The 56th Annual U.S. Nationals—History & Memories Made by Ally Edwards

US S History & Memories Made BY ALLY EDWARDS When the leaves change and the weather cools, it means more than just autumn arriving for those in the horse world. For them, October in Tulsa is its proving ground. A little more than 1,750 horses along with their trainers, riders, and teams converged at the Tulsa Expo Center in Oklahoma, for the annual 56th United States National Championships. Numbers were slightly lower than last year due to quali cations once again being enforced, but that meant the best of the best was present. With almost continuous great weather, the show ran incredibly smooth and all were given the red-carpet treatment with green shavings all nine competition days (thanks to the generous donations of Hagale Family Arabians and the clients of Kiesner Training) horn players (the Hagales), and a multitude of parties. In the Pavilion, the week started with the trail classes then moved to some of the nicest halter horses seen in any ring, ever. e Mustang arena saw a steady stream of working western horses including ranch riding, reining, cow, and equitation classes. Over in the main Ford Truck arena, English, country, hunter, western, and specialty performance horses rode for the roses in one deep class after another. Almost every pleasure class had an elimination round and the quality of horses and riders never ceases to elevate every year. When the roses are draped over the winners, it truly is a special and deserving win, coming out on top among all the incredible horses entered. e largest classes were the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse and the Arabian Western Pleasure Select, each with 54 horses entered. How tting that the two biggest classes are ones for young horses with bright futures ahead and for exhibitors closer to the novice level. Bringing new horses and riders into the industry will only help it grow. Arabian Horse Times | 184 | Volume 52, No. 12 S

S U New this year were the Breeding Pays Futurity Halter classes. Two classes, one for llies and the other for colts and geldings, awarded $260,000 to breeders, owners, and amateurs in the top ten. Additionally, a silent and live auction were held to help raise funds for next year. Gold, silver, and bronze champions were crowned; Gold Colt going to Aria La Croixx and Gold Filly, OFW Luxxury, both presented by Andrew Sellman. e main ring had its own special moments. Most will unanimously agree that LaRae Fletcher-Powell would have been incredibly proud of both her sons, as Colby picked up the top title in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Open with Fixations Khash, and Skylar won the incredibly deep Arabian Western Pleasure Open with Gazali VC. ese two very emotional wins had the packed stands teary eyed and on their feet for standing ovations. Also exciting was Bill Castro’s GSF Alejandro winning his eighth consecutive national championship in the Half-Arabian Park Horse, and seeing the return of two of the industry’s top breeding stallions, ROL Divine Style and HA Toskcan Sun, to the performance ring. Both were shown in the amateur English and Park classes by Jennifer Hagale to reserve wins. But no matter how successful, owners having fun with their horses is what it’s all about. e futurity and maturity classes continue to grow bigger every year. With big payouts and top-quality horses, these end up being some of the most competitive classes of the show. Professionally guided to compete in the futurities with their trainers and then only a couple years later in the maturities with their amateur owners, Arabians are one of the most willing and trusting breeds able to develop demeanors that allow them to safely carry amateurs around the ring. Breeding itself also seems to be

getting more and more successful as the quality of these horses raises each and every year. e maturity classes especially, exhibited some of the most beautiful horses in the entire show. With everything nally back to normal, exhibitors were able to get together and enjoy barn parties and special events. e AEPA and Breeding Pays hosted catered events for all to attend and socialize, and there were also several catered sponsored events in the Pavilion on the last weekend so everyone could have dinner while watching the big halter classes. e halter arena was always packed with spectators watching the most beautiful horses the breed has to o er. e show sta must be acknowledged for another successful nationals. From the board of directors, and show commission, o cials and stewards, to the judges, ring announcers, awards room and sel ess volunteers, the sessions ran in a timely manner, the stands were full, and another round of titles were rightfully won. e sportsmanship between all the exhibitors is something for our breed to be very proud of. Many handshakes and congratulations were exchanged at the out gate so everyone in the top two, the top ten, or those who got the gate, were given kind words about their rides. Retention and growth are what will hold this industry together and good sportsmanship, horsemanship and commitment to the breed are the best ways for those to succeed. Overall, a very fun show was had for all who came. U.S. Nationals is one of the best shows of the whole year and the perfect conclusion to every show season. Seeing everyone come together to show o what they have been working on all season with their Arabian partners makes it everyone’s favorite part of October. Plans have surely been made for next year as everyone goes home to start preparing to do the whole thing all over again! Arabian Horse Times | 185 | Volume 52, No. 12

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