The Arabian horse industry has always been built on tradition, horsemanship, and a deep love for the breed. As our industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: we must create accessible, welcoming entry points for new riders, families, and enthusiasts. One of the most effective ways to do that is through academy programs—both at the barn level and within our horse shows.

Across disciplines and breeds, academy programs have proven to be one of the strongest tools for growth, education, and long-term sustainability. The Arabian industry is no exception.

Why Trainers and Barn Owners Should Start an Academy Program

An academy program allows trainers and instructors to welcome riders who may not yet own a horse—or may never plan to—while still giving them a meaningful and structured showing experience.

Academy riders typically compete on lesson horses that are already part of an active program. This keeps costs manageable for families and opens the door for riders who might otherwise feel priced out of horse showing. For barns, this means:

• Increased lesson participation and retention
• A clear pathway for riders to progress into ownership or higher-level competition
• More opportunities to showcase well-trained lesson horses
• A stronger sense of community within the barn

Academy programs also allow trainers to introduce riders to the Arabian breed in a positive, educational environment, building appreciation and confidence from the very beginning. Riders learn ring etiquette, horsemanship, and sportsmanship—skills that carry forward no matter where their riding journey leads.

Why Arabian Horse Shows Should Add an Academy Division

For show management, adding an academy division is not just a goodwill gesture—it is a smart, strategic investment in the future of the Arabian horse.

Academy divisions:

• Increase entries and class counts
• Bring in new exhibitors, families, and spectators
• Create additional revenue through class fees, stalls, and spectatorship
• Build long-term loyalty to Arabian horse shows

Most importantly, academy divisions create a low-cost entry point into the Arabian breed. Riders who may be new to showing—or new to Arabians—can participate without the pressure or expense of ownership. Over time, many of these riders go on to lease, purchase, or campaign Arabian horses, strengthening the breed and the industry as a whole.

Academy programs help evolve the Arabian horse by ensuring that new riders are continually being introduced, educated, and inspired.

Flexible Guidelines with Room to Grow

One of the greatest strengths of academy programs is their flexibility. Every region, barn community, and horse show is different—and academy divisions should reflect that.

While there should be a master set of guidelines to provide structure and consistency, individual areas and horse shows can adapt rules, class offerings, and formats to best suit their local needs. As programs grow, guidelines can be adjusted, refined, and expanded.

This flexibility allows academy programs to start small—sometimes with only a few participating barns—and grow organically as interest increases. Every successful program begins somewhere.

A Call to Move Forward Together

Academy programs are not about replacing traditional competition; they are about strengthening the foundation of our industry. They create confident riders, educated horsemen and women, and enthusiastic ambassadors for the Arabian horse.

For trainers and instructors, academy programs provide growth, stability, and opportunity.
For horse shows, they bring energy, accessibility, and future exhibitors.
For the Arabian breed, they ensure continued relevance, visibility, and appreciation.

If we want to see the Arabian horse industry thrive for generations to come, we must be willing to invest in programs that welcome newcomers while honoring tradition. Academy programs do exactly that.

The future of the Arabian horse starts with opportunity—and academy programs are one of the best places to begin.