Arabians and Related Breeds
The Arabian horse and breeds directly derived from the Arabian, such as the Morab, Welara, and the National Show Horse, as well as part-Arabian pinto horses, do not have any braiding or banding that interferes with a naturally long, free-flowing mane and tail. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter-style braiding and presentation is permissible).
Some miniature horses are also shown in the style of Arabians.
The conformation stance for the breed is to have the front feet square and the back feet parted so that one leg is set perpendicular to the ground, and the other slightly behind it, in order to tighten and flatten the relatively horizontal croup and show off the high-set tail that are breed characteristics. The head is carried high and the neck stretched out. Class procedure is similar to the action breeds, with somewhat greater emphasis on the stand-up for individual presentation.
They are presented in a very fine, thin show halter with minimal decoration, designed to show off the refined head that is a characteristic of the breed. Handlers usually wear similar attire to those showing action breeds, though some instead choose to wear Western-style attire. They are as extensively groomed as the action breeds, though manes and tails are never clipped or artificially enhanced, other than the clipping of a bridle path.
Judging of Arabian horses is in flux, with a new judging system set to go into effect in early 2008. Under the new system, breed type, movement, head, neck and shoulder, body and topline, and feet and legs will each be given a numerical score with all components equally weighted.
Read more about this topic: Halter (horse Show)
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