Photo credit Jeff Janson

Aurora, Colo. – Completing its 59th show and its sixth year in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, the Arabian & Half-Arabian Canadian National Horse Show closed out seven days of fun and showmanship this past weekend.

Held at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, August 14-20, Canadian Nationals boasted 719 horses and 2,244 entries. Exhibitors hailed from five Canadian provinces and 41 different states.  Over 200 classes and 18 different disciplines were represented at the show, including Purebred and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian classes. The economic impact estimated to the city of Brandon is around $6 million.

Several additions and changes were made in the way of classes for the 2016 show. Arabian Sport Horse Stallions Amateur to Handle, Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Reining Non-Pro for Amateur Owners to Ride Rookie, Amateur Owners to Ride Limited, Amateur Owners to Ride Intermediate and Amateur Adult Owners to Ride Prime Time were added to this year’s schedule.

Additionally, the Arabian/Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Walk-Trot/Jog Equitation classes were split into Hunter Seat, Saddle Seat and Western Seat. Plus, the Arabian/Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Walk-Trot/Jog English/Country English/Hunter Pleasure class was split into separate Hunter Pleasure and English/Country English Pleasure classes.

Outside of the show ring, the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) hosted their Total Arabian Interaction and Learning (T.A.I.L) tours throughout the show. Over 130 individuals from all over Manitoba came out to enjoy a variety of educational and equine-related activities. Visitors received up close and personal interaction with Arabian horses and a chance to learn educational facts about the breed and the horse show.

Plus, Canadian Nationals celebrated ‘Armed Forces Day’ on Friday, August 19. Local military personnel from the Shilo Base located in Brandon came out Finals Night to present the class awards and treated exhibitors to a special flag presentation prior to evening classes. Additionally, a special video tribute presentation was made to the late and great, Arabian horse breeder and influencer, Sheila Varian.

Earlier this year, AHA and Canadian Nationals extended their contract with the Keystone Centre in Brandon to hold the 2017 event.