The National Show Horse or NSH has the same general characteristics as both of the founding lines in the breed, which is the fire and spirit of the Arabian and the flash and show of the American Saddlebred. The Arabian is also a very beautiful horse that loves to show off and draw the attention of the crowd. These characteristics are highly regarded in the NSH, which, as the name indicates, has been developed specifically for the show ring.
The NSH is known for its highly competitive nature, which often translates into excitability and spirit in the ring. Being able to provide a training program that allows the rider the control necessary to show the horse while still developing the natural zeal for competition that the breed has is one of the main goals of the training program. A poorly trained or poorly worked National Show Horse can be high strung and difficult to control at best, and completely out of control at worst. Since this breed does favor the temperament of the hotbloods, it is important to keep this in mind while training.
The National Show Horse needs to start training early rather than later as with some breeds. Early handling including picking up the feet and routine grooming teaches the horse that people are in control but also that there are lots of positives in doing what the handler wants. These horses do have a loving and affectionate personality, but they can also be somewhat dominant so consistent and early training with the halter and lead is highly recommended. This breed has to learn through making choices with lots of positive praise for good choices that working with people is in their best interest at all times. Punishment or rough treatment is not an effective training method for any horse, but definitely not for the spirited nature of the National Show Horse.
Since these horses are bred exclusively for show competitions such as dressage, jumping, pleasure riding (English or western), and even driving competitions their movement and presentation is key. The NSH horse destined for the show ring typically starts with dressage training to increase flexibility and the ability of the horse and rider to work together. As the horse and rider become more proficient in communication and working together, they typically move into higher levels of dressage or branch out into other disciplines. Training must be consistent and should be routine; a regular training program that is based on the progress of the horse will keep the NSH positive about the training and willing to keep working.
National Show Horses are a gaited breed, but are not always naturally gaited with the additional rack gait that provides the very showy movement of the front legs. Racking is taught using a variety of positive training techniques by professional trainers. The use of any types of mechanical or chemical devices to teach the horse the rack or slow gait is not allowed under the standards of the National Show Horse registry.
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