A Horse is a Horse of Course, of Course
By: Barbara Augsdorfer
You may or may not be an expert about horses. Maybe you know the difference between a canter and a lope; or want to take the kids to see a horse up close, and maybe their first pony ride; or shop until you drop? You have the chance at the 2019 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at Westworld of Scottsdale, Feb. 14-24.
The 2019 event marks the 64th year for the show, which has grown from just a few horses in 1955, to more than 2,400 entrants in 2019. While the competitors will be focused on their dressage routines and other requirements to win trophies, ribbons, and a portion of the $2.5 million in prize money, there is much more going on to entertain and educate the whole family.
Opportunities at the Show
Attendees will have ample opportunities to “meet at Arabian”, (great chance to see a horse up close!) take a barn tour or shop – more than 350 vendors will be on hand to make a “shopper’s paradise.” Jewelry, clothing, boots, artwork, and of course saddles and other horse-related items will be for sale. Children will have opportunities to paint a ceramic horse (first 400 per day). Supplies and expert help will be provided. Pony rides and a petting zoo will be available during weekends.
The Success
The show’s growth and success can be attributed to its extensive use of volunteers – people who help just because of their love for horses. “We couldn’t do it without them. We have more than 400 volunteers altogether, staffing many of our services and activities,” Arabian Horse Association of Arizona Director Sharon Chauncey-Siar told Arizona Foothills magazine recently. “This allows us to reduce expenses in a number of areas. Most of our prices — entries, for instance — are the same as they were 20 years ago.”
For 2019, the show is incorporating some green and sustainable practices. Lighting is now solar powered rather than diesel. Horse bedding is recycled and manure will be composted. Attendees can do their part by carpooling to the event, bringing their own water containers and refilling them, and bringing cloth shopping bags to carry all their purchases and kids’ art projects.
Supporting Charities
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show supports many local and national charities: March of Dimes, Healing Hearts (based in Cave Creek); Hearts for Youth, Scottsdale Community College Equine Science Program and Arizona Humane Society. The Waggin’ Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle will be at the show on weekends with pets available for adoption.
Tickets for the show are available from Ticketmaster and at the gate. Note that Tuesday, Feb. 19 is Military Appreciation Day with free admission for veterans and their families with appropriate credentials. The evening performance on Friday, Feb. 22 is free for “Family Fun Night.” Children under 12 are free all days. General admission all other days is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and military.
Tickets and Pricing
For more information, a schedule of events, and reserved ticket prices, see the show’s website at www.scottsdaleshow.com/shows-events/scottsdale-arabian-horse-show. Westworld of Scottsdale is located at 16601 N. Pima Rd., just off the Loop 101 and Frank
Lloyd Wright Boulevard.
Barbara Augsdorfer earned a BA in communication arts from California Lutheran University in 1983 and an MBA from University of Phoenix in 2017. She has many years of experience writing and editing for a variety of magazines and newspapers and currently resides in Providence Forge, Virginia, with her husband, son, and a spoiled 13-year-old Rottweiler/black lab mix named Lucky.
