A horse described as 'sway backed' has what kind of back shape?

A horse described as 'sway backed' exhibits a noticeable dip in the center of its back. This condition is characterized by a concave or depressed contour along the spine, which can affect the horse's overall conformation and how it carries its saddle. While a straight, strong back (the first choice) may indicate good structural integrity, it does not correspond to the sway back's distinct shape. Similarly, a muscular and well-defined shape (the third choice) suggests a strong back with no dips and firm muscle tone, which is not typical of a sway back. Lastly, a very straightened back (the fourth choice) is also contrary to the description, as it implies a lack of curvature, resembling more of a straight or level back rather than the pronounced dip associated with a sway back. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a sway backed horse is indeed the noticeable dip in the center of its back.