Arabian Horse Association
Encyclopedia
The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is the single national organization that is the only breed registry
that registers Arabian horse
s in the United States
. It also works with the United States Equestrian Federation
to sanction horse show
s and license judges for Arabian horses.
The AHA was formed by a merger between the International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) and the Arabian Horse Registry of America (AHRA) in 2003. AHRA was the older of the two organizations, a breed registry
founded in 1908. IAHA, founded in 1950, organized to "meet the breeding, competitive and recreational interests of all Arabian horse
owners," and also maintained a Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian
registry.
, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian
horses only. The shows consist of Arabian Community Shows that allow exhibitors to get a start in the show ring, followed by "Class A" shows rated by the United States Equestrian Federation
and the AHA, which qualify riders to go to larger regional and national competition.
There are four separate national competitions: U.S. Nationals, Sport Horse Nationals, Youth Nationals, and Canadian Nationals. There are also some significant non-national shows that draw large numbers of horses, including the "Buckeye" show in Ohio and "Scottsdale," the annual show of the Arizona Arabian Horse Association.
The U.S. Nationals, held each October, were held for many years every other year at Louisville, Kentucky and Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, beginning 2008, the U.S. Nationals moved permanently to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Youth Nationals is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the end of July. Youth Nationals currently draws about 2100 horses. The youth also have their own Association, the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA), who bring the youths' voices to the AHA. In addition to regular classes, Youth Nationals also hosts several "fun classes" such as the dog races, dog costume contest, and most famously, the golf cart parade.
The Canadian Nationals are held in in August. Through 2010, they were held in Regina, Saskatchewan, and in 2011 moved to Brandon, Manitoba
. This competition is also known as the "Royal Red" and features classes for both adults and youths.
The Sport Horse Nationals are held in alternating locations in the eastern and western United States, including Virginia
, Idaho
, and Kentucky
. This primarily English riding
competition focuses on the hunt seat
and Olympic
-style disciplines of dressage
, show hunter
, show jumping
, and competitive driving. There are also Equitation
classes, in-hand breeding classes and "flat" or pleasure classes. It is currently the fastest-growing of the national level shows for Arabian horse
s.
At the National level, placings are decided by panels of three judges who each write their own placings separately, with final numbers calculated by computer, combining the results of all three judges' "cards."
and sponsors a National Distance Championship. They also offer two Trail Ride Vacations each year, one at Fort Robinson
State Park, in Crawford, Nebraska
, and another at the V6 Ranch in Parkfield, California
.
registries are housed within AHA. For a time, the AHRA had been embroiled in a controversy that had resulted in the creation an independent registry for the purpose of exporting American-bred Arabians to other countries. However, AHA resolved the dispute and in 2007, AHA was admitted to the World Arabian Horse Association
(WAHO), making it the official recognized registry for the purpose of worldwide import and export of Arabian horses.
The Purebred Arabian stud book is actually owned by the Purebred Arabian Trust (PAT), which grants AHA an exclusive license to manage the registry. Policies and procedures for registration of animals are set by the Registration Commission, a joint committee made up of representatives of both PAT and AHA. The membership of AHA acutually has no authority over the purebred registry other than via its ability to elect representatives to the commission. The Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian registry is owned by the AHA.
(then AHSA, now USEF) to create approved All-Arabian horse shows and propose rules for the Arabian division of AHSA . It was founded in 1950By 1957 and 1958, it had organized the first U.S. and Canadian national championships. Its membership peaked at over 32,000 members in the 1980s. It entered into a merger agreement with the AHRA in 2002, and in 2003, the AHA officially came into being. The final years of IAHA prior to the AHA merger were embroiled in controversy.
as its first Judges and Stewards Commissioner. He served from 1989 until 2001. Brown attempted to crack down on members of the association for rule violations, and was particularly noted for the prosecution of one prominent trainer, who was also a licensed judge, for having "plastic surgery" and other artificial enhancements performed on the horses in his care, including tattooing and liposuction
. Some members accused Brown of practicing favoritism by prosecuting some members and not others. But while the individual in question was suspended for five years and several horses he had shown disqualified for assorted championships, this person filed suit against the organization, along with several other individuals who owned horses associated with him. Some of these large lawsuits were against the association and others named Brown personally. IAHA successfully defended the lawsuit brought by the trainer, though accumulated crippling legal fees in doing so. On the advice of counsel and their insurer, IAHA settled the remaining cases.
Brown volunteered to resign after controversy about his fundraising methods for defending against the lawsuits and his creation of a personal legal defense fund. After leaving IAHA, Brown became the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), during the Presidency of George W. Bush
, and was once again a target of controversy in the wake of Hurricane Katrina
.
