Showing a youngster

[Little_willow]

Hi i have a 2yr old arab filly who is very pretty and i would love to show her in-hand this summer is there anything in particular that she would need and what sort of 'training' can i do to help? also what sort of classes would i be able to enter?

thanx Ali and Willow!

[Mehitabel]

look for anglo, pure and partbred arab classes, particularly those that are specifically for 1, 2 and 3 year olds. babies can win in a class for all ages, but it's tough. go to some shows and watch some classes, you'll see what kind of things peopple wear and what the horse should wear (i do a lot of in hand, but only new forest ponies, so i'm not up on arab turnout!). your baby needs to walk round with the others in the right rein with you walking on the outside, trot to the rear of the "ride", and then, in their individual bit, stand square in front of the judge, walk away in a straight line, turn, with you on the outside pushing him round, and trot back towards the judge. have fun, and good luck.

[Pintaloosa]

I used to have an Arab pinto that I showed halter a couple times. I only showed him at schooling shows but for the most part this is what I had to do.
First I had to trot my horse into the arena then down the rail around to where we had to line up. Usually the judges tell you where to go. What I found with arabs is that judges don't usually watch them track striaght to them like with stock type horses. Once lined up the horses were set up for inpection. Arabs are supposed to have there front feet lined up and one back foot farther back then the other. They also have to arch their necks out. I suggest looking at pictures of arab stallions and such to see how they're presented. I'm not an arabian expert by any means and I don't know if the rules are different from where you're from but I suggest looking at arab club websites to see the exact rules. I know there are regulations to how there bridle paths are clipped and such.

[cabanha]

I also don't know a lot about showing in Arabian halter classes but I do have a friend who boards her horses at an Arabian training barn. Arabian's bridle paths are clipped much further back than the average horse. Their front feet are aligned and one back foot is behind the other. Their necks are arched out in front and this is probably one of the most difficult areas to train for the halter classes. You should wear *at least* khakis/dress pants/skirt and depending on the level of showing you can wear tennis shoes or dress shoes. I have a picture here from my friend's stable which should help you a little on what your appearance and your horse's appearance should look like.

[FreedomStar]

I am not an expert on Arab shows, but I know that there is a special halter or bridle for arabs.