This weekend, the Covington Arena will be the home to the Alabama All-Arabian Horse Show, and locals will have the opportunity to get “up-close and personal” with these horses.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. today and will last through Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon between the afternoon and evening “classes,” locals will have the opportunity to participate in the Total Arabian Interactive Learning (T.A.I.L) experience.

“This is a chance for the public to meet an Arabian horse,” said Leigh Meyer of Rhapsody in Blue Stables in Chatom. “They will see some classes they show in. This is an opportunity many wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Meyer said the T.A.I.L. event will be held in the stables outside the arena.

“They will get to meet horses and see different barns,” she said. “They can see some horses work and stay for the night show.”

Meyer said that Arabian horses “love people.”

“They are so much more intelligent than other horses,” she said. “A lot of people think they spook easier, but they see and hear much more than others. They are really neat animals. They are beautiful, tender and sensitive partners.”

Meyer said it’s a family atmosphere.

“So bring your children and come on out,” she said.

Admission is free to the public, and shows begin at 8 a.m. each day.

Special after-the-show hospitality parties will be held Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening.