Right now I'm in Tulsa for ten days at the US Arabian Nationals. Some things have turned out to be nice surprises - after all the anxiety that was generated over the new Tulsa facility, it has turned out to be very friendly, clean and modern. The only going concerns are those that were pointed out from the beginning - namely, some of the stabling is topped with wire mesh, which is always a hazard for horses, and the size of the Pavilion ring. I watched a HA Ladies' English Side Saddle class in there last night, and that ring was FULL. I can only imagine that navigating the ring would be tough enough when you have a leg on each side of a big-trotting horse, let alone going side saddle.
There are a number of Ontario people here at the show. It's great to finally meet some of the Canadian Arabian competitors from the eastern half of the country. Today I photographed Excalibur PA and Serajane Organ from Mitchell, ON. Excalibur is in training with Tommy Garland; he is a lovely Hunter Pleasure Futurity horse and we wish him all the best in his upcoming finals.
