NASS 2012 Breeding Inspection Tour Resource Packet

NASS 2012 Breeding Inspections Tour 

Resource Packet 

The North American Shagya-Arabian Society 

Ninth Inspection Tour for breeding approval 

of Purebred Shagyas and Shagya-bred 

horses, as well as Purebred Arabians eligible 

for Shagya breeding approval is September 

8 through September 16, 2012. 

Besides the inspection for breeding approval, 

this event will include evaluations of nonbreeding 

Shagyas and Part-Shagyas, 

branding of purebred Shagyas, learner 

judging, Shagya demonstrations and a 

chance to commune with fellow Shagya 

lovers. 

The Breeding Inspection Resource Packet 

has been put together to provide the Shagya 

owner with as much information as possible to prepare for the Inspection Tour in your area. 

Many of these documents are also located on the NASS website www.Shagya.net 

Resource Documents in this packet: 

∗ NASS Inspection Schedule 

∗ NASS 2012 Inspection Tour Sign-up Form 

∗ NASS Event Agreement 

∗ Why & How to Host a Breeding Inspection 

∗ NASS Protocol for Inspection Procedures and Judging 

∗ NASS Free Jumping Assessment 

∗ Interior Test 

∗ Scoring Sport Horses by Peter Lert 

∗ Judging Dressage Prospects by Sue Madden Mandas 

∗ Leaflet for Judging Shagya Arabs by Dr. Ekkehard Frielinghaus 

∗ Free Jumping Article by Strickland 

∗ Free Jumping Article by Volker-Ehlers 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the NASS Breeding Committee at NASS_Breeding_Committee@Shagya.com 

Inspection Sites, Dates and Hosting Information 

• Saturday, September 8th in Ontario 

Hosted by: Shelley Housh of Sterling Shagya Sporthorses 

Phone: (909) 273-9591 Email: sterlingshagyas@hotmail.com 

• Sunday, September 9th in Eureka, CA 

Hosted by: Elaine Kerrigan of Kerrigan Bloodstock 

Phone: (707) 443-0215 Email: fahim@humboldt1.com 

• Monday, September 10th in Olympia, WA 

Hosted by: Patricia Betts 

Phone: (360) 943-8769 Email: plbetts@q.com 

• Tuesday or Wednesday, September 11th or 12th in Moiese, MT 

Hosted by: Adele Furby of Adele's Shagyas 

Phone: (406) 644-3498 Email: adele@blackfoot.net 

• Thursday or Friday, September 13th or 14th in Franklin, TN 

Hosted by: Rebecca Blair 

Phone: 615-481-7762 Email: rablai04@louisville.edu 

• Saturday, September 15th in Stirling, Ontario 

Hosted by: Shannon McCracken of SM Shagya Sport Horses 

Phone: 613-398-1295 Email: Shannon.mccracken1@gmail.com 

• Sunday, September 16th in Danby, VT 

Hosted by: Hallie Goetz of Northeast Shagyas 

Phone: (802) 293-5783 Email: halliergot@aol.com

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA-ARABIAN SOCIETY 

A 501 (c)(5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 

Inspection Tour 2012 – Sign up Form 

Website: www.Shagya.net 

Please complete this form and return to: 

NASS Treasurer - Bev Thompson: 2345 S. Washington Road Columbia City, IN 46725 

NASS Member: ______Yes _____ No (Info to become a NASS Member for $45.00 – form on website - www.shagya.net) 

NAME: _________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: _______________________________ 

STREET: ______________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________ 

NASS Inspection Date: _______________ Site Location you will be attending: ______________________________________________ 

__________ Number of Horse’s that I will be bringing to the Site Location above. 

INSPECTION FOR SHAGYA BREEDING: 

Eligible are all NASS registered Purebred Shagyas, Part-Shagya-Arabians and Purebred Arabians 2 years and older. 

