Major Arabian horse show stops in Raleigh, offers free behind-the-scenes tours for kids, families

Here's a free opportunity to check out and learn more about some beautiful horses ...

The Arabian Horse Association returns to Raleigh this week for the 15th annual Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday at the Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex on the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Arabian horse trainers and exhibitors from across the United States and Canada are scheduled to participate.

Admission to the events is free (and so is parking). What's more, the show is offering some opportunities for families and kids to learn more about the horse through the T.A.I.L. Program. (That stands for Total Arabian Interaction and Learning).

There also will be a mini exhibit of the history of the Arabian horse and Sport Horse Nationals.

The tours are free of charge and will be available at 4 p.m., Thursday; 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Friday; and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday. You'll need to sign up to participate. To do that, contact the association at youth@arabianhorses.org or at 303-597-8251 to schedule a time and date to join a tour.

The horse complex is at 4601 Trinity Rd., Raleigh.