Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky
The ideal slope of the shoulder is approximately 45 to 50 degrees. However, shoulder angles will vary from the ideal. In general, pastern angles usually follow that of the shoulder.
A horse with too much slope to the pastern is undesirable and said to be coonfooted. This condition can be severe enough so that when the horse moves, the fetlocks actually hit the ground.
In contrast, a horse with short, steep pasterns will endure more concussion and is predisposed to navicular disease.
In addition to overall balance, slope of the shoulder influences length of stride. The steeper the shoulder, the shorter the stride. Angle of shoulder and pastern also influence the amount of shock absorbed as the horse moves. A straight-shouldered horse will always be short strided and rough riding. Horses with long, sloping shoulders will be better able to disperse the concussion of the leg striking the ground, which contributes to ease, freedom of movement, and style of action.
