Shopping is big part of Arabian horse show
BY NOUR HABIB World Scene Writer
Sunday, October 21, 2012
10/21/12 at 4:37 AM
Ceramic pendants. Wool coats. Fine jewelry. Children's toys. International pieces of art.
All of these items and more are for sale through Saturday at the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show's shopping expo.
Eighty-five vendors are set up in Expo Square's Exchange Center, said Arabian Horse Association Sales Administrator Eri Hook.
People usually think that the vendors at a horse show only sell horse-related items, Hook said. But that's not the case, she said.
A high-end furrier, several jewelers and a massage-chair dealer are among the vendors at the show, along with vendors who sell saddles, horse sculptures and horse trailers.
"A lot of people will be surprised with what they find," she said.
Leisa Schon, of Equine Gifts Galore, said the expo is a good place for holiday shopping, too.
"Rather than fight crowds in Christmas malls, come here," she said.
Schon sells clothing, toys and gifts for all ages.
Judy Watson, of Freelance Design USA, says the items on sale at the expo are hard to find anywhere else.
Most of Watson's items are handmade, including pottery pieces, beaded medicine bags, leather journals and ceramic horse pendants. All come from U.S. artists. Watson paints the artwork on many of the garments herself.
"There are a lot of practical things that are kind of creative and artistic," she said.
Many of the items are moderately priced because the vendors don't have shops and the resulting overhead, Watson said.
Other items being sold include custom riding apparel from Frierson's; sparkly clothing and accessories from So Vain; and boots, hats, scarves and horseshoe earrings from The Hat Lady.
"People may not be interested in seeing the horse show but we really encourage them to come out and see the shopping expo," Hook said.
Watson said people should come even if they don't plan to buy anything.
"It's like a museum, almost."
Admission to the shopping expo and parking are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, visitors can enjoy wine, hors' devours and music during an art walk at the Exchange Center.
Notable appearances
Acclaimed horsewoman Sylvia Zerbini will bring her Grande Liberte show to Expo Square during the event. Attendees will watch as she leads her horses through an array of tricks during her three scheduled performances Thursday-Saturday.
Motion picture and TV actress Danielle Chuchran ("The Cat In The Hat," "Little House On The Prairie" remake, "A Christmas Wish") is also attending the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show.
Chuchran is an equestrienne and she shows horses and competes in shows across the country. She will be participating in the competitions on Wednesday and Friday.
U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show
When: Through Saturday
Where: Expo Square (Enter through Gate 12, near the corner of 21st Street and Yale Avenue)
Admission: Free for the first six days, then $10 for adults and $7.50 for students and seniors Thursday-Saturday. Kids 12 and younger are free.
Grande Liberte performance dates: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday.
Original Print Headline: Shopping is a big part of Arabian horse show
Nour Habib 918-581-8369
nour.habib@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Helen Nymeyer, owner of Nymeyer's at Tanglewood, of West Des Moines, Iowa, places a saddle on a rack as she and other vendors set up their merchandise for the Arabian Horse show at the Expo Square Exchange Center on Wednesday. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World
Sheila Warren, owner and designer of Leah Michele Collections, dresses a mannequin at the Expo Square Exchange Center. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World
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