Horse Name & NASS Reg. #: ______________________________ Horse Name & NASS Reg. #: ______________________________ 



_________Total horses Inspected for Shagya Breeding at _________ per horse – Total Due $ ______________ 

NASS Member Fee $200 per horse 

EVALUATION: 

Eligible are all NASS registered Purebred Shagyas, Part-Shagya-Arabians, and Part-Shagyas, any age. As a courtesy, mares of any 

breed may be presented for evaluation if the owner is considering breeding to a NASS Shagya stallion or has already done so. 





__________Total horses Evaluated at ___________ per horse – Total Due $ ____________ 

BRANDING: 

Eligible are all NASS registered Purebred Shagyas, any age, including foals. 





__________Total horse(s) Branded at ___________ per horse – Total Due $ ____________ 

__________ $ GRAND TOTAL FEES 

__________ Less 5% discount if payment is postmarked by Aug.15th 

_______________ $ Total Enclosed: __________Check #: 

FOR EXHIBITION ONLY: “FREE” and will be appreciated and enjoyed by all in attendance! 

Eligible are all NASS registered Purebred Shagyas, Part-Shagya-Arabians, and I will show my horse: _______________________________ 


_____Ridden – _____________Discipline? _____Driven _____Free Jump _____Interior Test _____In Hand ________________Other? 

__________I am planning to ATTEND the Inspection at: ____________________________________________________ Site Location. 

__________I would like to be a LEARNER JUDGE at: ______________________________________________________Site Location. 

I would like to HELP with: 

_____Transportation of Judges _____Provide Food _____Provide Drinks _____Offer Overnight Accommodations 

_____Help with Photography _____Help as Videographer ______________________________________________________Other

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA‐ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

A 501 (c)(5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 

www.Shagya.net 

NASS EVENT AGREEMENT 

I have read the rules concerning the event as printed in the North American Shagya-Arabian Society (NASS) Handbook and Guidelines and agree 

to be bound by and subject to those Rules. 

NASS ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION: This document waives very important legal rights. Read it carefully 

before signing. 

In consideration for NASS permitting me to participate in this event, and by signing the application form, I agree as follows: 

• I AGREE that I choose to participate voluntarily in this event, as a rider, driver, handler, lessee, owner, agent, coach, trainer, junior exhibitor, or 

as a parent or guardian of a junior exhibitor. I AM FULLY AWARE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HORSE SPORTS AND PARTICIPATION IN 

THIS EVENT INVOLVE SERIOUS RISK OF HARM INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RISKS OF ACCIDENT, SERIOUS BODILY 

INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, BROKEN BONES, HEAD INJURIES, TRAUMA, PAIN, AND SUFFERING, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. I 

ASSUME ALL RISKS OF HARM TO ME, MY HORSE OR MY PROPERTY. 

• I AGREE for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns to release NASS, the event, the facilities leased by the event 

and the owner(s) of the facilities, and all of their respective officers, officials, directors, employees, agents, personnel, volunteers, affiliated 

organizations and insurers (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims for damage, loss, or injury to myself, other 

persons, horses or other property belonging to me to the fullest extent permitted by law that arises out of or relates in any way to the event 

and my participation in the event INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES, LOSS, OR INJURY RESULTING FROM ANY ACTS, 

FAILURE TO ACT, NEGLIGENCE OR NEGLECT OF OTHER ENTRANTS, THE RELEASED PARTIES, THEIR CONTRACTORS OR 

INVITEES, as well as for theft, vandalism, fire, other casualty damage, or damage arising out of any defects in the premises. 

• I AGREE to indemnify and hold harmless (that is pay all losses, damages, attorneys fees and costs of) the Released Parties from and against 

any and all claims, demands, penalties, actions, losses, costs, damages, injuries, liabilities and obligations (including attorneys fees) of 

whatsoever kind and nature, which may be asserted against or incurred by any of them as a result of (1) my participation in the event or (2) any 

act, failure to act, or neglect (a) by me, my agents, employees, riders, handlers, trainers, coaches, drivers, contractors or invitees, or (b) by any 

animal owned or exhibited by me or in my custody or control. 

