|
Standard of Perfection (from AMHA)
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 impression should be one of symmetry, strength, agility
and alertness. Since the breed objective is the smallest possible
perfect horse, preference in judging shall be given the smaller
horse, other characteristics being approximately equal.
Size: Must
measure not more than 34 inches at the withers, 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. Even bite.
Ears: Medium in
size. Pointed. Carried alertly with tips curving slightly inward.
Throat-Latch:
Clean and well defined allowing ample flexion at the poll.
Neck: Flexible,
lengthy, in proportion to body and type and blending smoothly into
the withers.
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 of
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 withers, Tail set neither excessively high or 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.
|