About Us

Why breed, train and ride Arabian Horses? Why be part of a breed specific club?

Every Arabian horse owner asks these questions at some point. The answers are simple. They are about satisfaction, fulfillment, and enjoying the majestic beauty of our chosen breed.

The Arabian horse world is constantly changing. Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association (GCAHA) provides a link into this evolving industry through its affiliation with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA).

If you currently own a Purebred Arabian or Half-Arabian horse or are interested in the breed, then Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association is for you!

The History of Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association

The Club was formed in 1969 by Arabian horse enthusiasts and breeders in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. They had a busy first year with several clinics, lectures, trail rides and tack swap and a pot-luck dinner. An all-Arabian horse show at the Monterey County Fairgrounds began, as well as a contest for the club logo. The winning design is still the Gold Coast logo and a source of pride for our members.

In 1970 the first issue of the Gold Coast Newsletter Paisa Ahkbar (Arabic for “Penny News”) was published. As the club grew to encompass members from San Jose to Monterey and beyond, sometimes attending meetings was difficult, and the “Paisa” became the backbone of the organization, keeping members informed of what was happening in the Arabian horse community.

In 1985, after a friendly separation from the Arabian Horse Association of Northern California, Gold Coast acquired its own charter. Join Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association and together we will continue to promote and enjoy the beauty and versatility of the Arabian Horse.

Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association Proudly offers…

	Class “A” Shows In August GCAHA hosts its annual Class “A” Doubleheader shows at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. This three-day event includes an open show on Friday, with the weekend show strictly geared towards amateurs. Known as one of the friendliest shows in which you will ever participate. Over the years, color guards, gelding parades, barbecues and raffles have been included as part of the fun. An All-Breed Opportunity show (non-rated) has been added to the Saturday morning class line up. A special sportsmanship award is presented to a deserving youth during the show in memory of GCAHA youth member, Vanessa Forgnone, who died in an automobile accident in 2002 at the age of 16. This silver buckle award is sponsored by club members, the Roberts family. Arabian Achievement Award The award program for Purebred Arabian or Half-Arabian horses allows members to earn points toward various awards at different point levels by participating in organized events. These events can be: endurance rides, trail rides, horse trials, seminars, parades, as well as Class “A” and schooling shows. The program can be joined by nomination of horse and rider and payment of a small annual fee. The achievements are acknowledged with awards and prizes at the Club’s annual awards banquet held at year end. Trail Rides The TAG Committee organizes trail rides throughout the year in various parks around the Bay Area. Usually held on weekends, riders meet to enjoy the beautiful parks and scenery on horseback. The rides feature after ride picnic lunches or club hosted BBQ or pre-ride continental breakfast. Typically there is no fee for these rides, with exception of park use or entry fees. These rides are open to members and guests, all breeds are welcome. Youth Program Youth members are an important part of Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association and the future. Gold Coast not only offers a complete Youth Exhibitor Division in both our Class “A” annual shows, but also provides high point awards to youth exhibitors. Paisa Ahkbar (Arabic for “Penny News”) Gold Coast Arabian Horse Association has its own monthly newsletter which is mailed to members. The newsletter informs members of what is happening in the horse community and provides a calendar listing of Club sponsored events and board meeting schedules, and a classified section for members use. Members are encouraged to contribute articles, ranch news and other information. Club Activities Gold Coast AHA plans a number of group activities throughout the year. We organize a group of riders and walkers to participate in local parades, winning awards in previous years. There are also outings to area wildlife preserves, movie nights, or special topic clinics.

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