Breed Standard
Official Standard of the Curly Miniature Horse
Breed objective : to produce the smallest possible, well-proportioned and healthy horse that carries the physical and behavioural traits of the Curly : a hypoallergenic coat (curly or straight and Smooth Coat) and a gentle, stable temperament.
Size
Two height categories
Measured at the base of the last hair of the mane. In judging, at equal quality, the smaller individual is preferred.
General impression
Harmony in miniature
The Curly Miniature is an elegant, well-balanced small horse whose conformation mirrors that of full-sized light saddle breeds in miniature form. Mares should show refinement and femininity, while mature stallions express masculinity and presence without heaviness.
The overall impression must reflect harmony: symmetry, strength, agility and alertness. Movement is natural, supple and athletic.
Temperament
Gentle, intelligent, curious
Temperament is expressed through a gentle, intelligent, curious personality ; easy to handle and eager to cooperate.
These qualities make the Curly Miniature an ideal partner, especially in animal-assisted therapy.
Conformation
The points, on the horse
Hover or tap a marker to reveal the criterion ; every point is detailed below.
Head : triangular, elegant, well-spaced eyes.
Bite : central incisors meet evenly.
Ears : set high, alert, medium.
Neck : fine, arched, well-set.
Shoulders : long, sloped 45–50°.
Body : compact, short back, deep flank
Croup : long, gently sloping, tail well set.
Legs : straight, parallel, refined bone.
Pasterns : 45–48° front, 40–50° hind.
Feet : functional length, wide heels.
- 01 - Head : triangular, elegant, well-spaced eyes.
- 02 - Bite : central incisors meet evenly.
- 03 - Ears : set high, alert, medium.
- 04 - Neck : fine, arched, well-set.
- 05 - Shoulders : long, sloped 45–50°.
- 06 - Body : compact, short back, deep flank.
- 07 - Croup : long, gently sloping, tail well set.
- 08 - Legs : straight, parallel, refined bone.
- 09 - Pasterns : 45–48° front, 40–50° hind.
- 10 - Feet : functional length, wide heels.
In details
Point by Point
Coat & colour
All coat colours, patterns, markings and eye colours are accepted. Coats may be curly (tight curls, marcel, velvet), wavy, or straight. All types may be hypoallergenic.
Head
Small, triangular, elegant, proportionate to the neck and body. Broad forehead with large, expressive, well-spaced eyes, positioned approximately one-third of the distance from poll to muzzle. The profile may be straight or slightly concave under the eyes, leading into wide nostrils on a fine and refined muzzle.
Bite
From a side view, central incisors should meet evenly. A slight deviation (less than half a tooth's width) is acceptable. Accuracy of the bite may vary with age due to development of molars and premolars.
Ears
Set high on the head, alertly carried, medium in size, well-shaped. They may or may not point inward.
Neck
Set on a well-angled shoulder, the neck is fine, arched, proportionate to the body, with a topline longer than the underside. It should allow for proper flexion and easy breathing.
Shoulders
Muscular, long, sloped, allowing for free, smooth gaits and a natural head and neck carriage.
Body
Compact body, short back, broad loins, deep flank, well-sprung ribs. Long, muscled, gently sloping croup. Tail well set. Underline is long but not tucked up. At maturity, the hip should not be higher than the withers. Chest is moderately wide and muscular.
Legs
Legs appear long in proportion to body depth. Bones are flat, strong and refined. Viewed from front or rear, legs are straight and parallel with hooves pointing forward. Pasterns are moderate and angled to allow a light, springy stride.
Movement
Walk is free, fluid and four-beat. Trot is natural, forward, two-beat diagonal, with synchronized elevation of knees and hocks. From the front, movement reflects correct conformation. The Curly Miniature moves willingly both in-hand and in harness.
Young horses
Young horses should show a frame still developing, with proportions appropriate to age. A foal with a prematurely adult appearance is not desirable.
Join the community
Breeding to the standard, together
AMCHE supports responsible breeding built on the standard, genetic diversity and the welfare of every horse. Become a member and help secure the future of the Miniature Curly Horse in Europe.