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• Sport Horse Nationals Showcases the Versatility that Comes from the World’s Oldest Horse Breed
  Sport Horse Nationals Showcases the Versatility that Comes from the World’s Oldest Horse Breed

  Wednesday, September 01, 2010 - Approximately four hundred Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians will model their natural abilities as sport horses at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, Sept. 22-25, 2010. The Sport Horse Nationals Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Sport Horse Nationals), produced by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., features 90 classes in four divisions, the sport horse division, hunter/jumper division, dressage division and the driving division.
  
  Exhibitors from 41 states and two Canadian provinces will come to Nampa to compete in the national-level show in its eighth year. Created after the sport horse classes out grew the space and time allotted for them at the AHA U.S. Nationals, Sport Horse Nationals is the only single-breed sport horse event in the nation offered just for Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses registered with AHA or the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry.
  
  New this year is a Power and Speed Jumpers Exhibition. A two-part class, the power portion is ridden first and is not timed. If the horse and rider team is clear through the power portion, without rails, refusals or falls, they continue into the speed portion of the course. The speed portion is timed and the team with the least faults wins, using time as the deciding factor for equal faults.
  
  The Progressive Barn Party, a special Sport Horse Nationals tradition, will be September 23 at 7:00 p.m. Exhibitors and barns from all over North America host each other and the public to fare most popular in their region. Delights sometimes include sockeye salmon from the Pacific Northwest, a favorite potato recipe from Idaho, or fresh fruit from Florida. Wine for the party is donated by Bitner Vineyards of Caldwell, Idaho.
  
  The Idaho Horse Park will host their annual Equus and Overture fundraiser for the Idaho Horse Park Foundation Sept. 25. The dinner will take place on the concourse of the Idaho Center Arena during the Saturday Evening Performance, giving attendees of the event a front row seat to carriage pleasure driving, show hack, sport horse under saddle and the Sport Horse In-hand Supreme Champion class. Equus and Overture begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for your choice of a steak or salmon dinner are $75 and can be purchased through the Idaho Horse Park by calling (208) 442-3335. Reservations must be made by Sept. 20.
  
  For more information, visit www.ArabianHorses.org/SHN or call the Arabian Horse Association at (303) 696-4500.
  
  AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org
  
  Please see the Sport Horse Nationals Press Kit in its entirety by clicking here: http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/nationalevents/sporthorse/2010/presskit.asp
  
  
  
• Arabian Horse Foundation Announces 2010 Grants & Scholarships
  Arabian Horse Foundation Announces 2010 Grants & Scholarships

  Thursday, August 19, 2010 - Aurora, CO - The Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) has announced it awarded $15,000 in grants and youth scholarships this year.
  
  Since the Foundation was re-launched three years ago, the nonprofit entity, which is the philanthropic arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), has given over $75,000 in grants and scholarships. The AHF recently awarded $5,000 in Scholarships, $5,000 to Rescue and Rehoming of horses, and $5,000 to Equine Research.
  
  "The Foundation is pleased to once again step forward and provide funds for projects that will have a positive impact on the equine world and provide funds to help educate our future leaders," stated Larry Kinneer, AHF President. "Since the Foundation was successfully re-launched at the 2007 AHA Annual Convention, we have made significant strides in our ability to grant scholarships and fund worthy projects. Our hope is that we continue to grow, with more people making contributions that will enable us to do the work we do."
  
  The $5,000 grant to Rescue and Rehoming was split evenly between Mountain View Rescue, which is in Columbia, Kentucky and the Emergency Rescue Fund, a new fund set up within the AHF. The grant of $2,500 to Mountain View will be used to help those impacted by the nation's struggling economy by providing hay on a short term basis for owners who have been financially challenged. New to Mountain View's program is a low-cost gelding program, designed to encourage gelding intact stallions. This is the second grant to be given to Mountain View. The second designation of $2,500 will be used for emergency situations that require quick evaluation and response.
  
  Carol Darnell, chair of the Foundation's Rescue and Rehoming Advisory Panel, commented on both gifts. "Mountain View's use of our grant last year demonstrated how effective a small, well-managed, and well-thought-out rescue can be in addressing real world challenges. Their vision and the execution of that vision earned them our support for a second year. Their programs have the 'legs' we seek; the ability to do more for the horses and the equine community than would be expected from the size of our grant. We feel that the new gelding clinic program will demonstrate the same kind of 'legs'."
  
