57th Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
The 57th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show begins Feb. 16 at WestWorld. Organizers expect 250,000 people to visit the 10-day event, which concludes Feb. 26. The show attracts more than 2,400 of the world’s finest Arabian and Half-Arabian horses, competing for more than $1 million in prize money.
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a successful fundraiser put on by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. Over the years, millions of dollars have gone to local charities including the Cox Charities, March of Dimes, Horseman’s Distress Fund and Crisis Nursery in Phoenix.
Popular attractions
With farms, breeders, trainers and horses from across the globe, visitors can enjoy free barn tours for a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes. Some favorite classes to watch include the Freestyle Liberty Classes, where beautiful Arabians are set free in the ring to music, and Gamblers Choice, where horses are timed racing and jumping around the arena for points, with the highest number winning generous cash prizes. Shopping booths are overflowing with all kinds of treasures, and gourmet food vendors boast some of Scottsdale’s best food.
Horsepower
This year the show has partnered with Barrett Jackson to use one of the collector-car auction's tents to host the night of the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Auction on Feb. 22. The event showcases some of the world’s most gorgeous Arabian stallions and auctions a selection of their breedings to the highest bidders. A fun, party atmosphere makes this an exciting night at the show.
Champions
Daily competitions all lead up to the final championship weekend, when the prizes will be awarded. To kick off the weekend, Feb. 24 is Free Family Night, where entry is free for everyone.
For kids
Children younger than 12 are always free, and Sat., Feb. 18, promises to be especially fun for them. In the morning, children can paint a pottery pony for free and enjoy the free ice-cream social hosted by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. The morning is filled with youth classes, including a native costume class when riders dress up in traditional Arabian clothes. At 12:30, the lead-line class will be the premiere show experience for young riders younger than 7.
