Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a “sport horse”?
A: The classical definition of "SportHorse"
refers to a horse (of any breed) used as a competitive or
recreational horse for dressage, jumping, 3-day eventing, combined
driving or in-hand showing.
Q: Are all Sport Horse Associations the same?
A: Most of them are similar in nature, but may have slight differences. For instance, the
Middle Georgia Sport Horse Association is dedicated to promoting dressage as both a
competitive sport and a training tradition for horses of all breeds in middle Georgia. The
Mid America Sport Horse Association also offers a vehicle to allow owners to advertise
horses for sale. Some may be breed specific such as the Appaloosa Sport Horse
Association.
Q: What is “in hand showing”?
A: A type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led,
not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock.
Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called Halter, In-Hand,
Breeding, or Conformation classes.
Q: What is combined driving?
A: Combined driving also known as Horse Driving Trials is an equestrian sport involving
carriage driving. The sport has three phases, and is most similar to the mounted
equestrian sport of eventing. It is one of the ten international equestrian sport horse
disciplines recognized by the FEI.
Q: What is the FEI?
A: The international governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines.
Q: Who can join the WVSHA?
A: Anyone who has an interest and wants to support the mission of the organization.