American Miniature Ponies Competition Requirements

There are a number of organizations that hold competitions for miniature ponies and horses. Two of the largest and most influential are the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) and the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR). Miniature horses and ponies compete in three classifications: Shetland ponies, American miniature ponies and American miniature horses. Each classification has divisions based on the age, height and hoof measurements of the miniature horse or pony and the skill level of the handler. Horses are judged both on conformation, or how closely they meet the breed standard, and their presence in the show ring. Handlers may be either amateurs or professionals.

  1. Conformation

    • The largest judging component in miniature horse and pony competitions is confirmation. The entrants are judged on how closely their overall appearance meets the published standard for the ideal miniature horse or pony. Each part of the miniature horse or pony's body from the muzzle to the tail and hooves is evaluated for adherence to the breed standard.

      Judges calculate final scores in each division by combining a percentage of the confirmation score and a percentage of all other scores to equal 100 percent. Each division differs but, as an example, judges calculate Shetland pony yearlings' final scores by combining 75 percent of the confirmation score with 25 percent of the quality and manners scores.

    Quality and Soundness

    • Entrants are evaluated for their quality and soundness. Quality refers to the horse's or pony's skin and coat appearance, proper weight, body proportions, style, beauty and overall appearance. Sound horses or ponies are not lame, have no hoof deformities, have no recurrent airway obstruction, no heaves and have full sight in both eyes.

    Performance and Presence

    • Good performance means the horse or pony walks and trots according to the standard. Horses and ponies that score well in this category lift their hooves well off the ground and place them down flat, their strides are appropriate lengths, they move forward without moving on diagonals, they maintain their balance and carry their heads high. Horses and ponies that meet the requirements of the presence category are confident, alert, animated and show personality in the ring.

    Show Preparedness and Manners

    • Horses that show good manners are obedient to all commands from their handlers, are able to be guided using light amounts of mouth control and stand quietly when commanded to do so. They don't pull on the bit, don't head toss and do not break stride.

      Judges evaluate both handler and horse or pony on their show preparedness. Handlers are judged on their attire and how they conduct themselves in the show ring. Miniature horses and ponies are evaluated on their grooming, braiding of their manes and their overall attractive presence in the ring.