The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA), a non-profit organization, is preparing to kick off one of the largest annual horse shows in the world. The club's 52nd Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo begins Feb. 16 and runs through Feb. 25. Each year, more than 2,000 horses are entered into this event from all over the world to compete for the coveted prize of Scottsdale Champion. AHAA is expecting more than 2,600 horses to arrive at the showgrounds for the event, beating the previous all-time record of 2,460 horses set in 1982.
Along with the performance classes, there will be fine arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry in the Shopping Expo adjacent to the main arena. Artisans and entrepreneurs from all over will show their handmade leather goods and offer a wide variety of products and services.
While on the grounds, visitors are welcome to tour the barn areas to see the horses and talk with owners. Those interested in getting close to these horses and learning more about them are also encouraged to attend the Behind-The-Scenes tour, or the Meet an Arabian Horse exhibition.
The show opens each day to visitors at 8 a.m. Tickets, available at the gate or through Ticketmaster, are $10 for adults, $7 for Seniors and free for children 12 and under. Proceeds from the show benefit local children's charities, including Phoenix Children's Hospital, The March of Dimes and Cox Charities.
For more information, visit www.scottsdaleshow.com.