You know, I really think that the biggest problem still comes down to measuring. My biggest objection is to having ponies that are 42"...not 42" when measured as a pony but 42" when measured as a Mini, at the last mane hair....get measured in as 38" and are given their Mini papers. Then they go to shows and get measured in again so that they are allowed to show. That is what I really object to!
And yes, before anyone comes on and denies that this happens, IT DOES! I believe that once in awhile there's even one taller than 42" that gets measured in as being 38" or under and it's a farce. Once in awhile those ponies get protested and actually lose their papers, but it doesn't happen often enough. And there isn't enough penalty. When a pony gets measured in and gets it's AMHR papers, and then later gets protested and measures out...not by a half inch or even an inch but by several inches....it is my opinion that the steward that measured that pony in and the judge that witnessed it should both be fined and/or lose their cards.
If you can find a Modern Shetland that HONESTLY measures in as 38" or under then it is your right to have that as a Mini. That is, after all, within the rules of AMHR. That isn't the look that I personally want in a Mini, but I can't complain if others have that look. And I won't complain as long as that horse doesn't look like it's 43" at the last mane hair! I do hope, however, that there will still be a lot of judges that will prefer something different than that when they are out there in center ring!
My standard of perfection? long legs, short back, long hip, long neck that is set on high, long laid back shoulder, pretty head with big eyes, fine muzzle with thin walled nostrils and small teeth, no bulge to the forehead, dished face not necessary as long as the face is not convex--wider between the eyes than between the nostrils...tippy ears--they can be more like horse ears, as in a bit longer than the little short tippy pony ears we see on Minis (and I do love those short little pony ears too!) as long as they aren't too long and are well set on...3 good gaits with good extension. My ideal Mini would actually look a lot like my ideal Morgan!