New York, N.Y. - The Arabian Horse Association (AHA), Aljassmiya Farm and the Rolex Central Park Horse Show (RCPHS) are proud to present the 2nd Annual Arabian U.S. Open on Wednesday evening, September 21, 2016, at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show runs September 21-25, 2016, at Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Arabian horses will take center stage opening night of the show. The athleticism and diversity of the breed will be shown through a variety of classes. Halter/In-Hand classes will portray these amazing horses as desirable breeding stock. Intelligence and grace will be displayed through elegant western horses, exquisite hunter horses, and mannerly country horses.

Then, travel through time, where Arabian horses roamed the desert and began their journey as ancestors of modern-day light breeds. The Arabian Mounted Native Costume class will take an audience on a journey, showing the magic and romance of the Arabian horse, both of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

"The U.S. Open in Central Park offers the Arabian horse community the opportunity to present our horses to the world, as the breed that deserves recognition with other equine athletes at the Olympic level and those disciplines," says AHA President, Cynthia Richardson. "Either through the excitement of being there in person in Central Park in NYC, the most visited park in the world, or through live-streaming, this is a night that will amaze the public and create memories for our breed and those who love them. Please join us!"

Arabian horses are the oldest pure breed of any light horse. Nomadic people of the Arabian Peninsula, the Bedouin tribes, were the first to own these light, thrifty horses. As a result, Arabians developed a strong desire for human companionship that carries forward today, along with their kind and willing attitudes and athletic stamina.  Known for their finely chiseled head, dished face, long-arching neck and high tail carriage, the Arabian horse is not only athletic and kind, but also beautiful.

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group, is pleased to welcome the Arabian horse Association to Central Park for their second year and looks forward to the event.

"It is wonderful to welcome the Arabians back to the Rolex Central Park Horse Show and expose the special breed to an international audience in New York City," Bellissimo stated. "We enjoy showcasing numerous diverse disciplines of equestrian sport through this special event and look forward to another great competition this year."

Watch these amazing horses compete and earn their gold, silver and bronze titles at an event that can't be missed. Tickets are on sale now at cphs.coth.com. Plus, follow the Arabian Horse Association on Facebook and the show on Instagram at @arabianusopenhorseshow, hashtag #ArabianHorsesInTheCity for the latest updates and live coverage from the show.