International Zebra Standards

Plains Zebra (including Grant's, Chapman's and Damara's)

The ideal Grant's zebra has a well balanced appearance. Since it is the most horse-like of the zebra family the balance one is looking for should be similar to that of the horse, including a well proportioned head, neck, leg, and body ratio, which, when combined, does not have one outstanding characteristic which would appear to unbalance the overall picture, such as an overly long back, an  poor topline, ewe neck, unusually large head, or other feature which detracts from the overall balanced appearance of the animal.

Striping

The striping of the Grant's zebra is as individual as fingerprints, and the zebra is not to be faulted on striping pattern, unless there is obviously a fault in the overall striping pattern. Although the Grant's zebra is not known for excessive shadow striping, light shadow striping between some rows of black stripes between hip and hock sometimes appear. Young animals usually have more shadow striping which generally fades with time. Shadow striping is not a fault; the more southern area in Africa that the zebras are from, the more shadow striping or lighter striping is found. A brown appearance to the striping shall not be faulted, as winter coat and foal coat are often brown, and the sun can also cause brindling or browning of the hair coat. Only fault the striping pattern if it is indicated that the animal should not be used as a breeding animal because of a severe abnormality.

Faults

The individual animal should be faulted in conformation classes for ewe neck (although a Plain's zebra's neck is naturally more like a donkey neck than a horse neck, and should not be faulted unless the neck has a definite ewe appearance). Other faults are severe cow hocks, sickle hocks, extra long back (although zebras have somewhat a longer back than a horse, an overly long back that detracts from the animal's balanced look should be faulted, when all else being equal, a shorter backed animal is preferred over a longer backed animal). Most Plain's zebras, immature animals, will have a slightly hocky appearance, acceptable and not to be faulted against the straightest legs of horses in open horse shows unless the hocks touch or almost touch. However, in a class of zebras, the straightest legs, all else being equal, should prevail. Overbites and underbites of more than 1/2 tooth should be faulted. Mares should have a more feminine appearance and males a more masculine appearance. While naturally the zebra may have a slightly elevated rear topline due to having very low withers, any excessive deviation on the topline should be faulted. If the zebra has full hair coat on its back, the topline may have the appearance of being excessive, while not actually being so. A close inspection of the length of hair coat on the dorsal stripe will eliminate the possibility of an incorrect judgement of the topline.  Zebra legs are naturally heavier boned than horse legs, and if the animal is well balanced, no fault shall be given to lighter or heavier boned animals.

Grevy Zebra

The ideal Grevy zebra has a well balanced appearance, although you will expect the head, neck and ears to be slightly out of proportion in that they may be considered larger than may be expected for balance as compared to the Plain's zebra. One may compare the Grevy's overall balance to be more of that of the mule, with a heavier (larger all around) head and neck. However,  a well proportioned head, neck, leg, and body ratio, which, when combined, should not have one outstanding characteristic which would appear to be an unusual imbalance of the overall picture, when comparing a Grevy to a Grevy, such as a too long back, an unusually poor topline, ewe neck, unusually large head (keeping in mind that the Grevy's will appear correctly to have a head much like a mule in reference to the head vs. body appearance and balance), or other feature which detracts from the overall balanced look of the animal. Grevy ears are large and rounded.

Striping

The striping of the Grevy zebra is as individual as fingerprints, and points should not be deducted for any unusual striping pattern as long as the standard Grevy's striping is fully apparent throughout the animal's body, legs, head and neck. The striping pattern contains uniform thin striping, with both white and black stripes being about the same width, and is vertical over the back, unless interrupted by individuality. A brown appearance to the striping shall not be faulted, as winter coat, foal coat, or sun bleaching are often brown. Shadow striping on the Grevy is not usual but should not be faulted unless severe.

Faults

The individual animal should be faulted in conformation classes for ewe neck, severe cow hocks, sickle hocks, long back (although zebras have somewhat a longer back than a horse, an overly long back that detracts from the animal's balanced look should be faulted, when all else being equal, a shorter backed animal is preferred over a longer backed animal). An overbites or underbite of more than 1/2 tooth should be faulted. Mares should have a more feminine appearance and males a more masculine appearance. While naturally, the zebra may have a slightly elevated rear topline, any excessive deviation on the topline should be faulted. If the zebra has full hair coat on its back, the topline may have the appearance of being excessive, while not actually being so. A close inspection of the length of hair coat on the dorsal stripe will eliminate the possibility of an incorrect judgement of the topline.  Zebra legs are naturally heavier boned than horse legs, and unless the animal appears unbalanced, no fault shall be given to lighter or heavier boned animals. The Grevy, however, is a much taller (generally at maturity from 14.2 hands to 15.2 hands), and heavier animal, in general than the Plain's zebra.

Judges/Exhibitor's Standards

Zebra's may be shown body clipped or natural. Be aware of toplines on animals that are not body clipped as the longer hair may give the appearance of an unbalanced topline where there may be none. Feet should be trimmed correctly to give the leg balance and the gait smoothness. A zebra foot is normally longer than a horse's foot. The natural gaits of the zebra are smooth and fluid, not choppy. Muzzles may be trimmed close, ears may be clipped. Eyelashes must be natural. Manes may be roached or left natural. Tail is to be left natural.

Attire worn by the exhibitor may include western, english or safari, with color preferences that of the exhibitor.

The halter zebra should be shown at a walk and trot similar to most horse classes, as well as the typical profiling. You may ask to see the teeth of the zebra. If the exhibitor cannot show you the teeth, all else being equal, you should put the animal first whose teeth you are able to see and that are correct.

Please do not stand or walk too close to the zebra, as they often do not willingly accept strangers into their immediate area, which is a natural characteristic of all zebras, and takes many more experiences of learned behavior to overcome than horses, donkeys or mules. Courtesy and safety should dictate asking the exhibitor if you may safely approach, and you should approach just closely enough to see the teeth, but not to infringe on the animal's safety zone.

Zebras may have their feet placed by hand to help square them if necessary. They are to be shown naturally, with natural head set in profiling. Zebras will often appear high headed and the neck slightly ewed when alerted, so please try to see each animal in a relaxed head/neck state before making your final decision if possible.

Any scars or other unnatural marks on the animal may not be considered a fault and must be ignored in the judging process.

Zebras may be shown with a stud chain, rope halter, leather halter, bitted bridle, or show halter, as preferred by the exhibitor. Excessive use of any of the foregoing to over correct the animal may be faulted. The animal must be under control and safe for other animals and exhibitors or you may ask the exhibitor and animal to leave the arena and disqualify the animal from the class.

 Below are two examples of Grant's zebras, with the one on the left being more ill proportioned with several faults, and the one on the right being a correct, well balanced individual. (Please note - stripes have been changed to unidentify both of these animals)