Lexington, Ky. – The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is set to welcome the country’s top youth Arabian horse athletes at the 2018 Youth National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. Hosted at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Okla., competition will be held from July 21-28, in the Jim Norick Arena.
The first annual Youth Nationals was held in 1993 and remains one of the most prestigious competitions for junior Arabian horse athletes. From 2006-2017, Youth Nationals has averaged a total of 2,560 class entries. Boasting a wide range of national championship classes, including halter, driving, sport horses, working Western, dressage, and even leadline, Youth Nationals has something for everyone. There will be over 150 classes offered for Arabian and Half/Anglo-Arabian horses this year. Additionally, youth members of the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) will convene to attend workshops, discuss issues, and elect new officers at the AHYA Convention on July 20.
A week at Youth Nationals promises fierce competition and a multitude of fun experiences for exhibitors and the public. The show offers educational and leadership opportunities, as well as social activities for families and kids of all ages. Special events include judging and hippology clinics, a Color War, and dog costume competitions. Newcomers looking to learn more about the Arabian horse can take a behind the scenes tour with the Total Arabian Interaction and Learning (T.A.I.L.) program. Find a full list of daily activities and events here.
Don't miss a second of the action. From July 21-28, the show will be live streamed here.
The Arabian Horse Association is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Keep up with Youth Nationals and the Arabian horse by following AHA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Find out more about Arabian horses and all of US Equestrian’s 29 recognized breeds and disciplines in this Learning Center video. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by Howard Schatzberg