U.S. Nationals Arabian Horse Show Returns To Tulsa Fairgrounds

The unofficial end to the state fair is the Arabian Horse Show, which is still happening this year.

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"To see those horses perform is incredible," said Perry Payson, Arabian Horse owner. 

The 30-minute drive from his Bixby home to Tulsa's Expo Square is a short one to see the Arabian Horse Association's U.S. National Championship Horse Show year after year.

"It's a spectacular event," Payson said. "Just the way the trainers come in, and they have their barn stalls with the curtains; everything's embroidered beautifully."

Payson's horse, Martini Time, is currently breeding in Arizona where he boards her year-round. Even though his horse won't be competing this year, some of his friends will be.

Through an iPad in Payson's kitchen, we're transported to Stella Bella Arabians, a ranch located just outside of Dallas, Texas.

Doctor Benjamin and Michelle Bassichis run the place, with the help of halter trainer Austin Colangelo.

"This horse, right here, is Hercules SBA. He was shown last year at the U.S. Nationals in Tulsa," Colangelo said.

Hercules and Orianna, another Arabian, will travel to Tulsa in October to compete in the halter class. They'll be judged on their build, which includes things like their muscling, movement, and balance. Colangelo trains them up to 30 minutes a day with one to two rest days, to make sure they're in top condition.

"I think she'll (Orianna) be very competitive," said Colangelo.

The horses, and their trainers, need to be at the top of their game if they want to win at the National Championship in Tulsa.

"It's definitely the place to be if you're showing Arabians," said Amanda Blair, Expo Square COO.

Blair told News On 6 more than 1,000 horses will compete at this year's show, which typically brings in more than $21 million of economic impact to Tulsa every year.

Masks will be required for trainers, riders, and visitors because of the pandemic. Staff will decide on seating a couple weeks out from the event.

"In the moment, we'll adjust accordingly and follow the CDC and Tulsa Health Department guidelines," Blair said.

There are elaborate and homey barn stalls, where people can come to unwind between competitions. They're divided by a barrier and are 10-feet apart, allowing people to maintain their physical distance.

"It If you've never been to anything like that, you'll be in awe," said Payson.

Competitors still have a few weeks to train. The show is set to start on October 23rd and end on the 31st.

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