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2011 US Nationals News & Reviews, Tuesday

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The competition at the US Nationals is intense. Everyone has high hopes for a good performance - so sometimes it's nice to get away from the fray and have some quiet time - perhaps some retail therapy will quiet those nerves.

This year the commercial exhibits at the US Nationals are an eclectic mix of high-end fashion and accessories for the Arabian horse community and all of their four-legged friends, as well as some rather interesting choices. Take a stroll through the Exhibit hall and you can be the judge. Whatever your tastes or needs are, you can be sure to find something to delight you.

What I find interesting about the commercial exhibitors is the number of them that have been participating at the horse show for well over 25 to 30 years. Many of these people are small business owners, artists and entrepreneurs, who work hard and do something they truly love. They live a bit of a Gypsy life, traveling from show to show selling their wares and supporting the Arabian industry. They provide most of the supplies that horsemen need for their profession, as well as things to enjoy. In this way, the commercial exhibitors are a very important part of the Arabian horse community.

Show Season is a perfect example. They create many

of the beautiful hand-tailored garments worn by the western, hunt, and English competitors. Over the years, their clients have become more like friends and family. They receive direct personal consultation on appropriate fabric choices and styles for their competition division. Each piece is designed and crafted for that individual using the best fabrics and materials. Many of the western outfits include hand-sewn appliqués and brilliant Swarowski crystals to achieve an absolutely stunning effect - and no two are the ever the same. Just as important as the meticulous attention to detail and the reputation of the quality of Show Season products are the client relationships that are created. Ask a Show Season client and I am sure they will say that they feel more confident in their class, knowing they look their best.

There are many other exhibitors who the Arabian horse community has come to depend on too. They provide our needs and they make a show more fun. Its all part of what goes into a horse show - outside the ring. Stay with us everyday as we bring you the news and reviews from around the show at the 2011 US National Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Championships.

Enjoy these new pictures from the show and check back everyday for a glimpse of what's going on around the show - outside the arena - because there is definitely a lot more going on for you to enjoy!

