Scottsdale’s Arabian Horse Show Gallops Into Its 70th Year
Writer Shannon Severson
From the sunbaked sands of the Middle East to the Sonoran Desert’s majestic landscapes, the Arabian horse has galloped through millennia, captivating hearts with its grace and versatility. This February, the breed’s rich heritage converges with Scottsdale’s vibrant equestrian culture as the 70th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show — the world’s largest of its kind — transforms WestWorld into a dazzling celebration of equine elegance.
“The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is the heartbeat of the global Arabian horse community,” says Melissa Schalles, executive director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, which holds the event. “It sets the tone for the entire show season and serves as a meeting place for enthusiasts from all over the world. It also provides an unparalleled platform for breeders, trainers and owners to showcase their horses on an international stage, advancing the breed and strengthening connections within the community.”
Cave Creek resident and professional trainer Julie Daniel has participated in the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show for 25 years. She says the graceful Arabian breed is extremely versatile and is used for every category of English and Western riding as well as halter, which is showing and judging horses purely for their beauty and composition.
The owner of Daniel Training Center and Apex Riding Academy, Daniel grew up in the world of Arabians under the tutelage of her mother, who was a trainer for many years in Michigan. From the start, she says, she knew this show was set apart from the rest of the shows that usually occur over a three-day stretch across the country.
“There is not a horse show where you can compete that fills the stands with spectators [like the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show does],” she observes. “There’s just so much going on — there’s shopping and public outreach and the weather is fantastic unless it rains. Scottsdale has turned this into a mecca. It’s the closest thing to competing against the same horses as nationals. It’s a show we just wouldn’t miss even if it wasn’t in my own backyard.”
Daniel says the traditional pilgrimage to this mecca of all things Arabian horses extends to trainers and athletes across the country and even around the world. Her stable will have 22 horses in this year’s show; some of those horses are ridden by multiple family members in different events. Others, like a family from Germany, each have their own horses — the mother, father and daughter.
Behind the scenes, Daniel reveals that there are weeks of preparation to comfortably accommodate horses, riders and trainers. Full living areas are constructed with furniture, kitchens, dressing rooms and more. She says if one asks politely, they might be given a short tour.
“The public sees a small amount of this,” she says. “There’s a lot of hustle and bustle, but I wish the public knew that all of us are really open to taking people behind the scenes. We love sharing what we do.”
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will welcome more than 2,100 horses that will compete for over $1 million in prize money. The 300,000 attendees from around the world are a boon to the Scottsdale economy and serve as a place for the Arabian horse community to connect and network.
“The local Arabian horse community has been the backbone of this event for 70 years,” says Schalles. “Their passion and dedication have not only shaped the Scottsdale show but have also made Scottsdale a global hub for Arabian horse enthusiasts. Local vendors and community businesses play a vital role in creating the vibrant atmosphere of the show. They provide services, products and hospitality that enhance the experience for attendees and showcase the best of what our area has to offer. Together, the local community and businesses embody the spirit of collaboration and excellence this event represents.”
Schalles emphasizes that, in addition to the unparalleled scale, prestige and atmosphere of the show, it’s truly a blend of high-stakes competition with family-friendly activities and interactive experiences.
Those who are curious about the equestrian world in general and the Arabian breed in particular can find plenty of ways to learn and partake. An immersive, educational experience will once again be offered where attendees can touch, ride, dress up and take pictures. As part of the 70th anniversary celebration, Schalles says there will be expanded immersive activities in the North Hall, new educational activities and a commemorative exhibition celebrating the vaunted history of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
“The event is more than a competition,” she explains. “It’s a celebration of the Arabian horse’s heritage, beauty and versatility. It includes competitors, breeders, vendors and spectators from around the world, all coming together to celebrate the beauty and versatility of the Arabian horse.”
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Feb. 13–23 // See website for schedule // WestWorld of Scottsdale // 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale // $15 // Discounts available // scottsdaleshow.com
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