Texas American Horse Show Association looks after the rules under which horses are shown in Texas. Here's everything you need to know about this competition.

Texas American Horse Show Association - Facts

1. Type of Competition:

   There are not one but many horse show associations in Texas. Most of them are devoted to the encouragement of only one breed. Some of the prominent horse show associations in Texas are:
   1. Texas Quarter Horse Association
   2. American Miniature Horse Association
   3. Texas Appaloosa Horse Club
   4. American Paint Horses Association

2. Location:

   Different organizations conduct their races and shows at different locations in Texas. The Texas Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horses Association hold annual shows in Fort Worth. Miniature horse shows are conducted by American Miniature Horse Association in Alvarado once a year.

3. History:

   Horse shows became official in Texas with the formation of the four foundation equestrian associations in 1954. These bodies are governing the rules by which horses are shown in the state.

4. Sanctioned:

   The different associations of Texas sanction horse shows all over Texas. Some of the chief sanctioning bodies of horse shows in Texas are:
   1. Carriage Association of America
   2. American Horse Show Association
   3. American Driving Society
   4. United Professional Horseman's Association

5. Entrance Procedure:

   Horse show associations lay down rules and regulations that govern the entrance of horses in equestrian shows. A horse must be a winner of at least the blue level in all the classes participated in the last year to be eligible to be shown in a Texas horse show. If not that, then the horse must be at least shown a couple of times in the previous year; in that case it would be put into the novice or the amateur class. Associations sometimes recommend some horse instructors or horse educators to enter their horses in the shows. Fees for entrance in horse shows are decided by the organizers within the parameters set by the horse show associations. Entrance in a Texan horse show would be above $100.

6. Classes:

   In open horse shows, horses can be allowed to enter in several classes as mares, fillies, colts, ponies, stallions, Arab horses, English horses, western horses, yearlings, geldings, halters, youth, etc. There will be further class divisions based on the events they will be shown in. In breed specific shows, the classes are made according to the experience of the horses and their riders.

7. Judging:

   Horses participating in horse shows of Texan equestrian associations are judged on the basis of walk/trot, vaulting, show jumping, saddling ease, pleasure riding, reining, dressage, cantering, hunting, etc.

8. Awards:

   The best award is definitely the Best of Show, which could fetch up to $1000. There are also awards for the best bred by exhibit, in which the owner of the horse is merited for proper grooming and health care of the horse.