As a relatively new breed crossed between an Akhal-Teke and Appaloosa, the Nez Perce standards allows for various conformations. According to the Nez Perce handbook:
“Horses that are or will be registered with the Nez Perce Horse Registry will have no more then 7/8 Akhal-Teke or no more than 7/8 Appaloosa Blood”
*Word from the Founder: It is the assumption that foundation horses meet this criterion.
Temperament: Obedience, willingness to work, intelligence, and occasional “appitude” i.e. ornery or stubborn characteristics commonly found in the Appaloosa breed
Movement: Elegant, flowing and elastic movement
Head Shape: Small noble heads are desirable as they show nerve and energy
Body: The neck should be set properly and of significant length. Withers should be pronounced clearly and visible, the shoulder should be long and sloping and the back should be medium length. The croup should be long, muscular and of oval shape. A deep and wide rib cage should be connected to a substantial frame, representing a horizontal rectangle with large joints.
Minimum size: 14.2hh for stallions; 14.0hh for mares
Source: Nez Perce Registry Handbook, Approved April 1998
Below are two templates for the Nez Perce, a “gracile” and “robust” build representing the influence of both breeds.
“Horses that are or will be registered with the Nez Perce Horse Registry will have no more then 7/8 Akhal-Teke or no more than 7/8 Appaloosa Blood”
*Word from the Founder: It is the assumption that foundation horses meet this criterion.
Temperament: Obedience, willingness to work, intelligence, and occasional “appitude” i.e. ornery or stubborn characteristics commonly found in the Appaloosa breed
Movement: Elegant, flowing and elastic movement
Head Shape: Small noble heads are desirable as they show nerve and energy
Body: The neck should be set properly and of significant length. Withers should be pronounced clearly and visible, the shoulder should be long and sloping and the back should be medium length. The croup should be long, muscular and of oval shape. A deep and wide rib cage should be connected to a substantial frame, representing a horizontal rectangle with large joints.
Minimum size: 14.2hh for stallions; 14.0hh for mares
Source: Nez Perce Registry Handbook, Approved April 1998
Below are two templates for the Nez Perce, a “gracile” and “robust” build representing the influence of both breeds.