• I AGREE and represent that I am qualified and eligible to enter and/or participate in the event and every horse I am entering is qualified and 

eligible as entered. 

• I AGREE to accept AS FINAL any decision of NASS, the Event Commission or Event Officials concerning my qualification or the qualification 

of my horse to enter the event or any results of the event. 

• I AGREE to release, hold harmless and not to sue NASS, the Event Sponsor, their officers, directors, employees, volunteers or members 

concerning any decision of NASS, the Event, its Event Commission, Event Officials or any hearing body that relates to my qualifications or my 

horse(s)’ qualifications to enter the Event or any results of the Event. 

• I AGREE that NASS has the sole right to control, sell, supervise or give away (or assign to others the right to do so) the exclusive rights to 

broadcast, televise, reproduce, transmit and disseminate all or part of this event, and I agree that NASS may use or assign, in any way NASS 

sees fit, photographs, films, videos, audios, cablecasts, or other likenesses of me and my horse taken during the course of the event for the 

promotion, coverage or benefit of the event or NASS. Those likenesses shall not be used to advertise a product and they may not be used in 

such a way which implies endorsement of any company, product, product category or service. I hereby expressly and irrevocably waive and 

release any rights in connection with such use, including any claim to compensation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, or to 

misappropriation. 

By signing below as a parent or guardian of a junior exhibitor, I consent to the child’s participation and agree to all of the above provisions, and 

further agree to assume all of the obligations of this NASS Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnification personally and on behalf of the child. 

This NASS Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnification is governed by the Laws of the State of Montana and is intended to be interpreted 

as broadly as possible. I agree that exclusive jurisdiction and venue (place) for any legal action against NASS, its officers, directors, employees, 

volunteers or agents shall be in the local district courts or the federal court of the State of Montana. If any part of this agreement is determined to be 

unenforceable, all other parts shall remain effect. 

Rider/Driver/Handler (Mandatory) 

Signature: _______________________________________________________ Print Name: ____________________________________________ 

Owner/Agent (Mandatory) 


Trainer (Mandatory) 


If Rider/Driver/Handler is a Minor (Mandatory) 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________ Print Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________ 

Emergency Contact Phone #: ________________________________________ 

Rev. 7/09

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA~ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

A 501(c) (5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 


Why and How to Host a Breeding Inspection 

WHY 

Because You: 

• Get a chance to talk, to meet and talk with the judges in depth over a period of one to two days. 

• Get to meet and talk with fellow Shagya owners both before and during the inspection, while you are making 

arrangements for them and their horses. 

• You don’t have to haul your own horse anywhere! Especially important if you have several horses to be inspected. 

• You probably will get the urge to clean your house and barn before the “company” arrives. 

• Because it’s fun! 

HOW 

• The Inspection Tour Organizer provides the following details: 

o How many judges and attendees there will be and their contact information. 

o How many horses, the date and amount of time required for the inspection and flight times for the judges. 

o Many of the inspections are scheduled on weekdays so if you work “outside the barn” to support your habit, 

you may need to arrange for time off. 

• Do you have an arena at your place where there is room for an inspection triangle and a safe area to judge the horses 

free? 

o Is there sufficient trailer parking for the attendees? If not, can you rent a local horse show arena or enlist a 

friend with facilities? 

o Make plans to provide enough chairs for attendees to watch the proceedings. 

o Contact attendees to determine how many people will be in their party, and what sort of accommodations 

they and their horse(s) will need. 

o Can they trailer in for the day or will they need a local motel, B&B or sleep in their trailer overnight? 

o Do you have room for a giant slumber party at your house, if there are no nearby accommodations? This is a 

great way to make new friends! 

o Can the traveling horse(s) be accommodated at your place or do you need to put up portable pens, stable 

some of your horse(s) overnight with a friendly neighbor or find a local overnight stabling for the attendees? 

o Do you need to make special arrangements for stallions? 

