Springfield, Ill. – The National Show Horse Finals saw a gathering of some of the country’s most impressive National Show Horses as riders and owners vied for top honors. The National Show Horse represents the epitome of modern-day show horse as a combination of at least 50% Arabian blood and any other breed. Hosted by the National Show Horse Registry (NSHR), the Illinois State Fairgrounds set the scene for competition from September 13-15, and also serves as a qualification opportunity to the Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA) U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show.
Judges Cary Bartz (Stillwater, Minn.), Donnie Bullock (Fredericksburg, Va.), and Lisa Corbin (Ashland, Ohio) determined the 2018 champions in over 200 classes with 172 total National Show Horses presented in saddle seat, hunter pleasure, English pleasure, and much more. The Finals brought 501 total entries in 2018. The characteristic beauty, stamina, agility, and athleticism of the National Show Horse breed was evident as these elite horses were shown throughout the weekend.
The Finals’ again hosted the Arabian/National Show Horse Community Tournament Championships, a non-sanctioned division dedicated to introducing horse lovers from all backgrounds to the National Show Horse breed. Spectators and exhibitors alike were reminded of their love for these special horses as they watched the joy of people experiencing their first competition. The division included classes in the saddle, hunter, and Western seat disciplines.
Missed any of the action? Catch all the classes from the Finals on demand here.
The Finals offers more than just stiff competition! “The atmosphere at the show was very upbeat,” said NSHR Executive Director Cindy Clinton. “We always have a Progressive Party on Friday evening after the show with a DJ and it was very nice this year. We also had a celebration party after the show on Saturday.”
The National Show Horse Registry is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Keep up with the National Show Horse Finals and the National Show Horse by following the NSHR on Facebook.
Find out more about the National Show Horse and all of US Equestrian’s 29 recognized breeds and disciplines in this Learning Center video. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by Howard Schatzberg