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judges speak
Q .
I recently attended a local AMHA show and was confused when the judges picked horses in the stock class that I considered to be halter horse types . I would like a judge ’ s description of the differences between the halter and the stock type- a contrast of the two types to make it clearer for those of us trying to decide which class would fit our horse the best . What is an absolute “ here ’ s your sign ” trait to help make that decision ?
Judge Christy Wood – The absolute “ here ’ s your sign ” is the conformation and body type of your Miniature horse . The stock type will look more like a Quarter horse with more muscle and bulk , and the other halter horse will look more refined , like an Arabian type . Don ’ t be confused by the color because the colorful horses that have Pinto and Appaloosa color won ’ t always fit into the stock type . That ’ s it in a nut shell !
Judge Cindy Butler – I have seen beautiful stock type minis . They should “ look ” like halter horses , just stock type halter horses . There is no one “ absolute , here ’ s your sign trait ”, but we are looking to compare a horse to a stock type , standard of perfection . To me , a stock type horse will have a more level top-line and more sloping croup than an open halter horse . The horse can be heavier
NUTRITION THAT WORKS muscled and may not have a dishy face , but can still be smooth and refined . When the stock type horse moves , he will have a flatter , more sweeping knee action , but still engage his hind end and move gracefully .
Judge Kim Seipp – The Stock Horse Halter class is for horses that have more bone and substance than what the breed has moved towards over time . What typically is winning in the Open , Amateur and Youth Halter classes these days are horses that are more refined with a more Arab type appearance , hooky neck , tight ear set , large expressive eyes , high tail set .
A Stock Horse should still be a beautiful animal with a more stout frame , muscling and substance overall . They should still meet the breed standard as far as conformation being
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Visit our website at : www . FoxdenEquine . com balanced and correct without any disqualifying characteristics . In my mind ’ s eye the ideal stock horse would resemble a horse that would do very well in cutting or reining if they were a full size horse . I still want to see the correct proportions as far as length of neck , back , loin , etc . But a stock horse neck will not come up from the middle of their back like we like to see with the more Araby , hooky necked horses in the other halter classes . They should still have a very pretty head with large expressive eyes , but may lack the dishy face and teacup muzzle that you see in the Arab type miniatures . I still want to see quality structure and movement .
The horses need to be shown more like a stock horse with the proper halter and less baiting . Definitely need to make sure that the horse is standing square with its feet under the four corners . Judges can only judge what is shown to them . It will be up to the exhibitors to present to the judge what they believe the appropriate Stock Horse is . Judges will let you know their opinion of the quality of that animal in relation to the other animals in the class .
Judge Wayne Hipsley – Judges assess a Miniature horse compared to the breed standard and breed type as established by the American Miniature Horse Association . Rather than depend upon the written descriptions of the differences between the horse types , the AMHA has created very distinct illustrations of the image and profile for the two types . ( These illustrations are found in the AMHA rulebook as well as online .) Similar illustrations have been a great aid in the determination between the different Miniature Horse driving types . It is the judge ’ s responsibility to use these AMHA standards to assess the horses in their respective classes , and place the horses according to those standards .
14 Miniature Horse World JUNE / JULY 2016