What is an Arabian Sporthorse?Arabians have always been known as
“The Versatile Breed” because Arabians can do almost anything asked of them and look good doing it. Today’s Arabian Sporthorse is a purebred or derivative Arabian horse or pony with correct conformation and movement and the temperament to compete in performance disciplines. Arabians compete successfully in such a wide variety of disciplines that there is bound to be something out there for people of every age, interest and skill level. One way in which TAASA is promoting the breeding and showing of performance Arabians is through Arabian Sporthorse classes. Arabian Sporthorse in hand classes are judged form to function and designed to give an overview of the horse or pony’s athletic potential. Shown on what is known as the triangle (see image below), the horse is stood in an open stance for the judge’s conformation assessment, then walks the smaller marked triangle and trots the larger one. The judge’s scores are recorded on a score sheet covering conformation, movement and temperament. As movement is particularly important to the Sporthorse, the walk and trot marks are doubled. Highest overall score achieved wins the class. Arabian Sporthorse saddle classes place the emphasis on the horse’s performance under saddle. Horses are presented as show hunters. In the open class priority is on performance; the purity and quality of gaits. The next most important component is manners. In the youth and non–pro classes, these two qualities are reversed, with the most weight placed on manners. Shown on the circle at all paces, the judge may call for lengthening of stride at any gait, and may request a rein back in the line-up. |
Our Purpose
The purpose of The Australian Arabian Sporthorse Association Incorporated (TAASA) is as follows;
1. To maintain and operate an association of owners, breeders, trainers and other enthusiasts who desire to promote and support the use of registered* Arabian bred Sporthorses and Sportponies in those performance disciplines recognised by the Association from time to time and in Arabian Sporthorse breeding; 2. To be accountable to the members of the association at all times particularly through open communication and encouragement of their participation in directional and financial decision making; 4. To promote the recognition of Arabian bred horses and ponies as versatile, tractable, athletic, sporting mounts throughout both the Arabian and general horse communities; 5. To encourage and support the participation of Arabian bred horses and ponies in the abovementioned performance disciplines and competitions where they are rewarded principally for excellence of execution or for conformational suitability when displayed calmly and in their natural stance and beauty; 6. To provide recognition and incentives for achievements in performance and breeding of Arabian bred Sporthorses and Sportponies; 7. To support the Arabian Sporthorse community through publication, education and outreach; 8. To work cooperatively with the entity recognised by the World Arabian Horse Organisation as the authority in Australia (currently the Arabian Horse Society of Australia Inc.) and its affiliated clubs and other associations on matters of common concern; 9. To subscribe to, become a member of, or co-operate with any other group, association, club or organisation whose objects align with those of the Association provided that said group, association, club or organisation prohibits members to gain financially directly or indirectly (other than incidentally) as a consequence of membership and the arrangement does not nullify, decrease or subjugate the rights of members provided for by these rules; 10. To generate rules for competitions held by or under the auspices of the Association; 11. To maintain, as far as knowledge, authority and circumstance permits, the welfare and comfort of Arabian bred Sporthorses and Sportponies as the principle priority and consideration in the design of competitions and attendant rules and the conferring of awards. *Registration must be with the body referred to in purpose 8. A copy of our Model Rules can be found here; |
Further Information
Arabian Sporthorse In-Hand
Australian Arabian Sporthorse classes currently utilise the rules and regulations put in place by the US Arabian Horse Association (AHA). Australian rules and regulations will eventually be implemented.
Sporthorse in hand is judging form to function conformation, without any apparent artifice.
The horses are bought into the ring individually, and judged on their conformation and movement as it pertains to their ability to make a good performance horse. Each horse is scored on a score sheet; score sheets may be collected from the show office after results have been posted.
Horses are to be shown in a plain bridle, leather stable halter or plain show halter. Make up is minimal.
Upon being directed by the steward to enter the ring, each horse will walk straight towards the judge, halt and be stood in a more natural pose (lowered head and neck) than used in other Arabian in hand classes. An ‘open stance’ (ie all 4 legs visible from either side) may also be used.
The judge will then direct the competitor to complete the set workout, walk a triangle, then trot a triangle, before halting again.
The horse then leaves the ring via the exit.
Please see the two links below for a copy of the AHA in hand score sheet and the workout pattern for the in-hand classes.
Example score sheet
Led workout pattern
Ridden Arabian Sporthorse
These classes are judged on the circle at the walk trot and canter. Lengthening of any gait may be required; a rein back whilst lined up may also be executed.
Horses are presented as if for a show hunter class in with no bling browbands and minimal makeup.
Classes are split by rider age; the specifications of each class vary and are listed here in order
Open horse
Performance (purity and quality of gaits) first, then manners, conformation, suitability as a performance horse and quality
Youth horse
Manners first, then performance, suitability as a performance horse, and quality.
Australian Arabian Sporthorse classes currently utilise the rules and regulations put in place by the US Arabian Horse Association (AHA). Australian rules and regulations will eventually be implemented.
Sporthorse in hand is judging form to function conformation, without any apparent artifice.
The horses are bought into the ring individually, and judged on their conformation and movement as it pertains to their ability to make a good performance horse. Each horse is scored on a score sheet; score sheets may be collected from the show office after results have been posted.
Horses are to be shown in a plain bridle, leather stable halter or plain show halter. Make up is minimal.
Upon being directed by the steward to enter the ring, each horse will walk straight towards the judge, halt and be stood in a more natural pose (lowered head and neck) than used in other Arabian in hand classes. An ‘open stance’ (ie all 4 legs visible from either side) may also be used.
The judge will then direct the competitor to complete the set workout, walk a triangle, then trot a triangle, before halting again.
The horse then leaves the ring via the exit.
Please see the two links below for a copy of the AHA in hand score sheet and the workout pattern for the in-hand classes.
Example score sheet
Led workout pattern
Ridden Arabian Sporthorse
These classes are judged on the circle at the walk trot and canter. Lengthening of any gait may be required; a rein back whilst lined up may also be executed.
Horses are presented as if for a show hunter class in with no bling browbands and minimal makeup.
Classes are split by rider age; the specifications of each class vary and are listed here in order
Open horse
Performance (purity and quality of gaits) first, then manners, conformation, suitability as a performance horse and quality
Youth horse
Manners first, then performance, suitability as a performance horse, and quality.