2005 U.S. Nationals

Greatest Stories Never Told

Want to find some new angles on stories about the U.S. Nationals? People, horses, farms, trainers, amateurs, volunteers and the entire production team come together for ten intense days of competition and drama. They provide a rich and deep reservoir of talent and individual stories that reflect the high caliber competition at this show and all it takes to get there. Many of these stories go untapped every year. Some ideas for features and/or photos are suggested below to help you find the appropriate story for your audience.

In addition, many exhibitors from a variety of disciplines have already provided their contact info and are eager to talk with the media. Get the inside scoop from those in the know! Contact Susan Bavaria at susan.bavaria@arabianhorses.org to line up an interview.

D-E-F-E-N-S-E
Past champions, some with multiple titles, will return this year to again prove themselves in a variety of disciplines and win the coveted title of national champion.

Finals Extravaganza
AHA members and horseman can participate in the Finals Extravaganza, a free new program at U.S. Nationals taking place Oct. 26-29, 2005, complete with special discounts, education and demonstrations by top equine vendors, and a peek-behind-the curtain look at some of the finest Arabian horses in the world by eight of the industry's most notable farms. Attendees will receive a two-for-one ticket voucher to attend the show each day they attend a Finals Extravaganza Barn Party, their reward from Arabian Horse Association (AHA) just for having fun.

Ka-Ching, Ka-Ching
The high point for many is the Shopping Expo where people can find items not available anywhere else. Many commercial vendors with customized apparel, jewelry, art and tack complete the selling season at this flagship event after working the Arabian horse show circuit throughout the year.

Workin' for a Livin'
Chasin' cows and puttin' the moves on the cattle. Just because they're pretty doesn't mean they don't have a great work ethic. This year's show brings in record numbers of working cow and reining horses. Find out why. Come to Broadbent Arena for these fun classes.

Annual Pilgrimage
Many breeders and owners from North America and other countries attend this annual gathering of superior horses to see national champions named. They bring a lifelong commitment to and passion for the Arabian breed.

Smiles and Tears
More than $100,000 worth of red rose blankets, top ten plaques, trophies and ribbons are tucked away in a beautiful display room in Freedom Hall. Every year, the volunteers that work this room get to present more than 1,000 awards to almost as many winners and witness every range of emotion.

The Best Against the Rest
As the oldest running youth program in AHA, the Arabian Horse Youth Judging Contest marks its 35th year with approximately 35 FFA/4-H, Junior AHA, Senior AHA and collegiate teams competing. Contestants evaluate, compare and objectively place horses in halter and performance classes. These placings are scored against an ideal placing determined by a panel of professional Arabian horse judges. Contestants must then give an oral defense, called reasons, justifying their placement of two halter and two performance classes. The winning teams and individuals are those that have the highest combined scores for class placings and reasons and will divide more than $10,000 in scholarships, saddles, trophies, plaques and ribbons.

Dress for Success
It's dazzling to watch, but did you ever wonder how hard it is to dress a horse and rider in a mounted native costume with robes, tassels, headpiece, etc?

Spit and Polish
Want to see the art of grooming a top show horse and making him show-ring ready? Learn the special techniques of top groomers.