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THE ARABIAN SHOW HORSE should be beautiful and exhibit good manners, responsiveness, pride and enthusiasm. While many Arabian and Half Arabian horses do not have “classic” heads, other qualities might make an Arabian or Part Arabian identifiable. The over all body type is finer than most other breeds. An Arabian carries his tail high, observes his surroundings, and does what is asked of him willingly. The Arabian horse should inspire joy in the observer. A “classic” Arabian head has large eyes, a wide forehead, and a dished profile. Some shows have a class called “Most Classic Head” which is judged purely on the shape and size of the horse’s head.
The horse’s mane and tail must be unbraided and natural. Exception: the top of the neck is shaved behind the ears to allow space for the bridle to sit without being tangled in the mane. Braiding of the mane and tail is permitted only in Hunter, Show Hack, Dressage and Sport Horse classes.
HALF ARABIANS have at least 50% Arabian blood. They must have one purebred parent— two Half-Arabian parents will not qualify a horse for Half-Arabian registration. A horse that carries any fraction of non-Arabian blood would still be called a “Half” Arabian. The exception is the Anglo-Arabian which is a horse of Arabian and Thoroughbred descent, which can be as little as 25% Arabian. Half Arabians are expected to exhibit Arabian characteristics, though their non-Arabian heritage is often evident by their size, color or body structure. It has been said that a good half Arabian should display its “other half” with pride.
For a history of the Arabian horse, visit the Arabian Horse Association website. |
HALTER/BREEDING
IN BREEDING CLASSES, horses are judged on their beauty and conformation, with an emphasis on qualities one would want to see passed on to offspring. Horses are shown in hand (led by a handler instead of being ridden) at the walk and trot. They are also required to “stand up” or “show” which is an exaggerated posture meant to emphasize their better qualities while the judge examines their conformation. Horses are not to be struck with the whip, nor abused in any way, either in the show ring or outside. The horse should appear lively and attentive. Classes are generally divided by age and sex.
STALLIONS are judged on their overall appearance and qualities that one would want passed on to offspring. A stallion should have a long, arched neck, and a smooth body with good muscle tone. The hip should be long and slightly sloped to provide power in forward motion. The shoulder should allow free movement and a long stride in the front legs. Legs should be straight and well proportioned. Hoof shape should be consistent, neither too steep nor too flat. GELDINGS (castrated male horses) are also shown at halter, without the emphasis on breeding qualities. A gelding should be beautiful and show physical traits suitable for riding and performance: strength, soundness and cadence.
MARES are also judged on their overall appearance and correct conformation. A mare might have a more slender neck than a stallion, but her neck should still be long and elegant. She should display all of the conformational qualities listed above to indicate good breeding stock.
SHOWMANSIP is judged on the handler’s ability to control the horse and to maintain a suitable show ring manner for the purpose of displaying the horse in the best possible light. Handlers will be asked to display the horses and perhaps to demonstrate a more complicated pattern than would normally be called for in a Halter/Breeding class. Handlers may also be quizzed by the judge on general horse knowledge. (back to top) |
WESTERN
A WESTERN HORSE should travel with his head no higher than the withers (the point where the horse’s neck meets the back). The horse’s gaits should be slow and collected (shorter strides). The rider uses one hand except when riding a horse under 5 years of age with a snaffle bit or a hackamore.
EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE includes a western saddle and bridle. Breast collars and silver ornaments add to a finished appearance. The rider wears a cowboy hat, long sleeves, and chaps. Tie, gloves, and belt are optional, |
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CLASSES:
WESTERN PLEASURE horses should appear calm and gaits should be slow but not lazy. The neck should be carried in an attractive arch and the nose should not be lower than the chest.
WESTERN OR REINING SEAT EQUITATION is judged on the rider’s posture and control of the horse. The rider should sit still with a straight back and elbows close to the body. Classes may be limited to rail work (going around the arena at walk, jog and lope) or |
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may include an individual pattern.
REINING AND WESTERN RIDING are judged on the horse’s performance in |
a pattern– circles, figure 8s, stops and spins. The horse should be agile and obedient, and the rider must remember the pattern! Going off course results in disqualification.
TRAIL is judged on the horse’s calm and precise performance of tests over obstacles. Obstacles are intended to mimic the sort of thing one might encounter on a trail ride: gates, bridges, jumps, water and narrow paths.
CUTTING AND WORKING COW HORSE classes show the horse and rider’s ability to control a cow, either by keeping it away from the herd (cutting) or by moving it around the arena in a designated series of maneuvers (working cow). (back to top) |
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 ENGLISH PLEASURE
AN ENGLISH HORSE should carry his head high with his nose tucked in. The horse should travel in a lively and energetic manner, lifting the front knees up with confidence and enthusiasm. The stride should be long and free.
EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE includes a saddle-seat saddle, with a flat seat. Riders may use different types of English saddle but this is the preferred type for English. Usually, a “full bridle” is used, which may have one or two bits (a curb and a small snaffle, called a “bradoon”), and two sets of reins. Riders wear a saddle suit, which may be 2 or three piece, a hat (bowler, snap brim or top hat, depending on time of day, division or level), short “jod” boots and tie. Gloves are optional but recommended. The rider may carry a whip.
CLASSES:
COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE is judged on horse’s behavior and appearance. Gaits should be energetic but not frantic. The horse’s mouth should be closed, without excessive chewing, and the horse should be completely obedient. Horses are shown at the walk, trot, canter and sometimes hand gallop.
ENGLISH PLEASURE is judged similarly to Country English Pleasure, but with a greater emphasis on animation (lifting the knees high). Horses are shown at the walk, trot, strong trot, canter and hand gallop.
