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Ten Days Of Competition- Arabian Horse Association Celebrates Canada’s National Arabian Championship


Arabian Horse Association Celebrates Canada’s National Arabian Championship
Competition Celebrates the Strength, Heritage, andFuture of the Arabian Horse in Canada

Greenwood Village, CO, June, 2026  The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to formally recognize and support the 2026 Canada’s National Arabian Championship , taking place August 6–15, 2026, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba.Now in its fifth year under the management of The National Arabian Breed Society,  a Canadian not-for-profit entity, the championship is the only Arabian horse competition in Canada where all disciplines compete under one roof. For ten days, Arabian and Half-Arabian horses, exhibitors, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts from across Canada and the United States will gather to celebrate the beauty, athleticism, and extraordinary ability of the Arabian horse.

A Milestone Anniversary


This year marks the fifth anniversary of the show’s current era, launched in 2022 in Red Deer, Alberta, and the second year in which the event carries official AHA recognition for national achievement points. The championship’s roots run even deeper: the original show was established in 1958, making it an enduring part of the culture and fabric of Canadian Arabian horse sport.For 2026, organizers have added several new classes and are expecting 350 to 400 horses, more than 300 exhibitors, and upwards of 75 trainers, with an estimated 500 spectators daily. Participants will travel from communities across both Canada and the United States.


A champion Arabian horse is celebrated with ribbons and a floral garland alongside owners, trainers, and RCMP honor guard at Canada’s National Arabian Championship — the largest Arabian horse competition in Canada.

What Makes This Event Unique

Canada’s National Arabian Championship is the only national Arabian competition in Canada where all disciplines compete together at the same show — from the Sport Horse division to an array of Working Western, and don’t forget the extraordinary Main Ring competitions. The week unfolds in a carefully designed sequence: Dressage and Sport Horse classes open the event early in the week. Working Western takes center stage mid-show, and the championship concludes with several days of the top athletes competing in various ridden and in-hand competitions.

Free to the public, offering spectators an opportunity to witness the full range of what the best Arabian horses in the world can do. “Canada’s National Arabian Championship is a testament to everything that makes the Arabian horse community extraordinary — the dedication of breeders and exhibitors, the talent of the horses, and the deep sense of tradition that connects generations of enthusiasts. As AHA continues to strengthen its partnership with The National Arabian Breed Society, events like this one are vital to the future of our breed in North America.

We are proud to recognize this championship and look forward to celebrating another remarkable week of competition in Brandon,” said Taryl O’Shea, CEO, Arabian Horse Association.That spirit of partnership and shared purpose is equally felt by those closest to the show’s day-to-day heart. For the organizing team at The National Arabian Breed Society, the championship is as much about community as it is about competition — a sentiment that shines through in every aspect of the event’s planning and execution.”Canada’s Nationals is more than a competition — it is a celebration of the people, horses, and traditions that make our community so special. This show is largely run by a dedicated group of volunteers, and when you walk through the gates, it truly feels like arriving home. We are excited to welcome exhibitors and families from across the country and beyond for what promises to be an unforgettable week,” said Dana Romijn, Chair, 2026 Canada’s National Arabian Championship.

RCMP officers present the flags of the United States and Canada during the opening ceremony of Canada’s National Arabian Championship at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba — a tradition that honors the event’s proud cross-border community of exhibitors, breeders, and enthusiasts.

Community, Charity & Celebration

The event has previously partnered with The Ames Foundation, auctioning off program cover artwork to benefit charitable causes, a tradition that reflects the community spirit at the heart of the show. Exhibitors and guests can look forward to two social events: an Exhibitor Party with live music and a full catered dinner on Thursday, August 13th, and a Championship Wrap-Up Celebration at the conclusion of the show on August 15th.

Economic Impact

Canada’s National Arabian Championship is the largest event held at the Keystone Centre all year, bringing significant tourism revenue to Manitoba and the Brandon region. Organizers estimate the event generates millions of dollars in direct economic impact through travel, accommodation, dining, and local spending by competitors and their families. 

Join the Celebration

Head to the show to see some of the best competitors compete in a variety of championship classes and stay for some of the fun events. On Thursday, August 13, celebrate all things Canadian by joining the Canada Party after the evening classes! Everyone is invited to join us in the Triple Crown Lounge for a fun-filled evening of music, celebration, and community. This year’s festivities will feature special guest Julianna Moore, fresh from Canada’s Got Talent, providing live entertainment throughout the evening.Experience the excitement, cheer on the competitors, and celebrate the crowning achievements of the 2026 Canada’s National Arabian Championship as championship riders prepare to compete for the show’s final exciting evening of classes and awards. Then, help us close out an unforgettable week on Saturday night in the Triple Crown Lounge.

