Inspections
Inspection Criteria
Marks range from “Excellent” to “Not to Standard”
Mares & Geldings
Must receive marks Sufficient and above.
Stallions
Must receive marks Good and above.
Stallion prospects should in most cases be three years or older to allow for inspectors to see a mature male. Mares and geldings should be at least two years old or older to allow inspectors to, again, see a mature pony.
The minimum height at inspection is 128 cms (12.2 ½ hands) and the maximum height at inspection is 148 cms (14.2 ¼ hands). CN* Allowances will be made for mature Connemara ponies, however, any pony measuring 15 hands or over should be presented with a signed veterinarian statement indicating the under maximum height of the pony at age two.
Grey, black, bay, brown, dun (buckskin), roan, chestnut, blue eyed cream, and palomino.
Rugged and sturdy, body compact and deep through the heart, with well sprung rib cage and broad chest. Well balanced riding type with good depth and substance and good heart room, standing on short legs, covering a lot of ground. Well balanced overall appearance.
Balanced in proportion to the body, with good width between large kindly eyes. Pony ears, well-defined cheekbones, jaw relatively deep but not coarse.
Head well set onto the neck. The chest should not be overdeveloped. Neck not set on too low. Good length of rein. Well-defined withers, good sloping shoulder; forelegs straight, with no deviation of cannon bones.
Should be deep, with strong back, some length permissible but should be well-ribbed up with strong loins.
Good length and strength in forearm, well-defined knees and short cannons, with dense, flat bone measuring 18 cms (7.08 inches) to over 21 cms (8.26 inches); pasterns of good slope and medium length, feet hard, strong and well formed.
Strong and muscular with some length, well-developed second thigh (gaskin) and strong low-set hocks, properly aligned.
Straight and true, free shoulder, of a quality that is free, light and elastic, with no winging, paddling or other deviations.
Nominating a Pony
Step 1
Nominate the pony using an official ACPS Nomination Form.
Step 2
Have pony examined by a licensed equine vet to rule out genetic defects and, if the pony has not been previously measured, it must also be measured by the vet. A pony may have its height recorded when it turns two. It would, then, not have to be re-measured.
Step 3
Submit your vet examination form with your nomination packet or bring it with you to the inspection.
How to Present Your Pony for Inspection
- Well-groomed
- Workman-like manner
- In their "natural" state
- Groomed in compliance with discipline
- Bridle or halter
- Well fitted sport or riding attire
- No horse show clipping
- No shaving face hairs or feathers
- No braiding manes or tails
- Do not block inspector's view
The Inspection Team will begin by observing the pony standing still and will use the inspection worksheet to evaluate type, temperament and conformation.
The handler will then be asked to walk and trot the pony on a straight line to and from a particular spot, and/or to trot in a large circle. Stallions and all ponies presented for premium will also be observed “at liberty” in a fenced arena, field or other safely-fenced space.
Following a pattern set by the Inspection Team, the pony handler walks beside the animal, briskly walking away from, and back to, the Inspectors.
When halting to “stand” the pony for its evaluation, the pony is placed in a balanced and alert stance, ideally, with four legs independently visible to the Inspectors. The handler must not block the Inspectors’ view more than momentarily.
Upon satisfactory inspection, the pony’s ACPS permanent registration certificate will be embossed with a seal, designating that the pony has been inspected and approved by the ACPS.
If the owner has previously agreed, the results will be disclosed to spectators and the pony’s good points briefly discussed. This is meant to be an educational opportunity for the owner and observers.
Considering an Inspection?
Contact your local Inspection Nomination Facilitator.
Most, but not all, presented ponies are found to conform to the standards and are approved. Evaluation of stallions is more stringent than for mares and geldings. Please note that if a pony cannot be safely handled, the pony will not be inspected.
Premium Mares & Stallions Program
To reward mares and stallions of exceptional quality and type.
Mare Qualifications
- At least 8 years old
- Had at least one purebred foal
- Marks of Excellent or Very Good in ALL categories
- Attainable at first inspection
Stallion Qualifications
- At least 8 years old
- Sired at least one purebred foal
- Marks of Excellent or Very Good in ALL categories
- Attainable at first inspection
If a candidate for Premium Status was inspected and approved before they were 8 or before the initiation of the Premium mare program, the owner may pay a $100.00 fee for re-inspection. The regular ACPS Nomination Form may be used to nominate a previously-inspected mare for Premium Status.
Inspection Site Managers
Site Requirements
- Safe location for Inspector
- Adequate stabling for visiting ponies
- Flat, hard surface large enough to walk and trot
- No smaller than 55' in diameter
- Site and stabling convenient to each other
- Location reasonable for all participants
- Site cost covered by organizers
Inspection Tips
- Organize your site for smooth flow
- Allow 30 minutes per mare
- Allow 45 minutes per stallion
- Provide ample space and time for large groups
- Recruit adequate help
- Have a plan to ensure safety and success
- Don't expect perfection
