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Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:13 am
by wallstbear
Hi, all -- here is the first post of a new member -- which modern top horse is widely considered to be the ultimate thoroughbred specimen?
I am sure you have your own definition of a top horse but I suspect multiple Gr 1 race winners. By "modern" I am referring to the past 50 years or so. Thanks for everyone's input!
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 5:21 am
by BaroqueAgain1
Zenyatta in 2009 race shape was the most physically striking horse to me. The way she looked for the Classic was spectacular. So powerful, but completely balanced.
Pretty fast, too.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:12 am
by Akitaperson
wallstbear wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:13 am
Hi, all -- here is the first post of a new member -- which modern top horse is widely considered to be the ultimate thoroughbred specimen?
I am sure you have your own definition of a top horse but I suspect multiple Gr 1 race winners. By "modern" I am referring to the past 50 years or so. Thanks for everyone's input!
Gun Runner
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:12 am
by Justahorse
Id have to say Gun Runner. And McKenzie,oh and goodnight olive
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:23 am
by Northport
Sea The Stars
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:27 am
by Mylute
I remember thinking Shanghai Bobby looked awesome.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:33 pm
by HB1994
It’s going back more than 50 years, but it was always said Buckpasser’s conformation was as close to perfect as a horse could get.
Welcome to the board.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:53 pm
by wallstbear
BaroqueAgain1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 5:21 am
Zenyatta in 2009 race shape was the most physically striking horse to me. The way she looked for the Classic was spectacular. So powerful, but completely balanced.
Pretty fast, too.
Thanks I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:58 pm
by Squeaky
Secretariat
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:11 pm
by ForTheThrill
I've always loved Medaglia d'Oro.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:15 pm
by stelladaniella
Welcome to the forum!
I really like Tiznow and Cigar. Stunning horses.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:16 pm
by Squeaky
Equinox?
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:23 pm
by BaroqueAgain1
I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.
If you can find TVG's coverage of the 2009 Classic, you get good looks of her in the paddock and post parade. But the best view of her amazing build was when she was being led back to the stable after the race. The camera followed her for a few moments, and you get a good look at her physique...proud, sweaty, every muscle defined, with her deep chest, tight waist and powerful hindquarters on display.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 6:43 pm
by Miss Woodford
Stradivarius is an exceptionally well-built stallion
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:43 pm
by BaroqueAgain1
Nice. As an exceptionally well-built instrument of speed, he really deserves that name.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:27 pm
by firehorse
BaroqueAgain1 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:23 pm
I am also a Zenyatta fan. Unfortunately there are very few of HD pics of her conformation in race fit condition.
If you can find TVG's coverage of the 2009 Classic, you get good looks of her in the paddock and post parade. But the best view of her amazing build was when she was being led back to the stable after the race. The camera followed her for a few moments, and you get a good look at her physique...proud, sweaty, every muscle defined, with her deep chest, tight waist and powerful hindquarters on display.
Barbara Livingston has an excellent series of Zenyatta in her prime, no straight conformation shots, but some spectacular pictures of her from all angles in all her glory in her prime:
https://barbaradlivingston.photoshelter ... piXYuOu84/
You will get a watermark in the full size photos though, not sure if the series is published elsewhere anymore.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:31 pm
by HB1994
Miss Woodford wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 6:43 pm
Stradivarius is an exceptionally well-built stallion
I think he takes after his BM sire line (Bering/Arctic Tern/ Sea-Bird).
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:57 pm
by Ridan_Remembered
Squeaky wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:58 pmSecretariat
Secretariat without a doubt. The most hardbitten experienced horsemen couldn't find a fault with him.
They say Frankel has excellent conformation, but having never seen him in person, I can't form my own opinion.
I agree about Stradivarius. He is beautiful.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:39 am
by BaroqueAgain1
"Barbara Livingston has an excellent series of Zenyatta in her prime...."
Firehorse, thank you for that link. Looking at them really brought back some memories. So poignant to see the late Steve Willard aboard the Big Mare again.
Re: Which modern top horse has the best conformation in your opinion?
Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:46 am
by wallstbear
Ridan_Remembered wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:57 pm
Squeaky wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:58 pmSecretariat
Secretariat without a doubt. The most hardbitten experienced horsemen couldn't find a fault with him.
They say Frankel has excellent conformation, but having never seen him in person, I can't form my own opinion.
I agree about Stradivarius. He is beautiful.
Not disagreeing but I have seen people who thought Secretariat was a bit too stocky/girthy for their liking with too thick a neck. In fact on another forum I have seen folks slammed for showing an overly muscular horse that does not represent the elegance of the thoroughbred horse while in fact they were just showing a retired secretariat.