The Standard of Excellence

GENERAL IMPRESSION: A small, sound well balanced horse possessing the confirmation characteristics desirable of most breeds. In fact, if there were no size reference, the miniature horse might give the iliusion of being a full sized horse. a miniature horses should show refinement and femininity in the mare, boldness and masculinity in the stallion, at the same time displaying an impeccable temperament. The general impression should be one of refinement, symmetry, agility and an alert intelligence. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given to the smaller horse for it's age when other characteristics are approximately equal. SIZE: There shall be Miniature Horses and Small Horses. 

 MINIATURE

Height requirements are:
1. Weanlings (6-12 months) must not exceed 7.2 hands (30”)
2. Yearlings must not exceed 8.0 hands (32”)
3. Two Year Olds must not exceed 8.1 hands (33”)
4. No category A Horse shall exceed 8.2 hands (34

SMALL HORSE

Height requirements are:
1. Foals (0 – 6 months) must not exceed 8.1 hands (33”)
2. Foals (6-12 months) must not exceed 8.2 hands (34”)
3. 12 -24 months must not exceed 9.1 hands (36”)
4. 24 – 36 months must not exceed 9.1 (37”)
5. 36 months & over must not exceed 9.2 hands (38”)
6. No Category B Horse shall exceed 9.2 hands (38”)

HEAD: In proportion to the length of neck and body, broad forehead with large expressive eyes set well apart, comparatively short distance between eyes and muzzle, profile straight or slightly concave below eyes, large nostrils, clean refined muzzle.

TEETH: An even bite is neccessary, with no more then 3mm variance. Overshot or parrot mouth is a disqualification.

EARS: Medium sized, pointed, alert, tips curving slightly inward.

THROAT LATCH: Clean and well defined allowing ample flexion at the poll.

SHOULDER: Long slopping and well angulated, allowing a free swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage, well muscled forearm.

BODY: Well muscled with ample bone and substance without being to heavy, balanced and well-proportioned, short back and lions in relation to the length of the underline, smooth and generally level top line, proportionate depth of girth and flank, trim barrel.

HINDQUARTER: Long well muscled hip, thigh and gaskin, highest point of crop to be the same height as withers, tail set neither excessively high or low but smoothly rounding off the rump.

LEGS: Lengthly and slender in proportion to the rest of the body, set straight and parallel when viewed from the front and back, straight true and squarely set when viewed from the side with hooves pointing directly ahead, pasterns sloping approximately 45 degrees and blending smoothly with no change of angle from hooves to the ground, hooves to be round and compact, trimmed suitably but not excessively for an unshod horse.

GAIT: Smooth abd fluid gait in motion, naturally free flowing.

COLOR: Any color or marking pattern is acceptable, any eye color is allowed, the coat should be lustrous and silky.

TEMPERAMENT: Good temperament is of the utmost importance - curious, alert, intelligent and friendly, poor or vicious temperament is considered a fault.