The Breed Behind the Competition

This is your opportunity to experience Arabian horses up close and discover what makes the breed so unique. Known for their beauty, intelligence, and versatility, Arabian horses are one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world, shaping many modern equine disciplines today. Whether you are a lifelong horse enthusiast or seeing horses in action for the first time, Canadian Nationals offers a welcoming chance to learn, watch, and connect with the energy and presence of the Arabian horse in a live setting.

About Canada’s National Arabian Championship

Canada’s National Arabian Championship is a national-level horse show dedicated to showcasing the best of the Arabian horse in a Canadian setting while delivering an exceptional experience for competitors.As a Silver-level Equine Canada-sanctioned show and recognized by the AHA, this shows run by the people of Canada for the people of North America. This championship holds a unique and respected place on the national stage.And with a full roster of classes across every discipline, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to showcase your horse. Come, show your Arabian horse, and experience our famous hospitality!
For more information, visit www.arabiannationals.com

Wild Horses And Burros Spared From Slaughter

WASHINGTON, DC- In Defense of Animals welcomes the decision made by appropriations leaders in Congress in the United States to reject budget language that would have led to the mass slaughter of North America’s imperiled wild horses and burros and the reintroduction of equine slaughterhouses in the US.

“For the love of  North America’s heritage, for the respect of wild horses and burros, we are thrilled that Congress has rejected this sick horse slaughter plans,” said Marilyn Kroplick M.D. President of In Defense of Animals. “In America, Congress has sent an important message that it will not have the blood of sentient beings on its hands. This is a victory for animal advocates and the majority of  North Americans who want solutions, not slaughter.”

In its 2018 spending request, the Trump Administration asked to authorize the killing and sale to slaughter of tens of thousands of captive wild horses and burros and the destruction of up to 50,000 free-roaming equines the BLM claims are “excess” on public lands. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and his pro-slaughter allies actively pushed the killing plan, aiming to reduce the number of wild horses to 27,000, the same number that triggered the passage of the 1971 Wild Horses and Burros Act to prevent their extinction.

The Administration also proposed funding inspections for equine slaughter in the US, a step that would bring back the days of horse meat markets and threaten the US food supply with unregulated contaminants.

Advocates and animal welfare groups pushed back hard. Thousands of In Defense of Animals supporters and other advocates jammed Congressional phone lines with calls and sent tens of thousands of emails to maintain federal protections for these heritage animals. In Defense of Animals and nearly 100 civic organizations presented a Unified Statement (read full PDF click here) outlining principles and recommendations for humane, cost-effective, on-range management of America’s wild horses and burros.

In response to constituent pressures and the united voices of advocates, the Senate chose to keep protections in place. The language released today for the Omnibus spending bill for 2018 contains no language authorizing horse slaughter or wild equine killing. The Omnibus budget is scheduled to be put to a vote soon.

But the fight is far from over. The Trump Administration’s FY 2019 budget request again calls for Congress to approve “unlimited sales” and mass killing of wild horses and burros in holding facilities and on the range.

“The battle is won, but the fight is far from over,” said Kroplick. “We will never back down or stop fighting for wild horses to remain on public lands.”   For the Silo, Charlotte Roe.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue Nurturing 180 Lost Souls

Letters to the SiloDear Silo,  Dave and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for a successful 6th annual horse fundraising open house event which was held on July 13, 2013. It was a great success again this year reaching our goal of $20,000.

The volunteers did a great job and worked very hard; without their dedication the rescue would not be possible.

A special thank you to all who attended, it was overwhelming to see the support for our cause.  Many commented on how much enjoyment they had spending the afternoon on the farm.  There was something for everyone including a garage sale, tack sale, BBQ, bake sale, pony rides, face painting and prize table.  The petting zoo was a hit with Cashew and Peanut, the mini donkeys being the favourite!

We would also like to thank our event sponsors for providing items and supplies; we are very grateful for your donations.

Lastly, we want to thank you- the media for the continued coverage of Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue’s ongoing operations; it is the public awareness that bring us all together to make a difference.

The proceeds from our event will help with the ongoing care and expenses of over 60 horses, building 4 new paddocks, vaccinating over 60 horses at a cost of $6000 and purchasing much needed hay for the winter. It is this annual event that allows us the opportunity to continue our mission to help horses in need.

Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue has been humbled by the generosity of so many people that have been touched by our rescue efforts. In the past six years, thanks to the overwhelming aid from the public, Dave and I have been able to build a quarantine area for new arrivals; a new barn addition with 5 stalls; fatten up hungry bodies; heal wounds; attend to feet and health issues; and most importantly nurture over 180 lost souls.

We could not do this without help.

This has been an amazing team effort between the Public, Volunteers and generous Community Partners.

Thank You – the Horses Thank You!

Brenda and Dave Thompson