Arabian horses such as Taurere Sunzada, seen here winning a costume class, will be out in force at the Arabian Spectacular. Photo supplied.

The hoopla of the Rugby World Cup is almost over but locals have another sporting highlight to look forward to – one in which they can be active participants.

It’s the Arabian Spectacular, coming to Pukekohe’s A&P Showgrounds on December 3-4. The Arabian-themed weekend features those most beautiful of horses along with music and belly dancers, spot prizes and surprises for kids. Led and ridden classes, including the crowd-pleasing costume class, will provide a wonderful showcase for horses with Arabian blood.

It is many years since Pukekohe hosted an all-Arabian horse show, and organisers are excited to have such a central and easily accessible location.

Making showing attractive to both competitors and spectators is the motivating force behind the 2011 Spectacular. A general perception of an overly competitive atmosphere at horse shows with an increasing use of professional handlers has discouraged all but the most ambitious from exhibiting their horses.

This has resulted in diminished support for classes however, organisers of this year’s Arabian Spectacular want to change all that.

Like many Arabian enthusiasts who have been around for a while, organising committee member and veteran ‘showie’ Sheridene Swift has fond memories of the Northern All Arabian Shows of the 1980s.

Held first at Pukekohe, and later at Karaka, they attracted huge entries and good crowds.

Newspapers of the time reported broodmare classes of more than 20 entries and ridden classes so large they had to be split in half for judging. “Those were the days when everyone with an Arabian used to haul their horses out of the paddock and off to the show just to have a good time,” Sheridene recalls.

“Certainly there was a competitive spirit, but everybody talked to each other and enjoyed themselves and their horses. We want to recreate that atmosphere and give the show scene a much needed shot in the arm.”

Classes at the Spectacular accommodate both purebred and part bred Arabians – and there are plenty around, in endurance riding, eventing and pony club or competing in open classes at A&P shows.

Sheridene also wants to dispel the notion that competitors have to be members of the Arab Horse Breeders’ Society.

“Not at all,” she says. “The only requirement is that horses are registered with the society, as purebreds or derivatives. Many people have bought horses with registration papers they never thought they’d use – now’s the time to dig them out for our show.”

The Arabian Spectacular has existed in various guises and venues for two decades, and organisers have been working hard to make this year’s 20th anniversary event one to remember. Support from major New Zealand and Australian studs is helping the Spectacular live up to its name.