MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – An international equestrian event is trotting onto our beaches.
For the first time ever, the Global Champions Arabians Tour will bring top horses to Miami to compete in a high-stakes, luxury-filled showdown.
And you can experience it for free.
Think of it like a best in show, but for Arabian horses.
Judges are scoring these stunning animals on beauty, movement and elegance with major prize money on the line.
The Miami Beach stage is part of the Global Champions Arabians Tour’s circuit, which includes five other stops.
“We decided to bring this new concept to America. We already had the first event in Scottsdale a few weeks ago,” the event’s marketing officer Jorge Cunha said.
“All breeds of horses originated from Arabian horses. They’re the oldest, most purebred horse,” horse trainer Andrew Sellman said.
Horses competing in these events earn points towards qualifying for the ultimate showdown at the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha, Qatar later this year.
Many of the Arabian horses participating in Miami are bred and trained in the U.S. -- some on farms in our state.
A total of 11 judges evaluate each horse based on five key criteria -- type, head and neck, body and topline, and legs and movement.
And there’s more than $2.7 million up for grabs.
But this event isn’t just about competition, it’s a full-blown party.
“It’s an experience where we will have an amazing open ceremony. We have some surprises, famous singers, we also have fireworks, there’s a closing ceremony. I will say, it’s an experience at the end of the day,” Cunha said.
Tickets are free, but based on a lottery system.
For more information, click here. The event will be held in Miami Beach through Saturday.