I am new to all of this. Where is the best place to find the rules for halter showing for Arabs? I will likely be showing in just two local open shows. I have an older Arab gelding. We are wanting to do this just for fun, but if we pick up a point that would be great too. I want to be sure I have the right info for the length of whip, etc. Also how they should stand, with one rear extended or no? Thanks.

Hi Shana,

The Arabian show ring is governed by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and here is the link to the rule book: http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2008/05-AR.pdf. I believe it is Subchapter AR-2 beginning with rule AR106 which deals with Halter classes in the Arabian breed.

If you are just showing open, however, your shows will likely be run under "local rules" which look to the USEF rule book, however are not completely governed by it. I would ask your show manager of any shows you go to what is acceptable and if possible, go see some classes either at an Arabian show or where Arabian horses are being shown on the local level.

Best of luck to you, don't forget to post pics for us!

Thanks so much!

Go to www.arabianhorses.org and download the new rules.

You should be able to download the rules from:
http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/...OMNIUSN_WEB.pdf

Different shows are still using different rules for halter classes. Scottsdale is not on board with rules used in Vegas at the World Cup, or to be used for the first time at US Nat'ls in October. Local shows are still doing their own thing, as well. So, it is rather confusing.

What about canada where can someone find the rules for there?

Thanks again to everyone for the help. I also found a local guy willing to give me some training and pointers. Turns out my horse was started as a baby with some gentle halter training so it came back to him quite quickly even though it's been 10 years. We showed at the Fair in the "Other breeds" class which was a menagerie of appies, gaited breeds and a couple Arabs. We placed 3rd out of 11, so I was pretty pleased for our first time out. Here's a photo. Next on the agenda, an open show in town with an actual Arab class.

Congratulations! You guys look nicely turned out. Go for it; love to see Arabs at all breed shows and do well! We show at open shows and I get a real charge out of beating other breeds.