Monday, February 21, 2011

2011 Scottsdale Arabian Show I



Monday February 21 2011

I set foot in a different world today, one I've visited before a few times, but always find fascinating. It brings together all kinds: horse loving kids, trainers, rich rich owners, the big famous barns and little family backyard horse, hard working grooms, the hopeful, the jaded, the bling, the costumes, the makeup... all hopes pinned on the hot blooded Arabian horse, the breed that is (according to arabianhorses.org) "the foundation stock of most light breeds".


The 56th annual Scottsdale Arabian Show is underway in Scottsdale Arizona. Since 1955, "it has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2400 horses bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world." The show is mostly run by volunteers - about 600 of them from all over the country.

There's big prize money at stake - over $1 million in total over the 11 days. First place in the lowest level halter class gets $90; first place in the SSS Yearling Auction Colt/Filly class gets $39,603.38

Today I happened upon the semi-finals of the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Auction Championship Yearling Colts/Geldings - AOTH (Amateur Owner to Handle).


First they gathered outside the ring and came in one by one. There was at least one person with a big blown-up garbage bag that he shook to get the babies a bit worked up before they went in the arena. Accompanied by whoops and cheers from onlookers lining the fences, some of the babies zoomed around their handlers in circles; some bounced like bunnies in extended trots; all had their tails up over their backs and were having a good time.

It sounded like they were judged only on conformation and movement; while maybe they were supposed to somewhat behave, it seemed like nobody objected to anything else they did.


One by one, horses made their way around the arena, sort of trotting, or leaping or cantering or rearing or spinning or springing or prancing or some combination thereof - definitely marching to the beat of their own drummer, which was not necessarily the same beat as their handlers'. I enjoyed the naughty ones the most. One of them even got loose, oops!, before he was caught at the other end of the arena.

Then they were asked to walk around the arena (which was sort of walk, or trot or leap or canter or rear or spin or spring or prance or some combination thereof); then one by one they were called forward to stand up in front of the 5 judges.


I couldn't quite figure out the method some used to get their colts to stand certain ways. This is JUST MY OPINION, but I never have and never will like the grease smeared around their eyes and noses. It does not enhance their looks. Someone once told me it makes the eyes look bigger, but it really only makes them look like grease was smeared around their eyes and noses.

It must be like trimming manes of racehorses. Somebody decided once upon a time that short manes looked good (although maybe it's really because the jockeys didn't like long mane whipping them in the face), so that's what's always done. I think long manes look better, and I know my retired racehorse Stormy likes his long hippie mane.

With 19 colts in the ring, it took about 90 minutes to complete the class. By the time they were done, the babies were pretty tired. I felt their fatigue. The eyes of some were sleepily fluttering - then they'd spring to life and leap up, then they'd stand with a hind leg cocked - until once more when they had to do their high-headed stretched out pose as the judges walked around and studied them once more.


To me, it's kind of like jazz. I just don't understand it, but it's interesting. I look at each colt - one of these is going to be worth at least $40,000 in a few days for looking the prettiest - and think - how many miles could he carry me?

I'm sure most of the exhibitors might think endurance riding is interesting but they can't understand why I'd like to sit in a saddle (and sometimes suffer) for 50 or 100 miles. They'd probably look at a group of us and think, Who here could stay on my horse?

The top ten were called (each received a blue ribbon, and would receive $6718) and the others dismissed - it was rather anticlimactic. I thought they'd get to come in and trot around for us and show off again, but maybe that will be in the finals.

One or two of these colts is going to have quite the interesting adulated life ahead of him.

Slide show here:

15 comments:

  1. The naughty ones can be cute, but I'd much prefer seeing a well-handled and well-trained baby who's already learned some manners. Some of that naughty stuff can get pretty dangerous.

    Supposedly, the best conformation will make the best, and most athletic horse. Trouble is, even ideal conformation isn't perfect if the brain and will to work doesn't go along with it. There really isn't a way to judge temperament just by looking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with you on the grease thing. I just don't get it. We were at the show on Saturday and again today. My favorite classes are the Native Costume classes. Love watching them fly by at a hand gallop!

    ReplyDelete
  3. re: grease - ahaha, I totally agree. Grease just looks like grease. A neatly trimmed or pulled mane just looks short. But neither of these things happens in my breed/sport, so I just shrug - there's a lot worse fates for some horses than having their manes yanked out or their muzzled shaved. It is kind of like jazz; what a good metaphor.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the Arabians! The best Arabian horses are pretty AND athletic.

    Yes , the naughtiest usually get the highest marks in shows. Crazy, isn't it?

    They judge on the following seven (7) attributes:
     Type (Purebred Arabians only)
     Quality, Balance, Substance at the walk
     Legs & Feet
     Head
     Neck & Shoulder
     Back, Loin & Hip
     Movement

    For more info on scoring check here: http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/j-s/docs/NewArabianHalterSystemRingProcedures.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Arabians, but not some of the stuff in shows. I have seen badly trimmed feet fitted fitted with pads and heavy shoes for some of the ridden classes! I'm English and don't get English Park! naughty babies that don't make the grade are surplus to requirements, so many Arabians in rescues and dire situations. Shaved eyes,muzzles and grease yuk! but riding one of these beautiful creatures along a beach, mountain trail anywhere, wonderful! best friend for life always!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your slideshow. You got some awesome photos!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Mer! I am here in sunny AZ also - it beats KY weather right now! I will be at the show Saturday. This will be my 5th year. I love watching them. I like seeing the different disciplines - which are totally different than my backyard trailriding!! Robin from KY

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have a true gift to capture moments in time that come and then leave us - most of us not even noticing they have happened.

    ReplyDelete
  9. WOW, Merri, what WONDERFUL photos!!! I just love them! A very different view that what we usually see in the Arabian show magazines! Love your story! Next time take me with you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Merri-I couldnt agree more about your grease comment-they dont grease in Europe and the babies are not as tubular..

    ReplyDelete
  11. I giggled a little reading about the grease...I agree it is a strange look! I feel the same way going to arab shows. i feel like all they need to complete the look they're going for is to slap a unicorn horn on them and pour some glitter on top lol

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your photos are a real treat Merri.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice photos Merri! Very pretty. I don't miss horse shows, especially the abuse, especially owning post-show career horses that have wierd phobias due to abuse. I wish Americans showed off the horses like they do in Europe....more natural.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My endurance arab was shown in halter as a weanling. Looking at these pictures, it isn't hard to see why he has a problem with pulling back.

    ReplyDelete