We are back from the 2025 Sport Horse Nationals with full hearts, tired smiles, and one very accomplished horse. Chrome exceeded every single expectation this week, and then some! Honestly, I was happy way back on day one when he snagged his first ribbon of the show 😂 From there, it only got better.
Taking a Chance
Going into Nationals, you never really know what you’ve got. But when your horse has just a handful of dressage tests and two sport horse under saddle classes under his belt, the unknown feels even bigger. We were up against seasoned horses who have been doing this for years. Add in the fact that we’re working without a trainer, and that I haven’t had an actual dressage lesson in over a decade… well, let’s just say it was a bold decision to throw our hats into the ring.
But if there’s one thing Chrome and I share, it’s a love for a challenge. And this week, he rose to every single one.
Results That Speak Volumes
The ribbons came rolling in: solid placings in all of our riding classes plus the massive dressage type in-hand divisions. The hunter judges weren’t exactly our biggest fans, but that was par for the course with most of the dressage-type horses at the show.
Showing in the Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle AOTR Jackpot 💰 and walking away Top Ten with a 4th place was a great way to wrap up the show! Even sweeter, the dressage judge had us pinned Reserve, which made me extra proud (even if the hunter judge wasn’t convinced 😂).
And the cherry on top? Chrome finished his Legion of Masters this week. 🎉 Rain On Me++++// officially has another title to add to his résumé.
Here’s our 2025 SHN haul:
- 🥈 US National Reserve Champion Arabian Training Level ATR
- 🥈 US National Reserve Champion Arabian Training Level AAOTR
- 🏅 US National Top Ten Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle Jackpot AOTR
- 🏅 US National Top Ten Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle Dressage Type ATR
- 🏅 US National Top Ten Arabian Sport Horse Gelding Dressage Type Open
- 🏅 US National Top Ten Arabian Sport Horse Gelding Dressage Type ATH
- 🏆 Section winner for our SHUS cut
Not bad for a horse still so new to the sport horse world.
Why You Should Go to SHN
If you own an Arabian and have never been to Sport Horse Nationals, I can’t recommend it enough. You don’t even have to show! Just go and soak it all in for a few days.
The atmosphere is unmatched. The barns are filled with breathtaking horses, the kind you could watch all day and never tire of. And unlike some other national-level shows, the pressure here is lighter, the vibe more fun. There’s no “do or die” energy, just a true celebration of Arabian versatility.
Most exhibitors head into the ring with one or two people by their side, and sometimes it’s just the rider and their horse. It feels refreshingly down-to-earth. This is without a doubt a very amateur friendly show/
No show, no discipline, no way of doing things is perfect. But I’m grateful every day that I found my home in the Arabian breed, where versatility is the norm and opportunities like SHN exist. Even more, I’m thankful for a horse who has proven he can thrive in both hunter and dressage circles. ❤️
Now it’s time for a well-deserved rest… and then on to First Level.
Silhouette Arabians 