the world. There were seriously higher expectations of him when he entered stud at a much higher fee than Tapit.

Bernardini is a good sire but is nowhere near in the same league as Tapit. I doubt he ever will be. He is not nearly as consistent coming up with “talking horses” year in and year out. On the racetrack or the sales ring. The bloom is a bit off the rose when it comes to his sales numbers. His 2017 yearling median average is down to $130,000 from $230,000 in 2016 and more sold. His 2017 covering sire median average is $190,000 compared to $420,000 in 2016. A serious drop.

As to the OP’s question for me that would take more time to comment on than I have time right now. Most know by now that’s my nature, lol.

[Simkie]

@LaurieB

Jellybean was a tragedy unfortunately. She was born with a severely contracted hind leg and hoof. We had the best guys at Hagyard work on her for months. The leg was splinted for a long time, then wrapped for a long time. We thought at one point we might get her riding sound, but no. Then we thought maybe pasture sound. Also no. She was put down at about eighteen months of age. It was heartbreaking. Other than that, she was one of the nicest foals we’d ever bred.

I am so very sorry, Laurie

[Racing_Photog]

Tapit is my favorite stallion hands down and while he certainly wasn’t spectacular on the track, his offspring have shown they can run on any surface at a variety of distances at the highest level. Chrome looks like two horses smashed together but everyone will jump on his bandwagon because of his fan following. I really think a lot of it comes down to the mare you’re breeding and if they’ll compliment what the stallion is lacking as well as personal preference and what you’re trying to produce (ex. You don’t breed to Kittens Joy in hopes of producing a Derby horse).

[ASB_Stars]

@gumtree

Bernardini went to stud 2 years after Tapit. So he 2 less crops of racing age. He was a far better racehorse then Tapit. Both are bred very similarly, Tapit is by a son of AP Indy and has a Mr. P on top and bottom Both of their dam sires are by Fappiano. His is by the very good stallion Quiet American and his dam was a top racehorse. Tapit by the top stallion and sire of sires Unbridled. His dam was a minor stakes winner at 2.

Given the fact he was a far superior racehorse than Tapit. Most would say better bred and given the fact he was owned by Darley. Who were/are in a position to give him ALL the opportunity in the world. There were seriously higher expectations of him when he entered stud at a much higher fee than Tapit.

Bernardini is a good sire but is nowhere near in the same league as Tapit. I doubt he ever will be. He is not nearly as consistent coming up with “talking horses” year in and year out. On the racetrack or the sales ring. The bloom is a bit off the rose when it comes to his sales numbers. His 2017 yearling median average is down to $130,000 from $230,000 in 2016 and more sold. His 2017 covering sire median average is $190,000 compared to $420,000 in 2016. A serious drop.

As to the OP’s question for me that would take more time to comment on than I have time right now. Most know by now that’s my nature, lol.

Thanks for all of the numbers!

How do you feel the numbers relate to the conformation question?

Thanks!

[Palm_Beach]

It doesn’t. Racing conformation is more pass/fail than on a scale of 1-10. They need to have good enough conformation to hold up to racing, after that, the race record and progeny record do all the talking. Way more goes into a good stallion than conformation. Even when judging conformation usually the horse walks so the judge can see it move, or at a sale, the prospective buyer can watch it walk. There are lots of well conformed high dollar colts and fillies who never earned their purchase price back. Success is based on how the genes combine, which we can’t see.

[snaffle1987]

I come from sport horse world so my conformation tastes tend to stray towards what type of second career these horses may have .

But here are some of my favorites from a conformation perspective. This may be a long list but hope you enjoy drooling over them. Many of them are backed by sires that I love who produce good quality bone and balance

American Pharoah:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168986/american-pharoah
He isn’t the flashiest looking of horses but I love his short back and strong hindquarters as well as his beautiful type of bone. His weanlings are some of the most conformed group we have seen in many years. They have beautiful balance

Skylord
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165771/skylord
I love a thoroughbred with good bone and I think this guy is just stunning. Liver chestnut, knee high stockings, beautiful topline, His sire, Sky Mesa is by Pulpit (AP Indy) and I think you can really see that sire line in him. I would gladly take a foal from him!

