National Show Horse facts for kids
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| Distinguishing features | high-set, swan-like neck without a pronounced crest; small, refined head, small ears; straight or concave profile; very deep, laid back shoulder; high tail carriage |
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| Alternative names | NSH |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Breed standards | |
| The National Show Horse Registry | Breed standards |
| The Arabian Horse Association | Breed standards |
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
The National Show Horse is a special breed of horse. It was created by mixing two other breeds: the American Saddlebred and the Arabian horse. This mix makes a beautiful and energetic horse. It became its own official breed in August 1981, when a special group called a breed registry was started for it.
Today, a National Show Horse can be born from two National Show Horse parents. It can also be a mix of an American Saddlebred, an Arabian, and a National Show Horse. To be officially registered, a horse must have at least 50% Arabian blood. This means it has a strong connection to the Arabian breed.
Contents
What Makes a National Show Horse Special?
The National Show Horse gets its best features from both the Arabian and the Saddlebred. From the Arabian, it gets a refined and elegant look. From the Saddlebred, it gets its lively and energetic movements.
Physical Traits
These horses often have a long, upright neck that looks like a swan's neck. Their heads are usually small and neat, with small ears. Their face profile can be straight or slightly curved inwards.
National Show Horses have strong, deep shoulders. Their backs are level, and they carry their tails high. This gives them a very proud and graceful appearance. Most National Show Horses are between 14.3 and 16.2 hands tall. (A hand is a unit of measurement for horses, about 4 inches).
Coat Colors
National Show Horses come in many different colors. You can find them in common horse colors like bay (brown body with black mane and tail), gray, chestnut (reddish-brown), and black.
Because of their Saddlebred ancestors, they can also have colors not usually seen in Arabians. These include pinto (large patches of white and another color) and palomino (golden body with a white or flaxen mane and tail).
What Are National Show Horses Used For?
National Show Horses are most often used for a type of riding called saddle seat. In this style, riders use a special saddle that lets the horse move with very high, flashy steps. These horses are known for their high-stepping action, especially with their front legs.
Some National Show Horses can even be trained to be "five-gaited." This means they can perform five different ways of moving, or gaits. Besides the usual walk, trot, and canter, they can also do a "slow gait" and a "rack." These are special, smooth gaits that are comfortable for the rider.
National Show Horses are very versatile. This means they can do many different things! Besides saddle seat riding, they can also be used for:
- Show jumping: Jumping over obstacles.
- Endurance: Long-distance riding competitions.
- Dressage: A type of horse training where horses perform a series of movements.
- Western riding: A riding style that comes from cowboys and ranch work.
- Dutson, Judith Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America North Adams, Mass.: Storey Pub 2005 ISBN: 1-58017-612-7
- NSHR Press Release Is Your Horse Now Eligible for NSH Registration?
