A score of 15 to 17 indicates the horse possesses some minor faults. Horses will score 12 to 14 when conformation faults become more exaggerated, thus limiting performance. A score of 9 to 11 indicates the horse has a combination of faults that would make the horse potentially unusable. Rhythm refers to how well each foot moves in balance and time with each of the other feet. Lightness is a coordination of stride and rhythm so that movement appears to take minimum effort.
Impulsion is the use of the hind quarters to provide momentum to the movement.
Horses with a long stride, excellent rhythm, lightness and impulsion will score 18 to 20. A score of 15 to 17 indicates the horse is slightly deficient in one or two components, but overall movement is good. Horses scoring 12 to 14 would have at least one undesirable movement trait or be somewhat deficient in all components. A score of 9 to 11 indicates the horse has an excessively short, choppy stride, lacks rhythm, or is a heavy mover with no impulsion. Evaluation of type is based on overall eye appeal and how the horse represents the characteristics and standards of the particular breed.