SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

National Show Horse

National Show Horse Breed History

Although the National Show Horse has existed as a Half-Arabian show horse for many years, it became a breed officially in 1982. By crossing the Arabian with the Saddlebred the resulting offspring carries the best aspects of both breeds.





Originally, National Show Horses were required to have Arabian, American Saddlebred or National Show Horse parentage. Since 2011, however, the NSH Registry accepts any breed crossed with an Arabian as long as the resulting offspring possess a minimum of 50 percent Arabian blood.

The National Show Horse is bred to excel in all horse show disciplines, including fine harness, saddle seat, halter, side saddle and other western and English pursuits.

National Show Horse Characteristics

The National Show Horse must possess the refined beauty of the Arabian with the animated movement of the Saddlebred.

Like the American Saddlebred, the athletic National Show Horse can also be five-gaited, possessing the walk, trot and canter as well as the slow gait and rack (gaits where the hooves hit the ground individually; rack is the faster gait).

The National Show Horse is found in all colors, including pinto, and stands from 15 to 16 hands high.

For More Information

Further Reading

Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

Recent Posts

An Overview of White Line Disease

It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…

6 hours ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: My Man Ira

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 day ago

Riding Lipizzaners in Hungary

Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…

2 days ago

How Horses Helped Two Boys with ADHD

During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…

3 days ago

Adopting a Companion Horse

When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…

4 days ago

Emergency and Natural Disaster Preparedness with Horses

Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…

1 week ago