The croup is the topline section of the horse running from the highest point of the hip (the point of the croup) back to the tail head, covering the gluteal and hamstring musculature of the hindquarters. It is one of the primary power stations of locomotion: the muscles beneath it drive hindlimb propulsion, determine stride length, and largely govern the ability to engage the hindquarters under itself.
Slope is the key conformation variable. A level or nearly flat croup is associated with a high tail set, strong engagement, and good collection ability, traits favored in dressage and reining. A steep or sharply sloping croup places the hindlimb further under the horse at rest and tends to produce a longer, sweeping stride, an advantage in jumping and galloping disciplines. Neither angle is universally correct; breed standards and discipline demands dictate the ideal.
Muscling of the croup is evaluated at rest and in motion. A well-muscled, broad croup in profile signals power; a narrow, sunken, or poorly defined croup suggests under-development or loss of condition.
The point of the hip (tuber coxae) and point of the buttock (tuber ischii) are the two bony landmarks that frame the croup. Their relationship defines croup slope and is measured visually or with a level.