• All of these options have been used in the past and all have worked out just fine: 

o The host usually arranges airport transportation for the judges and houses them overnight; cars and hotel 

rooms can be rented for the judges but the personal touch is much nicer and saves NASS money! Judges’ 

meals are usually provided by the host as well. 

o Most hosts arrange lunch or refreshments for the attendees – it is helpful if you have friends who can help you 

set up and serve ‐ if cost is a problem, ask for donations from the attendees. If attendees are staying overnight 

before and/or after the inspection, and there is a market nearby, consider organizing a potluck dinner at your 

place. It is a great chance to meet everyone on a social basis and learn more about them and their horses. 

People are usually very casual and so grateful to you for hosting them. 

o Don’t forget to send everyone directions and a map to the inspection site as well as your contact number! 

o If possible, put up flyers and advertise the inspection in your local horse organizations – it is a great 

opportunity for people to hear about Shagyas and see a breeding inspection, and to publicize your barn. 

o If you, friends or attendees have Shagyas under saddle, and time and space permits, riding demonstrations are 

always met with great enthusiasm. 

• Branding: 

o If any horses are to be branded, a large propane tank (barbeque size) will be required. 

We look forward to another great NASS Inspection year! 

Kathy Richkind ‐ NASS 2012 Breeding Inspection Judge 

Email: witsennd@juno.com

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA – ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

A 501 (C)(5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 

“NASS Protocol for Inspection Procedures and Judging” 

Prior to a horse being presented to the judging team the horse will be measured, and his or her 

registration certificate checked to verify the identity of the horse and that the color and markings are 

correct. The horse owner, handler, or alternatively a NASS official, will take the measurements while the 

judging team observes, checking for proper technique and accuracy. The measurements will be 

recorded by a NASS official (can be a member of the judging team, a learner judge as scribe, or 

Breeding Committee member or BOD member). 

The horse must be standing on a reasonably flat surface. The wither height at its highest point will be 

measured in hands in 1/2 inch increments using the official NASS measuring stick. This number of 

inches is multiplied by 2.54 to give the official height in cm. The stick height at the withers shall be 

recorded in both hands and cm. 

The horse’s girth will be measured using the official NASS measuring tape. The girth measurement is 

taken immediately behind the withers and the point of the elbow. It is recorded in inch and1/2 inch 

increments and in cm. 

The cannon bone of the front leg is measured midway between the knee and the fetlock. The tape is 

pulled snug around the leg. The tape is read starting from the 10 cm point rather than the 1 cm point so 

that the tape can be pulled snug. The measurement is recorded in cm and 1/2 cm units only, not in 

inches. 

The horse is usually then stood up in the open position, non-mane side towards the camera, for its 

official photo. The photo can be made in a different sequence depending upon scheduling and factors 

at each site. 

The horse is then presented to the judging team. The horse is presented standing at the apex of the 

judging triangle. When requested by the team, the horse is then walked on the triangle, then shown at a 

trot on the triangle. Then, conditions permitting, the horse is free lunged at all gaits if possible. 

Stallions will also be free jumped, utilizing the protocol in the "NASS Free Jumping Assessment" 

document. Mares may be free jumped but are not required to free jump. 

The judging team consists of the judges which have been invited to judge the inspection by NASS. The 

team will judge the horses using the ISG criteria listed in Dr. Frielinghaus’s “Leaflet for Judging Shagya 

Arabians”, with one more criteria added—that for judging the canter or gallop. Each judge will jot down 

his or her own marks independently of the other judges. Then the judging team will briefly discuss the 

appropriate mark for each criterion and agree by consensus on one official mark for each criterion. The 

team will then generate a brief descriptive paragraph describing the horse, working collectively and 

reaching consensus for the wording of the paragraph. All of the judging discussions shall remain private 

and confidential—spectators should not be allowed to hear anything except the final results when they 

are announced. 

Learner judges usually work with the official judges on a one-on-one basis, with no more than one 

learner judge for each official judge. Learner judges may participate with the team by asking questions, 

etc., but should make their own marks independently as the other judges are doing so. Learner judges 

usually also can be asked to assist the judging team by serving as “scribes” for the team.

