How to Enter an Arabian Horse Show

One of the fun parts about owning a registered Arabian or half-Arabian horse is entering Arabian horse shows. Shows give you an excuse to dress up, make your horse look pretty, and show off all the hard work you have put into training and practicing. You get a chance to see how your horse compares to others, and enjoy some companionship with other Arabian horse lovers. Best of all, horse shows give you a goal to work toward to motivate you to work harder.Because the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is part of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), many of the rules at Arabian horse shows are set by the USEF. Some AHA-related rules can be found in the online handbook. It is important to be aware of all the rules before you enter an Arabian horse show.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Registered Arabian or half-Arabian horse
• Horse's registration papers
• AHA membership competition card
• USEF membership card
• Horse show premium and entry forms
• Pen

1. Your horse must be registered with one of the Arabian horse registries. In the United States, this would be the Arabian Horse Association. You can show someone else's horse in classes that are not designated "Amateur Owner to Ride."

2. Make copies of your AHA competition card, USEF membership card, and the front and back of your horse's registration papers. If you are not a member of these organizations, you can pay a one-time fee.

3. Obtain a copy of the horse show premium from the show secretary and look through the class list to decide what classes you want to enter. For championship classes, note which classes are required to show in first to be eligible.

4. Fill out the entry form completely and neatly--both front and back. You will need to fill in the class numbers, horse information, rider information, owner information and trainer information and sign in all the appropriate places.

5. Tally up all the fees--there is a place on the entry form to do this. There are office fees, stall fees and other fees that may be required in addition to your class entry fees.

6. Double check to make sure everything is filled out correctly, then send the forms, copies of your cards and the horse's papers, and your payment to the show secretary. The address is usually on the form.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the premium for the closing date of entries. If you are late sending in your entry, you will most likely have to pay heavy penalties--if you are allowed to enter at all.
• Make sure you include all required photocopies, information and signatures when you send in your entry. The show secretary may charge you a fee if your entry is incomplete.
• You may receive a confirmation statement the week before the show. Check it carefully for errors. You will usually receive your stabling assignment at the show.