The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA) is a non-profit organization that is comprised of Arabian horse owners, breeders and enthusiasts from around the world. The AHAA is focused on the education and welfare of Arabian horses, the promotion of competition and ownership, as well as the preservation of the Arabian horse and its rich history.

The AHAA’s most notable show, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, was first held in 1955 on the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Shortly after, Ann McCormick offered the beautiful setting of the McCormick Ranch for the show, and then 150 acres of Paradise Park was purchased and turned into a wonderful venue, which served the needs of the show for many years. Over the past 65 years, it’s grown from 50 horses to over 2,400 horses and attracts owners, trainers and breeders from around the world.

The 11-day event is now held at WestWorld of Scottsdale and attracts more than 300,000 spectators including Arabian horse breeders Steve Young, Patrick Swayze, Al Jardine, Tanya Tucker, Wayne Newton and Charlie Watts, to name a few.

Most importantly, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a non-profit 501c3 that donates over $100,000 to several local charities. This year’s charities include Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge, Horses Help TRC, March of Dimes, Scottsdale Community College and Youth for Troops.

Healing Hearts, a leading force in equine welfare, advocacy and rescue, has focused its efforts on abuse, neglect and abandonment cases throughout the Valley since 2005. Funds from the 2020 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will be used to provide Healing Hearts with the resources needed to assist horses around-the-clock, with highly specialized medical care and rehabilitation. Without continued support from the AHAA and the Scottsdale Show, the future of Arizona’s horses in need would be severely limited.

Additionally, March of Dimes Arizona has used funds from the show to help many families through its Safe Sleep campaign, adding two new tests to the Newborn Screening Panel, granting money to University of Arizona for research and providing education to about 500 families a year through its NICU Family Support program. Most recently, March of Dimes Arizona led the way for the passage of SB1040, which establishes an ADHS Advisory Committee on Maternal Fatalities and Morbidity.

While the direction of the AHAA continues to be the promotion of the beautiful Arabian Horse through various educational clinics and seminars, it hopes families will take time to experience the 65th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Visitors are welcome to check out the barn areas where they can meet the owners and have the opportunity for littles ones to pet the horses. Those interested in getting up-close to these horses are also encouraged to attend the “Behind the Scenes” tour or the “Meet an Arabian Horse” exhibition.

Along with the engaging performances, event attendees will have the opportunity to see exhibits featuring fine art, crafts, clothing and jewelry in the Shopping Expo adjacent to the main arena. Artisans and entrepreneurs come to show their unique goods and offer a wide variety of products and services. More than 55 food concessionaires will be open daily for a comfortable indoor food court to an amazing food truck row will feature a selection of food that ranges from festival to elegant options to satisfy the pickiest palate.

The 11-day event begins Thursday, February 13 and runs through Sunday, February 23. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day at WestWorld, located at 16601 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale. Military Appreciation Day is Tuesday, February 18 where military personal and families can attend for free. Tickets are available each day at the gate or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.

For more information on the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona or the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, visit http://www.scottsdaleshow.com.

By Taryl O’Shea
Photo Courtesy of Arabian Horse Association of Arizona