In the well-bred horse, the head is both lean and chiseled, with no signs of fleshiness, and the ears are fine and mobile. The size of the head in relation to the body is important. A fleshy throat prohibits flexion of the bit. The ideal slope, which produces a long, low stride, is about 43 degrees from the highest point of the withers to the point of the shoulder. Withers need to be well laid back and prominent if the shoulder is to be sufficiently oblique.
Upright shoulders produces a shortened action.
The chest is neither too broad nor too narrow. The back rises slightly to the croup and is well muscled on either side of the spine. If too long, it weakens the structure. If too short or broad, it restricts the action. Between the saddle and the croup lie the loins on which the power of the quarters depend.