Ideal Mini Horse Conformation? Trying to Learn

Berries889 · Dec 1, 2020

Hi everyone.

I'm trying to learn more about ideal mini horse conformation for halter classes. I've seen 'english' halter and 'western halter' classes, over the years at open shows and rated shows but I don't know much about them. I'd like to do open/non rated shows eventually but I'm not sure if my new mini has good enough conformation for the halter classes.

I see in the rules here were not allowed to post other people's horse photos, but I'm hoping some of you have some close to ideal photos/critiques of your own horses?

When I get my guy clipped in a few months I will post conformation shots of him, right now he's a fluff ball.

Abby P · Dec 1, 2020

I'm not sure how applicable it is to showing in halter but Mindy Schroder has a nice series over on the Chimacum Tack blog with some conformational analysis of minis. There are a couple that look at younger horses and she talks a bit about how they'll mature into or out of various conformational traits.

I think general conformation is the same as for big horses in terms of what is desirable and not - so taking a look at the work of Deb Bennett (Equine Studies Institute) might be helpful too in a general sense, although maybe not specifically with what halter show judges might be looking for.

FWIW I think your new guy is SUPER cute, fuzz and all (maybe especially with the fuzz!).

Berries889 · Dec 1, 2020

Thank you Abby! Her blog is great, I bookmarked it and have been reading a few of the articles.

And thanks for the comment about Pyro! He is a cutie, I'm excited to do so many things with him

elizabeth.conder · Dec 1, 2020

If you are on facebook, there a few groups that discuss conformation. There are also a couple of online miniature horse shows that are usually pretty good. Just have to make sure you go off reputable judges comments. I have an AMHA World GRAND champion, and some 'judges' do not like her. BUT there are some actual carded judges that give great feedback. I am going to try to attach a pdf that one of them wrote for the show