Performance Classes Coming to Scottsdale GCAT

By Cindy Reich

There is a new addition to the first show of the 2026 Americas GCAT tour in Scottsdale from February 13-15th. Having established itself as a proving ground for halter horses globally, for the first time, performance classes will be part of the Scottsdale GCAT show. As with the halter horses, significant prize money is being awarded, with each class sharing in a $45,000 purse. Prize money is as follows: First place takes home $10,000, Second $8,000, Third $7,000, Fourth $5,000, Fifth $4,000, Sixth $3,000, and Seventh through Tenth place each get $2,000.

Western Pleasure

The classes will be Arabian Western Pleasure Pro/Am, Arabian Saddleseat Pleasure Pro/Am and Arabian Hunter Pleasure Pro/Am.

According to Taryl O’Shea, director for the GCAT Tour Americas, Cindy McGown’s decision to add performance classes to the GCAT Americas show in Scottsdale was built on a dual vision of industry support and global marketing. First, she recognized that the performance division serves as the largest segment of the Arabian show horse industry in America; by including these classes, the show successfully integrates the largest and most active segment of the domestic horse community into a world-class platform. Second, it was a strategic move to showcase the versatility of the breed. By featuring these elite athletes alongside traditional halter classes, this exposure will put the highest caliber of American performance horses to a global audience.

Saddle Seat English Pleasure

The performance classes will be in a Pro/Am format, whereby the professional trainer will show the first direction of the arena, and then the amateur will show the second direction of the arena. The classes will be rail only, no patterns and will be decided by a total points score. The gaits will be trot (jog), walk and canter (lope) The rules will generally follow USEF/AHA rules with modifications for the Pro/Am format. Three judges will officiate. Judge 1 will be the call judge and ties will be broken by the ranking on Judge 1's card.

Hunt Seat Pleasure

The Western Pleasure Championship Pro/Am class will be Friday, February 13, with the Hunter Pleasure Championship Pro/Am following on February 14, and the Saddle Pleasure Championship Pro/Am class on Sunday February 15. At the time of this writing, each class is scheduled some time between 5-7 p.m. each day. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the athletic ability of the Arabian horse under saddle to the GCAT audience and to generate interest and excitement in performance horses.