Al-Marah Arabians, which is the nation’s premier Arabian horse farm announced a few months ago new interactive experiences that people could experience. For those who do not know, Al-Marah Arabians is owned by Mark Miller, founder of the Arabian Nights dinner attraction that wowed more than 10 million guests over its 25 year run here in Orlando. After Arabian Nights closed, Miller turned his focus to the operation and legacy of his family’s Arabian horse farm, consolidating the farm on 80 acres of rolling hills in Clermont. The farm offers lessons and activities for the public, horse sales, breeding and more. I had the chance to participate in the new Interactive Horse Experience, which gives you multiple opportunities to see the farm, meet the horses, get a riding lesson, and even paint a famous horse!
The interactive horse experience allows visitors to get hands-on with some of the farm’s famous Arabians. Guests get a meet-and-greet with the horses, a riding lesson, a paint-a-pony opportunity and will learn some of training techniques that were used in the most famous performances at Arabian Nights, including the Liberty Act, where participants will learn how to teach a horse to rear and bow. This is a rare opportunity to interact with some of the top horses and trainers in the world. This activity is perfect for horse lovers of all ages and experience levels, and is available daily from 9 am – 4 pm. The experience costs $195 for the first participant, $95 for the second participant, and $20 for observers. Guests should plan on about three hours for the Interactive Horse Experience.
When I arrived we started out with a tour on a ATV around the farm, seeing where the horses live and work. We rode around getting information about the horses, what they do, the history of Al-Marah Arabians and what is done on a day to day basis! We ended up in a field with the new mothers and their foals and got to see them up close and allow them to explore us as well! These foals were very beautiful as well as curious about us. We had a lot of up close hands on time with them while getting information about them and having our questions answered.
Next we toured the stable where the horses stayed most of the time. While in the stables we learned about the showmanship of these horses as well as got a chance to interact with some of the horses. While in the stables we got a good look at just how successful the Al-Marah Arabians really are based on just the amount of ribbons they won at the last show!
We then got our horses prepped for a ride. We got up close and personal as we groomed our horse and got her ready for us to ride. I didn’t realize just how much needed to be done to get on the back of a horse and ride! For the riding fans you have the choice between English and Western. After getting the horse out into the arena, we took turns riding the horses. We learned how to make a horse go, stop, back up and also how to steer. We took turns walking in between cones, around the arena and having the horse trot as well! This part is where experience takes a key role. I had rode before so I had a bit more leway than some of the other riders. Al-Marah Arabians does a great job at customizing your experience with your comfort level and experience!
After getting the horses back to the stable and put back into their pins we got the chance to meet (and paint) of the most famous horses here in central Florida. The horse we painted was named Clemmy. Clemmy is the horse used at the UCF Football games here in Orlando! We got the chance to use some water paint to decorate Clemmy however we saw fit! Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have Clemmy be the newest spokesperson for Orlando Fun and Food!
Lastly we got to see an demonstration of the Liberty Act. This act was used in the old Arabian Nights Dinner Theater. We got to see how horses are trained to bow and rear. This was one of my favorite parts of the experience to see in person. The interaction between the trainers and the horses were something amazing and you could tell that there was a special bond. The trainer that was with us has been working with these horses for over 10 years now!
I loved this experience! I have not had much interaction with horses but this made me want to spend more time with these amazing animals! I loved how they customized the experience to my comfort level and want. If you have something in mind for a program feel free to call them and ask! I know they will be able to accommodate you! I cannot wait to get back out to see the amazing horses and staff at Al-Marah Arabians!
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