Story by Beth Ellen Hunziker

Full 2011 U.S. Nationals
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2011 US Nationals News & Reviews, Tuesday
2011 US Nationals News & Reviews, Tuesday
2011 US Nationals News & Reviews, Tuesday
I found this crew at Arabians International gearing up for the big halter classes beginning on Tuesday. There are several top contenders sired by El Nabila B being presented at the show including Sirah MSU, presented by Sandro Pinha, and Aria Rohara Spartan with Rohara Arabians. Sandro is also showing the international sensation El Chall, owned by Dixie and Robert North. Good luck to everyone!
I found this crew at Arabians International gearing up for the big halter classes beginning on Tuesday. There are several top contenders sired by El Nabila B being presented at the show including Sirah MSU, presented by Sandro Pinha, and Aria Rohara Spartan with Rohara Arabians. Sandro is also showing the international sensation El Chall, owned by Dixie and Robert North. Good luck to everyone!
Veronica Jochens of Artiques - Veronica Jochens of Artiques offers rare and beautiful equestrian art, books, and antiquities. Veronica always has a special treasure available at her shop.
Veronica Jochens of Artiques - Veronica Jochens of Artiques offers rare and beautiful equestrian art, books, and antiquities. Veronica always has a special treasure available at her shop.
Tommy Garland and Natalie Hunt with Resstitution - Tommy Garland and his client Natalie Hunt with her horse Resstitution take time to celebrate their National Championship win in the Western Pleasure AAOTR Maturity. Congratulations!
Tommy Garland and Natalie Hunt with Resstitution - Tommy Garland and his client Natalie Hunt with her horse Resstitution take time to celebrate their National Championship win in the Western Pleasure AAOTR Maturity. Congratulations!
Terry Dearing - The Hat Lady - It wouldn't be a great horse show without The Hat Lady - also known as the Terry Dearing! Terry carries awesome clothes and accessories; many can be personalized right at the show for a special memento of your time in Tulsa.
Terry Dearing - The Hat Lady - It wouldn't be a great horse show without The Hat Lady - also known as the Terry Dearing! Terry carries awesome clothes and accessories; many can be personalized right at the show for a special memento of your time in Tulsa.
Southern Cross Arabians - Southern Cross Arabians is off to a great start at the show - Congratulations!!
Southern Cross Arabians - Southern Cross Arabians is off to a great start at the show - Congratulations!!
Showtime Arabians - Always among the top competitors of the show, it's no doubt the Showtime Arabians stalls will be draped with roses - we'll check back later.
Showtime Arabians - Always among the top competitors of the show, it's no doubt the Showtime Arabians stalls will be draped with roses - we'll check back later.
Melissa Holmes of Show Season - If you want to be on the "Best Dressed" list for show attire, you have to see Melissa Holmes at Show Season. The workmanship that goes into each hand-made piece is amazing. The fabrics make you feel like a kid in a candy store - they are so fantastic! Melissa showed me one their new innovations; it is a satin wool for an English suit - it's absolutely beautiful and the epitome of elegance and refinement.
Melissa Holmes of Show Season - If you want to be on the "Best Dressed" list for show attire, you have to see Melissa Holmes at Show Season. The workmanship that goes into each hand-made piece is amazing. The fabrics make you feel like a kid in a candy store - they are so fantastic! Melissa showed me one their new innovations; it is a satin wool for an English suit - it's absolutely beautiful and the epitome of elegance and refinement.
Show Season - Show Season clients get measured for a new suit. The personal attention to detail and customer service is first rate.
Show Season - Show Season clients get measured for a new suit. The personal attention to detail and customer service is first rate.
Sherry Akers - Arabian artist extraordinaire, Sherry Akers is at work in her booth creating yet another masterpiece. Sherry's work is not only absolutely beautiful, it is unbelievably affordable!
Sherry Akers - Arabian artist extraordinaire, Sherry Akers is at work in her booth creating yet another masterpiece. Sherry's work is not only absolutely beautiful, it is unbelievably affordable!
Peacemaker Farm - All was quiet at the Peacemaker Farm stalls - it was the quiet before the storm when the halter classes start on Tuesday.
Peacemaker Farm - All was quiet at the Peacemaker Farm stalls - it was the quiet before the storm when the halter classes start on Tuesday.
Nymeyers - Pretty much everything you need at the show can be found at Nymeyers. From tack to Show Sheen, gloves to boots - Helen Nymeyer has been fitting out Arabian horsemen for over 25 years!
Nymeyers - Pretty much everything you need at the show can be found at Nymeyers. From tack to Show Sheen, gloves to boots - Helen Nymeyer has been fitting out Arabian horsemen for over 25 years!
Leslie Bennet Jewelry - BLING! The standard for excellence in fine jewelry is Leslie Bennett Jewelry. If you want a truly special moment of the show - go see Leslie!
Leslie Bennet Jewelry - BLING! The standard for excellence in fine jewelry is Leslie Bennett Jewelry. If you want a truly special moment of the show - go see Leslie!
Sandy and Don Holien - Sandy and Don Holien of Leather Renditions put the fun in function! Everyone needs a nice warm jacket - it might as well be beautiful too! Sandy and Don offer something for everyone from classic elegance to fashion forward looks in outerwear and more!
Sandy and Don Holien - Sandy and Don Holien of Leather Renditions put the fun in function! Everyone needs a nice warm jacket - it might as well be beautiful too! Sandy and Don offer something for everyone from classic elegance to fashion forward looks in outerwear and more!
Leather Renditions - Check out the fun and functional outerwear and accessories at Leather Renditions!
Leather Renditions - Check out the fun and functional outerwear and accessories at Leather Renditions!
House of Horses - Some of the most beautiful equine art at the show can be found at House of Horses. This was my favorite piece - it is a steel engraving from the late 1800's - it is exquisite!
House of Horses - Some of the most beautiful equine art at the show can be found at House of Horses. This was my favorite piece - it is a steel engraving from the late 1800's - it is exquisite!
Freedman's - Freedman's offers beautiful tack with the look of refinement and elegance. Oh, and ladies - you may want to stop by and look at their selection of leather handbags - they are gorgeous!
Freedman's - Freedman's offers beautiful tack with the look of refinement and elegance. Oh, and ladies - you may want to stop by and look at their selection of leather handbags - they are gorgeous!
Dusk - During the afternoon break, I wandered through the stall areas to see all the setups. The late afternoon sun was setting on another beautiful day in Tulsa.
Dusk - During the afternoon break, I wandered through the stall areas to see all the setups. The late afternoon sun was setting on another beautiful day in Tulsa.
Cowgirl Upscale - Another great shop in the exhibits this year is Cowgirl Upscale. Don't let the name fool you. There are some great pieces of jewelry that have a western influence, but much of the merchandise is transitional and can be dressed up or down for a casual elegance with a bit of an edge. Check it out!
Cowgirl Upscale - Another great shop in the exhibits this year is Cowgirl Upscale. Don't let the name fool you. There are some great pieces of jewelry that have a western influence, but much of the merchandise is transitional and can be dressed up or down for a casual elegance with a bit of an edge. Check it out!
Costumes - Native Costume classes bring out the most creative and work intensive attire and accessories of any competition. The costumes in this shop were really beautiful and very tastefully executed.
Costumes - Native Costume classes bring out the most creative and work intensive attire and accessories of any competition. The costumes in this shop were really beautiful and very tastefully executed.
Costume close up - A close up of some of the fabrics and trimmings on a native costume.
Costume close up - A close up of some of the fabrics and trimmings on a native costume.
Corky Sutton of So Vain - Corky Sutton of So Vain is a busy girl searching out fun, cool fashion for Arabian horsewomen. The girl has STYLE! Everything in Corky's shop will bring out the diva in just about everyone. Having a bad day? Try some retail therapy at So Vain - it's sure to make it all better!
Corky Sutton of So Vain - Corky Sutton of So Vain is a busy girl searching out fun, cool fashion for Arabian horsewomen. The girl has STYLE! Everything in Corky's shop will bring out the diva in just about everyone. Having a bad day? Try some retail therapy at So Vain - it's sure to make it all better!
All Things Equine - This shop offers home décor, as well as customized and engraved pieces suitable as trophies and mementos in crystal and porcelain that were very pretty and very affordable.
All Things Equine - This shop offers home décor, as well as customized and engraved pieces suitable as trophies and mementos in crystal and porcelain that were very pretty and very affordable.