Photo by Howie Schatzberg.

Springfield, IL - The National Show Horse Registry is celebrating its 30th year in 2011. Founded in 1981, the National Show Horse originated as a cross between the Arabian horse and the American Saddlebred. It is now established as a separate breed and NSH horses are noted for combining the beauty and refinement of the Arabian with the animation of the Saddlebred. National Show Horses are primarily bred to be high stepping saddle seat type riding and driving horses, but the breed is actually very versatile, excelling in show jumping, endurance, dressage and western riding among other disciplines.

The National Show Horse Finals is the Grand National Championship for the National Show Horse. Annually, the breed’s finest champions gather in September and compete in pleasure, equitation, driving, Halter, three and five-gaited, Walk-Trot and Jackpot classes. The Finals offers classes for Arabians, National Show Horses and Show Horse Alliance-enrolled horses. This adds a great deal of color and excitement to the show, because the Show Horse Alliance includes all of the saddle seat breeds: American Saddlebred horses, Friesians, Hackney horses, Arabians, Morgan horses and National Show Horses, all competing in the same classes for the same outstanding prizes and prize money!

This year’s NSH Finals runs Thursday, September 22nd through Saturday, September 24th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. One of the show’s annual highlights is the very competitive Stallion Row Jackpot Auction class held during the Friday evening session. Immediately following Friday night’s classes the show invites everyone to a lovely dinner and stallion service auction. Foals resulting from this year’s auction sale of breeding nominations will be eligible to compete in the 2013 NSH Stallion Row Jackpot Auction class for glory, fame and the big money jackpot!

Cindy Clinton, NSH Finals Show Manager says, “Thanks to our very generous sponsors, the competing Arabians and National Show Horses will be showing for big prize money this year! The trophies and ribbons are wonderful! We’d like to remind owners and breeders that it’s still not too late to sign up your stallions! We look forward to seeing all of you at the show, but if you can’t make it, watch us on live streaming at www.ArabianHorseGlobal.com.

For additional information contact Cindy Clinton at [email protected] or call her cell at: 937.935.1753. For a show schedule go to www.nshregistry.org. The NSH Finals show office opens on September 19th and can be reached during the week of the show at 217.524.3196.