Perfect Soul
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/133387/perfect-soul-ire
Many on these boards know my love for Perfect Soul. I think he is very underrated and a very affordable stallion. His pedigree speaks for itself and exudes in his presence and conformation. For me, he is the old type of Thoroughbred. Short bodied, big bone, uphill build, strong hindquarters. Not only is he a great turf sire but his offspring are great dirt runners as well.

Stonesider
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/135588/stonesider
Do they get any more beautiful than that ??

Dramedy
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168476/dramedy

Last Gunfighter
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169127/last-gunfighter
He is a bit narrow looking in photo for my taste but it appears his photo might have been taken shortly after he left the track,

Limehouse
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/130308/limehouse
always been a fan

Pollards Vision
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/133554/pollards-vision
I have loved his name and the horse since he was on the track. He is absolutely droolworthy!

Taprize:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169579/taprize
Although not a hefty winner on the track, hes been one of my favorite tapit sons conformationally

Winslow Homer:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/167044/winslow-homer
Sign me up with a mare to breed to him tomorrow! I will take him over Arrogate (conformationally) as an UNbridled Song son. I think this one could be a very exciting young stallion

Fury Kapcori
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169007/fury-kapcori
He is as beautiful in person as he is in photo.

Slews Tiznow:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/135196/slews-tiznow
The only thing I will pick apart on him is he is a bit too downhill for me.

Wilburn
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/138193/wilburn
a Bernardini son so no surprise he is lovely to look at!

Indian Ocean
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/130501/indian-ocean
I love his pedigree as much as I love the look of him. Stormy Atlantic x Indian Halo x Halo.

Rimrod
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/134214/rimrod
I remember him from his days on the track and lost track of him until now. I love anything with Danzig in it and on top of that his dam line is from Great Britain and Ireland. Probably pretty decent turf potential there. He is a tad sharp on the withers for my liking

Uptowncharleybrown
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165715/uptowncharlybrown
Anything with Langfuhr behind them is OK in my book. His photo doesn’t do him a ton of justice but you can tell his type of bone and he has a beautiful high neck set.

Western Pride
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/137082/western-pride
I have loved this horse since he first entered stud. Hubba Hubba!!! I love that he is built uphill with a strong front end, strong pasterns and depth of heel in the foot. He is extraordinarily well balanced

Capital Account
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168674/capital-account

G.W.'s D’Oro
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168534/g-ws-doro
Literally he is beautiful. But what son of Madaglia D’oro isn’t?

[snaffle1987]

Here are more of the stallions that I love. If there is one thing in the amount of stallions I post; the one thing that I think sticks out to me is Balance.

Grey Swallow:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/129932/grey-swallow-ire
Beautiful old style TB. I think he is one of the most Handsome in the Calumet line up

North Light:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/132826/north-light-ire
Another beautiful irish stallion who is a carbon copy of his sire Danehill. Balance!

Langfuhr:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/127284/langfuhr
One of my absolute favorite TB stallions.

Revolutionary:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168496/revolutionary

Stay Thirsty
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165749/stay-thirsty

Aldrin
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169948/aldrin
I like him better than Tapit. He does appear to have a club foot on the left front but it doesn’t appear to be horrible

Danza:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169012/danza

Giant Surprise:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/129551/giant-surprise
His pedigree backs up his looks. Giants Causeway out of an AP Indy x Afleet mare. He is over at the knee but I believe that is due to racing injury. Here is a video of this beautiful stallion, as you can see he is lame at the walk and he had a significant injury to his left front leg. He is very happy and appears content but his leg injury sure is ugly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0j2kOarNC4

Alternation:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/166900/alternation
In photo he reminds me of American Pharoah.

