Equestrian enthusiasts still enjoying horseplay

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 9:59 a.m.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Horseman's Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road.

Admission: Free.

Information: 655-3475.

Regional Arabian horse riders and trainers will compete this weekend at the Las Vegas Arabian Horse Association's 37th annual Class A horse show at Horseman Park on East Flamingo Road.

Arabian, half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses will compete in Performance and Western Class events. Horses are judged on manners, performance, attitude, quality and conformation. Classes include English Pleasure, Country English Pleasure and Hunter Pleasure among others. Championship classes will be held Sunday.

The Las Vegas Arabian Horse Association show is a qualifying show for Pacific Slopes and Region VII championships.

Riders will be dressed in themed costume. During the Western Pleasure Classes, horses and riders will represent the experience of cowboy life on the trail. Other riders will be dressed in flowing Arabian garb.

"It's a lot of fun to watch," said Beverly Blaskey, vice president and membership chair of the Las Vegas Arabian Horse Association. "Most people like to watch Country English."

Visitors will also be allowed to walk through the barns and talk with trainers.

The Aramus Supreme Arabian Halter Champion Award will be presented to the best purebred Arabian Halter Horse. The award is sponsored by Wayne Newton's Aramus Arabians. The Las Vegas entertainer is a horse enthusiast.

Arabian horses are distinguished by their large dark eyes, small concave heads and arched necks.

"They're a wonderful breed," Blaskey said. "They're fun to work with. They're very loyal."

The Las Vegas Arabian Horse Association has about 80 active members and is a member of the International Arabian Horse Association. It holds two shows each year. Its fall show is an amateur show.

Blaskey said that the number of competitors for this weekend's event has not yet been determined.

"We go anywhere from 60 horses to 120," she said.