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.

Shetland ponies are the smallest members of the stables at Arabian Nights, but they are no less memorable for their tiny stature!

Standing a maximum of 46 inches high, Shetland ponies are known for their intelligence, bravery and athleticism as well as their hardy nature! Two main types of Shetland ponies are recognized by the American Shetland Pony Club; the Classic and the Modern Shetland pony.

Tap Dance Kidd, or “Dancer” struts his stuff during the VIP Experience at Arabian Nights.

The Classic American Shetland ponies’ ancestry dates back to the Shetland Islands, where ponies roamed the hills and moors as early as the 8th and 9th centuries. Shetlands were brought to this country in the 1800′s and first registered in the United States in 1888 by the American Shetland Pony Club. These ponies were primarily bred to pull carts in coal mines, and still excel at driving to this day.

The Modern Shetland Pony combines the historic hardiness of the Classic Shetland Pony with an out-cross of an animated and a superior and more refined breed. These ponies are typically more refined with extreme action—lift from the knee while moving—and a spirited personality. Either variety of Shetland Pony comes in a variety of colors and can display a wide range of markings.

The American Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Association was kind enough to donate two Shetland Ponies to Arabian Nights as breed Ambassadors. Brush Creek’s Success or “Gus”, a black pony, and Tap Dance Kid or “Dancer”, a bay (brown with black points) pony.  Dancer is a veteran show pony, with three National Halter Championships! Gus plays a special role in the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation’s first grade program. Both ponies are learning a variety of tricks to become a part of the Arabian Nights show, and their bravery and intelligence is instrumental in that process.

Brush Creek’s Success is better known as Little Black to those who work the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation!

Come see Gus and Dancer perform at Arabian Nights in Orlando, Florida, and see why everyone falls in love with these amazingly cute Shetland Ponies. Visit www.Arabian-Nights.com for show times and dates—and don’t forget to check out our VIP Experience!

As part of the continued growth here at Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction, Jason Temple has been hired as Director of Sales for Local Market.

Arabian Nights is proud to announce the newest addition to our talented and hard-working Sales Department, Jason Temple.

Jason comes to Arabian Nights following a career in radio sales and non-profit fundraising, and as a result he is very familiar with the local community. Jason was recruited to work at Arabian Nights by Vice President of Sales, Paul Proly.

“I am very happy Jason joined the Arabian Nights sales team,” Paul said. “Jason and I have worked together for years and I know his sales talent and enthusiasm will be a great addition to an all ready fabulous staff.”

Jason Temple joins Arabian Nights Dinner Show

Originally from Michigan, Jason has lived in Florida for 14 years now. He worked with CHARLEE Foster Care as a fundraiser for 10 years and worked three years with ESPN Radio as an account representative. Jason now lives locally with his wife Sally and their son Jordan.

Jason is tasked with handling the local sales market at Arabian Nights. He will plan group events and show attendance for sports groups, church groups, summer camps, wedding parties, birthday parties and more.

We asked Jason about his new position at Arabian Nights and he had this to say, “I’m very excite to be a part of a great group of people here at Arabian Nights and look forward to providing a fabulous group experience for people. I feel very lucky to be working for such a great dinner show with such a great reputation in the community.”

Jason loves traveling and meeting new people from all over the world. At Arabian Nights, those people will be coming to him as they come to experience Central Florida and all it has to offer. Jason said, “If you are in Central Florida and want a great time make sure you contact group sales and our team will do every thing we can to make your show the best ever.”

That sounds like an Arabian Nights Director of Sales to us. Welcome aboard, Jason!

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