Bird Song:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/170006/bird-song
I think this is a tremendous stallion for the price.

Divining Rod
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/170134/divining-rod

Flashback:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168440/flashback
Beautiful

Get Stormy:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165973/get-stormy

[ASB_Stars]

Thanks for that- Mr. Livingston is stunning!!! The chestnut is also really athletic looking.

[ASB_Stars]

@snaffle1987

I come from sport horse world so my conformation tastes tend to stray towards what type of second career these horses may have .

But here are some of my favorites from a conformation perspective. This may be a long list but hope you enjoy drooling over them. Many of them are backed by sires that I love who produce good quality bone and balance

American Pharoah:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168986/american-pharoah
He isn’t the flashiest looking of horses but I love his short back and strong hindquarters as well as his beautiful type of bone. His weanlings are some of the most conformed group we have seen in many years. They have beautiful balance

Skylord
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165771/skylord
I love a thoroughbred with good bone and I think this guy is just stunning. Liver chestnut, knee high stockings, beautiful topline, His sire, Sky Mesa is by Pulpit (AP Indy) and I think you can really see that sire line in him. I would gladly take a foal from him!

Perfect Soul
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/133387/perfect-soul-ire
Many on these boards know my love for Perfect Soul. I think he is very underrated and a very affordable stallion. His pedigree speaks for itself and exudes in his presence and conformation. For me, he is the old type of Thoroughbred. Short bodied, big bone, uphill build, strong hindquarters. Not only is he a great turf sire but his offspring are great dirt runners as well.

Stonesider
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/135588/stonesider
Do they get any more beautiful than that ??

Dramedy
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168476/dramedy

Last Gunfighter
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169127/last-gunfighter
He is a bit narrow looking in photo for my taste but it appears his photo might have been taken shortly after he left the track,

Limehouse
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/130308/limehouse
always been a fan

Pollards Vision
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/133554/pollards-vision
I have loved his name and the horse since he was on the track. He is absolutely droolworthy!

Taprize:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169579/taprize
Although not a hefty winner on the track, hes been one of my favorite tapit sons conformationally

Winslow Homer:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/167044/winslow-homer
Sign me up with a mare to breed to him tomorrow! I will take him over Arrogate (conformationally) as an UNbridled Song son. I think this one could be a very exciting young stallion

Fury Kapcori
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/169007/fury-kapcori
He is as beautiful in person as he is in photo.

Slews Tiznow:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/135196/slews-tiznow
The only thing I will pick apart on him is he is a bit too downhill for me.

Wilburn
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/138193/wilburn
a Bernardini son so no surprise he is lovely to look at!

Indian Ocean
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/130501/indian-ocean
I love his pedigree as much as I love the look of him. Stormy Atlantic x Indian Halo x Halo.

Rimrod
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/134214/rimrod
I remember him from his days on the track and lost track of him until now. I love anything with Danzig in it and on top of that his dam line is from Great Britain and Ireland. Probably pretty decent turf potential there. He is a tad sharp on the withers for my liking

Uptowncharleybrown
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/165715/uptowncharlybrown
Anything with Langfuhr behind them is OK in my book. His photo doesn’t do him a ton of justice but you can tell his type of bone and he has a beautiful high neck set.

Western Pride
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/137082/western-pride
I have loved this horse since he first entered stud. Hubba Hubba!!! I love that he is built uphill with a strong front end, strong pasterns and depth of heel in the foot. He is extraordinarily well balanced

Capital Account
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168674/capital-account

G.W.'s D’Oro
https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/168534/g-ws-doro
Literally he is beautiful. But what son of Madaglia D’oro isn’t?

I’m sorry that I didn’t get back to this sooner- you have selected some incredibly gorgeous stallions. Stonesider is just amazing- could that shoulder be any more laid back? And his entire topline and all of the angles are just stunning.