The judges for the 2008 AHBA World Cup Championship were professionals who came from five countries and four continents. Although they represented different cultures and points of view, they shared a deep commitment to the Arabian horse. At a meeting the day before the show, the judges were introduced to each other. It seemed that some of the judges had met before, but some had not. Although they were cordial to each other, it was immediately apparent that each of the judges had brought a strong sense of purpose and individuality to the group. In their meeting, they seemed focused on asserting their independent opinions while maintaining a very high level of professionalism and integrity in their position as officials. I could literally see their minds at work, preparing for the job ahead of them. It was evident in every one of them how seriously they took their responsibility for judging this show.

Working with a group of professionals of this caliber was an honor and a joy. It was also an opportunity to learn. The intellect and abundance of knowledge about everything equine, especially concerning the Arabian horse, exhibited by these judges was amazing. But even more impressive was their ability to share their knowledge, not in an authoritative or condescending manner, but as a spontaneous expression of their love of the Arabian horse.

One of the goals of the AHBA in creating the World Cup show was to establish a venue that would bring together Arabian horse breeders, owner, handlers, and devotees from around the world. Every one who attended or participated in the show brought their own point of view, personal history and worldly experiences. This venue provided an opportunity for us to put aside any differences, negativities, or personal agendas and concentrate on the positive things that we share in common – beginning with the Arabian horse.

As judges of the 2008 AHBA World Cup Championships Cathy Murphy Wright, Karen Homer Brown, Allan Preston, Eduardo Caio, Dr. Gianmarco Aragno, and Majdi Al Saleh were asked to share their professional opinions as they placed the classes and select the champions at the show. Now they are asked to share their thoughts and experiences after the event….

KAREN HOMER BROWN:
Credentials: Karen is best recognized in the equine industry because of her judging activities. Karen has professionally judged 15 –25 shows a year since the age of 16. She acquired her first AHSA/USEF license in 1977. Today she holds 12 judging licenses from 4 sanctioned organizations.
Karen has judged many shows over the years including the US Arabian National Horse Show, the Arabian Youth Nationals, the Scottsdale Show, the National Show Horse Finals, the Morgan Grand National and World Championship Show, and many other prestigious events. In addition to judging in the US, Karen has also officiated in Canada, England, Brazil and South Africa.

K.H.B: “I had attended the show last year, in 2007, and so I had an idea what the goal for the competition was. I applaud the committee for stepping outside of the box in organizing a show unlike any other now in the US. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed judging the event. It truly was an emotional high for me as an official of such a high caliber horse show.

I felt the committee did a superb job organizing the show and made several positive changes from last year’s competition. It appeared that exhibitors and spectators truly enjoyed the event and that everything ran very smoothly. The atmosphere was lively in the arena, in the seating area, and concourse. Next year’s show promises to be even better.

I thought that the overall quality of the horses was amazing!!! There were a couple of individuals that I felt were really exceptional. They had exquisite type, expression, and presence. They had wonderful conformation and a way of going, which truly commanded the attention of officials, owners and spectators.

I felt all the handlers presented their horses well. The trainers presented their horses with a softness that enhanced each horse's conformation and way of going and allowed them to express themselves naturally.

It was a great opportunity to officiate this caliber competition with so many wonderful horses. The professionalism of the committee, other officials, and exhibitors, was superb and it truly was a joy to see how everyone enjoyed themselves.

As for any suggestions about how to improve the show, I would suggest that the horses be exhibited in a counter-clockwise direction. This would allow the handler an opportunity to use the wall to keep the horses in line. I think the movement of the horse could be judged much easier this way. Also, from a safety point of view, if the horses were presented in this manner, the handler would not be put between the wall and the horse. Many times I saw a handler fall back at or behind the horse’s hip, which placed them in a position where they could have been kicked or pinned up against the wall. Also when traveling clockwise, the handler has to travel further than the horse, so this would make things a little easier for the handlers. Otherwise, I don’t have any other changes or improvements. The show itself was great!!!!

I had an emotionally high experience when I saw the mare Simeon Sehavi, which I had never seen before. She blew me away. She was so regal, exquisite and commanding of the ring. She had the frame and movement of an athlete. Her qualities were truly outstanding.

Again, I want to thank the ABWC Committee for the invitation to officiate at the show; the exhibitors for great presentations of wonderful horses; and my partners Majdi-Al Saleh of Jordan, Dr. Gianmarco Aragno of Italy, Eduardo Caio of Brazil, Allan Preston of Australia, and Cathy Murphy Wright of the US, for the opportunity to judge with them. I was humbled by these great horsemen who I had the honor to share time with at the ABWC.”