  She continued, "We are delighted to have seed money for the emergency fund which carries the tentative title, 'Horses' Distress Fund.' We are actively pursuing additional funding sources. It's disheartening to be approached for emergency funds, only to have to send people in need elsewhere. Now we will be in a position to act. Our goal is to be able to assist in both man-made and natural emergencies, but we're going to need a lot more than our initial seed money! Yes, I'm asking!"
  
  The Foundation directed $5,000 to Equine Research, with $2,500 going to work at UC Davis, and $2,500 going to Cornell University. The Foundation has funded projects at both institutions previously with evidence of significant progress as a result of funding.
  
  The $2,500 to UC Davis will be directed to the work of Dr. Cecilia Penedo in the continuing efforts to refine the search for the mutation that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), a degenerative condition of the brain caused by the death of neurons called Purkinje cells, resulting in a severe lack of coordination. Most affected horses are euthanized before adulthood. Evidence indicates that CA is widespread in the Arabian breed.
  
  The $2,500 to Cornell University will go toward research into Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Equine Cushing's Disease (ECD) in the Arabian. The grant will fund the work of Dr. Samantha Brooks and Cassy Streeter. A frequent complication of EMS, also known as Insulin Resistance, and ECD is laminitis and laminitis, in turn, is one of the most common causes of lameness and death in the horse.
  
  Beth Minnich, chair of the Foundation's Equine Research Advisory Panel, commented on the two recommendations made by the Advisory Panel. "Continuing to support the research on Cerebellar Abiotrophy is very important. These funds will be used to incorporate whole genome scanning, utilizing the Equine 50K SNP chip into the project. This upcoming work will provide a strong base of data to continue moving the research forward to identify the causative mutation for CA and reach the ultimate goal of developing a direct DNA test." In addition, Minnich stated, "Arabians are a breed affected by EMS and ECD, so to be able to define genetic markers associated with a predisposition to these diseases would help tremendously in being able to identify at risk horses, properly manage affected horses and potentially assist in developing therapies for treatment. Additionally, the influence of the Arabian breed in the development of many modern breeds will assist in the identification of these genetic markers among a variety of horse populations."
  
  "Our Foundation Advisory Panels consistently do a wonderful job of researching and evaluating the best projects for the Foundation to fund,"
  Kinneer said.
  
  Ten youth were awarded scholarships by the Foundation. Jim Cada, Foundation Treasurer and chair of the Scholarship Advisory Panel, commented, "We continue to be pleased with the quality of applications for scholarships.
  It is always rewarding to help a young person achieve their dreams and potential by furthering their education. Many parents continue to struggle with the economy and the need to support their children in their efforts to continue their education. It is good that the Foundation can provide help with this need." Serving with Cada on the panel is Nancy Harvey, Foundation Secretary.
  
  The AHF Scholarship winners are: Carissa Grisham of Southlake, Texas; Bethany Dewey of Newfane, New York; Breanne Ensor of Heath, Texas (winner of the Jon Ostermeier Scholarship); Lucy Rutt of Denver, Pennsylvania (winner of the Don Thompson Scholarship); Matthew Christian Hoffman of Hastings, Minnesota (winner of the Norm Dunn Scholarship); Melanie Ray of Wichita, Kansas (winner of the Myron Krause Scholarship); Robbin LeJune of Lota, Louisiana; Lindsay Jones of Corvallis, Oregon; Kaitlyn Zurek of Howell, Michigan; and Ethan Hendrickson of Friendswood, Texas.
  
  "In order to continue supporting worthwhile projects and scholarships, the Foundation will continue to look to the AHA membership to help with donations," Kinneer said. "Perhaps one of the most positive things to happen to the Foundation within the last year was adding the check-off box on the online membership form. People are checking this box and donating amounts ranging from $5 to $100. The Foundation board is deeply appreciative of those who are choosing this easy way to donate. A reminder also, that one can make a contribution through PayPal. If everyone makes a contribution, no matter how large or small, it will help us achieve our goals."
  
  
  ENDS
  
  Other board members in addition to Kinneer, Cada and Harvey, are Lollie Ames, Vice President, Frank Galovic and C.A. Butler. For more information about the Foundation, visit the web site at www.arabianhorsefoundation.org
  
  AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org.
  
• Canadian Nationals Offers Something for Everyone
  Canadian Nationals Offers Something for Everyone

  Thursday, August 19, 2010 - Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians descend on Regina, Sask. August 16-21, 2010 for the Arabian and Half-Arabian Canadian National Championship Horse Show, affectionately known as “The Royal Red.” The championship show, produced by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., will take advantage of Evraz Place’s new Cooperators Centre for a variety of disciplines including reining, dressage, hunter jumper and more.
  
