Ocala Community Invited to Experience the Beauty of the Arabian Horse

Over 500 Horses, Over $200,000 in Prize Money and a Priceless Connection with the Horses

May 5-10, 2026 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

We are excited to welcome the community to visit, engage and experience the most beautiful horses from across the South East in Ocala for the Region 12 Championships. Arabian horses are known for their strong personalities, their ability to connect with human interaction and their charismatic beauty. They are a true family horse, used in therapeutic practices and a trainable animal that can compete in a variety of disciplines ranging from Endurance to English and Western pleasure, Reining and Jumping. In a world of notifications and filters, what better way to disconnect and witness true beauty. 

Florida is home to some of the best Nationally acclaimed breeders, riders and Arabian horses in the country and the Regional Championships in Ocala is one of the most competitive and popular events across North America each year. The World Equestrian Center is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of these magnificent animals and connect with local programs. Take in the surroundings, savor delicious bites, and become a part of the excitement as riders and their equine partners are presented with the infamous red and white rose garlands for their Championship presentations. 

“Horses calm me. I love being around them. They smell great, they are beautiful to look at,  they are loving, demanding, temperamental, and they settle you.” - Shania Twain, Arabian horse owner and country music star.

“Getting my girls involved with horses has been one of the best parenting decisions I have made. They have developed work ethic, life lessons and confidence along with amazing friendships. And seeing the connections developed between the girls and the horses is more than a classroom can give. We are beyond grateful to be a part of the Arabian horse community, as they have so much to offer, from guidance and assistance to lesson programs and scholarships. A life with horses has become a passion for my family.” - Danielle Stavropoulos, Florida resident, horse owner & exhibitor.

Visit www.aharegion12.org for a complete schedule and further information. Tuesday & Sunday Competition from 8:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday - Saturday competition begins at 8:00am with exciting evening performances outside in the Grand Hotel Arena.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact: Ashley Lauren Wilson | ashley@altogether.ca | 360.296.3998

The goal of the Region 12 Board is to build an event that honors the expectations and demand of our equestrian community while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and equine enthusiasts around the world to experience the Arabian horse. In the pursuit of excellence and expansion, we aim to align and build sustainable relationships within the community to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the Arabian horse.

Igniting the Fire

An Honest Reveal of the Growth in the Southeast.

As the 2026 show season gets underway, it is curious to acknowledge the parallels in the recent happenings within the Arabian Horse Association and the Year of the Fire Horse; a year of transformation, favoring innovation, leadership changes, efficient decision making, pursuing goals and taking action with immense energy. As horses ‘travel with the herd’, the year of the horse encourages a collaborative effort – something our industry needs now, more than ever.

THE BOLD MOVE

In 2019, Region XII was struggling. Numbers had been declining and after a year of not hosting a Regional Championship in 2020 due to the covid epidemic, the team in the Southeastern regions decided to make a bold move. The risk was high, but from establishing a healthy savings plan for the past 20 years, the team determined it was worth it. The Regional Championships made the move to Ocala, Florida, making the World Equestrian Center ‘home’.

At a world class facility in the heart of horse country —although the operations would see an increase in fees—the people behind the move believed the draw would outweigh the elevated costs... they were right!

WHAT IS TAKES

“Create an event worth coming to” ... a phrase heard across North America amongst Arabian enthusiasts; and, easier said than done. Timing, location, finances, taking risks and changing the narrative are all required in innovative action that can lead to a rewarding outcome.

Our niche horse community is diverse, and the Arabian horse is versatile. Those behind the scenes have leaned into this, working tirelessly, with intention to capitalize on who we are as an industry. The creation of the Spotlight Auction and Futurity, one of the leading breeding programs in the United States, has led to an increase in breeding and Regional entries since its inception. Integrating the Classic Egyptian Championship into the Regional Championship also brings another group to the show, who then have two opportunities to compete. With a substantial number of Sport Horse and Working Western exhibitors in the area, offering a full schedule of classes has allowed those divisions to grow.

Capitalizing on the environment, smart financial planning, bold moves and volunteers committed to the Arabian horse have led Region XII to where they are today. At the local level, the clubs have a strong work ethic and continuously aim to connect with their communities, spreading awareness of the Arabian horse and attracting new members to the industry.

AN EVENT WORTH ATTENDING

Whether you load up the trailer or hop on a plane, Ocala, Florida is the place to be May 5 - 10, 2026. Be ready to: bid on your favorite Stallion in the Spotlight Auction, watch the highest-level athletes compete for the coveted rose garlands, take in all the views of the world class venue, and have the opportunity to take home your next National Champion!

The first annual Vision Sale on May 5th, will be the place to shop for prospects. Buses will depart the World Equestrian Center following the afternoon session and head to Conway Arabians. The auction experience will feature 10 National Champion quality performance prospects carefully selected from the Conway Arabians and Hagale Family Arabians breeding programs. You won’t want to miss it!

Published in the 2026 Arabian Horse Times Volume 56, No. 2