Posted By Les Conklin on Feb 23, 2017

By Nikki Larson with Les Conklin

Top ten things to see and do at the 50^th anniversary show, and MORE!

Author was a winner at the 2015 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Scottsdale’s signature event will celebrate its 50th anniversary the week of February 16-26th, 2017 at WestWorld,  16601 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the largest of its kind in the world, it draws hundreds of thousands of horse lovers each year and attracts over 2,400 of the world’s finest Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. These magnificent, versatile, user-friendly animals and their owners will gather from around the world to compete for over $500,000 in prize money in more than 1,100 colorful classes.

Shopper’s Paradise

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a shopper’s paradise. Almost as famous for its dazzling commercial exhibits area, overflowing with treasures, baubles, bangles, and one-of-a-kind beads for every taste and budget, the Scottsdale Show features a glimmering assortment of more than 300 vendors and trade booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing, and works of art, to boots, saddles, gifts, and trinkets. Tempting international cuisine courts, exciting demonstrations, and unique educational seminars compete for visitors’ attention with the luxurious, exotically decorated stabling areas in which the horses are housed.

Benefits Worthy Causes

A Scottsdale tradition since 1955, the prestigious Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is also a highly successful fund-raiser organized by the Arabian Horse Assn. of Arizona. Over the years, millions of dollars have gone to worthy charities, including the Cox Charities, March of Dimes, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Arabian Horsemans Distress Fund, ASU Western Equestrian Team, SCC Equine Sciences Scholarships, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Photo Credit Osteen-Schatzberg Photography, Official Show Photographer

Top Ten Things to See and Do (Take this list with you.)

1.  Half-Arabian Reining Futurity at Scottsdale where 4- and 5- year-olds will compete for projected $50,000 in prize money.
2.   The Farnam $5,000 Arabian Freestyle Liberty Class where beautiful Arabian Horses are set free in the arena saddleless and bridleless to music.
3.  Come watch the exciting Gambler Choice where Arabians and Half-Arabian horses race around the arena jumping obstacles for points. The horse with the most points and no penalties within the time limit is declared the champion and win $1,500.
4.  Come see Artisans from across the continent who bring everything from bronze sculptures and oil paintings to an exquisite selection of jewelry. Apparel for every taste and budget is available from sportswear, formal wear, and accessories to leathers, and don’t forget the latest in fashionable riding apparel. A major attraction each year is the unique assortment of household and gift products available. If it is equine products you are looking for, don’t miss one the greatest selections of tack, trailers, barns, and health products.
5. The Arabian and Half Arabian Mounted Native Costume class where riders and horses dress in traditional desert regalia and gallop around the arena.
6.  Come dine with an assortment of food vendors who serve up everything from gourmet crepes to grilled salmon.
7.  Come see the Youth Lead line class where young children get a chance to make their début in the show ring with the help of a handler leading the horse.
8.  Meet an Arabian horse! Childrenand young adults will have the opportunity to be up close and personal with the Arabian horse. The horses will be dressed in their native costumes and spectators will be able to sit on the horse.
9.  Come see some of the world’s most beautiful and prestigious Arabian Horses who will compete for the coveted title of Scottsdale Supreme Halter Champion, for which they are judged on their beauty.
10.   Come watch the Arabian compete in Reining and Working Cow horse classes.

And MORE! For added pleasure take part in some educational seminars on the grounds and learn everything from how the Scottsdale Police Department trains their horses to those little training tricks that the pros use, advice and get to ask a vet questions, dressage freestyle demonstrations, wildlife live animal display and demonstration.

For additional information, call (480) 515-1500 (AHAA), visit www.scottsdaleshow.com, or email info@scottsdaleshow.com.

Photo Credit Osteen-Schatzberg Photography, Official Show Photographer

Related Website

Scottsdale Arabian Show, www.scottsdaleshow.com Website  

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