Since 1967, Expo New Mexico has been home to the U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show 19 times. This October, competition will commence one last time before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008.

Marking this historic year in Albuquerque, U.S. Nationals brings with it the best of the breed for exciting competition, along with a farewell line-up of commemorative events and activities.

The Arabian Horse Association will honor five Arabian and/or Half-Arabian horses that made history in Albuquerque, and who also have made significant contributions to the Arabian horse breed. These Past Champions will be on hand at Expo New Mexico, giving the general public and exhibitors a chance to see them up close and personal. Daily Meet and Greets will be available at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 24th through Friday, October 26th at the Heritage Square Paddock. The Past Champions will also be honored one last time in Tingley Coliseum with a formal tribute presentation on Saturday, October 27th at 7:00 pm, to kick off the evening’s final night of competition.

Three buildings at Expo New Mexico will house rows of shopping opportunities for equine enthusiasts and beyond. Shop daily, starting at 10:00 am, in Lujan A, Lujan B, and Creative Arts, for the perfect holiday gift.

The Arabian horse lifestyle is also represented by elaborate daily Barn Parties. The general public, exhibitors and guests are invited to attend this special series of gatherings put on by some of the leading barns in the industry. Complimentary food and drink will be served, followed by an insider’s peek at these outstanding horses. Barn Parties will take place Wednesday, October 24th through Saturday, October 27th at 5:00 pm. Barns participating this year are: ChriShan Park Arabians, Al-Marah Arabians, Garlands, and Culbreth Equine Training & Management LLC.

More than 1,800 Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo Arabian horses will be traveling with owners, exhibitors, trainers and support from all over the United States and Canada to compete one last time in Albuquerque. Classes run daily October 18th – October 27th, from 8:00 am until approximately 10:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.  

AHA is a 46,000 member equine association that registers and maintains a database of more then one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses. It administers more than $4 million in annual prize money, produces national events, maintains official event records, recognizes more than 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit www.ArabianHorses.org.