As a show official for over 30 years, I have spent a lot of time at the “back gate” and in schooling rings. It is at the back gate where final preparations are made for entry into the “Grand Ballroom”—our show arena. An observer might see all the last touches executed, like wiping of the muzzle, dusting off of the boots and, of course, the receiving of the all-important final instructions from the trainer or instructor—then it’s through the gate and the horse and rider are on display.
But let’s back up a little. Long before a horse and rider make it to the Grand Ballroom, the horse is taken into the ring just for schooling. During schooling time, the horse can spook as much as it wants, get used to the banners on the wall and all the scary sounds that come from an indoor arena. This schooling time is crucial, especially since all three rings at the US National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship are indoors. Soon after the schooling comes the bathing, grooming and a final trim if needed. With about 1900 horses on the show grounds one can imagine how much schooling, bathing, grooming and trimming is going on each day.
And we mustn’t forget the rider, who also has to look as perfect as possible. One training stable here has taken the perfection of the rider to a whole new level and has converted a stall into a fully-equipped beauty parlor—beauty chairs, mirrors and lights included.
Finally, it’s into the ring and both horse and rider perform at their best.
Ribbons and trophies at this show are the most prized possessions because this is considered the show of the year—the National Championships. Just to receive a ribbon at this show—any ribbon—is prestigious and carries a lot of bragging rights as our exhibitors return to all corners of the U.S., Canada – and even the world. As of today, horses were entered from 45 states, four provinces, and even a couple of countries outside of North America (did I mention a real Prince is coming?). Here at the U.S. Nationals, we place a Champion, Reserve Champion and name a Top 10, instead of placing third through tenth.
Preparation, excitement and ribbons aside, the first day of a big show always proves to be a challenge for show management. It is on the first day that all the kinks are worked out. I spent time working with the U.S. Show Commission, who runs the show, and staff to make needed adjustments so that our first time at our new venue (we used to take turns in Albuquerque and Louisville) can be as successful as possible. Part of coming to a new city also means getting the word out to the public that we are here. In fact, the Arabian Horse Association President, Myron Krause, and I got up especially early to be on a live radio broadcast to talk about the show. Our President never misses a chance to promote the Arabian horse.
Months and years of planning went into moving the show so that our horses can be presented at their best in Tulsa. Exhibitors have had nothing but uniform praise for the reception the U.S. Nationals has had here in Oklahoma—we are happy to be very centrally located within the United States. The Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau worked for years to attract the show to Tulsa and they came through with community support. Expo Square, the host of the show, just went through a multi-million dollar face lift and their new facilities are wonderful.
To get a live look at our show, go to www.ArabianHorses.org and find the web casting link.
So from here in Tulsa, we’re off to a “Hand-Gallop”!
--Glenn Petty