1,800 Horses, $1M in Prizes: Arabian Nationals Mark 60th Year in Tulsa

More than 1,800 Arabian and Half-Arabian horses will compete at Tulsa Expo Square through October 31. The show marks 60 years of crowning national champions in the breed. The U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show runs October 22-31, 2026.

It has used Tulsa Expo Square as its permanent home since 2008. The 2026 event brings top horses, trainers, breeders and owners together for ten days.

The show expects 3,500 exhibitors and 250 trainers. It expects 6,000 spectators from nearly every U.S. state. Spectators also come from Canada and around the world.

Disciplines range from working western ranch classes to Bedouin costume presentations. English style riding classes and iconic costume classes round out the program. The show is the only place in the country where an Arabian horse can be crowned U.S. National Champion.

Dave Daugherty is chairman of the U.S. National Show Commission. He said the milestone reflects the passion of the Arabian horse community. Organizers are modernizing the experience for exhibitors, spectators and future generations.

“This milestone represents much more than the longevity of a horse show,” said Dave Daugherty, Chairman of the U.S. National Show Commission. “For 60 years, U.S. Nationals has reflected the passion, dedication, and heart of our community.”

The show debuted in Estes Park, Colorado. It rotated through Springfield, Illinois and Dallas, Texas. It also visited Louisville, Kentucky and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 2026 show marks a landmark 60th year. The 2026 show coincides with the Year of the Horse. The show has long attracted champions inside and outside the arena.

Grand Finals Close the Ten Days

Grand Finals run on the final Friday and Saturday nights. The rounds cover Working Western, Western, English, Country, Hunter and Halter divisions. More than $1 million in cash and prizes will be awarded.

Arabian Western Pleasure Association finals run on the final Friday. They award over $300,000 to the top 4-year-old Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. Additional major awards go to horses in high stakes Arabian programs.

Opening night included a cocktail party on October 22 in the Mustang Arena. The night featured a “Slide for Cash” event. Daily barn tours give families behind-the-scenes access to horses and competitors.

Organizers describe an electric arena atmosphere with cheering, whistling and music. The show suits lifelong enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike. Spectators get face-to-face access to magnificent horses.

Celebrity owners have included Patrick Swayze and Shania Twain. Diane Sawyer, Wayne Newton and Lady Gaga also appear on that list.

Exhibitors range in age from 16 to well into their 80s. Second, third and fourth generation families compete side by side.

U.S. Nationals generates an estimated $28 million in economic impact each year. The impact covers Tulsa and the surrounding county. The Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and Tulsa County partner with the Arabian Horse Association on the event.

Arabian horses are known for intelligence, athleticism and enduring beauty. U.S. Nationals is the pinnacle of achievement in the Arabian horse community. The Association enhances digital engagement and expands outreach to new audiences.

It supports youth participation and preserves the heritage of the breed. The Arabian horse is for everyone, across ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The show shares the beauty of the horses and the care their owners give them.

The Arabian Horse Association is a nonprofit breed association. It promotes and preserves the Arabian horse breed. It supports owners, breeders and competitors across the United States and Canada.

The show runs through October 31. Admission is free.