Aurora, Colo. – The Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA) flagship event returns to Tulsa Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla., October 20-28 for their 51st annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (U.S. Nationals). Ranking as the AHA’s most prestigious North American championship, the event draws nearly 1,800 Arabian and Half-Arabian horses and their amateur and professional riders and handlers, who will compete in 197 classes ranging from reining and driving, to halter, pleasure classes, Arabian Mounted Native Costume classes, and more.
Showcasing the diversity of this ancient breed, U.S. Nationals hosts horses from around the world. With nearly $600,000 in prize money distributed at the event, the best-of-the-best horses qualified to compete will seek red roses and the coveted silver trophies.
Three rings will run simultaneously throughout the show, with sessions beginning at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. CST each day. See a list of judges by discipline, view the show schedule, and look for updated results. Download the U.S. Nationals 2017 Mobile Show App to get all the details about the show in one convenient location.
Several family-friendly activities will run concurrently with the show, including the shopping expo, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST in the Exchange Building. Vendors will carry products for the equine and fashion enthusiast alike, including art, jewelry, clothing, kids’ toys, equine accessories, and more.
For those looking to learn more about the Arabian horse, the Total Arabian Interaction and Learning (TAIL) Tours will take place October 20-24. TAIL tours give adults and children of all ages the opportunity to learn more about the Arabian breed. At the beginning of the tour, participants will be greeted by a friendly guide who will take them through the Arabian Horse Legends exhibit, help them interact with learning stations, and guide them through the barns to meet an Arabian horse. Each participant will receive a TAIL bag filled with information about the program and the Arabian horse. The bags will also include coloring pages, sheets outlining different parts of the horse, and various other educational materials.
The horse show, shopping expo, and TAIL tours are free and open to the public. To reserve space for a tour, email [email protected] or call 303.597.8251.
For more information on the show, visit www.arabianhorses.org/USN. Watch the show live here. Be sure to follow AHA on Facebook (@ArabianHorseAssociation), Twitter (@AHAArabian), Instagram (@arabianhorseassoc), and Snapchat, using #ahaUSN17 for show updates.
Find out more about the Arabian breed in this Learning Center video. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #JoinTheJoy.
Photos by Howard Schatzberg