An Overview of the Arabian Horse Association

The official breed association and registry in the United States for Arabian horses and the people who own them is the Arabian Horse Association (AHA). The AHA has many important responsibilities, such as tracking records and administering various programs, but they also provide many benefits for their members.

Registration and Records

The AHA tracks the records of every Arabian horse in the registry. AHA registration means the horse's pedigree, year of birth, color, sex and other identifying information will stay with it its whole life. Information about any foals that horse produces or ribbons won at AHA-recognized competitions is kept on file as well.

Members have access to many of these records on the AHA website at www.arabianhorses.org. Basic information, such as show records for horses and humans, qualification points and some registry information is free. The Datasource database can be accessed for an extra fee to see extensive records of each horse, such as every owner it ever had, all the horses a member has ever owned, pedigrees and more.

Incentive Programs

Another AHA function is to administer incentive programs, which encourage people to get out and use their Arabian horses. The Frequent Rider Program allows riders to track the hours they spend in the saddle on a registered Arabian horse, earning recognition on the website and prizes like hats, shirts and coolers. The Futurity and Breeders Sweepstakes programs allow owners to earn money at horse shows. Finally, horse and rider Achievement awards provide special recognition to riders and horses who earn points in competitions.

Competitions

The AHA recognizes dozens of competitions throughout the United States where Arabian horses have the opportunity to compete in nearly every discipline out there, from halter and pleasure classes to sport horse events to endurance. Arabian horses have long been known as the versatile breed, and these competitions prove it!

Most horse shows are produced by local clubs that are chapters of AHA. "Class A" shows allow riders and horses to earn points so they can move on to the Regional or National Championships and compete for high honors.

Education

The AHA seeks to educate Arabian horse owners, lovers, and future owners about these fabulous horses. The website contains a wealth of information on the history of the breed, helpful tips about getting started in competitions and other useful facts. There is also a database to help you find a mentor or "Discovery Farm" near you so you can meet up with someone experienced with the breed who can answer your questions. Free packets of helpful brochures can be ordered from the website as well.

Youth

The AHA has a large program to encourage young people who are interested in Arabian horses to get involved. Many local clubs have youth groups and organized youth activities, and every year the AHA sponsors an entire National Championship show that is only for riders and handlers under the age of 18.

The Arabian Horse Association is the place to go for all questions about owning and competing with Arabian horses. Anyone interested in the breed should visit www.arabianhorses .org for information and useful links about the association and Arabian horses.