After getting home from a busy time at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, I can finally sit down and think about the event.
Unlike in previous years, the weather this time around was wonderful. It was sunny and warm during the day and cool in the evenings after the sun went down.
During the ten-day event, more than 2000 horses competed for over $3 million in prize money.
The History of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
The history of how this show grew to be such an important event for both the Arabian Horse industry and Scottsdale, Arizona, is an interesting one.
Held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, the first Scottsdale Horse Show was born in 1955 and became an annual event due to its success. For ten years, from 1958-1968, it was held at the McCormick Ranch. The property was owned from 1942 to 1970 by Anne Stillman McCormick and Fowler McCormick, the infamous American business magnate John D. Rockefeller's grandson.
As they filled the ranch with cattle between 1942 and 1949, Anne bought an Arabian Stallion and two purebred mares. Her love for these horses eventually led to hosting the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
In 1989, the show moved to the equestrian center, WestWorld of Scottsdale.
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is known as the "Super Bowl of the Arabian World and is the first stop of the "Arabian Triple Crown ." It has large community involvement. Locals and audiences worldwide pay admission to be a part of the horse show.
In fact, in 2019, the show generated a $98 million impact on the local economy between shopping and educational activities.
COVID-19 Restricts, But The Show Goes On
Due to the USEF COVID-19 restrictions, spectators were not permitted at this year's show. However, the show did not disappoint the community as it raised money to benefit several charities, including Healing Hearts, March of Dimes, and Youth for Troops.
Everyone I saw was hard at work walking, bathing, and schooling horses. Even though the hours can be grueling and long, they all seemed grateful the show could go on this year amidst the pandemic that had challenged all of us.
Equine Bodywork is Rewarding
I was grateful to have many horses to massage. They ranged from yearlings to a twelve-year-old. The horses appreciated someone spending time with them as they settled into all that is expected of them.
Horses appreciate a kind, soft touch that helps work out tension and soreness after a long trailer ride, or the change of footing from what they are used to at home, or the extra rides to get ready and the pressure to succeed.
My job is to give them that attention. I stretch out the tension, bring circulation to areas that need it, and relay what I find to the horse's managing team. When I can share what the horse needs, they are better able to help the horse succeed.
Malik El Jamaal Dominates Scottsdale
My favorite success story of the show is Malik El Jamaal. Owned by Scott Gonyaw and ridden by Brooke Fuchs, this was only his second show under saddle. He traveled over 2000 miles to compete.
I massaged him several times throughout the show. Malik El Jamaal was the highest-scoring Purebred Arabian sport horse in hand in the Scottsdale Horse Show's history.
Malik El Jamaal was the champion Hunter Type Sport Horses under saddle and won Dressage Type Sport Horse under saddle class.
It was wonderful to see the horse gain confidence and feel good doing it. It was also very nice to see Scott smile as he enjoyed his horse.
What's Next
This month I will be working in the Ocala and Central Florida areas. I am available for appointments, so make sure to call and make yours today!
Comments