  The Royal Red will bring about 720 world class horses from 40 states and six provinces to compete in halter, saddle seat, driving, side saddle, western pleasure, Arabian mounted native costume, trail, reining, working cow, hunter pleasure, jumping, show hack, and dressage. Unlike any other national show produced by the AHA, Canadian Nationals features competition in amateur, youth, open and—new this year—select divisions, providing an option for many different kinds of riders.
  
  While they aren’t in the ring, riders and spectators can take a stroll through the newly expanded Canadian Nationals Shopping Expo that offers a special brand of equine-related and inspired clothing, tack, art and jewelry. The Shopping Expo is open daily, August 16-21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
  
  Admission to the Canadian Nationals is free. Events will run from approximately 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. most days in three sessions at 8 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
  
  ENDS
  
  AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org
  
• Arabian Horse Foundation Announces 2010 Grants & Scholarships
  Arabian Horse Foundation Announces 2010 Grants & Scholarships

  Thursday, August 12, 2010 - Aurora, CO (August 10, 2010)—The Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) has announced it awarded $15,000 in grants and youth scholarships this year. Since the Foundation was re-launched three years ago, the nonprofit entity, which is the philanthropic arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), has given over $75,000 in grants and scholarships. The AHF recently awarded $5,000 in Scholarships, $5,000 to Rescue and Rehoming of horses, and $5,000 to Equine Research.
  
  “The Foundation is pleased to once again step forward and provide funds for projects that will have a positive impact on the equine world and provide funds to help educate our future leaders,” stated Larry Kinneer, AHF President. “Since the Foundation was successfully re-launched at the 2007 AHA Annual Convention, we have made significant strides in our ability to grant scholarships and fund worthy projects. Our hope is that we continue to grow, with more people making contributions that will enable us to do the work we do.”
  
  The $5,000 grant to Rescue and Rehoming was split evenly between Mountain View Rescue, which is in Columbia, Kentucky and the Emergency Rescue Fund, a new fund set up within the AHF. The grant of $2,500 to Mountain View will be used to help those impacted by the nation's struggling economy by providing hay on a short term basis for owners who have been financially challenged. New to Mountain View’s program is a low-cost gelding program, designed to encourage gelding intact stallions. This is the second grant to be given to Mountain View. The second designation of $2,500 will be used for emergency situations that require quick evaluation and response.
  
  Carol Darnell, chair of the Foundation’s Rescue and Rehoming Advisory Panel, commented on both gifts. “Mountain View’s use of our grant last year demonstrated how effective a small, well-managed, and well-thought-out rescue can be in addressing real world challenges. Their vision and the execution of that vision earned them our support for a second year. Their programs have the ‘legs’ we seek; the ability to do more for the horses and the equine community than would be expected from the size of our grant. We feel that the new gelding clinic program will demonstrate the same kind of ‘legs’.”
  She continued, “We are delighted to have seed money for the emergency fund which carries the tentative title, ‘Horses‘ Distress Fund.’ We are actively pursuing additional funding sources. It’s disheartening to be approached for emergency funds, only to have to send people in need elsewhere. Now we will be in a position to act. Our goal is to be able to assist in both man-made and natural emergencies, but we’re going to need a lot more than our initial seed money! Yes, I’m asking!”
  
  The Foundation directed $5,000 to Equine Research, with $2,500 going to work at UC Davis, and $2,500 going to Cornell University. The Foundation has funded projects at both institutions previously with evidence of significant progress as a result of funding.
  
  The $2,500 to UC Davis will be directed to the work of Dr. Cecilia Penedo in the continuing efforts to refine the search for the mutation that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA), a degenerative condition of the brain caused by the death of neurons called Purkinje cells, resulting in a severe lack of coordination. Most affected horses are euthanized before adulthood. Evidence indicates that CA is widespread in the Arabian breed.
  
  The $2,500 to Cornell University will go toward research into Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Equine Cushing’s Disease (ECD) in the Arabian. The grant will fund the work of Dr. Samantha Brooks and Cassy Streeter. A frequent complication of EMS, also known as Insulin Resistance, and ECD is laminitis and laminitis, in turn, is one of the most common causes of lameness and death in the horse.
  
