HALTER CLASSES

Halter classes are designed to reflect the perfection of the miniature horse stallion, mare, and gelding.

The Showmanship Patterns 1 or 2 are generally followed in presentation.

In Halter Classes, the Horse is being evaluated, not the Handler, as in the Showmanship Classes. The Handler should look neat and be dressed appropriately but is not required to wear a hat, boots or a long-sleeved shirt. Many handlers wear a business suit or jacket, although this attire is certainly acceptable, it seem more appropriate to dress in either western or English attire for a horse show of any type.

Show halters or Leather halters are complimentary to the horse. The cleanliness of the tack and of course, the horse, are crucial in any class. The horse does not have to be body clipped, but making certain that there is a clean throat latch for a clean line and that the ears have been trimmed is very important in presenting a horse. Hooves should be well-trimmed and may be polished. Conformation, Way-Of-Going, and Overall Presentation in that order are Judged in Halter Classes.

Conformation: A miniature horse of any size should lend the appearance of its full-sized counterpart in a miniaturized version of the particular horse that the animal most resembles, whether it be a quarter horse, Arabian, or thoroughbred type horse. Other breed representation are slowly entering the miniature horse conformation types, but generally, the two types are thought of as the Quarter horse and the Arab type. The miniature horse should be well proportioned with a level topline. The legs should be straight and sound. The Quarter Horse type presents a more muscular body with a shorter, more muscled neck. The Arab type usually is more slender with longer, slimmer legs and neck. A dished-face is also characteristic of the Arabian . The eyes should be large and alert. Eye color may vary and will not be penalized if eye color is not consistent. The ears should appear erect and forward.

MODEL STALLION, GELDING & MARE

The Model is based 100% upon conformation. Horses will enter the ring counter-clockwise and either circle or line up in the center of the ring. Horses will not be asked to move in this class. Way of going or presentation is not a factor in this class. The WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MINIATURE HORSE SHOW recognizes the two distinct types of conformation as Quarter Horse and Arabian and may choose to l award a FIRST-PLACE RIBBON to the best representative of each type in the Stallion, Mare and Gelding Model Classes. The remaining 2-10 places will be awarded based upon the best representatives of either conformation type. Some horses have a combination of the two main types of conformation and may be awarded first place if their conformation is superior to either of the distinct types. The smaller miniature horse will usually be selected by the Judge in the A Division, those horses 34" and under, if all things are equal including conformation. However, under no circumstances should a smaller horse be chosen if the conformation of the larger horse is superior. The B Division - Over 34" up to and including 38", generally is a very balanced horse whose conformation faults are few because their size has already been established with distinguishing characteristics of various breeds including a large number of pintos and appaloosas. It is primarilyfrom this size that so many outstanding multicolored A Division Miniature Horses have been introduced. The B Division horses have found their place in the miniature horse industry not only as animals with outstanding color and conformation to be used for breeding down to the tiny miniature size, but often as a preferred driving and racing horse and as a child’s mount. The child who is over 40-60 pounds can still enjoy riding a miniature horse in the B Division.

LIBERTY CLASS

The Liberty Class demonstrates the beauty and elegance of the style of movement that is natural to the particular miniature horse. Some miniatures may gallop wildly, buck, and rear, while others may go through various gaits including the canter. The selection of music should suit the style of the horse. The exhibitor and handler enter the ring with the horse. At the first sound of the music, the halter is removed by the exhibitor and the horse runs "free" in the arena demonstrating various gaits, or just trotting to the music. The exhibitor’s musical choice should be taped to end at exactly one and a half minutes. The exhibitor has exactly two minutes to catch and halter the horse. A handler may assist the exhibitor in the ring to keep the horse in motion but may not catch or halter the horse. Neither the exhibitor or the handler may touch the horse in any way during the performance. Shakers and whips are allowed but the must not touch the horse. Baiting to catch the horse is not permitted.

MULTICOLOR & SOLID

Multicolor horses include Pintos and Appaloosas only. Solid colors include all other colors including Palominos. Judging is based 100% upon color. Enter the ring counter clockwise and circle the ring in one direction until the Judge asks that the exhibitors and horses turn and walk in the other direction. The Judge will either ask exhibitors to stop in the circle or to line up in the center of the ring for the awards.