I was just looking at some horse pictures and it occured to me that I have NEVER heard of a horse judging HUMAN conformation, fitness level, shoeing, hair-dos, clothes (except day-glo tie-dye), gaits etc., just their rider's ability in the saddle and the quality of the handling on the ground.
Has anyone ever seen any evidence of a horse judging human appearance, conformation, hair dos or clothes?
What's your point? A rider's ability and/or ground handling could certainly be influenced by the person's fitness, experience (think "green, unbroke" person!) or "shoeing". For instance, I'd HATE to handle a horse in stiletto heels and am sure that my wobbling gait in said heels would influence my effectiveness on the ground OR in the saddle.
I have known horse to indicate some distress in the presence of a loud, rude person, but that speaks more to disposition rather than conformation. Certainly in the case of grossly overweight, unfit riders horses will indicate either downright rebellion or resignation. Most of the time, horses are extremely tolerant creatures. All the more reason to handle them with respect and make sure that the horse you're riding is appropriate for your purposes. No matter who you are.