Miniature Horse Association of Australia Inc.

Standard of Excellence

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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:

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MINIATURE HORSE height requirements are:

(i) Horses up to but not including 6 months of age shall not exceed 28” in height.
(ii) Horses 6 months up to and not including 12 months shall not exceed 30” in height.
(iii) Horses 12 months up to and not including 24 months of age shall 32” in height.
(iv) Horses 24 months up to and not including 36 months of age shall 33” in height.
(v) Horses 36 months and over shall not exceed 34” in height.

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SMALL HORSE height requirements are:

(i) Horses up to but not including 12 months of age shall not exceed 34” in height.
(ii) Horses 12 months up to and not including 24 months of age shall 36” in height.
(iii) Horses 24 months up to and not including 36 months of age shall not exceed 37” in height.
(iv) Horses 36 months and over shall not exceed 38” in height.

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.

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

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

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

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NECK
Flexible and lengthy in proportion to body and style, blending smoothly into withers.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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GAIT
Smooth and fluid gait in motion, naturally free moving.

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COLOUR
Any colour or marking pattern is acceptable, any eye colour is allowed, the coat should be lustrous and silky.

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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/I990)