WHEN JUDGING halter classes, it’s important to remember that conformation or physical appearance is the most important criterion. When assessing conformation, I break it down into four categories: balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics, and degree of muscling. Balance is always the most important of the four categories. Keeping that in mind, I then look at structural correctness, taking into account each individual’s specific traits, such as being buck-kneed or calf-kneed, post-legged, etc. I then consider breed and sex characteristics. A horse should look like the breed he represents, showing traits the breed is known for. Finally, I compare muscling volume and tone among the horses in the class. All these traits must be judged and interpreted, and a conclusion made from the available information. As a judge, I…