Arabian Sport Horse Alliance 2015 - 2016 Directory & Yearbook

The Performance Shagya-Arabian Registry:
A Modern Approach to Historic Breeding Excellence
In the International Shagya Araber Gesellschaft
July, 2012, the Performance Shagya-Arabian
Registry (PShR) was accepted as a member of
(ISG). The PShR prides itself in combining the traditional
testing procedures used worldwide with modern standards
including the Interior test and mare performance testing.
Testing provides valuable information for breeders
seeking appropriate breeding stock and it provides documented
information for buyers seeking accurate information
when selecting the perfect riding horse.
The PShR is committed to a system of inspections and
performance testing in North America to determine and
recognize:
• Shagya-Arabian breeding stock
• Showcase the Shagya-Arabian geldings and Shagya
Sporthorses
• Open to all Shagya-Arabians and Shagya sport horses,
even those not registered with the PShR
• Open to Purebred Arabians seeking breeding approval
and/or testing validation
WHY AN INSPECTION?
The PShR uses a performance based inspection to determine
breeding stock and recognize (and appreciate) the
progeny resulting from performance breeding. The Performance
Shagya-Arabian Registry has aligned with the ISG
and uses a “European style” inspection and licensing system
comprised of multiple tests and standards. The mandatory
requirements for breeding animals includes the
presentation of the horse in-hand, mandatory SCID test for
all purebred Arabians seeking Shagya-Arabian breeding
approval, free jumping, DNA must be on file, Interior test,
rideablilty with test riders, and an onsite veterinary exam.
In addition to the mandatory requirements, all breeding
animals must compete in their choice of competition. For
example, mares seeking Book I placement they may either
1) complete 500 miles of distance riding, 2) place in the
USDF All-Breed division at training level, compete at “E”
level in eventing or jumping or obtain points as a meritorious
mare by producing a significant number of performance
proven offspring.
The significance of holding an inspection of this type
is two-fold:
1. First, it provides an opportunity to showcase the
many talents of the Shagya-Arabian and Shagya Sporthorses
and to promote the rare breed to the public.
2. Second, it gives the PShR members and guests a
chance to learn from expert European judges while enjoying
time spent together with friends, old and new.
The PShR invests in the expense and organizational efforts
to bring experienced ISG approved Shagya-Arabian
judges from Europe. We have had judges with FEI judging
experience in eventing and dressage, judges who have
worked at and/or been directors at Shagya-Arabian State
Studs, and judges that are currently active in the ISG. The
use of European judges has helped the PShR assure accurate
studbook placement for breeding stock in North
America and require mandatory performance testing of
stallions.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A PShR INSPECTION?
Mares and Stallions are “inspected” while Geldings and
Shagya Sporthorses are “evaluated.” Both consist of multiple,
mandatory phases. For Mares and Stallions, successful
completion of these requirements results in PShR Licensing
and placement in the PShR Studbooks per their performance
and pedigree. The PShR Studbooks are recognized
by all members of the ISG worldwide. For Geldings and
Shagya Sporthorses, evaluation and the successful completion
of the mandatory tests along with performance
testing results in certification and recognition.
The inspection process takes place over the course of
several days, depending on the number of horses to be inspected
and what phases will be participated in by each
horse and his owner/handler. Participants can complete
any phases of the inspection they want, it is not necessary
to complete all phases at one time. For example, if a horse
is too young to be ridden or not yet trained in jumping,
these phases can be completed at a later date. One of the
simplest tests to prepare for and complete is the Interior
Test, which makes it a good place to start.
The Mandatory test at an inspection site includes:
1. All mares and stallions seeking licensing and breeding
approval must stand for examination by the licensed
Veterinarian at the inspection site. Geldings and Shagya
Sporthorses stand as well for documentation. The horse’s
height, girth and cannon bone will be measured; the pulse
and respiration will be taken; the eyes, mouth, teeth and
jaw, legs and hooves will be examined. The purpose of the
exam is to look for anomalies, heart defects, existing faults
of teeth or testicles, deficiencies or other conditions indicating
genetic predisposition. The exam also will include,
but is not limited to, a flexion test and trot out on a hard
surface. The horse should willingly cooperate with the examination
protocol. Geldings previously used for breeding
may not be presented for stallion breeding approval
per the ISG guidelines but may be evaluated as a gelding.