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA – ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

A 501 (C)(5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 

Usually all stallions for breeding approval are presented first, in descending order of age, the oldest to 

the youngest. 

Ideally, after all stallions are presented, all stallions are walked in hand together in the arena and a 

representative of the judging team introduces each horse, describing sire, dam, breeder, owner, 

measurements, individual and average score, descriptive paragraph, and decision regarding approval. 

Sometimes this is not feasible to present the stallions as a group again, but in any case the official 

scores are not announced until all stallions are presented. 

Then all the mares for breeding approval (including purebred Arabian mares) are presented, same as 

with the stallions. 

Then Shagyas and Part-Shagya Arabians underage for breeding approval are presented. 

Then Purebred Shagya geldings, Part-Shagyas, and any other horses for evaluation (but not for 

breeding approval) are presented. 

Scoring for Breeding Approval: 

The International Judges should be informed of basic NASS criterion for Breeding Approval: 

For Stallion and Mare Book I and Book I Appendix: 

A Purebred Shagya mare must receive an average score of "6" to be approved for breeding, with no 

score under "5". 

A Part-Shagya-Arabian Mare must receive an average score of “7” to be approved for Purebred Shagya 

breeding, with no score under "5". The same criterion applies for a Purebred Arabian mare if her sire is 

in Book I. (If the Purebred Arabian mare's sire is not in Book I, and the mare receives an average score 

of "7", with no score under "5", she will be eligible to be in the Appendix to Book II.) 

A Purebred Shagya Stallion must receive an average score of “7” to be approved for Shagya breeding, 

and must also have a “type” score of no lower than "7". No other score can be lower than "5". 

Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the judging committee at the time of the inspection. 

A Purebred Arabian Stallion must receive an average score of "8" to be approved for Shagya breeding, 

with no score under "5". 

A Part-Shagya-Arabian Stallion must receive an average score of 8 to be approved for Shagya 

breeding, with no score under "5". 

NASS has no official “minimum” or “maximum” measurement parameters. If the judging team feels that 

a particular measurement score is outside acceptable parameters, they can reflect this opinion through 

the scores for type, legs, body, etc. A horse will not be denied breeding approval only due to 

measurements. 

Foal Evaluations: 

Foals will be scored on 3 criteria: type, conformation and movement. No measurements are taken. The 

foal receives also a written description similar to those for the older horses.

NASS Free Jumping Assessment 

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA‐ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

Required of all stallions at their breeding approval inspection. 

Optional for mares but encouraged. 

Free jumping is used to evaluate the natural jumping talent of horses presented for breeding approval. 

Factors to be considered include technique (use of front and hind legs, bascule, suppleness of the 

back), scope (carefulness and ease of jumping), and overall impression (canter stride, ability to adjust 

stride naturally for fence, temperament and suitability as a jumper). 

The jumping chute is set up so that the horses enter on the left lead away from the in gate. The 

jumping chute is made up of three jumps, with ~20 feet from the entrance of the chute to the first 

jump, ~20 feet between the first and second jump, and ~23 feet between the second and third jump, 

with the open exit from the chute ~20’ or more from the third jump . The elements are as follows: 

a) Crossrails set with ends in standards at 30”, with a ground pole in front. 

b) Crossrails similar to first, but with a horizontal rail at 30” immediately behind crossrails. 

c) Oxer, 33” high, 24” spread, with a ground pole in front. It will be raised to 36”and 42” for the 

second and third passes, with spread increased to 28” and 32” 

Each horse will be led into the ring by the owner or handler. In the ring will be the judges and three 

whip handlers (one at the chute entrance, one after the first jump, and one after the second jump. 

Owners can provide their own whip handlers if desired. The horse is allowed to free run in the arena 

for 1‐2 minutes, then is trotted in hand up to the first element. A 36’ nylon cord will be run through 

both snaffle rings and the horse released about 10’ in front of the first jump. Each horse will be 

allowed two passes at each height, with the judge having discretion to allow one more pass. 

