On Saturday, the Celebration of Arabian Sport Horse kicked off with clinics by Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor and dressage pioneer Hilda Gurney who both attracted big crowds.

The Sport Horse Nationals held their own version of the Final Four in the Sport Horse Supreme Champion class on Saturday night. After judges Rick Cram and Dr. Gail Hoff-Carmona reviewed all champions and reserves from every in-hand class, they pulled four horses forward and excused the rest for a final review which brought a roar of approval from the audience. Arabian stallion Klint Black shown by Larry Jones, Half-Arabian stallion TF Peron's Brilliance shown by Claire Morrow, Anglo-Arabian mare Soleya++++// shown by Todd Ehret and Half-Arabian mare DA One Perfect Melody+/ shown by Jodie Surerus came forward. When the final count came in, the Canadian mares Soleya+++// and DA One Perfect Melody+/ placed champion and reserve respectively.  

The quality surprised me," says Technical Delegate Joyce Hardesty. "It's very consistent at the upper levels. These scores would hold up anywhere at USDF events. Hardesty says the volunteers and staff are some of the best she's worked with anywhere and was impressed with the commitment, courtesy and enthusiastic manner with which they conduct the show. The Prix St.Georges level had 19 horses, something "you don't even see at the open shows," says Hardesty. Show Commissioner Cathy Gage was thrilled. "We were able to award a complete top ten!" she said.