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Tiger Horse Breed's Standards
(aka, SOULON type).
Both Royalty and Heavenly Divisions
This is the Tiger Horse Breed and SOULON conformation for either Royalty or Heavenly types. The head of our first generation Tiger Horse varies from a straight
profile to a slightly convex one (Soulon profile like that of the beautiful Iberian horse). Eventually our breed will share the Iberian profile and be known as Soulons, but
until we are fully developed, the straight profile and slightly concave one, may continue to be in the mix.
Desirable "phenotype" (what a horse looks like), becomes more and more established with each generation, provided Breeders stay focused. The Iberian profile is
refined with a tapering muzzle. Carvings and sculptures from ancient oriental burial sites, closely resemble this type. The Chinese named theirs; "The Soulon Horse."
Tiger Horse eyes are large and kind, also angled and well placed. The stallions ears are pert and pointed forwards, (males usually have smaller ears) Mares ears tend to
be longer. Both Royalty (our gaited horses), and Heavenly (our Trotting and Gliding types), have a good angle to their hips which should be deep. Royalty horses
which are the easily recognized gaited group, usually exhibit a lower tail set than Heavenly types. Sometimes a less steep angle to the shoulder is also present in gaited
horses. Both types have full manes and tails, but sparse manes and tails (a sign of antiquity) are also present in the mix. Chests protrude slightly ahead of forearms.
Necks are substantial and naturally arched. Gaited horses are not unduly broad across the chest or shoulders, while Heavenly Horses may be.
Tiger Horses come in all base coat colors. Most display the spotted coat patterns of the "leopard complex gene" (aka Appaloosa coat patterns). Royalty Horses will
be known for the "running walk," which is the smoothest middle gait because it is an evenly timed 4-beat gait. However, the diagonal (fox trot) and lateral (stepping
pace) middle gaits are also accepted. Heavenly Horses excel in the sports arena. Some exhibit a gait we call the "Glider Gait" (known in other circles as "The Indian
Shuffle"). This extra gait in the trotting horse, resembles the jog-trot but is faster, and the horse appears strung out, rather than "collected," when performing it. (Visit
Tiger Horse "gaits").
The average height for both types is 15 Hands. Some Heavenly types are likely to be 16 Hands or more. Gaited horses are sometimes taller too, but Tigre is focused on
the easy riding and handling height of 15 Hands.
Gaited horses are more upright in the pastern and consequently straighter in the shoulder. Heavenly types are often more angled in these areas. Both types should
display a good set of withers.
A group of 1st and 2nd generation Tiger Horse youngsters exhibiting the beautiful Iberian profile we prefer. The eyes are well placed with an oriental slant. The whites
of the eye show, like that of humans. Ears are pert and point forwards. Tiger Horses are exotic in the extreme, and very different from any other modern day horse
breed. They come in all base coat colors. Most Tiger Horses are spotted, but we accept solid colors too provided they fit the Tiger Horse profile, and were born from
already Tigre registered parents. All Royalty horses must perform a strong middle gait without artificial aid. Solid colored horses are sometimes born to registered
Tigers, and may or may not develop spots later in life, but are important and welcome members of the Tiger Horse breed. The acceptance of the solid colors helps to
keep good facial pigmentation within our breed. Some of these Tiger Horses qualify for The Soulon Seal Of Approval. If you have one, please let us know.
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Modern day Tiger Horses are related to an ancient
but extinct breed from Siberia.
Tiger Horses were once used to hunt the Siberian Tiger, and
are very brave. Our focus today is on the Soulon Tiger Horses, an athletic related breed that was encouraged by the Chinese during the T'Ang Dynasty around 618 AD. Modern day
Tiger Horses that conform to these standards will receive The Soulon Seal
Of Approval, and their offspring may be registered as SOULONS.
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VISIT ROYALTY OR HEAVENLY
FOR MORE PRECISE INFORMATION
Type of Gait they may inherit: The gaits of our breed is of primary concern and of course the presence of large numbers of spotted individuals, but most importantly,
Royalty horses should be bred to perform the perfect square gait known as the Running Walk. Heavenly horses may or may not "gait." When they do "gait," they
perform the "Glider, or Running Gait, also known as The Indian Shuffle." This gait closely resembles the jog-trot of the cowboy's horse, and is comfortable to sit. It is
however not a collected gait, or "heads down" gait, but a keen 4-beat "headed out" gait, and much faster than the 2-beat jog-trot.
Tigre does not accept the 2-beat Hard Pace, under any circumstance, and only flat shod horses may compete in the show ring. No artificial means may be employed to
alter or interfere with the horses natural way of going. Hard pacing horses are different from horses that gait laterally, which may sometimes break to the Hard Pace.
The same is true for horses that are diagonally gaited and might sometimes break to the hard trot. These types are referred to as "pacey" or "trotty" and are acceptable,
but to avoid disappointment in future foals, breeding partners should be carefully selected from more square, or running walk individuals. Gait from two gaited parents, can be improved in the offspring.
 Hoof Markings: Hooves may be striped, or solid in color, including amber. Amber or striped hooves only
count as Lp evidence provided there are no white leg markings touching the hoof. While white socks and stockings
are acceptable they are not indicators of the Lp gene but rather that of the Sabino or Splash gene, the latter of which we prefer not to inherit.
Suitability: Royalty horses are athletic and naturally gaited. They are well suited for show ring or trail riding
activities. Heavenly Horses are athletic and more heavily muscled, and well suited for 3-gaited events. Wouldn't you like to own or ride a Tiger Horse? We welcome your participation.
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