The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Show (Sport Horse Nationals) made its debut in Nampa, ID, from September 20-24, 2006, at the Idaho Horse Park in its first northwest appearance. Horses competed in 69 classes in four divisions: sport horse in-hand and under-saddle, dressage, pleasure carriage driving and hunter/jumper.

Besides the competition, the show featured clinics by hunter/jumper trainer Linda Allen and dressage notable Hilda Gurney; an Open Barn Night; grand prix and musical dressage freestyle, pleasure driving dressage, the Horse Illustrated Jumper Mini Prix, the Practical Horseman Hunter Classic and the naming of the Supreme Sport Horse in Hand.

Each top ten winner received a walnut plaque with brass plate and ribbons. Champion and reserve also earned a rose neck garland and Gladys Brown Edwards trophy statue depicting the renowned "Ideal Arabian Horse." Awards for FEI (international) levels included gold jewelry and belt buckles, and select classes received additional prizes such as bridles, saddles and “Turtle Neck” blankets.

Notable winners were:
Horse Illustrated Jumper Mini Prix: BTA Intrigues Karma owned and ridden by Jacqueline Stephenson of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Practical Horseman Hunter Classic: TL Foolin Around, owned by Ricci Desiderio of Chester, NJ, and ridden by Michael Desiderio
Supreme Sport Horse In Hand: Soleya++++//, owned and shown by Lisa Chovin of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada
Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle: Artesan VS, owned by Susan McArthur of Kentfield, CA, and ridden by Patience Prine-Carr (Largest class/70 entries)
Fourth Level Dressage ATR: HSA Haley’s Comet++++//, owned and ridden by Beth Noteman of Genoa, IL (Arabian stallion with most national championships)

The Sport Horse Nationals is the only single breed championship competition focusing specifically on the sport horse disciplines and catering to sport horse exhibitors. All horses are Arabians, Half-Arabians or Anglo-Arabians registered with AHA or the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry. Horses do not need to be inspected or approved by any particular sport horse registry. Both rider and owner need to be AHA members.

Sport Horse Nationals is produced by AHA and sponsored in part by Corporate Partners Arabian Horse Source, Equisure, MD Barns, Bank America, Sundowner Trailers, Dealer Direct Automotive, New Holland and “Turtle Neck” Blankets.

Show sponsors include Freedom Health/Succeed, Arabian Horse World, Dressage Today, Practical Horseman, Schneider’s Saddlery, Horse Illustrated, The Gorgeous Horse, Freedman Harness, The Hat Lady, Bee Garlands, Premier Equestrian, the Soares Family and Alberta Premium.

For more information on the show, contact AHA at (303) 696-4500, [email protected] or online at www.ArabianHorses.org/SHN.

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