From the worlds most beautiful Arabians competing for more than $500,000 in prize money, to the most famous horse race in the world, the Kentucky Derby, The USA offers a number of different events and festivals focussing on horses.
Whether it be rounding up ponies in Virginia, or having a flutter at South Carolina’s Carolina Cup, there is something here in the list of top horse events to suit every taste.
ARIZONA
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
February
Scottsdale, Arizona
Since 1955 this annual show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world and has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2000 of the world's most beautiful Arabians and Half-Arabians bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world to compete for a chance at winning more than $500,000 in prize money.
The show is also a shopper’s paradise with an assortment of 300 vendors and trade booths, tempting international cuisine courts, exciting demonstrations and unique educational seminars.
For more information visit: www.scottsdaleshow.com
ARKANSAS
Thoroughbred Racing at Oaklawn Park
January to April
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs showcases some of Mid-America’s finest thoroughbred racing at a first-rate track with a variety of dining options.
Surviving over 100 years, Oaklawn begins its season with exciting stakes races, including the Racing Festival of the South. Thanks to the successes of runners like Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex and Steppenwolfer over the past four years, a solid group of three-year-olds are anticipated for the Oaklawn series that includes the Southwest Stakes, Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby.
For more information visit: www.oaklawn.com
KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Derby and Derby Festival
May
Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby Festival is Kentucky's largest annual event and one of the nation’s finest celebrations. Each year, more than 1.5 million people enjoy the 70 special events of this annual civic celebration including concerts, races and just plain fun.
Beginning with Derby Festival Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville, and continuing through the two weeks before the Kentucky Derby, the Derby Festival brings Metro Louisville to life. All of the Festival’s 70 events are held within the Metro Louisville area, most of them downtown.
For more information visit: www.kdf.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
Carolina Cup
March
Camden, South Carolina
The Carolina Cup race-meeting is a time honored South Carolina tradition that has achieved premier social event status. The annual 'rites of spring' draws over 65,000 fans from throughout the southeast, to enjoy the thrilling sport of steeplechase horse racing amid a flurry of spring fashions and elaborate tailgate parties. From the Corporate Terrace to College Park, old friends meet and new friends are made during the afternoon of seven races.
For more information visit: http://carolina-cup.org
VIRGINIA
Pony Swim and Auction
July
Assateague Island and Chincoteague Island, Virginia
The annual round up of wild ponies from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for years.
Volunteer firemen round up the ponies on Assateague Island and on the last Wednesday in July swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island where they rest before being herded down Main Street to the carnival grounds.
On the last Thursday of July, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, there is an auction held at the Carnival grounds to sell the foals born this year.
For more information visit: www.chincoteaguechamber.com
