BREED STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
THE MINIATURE HORSE ASSOCIATION OF AUTRALIA INC

GENERAL IMPRESSION

A small, sound, well balanced horse, possessing the conformation characteristics desirable of most breeds. In fact, if there were no size reference, the miniature horse might give the illusion of being a full sized horse. A miniature horse should show refinement and femininity in the mare, and 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 first preference in judging shall be given to the smaller horse for its age, when other characteristics are approximately equal.

SIZE

There shall be Miniature 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 length of neck and body, broad forehead with large expressive eyes
set well apart, comparatively a short distance between eyes and muzzle, profile straight or slightly concave below eyes, large nostrils and a clean refined muzzle.

TEETH

An even bite is necessary, with no more than 3mm out.
Overshot or parrot mouth is a disqualification.

EARS

Medium sized, pointed and alert, tips curving slightly inward.

THROAT-LATCH

Clean and well defined, allowing ample flexion at the poll.

NECK

Flexible and lengthy in proportion to body and style, blending smoothly into 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, without being heavy, balanced and
well proportioned, short back and loins in relation to length of underline, smooth
and generally level top line, proportionate depth of 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 of rump.

LEGS

Lengthy and slender in proportion to the rest of the body, set straight and parallel
when viewed from front and back, straight true and squarely set when viewed from the side with hooves pointing directly ahead, pasterns sloping approximately 45 degreesand 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 and fluid gait in motion, naturally free moving.

COLOUR

Any colour or marking pattern is acceptable, any eye colour 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.

(Breed standard adopted 9/6/I 990)