SPORT ARABIANS

The inspiration for the first Pacific Coast Arabian Sport Horse Classic originated with Dave Stanley. Dave felt that there was reason to have a specialty show for Sport Arabians (H/A & A/A), and he was instrumental in sponsoring the first PCASHC show. The show was held in June 1996, with three days of classes for Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, and Sport in-hand.

It proved popular, and lead to the formation of the California-Nevada Sport Horse Association. The Club sponsored the next shows in June 1997, which had a larger entry and the addition of Hunter Pleasure and Show Hack classes. Also, the Western States (Sport Horse) Futurity was started in 1997. The Club held the PCASHC again in 1998, with again a larger entry.

A Resolution at the 1997 International Arabian Horse Convention was approved to develop Arabian Sport Rules. Molly Stanley was appointed Chair of the IAHA Ad-Hoc Committee for Arabian, H/A and A/A Sport Horse Rules. Mary Anne Grimmell, IAHA President in 1996 and 1997, was firmly behind the Sport Arabian, and has served as IAHA Board Liaison to the Ad-Hoc Committee.

The IAHA Convention 1998 passed the Rules developed by the Ad-Hoc Committee, and the Arabian Sport Rules will be published in the Arabian Chapter, AHSA Rulebook 2000.

The Pacific Coast Arabian Sport Horse Classic will be held on the first weekend of June 1999. In addition, there are six 1999 shows in the California-Nevada area that have added Arabian Sport in-hand to their shows, and four shows in Canada. Other areas of the country are sponsoring Sport Horse Clinics, Demonstrations and classes in 1999.

Dave and Molly Stanley are happy to see this volume of interest in the Sport Arabian, as they have always felt that the Arabian was the ‘original’ Sport Horse.

The original intent of Stanley Ranch in studying, buying, breeding and importing Arabians from Spain was (and is) due to their outstanding characteristics for the Sport Division. As a family, we have always enjoyed riding and showing in the Hunter and Jumper classes, both at Arabian and Open Shows. Dressage is also of interest, Show Hack, and Sport in-hand furnishes the conformation section.

For information on shows, copies of Sport Arabian in-hand Rules and/or score sheets, contact Molly Stanley or any member of the IAHA Ad-Hoc Committee.

94 Julian lane, Yerington, Nevada 89447

Telephone (702) 463-2262    Fax (702) 463-2232