T H E 5 9 T H A N N U A L S C O T T S D A L E A R A B I A N H O R S E S H O W
P R E V I E W by KARA LARSON
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F E B R U A R Y
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The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is built and run on the premise of constant evolution. Every year, new ideas and events are slipped into the schedule, making each subsequent Scottsdale more exciting than the last. So, as the 2014 show quickly approaches, what does the show commission have planned for this year? Executive Director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, Taryl O’Shea, brings up the Youth Exhibitor Party happening on Sunday, February 16 at 6pm, where “all youth Arabian exhibitors and friends are invited to join in on the fun and excitement the event has to offer.” She adds, “Another youth and public event is the Paint-A-Pony. And this year, John and Sharon Ames are sponsoring all of the paint-a-ponies at the show for over 800 kids. On the charity end, we are working with March of Dimes, and Cox Charities this year, which is exciting.”
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S C O T T S D A L E
“We are so excited to introduce the fabulous new WestWorld to the public and our exhibitors. We have worked for years with the city for these improvements and it is finally a reality. Everything is up this year— horses, entries, patrons, corporate sponsors and expenses! This is going to be our biggest show ever! I always like to praise everybody that makes the show happen, including the volunteers, the exhibitors, my board of directors, and our staff. They are truly outstanding and this year, they are definitely working overtime with the new schedule and the new venue—it’s like starting over. But it is thanks to our great staff and a very talented Board of Directors that we will have another “best ever” show.” —Janice McCrea Wight, President of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona
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P R E V I E W Held February 13-23, Scottsdale is a show that brings in more than 300,000 people and 2,100 horses into WestWorld each year—numbers like that deserve incredible shopping opportunities, countless events, exhibitions every day, and the chance to see the most beautiful and talented Arabian horses in the world. Addressing the events and unique aspects of the Scottsdale show, the show will kick off with ‘Behind the Scenes Barn Tours’ on February 14. From there, the Ice Cream Social takes place the following day at 1pm. Lee Smith is putting on a presentation about the ‘Essential Elements of Horsemanship,’ the public has a chance to meet the 2013 Breyer horse, Sshameless, on February 16, and many more presentations and worthwhile events. Be sure to get a copy of the 2014 Schedule of Events so you don’t miss out on anything the show has to offer! For the changes made to the commercial exhibit area, Reita Lathrop offers, “WestWorld has built a new building called the North Hall which will house the commercial exhibitors all in one shopping area this year along with some exhibitors still out at Wendell. The total number of commercial and corporate exhibitors, along with the food exhibitors is around 300+.” In terms of what types of shopping is available, Reita shares, “The shopping expo has a variety of shopping to fit everyone’s budget, from high-end custom-made diamond jewelry, furs, and fine art, to household items, clothing, custom saddles, show apparel, t-shirts and coffee mugs—everyone can go home with something! We will also have an amazing food court area to satisfy every palate.” Keep in mind that from Thursday, February 13 through Thursday, February 20, the commercial exhibit area opens at 10am daily and closes at 6pm. However, closing time will be extended to 7pm on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22. On the final Sunday of the show, the exhibit area will close at the end of classes.
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S C O T T S D A L E
P R E V I E W With premier shopping that offers something for everyone, a diverse food court, innovative clinics and events taking place all day, barn parties, auctions, and, of course, being immersed in one of the greatest Arabian horse shows in the world, the 2014 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is sure to wow yet again. A show is, by reputation, more than just a horse show; Scottsdale proves it is about seeing friends, enjoying the city, and taking in the lifestyle that surrounds the Arabian horse. A few more aspects of the show that cater to the distinct lifestyle the Scottsdale show has to offer are the AHT Readers’ Choice Awards on Monday, February 17, the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Auction held on Wednesday, February 19 at 6pm, barn parties and sales throughout the week; International halter classes, and the APAHA Horsemen’s Awards on February 23 at 8pm, just to name a few. Another important trait of the show is the prize money up for grabs. With over 1 million in total payouts, the stakes are more lucrative than ever. Nearly $600,000 of this colossal total comprises the prize winnings for the 2014 Scottsdale Signature Stallion classes, an impressive amount and incredible opportunity for the elite group of stallions in the Signature program. Scottsdale is also one of the most competitive Arabian reining horse shows in the country, and has much to offer for this unique and growing sport. Starting with a reining seminar from leading Italian trainer, Andrea Fappani, on Thursday, February 21 at 5pm, to the always-popular Celebrity Slide reining exhibition and the exceptional reining classes during the week, Scottsdale always delivers. $150,000 in prize money is up for grabs in the Reining Futurity Classic for Arabians and Half-Arabians. Other opportunities include the Limited Futurity and the Non-Pro Futurity, the Non-Pro Derby, which is offering over $45,000 in prize money, and lastly, new to the 2014 schedule, is the Short Stirrup class for kids 10 and under. Bottom line, there is really nothing that is off the table for the 2014 Scottsdale show. You can tour a barn, get the inside scoop on grooming, seek education and techniques from experts, meet a beautiful Arabian horse, paint a ceramic pony, and best of all, watch the versatile Arabian horse in several arenas around WestWorld. ■ Volume 44, No. 8 | ScottSdale 7