Aurora, CO - The Canadian National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show will make its debut at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, August 15-20, 2011. In April the AHA Board of Directors voted to approve the move of "Canadian Nationals" from Regina, Saskatchewan, to its new home in Brandon where "the facilities are designed for horse shows [and] has management in-tune to horse show needs," said Arabian Horse Association (AHA) President Lance Walters in a March 22 letter to membership.

Canadian Nationals, produced by AHA of Aurora, CO, attracts exhibitors from about 40 states and six provinces to compete in 187 classes of halter, saddle seat, driving, side saddle, western pleasure, Arabian mounted native costume, trail, reining, working cow, hunter pleasure, jumping, show hack, and dressage. Unlike any other national show produced by the AHA, Canadian Nationals features competition in amateur, youth, open and select divisions, providing an option for many different kinds of riders. Horses have to qualify to show at Canadian Nationals. They earn qualification points by either showing at A-rated Arabian shows and Regional shows or at open show depending on the division.

New this year is an allocated prize money pay-out to the tune of $15,000 thanks to the re-vamped Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes. Exhibitors competing in a variety of junior horse sweepstakes designated classes will have their chance at a portion of $1,500 per class.

Admission to the Canadian Nationals 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. The Shopping Expo will be located in the UCT Pavilion. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.