(Arabian Horse Association)

Aurora, Colo. - Sometimes all it takes is a little family time to make a huge difference in the lives of others. The Arabian horse community is family in every sense of the word. Members may not be blood-related but they share a common bond – love for one another, love for their horses and a desire to see others join their family.

The U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship is so much more than a horse show. It is more than ribbons, trophies and winning – it represents a family reunion where members of an industry unite for a common cause and purpose. This year, several moments showed true Arabian horse family love and devotion.

A few months ago, 21 year old Alexa Nichols of Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region 9 was seriously injured when another vehicle collided with hers head on. Alexa is now paralyzed from the neck down. In an outpouring of love, the Arabian horse family gave of themselves, raising over $200,000 in a single evening by bidding on a Western Pro-Am Calcutta auction class, hosted in a evening Gala by the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF).

“The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund is a registered 501c3 Charitable Organization that was created to help members of the Arabian community during times of difficulty that arise from unexpected, catastrophic situations," (http://www.horsemensdistressfund.com).

Later in the week, AHDF and their numerous sponsors hosted the annual Wine Walk, complete with a silent auction. This event brought the ‘family’ together once again, raising more funds for the Nichols family and other Arabian horse family members in need.

Outpouring of Arabian horse family love can also be seen in the show ring. This year, the youngest exhibitor at U.S. Nationals, 11-year old Tristin Moulton and his Half-Arabian, three year old mare, Socki entered the Halter ring together, competing against professionals.

Sometimes all it takes is a little family time to make a huge difference in the lives of others. The Arabian horse community is family in every sense of the word. Members may not be blood-related but they share a common bond – love for one another, love for their horses and a desire to see others join their family.

The U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship is so much more than a horse show. It is more than ribbons, trophies and winning – it represents a family reunion where members of an industry unite for a common cause and purpose. This year, several moments showed true Arabian horse family love and devotion.

A few months ago, 21 year old Alexa Nichols of Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region 9 was seriously injured when another vehicle collided with hers head on. Alexa is now paralyzed from the neck down. In an outpouring of love, the Arabian horse family gave of themselves, raising over $200,000 in a single evening by bidding on a Western Pro-Am Calcutta auction class, hosted in a evening Gala by the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF).

“The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund is a registered 501c3 Charitable Organization that was created to help members of the Arabian community during times of difficulty that arise from unexpected, catastrophic situations," (http://www.horsemensdistressfund.com).

Later in the week, AHDF and their numerous sponsors hosted the annual Wine Walk, complete with a silent auction. This event brought the ‘family’ together once again, raising more funds for the Nichols family and other Arabian horse family members in need.

Outpouring of Arabian horse family love can also be seen in the show ring. This year, the youngest exhibitor at U.S. Nationals, 11-year old Tristin Moulton and his Half-Arabian, three year old mare, Socki entered the Halter ring together, competing against professionals.