Aurora, Colo. - The 48th Annual Arabian & Half-Arabian U.S. National Championship Horse Show once again transformed Tulsa Expo Square into an Arabian horse stomping ground. Stall curtains, water fountains, leather couches, and lots of plants transformed concrete floors and temporary stalls into set-ups of comfort, relaxation and style. Three arenas glittered with fancy lighting and red and gold drapes, while the feeling of competition lingered in the air. After all, this show is where the best of the best Arabian & Half-Arabian horses from the United States, Canada and Mexico come to compete.

In 2014, over 1,800 horses and 3,000 exhibitors attended the show, bringing nearly $35 million to the city of Tulsa. Horses and exhibitors of both professional and amateur status competed in a variety of disciplines, striving to bring home ribbons, plaques, trophies, red roses, and of course, National Championship honors. Disciplines included in the competition were Working Western, Trail, Saddleseat, Hunter and Western Pleasure, Show Hack, Halter, Showmanship and much more!

Competition wasn’t the only exciting event at the show. The Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA), Total Arabian Interactive Learning, or TAIL tours, brought in over 500 people from Tulsa and the surrounding area. Tour guides took large groups through the barns to meet Arabian horses, their owners and trainers, as well as to watch a few classes in one of the large arenas. AHA hopes to expand this program next year at U.S. Nationals with the help of the local CVB.

Additionally, members of a sister organization, the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF) took time out of their busy show schedules to take a few Arabian horses into local schools within Tulsa, encouraging literacy and a love for the Arabian horse. Children were allowed access to pet and hug the horses, read their books to the animals and climb inside a real horse trailer.

Plus, the Annual Youth Judging Contest is also held during this prestigious horse show. This year, over 45 judging teams and 120 individuals from all equine breeds, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H traveled to compete for prizes, scholarships and a great learning opportunity.