DESERT NORMAN BREED STANDARD
Desert Norman gelding Jones New York.
BODY TYPE – Generous but balanced proportions. Deep through the heart and body. An overall impression of close-coupled strength and refinement.
HEIGHT – Can vary depending on mare’s size, with Arabian mares producing more cob-sized offspring than Percheron mares. The latter is the preferred method, producing offspring reaching 15 hands to 16.2 hands high.
COAT – Usually grey, black or very dark bay. Lighter bays less common. White markings on legs uncommon.
TEMPERAMENT – A calm intelligence and willing, sociable manner manifested in alertness, curiosity, and ability to form a loyal bond with human handlers. A tractable and easy keeper, with a positive attitude to its work.
MOVEMENT - Naturally balanced and rhythmic stride, moving freely from the shoulder, excellent impulsion and agility.
APTITUDE – Strength, athleticism, and calm focus make Desert Normans steady and versatile performers. The breed does well in dressage. With its powerful thrusting hindquarters, most are good, and sometimes, excellent jumpers. Good endurance for eventing and competitive trail riding. They are also naturals for pleasure and competitive driving. Good family and pleasure horses, able to carry weight, but calm enough for young riders.
HEAD – Attractive and well proportioned, clean and refined forehead, muzzle, and ears, all speaks to the Arabian influence. Eyes are large and prominent, expressive and confident.
NECK - Of medium length and arched, defined through the throatlatch, joining cleanly to the shoulder, and wider at the base of the windpipe where it joins the chest.
WITHERS - Well defined and long, with a smooth transition from the back to the neck, and higher than the croup.
CHEST - Of medium to broad size, deep and muscular.
RIBCAGE - Well developed, long and deep with the ribs obliquely arched into the joint with the spinal column which promotes a short and full flank.
SHOULDERS - Long, slanting and well muscled.
BACK – Short, strong, well defined and tending towards the horizontal making a smooth union between the withers.
LOINS - Short, wide, muscular, slightly convex, well connected with the back and croup with which they form a continuous harmonious line.
CROUP – Fairly long and relatively level. Length and width should be of similar proportions, the profile convex and harmonious. The tail emerges from the same line as the croup.
LEGS - The forelegs are well muscled and set squarely under the shoulders, longer upper arms, shorter cannons, generous bone, broad flat knees. Pasterns are strong, sloping with good length, but not overly long. Stifles average to low-set, well-muscled gaskins, broad, clean hocks. Average joint angles. Back leg not too straight, or too angled.
HOOF - Of generous size, with dense, strong bone. Strong hoof walls and soles, and wide, well-angled heels permit horse to remain comfortably barefoot under most conditions.