South Australian


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AUSTRALIAN MINIATURE PONY INFORMATION

If you have ponies that need to measured for their 2, 4 or 6 year old heights

please contact   one of the SA measurers below.

 Helen Edwards

 0408 019 314

 Hillbank 

 goldburn4@bigpond.com

 Carol Francis

 08 8554 3304

 Goolwa

 wayandahPark@bigpond.com 

 Joy Johnson

 08 8529 2051

 Windsor

 toralea1@bigpond.com

 LeeAnne Hall

 0404 840 213

 Lewiston

 kiarrapark@hotmail.com

 Alan Norris

 08 8528 6010

 Owen

 

 Colin Rogers 

 08 8383 6029

 Clarendon

 

 Shirley Smith

 08 8388 7098

 Hahndorf

 ssm45605@bigpond.net.au

 Barbara Wilkinson

 08 8538 5339

 Kanmantoo

 

If you have any queries please contact the State Delegate

BARB VOYSEY

Ph~~08 83846446   (home - evenings only - after 7.30pm)

Fax~~08 8384 1887

Mobile~~0418 821100    (NOT during working hours PLEASE)

DESCRIPTION

The Australian Miniature Pony is a small well proportioned pony; possessing good temperament, not exceeding 87cms and is free of hereditary unsoundness, exhibiting no vices, showing refinement and feminity in mares and boldness and masculinity in stallions. The pony should be robust enough to carry a small child or pull an adult in a small vehicle. The pony should also possess the characteristics recognised of a typical pony in miniature. In judging all factors being equal, preference could be given to the smaller size.

The Australian Miniature Pony was derived from selectively breeding down in miniature, the smaller known pony and horse breeds. Decades of dedicated breeding, refining height and conformation, has achieved the breed as it is known today. The Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc was formed in July 1974 at Liverpool NSW, as a result of an inaugural meeting attended by a number of people intent on creating and promoting this unique Australian Pony breed. From this and many subsequent meetings, the Australian Miniature Pony Breed was registered in it's own right. Interest spread rapidly to all Australian states.

If you have any enquiries regarding Australian Miniature Ponies, joining the Australian Miniature Pony Society or if you want to attend some events to find out more, please contact Secretary.

Ears - Small to Medium Size

Head - Comparatively small. head well in proportion to the rest of the body; profile straight or slightly concave (dished) below eyes; comparatively small muzzle, round expressive eyes set well apart, comparatively short distance between eye and muzzle.

Teeth - Should meet evenly, no more than 3mm variation acceptable.

Neck - Lightly crested on mares and moderately crested on stallions. The length of the neck will be proportional to the body.

Body - Should have well sprung ribs, a generous girth, a slight natural curve in the back and a strong well rounded rump; the whole body shall present a picture of balance and shall be in proportion for the height. The body should not be coarse or overlong.

Legs - Straight, true and squarely set, straight sound flat bone, strong forearm, short cannon bone, strong sloping pasterns.

Action - Should be smooth showing free flexion of the joints without exaggeration.

Colour - All colours are acceptable.

Size - MUST measure 87cms or under, measured at the highest point of the wither. The pony must stand naturally with head held in a natural position and all four hoofs standing squarely on the ground (not stretched).

SHOWING

 

 

 

Showing your Australian Miniature Pony can be a very rewarding experience and may provide you with the opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow AMPS enthusiasts, view other members' ponies, promote the Australian Miniature Pony and potentially enhance your own showing/handling skills and knowledge.

 

 

The Australian Miniature Pony is exhibited at most Agricultural and Royal Shows throughout Australia.
The AMPS National Committee, some State Committees and also Area Groups organise annual shows specifically for Australian Miniature Ponies. these events are dedicated to promoting the Australian Miniature Pony, which is the highlight for many members and provides a wonderful display of Miniature Ponies in led, harness, ridden and novelty classes

 

 Presentation to be at the discretion of the Owner/Exhibitor, i.e. to be shown to its best advantage at the time of the year - the ideal presentation for a pony is in Summer Coat, but ponies which are either clipped or in heavy coat are not to be debarred from showing.

 Foals of the current season must not be clipped.

  All colts and stallions, are to be shown correctly bitted and handled by an adult over 18 years of age

 

Ponies may be measured by society officials at shows.
Any member has the right to challenge the height of a pony in the Australian Miniature Pony Society

 Only registered ponies owned by financial members of the Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc may compete in Australian Miniature Pony events.

  Should a pony be deregistered for exceeding height limitations prior to winning any perpetual trophy, the trophy will then forfeit and the runner up will automatically be declared the winner of that trophy for that year.

 Ponies exhibiting injuries which are temporary or blemishes not associated with unsoundness should not be penalized unless it impairs the general appearance of the pony and/or action of the pony.

  When showing it is advisable to have a copy of your pony's registration papers (or foal recording certificate) with you on the day of the show - some shows require the originals to be produced if requested.

DISQUALIFICATIONS:
1. Height in excess of 87 cms.
2. Dwarfism

3. Overshot or undershot mouth (3mm maximum).

4. Monorchids or cryptorchids in stallions

5. Lock stifle, congenital cataract, nasal disease, malformation of genitals.

 Showing - Point Scores:

All AMPS point score (also know as High Point Awards) shall Start with the first recognised Agricultural Show or Feature of the season in all states of Australia commencing after 1st August each year and ceasing on 31st July in the following year.
Check with your State Delegate to see what point scores are being conducted in your state.

 Showing - Dress Standards:

A standard of dress that is neat and tidy as recommended by the National Committee and/or does not ridicule the Australian Miniature Pony breed must be worn by exhibitors of the Australian Miniature Pony.

Thongs, sneakers, jeans, t-shirt and stud logos are not acceptable.


 

GENERAL CARE

 

A balanced diet, fresh water, a suitable environment and the application of commonsense will generally ensure your Australian Miniature Pony stays healthy and happy, with the additions of a few important factors:

Ponies should be kept free of parasites and worming on a routine basis is essential.

Consultation with a local veterinarian will establish the best regime for your pony.

Brushing or grooming is recommended to maintain a healthy skin and glossy coat.

Feet and teeth require attention on a regular basis by a competent person. This also applies to the administration of tetanus and other injections when necessary.

Availability of pasture, together with the age and workload of the pony, will determine daily intake. Very young or very old ponies, as well as brood mares have specific dietary needs.

All feed should be of good quality with plenty of roughage and overfeeding should be avoided to discourage the incidence of founder.

A seaweed or mineral horse lick will provide extra nutrients.

BREEDING

For those who have the time AND facilities, breeding the Australian Miniature Pony is an immensely rewarding experience, with tiny foals being only 30-53cm high at birth (measured at the wither). 

An up to date leaflet on registration requirements for stallions, mares, foal recordings, transfers and branding is available from the society. 

Please contact  STATE DELEGATE BARB VOYSEY

Web Site contact  LEEANNE HALL