The Classic Egyptian Championships held their ninth show in conjunction with Region XII and fifth at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. We were very fortunate to have internationally renowned Renata Schibler of Switzerland this year to judge the show. Our hospitality tent, sponsored by Smith Embry Insurance, went up on Tuesday and was overflowing all week as our Egyptian family arrived to celebrate great friends and beautiful horses. Everyone now knows where to go for a snack, cold drinks, and great conversation.

Our volunteers turned out in force on Friday morning to help hang arena banners, becoming an honored tradition. This year, they were welcomed with breakfast sponsored by Ketteringham Arabians. The mingling of friends and family continued through Friday night when we gathered to celebrate our sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers. Rainmaker Arabians sponsored the wonderful food and entertainment at the Friday night event. Then, on Saturday morning, we were treated to spectacular weather for the show, and as always, the quality of horses was exceptional.

After the show, a social was sponsored by The Pyramid Foundation to allow spectators and exhibitors to meet the judge as well as new members of the Foundation’s board. Unfortunately, the forecasted inclement weather chose that timeframe to hit with monsoon-level wind and rain. Attendees ducked under tables or huddled under table cloths through the worst of it until a break in the rain allowed everyone to make a mad dash to the barn, where the social continued. Everyone remained upbeat and laughed off the weather disruption, although several photos of drenched participants made their way to social media.

Our show photographer, Suzanne Sturgill, has captured the essence of our show in her photographs. Some say it feels like a family reunion. Holding the show outdoors always brings risks, but somehow we have managed to overcome the issues that have arisen… with a lot of help from the spectators! One thing we realize is that the show would not be possible without our amazing sponsors and volunteers. Unfortunately, the list is too long to share, but they know who they are. If you haven’t made it to our show yet, you are cordially invited. We promise you will have a wonderful time…in spite of the monsoon!