I recently attended a horse show in San Antonio. It was a beautiful little show that was very well executed. The best part about it is that I witnessed local Arabian horse owners show their horses to victory, and literally hug each other…and jump for joy…and raise their arms in victory…when their horses won. I even witnessed a few tears when the ribbons and trophies were handed out to the victors. The worst part about it…there was an average of three to four horses in each class.

It seems we’re always focused on the big name horses with the big price tags and the biggest trophies. Certainly I have been focused on that segment of the breed. However, I had a serious wake up call when I saw the small classes at the San Antonio show. It became obvious then that if we don’t get back to basics and shore up the mid range of our breed, we’re in big trouble.

We must find a way to get the numbers up at our class A and Regional shows, and in order to do that, we must promote and celebrate the Arabian horse and Arabian horse owners at those levels. When I saw the winners at that little show in San Antonio rejoice in victory like they had just won the National Championship, it was the most beautiful thing, and it reminded me that it is a big deal to take a horse or horses we love to a show and win – at any level, and if we can pump that part of our market up, the rest will take care of itself.

I’d love to hear thoughts and ideas on how we can improve participation at our Class A and Regional Shows, and then let’s form a committee of breeders and owners who care about our breed passionately, and let’s do something together to make it better. That’s how the Vegas Show became a reality, so I know it can be done.

I also know it can be done because I remember when I grew up in this industry and attended local Class A shows in the 1980s –  they were packed…they were fun… and there was lots of fanfare and joy.  Learning from those past experiences, I know we can restore that level of energy and excitement at our smaller shows today, and we must if we’re going to have a breed that is healthy at all levels – from top to bottom.

If you agree that we need to do something to promote and support our local shows and the enthusiasts that participate at that level, I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas…and I emplore all of us to then take action accordingly….

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