At the biggest Youth Nationals ever, 3,312 entries and 1,169 horses representing 44 states and provinces participated in 128 classes. The largest class was Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR with 98 entries, but there was growth across the board with jumps in a variety of divisions. Youth activities galore kept those outside the arena busy with socials, games and contests every day of the show. The official charity was the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, which received donations during the Cajun Shrimp and Crawfish Boil hosted by Brent and Annette Stevens, owners of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, Opelousas, La. The dinner, which also featured a Zydeco band from Lafayette, La., brought in more than $1,600 in donations from exhibitors and their families. Check out the results and daily updates. Click here.

This year marks the 49th Annual Canadian Nationals and the 19th held in Regina, Sask. Back by popular demand will be the working cow classes for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. This is the only AHA national championship show with something for everyone, offering youth, adult amateur and open classes. If you like Canadian hospitality, this is the show for you. Check out the show schedule. Click here.

Buy your tickets now. Don't miss being a part of our community's history as we say goodbye to Louisville as our U.S. National show host. An array of special Commemorative Activities surrounding the rich heritage in Louisville will make this U.S. Nationals one never to forget, including:

• The Past Champions Live Collection & Formal Tribute (Look for horses to be unveiled in a special AHA E-News Flash)
• Arabian Nights Dinner Theater Road Show (featuring Walter Farley's Black Stallion), Friday, October 20 at 7 p.m. in Freedom Hall
• U.S. Nationals Barn Party Series
• U.S. Nationals Shopping Expo

Tickets are going fast! The final year in Louisville is anticipated to sell out Freedom Hall- especially the last weekend of the show. (Box & Reserve Seating is almost closed.)

Note: General Admission tickets are good all day except Friday, October 20th, which requires an additional ticket for the evening session that includes Arabian Nights Dinner Theater Road Show and evening U.S. Nationals classes. Click here. for information on tickets, activities, schedule and more.

AHA is about to launch a brand new advertising initiative that pushes people to contact a Discovery Farm as the first step in getting involved with Arabian horses. If you're not a Discovery Farm but would like to become one, click here. If you're a Discovery Farm and need to update your information, be sure to do it soon. You don't want to miss those calls! You never know when you will turn a browser into a buyer!

Entries for the Distance Horse of the Year Award, sponsored by the Arabian Horse Owners Foundation, will be accepted through September 1, 2006. The purpose of this award is to recognize the significant accomplishment of an Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian horse in the distance sports. The owner of the nominated horse must be an AHA member and the horse must be registered. A panel comprising members of the Competitive Trail, Endurance and Awards Committees will select the winner at the AHA Convention. Download your entry form from the AHA website. Click here.

AHA is sponsoring the Arabian Breed Award at the Dressage at Devon Show, Devon, Pa., Sept. 26-Oct. 1, 2006, in conjunction with Region 15. The class is open to registered Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses of all ages and scored 60 percent movement, 30 percent conformation and 10 percent general impression. Horses will be judged in-hand at the walk and trot on the triangle. The award is a black cooler with gold embroidery manufactured by AHA Corporate Partner Paint Rock Designs and will be presented to the top scoring horse. For more information on the Arabian class at Dressage at Devon, contact Joy Evans at 610-255-5464 or e-mail woodlynfarm@aol.com

August 9 is the deadline for Sport Horse Nationals entries. This year's show in a brand new location at the Idaho Horse Park, Nampa, Idaho, promises to be exciting with lovely performances by the Arabian industry's most talented sport horses. Don't miss this exciting and unique national event. Show dates are September 20-24, 2006. Enter online. Click here.

The AHA National Endurance Rides (50 and 100 miles), held September 23, 2006, in Brothers, Oregon, and the AHA National Competitive Trail Ride held October 21-22, 2006, in Marquette, Kansas, are sure to be exciting and fun. You can send entries into AHA or turn them in at the ride. Visit the National Events section of ArabianHorses.org to find out more about the rides. Click here.

Anyone wishing to be on an AHA Committee in 2007 and have his or her name printed in the 2007 AHA Handbook needs to sign up by October 1, 2006. Committee sign up is available online in the Members Only area of the AHA website. From the Members Only section, click on "Members Info" and follow the instructions. While you're in there, make sure to update your contact info too!

When you advertise in the October issue of Arabian Horse Magazine that same ad can also appear in the 40th Annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Official Program at 50% OFF THE PROGRAM PRICE. This outstanding opportunity not only allows you to reach the entire Arabian community through Arabian Horse Magazine, but also more than 24,000 exhibitors, participants and fans who will gather in Louisville - ONE LAST TIME - from October 12-21. Take advantage of this powerful opportunity to let the world know you're coming to Louisville to be part of the 40th Annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. Look for this issue in your mailbox well before U.S. Nationals. Schedule your photographer and call Arabian Horse Magazine today to reserve your space. Deadline is August 25, 2006. Contact Christy Christiansen at (402) 625-2005 or Jim Sullivan at (303) 696-4584 or E-mail the Arabian Horse Magazine at advertising@arabianhorses.org

Check out the following features in the latest issue of AHM which focuses on the various events and rides associated with distance and trail riding on your Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian.

Distanzreiten
Twelve world-class endurance riders, 10 Arabians and two Half-Arabians made the short list for the United States Endurance Team. Six of these contenders will be selected to represent the U.S. from Aug. 20 to Sept. 3 at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The Strides That Bind
This feature delves into the Ride and Tie experience during the 36th Annual World Ride & Tie Championship, from a first-hand perspective. Discover the fun, comradeship and excitement of this strategic competition.

AHA Distance Riding Programs
Learn about everything AHA has to offer the distance and trail riding enthusiast and see how you can make every ride count.

Polish Your Sport Horse Showing Skills
Dr. Gail Hoff Carmona, 2005 Sport Horse division judge, provides her perspective on judging sport horse classes based on questions submitted by members of the AHA Sport Horse Committee. With Sport Horse Nationals just around the corner, this Q & A is a great reference on what a judge looks for in the sport horse division.

If you do not currently receive Arabian Horse Magazine, click here to become a member and start receiving your copy today.

Do you know a deserving youth in your area? One who might be a perfect candidate to earn the prestigious Youth of the Year title from AHA?

Encourage any outstanding youth from your club or region to apply for the honor of becoming the 2006 Youth of the Year! The winning youth will be honored at the AHYA and AHA Conventions as well as during Youth Nationals.

Download a nomination form today. Be sure to have your regional director or director at large sign the application before submitting it to AHA. Forms must be postmarked by September 1. Don't miss out on a great opportunity.