Arabian Sport Horse Nationals At the Kentucky Horse Park, September 22-27 By Jennifer Whittaker The 7th annual Arabian Sport Horse Nationals was held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 22-27. This show features the Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo Arabian horses in 'Sport’ disciplines n dressage, hunter /jumper, carriage driving, and in-hand classes for prospective sport horses. Although the rain was incessant and construction abounded, horses from all over the country competed, with nearly 2000 class entries. Several horses from the Mid-South area attended and three became National Top Ten Winners. The first winner from the Mid South area was Dash Riprock++// (Afire Bey V x Make A Fortune n ASHA), owned by Barbara Henson and Norman Brinks. After making it through one sectional cut, rider Jenny Lawrence and Dash had a fabulous ride and were awarded a Top Ten in Half-Arabian Show Hack Open. This ride earned him the points to receive his second '/’ which represents his Legion of Excellence. Saturday night saw Jenny back in the Show Hack arena, this time on HA Garny’s Rose+++/ (*Garnizon x Yala Habibi) also owned by Barbara Henson. This was a huge class as the show opted not to divide it, and Rose’s beautiful performance earned her a Top Ten in Arabian Show Hack Open. The Show Hack class is particularly challenging because the horses are required to exhibit true collection and extension at all gaits, plus hand gallop and rein back. With the large number of entries n these classes were marathons for both horse and rider. Sunday morning shifted to the young horses and the In-Hand classes. These classes judge the horse’s suitability as a sport horse prospect. Judges are looking for correct conformation and exceptional movement at the walk and trot. Flash of Illusion (Jumpin Jak Flash+++// X HA Shozon), owned by Jennifer Whittaker, was shown in-hand on the triangle by Monica Rawson, and they took a Top Ten in the SHIH Arabian 2-year-old Colt Jackpot against a lovely group of colts. This was Illusion’s second show; he earned his way to Nationals by being the highest scoring Sport Horse at the Arkansas Victory Challenge last April. Needless to say - the Mid South Arabian Horse Association is very proud of this group!