If the horse or handler do not appear to be adequately prepared, they will be excused from the ring. 

Safety of the horse and all participants is paramount. 

Diagram of fences

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA~ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. 

A 501(c) (5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 


INTERIOR TEST 

The "Interior Test" is a test which NASS learned about during the June ISG meeting. It has 

apparently been used in various forms in Germany recently by various horse breeding groups, 

and we saw a demonstration of the test used by the ZSAA for Shagyas in Germany. The test 

consists of three elements. The horse is walked past each element by its handler and the 

judges observe and make comments as to how the horse reacts to each element. 

The first element consists of some type of material, more or less at the horse's eye level, which 

will move or flutter as the horse approaches it. In this case several traffic‐type plastic tapes 

around 6 inches wide with alternating red and white stripes were strung horizontally between 

the arena wall and a couple of jump standards. When the horse would be led toward the tapes 

they would flutter in the breeze and the horse's reaction could be observed. 

The second element consists of something which will make an audible sound, but with no 

visible source of sound. In this case a jar of some rocks was shaken by an individual who has 

hidden behind the arena wall. When the horse approached the designated area, the sound 

would be made and the horse’s reaction observed. 

The third element consists of an object on the ground that the horse is asked to approach. In 

this case the object was a large opened umbrella placed upon the ground. 

The judge then would write up a brief account describing the horse’s reaction to each of the 

three elements. 

"This year NASS invites volunteers who would like to try taking their horse through the Interior 

Test. This will give all of us a chance to see how the test works and consider whether or not this 

is something we might like NASS to add to our inspections in the future."

Dr. Ekkehard Frielinghaus 

Leaflet for judging Shagya-Arabs 

The judging of Shagya-Arabs is a judging of breeding stock. As opposed to the 

judging of utility horses and those used for sport, all assessed criteria must, due to 

their inheritability, be given equal weight. Utility and competition horses may have 

exterior faults which are not detrimental to the performance expected of them and 

which are often more than compensated for by exceptional performance features. 

The breeding horse must fulfil all possible demands as regards conformation, character, 

and the three gaits which are placed upon its offspring. At breeding shows for 

Shagya-Arabs the judge must assess the horses presented according to the breeding 

goal set for this race. 

The Shagya-Arab 

The Shagya-Arab is the continuation of the "Arab-bred" horse of the Hungarian and 

Austrian studs of Sabolna and Radautz on an international basis which means that 

the studbooks of the national associations are closed. In spite of a large genetical 

proportion of purebred Arab, the Shagya should differ from the racial norm in being 

larger, framier, and having plenty of bone. Therefore there should be no more than 

nine out of sixteen purebred Arabs in the fourth generation of ancestors. The breed- 

ing goal is a large-framed Arab suitable for everyone as a noble saddle or carriage 

horse. 

The Shagya-Arab should be good-looking and harmonious with an expressive face, 

well proportioned riding-horse neck, clearly defined topline, long croup, and well car- 

ried tail as well as strong clean legs. Ground consuming, elastic and correct move- 

ment at all three gaits is very important. A height of 14.3 to 15.3 hands and a can- 

non-bone of not less than 7 inches are to be aimed for. 

The Shagya-Arab should fulfil all demands regarding looks and temperament as a 

noble and willing family and leasure horse, as a competition, hunting, and carriage 

horse as well as a long distance horse.

Judging 

The assessment of the horses comprises up to eight partial criteria, which also serve 

the breeder as a guideline to achieving the breeding goal. 