  Beth Minnich, chair of the Foundation’s Equine Research Advisory Panel, commented on the two recommendations made by the Advisory Panel. “Continuing to support the research on Cerebellar Abiotrophy is very important. These funds will be used to incorporate whole genome scanning, utilizing the Equine 50K SNP chip into the project. This upcoming work will provide a strong base of data to continue moving the research forward to identify the causative mutation for CA and reach the ultimate goal of developing a direct DNA test.” In addition, Minnich stated, “Arabians are a breed affected by EMS and ECD, so to be able to define genetic markers associated with a predisposition to these diseases would help tremendously in being able to identify at risk horses, properly manage affected horses and potentially assist in developing therapies for treatment. Additionally, the influence of the Arabian breed in the development of many modern breeds will assist in the identification of these genetic markers among a variety of horse populations.”
  
  “Our Foundation Advisory Panels consistently do a wonderful job of researching and evaluating the best projects for the Foundation to fund,” Kinneer said.
  
  Ten youth were awarded scholarships by the Foundation. Jim Cada, Foundation Treasurer and chair of the Scholarship Advisory Panel, commented, “We continue to be pleased with the quality of applications for scholarships. It is always rewarding to help a young person achieve their dreams and potential by furthering their education. Many parents continue to struggle with the economy and the need to support their children in their efforts to continue their education. It is good that the Foundation can provide help with this need.” Serving with Cada on the panel is Nancy Harvey, Foundation Secretary.
  
  The AHF Scholarship winners are: Carissa Grisham of Southlake, Texas; Bethany Dewey of Newfane, New York; Breanne Ensor of Heath, Texas (winner of the Jon Ostermeier Scholarship); Lucy Rutt of Denver, Pennsylvania (winner of the Don Thompson Scholarship); Matthew Christian Hoffman of Hastings, Minnesota (winner of the Norm Dunn Scholarship); Melanie Ray of Wichita, Kansas (winner of the Myron Krause Scholarship); Robbin LeJune of Lota, Louisiana; Lindsay Jones of Corvallis, Oregon; Kaitlyn Zurek of Howell, Michigan; and Ethan Hendrickson of Friendswood, Texas.
  
  “In order to continue supporting worthwhile projects and scholarships, the Foundation will continue to look to the AHA membership to help with donations,” Kinneer said. “Perhaps one of the most positive things to happen to the Foundation within the last year was adding the check-off box on the online membership form. People are checking this box and donating amounts ranging from $5 to $100. The Foundation board is deeply appreciative of those who are choosing this easy way to donate. A reminder also, that one can make a contribution through PayPal. If everyone makes a contribution, no matter how large or small, it will help us achieve our goals.”
  
  Other board members in addition to Kinneer, Cada and Harvey, are Lollie Ames, Vice President, Frank Galovic and C.A. Butler. For more information about the Foundation, visit the web site at www.arabianhorsefoundation.org
  
  AHA is a major equine association serving 33,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org.
  
• National Show Horse Registry Opens Registry, Offers New Stimulus Program
  National Show Horse Registry Opens Registry, Offers New Stimulus Program

  Thursday, July 29, 2010 - The National Show Horse Registry (NSHR) made some major changes that could make a difference in how much money you have in your pocket. Itnot only opened the registry to any and all Half-Arabian crosses, incluing Hackneys, Dutch Harness, and Saddlebred crosses, etc., but it also implemented a stimulus program that will give away over $15,000 in prize money in eight different grand championships at the the national show in September. You don’t even have to qualify, with the exception of equitation and United Professional Horsemen's Association classes. And to make it even more convenient they have added recognized Arabian classes that qualify for U.S. Nationals and Region 11. Of course the NSHR still offers the Show Horse Alliance classes that include all Breeds of saddleseat type horses.
  
  The National Show Horse (NSH) Finals is set to take place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL, September 22-25, 2010. Over $100,000.00 in prize money is available. The judges will be Nancy Becker, Brian Murch, and Richard Petty.
  
  Grand Championship Classes with $15,500.00 per class include:
  - NSH Halter ATH Grand Championship
  - NSH Halter Open Grand Championship
  - NSH Hunter Pleasure ATR Grand Championship
  - NSH Country Pleasure ATR Grand Championship
  - NSH English Pleasure ATR Grand Championship
  - NSH Three-Gaited Open Grand Championship
  - NSH Show Hack Open Grand Championship
  - NSH Country Pleasure Open Grand Championship
  
  For more information, contact & Show Manager Cindy Clinton at Cindy@CindyClinton.com. The prize list is available online at www.nshregistry.org or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nshregistry. Entries close August 16, 2010. Post entries are available.
  
