In horse evaluation, what does conformation refer to?

Conformation refers to the physical structure and build of the horse. This includes aspects such as the horse's proportions, bone structure, musculature, and the overall way its body is put together. Good conformation is crucial for a horse's ability to perform well across various disciplines, as it can directly impact movement, athletic ability, and soundness.

Therefore, understanding a horse's conformation helps evaluate its suitability for specific tasks or activities, such as jumping, dressage, or general riding. While performance abilities, breeding quality, and temperament are important factors to consider when evaluating a horse, they do not specifically pertain to the horse's physical structure, which is what conformation embodies.