I am really looking forward to posting pictures after we've been 'in work' for a while and I've hopefully been able to get him working more through his back, to improve that topline. He has a tendency to go in a high-headed, slightly hollowed frame, which I think is affecting the 'let down' look of his back. It's definitely something to keep an eye on and work on, so thank you for pointing it out! I also wonder if the back-to-body proportion might be affected by fitness level. I wasn't able to ride him for a couple of months after I got him, so he's not in great shape and has something of a haybelly on him. Again, it'll be fascinating to see what fitness will do. *crosses fingers*

Thank you for the shoulder critique! I honestly couldn't tell if the angle was open or closed. I do know he tends to reach nicely when relaxed and stretching, and 'pop' his knees up when he's tense, so hopefully it's more a learned behavior than his natural way of going.

He's a total furball at the moment, it's true. But again, it'll be very fun to do a before and after...especially if he's all shed out for the "after." *grin*