Cadenza is the product of a registered AQHA stallion and a breeding-stock paint mare. She looks almost EXACTLY like her dam. She was conceived for me, as a
gift from my trainer, when I was about 16 years old. At the time, I had no idea about breeding responsibility (and neither did my first trainer, either,
apparently), so "fugliness" was not a factor when her parents were chosen; it was more about who we knew with a mare and who we knew with a stallion.
Anyway, the result is my little girl, who has been and will be my number one equine companion for the duration of her life. We've shown for fun in hunters
and training-level dressage, though for the past few years I've only had time and money for pleasure riding on trails and in the ring. She is wonderful,
smooth, and sensible. I love her!
That said, I'm a complete novice at judging conformation because I've only recently (since reading this blog) started paying attention to it. Now that I DO pay attention, I've been turning a really critical eye on Cadenza, and it seems that she meets a lot of criteria for fugliness. Still, she has a charm.
From what I've noticed, she seems to be too long (especially these pictures!) and her hocks are definitely turned in. Also, her front legs (aside from being short) seem a little turned out, maybe? I'm not sure about her knees. What I've always noticed about her (and was striking in her dam as well) is how large her barrel is; I always thought it was breed trait, however, but maybe not.
Also, I know she has NO butt. Okay, pictures:
(I know the saddle is too far forward here)
That said, I'm a complete novice at judging conformation because I've only recently (since reading this blog) started paying attention to it. Now that I DO pay attention, I've been turning a really critical eye on Cadenza, and it seems that she meets a lot of criteria for fugliness. Still, she has a charm.
From what I've noticed, she seems to be too long (especially these pictures!) and her hocks are definitely turned in. Also, her front legs (aside from being short) seem a little turned out, maybe? I'm not sure about her knees. What I've always noticed about her (and was striking in her dam as well) is how large her barrel is; I always thought it was breed trait, however, but maybe not.
(I know the saddle is too far forward here)
