Buyer question
Is a National Show Horse good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the National Show Horse 2 out of 5 for beginners (hot for novices).
Source: the National Show Horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. National Show Horse in the Animal Library
The detail
An American breed created in 1981 by crossing Arabians with American Saddlebreds, for saddle seat and show. It takes the Arabian’s refinement and stamina and the Saddlebred’s height and animated action.
- Temperament
- Spirited, bright, sensitive
- Best fit
- Saddle seat, show, trail
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Bright and quick)
- Upkeep
- 3 out of 5 (Show shoeing if shown)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (Animated and alert)
What to weigh
A National Show Horse is sensitive and animated, and show-trained horses need skilled handling. Arabian ancestry brings the Arabian genetic disease risks.