The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

by Heather

One of the events I most look forward to in February is the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. People from all over the world fly themselves and their horses in to compete in various categories during the ten days of the show. Competitors range from little tots to adults in my age range (really, really old) and it's a riot to see them in their show gear -- everything from western wear bling to tailored English habits to exotic foreign Arabian costumes. The shopping, of course, is world-class with vendors displaying furs, leathers, jewels and home furnishings.

These pets provided lots of fun growing up and the bucolic pastures were a wonderful place to ride.

We grew up with horses; the neighbor across the street had a pony that was shared amongst us and then my family bought three horses that were stabled nearby. Even though I was never the avid horsewoman my sister became, I always enjoyed being around them. We never had formal riding lessons but my sister and mother were good enough to belong to a parade unit. Tom and I (dating in our teen years) went along for the ride and cheered as they rode by in the numerous small town parades that make up a Minnesota summer. We feel right at home when we visit WestWorld to view the equestrian events at the Arabian Horse Show.

Indoor event -- judging time

Getting ready to compete...

Exiting from the show...

Each major horse farm has a stable in which the horses and their owners stay for the duration of the show. This one had a beautifully carved bar with horses' rear ends as bar stools (there's probably a joke in there somewhere).

Tom and I posing in front of one of the many stables. Note the near-perfect-for-a-horse-show Anthropologie top that I''m wearing: navy and white stripes with bright coral horses.

Accessories: gold, coral bangles from Nordstrom's; watch, purse, ring from Michael Kors; navy and gold wrap bracelet from Rue La La 

No major event at WestWorld would be complete without a little shopping!

Model Metalworks is owned by this gentleman, Eric Young and his wife, Erika, who operate it out of Mexico. The products are wonderful and so is the story behind them. Check it out at:

http://www.modelmetalworks.com/index.htm

 

We loved his line so much that we bought this beautiful bowl and filled it with lemons and grapefruits from a friend's trees.

That's my sister-in-law, Marianne, working for a vendor who sells fine Italian leathers.

My favorite jacket is the middle black and tan one below. 

Okay, enough of this equine stuff. Get your steel horse ready to ride. The next big event at WestWorld (at least for us) is AZ Bike Week. Two of my favorite bands will be playing, Steppenwolf and the Doobie Brothers, along with many others. Join us April 5-14 in Scottsdale, AZ, for some of the best motorcycle riding and partying in the country!

Love,
Heather