Pleasure Horses

Funny thing is, I've shown western pleasure a bunch, but I've never really been explained what flat kneed means. Could someone explain and show me some picture examples? Thanks so much, and sorry, I know it's a silly and long overdue question lol.

I don't know if I can explain it real well, but I'll try. Flat kneed means, at least I think this is right, that when they come out with their front legs, it's a full swoop of the leg, not a bend and place kind of thing. You'd probably have to see a video of it. It's almost like they don't hardly bend at the knee, just kind of the whole leg comes out.

7cedars explained it quite well. Basically, you want your horse to rotate at the shoulder more, rather than have a bend in their knee when loping. It's definitely important that your horse be pretty flat up front for the WP, but IMO the hind end is definitely way more important. Both is obviously most idea, but I would prefer a horse that is not as great up front but AMAZING behind over a horse that is "ok" up front and "ok" behind. All of us would rather a horse that was amazing in the hind AND in the front of course though ... I went a bit off topic though, so basically when the horse bends it's knee when loping. I will look for a video.

You both explained it quite well. I was trying to figure out how to explain it last night, and couldn't figure out how to in a manner, that was understandable. LOL!

I agree, ideally I would like a horse that moves well all the way around. But... the way he uses himself behind is what is more important to me. I would rather have a horse that moves well behind and has a little knee, than one that doesn't use himself so well behind and is flat kneed.

I would also think being better on the hind end will help a horse to last longer.

Just to add abit. See the movement in my photo of my colt. I think he is pretty flat kneed,
Also When a horse lifts it shoulder and has alot of lift to it's shoulder, It allows the leg to move UP and out, Helping the horse to have what is called a flat knee. When the knee is extended, it should be flat.