Spring is a busy time of year at Arabian Nights, and not only because more visitors are coming to town, but also because it is the beginning of a series of events for the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation. These events include first grade trips to Arabian Nights and a road show traveling across the country for the fourth grade program.

Arabian Nights is a proud partner in the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation, and through a series of learning centers at Arabian Nights, as well as the exciting road show, many children are inspired to read and succeed.

A first grader practices reading aloud to Barn Manager Csaba Szilagyi during a Second Touch event at Arabian Nights.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays this spring, Arabian Nights is taken over by excited first graders from around the state. These children are participating in an interactive field trip where reading is encouraged in a series of centers tied to the classic children’s book by Walter Farley, Little Black, A Pony. Later, in May, a group of Arabian Nights performers and horses will hit the road to perform for children in nine states as part of the fourth grade program.

The mission statement of the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation is to help children discover the joys of reading and the excitement of learning through the wonders of live horses and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books.  This is certainly visible in the events held both at Arabian Nights and across the country as children read aloud to horses and cheer and shout for The Black in the exciting road show.

A class of excited fourth grade students shows off their copies of The Black Stallion as they eagerly wait to see the BSLF road show.

The emotion and enthusiasm is palpable at both types of events, and the volunteers and performers from Arabian Nights who participate are often greatly moved by the children and their achievements. Veteran performer Brie Suldo said, “I didn’t really understand the program until I went on the road show. Seeing these kids light up at the sight of horses they have read about, and hearing them tell you how they can read thanks to this program- its really moving.”

You can learn more about the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation by visiting their website at www.bslf-online.org.

When we decided it was time to update the Arabian Nights VIP Experience, we paid special attention to guest feedback.

What we found is that our guests want to learn more about our horses, and they also want to see them in a private performance where their unique characteristics are displayed. With these two points in mind, we developed a new feature for the VIP Experience called the Parade of Breeds.

Five breeds are featured in the Parade of Breeds.

During the Parade of Breeds, several different horse breeds that star in Arabian Nights will be showcased. The parade includes the rare American Cream, the adorable Shetland pony, and the  Arabian stallion. All of these horses and more will participate in the parade, and some will remain afterward in a series of stations designed to let guests interact with the horses and performers. Here are some photos of the stations:

Interact with and learn about our horses, like this Appaloosa.

One of our reining horses, Brawney Lite, demonstrates unique maneuvers.

Kerry, an American Cream Draft, delights a crowd.

An Arabian Nights performer with horse hosts the VIP Experience.

The stations not only allow our guests to interact with the four-legged stars of our show, but they also allow our guests to learn more about them. From feeding to grooming, horse equipment and more, these stations are meant to be educational as well as interactive. At one special station, guests get to watch as the reining horse is painted for his role in the show. One lucky child is even picked each night to leave his or her own handprint on the paint job. Literally!

VIP guests under the age of 18 are invited to sit on a large draft horse for photos, and all guests can pet and photograph 4 different horses in the arena.

The Arabian Nights stables are currently under renovation, but a guided tour of the stables will be added to the VIP Experience when they reopen.

In addition to the unforgettable interaction with the horses, guests who upgrade to the VIP Experience are guaranteed seating in the first three rows, and also receive souvenirs upon arrival. Our new VIP Experience is truly a great way to get close to and learn about the beautiful horses of Arabian Nights, and it’s a special way to start a fun-filled evening.

Get close to the horses of Arabian Nights with the VIP Experience.

To inquire about the VIP Experience, call us at 407-239-9223.