1. For the Shagya-Arab a 1a-point system is used 

Scale of points: 

1a outstanding ausgezeichnet excellent 

9 very good sehr gut tres bien 

8 good gut bien 

7 pretty good ziemlich gut assez bien 

6 satisfactory befriedigend satisfaisant 

5 sufficient genOgend suffisant 

4 insufficient mangelhaft insuffisant 

3 rather bad ziemlich schlecht assez mauvais 

2 bad schlecht mauvais 

1 very bad sehr schlecht tres mauvais 

2. Judging is according to seven criteria 

1) Type Race and sex expression, general impression 

2) Head Race characteristics, size, expression, eyes 

3) Neck-:. Sufficient length, riding-horse qualities 

4) Body Topline including withers and tail-carriage, length of 

body, depth and width of girth 

5) Legs Bone circumference, joints, hooves, correctness 

6) Walk Ground coverage, carriage, 4 beat, correctness 

7) Trot Ground coverage, swing, elasticity, 2 beat, correctness 

In so far as it is possible to judge the horses at the canter - whether running free or 

when ridden - this gait should be judged and taken into consideration for the final 

score. 

8) Canter Ground coverage, carriage, swing, elasticity, 3 beat, correctness 

The final score is calculated by adding the points allocated to the partial criteria and 

dividing by 7 (or 8). 

Assessment and Judging in Detail 

ad 1) Racial expression: the Shagya-Arab should display typical Arab features re- 

garding smallness of head, facial expression, size and brilliance of eyes, shape of 

nostrils and ears, form of croup, cleanness of legs, and silkiness of coat. It should 

not, however, approach the extreme desert bred type of Arab, but should be notice- 

ably larger, framier, more muscular, and heavier boned. 

ad 1) Sex expression: a stallion must be obviously masculine in presence and be-

haviour, a mare feminine. Intermediate types are seldom satisfactory in their genetic 

transmission. 

ad 2) Head: the head should reflect the personality of the horse and show Arab feat- 

ures. It should not appear to be large and heavy. The profile may be slightly dished 

or straight. Roman noses are not welcome. Be careful that the teeth meet normally! 

(Not under- or overshot) 

ad 3) Neck: a long, noble, arched riding-horse neck with slender throat is one of the 

most pleasing points of the horse. Harmony and rideability of all horses are diminish- 

ed by a heavy neck, short thick throat, ewe-neck or by a neck set on too low. Points 

awarded in such cases cannot exceed "sufficient". 

ad 4) Body: the correct judgement of the horse's frame, i.e. the relationship of height 

to length of body is an important prerequisite for points awarded here. 

The frame of the horse is represented by the two horizontal lines over withers and 

the ground and two perpendicular lines along point of buttocks and point of shoulder. 

Height is height':of withers as measured with a yardstick. Length is the distance from 

point of buttocks to point of shoulder. 

Shagya Arabs between 14.3 and 15 hands are considered small, between 15 and 

15.2 hands medium and between 15.2 and 16 hands and more as large. The frame 

should always be longer than tall, i.e. a rectangle. The square frame (as long as tall) 

is not welcome; it is mostly combined with a stiff back and reduced ability at the walk 

and canter. If the horse is too long in the back this impedes carriage, balance, and 

drive from the hind legs. 

The large-framed Shagya-Arab is preferred by the market. This means at least medium 

height combined with rectangular frame. Depth of girth and barrel should harmonise 

with the frame. From the front the chest must be deep and broad. Muscle is 

ideal if from this point of view the elbow joints are further apart than the shoulder 

joints. 

A similar yardstick may be applied to the musculature of the hindquarters. The 

"britches" should broaden, as viewed from behind, from the point of the hip towards 

the stifle. The musculature of the inner and outer second thigh from stifle to hock is 

also important for the drive from the hindquarters. 

ad 4) Topline: extends from the ears to the tip of the tail. Should have the shape and 

length required of both riding and carriage horses at their best. High carriage and 

good length of lightly arched neck, withers long and sufficiently high, long croup (no 

goose rump), tail carried high and gaily - the pennant of the prophet! 

ad 5) Legs: cannon-bone must bear relation to the substance of the horse. The joints 

and their extensions - elbows, back of knee, and point of hock - must be well defined 

and strong. The legs must not be tied-in below the knee or under the hock. The hock 

must be neither too short nor too narrow. The forelegs should not be X-legged as 

seen from the front nor standing over or back-at-the-knee when viewed from the

side. Forearm and gaskin should be long, the cannons and shannons short and 

stout. Medium length pasterns are important for elasticity of gait. Minimal conformation 

faults should not be overrated if they do not interfere in any way with movement. 

