The 41st annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (U.S. Nationals) is set for one final farewell on October 18-27 at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. Since 1967, Albuquerque has hosted the U.S. Nationals 19 times. Beginning in 2008, the U.S. Nationals begins a three-year contract in Tulsa, OK. Marking this last year in Albuquerque, U.S. Nationals celebrates the best of the breed with exciting competition and a line-up of commemorative events and activities.

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, CO, produces the 10-day event which reigns as the flagship competition for the Arabian horse industry and the grand finale of the show season. Almost 1,800 horses representing owners from 52 states and Canadian provinces will compete in 109 classes that include reining, cutting, working cow, trail, mounted native costume, pleasure driving, show hack, in-hand, sidesaddle, park, and English, hunter and Western pleasure.

This year there are additional special events and activities to highlight the Salute to the Southwest theme of this year’s show.

Past Champions Presentation
The Arabian Horse Association will honor five Arabian and/or Half-Arabian horses that made history in Albuquerque, and who also have made significant contributions to the Arabian horse breed. These Past Champions will be on hand at Expo New Mexico, giving the general public and exhibitors a chance to see them up close and personal. Daily Meet and Greets will be available at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, through Friday, October 26, at the Heritage Square Paddock. The Past Champions will also be honored one last time in Tingley Coliseum with a formal tribute presentation on Saturday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m., to kick off the evening’s final night of competition.

Barn Parties
The Arabian horse lifestyle is also represented by elaborate daily barn parties. The general public, exhibitors and guests are invited to attend this special series of gatherings put on by some of the leading training and breeding facilities in the industry. Complimentary food and drink will be served, followed by an insider’s peek at the outstanding individuals represented. Barn parties will take place Wednesday, October 24, through Saturday, October 27, at 5:00 p.m. Barns participating this year are: ChriShan Park Arabians, Al-Marah Arabians, Garlands, and Culbreth Equine Training & Management, LLC.

U.S. Nationals Shopping Expo
Explore the U.S. Nationals Shopping Expo with 135,000 square feet, featuring an array of lifestyle and equine vendors offering small gifts to fine art, perfectly timed for early holiday shopping.

For horse show schedule, activities, discounts and more, visit www.arabianhorses.org/usn. For general admission tickets, go to www.Ticketmaster.com.