OCTOBER 1995 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 10/1/95; 10:00:00 AM.

American Miniature Horse Standard

General Impression: A small, sound, well-balanced horse. It should give the impression of strength, agility and alertness. The disposition should be eager and friendly, not skittish.

Size: The American Miniature Horse must measure not more than 34" at the base of the last hair on the mane for Division A, and not more than 38" for Division B. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given to the smallest, all other factors being equal. Priority in judging shall be in this order: (1) Soundness, (2) Balance, and (3) Size.

Head: In proportion to the body; neither excessively long or short. The eyes should be large, alert, and prominent with no discrimination in color. The ears, open toward the front and carried erect. The teeth should be strong with the upper teeth scissored over the lower. Should show no signs of parrot mouth or undershot.

Neck: Strong and muscular, proportionate to body, and the type of horse represented.

Body: Well-muscled with good bone and substance; well sprung ribs; level top-line, as nearly as possible of equal height in withers and rump, fore and hindquarters well angulated, so that the horse in movement shows a smooth gait. The tail should round off the rump, being set neither excessively high nor low.

Legs: Straight, clean and sound.

Hooves: Round and compact, trimmed as short as practicable for an unshod horse, and in good condition.

Color: Any color and marking pattern are equally acceptable.

Disqualifications: Height in excess of 34" for Division A and 38" for Division B; Dwarfism; Blindness; Cowhocks, any other unsoundness. Measurement of height shall be the responsibility of: the show stewards with any disputes resolved by the show manager who, if in doubt, should request the opinion of the show veterinarian. Injuries which, in the opinion of the show veterinarian, are temporary should not be penalized unless injury impairs the general appearance and/or the action of the horse.