General Impression
A small, sound, well-balanced horse possessing the correct conformation characteristics required of most breeds. Refinement and femininity in the mare. Boldness and masculinity in the stallion. The general impressions should be one of symmetry, strength, agility and alertness. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible horse, the preference in judging shall be given to the smaller horse, other characteristics being approximately equal.
Size
Must measure not more than 34 inches at the last hairs of the mane.
Head
In proportion to length of neck and body. Broad forehead with large prominent eyes, set wide apart. Comparatively short distance between eyes and muzzle. Profile straight or slightly concave below the eyes. Large nostrils. Clean, refined muzzle. Even bite.
Ears
Medium in size, pointed. Carried alertly, with tips curving slightly inward.
Throatlatch
Clean and well defined, allowing ample flexion at the poll.
Neck
Flexible, lengthy, in proportion to body and type and blending smoothly into the wither.
Shoulder
Long, sloping and well angulated, allowing a free-swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage. Well-muscled forearm.
Body
Well muscled, with ample bone and substance. Balanced and well proportioned. Short back and loins in relation to length on underline. Smooth and generally level top-line. Deep girth and flank. Trim barrel.
Hindquarters
Long, well muscled hip, thigh and gaskin. Highest point of croup to be same height as wither. Tail set neither excessively high nor low, but smoothly rounding off rump.
Legs
Set straight and parallel when viewed from front or back. Straight, true and squarely set when viewed from the side with hooves pointing directly ahead. Pasterns sloping about 45 degrees and blending smoothly, with no change of angle, from the hooves to the ground. Hooves to be round and compact, trimmed as short as practicable for an unshod horse. Smooth, fluid gait in motion.
Color
Any color or marking pattern and any eye color is equally acceptable. The hair should be lustrous and silky.
Author
The Miniature Horse - Standard of Perfection Courtesy of The American Miniature Horse Association 5601 S Interstate 35W l Alvarado, TX 76009 (817) 783-5600 Fax (817) 783-6403 www.amha.org
