Horses are eumetric (average volume), have intermediately-straight top-lines with sub-convex to straight profiles (sub-convex contour). With a well-proportioned conformation, proportionality index: height at the withers*100/shoulder-ischial length (Distance of the straight segment from the union of the scapular-humerus joint to the point of buttock (ischial tuberosity) between 95 and 105, notable general harmony and very beautiful, with appreciable sexual dimorphism. The height at the withers should be between 1.54 and 1.72 meters for stallions and 1.52 and 1.70 meters for mares. Horses have paces that are ground-covering, brilliant, agile, energetic, cadenced and elastic, with appreciable elevation and extension, notable ease for collection and turns on the haunches. Their temperament must be spirited, noble, docile and well balanced, with a great capacity for learning.

The averages for the various conformation traits (obtained from zoometric measurements and the lineal conformation score) are updated and published annually on PRE Stud Book web site. The characteristics of the various morphologic regions in a PRE are described in this section, and are related to the average values for the breed, as published every year.

In proportion, average length, lean, with a sub-convex frontal profile, with minimal convexity of the frontal-nasal union. Ears are medium sized, proportionate to its head size, very mobile, well inserted and parallel and facing forward. Slightly wide and discretely convex forehead. Lively, expressive triangular eyes, with non-protruding orbital arches. Relatively long and moderately narrow face (more in mares), sub-convex and free of flesh. Nose tapered into a soft curve projected from the face. Wide, non-protruding nostrils. Broad, lean cheeks, with long discreetly arched edges. Fine and mobile upper lip.

Of an average size and length, proportionate with the height and length of the body (less in mares), with the throat contained and well inserted into the trunk, above the scapular-humeral union. The upper edge is slender, forming an ascending arch from the withers to the forehead (less arched and straighter in mares). Abundant and silky mane.

In proportion and robust. Withers discretely broad and prominent, in a smooth extension following the line of the back. Consistent back, muscled and almost flat. Short, broad, muscled and somewhat arched loin and slightly ascending to the croup. Croup well proportioned, slightly longer than wide (somewhat wider in mares), rounded and sloping slightly. In adult horses, the height at the croup is lower than the withers. Tail inserted low and well between the buttocks, with abundant, long and often wavy hair. Broad and deep chest. Moderately arched, long and deep ribs. Extended flanks and correct belly.

Long, muscled and oblique shoulder. Strong and well¬sloped, medium length forearm. Well developed, lean knee. Cannon of proportionate length and well-marked, ample tendon. Lean, clear fetlock with little hair. Pasterns with good conformation, slope and direction and of a proportionate length. Compact, well balanced and well developed hoof.

Muscled thigh, lightly arched and muscled buttocks and long gaskin. Strong, big and clean hocks. The angle of the hock, when viewed laterally, may be slightly closed, thus facilitating elevated movements and collection. The body areas located below the tarsus joints should have identical characteristics to those indicated for the forelegs.

Fine short coat. Grays and bays are dominant; the presence of white patches, or excessive white on head and extremities, or any other shape or size throughout the body are not an acceptable train for this breed.

They have brilliant, agile, energetic, cadenced and elastic paces, with appreciable elevation and extension, notable ease for collection and turns on the haunches. Their walk is straight, regular and ground-covering. Trot is elastic, suspended, regular, cadenced and elegant, with active use of the hindquarters, flexing the joints in collection to push forward, elevating and flexing the knees. Their canter is fluid, has impulsion and is elastic with regular strides. Horses have excellent aptitudes to carry out a variety of functions, has an easy and quick response to its rider’s aids, thus they are obedient, with easy rapport with the rider and extraordinarily comfortable. Their main service is under saddle, finding great ease in Dressage (Spanish High School, Dressage and Doma Vaquera), rejoneo (mounted bull-fighting), acoso y derribo (testing young fighting bulls), carriage driving, working with livestock and other farm chores as well as other equestrian disciplines.

They are rustic, sober, well-balanced and tough animals. Energetic, noble and docile. They learn well and easily adapt to diverse jobs and situations.

Deformity of the supper neckline (fallen crest), ewe or inverted neck, cryptorchidism and non-accidental monorchidism. Also considered as disqualifying defects are: a height of less than 1.54 m for stallions and 1.52 m for mares, a proportionality index of less than 95 or greater than 105, concave or ultra-convex frontal profiles. The presence of white spots on the head when this invades the eye sockets or the entire face and the limbs, when the socks invade the knee or the hock, or any sized spot on the body, as with eyes that differ in color or blue eyes when that color is not a characteristic of the coat color, and in general, the presence of serious defects, which differ from the breed prototype, detected during the assessment process.

Those stated for the head and neck, when these do not reach the degree for disqualification, rounded and protruding nostrils, thick upper lip, chunky and upper lip with limited mobility, over-shot and under-shot jaw, the head-neck union is chunky, hardly differentiated and very deep, there is a lack of harmony and disproportion between body areas and dimensions, hollow/sunken back, height at the withers of > 170 cm for mares and >172 cm for stallions, being higher at the point of the croup than at the withers, presence of melanomas in the perineum, inadequate limb alignment and movement with poor elevation, irregular, poor extension and, especially, dishing and ambling.

ANCCE - PRE Horse Conformational Characteristics