OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The 56th Annual Arabian and Half-Arabian Holiday Festival Horse Show is underway at the World Equestrian Center in Marion County, drawing nationwide interest and welcoming horse enthusiasts from all walks of life.

The event, which runs through the weekend, offers an intimate glimpse into the beauty and versatility of the Arabian breed.

“I love this horse show—this holiday horse show,” said Peter Conway of Conway Arabians. “The Winter Wonderland, with all of the lights, adds so much to the atmosphere. Most of all, it’s the great community participation. We get a ton of people from this area who aren’t involved with Arabian horses. They get to come to the show, meet the people involved with Arabians, and see the horses themselves. It’s a wonderful promotional event for our breed, and I just love this entire community.”

The show features a wide variety of riding styles, including dressage, jumping, and main ring events like western pleasure, hunter pleasure, and English pleasure, according to Lori Conway.

A standout event this year is the Pro-Am class, where professionals and amateurs alternate riding directions. With $25,000 in prize money, the next class is set for Nov. 30. Another highlight is the $5,000 Egg and Spoon Class, a lighthearted competition where riders balance an egg on a spoon while completing challenges, with the last rider standing declared the winner.

However, it’s the opportunity to see the horses up close, and experience the special bond that exists between the Arabians and their riders, said Peter Conway.

“Arabian horses become a lifelong companion; there’s a loyalty back-and-forth, and you’ll see these horses that are started and ridden in the junior horse classes, all the way up to the ones that are 20 years old. We provide the classes for them,” said Peter Conway. “It’s very common for someone to buy a horse and have that horse for 20 years, compete with them all the way through, and have that personal bond and connection. We’re not a turnover kind of a breed. If you get involved with the Arabian horse, if you love it, it will love you back.”