When judging horses from the rear, what should be the widest part of the hindquarters?

When evaluating horses from the rear, the widest part of the hindquarters should be the hip. This is because the hip region, which connects the hind leg to the body, represents the muscular structure and width of the horse’s hindquarters. A well-muscled and wide hip indicates strength and balance in the horse, contributing to its overall athletic ability and performance.

The hip plays a crucial role in the horse’s movement and propulsion, influencing how smoothly and effectively the horse can perform various tasks. When judging conformation, a broad hip is desirable, as it suggests better hind leg placement and alignment, which is essential for gracefulness and power in movement.

In contrast, while the hock and stifle are important joints in the hind leg, they should not be the widest points observed from the rear. The croup is also significant, but it is typically not considered the widest part the same way the hip is. Thus, recognizing the hip as the widest point helps establish a clear understanding of desirable conformation when evaluating horses.