Breed registry
A breed registry, also known as a stud book or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breeders when they are still young...
that registers Arabian horse
Arabian horse
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. 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...
s in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It also works with the United States Equestrian Federation
United States Equestrian Federation
The United States Equestrian Federation is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. It began on January 20, 1917 as the Association of American Horse Shows, later changed in 1933 to the American Horse Shows Association...
to sanction horse show
Horse show
A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
s and license judges for Arabian horses.
The AHA was formed by a merger between the International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) and the Arabian Horse Registry of America (AHRA) in 2003. AHRA was the older of the two organizations, a breed registry
Breed registry
A breed registry, also known as a stud book or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breeders when they are still young...
founded in 1908. IAHA, founded in 1950, organized to "meet the breeding, competitive and recreational interests of all Arabian horse
Arabian horse
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. 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...
owners," and also maintained a Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian
Anglo-Arabian
The Anglo-Arabian or Anglo-Arab is a crossbred horse that now also has its own status as a horse breed. It is a Thoroughbred crossed with an Arabian. The cross can be made between a Thoroughbred stallion and an Arabian mare, or vice-versa...
registry.
Arabian horse shows
AHA shows are for purebred ArabianArabian horse
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. 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...
, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian
Anglo-Arabian
The Anglo-Arabian or Anglo-Arab is a crossbred horse that now also has its own status as a horse breed. It is a Thoroughbred crossed with an Arabian. The cross can be made between a Thoroughbred stallion and an Arabian mare, or vice-versa...
horses only. The shows consist of Arabian Community Shows that allow exhibitors to get a start in the show ring, followed by "Class A" shows rated by the United States Equestrian Federation
United States Equestrian Federation
The United States Equestrian Federation is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. It began on January 20, 1917 as the Association of American Horse Shows, later changed in 1933 to the American Horse Shows Association...
and the AHA, which qualify riders to go to larger regional and national competition.
There are four separate national competitions: U.S. Nationals, Sport Horse Nationals, Youth Nationals, and Canadian Nationals. There are also some significant non-national shows that draw large numbers of horses, including the "Buckeye" show in Ohio and "Scottsdale," the annual show of the Arizona Arabian Horse Association.
The U.S. Nationals, held each October, were held for many years every other year at Louisville, Kentucky and Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, beginning 2008, the U.S. Nationals moved permanently to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Youth Nationals is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the end of July. Youth Nationals currently draws about 2100 horses. The youth also have their own Association, the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA), who bring the youths' voices to the AHA. In addition to regular classes, Youth Nationals also hosts several "fun classes" such as the dog races, dog costume contest, and most famously, the golf cart parade.
The Canadian Nationals are held in in August. Through 2010, they were held in Regina, Saskatchewan, and in 2011 moved to Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba, Canada, and is located in the southwestern area of the province. Brandon is the largest city in the Westman region of Manitoba. The city is located along the Assiniboine River. Spruce Woods Provincial Park and CFB Shilo are a relatively short distance...
. This competition is also known as the "Royal Red" and features classes for both adults and youths.
The Sport Horse Nationals are held in alternating locations in the eastern and western United States, including Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, and Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. This primarily English riding
English riding
English riding is a term used to describe a form of horse riding that is seen throughout the world. There are many variations in English riding, but all feature a flat English saddle without the deep seat, high cantle or saddle horn seen on a Western saddle nor the knee pads seen on an Australian...
competition focuses on the hunt seat
Hunt seat
Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting...
and Olympic
Equestrian at the Summer Olympics
Equestrianism made its Summer Olympics debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. It disappeared until 1912, but has appeared at every Summer Olympic Games since. The current Olympic equestrian disciplines are Dressage, Eventing, and Jumping...
-style disciplines of dressage
Dressage
Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
, show hunter
Show hunter
The show hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly while jumping fences. The horses are shown in hunt seat style tack, and are often of Warmblood or Thoroughbred type, though a hunter-style pony is also seen in youth classes...
, show jumping
Show jumping
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
, and competitive driving. There are also Equitation
Equitation
Equitation is the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship.More specifically, equitation may refer to a rider's position while mounted, and encompass a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated...
classes, in-hand breeding classes and "flat" or pleasure classes. It is currently the fastest-growing of the national level shows for Arabian horse
Arabian horse
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. 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...
s.
At the National level, placings are decided by panels of three judges who each write their own placings separately, with final numbers calculated by computer, combining the results of all three judges' "cards."
