What might indicate a horse is 'built downhill'?

When evaluating whether a horse is 'built downhill,' the defining characteristic is the relative height of the hindquarters compared to the forehand. A horse that is described as built downhill typically exhibits a lower hindquarter than its forehand. This structure means that the horse's back slopes from the withers, which are higher, to the croup, which is lower. Such conformation can impact the horse's balance, movement, and performance.

In contrast, a horse that is more balanced in proportion of its body parts or has a higher hindquarter than forehand would not be classified as built downhill. These characteristics denote a horse that may have a more even structural balance, more favorable for certain types of athletic performance. A horse with a perfectly leveled back would also indicate an ideal balance, neither downhill nor uphill. Therefore, the specific condition of the hindquarters being lower than the forehand is essential for identifying a horse as built downhill.