This year marks the 51st Annual Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Canadian Nationals); affectionately known as "The Royal Red," August 18-23, 2008, at IPSCO Place in Regina, Sask.

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, CO, produces the event, which stands alone as the only AHA championship show offering a full range of competition with Canadian flair. Spectators can enjoy a variety of classes in English, western and hunter pleasure, show hack, pleasure driving, dressage, working hunter, jumper, trail, reining, working cow, park, sidesaddle, in hand, and the ever popular native costume, which is only found at Arabian horse shows.

Exhibitors from 50 states and provinces attend the show which draws more than 12,000 spectators and over 800 horses, bringing an estimated $6.5 million (U.S. dollars) to the local economy.

In addition to horse show competition held in amateur, youth and open divisions, the event features a commercial trade show that is free to the public, offering a plethora of booths with items such as tack, equestrian gifts, clothing, and jewelry and is open from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.

To help kick-off Canadian Nationals the Royal Red Host Committee invites the general public and exhibitors to Royal Red Day on Saturday, August 16. Join the fun with live entertainment and a Farmers Market at the Fred Hill Mall on the 1800 and 1900 block of Scarth Street in downtown Regina. Royal Red day celebrations last from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wear red and receive two free vouchers to a show session.

Tuesday, August 19 at 4:30 p.m., the Royal Red Host Committee and the Regina business community will entertain exhibitors at an Appreciation Reception at the Queensbury Down at IPSCO Place.

Admission (Canadian dollars) is $10.00 per session for adults and $7.50 for seniors and children under 12. Commercial trade show admission is free. Events will run from approximately 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. most days in three sessions at 8 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

AHA corporate partners include: Bank of America, Cardinale GMC, Armstrong Display Concepts Inc., Markel Insurance Company, United Healthcare, New Holland and The Hat Lady.

For more information, visit www.arabianhorses.org.