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The Miniature Horse is a very versatile breed. The general impression of a miniature horse should be that of an unusually small, yet sound and well balanced horse. A good mini will exhibit strength,agility and alertness. Their disposition is eager, willing to please and friendly. The mini comes in all colours of mane, tail and body. Markings and patterns are equally acceptable at the show and for breeding. The American Miniature Horse Registery has two different divisions for minis:
The height measurement reflects the distance from the ground to the last hair on the mane. Miniatures must meet the standard of perfection: Head: In proportion to the body; neither excessively long or short. The eyes should be large, alert, and prominent with no discrimination in colour. The ears, open toward the front and carried erect. The mouth should show no signs of parrot mouth or undershot. Neck: Stong and muscular, proportionate to body and the type of horse represented Body: Well-muscled, with good bone and substance, well sprung ribs, level topline, 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. Legs: Straight, clean and sound Hooves: Round and compact, trimmed as short as practical for an unshod horse, and in good condition. Throat-latch: Clean and well definedk, allowing ample flexion at the poll. Shoulder: Long, sloping and well-angulated, allowing a free swinging stride and alert head/neck carriage. Well muscled forearm. 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.
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