The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) announced there will be an Arabian presence at the Central Park Horse Show in New York City, Sept. 23-28. The show has provided AHA with a unique platform in which to showcase Arabian horses to the entire world.
The show takes place during one of two weeks that brings dignitaries from around the globe to participate in activities at the United Nations (UN). Many of these individuals and their guests stay down town and will be within a short walk to Central Park. The ice rink will be turned into an arena with patron seating as well as general admission. The spectators will be treated to the Best of the Best in some of the Olympic sports and the Arabian Breed.
The U.S. Open Equestrian Show will begin on Wednesday evening, Sept. 23 with the Arabian show, including six halter classes and three performance classes. This is the industry¹s opportunity to demonstrate that Arabians are not only the most beautiful, but also intelligent, athletic, and trainable horse, but also a joy to own and ride. An opportunity for the record books, AHA acknowledges that while this is a horse show, it¹s also a major outreach project to put the breed¹s best foot forward and present Arabians in a positive atmosphere to the public.
“I watched the Grand Prix jumping on TV last September from Central Park and texted Glenn that we had to be a part of this,” said AHA President, Cynthia Richardson. “Now, it is a dream come true to share our horses at the same level with the greats of the Olympic world. It will be something that spectators and exhibitors will never forget.”
As with the rest of the horses in the show, Arabians will be invited to participate based on their past placings in Arabian Shows around the world. The breed has also been invited to participate in the matinees on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as the feature breed. This gives the industry an opportunity to tell the Arabian horses’ story from the tents of the Bedouin tribes to the modern day Arabian that contributes to all light breeds of today.
“This event will truly be an event to promote Arabian horses to the world,” said AHA, Executive Vice President, Glenn T. Petty. “AHA would like to thank the Central Park Horse Show and Mark Bellissimo for the opportunity to give our breed a spot in the international spotlight.”
Further details about the event, judging, qualification for an invitation and event organization are forthcoming. Contact Glenn Petty with questions at [email protected].