Arabian horse show season begins at the 2012 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Arabians may not be the first breed you think of when you picture a reining horse, a show jumper or a cow horse, but at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which begins today, Arabians will be doing all of these things and much more. The show takes place at West World in Scottsdale, Ariz. from today through Feb. 26.

Since 1955, Scottsdale has been a showcase for Arabian horses in America. Today, the show is the official start of the Arabian show circuit every year and attracts entries from all over North America and from as far away as Australia and the Middle East.

While many Arabian enthusiasts come to see the horses on display in the halter and liberty divisions, the diverse array of classes held in three rings over ten days shows the talent Arabians and half-Arabians have under saddle and in harness. Horses will compete in dressage, hunters, jumpers, saddle seat, western pleasure, driving, reining, and working cow events.

Once thought of as a showcase event for the upper echelon of Arabian horse show society, in recent years Scottsdale’s organizers have worked toward making the event inclusive of anyone who wants to be a part of it. Visitors to the show will be able to join in organized barn tours to see what goes on behind the scenes at the show. Through the “Meet an Arabian Horse” program, spectators can learn about the breed and have their photo taken with an Arabian show horse.

Tickets are available at $10/day for adults, and children ages 12 and under are admitted for free. There are discounts available for senior citizens and members of the military. To find out more about purchasing tickets and to view a full schedule of events, visit www.scottsdaleshow.com

Can’t make it to Scottsdale? Watch the entire show online at iEquine.com. A free registration is required to view the live feed.