Arabian Breeders World Cup – April 15 to 18, 2010

.

This twelve year old mare is special, not only was The Arabian Breeders World Cup her first show, but, even more amazing she was rescued from a home of neglect. Eight months ago she was only skin and bones, to see her before and after photos and to see her transformation is amazing.

I had a chance to visit with her Owner and listen as he explained how far she had come, in those eight months.  From being haltered to having her feet picked up, this mare had to learn to trust humans all over again.  As a statement to the Arabian Focus Princess showed what love, kindness, and a good home can achieve.

For one mare and one Owner, miracles do happen.  Focus Princess I look forward to seeing you again next year.  Thank you to your Owner and Handler for sharing your amazing story with me.

Following is a little more information on the Arabian Breeders World Cup… The Arabian Breeders World Cup was held in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel and Casino from April 15 to 18, 2010.  The Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance or “AHBA” was the sponsor of the fourth annual Arabian Breeders World Cup.  The AHBA is a non-profit organization, whose goal is to promote the Arabian horse.

The Arabian Breeders World Cup strives to introduce people to the beauty and majesty of the Arabian horse.  The Arabian Breeders World Cup brings the finest purebred Arabian breeding horses to Las Vegas from around the world. 

The Arabian Breeders World Cup is based on shows from Europe.  This show format allows the horses to be presented more naturally, further highlighting their inherit beauty and spirit. There were five International judges from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, South Africa, Morocco, and Brazil. Five International Judges score the horse on the following six areas; on a scoring system of ten to twenty points per area:  Arabian Type, Head and Neck, Shoulder, Body and Topline, Feet and Legs, and Movement.  The total possible number of points awarded to each horse was one hundred and twenty.  Horses were judged standing, walking, and trotting.

I would like to thank the Arabian Horse Breeders for bringing these beautiful horses to Las Vegas, and to the South Point for providing the venue.  I look forward to seeing everyone next year.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”

A Horseman and His Horse

Everyone in attendance was mesmerized by a Horseman and His Horse, in a display of true horsemanship and partnership.  Chris Cox was the Horseman and His Horse was Pepto.

Chris and Pepto provided a show of true equine communication, with a bridleless ride to the movie theme for the ‘The Man from Snowy River.’  The cues Chris used with Pepto were almost invisible, a slight shift in the saddle or a whispered word.  It was breathtaking to watch as together they did lead changes, sliding stops, and spins.  The performance ended with Pepto lying down, with Chris still in the saddle.  An amazing statement of trust, understanding, and friendship between a Horseman and His Horse.

Chris was born in Florida and raised in Australia on the northeast coast.  There his family raised cattle, and Chris worked on numerous cattle ranches.  On these ranches the horse was there to provide Chris with partnership, companionship, and a way to travel across the vast Australian ranches.

When Chris was eighteen he returned to the United States.  Since then Chris has worked on ranches in Florida, and trained wild mustangs for the Bureau of Land Management.  The training program Chris uses with horses focuses more on understanding your horse, and for the rider to look at themselves and what their limitations are. 

Chris currently lives in Texas, with his wife and son.  Chris and Pepto thank you for a beautiful display of partnership, and I look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”