ALLAN PRESTON:
Credentials: The Arabian horse is undoubtedly Allan Preston’s passion in life. His involvement with the breed spans some 45 years. Allan is on the board of directors for the Arabian Horse Society of Australia and is an Australian Arabian National Panel Halter and Performance Judge as well as an Equestrian Federation of Australia National Judge. He contributes as a key educator for the judges training program and has a thorough and broad range of knowledge, coupled with 27 years of judging experience. Allan has judged, and or lectured, at countless national and international shows, congresses and events. Allan prides himself on his professionalism, ethical values, unbiased viewpoint, steadfast honesty and worldly experience. He is actively dedicated to upholding his own personal integrity and that of the Arabian Breed by strictly adhering to the regulations and standards as set for the Arabian horse.

A.P.: “I think that the concept of the Arabian Breeders World Cup is wonderful. It seems to be creating a fresh and revitalized interest in the breed. I believe that it is instrumental in helping to stabilize the standard of excellence for the Arabian horse. This method of judging gives a better understanding to the public about the evaluation process, and also provides a much clearer vision of the attributes that make a top quality Arabian through the type, structure and function of the breed.
The show itself was extremely well run - every detail of this show was thoroughly organized. The show staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to create an event of the highest caliber possible. I believe that at the forefront of this team’s vision is a healthy respect for the future of the Arabian horse as a breed, as well as the utmost compassion and concern for the welfare of every horse that was exhibited at the show.

I felt that the overall quality of the horses presented at the World Cup show was high. At the top end were some very fine examples of Arabian type with functional structure. The junior and intermediate classes had individuals with wonderful type, and the depth of quality in the heats, or preliminary classes, made them a pleasure to judge. This was a good indication that the Arabian breed is progressing forward in a positive direction with a healthy and secure future on the horizon.
This event had many high points. Seeing and judging some extra special horses, the glamour of the Gala night, the buzz from a very international crowd, as well as the momentum and energy that the show itself gained as it progressed gave many individual highlights. For me personally, it was working with such a fantastic show team and the pleasure of officiating with an inspiring group of fellow judges.

It’s hard to think of this show as needing any real improvement at all. But as it grows and builds in magnitude, I am sure the event will develop its own progressive improvements. This will only help to add even more audience participation than is already evident.

In closing, I would like to add that I believe the successful advancement of the Arabian horse and its future depends on dedicated breeders who have the Arabian standard and type firmly etched in their vision. We have the means to maintain and preserve the integrity of our breed through the solid foundation of bloodstock that now exists around the world.

Globally, we must continue to strive to bond together for the benefit of the horse. I encourage breeders everywhere to work to create interest and new opportunities for involvement in the Arabian horse as demonstrated by responsible groups like the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance. This group is helping to promote the Arabian horse in a positive light and educate the public through the understanding of the fundamentals of this magnificent breed. Through their efforts, the members of the AHBA are ensuring that the joy and beauty of the Arabian horse can touch the lives and bond with the human soul for generations to come.

Finally, I would like to thank the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful show and to be involved in the dream for the future of the Arabian horse.”

EDUARDO CAIO:
Credentials: Eduardo Caio qualified as a judge for the ABCCA in 1991 and has been judging shows across all South America since then. National shows that Eduardo Caio has judged include Brazil, the Brazilian Breeders Cup Show, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Chile.

E.C.: “Before my arrival in Las Vegas, I had very little information about the show, yet I had great expectation. The idea of having a “European type” show in the US makes all the sense to me and I congratulate the AHBA for taking the initiative to create this event. This is the kind of event that a substantial number of aficionados of the Arabian horse across the globe understand and appreciate. Mid-term, I’m convinced that the efforts will pay back beautifully.

I thought that the quality of the organization as a whole exceeded my highest expectations. The venue, the schedule, and the infrastructure - all were the best in class. I believe that the show was so well organized, that I can’t really think of any relevant suggestions for improvement.

I was delighted to witness the high level of quality in the Arabian horse breed in America. There were very good horses in large quantities in most of the classes. I believe that the American trainers set the standards of presenting Arabian horses in the most effective way, so much so, that those standards permeate the whole world today.

I would like to mention two very relevant points which in my opinion, made this event truly exceptional. Number one, is the fact that there is an alignment, across the world, of the type of Arabian horse that most of the industry is looking for today. This show has widely proved that. This type of show really helps to make the breed more globalized. Number two, I’m very happy to see the increasing interest of breeders from the Middle-East and to see how passionate they are for their horses. This is the most important marketing trend of the moment, and I believe that it will certainly shape the industry in a new and positive way.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the AHBA for the invitation, as well as all of the exhibitors who gave me a very warm welcome to the show. It was a privilege for me to be in your beautiful country and to judge your beautiful Arabian horses.”

