Kat, you should read the preamble to Stud Book V
(the first Arabian stud book) which was written by Albert Harris. He
perfectly describes what an Arabian is. But he also allows that there is
some variation. The Arabian was traditionally (and SHOULD continue to be)
bred to a functional standard, not a visual one, even though there are traits
that are distinctively Arab.
The judging criteria, in my opinion, and what I am pushing for would be
based on the ARABIAN. For example the Arab is supposed to be between _hh and
_hh. Neck should be___, etc. There should be a range. If people want
horses for a specific dicipline to be graded in their ability to do that, then
that's another issue (ie. AWR) not a breed standard issue.