U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show is holding its 40th annual show in Louisville, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. More than 2,000 horses from 40 states and Canada will compete at this flagship event which has an economic impact of $18.4 million. This year's theme is "One Last Time," as 2006 marks the final year the event will be held in Louisville after nearly 30 years. Many commemorative activities have been organized including an appearance by The Black Stallion in a one-night-only performance by Arabian Nights Dinner Theater Road Show, Orlando, Fla.
The U.S. Nationals is the flagship event for the Arabian horse industry and the most prestigious show in the Arabian horse industry. As the grand finale to the show-season it's a beautiful and compelling event that showcases one of the world's most beautiful breeds.
"It's exciting for our owners and breeders to showcase their beautiful Arabian horses, which are the progenitors of the illustrious Thoroughbred breed, in a city like Louisville where fine horses and excellent horsemanship are truly appreciated," said Susan Bavaria, director of communications, Arabian Horse Association. "We like the bourbon, too."
ACTIVITES: Championship classes are held three sessions a day, all week, in Broadbent Arena and Freedom Hall.
Barn parties are scheduled October 18-21 at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., which allow attendees to see and learn about Arabian horses up-close. The barn parties are free. Vouchers for the show performance are given away at these events.
ADMISSION: Tickets are required for all activities in Freedom Hall. $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, children under five are free. Tickets to all events can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 502-361-3100.
SPECIAL EVENT: Arabian Nights Dinner Theater Road Show presents The Black Stallion -- a magical fairy tale on horseback that comes to life -- in a one-night only performance, Fri., Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. Free copies of Walter Farley's The Black Stallion will be handed out to the first 500 grade school students that come in the door to Freedom Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, children under five are free.
Tickets to all events can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 502-361-3100. Two-for-one student tickets to The Black Stallion performance are available with the promo code: NIGHTS.
FOR MORE INFO: www.ArabianHorses.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Susan Bavaria, director of communications, Arabian Horse Association, susan.bavaria@arabianhorses.org, office: 303-696-4580 and cell: 303-241-1505
