Arabian Nights features a cast of approximately 52 horses of 11 different breeds. The horses perform a variety of disciplines, including Dressage, Reining, Circus Bareback riding, Trick riding and Roman Riding.
Featured Horses
Our Black Stallion
Using only visual cues and body language, our black stallion and his handler perform an impressive dance as partners. In addition, our black stallion takes the Princess Scheherazade on a breathtaking bareback ride. And if that isn’t difficult enough, the rider, Princess Scheherazade, is wearing a satin dress, which can be slippery. This means the black stallion must pay close attention to his rider to help her stay balanced. As you can tell, it takes a very special horse to play this role!
Confetti
Confetti is one of the most popular horses in the Arabian Nights show. He is a palomino American Saddlebred, and he is easily one of the most recognizable horses in the show because of his unique movement and beautiful golden coloring.
Confetti is a little larger than the Arabian horses featured in our show, and you will see him performing Dressage as Prince Khalid’s horse in the performance.
Confetti’s coloring and good looks aren’t his only unique traits; he also has quite the personality. He is a very sweet and affectionate horse, but also enjoys playing with other horses and our staff. He sometimes makes faces at people as they pass his stall, particularly sticking his tongue out! He generally has an inquisitive expression and is very curious about everything going on around him.
Anita
Anita is one of the most unique-looking horses in the Arabian Nights show. Her coloring is similar, but lighter than palomino Confetti, and her 1,800 lb stature makes her easy to spot in the arena! Anita is an American Cream, a domestically endangered draft species.
Anita is currently featured in the Gypsy bareback act of the Arabian Nights show, where several acrobats stand, leap and flip off her back while she moves steadily in a circle. Anita’s calm temperament and steady stride make her a perfect fit for this act.
Anita is also a favorite of the staff at Arabian Nights, with her sweet personality and desire for affection making her easy to work with before and during the show.
Tap Dance Kid and Brush Creek’s Success
“Dancer” and “Gus” are American Shetland ponies provided as breed ambassadors by the American Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Association. Dancer is a former three time National Champion and puts his skills to work jumping in the Arabian Nights Holiday Show. Dancer is also learning a series of tricks to perform in our featured show.
Gus is a bit shyer than Dancer, but he is learning quickly and loves attention. Currently he bows on command and is learning to stand on a platform. He is also an ambassador for the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation.
Both ponies are instant crowd pleasers, getting a great response from the audience every time they enter the arena. Their small stature is made up for with their big personality and often-unpredictable antics! Both ponies have a bit of a mischievous streak, and more than once Dancer has snuck out of his stall to go eat grass!
The Breeds
- Arabian
- American Quarter Horse
- American Paint Horse
- American Cream
- Appaloosa
- Belgian
- Canadian Warmblood
- Irish Draught
- Percheron
- Saddlebred
- Shetland Pony
See Also: Horse Care and Training | Cast & Stars | The Black Stallion | The Performers