PARK HORSE is a very exaggerated version of English, with the knees lifted very, very high. Horses are shown at the walk, trot, strong trot, canter and hand gallop.
SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION is judged on the rider’s posture and control of the horse. Equitation classes may be limited to rail work (going around the arena at walk, trot and canter) or may include an individual pattern. Riders may be asked to work without stirrups. The rider’s POSTURE should be upright with back straight, chin up and elbows bent at a right angle. Heels should be down and toes turned in, parallel with the side of the horse. (back to top)
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 HUNTER
A HUNTER should travel with head held no higher than the withers and nose perpendicular to the ground, but no lower than the bottom of the chest. The horse should travel in a lively and energetic manner, reaching forward with a long and supple stride. This is the style of riding most common in Europe and Sport Horse events such as jumping and eventing.
EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE includes a hunt-seat saddle. A hunt bridle may have one or two sets of reins, and one bit. Riders wear a hunt coat, breeches, high boots, and a hat— usually a helmet. Gloves are optional but recommended. The rider may carry a crop (a short whip).
HUNT SEAT EQUITATION riders are judged on their posture and control of the horse. The back should be straight, with shoulders slightly ahead of the hips, heels down and toes turned in, parallel with the horse. Hands should be quiet with minimal movement, elbows slightly bent and held close to the body. (back to top) |
DRIVING
DRIVING horses are judged on their manners and style. A driving horse should be alert and energetic but always under control. Driving horses are shown at the walk, trot and strong trot, pulling 2 or 4 wheel buggies.
DIVISIONS include Country Pleasure Driving, Pleasure Driving and Formal Driving. Judging criteria are similar to those used in Country Pleasure, English Pleasure and Park respectively.
COMBINATION CLASSES show horses both in harness and under saddle. (back to top) |
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SPORT HORSE
A SPORT HORSE should display qualities which would make him suitable as a Dressage, Jumping or Event horse. Sport Horses are shown under saddle and in hand.
EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE includes a hunt-seat or dressage saddle. Riders wear a short coat, breeches, high boots, and a hat— usually a helmet. The mane should be braided.
DRESSAGE is one of the oldest styles of riding for demonstration. Horses are shown individually in a special arena, performing a |
prepared test.
SPORT HORSES IN HANDare judged on the suitability of their conformation for sporting events. Horses stand in front of the judge to allow evaluation oftheir conformation. They are then walked and trotted around a triangle to show how they move. |
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SPORT HORSES UNDER SADDLE are judged on their suitability as a sport horse: a dressage horse, a hunter or a jumper. Their intended purpose is shown by the attire of the rider: most notably, dressage riders wear
white breeches and hunter or jumper riders wear any other color.
SHOW HACK and SPORT HORSE SHOW HACK are hybrid classes, combining dressage gaits with regular arena classes. In Show Hack, animation is preferred, with high head, |
and lifting the knees. In Sport Horse Show Hack, there is no emphasis on lifting the knees or carrying the head in a high position. Horses in either class should change gait and speed willingly and smoothly.
HUNTERS and JUMPERS are judged over a series of fences. Hunters are judged on their style of jumping and ability to not touch the fences. Jumpers are judged on their speed over the course. Arabians compete very effectively over fences against other breeds, especially in the speed events. (back to top) |
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 NATIVE COSTUME
A COSTUME HORSE should carry his head roughly perpendicular to the ground, but headsets vary. Any position that is visually attractive and indicates control is acceptable. Horses are shown at the walk, canter and hand gallop– a controlled but extended gallop. The horse should exemplify the proud and spirited nature of Arabian horses. This is a fun class and audience applause are encouraged.
EQUIPMENT/ATTIRE includes any sort of saddle and bridle that is safe, and elaborate costume which may be anything from very authentic to only remotely Arabic in appearance. Tassles, drapes and headresses (for horse and rider) are common. (back to top)
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 LADIES’ SIDE SADDLE
A SIDE SADDLE HORSE is judged on good manners, obedience and attractive appearance. Horses may be shown ENGLISH or WESTERN, and are judged according to the rules for each. Period dress is permissible and historical accuracy is encouraged. Classes may be split English/Western or combined. An English, Hunt Seat or Dressage side saddle rider may post the trot (rise out of the saddle with every other stride) but it is preferred that they not do so. An ideal side saddle horse has gaits that are smooth enough to sit comfortably. Horses are shown at the walk, jog or trot and lope or canter. GROOMING: horse’s mane and tail may be braided only if shown in HUNT or DRESSAGE attire. (back to top)
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RACING
In Poland, Arabians are tested on the track prior to being used as breeding stock.
Arabian racing was organized in the U.S. around 1959. After experiencing initial growth, today's Arabian horses are finding their niche in the racing industry along with Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and other breeds.
In recent years new opportunities have arisen for competitive Arabian racehorses at major racetracks across the country. It is apparent that the Arabian's acceptance into the racing world has been positive and that many betting interests are actually favoring Arabians. (back to top)
(For more information visit the Arabian Jockey Club website: http://www.arabianracing.org) |
 DISTANCE RIDING
About 90% of the winners of the Tevis Cup race (100 mile race through the Sierras in August) have been Arabians or Half Arabians. Distance riding is a great sport for all ages and skill levels.
Most competitors own and train their own horses. Discipline, dedication and a sense of adventure are the most important ingredients for success. Competitive Trail and Endurance are the two most popular distance sports and Arabians excel at both. Other distance events include Ride & Tie competitions and Mounted Orienteering.
The endurance competitor's motto, "To Finish Is To Win," applies to all types of distance events. Distance riding may be highly competitive and challenging or a recreational activity combining a camping trip with an extended trail ride.
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