Arabian Sport Horse Alliance 2017-2018 Directory & Yearbook

[The Shagya-Arabian breed is
recognized with a special status within
the World Arabian Horse Organization.
In 1978, WAHO stated that the Shagya-
Arabian was bred pure under the
supervision of the Babolna and
Topolcianky breeding guidelines
with strict culling. Therefore,
due to these records and
careful selection they were designated
to be termed "purebred Shagya-
Arabian", a distinct Arabian-bred
bloodline group.
However, WAHO also was clear that
"purebred" in this case means that the
horses have been bred "pure"
among themselves and are not to be
confused with the term "purebred
Arabian". Due to the meticulous recordkeeping
of the Hungarian State Studs,
Shagya-Arabian pedigrees can be traced
to before the founding of most of the
world's Arabian registries.] 2
Of course, many are familiar with the
purebred Arabian, its rich
history and documented
pedigrees back in
time. With a distinctive head shape
and high tail carriage, the Arabian is
one of the most easily recognizable
horse breeds in the world. It is also one
of the oldest breeds, with archaeological
evidence of horses in the Middle East
that resemble modern Arabians dating
back 4,500 years.
Throughout history, Arabian horses have
spread around the world by both war
and trade, used to improve other breeds
by adding speed, refinement,
endurance, and strong bone. Today,
2 Wikipedia contributors. "Shagya Arabian." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Oct.
10, 2017. Web.
Arabian bloodlines are found in almost
every modern breed of riding horse.
So why does this matter? In parts of
Europe the term “Anglo-Arabian” has
been variously used in the past to refer
to either a Thoroughbred crossed
with a purebred Arabian, an
"Araber" or part-Arabian, or a
Shagya-Arabian. Following the official
designation of the Shagya-Arabian as a
distinct breed, pedigree records are
being corrected to recognize the
difference in an Anglo-Arabian vs. an
Anglo-Shagya. Horses once recorded as
"Araber" are now being clarified and
recognized for their distinct heritage.
Each of these breeds contributes its own
special characteristics when used
throughout Europe as improver crosses
within the Warmblood studbooks. The
Thoroughbreds are known for their
agility, speed, and spirit. The purebred
Arabian is known for its purity of
pedigree, heart, and endurance. The
Shagya-Arabian is valued for possessing
the stamina and heart of the Arabian in
a larger framed
horse
purpose
bred first for cavalry use and later as a
sport horse. The Anglo-Arabians and
Anglo-Shagyas offer hybrid phenotypes
that blend Thoroughbred power and
speed with qualities derived from
Arabian or Shagya heritage.
The Arabian Sport Horse Alliance has a “big tent”
philosophy that welcomes horses and ponies of any of the
“Araberasse” –Arabians, Shagya-Arabians, Anglo-
Arabians, Anglo-Shagyas, and --in recognition of the value
of Arabian based lineages in sport registry breeding --any
Arabian-bred sport horse or pony of at least 25% Arabian
or Shagya lineage within 3 generations.
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