Distance riding
The AHA has promoted endurance ridingEndurance riding
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide....
and sponsors a National Distance Championship. They also offer two Trail Ride Vacations each year, one at Fort Robinson
Fort Robinson
Fort Robinson is a former U.S. Army fort and a present-day state park. Located in the Pine Ridge region of northwest Nebraska, it is west of Crawford on U.S. Route 20.- History :...
State Park, in Crawford, Nebraska
Crawford, Nebraska
Crawford is a city in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 997 at the 2010 census. It was incorporated in 1886 and was named for the late Captain Emmet Crawford who had previously been stationed at nearby Fort Robinson.-Geography:...
, and another at the V6 Ranch in Parkfield, California
Parkfield, California
Parkfield is an unincorporated community in Monterey County, California. It is located on Little Cholame Creek east of Bradley, at an elevation of 1529 feet...
.
Registry
Both the purebred and half-Arabian/Anglo-ArabianAnglo-Arabian
The Anglo-Arabian or Anglo-Arab is a crossbred horse that now also has its own status as a horse breed. It is a Thoroughbred crossed with an Arabian. The cross can be made between a Thoroughbred stallion and an Arabian mare, or vice-versa...
registries are housed within AHA. For a time, the AHRA had been embroiled in a controversy that had resulted in the creation an independent registry for the purpose of exporting American-bred Arabians to other countries. However, AHA resolved the dispute and in 2007, AHA was admitted to the World Arabian Horse Association
World Arabian Horse Association
The World Arabian Horse Organization is the world organization for the preservation, improvement and preservation of Arabian horses. WAHO grants membership to nations after examination of national breeding stud books, and review of regulations for each country.-Candidates for membership:...
(WAHO), making it the official recognized registry for the purpose of worldwide import and export of Arabian horses.
The Purebred Arabian stud book is actually owned by the Purebred Arabian Trust (PAT), which grants AHA an exclusive license to manage the registry. Policies and procedures for registration of animals are set by the Registration Commission, a joint committee made up of representatives of both PAT and AHA. The membership of AHA acutually has no authority over the purebred registry other than via its ability to elect representatives to the commission. The Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian registry is owned by the AHA.
Foundation
The Arabian Horse Association created a 501(c)(3) foundation in 2007 that supports youth scholarships, education, and research efforts to uncover the roots of diseases affecting Arabian horses.History of IAHA
The International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA), though a newer group, was the better-known of the two organizations that merged to create the AHA, because of its role in sanctioning horse shows, developing rules, and licensing judges. IAHA had worked with the American Horse Shows AssociationUnited States Equestrian Federation
The United States Equestrian Federation is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. It began on January 20, 1917 as the Association of American Horse Shows, later changed in 1933 to the American Horse Shows Association...
(then AHSA, now USEF) to create approved All-Arabian horse shows and propose rules for the Arabian division of AHSA . It was founded in 1950By 1957 and 1958, it had organized the first U.S. and Canadian national championships. Its membership peaked at over 32,000 members in the 1980s. It entered into a merger agreement with the AHRA in 2002, and in 2003, the AHA officially came into being. The final years of IAHA prior to the AHA merger were embroiled in controversy.
Controversy of Michael Brown
After considerable discussion over the years over how to improve the quality of judges and judging, IAHA appointed Michael BrownMichael D. Brown
Michael DeWayne Brown was the first Undersecretary of Emergency Preparedness and Response , a division of the Department of Homeland Security . This position is generally referred to as the director or administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency . He was appointed in January 2003 by...
as its first Judges and Stewards Commissioner. He served from 1989 until 2001. Brown attempted to crack down on members of the association for rule violations, and was particularly noted for the prosecution of one prominent trainer, who was also a licensed judge, for having "plastic surgery" and other artificial enhancements performed on the horses in his care, including tattooing and liposuction
Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty , liposculpture suction lipectomy or simply lipo is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body...
. Some members accused Brown of practicing favoritism by prosecuting some members and not others. But while the individual in question was suspended for five years and several horses he had shown disqualified for assorted championships, this person filed suit against the organization, along with several other individuals who owned horses associated with him. Some of these large lawsuits were against the association and others named Brown personally. IAHA successfully defended the lawsuit brought by the trainer, though accumulated crippling legal fees in doing so. On the advice of counsel and their insurer, IAHA settled the remaining cases.
Brown volunteered to resign after controversy about his fundraising methods for defending against the lawsuits and his creation of a personal legal defense fund. After leaving IAHA, Brown became the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, initially created by Presidential Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978 and implemented by two Executive Orders...
(FEMA), during the Presidency of George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
, and was once again a target of controversy in the wake of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
.