2. The in-hand presentation includes the triangle as per
the USDF specifications. In addition, horses are allowed to
show at liberty. USDF criteria
for in-hand presentation
includes appropriate
dress of the handler, horses
well groomed, and a bridle
on horses 2 years of age or
older.
3. The Interior Test is
designed to determine the
character and temperament
of the horse in an unusual
situation. The horse
is scored on his willingness
to walk beside the handler
in an easily managed fashion.
4. To complete the Rideability test, horses four years of
age or older are ridden at a walk, trot and canter in the discipline
style of the riders’ choice. Each horse is ridden by
the owner and two test riders. The judges and test riders
score the horse based on their overall impression, willingness
to work and temperament.
5. The Free Jump, which is a jump chute consisting of
three obstacles, in this order: a simple cross-rail, a vertical,
and an oxer. The horse would be released into the chute,
and the height and spread of the oxer would be increased
at the discretion of the judge during the multiple runs
through the course. The horse is evaluated on his bascule
(well-arched back).
HOW TO COMPLETE PERFORMANCE TESTING (KEURING)
The PShR provides several options for horses to complete
their performance testing in open competition. The
complete list for stallions, mares, geldings and Shagya
Sporthorses can be found on the PShR website at www.
performanceshagyaregistry.org in the RZBO (Breeding
guidelines) approved by the ISG. The ISG establishes a
minimum standard for performance testing while encouraging
a higher level of testing and awards Elite status
when specific criteria are met. Shagya Keurings in Europe
are comparable to Warmblood licensing standards.
A couple of examples of minimum performance requirements
for licensing include:
5.I.1. Jumping
• Placed at least five (5) times in the upper 25% of a
class at a level comparable to the RZBO requirement of “L-
Level” of 1 meter 20.
• Competitions must be recognized by the USEF.
5.I.2. Dressage
• Receive the USDF All-Breed award at First Level
5.I.3. 3-day Event
• Placed at least five (5) times in the upper 25% of a
class at a level comparable to the RZBO requirement “Llevel”
of 1 meter 20.
• Competitions must be recognized by the USEF.
Other options include Endurance
riding, Distance Riding,
Stallion Testing Trials, Racing,
and Meritorious Sire. All
in detail on the PShR website.
Other disciplines such as Western
Riding, Reining, Hunter,
Driving and other riding disciplines
can be submitted to the
PShR for consideration.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
A breed association or horse
owner can passionately and
earnestly describe the greatness
of their horses, but presenting
the horses to be evaluated
against unbiased standards adds legitimacy to those
claims and the breeding approval process forms a foundation
to ensure high quality in the future generations of the
breed for others to enjoy.
At the most recent PShR inspection tour, the Shagya-
Arabian mares that were evaluated proved they are more
than just pretty faces with good scores for free-jumping,
riding, and the interior test. Having a number of Shagya
Sporthorses (outcrosses with at least 25% Shagya in their
pedigree) presented was an excellent opportunity to visualize
the positive influence the Shagya-Arabian has on
other breeds. Our beloved Shagya-Arabian geldings, the
true ambassadors of our breed, put their hearts into the
free-jumping, showed their willingness to work for various
riders, and exhibited confidence going through the interior
test. The purebred Arabians that were presented exemplified
why we maintain a link to original roots of elegance,
stamina, and personality.
While the Shagya-Arabian is building in numbers, dedicated
breeders are ensuring quality over quantity to maintain
an elegant and harmonious riding horse. Members of
the PShR look forward to a continued and brilliant future
for our beloved Shagya-Arabian worldwide.
50 51