Conformation and gaits shows: how horses are judged

For a breeder, conformation and gaits shows are a key event: they put horses in front of the judges, measure the progress of a breeding programme and showcase the best bloodlines. Here is how they work.

Shows that serve the breeds

According to SOREC, around 30 breeding shows are held nationwide every year for the Barb, Arab-Barb and Purebred Arabian breeds. They aim to:

• select and reward the best horses of each breed;
• assess the results of the genetic improvement programme;
• energise breeding in the regions;
• connect breeders and share good practice.

AMCBAB, for its part, organises regional and inter-regional Arab-Barb shows, a national meeting with the Barb and Arab-Barb finals, and conformation assessments of Barb mares. It has drawn up a judging framework with national and international judges.

Conformation: how the horse is built

The horse is first shown in hand, standing, in profile, so the judges can assess its conformation:

• type: does the horse match its breed standard?
• the head and neck, how they join and how they balance;
• the shoulder, back, loins and croup;
• the limbs: their alignment and the quality of the legs and feet;
• the balance and harmony of the whole horse.

Gaits: the horse in motion

The horse is then shown at walk and trot, still in hand. The judges look at how regular and free the gaits are, their amplitude, the engagement of the hindquarters and straightness: a horse that moves straight, with suppleness and energy, reveals sound conformation.

Horses are usually judged by age and sex classes, so that animals at the same stage of development are compared.

Preparing your horse

• the right body condition, neither too fat nor too thin;
• careful grooming, a tidy mane and tail and feet trimmed by the farrier;
• regular in-hand work: standing square and still, walking and trotting beside the handler without pulling;
• familiarity with transport, noise and other horses;
• a calm, smartly dressed handler who lets the horse show itself off.

Show horses and riding horses

At El Adiyat Stud, part of our horses are selected for conformation and gaits shows and official presentations, for their conformation, elegance, gaits and bloodlines. The others are bred for riding use, fantasia and handiness above all. Discover our two breeding goals and our breeding stock.