DR. GIANMARCO ARAGNO:
Credentials: Dr. Gianmarco Aragno has judged all across Europe, the Middle-East, South America, and the United States including shows in England, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, and Brazil. He has judged the European Championships, the All Nations Cup, and the World Championships at the Salon du Cheval numerous times.

G.A.: “I first heard about the World Cup show from Silvia Garde Ehlert who had judged the show last year. She said it was a very good show, well organized, and with many high quality horses. Also, I met some of the AHBA organizing committee while I was at a show in Saudi Arabia and they told me about the event as well. It seemed to me that this was a very good idea for competition in America and I was very happy to be invited to judge the show.
Overall, I thought the show was perfect in every way – I liked it very much. The gala dinner was so nice - everyone was very respectful of the judges and gave us a warm welcome. It was a great way to begin the show.

The quality of the horses was good –very, very good! The winners here could win in Europe as well, which shows that a horse of high quality and classic Arabian type is universally the standard. It seemed to me that there were individuals of exceptional quality in every class.
I liked very much the presentation of the horses. Although the handlers could stand up a horse very well, I could see that not all of them are used to making the horses trot in the way that they are required to at this show. This takes practice and experience, but I am sure it will improve.
The highlight of the show for me was the choreography of the ring, the organization of the show, and of course, the horses themselves.

The only suggestion I would like to make is the same suggestion I have made to show organizers in Europe. I believe it would be beneficial to reorganize the categories that are judged on the horses. I think the categories should be 1) Type, 2) Head, 3) Neck, 4) Body, 5) Legs, and 6) Movement. I think that the head and neck should be separate categories for judging so that a horse with an exquisite head and a poor neck, or visa versa, can be scored accurately on each of those points according to its conformation. Also, I think the shoulder should be included in the category of body, rather than grouped with the neck. The shoulder of a horse is in fact part of its body, not part of its neck. These are thoughts that could be applied everywhere so that the standard for judging the Arabian horse is even more globally uniform.

In closing, I would like to say congratulations to the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance on a great event – really, it was perfect. I have spoken with a lot of people in Europe and they agree that it was really done very well. It was nice for the judges to be so free. It shows respect for the judges and for the exhibitors, and I think this encourages everyone to a higher level of integrity. Also I would like to say thank you to the other judges at the show. I was lucky to be with such a great group of judges – other wise I would be stuck, imprisoned, with people who are not so interesting and professional as this group was. I was very happy to learn from them and to share this experience with them.

MAJDI AL SALEH:
Credentials: Majdi Al Saleh lives in Amaan, Jordan. He has been a breeder and owner of Arabian horses for many years. He has judged shows in numerous countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and most recently, North and South America. In 2008, he has already officiated at two shows in the United States, the AHBA World cup and the Egyptian Event.

Unfortunately, Mr. Al Saleh was not available for comments at this time. However, during the course of the World Cup Show he commented many times on the high quality of the horses presented, the professionalism, expertise, and fine manners of the handlers, and the exceptional organization of the show.

Mr. Al Saleh comported himself with grace and ease throughout the event and he proved to be a true gentleman as well as a very knowledgeable horseman.

CATHY MURPHY WRIGHT:
Credentials: Cathy Murphy Wright earned her judge’s card in 1984. Since then she has judged the Scottsdale Show, Canadian Nationals, US Nationals, US Youth Nationals, Egyptian Event and the Egyptian Event Futurity, Texas Pro Am, Minnesota Fall Festival, Region I, XI, XII, XIV, XVI, and XVII Championships, Brazilian Nationals, Ecuador Nationals, Uruguay Nationals, Australia, and South Africa.

C.M.W: “Prior to the World Cup Show, I was looking forward to seeing a blend of European and American styles of showing and judging. I was hoping that the show would be successful in unifying the world of Arabian horses.

I thought the 2008 event was extremely well organized. I thought the venue was perfect. The classes were on time, the judges’ accommodations were excellent, the show schedule was long enough to see what was necessary but not too long. We even had a few successful nights in the Casino!
I thought the quality of the horses was great. They were uniformly typey and beautiful with lovely trots and loads of pizzazz. I thought the US trainers did a very good job of presenting their horses. It was obvious that some were more prepared than others as far as training their horses to gait on the line properly. By the end of the show I think all of the trainers understood what was necessary to exhibit successfully at the World Cup.

The highlight of the show for me was naming the Junior Champion Mare. I was really happy with our winner and all six judges were unanimous in their choice. I thought that with the diversity of our backgrounds, it was really rewarding that we all chose the same filly in an outstanding class.
In closing, I thought the show met and exceeded my high expectations. I think it fills a void in our US show circuit and allows the American breeders and showmen a chance to participate in a very European type show. Overall I thought it was fresh, fun, and a great new experience.”