  
  
• Arabian Horse Association Youth of the Year Katie Pelphrey Poised for Success
  Arabian Horse Association Youth of the Year Katie Pelphrey Poised for Success

  Thursday, July 01, 2010 - Think today’s teenagers are lazy and lack ambition? You’ll think again when you meet the 2009 Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Youth of the Year, Katie Pelphrey from Louisville, Ky. Pelphrey was chosen for the Youth of the Year honor among a field of incredible young individuals who represent the Arabian breed to the greater equine community in ways rarely seen from young people across any sport. Pelphrey stood out from the field with impeccable grades, an incredible amount of dedication to her community and the Arabian horse community, a 12-page winning show record and unbeatable poise.
  
  At Sacred Heart Academy, Pelphrey maintained a 3.8 grade point average and is involved in a slew of activities, including the Y-club, National Honor Society (NHS), the Kentucky United Nations Assembly and the Kentucky Youth Assembly. Through NHS she tutored disadvantaged children and worked with the St. Vincent DePaul Santa Shop. She’s volunteered to assist disabled children in a therapeutic riding program and helps out at the YMCA’s after school program.
  
  Entering the University of Kentucky in the fall, Pelphrey plans to take full advantage of her proximity to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) and dedicate her time as a volunteer at the games. From there Pelphrey wants to build on her success as a young leader in the industry, which has included serving as the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) Vice President and successfully bringing a resolution to the Annual AHA Convention floor and being incremental in getting it passed.
  
  Pelphrey’s talents extend to the show ring. She began showing in Class A shows in 2003 in the walk/trot classes and won her first championship at Youth Nationals in 2005 in Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Hunter Seat Equitation Not to Jump JT 13 & Under, but by then she had already racked up several top 10s and reserve championships. Pelphrey’s show record stretches about 12 pages long, highlighting wins in dressage, hunter hack, working hunter, hunt seat equitation, in-hand and a few others. “Katie is so athletic and talented. She gets it. She can feel it and knows when to push and when she has to let go, and she has a great show ring presence. And wants to win!” said Adrienne Hancock-Leong of Stonehurst Riding Club.
  
  Each year the Youth of the Year subcommittee works to find an AHYA member who is an excellent breed representative. Anyone may nominate an AHYA youth member for the Youth of the Year Award. The regional director or director-at-large must approve Youth of the Year nominees. Nominations must be submitted to the AHA office postmarked no later than September 1. To read more about Youth of the Year, visit www.arabianhorses.org/youth.
  
  
  
• Arabian Youth Nationals in Albuquerque Ten Years Provides Many Ways to Celebrate
  Arabian Youth Nationals in Albuquerque Ten Years Provides Many Ways to Celebrate

  Friday, June 11, 2010 - The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) will celebrate 10 years at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, with the 2010 Arabian and Half-Arabian Youth National Championship Horse Show (Youth Nationals), July 24-31. The championship show mixes the country's best young equestrian talent with youth-spun fun and activities, pouring approximately $10 million into the city's economy.
  
  Nearly 1,000 Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and their youth riders will compete in head-to-head competition that ranges a wide variety of disciplines, including Western, English, dressage and jumping. Classes begin at 8 a.m. each day and are divided into morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Admission to all performances is free for the duration of the show. The entire week is laced with activities planned especially for families to draw the Albuquerque community to the fairgrounds for free, wholesome summer fun.
  
  On the evenings of July 30 and 31, the week's finalists compete for the national championship in special evening performances after the kids have competed to make their cuts throughout the week.
  
  This year's youth activities start even before the show begins and are scattered throughout the week. Albuquerque riding students should take advantage of a free clinic put on by the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman's Association (APAHA), July 22, featuring showmanship expert, Laurie Long and hunter pleasure trainer, Wendy Potts. Clinics start at 2 p.m. in the Horseman's Arena.
  
  AHA corporate partner, Iron Horse Jeans will sponsor a fashion show at 5 p.m. on July 28 in the Lujan A building. Just after the fashion show, spectators have the chance to see an acoustic performance by country artist and Iron Horse Jeans spokesperson, Felicia King.
  
  The Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico is the official Youth Nationals Charity and will benefit from proceeds collected in jars placed around the grounds throughout the week and passed around Tingley Coliseum in the evening on July 31. New Mexico children living with cancer will have an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal, behind-the-scenes, view of Youth Nationals and will also be award presenters.
  
  Youth Nationals always brings a variety of shopping options to Expo New Mexico, where shoppers can enjoy everything for their equine lifestyle, including tack, show clothing, casual clothing, jewelry, art and more. The Shopping Expo is in the Lujan A Building and is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., July 24-31.
  
