Press Release

Introduction to the Arabian Sport Horse

Reprinted with permission of Elizabeth Salmon, Equine Consultant

What is an Arabian Sport Horse? How does it differ from any other representative of the breed? An Arabian Sport Horse is an Arabian with correct conformation and movement that performs in the sporting events, such as Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Endurance, Racing or Working Western classes. The object of sport horse classes is to give a careful and valid evaluation through scoring of a horse's conformation and movement, thus establishing its potential in sport horse disciplines. Form to function is emphasized throughout.

The judges look for very correct conformation and free, straight and fluid movement. Overall breed characteristics count only 10 percent, so Arabian type and tail carriage are not compelling factors, and a rounder croup is more desirable. Correct structure and sufficient bone of the legs is vital, particularly in the front legs, since sixty percent of the horse's weight is placed upon them. Blemishes do not count unless resulting from conformation faults. Horses of all bloodlines demonstrate success.

The Sport Horse In hand classes are divided into Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo Arabian. One of the great advantages of these in-hand classes is that many amateur owners can show their own horses since showmanship does not affect a score. A handler must train a horse appropriately, stand it in the correct way and show it moving freely and straight at the walk and trot.

Presentation Horses need to stand in the open position, where the hind leg nearest the judge is back as in normal halter classes, but the front leg on the opposite side from the judge is also back, so that all four legs are visible. The horses are shown on a triangle of specific measurements. A judge stands at the apex to view the horse standing up, as well as when observing the movement. Upon command from a judge, the handler is instructed to walk the triangle encouraging the horse to lengthen the stride across the middle. A judge will be looking for elasticity, use of the back, and tracking up well, which means the hind hoof print should go beyond the front hoof print by at least six to eight inches. Having completed the walk, the horse is then asked to trot a larger triangle, again lengthening the stride across the base finally ending up at the apex.

At the trot, the horse should be lightly on the bit with a rounded back, the hind legs coming forward and driving well under the body, and sufficient freedom in the shoulder and elbows. The judge is then able to view the horse in walk and trot from the front, rear and side. It is all done very quietly. A judge may ask a competitor to repeat part or all of the movements, in order to get a good look at the horse's action from all angles.

Scoring In-hand scoring is similar to dressage scoring, with each section marked from one to 10 points. Comments are written down on the score sheet by a judge's scribe as the horse progresses through the triangle, offering a fair and constructive critique that is educational and beneficial for an owner. Serious leg and other faults are noted as well as the good points. The percentage of marks is:

• Conformation - 40 percent
• Movement - 40percent
• Expression, Manners and Willingness - 10 percent
• Overall breed characteristics, Quality, Balance and Harmony - 10 percent.

Owners receive their score sheets after results have been calculated for each class. The winner is the one with the highest percentage.

The Arabian Sport Horse performance classes are held just like a normal under saddle class, entering the ring counterclockwise. They are shown at the walk, trot, canter and hand gallop both ways of the ring and must stand quietly and back readily. The judging criteria is on performance, manners, conformation, quality and suitability as a working Sport Horse. Each gait being considered is judged equally. Riders wear dressage or hunt attire.

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