How Many Ways Can You Say "Wow"?
I just got back from the 52nd annual Scottsdale Arabian Show in Arizona, which I covered on assignment for Horse & Rider. My impression? Beyond "wow." I'd been to this show before, back in the 1990s, and am astonished by its growth since then. With a record number of 2,800 horses at this year's event (enough extra ones compared to last year to require installation of 42 additional portable-barn setups), and all the extra people who came with them, this show made its own history. I'm glad I got to check it out, because in its current stage of popularity, it really has to be seen to be believed.
"Horse show" is actually an inadequate phrase for describing this event. "Spectacle" is more like it. With classes underway in half a dozen arenas, barns transformed by carpenters, landscapers, florists and caterers, a trade show with over 300 vendors, herds of stunning horses and hordes of "civilian" spectators who each ponied up $10 for admission (some 250,000 of them over 10 days), the show offered more to see and do than a person could take in over a single day. Add Arizona's glorious February weather, and you have plenty of reasons why the Scottsdale Arabian Show is as different from the typical horse show as the Arabian horse is from most other equines.
If you've ever thought about a winter visit to Scottsdale, take my advice: Go in February, when the Arabian show is held. And tape down your socks. Otherwise, you stand a good chance of having them be blown off.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 2:21 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
Oh, I'm so jealous you got to go to Scotsdale! I love that show. The first horse show I ever attended was Scotsdale in the late 1980s - it was amazing. Why not put this post in the blog carnival - entries close at 5 today. It would be a nice addition.
Gee, I hate to say this, but I don't know what the blog carnival is, nor where to find it. Any clues?
Juli
Juli the picture you painted for me was spectacular! Our family has an annual reunion in February. I will see about going to the horse show while I am in Arizona!
I found your blog through the All Things Equine Blog Carnival!!!
Janey,
Do make plans to attend the Arabian show. You won't be sorry! (And take lots of money for shopping, unless you're able to resist a LOT of temptation.)
--Juli
Juli,
Another way to track you down. I'd love for you to see my pretty little Miss Lily. You helped me find a way to transport her (she's an Appaloosa) from Oklahoma to Sandpoint in December---thru the Thoresons. I appreciated your help so much.
She's on my blog www.slightdetour.blogspot.com on yesterday's posting; it's a bunch of photos. She's standing over her Arabian buddy Casey.
Thanks again for your help. The Thoresons were very nice people.
Marianne
Marianne,
A very pretty mare--no wonder she tempted you!
My pleasure to help you find a ride for her to Idaho. Always glad to help where I can!
Juli
Sounds like a great event but too far away for me I'm afraid as I'm based in England. I love horses and would be in my element going to something like that. I found you through the Equine blog carnival.
Naomi,
A lot of us would love to come to England to visit YOU! Thanks for reading my blog....
Juli
Hi Juli,
I just spent the weekend at Scottsdale; haven't been in two years since I had a horse show in the 1/2 Arab reining futurity in '05.
Same impression as you: wow! This show has grown and grown, and the Arab folks have (after their wake-up call a decade or so ago) done a good job to add divisions and classes for the masses.
There's lots of chances for a contender to get their name called, what with the amateur halter, all the age breaks, and so many divisions. The industry has five major shows a year- Scottsdale, US and Canadian Nationals, Youth Nationals, and Sporthorse Nationals- and all are thriving. The A-rabs look great at the top tier of their competitions.
From the grapevine, Arabian prices- at this level- are alive and well. Lots bought and sold, lots of trainers raking off big commissions that their new starry-eyed and innocent clients probably don't know about... I hope they don't kill the golden goose again.
Vendors said yesterday they did a land-office business, after some so-so years. There certainly was a lot to buy- they got my money a few times, but for nifty things you don't see elsewhere. Good retail therapy.
After the lukewarm outlook from tack shop owners at wholesale trade shows last month, Scottsdale was certainly a feel-good change for me. While I think our industry is facing a lot of challenges (which you helped clarify for us all) the Arab show reminds me that people want to be entertained.
And compare the Arab show to the big AQHA show same locale a month earlier: not a didn't- have-to-be-there soul in the stands, trade show much smaller, no visible community involvement or excitement. No music. No drama. Less fair food. Both great shows, but we need to look outward in producing these things to draw the public.
At Scottsdale Arabs yesterday morning, I had a little epiphany in the parking lot. A wee girl, maybe 4, bounced out of the family jalopy in her pink cowgirl hat and boots and practically dragged her mother toward the big tents. But when she got to 'the horse show' there'd be no pony rides, no chance to pet a horse, no chance to interact.
Even with all the excitement of the Arab show, we still forget that giving a child contact with the object of their desire is the way to save our souls.
Happy Trails, Juli!
Suzi V
Hobby Horse
We spend our winters in Mesa, AZ instead of NE WA state. I went to the Scottsdale Arabian show also this year. You're right - WOW! doesn't begin to cover it. One thing that sticks in my mind is the energy level at this show. The horses actually looked like they were enjoyed being there. They were allowed to move and look like horses! After attending stock horse shows it was a real pleasure to see the people and horses look like they were having fun. Hats off to those folks. The show was a magnificent, well run event.
Suzi,
Great commentary! Thanks for sharing your observations.
Perhaps it only was operating for the first weekend, but when I was at the show that initial weekend, they DID have a way for children to interact with the horses. The sponsoring club had a display called "Meet an Arabian Horse," where kids (and grownups) could get up close to a horse, pet it, get their pictures taken with it, etc., and I never went by there when there wasn't a big throng of people waiting for their turn.
I have to tell you, I came home from that show wanting to go out and buy an Arabian horse! And now that we lost our older Arabian gelding yesterday, I'm really feeling A-rab fever.
Who woulda thought??
--Juli
Glad to hear you were impressed with the Scottsdale show. I've been lucky enough to go that show but have been to the U.S.Nationals many times when it was held in Louisville,KY. That is a show not to be missed either. This past years Nationals was one not to be missed as it was the last one to be held in KY. I attended and it brought tears to my eyes to think it was the last one to be held in Freedom Hall. Starting in "08" the US Nationals is going to be held in Tulsa. I have been to Quarter Horse Congress and the shopping is great there too but everyone just seemed so "reserved" there and nt as vocal as people are at Arab shows. Sorry to hear about the loss of your arab. Hope you replace him with another Arab someday. As an Arabian breeder and owner, there is something about an Arabian that I think you just don't get from any other breed of horse. They are very dedicated breed of horse till the end with undying love for their owners. Yes, I have owned quarter horses and currently own a paint mare besides my arabians. Try and go to US Nationals you won't be sorry that you went.
We went to the Arabian show last year and it was awesome. This year we were up at Cave Creek and stopped at the arena to see what was going on. The show had not started yet, but it looked like they were setting up for a big show. After showing quarter horses it was amazing to see the stalls they were decorating. One set of stalls had palm trees around them and a pile of sand in front. Everybody was busy decorating their stalls - it was amazing. Kind of glad we missed the show - my poor pocket book could not take it!HA
Julie-I wished we had known you were down there. We were at the Gotno Ranch in Florence and went on some great rides. Would have loved to have you join us.
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