Page 52 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

9. Obesity. Minis have evolved to be very Every breed has problems, which is the most
efficient at utilizing minimal amounts of calories. common problem you see in the Miniature horse
AN INTERVIEW WITH A JUDGE
Most do not require grain, yet overfeeding is today? And what is the most important point, of
common. Offer hay at 1.5-2% of each horse's which you would like a new aspiring judge of the
body weight per day, minimize grazing and use Miniature horse to be aware of?
muzzles as necessary. A new Judge needs to be aware of the Standards
10. Dystocia. Due to discrepancy between Mini of perfection which are the following:
mare pelvic size and fetal head size, dystocia Temperament: Temperament is reflected in its
(difficult birth) is common. Veterinarians often personality. The American Miniature Horse is
perform a cesarean section. intelligent, curious, gentle, sensible, willing to
11. Dwarfism. The two most common types cooperate and easy to train.
of this genetic condition are achondroplasia Size: Measuring at base of the last hair of the mane,
(short limbs) and diastrophia (twisted limbs). the mature animal must not exceed 34 inches.
Achondroplastic dwarfs usually get around Horses two years old or younger conform to the
well and live normal lives. Diastrophic dwarfs height for age requirements as stated in the show.
have multiple limb deformities, domed heads Color: Any coat color, pattern, white markings and
and roached backs, and they generally need eye color are equally acceptable.
support, including splints or surgery, to move Head: The head is beautiful, triangular in shape and
properly. comparatively small in proportion to the length of
12. Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD). In this neck and body. The forehead is broad with large,
condition, certain parts of the eye, such as the prominent eyes. The eyes are set well apart and
cornea, iris, lens, ciliary body and retina, do not are placed approximately 1/3 the distance from the
develop normally. One of the most common and poll to muzzle. The distance between the muzzle
apparent abnormalities is an enlarged cornea and eyes is comparatively short. A profile may be
that gives the eyes a "bugged-out" look. Horses straight or slightly dished below the eyes, blending
with ASD are at increased risk for vision loss. into large nostrils on a small, refined muzzle.
Bite: When viewed from the side, the meeting
point of the center incisor teeth should be equal
Owning Miniature Horses and even. A slight deviation no more than half the
can be a fun venture as width of the tooth's surface is permissible without
long as you are armed with fault. The accuracy of the bite may vary according
the information you need to age. As the premolars and molars move into
to be prepared for and care location, the alignment of the jaw could vary
for their special needs. during this process.
Ears: The ears are set on top of the head and
carried alertly. They are medium in size, well
shaped with pointed tips curving slightly inward.
Neck: The neck is set on the top of a well-angulated
shoulder, departing well above the point of the
shoulder and blending into the withers, giving the
impression of the neck sitting on top of the withers
rather than in front of them. The slender neck is
slightly arched forming a gentle curve from the
poll to the back. Its length is in proportion to body
with the top line being considerably longer than
the bottom line. The throatlatch is clean and well
defined, allowing flexion at the poll and normal
respiration.
Shoulders: The shoulders are muscular, long,
sloping, well angulated (45-50 degrees), allowing

52 | Miniature Horse Magazine • Issue 1/2023