By Taryl O’Shea, executive director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona
Photos Courtesy of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona
This month, hundreds of thousands of horse lovers will come to Scottsdale to see the oldest breed of horses in competition showing off their versatility, agility, and sportsmanship. The 67th annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, hosted by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA), will showcase over 2,200 Arabian horses at Scottsdale’s WestWorld from February 17-27.
This event is the largest show of its kind in the world and this year it’s expected to attract thousands of people to see these beautiful equine athletes. Spectators will have the chance to watch over 1,000 competitions where competitors stand to win a whopping $4 million in prize money along with luxurious trophies and the title of best in the world. Additionally, event attendees will be able to meet the horses in the area they’re housed as well educational seminars, an international cuisine court, and a shopping expo. The expo will include vendors offering fine jewelry, art, riding gear, and more.
A new immersive experience will also debut this year. The HoofbeatZ USA program will give attendees a hands-on experience to learn, touch and ride while visiting WestWorld during the show. The goal of HoofbeatZ USA is to introduce newcomers to the world of horses and all the benefits they offer. This interactive experience will be included in the overall event ticket.
The 11-day event will start at 8 a.m. each day at WestWorld (16601 N. Pima Road) in Scottsdale. General admission tickets cost $15, tickets for seniors are $10, while children aged 12 and under are free. Military Appreciation Day is Tuesday, February 22, when military personnel and their families can attend for free. A family night will be held on Friday, February 25, giving families free admission beginning at 6:30 p.m. A special general admission ticket good for all 11 days can be purchased for $75. Tickets are available each day at the gate or via scottsdaleshow.com/tickets.
Whether you are a horse fanatic, enthusiast or newbie, this event is full of excitement – amazing horses, shopping, food, family fun, and more.
About the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona
The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA), a nonprofit organization, is the recipient of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Sterling Award, Arizona Business Magazine’s Economic Engines of Arizona Award, the Arizona State Governor’s Tourism Award, and inductee into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. AHAA donates to many charitable causes. Learn more at scottsdaleshow.com.