  For more information about Youth Nationals, contact the Arabian Horse Association at (303) 696-4500 and choose option #4 or contact info.comp@arabianhorses.org.
  
  
  
• A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse
  A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse

  Friday, June 04, 2010 - The first major exhibition to explore the dynamic impact of the horse on Near Eastern civilization, A Gift from the Desert will have a particular emphasis on the first horse breed, the Arabian Horse. The exhibition will be a fascinating journey from the arrival of the first domesticated horses in the Near East to the renaissance of purebred Arabian horse breeding in the Near East today.
  
  As with all horse breeds, the story of the Arabian horse is dependent upon the cultures that created, nurtured and protected their purity. Strong emphasis will be placed upon these cultures, not only in relation to the horse, but also in their myriad contributions to human civilization.
  
• Sport Horse Nationals Payback Program Offers 350 Champion Stallions with Fees at Half Price
  Sport Horse Nationals Payback Program Offers 350 Champion Stallions with Fees at Half Price

  Friday, May 28, 2010 - The SHN Payback program offers 350 champion stallions at half price, and awards cash prizes for Sport Horses.
  
  The SHN Payback program is in full swing for its third year, offering donated stallion services at half price to raise money for Sport Horse prize money. Every stallion in the program is a champion, or the sire of champions, thereby providing mare owners a one-stop source for the best stallions available, and at half their normal stud fees. Stallions are of all breeds, including Holsteiner, Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Dutch Warmblood, Trakehner, Bavarian Warmblood, Selle Francais, Westfalen, Belgium Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Welsh, Arabian, Morab, Morgan, Australian Sport Pony, Caspian Pony, Andalusian, Friesian, Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, National Show Horse, Shagya, Anglo Arabian, Saddlebred, Paint, Pinto, Dutch Harness Horse and Hackney.
  
  The proceeds from the sale of these stallion services are used to award prize money for the winners at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals (SHN) and the top sires of these winners, as well as our new all breed Young Sport Horse Futurity. Last year, $50,000 was raised and awarded at the SHNs, and this year we have added the new Futurity to give every young horse of any breed, sired by one of the donated stallions, an opportunity to show locally and win prize money.
  
  “This program is a win-win for the stallion owners, the mare owners, and the exhibitors,” explained Patience Prine-Carr, a program director. “The stallion owners get to increase the marketability of their foals through cash incentives as well as the opportunity to win sire prize money, all without having to pay any out of pocket expenses.The mare owners get to breed their mares at a significant savings, and the exhibitors get to come home from the shows with cash in their pocket!”
  
  “Our goal in creating this program is to increase the awareness of Arabians as sport horses of value and to reward those farms that breed and raise Arabians specifically for the sport disciplines. Arabians have long been prized for their beauty. It is our hope that these awards will direct more attention to their versatility and capability in the sport disciplines and to renew their value as a source of improving blood for all breeds”.
  
  An added feature of the Payback program is the new Young Sport Horse Futurity. This Futurity is designed to further increase the marketability of young sport horses, as well as to help bridge the gap between the breeding and the finished sport horse competitor. All yearlings and two year olds sired by a currently enrolled Payback Stallion are eligible to compete for this cash prize. These youngsters are shown in sport type in-hand classes at their local low cost, low stress shows, earning a point for every horse they beat. These horses may be of any breed, as long as their sire is in the SHN Payback program.
  For more information on how to sign up for the Futurity, to donate a stallion or to purchase a stallion service at half price, go to http://www.shnpayback.org, or call (352) 293-6626. SHN Payback is a non-profit 501(C)(5) organization.
  
  
• Something for Everyone at the Great Arabian Get Together
  Something for Everyone at the Great Arabian Get Together

  Thursday, May 27, 2010 - The Minnesota Half Arabian Horse Association will once again be hosting the Great Arabian Get Together. Dates are July 9-11, 2010. Held at the Stearns County Fairgrounds, in Sauk Centre, MN, the show will have a full line of classes running from halter to dressage. Also are included are reining, youth classes, costume, National Show Horse classes, and a full line of performance classes. This event offers exhibitors indoor and outdoor arenas, an exhibitor party, high-point and door prizes, and three days of fun at a USEF-, AHA-, USDF-, CSDEA and Tri-State approved show.
  
  For a prize list, please visit www.mhaha.org, follow on Facebook, or email the show manager at elpharoarabians@citlink.net.