The Arabian Horse Show of Arizona has announced the return of the 68^th annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The world’s largest Arabian horse show will run from Thursday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 26, featuring the world’s best Arabians, exciting competitions, a shopping expo and more, a press release stated.

“Scottsdale is the mecca for Arabian horses and each year we’re thrilled to have unique, beautiful horses from around the world come here for this event,” said Taryl O’Shea, executive director of the AHAA, in the release.

“The Arabian horse community helped shape what Scottsdale is today and has had tremendous impact both economically, culturally, and socially over the past six-plus decades. We’re grateful for the opportunity to welcome back the horse community, newcomers, and enthusiasts this February.”

The 2023 show will feature more than 2,000 horses competing for more than $3 million in prize money. 

The press release stated that eventgoers can look forward to a huge variety of classes where Arabians will show their versatility, beauty and grace.

One is the new ranch horse classes testing the Arabians’ ability to perform ranch tasks, proving this horse as good for pleasure riding, working and agility, the release explained.

The immersive experience will return this year, giving attendees a hands-on experience to learn, touch and ride, hosted by HoofbeatZ USA, a Phoenix-based organization.

The interactive experience, included in the event ticket, introduces newcomers to the world of horses and all the benefits they offer, the release detailed.

Along with the performances, event attendees will have the opportunity to see exhibits featuring art, crafts, clothing and jewelry in the Shopping Expo adjacent to the main arena.

More than 300 artisans and entrepreneurs are expected to sell goods and offer a wide variety of products and services.

The AHAA will also be celebrating the second annual National Arabian Horse Day on Feb. 19 with special events and activities at the show.

The 11-day show will start at 8 a.m. each day at WestWorld located at 16601 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale.

General admission tickets cost $15, tickets for seniors are $10, and children aged 12 and under are free. Military Appreciation Day is Tuesday, Feb. 21, when military personnel and their families can attend for free.

A family night will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 giving families free admission beginning at 6:30 p.m. A special general admission ticket good for all 11 days can be purchased for $75.

Tickets are available each day at the gate or through Elevate via the website www.scottsdaleshow.com/tickets 

The 2023 Scottsdale Show benefits several charities including Arabian Horse Promotional Fund, Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, Friends of Vail Foundation and  Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge Horses Help TRC among many others.