Definite faults mean subtraction of points. 

Very often insufficient attention is paid to regularity and healthiness of hooves. Boxy 

hooves and contracted heels are relatively frequent defects. Minimal irregularities in 

action or lameness can be penaltied by subtraction of points. If lameness is obvious 

and painful, the horse must be disqualified. 

ad 6) Walk: the most used and most important gait of the horse. Good ground 

coverage with the hind legs placed actively under the body - the hind hooves should 

be placed in or better still in front of the imprints of the forefeet -, natural clear 4 beat 

and straight correct movement are the main criteria. 

A good walk combines graceful carriage, energy and composure. Some breeding 

stock passes on an unclear pacing or ambling gait. The judge must discourage this 

by subtracting points. Unfortunately some Shagyas have at most a "satisfactory" 

walk. All the more important therefore to reward a better walk with better points. 

ad 7) Trot: the trot is a floating gait which often inspires riders, drivers and spectators. 

Ground coverage is also important here - the action must not be too stepping 

nor too daisy-cutting - and again the hind hooves must be placed well under the body. 

For a good trot the whole shoulder must be moved, the hind quarters must do the 

propelling, the back must be loose and supple and the beat clear. An showtrot 

with the horse getting its toes out but holding its back stiff does not deserve the 

highest marks. 

ad 8) Canter: this is the most variable gait of the horse and is subdivided by most riders 

into collected canter, extended canter, and gallop. They find this gait the nicest. 

The features,:.!o be jUdged here are: free forward shoulder movement, propulsion 

from the hindquarters, elasticity, smoothness, and straight correct in 3 

beat. 

Topline good up 10 point of hip and tail, To be improved: the head should be more masculine and less foal·like. See Gazal I. Well placed 

Neck, jowl good, Well ribbed·up large eye. Finely chiselled nostril. See Shagya XXI-1. Good profile and nostril. Eye could be larger. 

See Rasim 11·3. =maximum eye size. 

The croup should be just a bit longer 

and thus more impressive. 

See Shagya XXXIX-1 

Dock oltai! a 

! -, 

.-" 

J 

.. " 

; f 

' 

, 

. , 

The rear 

outline of 

the shannon 

should be 

straight and Windgall? 

not tied-in. 

The legs should in my view have a 

bit less bone and instead be finer 

and cleaner. See Gazall!. 

Maybe Ihe cannons are too long 

and the forearms lack muscle. 

See GazaJ I (lower limit for strength 

of bone but clean and dry) or Signal 

(upper limit for strength of bone bur 

correct wilh well defined tendons).

NORTH AMERICAN SHAGYA- ARABIAN SOCIETY, INC. (NASS) 

A 501 (c) (5) Non Profit Tax Exempt Organization 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 


PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY 

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Newsletter Only – hard copy printed via regular Mail from your Regional 

Director. 

$25 

Total Amount Due $ 

I currently own the following Shagya-Arabian(s), Shagya(s) or Part Shagya(s)_____________________________________ 

I have sold the following Shagya-Arabian(s), Shagya(s) and/or Part Shagya(s)_____________________________________ 

New owner: __________________________________________ Contact number:_________________________________ 

I have gelded the following Shagya-Arabian(s), Shagya(s) or Part Shagya(s)_______________________________________ 

The following Shagya-Arabian(s), Shagya(s) or Part Shagya(s) have passed away___________________________________ 

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION - If more space is required finish on back of sheet. CHECK if back of sheet is used ______ 

Make Checks out to “NASS” 

Mail To: 

___ YES! Add me to the NASS Membership list on the NASS Website. 

NASS Membership 

C/o Beverly Thompson 

___ YES! Contact me about volunteering on a committee. 

2345 S. Washington Rd. 

Columbia City, IN 46725 Form 100 Rev. 06/13/12

NASS 2012 Breeding Inspection Tour Resource Packet

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