From the Sand to the Stars: GCAT Miami 2025 Was Pure Magic

 By Scott Bailey, ArabHorse.com

After 30 years of traveling the globe to attend the biggest and best equestrian events—from Dressage World Cups to Reining Futurities, from Quarter Horse Congress to top Hunter Jumper championships—I thought I’d seen it all.

But nothing prepared me for what just happened in Miami Beach.

The Global Champions Arabians Tour, presented by Qatar Airways, made its U.S. debut in Scottsdale in February and that was specular but April 2025, and it wasn’t just a horse show — it was a statement. A dazzling, beachside, champagne-pouring, DJ Khaled-dancing, Arabian horse-loving kind of statement that’s going to echo for years to come.

Horses + Miami = Unforgettable

For three days, the sands behind the Faena Hotel were turned into a purpose-built arena where over 100 of the world’s most beautiful Arabian horses competed against the backdrop of crashing waves and a pastel skyline. The vibe was surreal — like a dream where horse show meets fashion week meets Coachella.

And it worked. Oh, it worked.

People who’ve never been to a horse event stood open-mouthed. Seasoned breeders stood misty-eyed. And for those of us who’ve devoted our lives to this industry? It felt like witnessing the next chapter unfold.

Celebrities, Culture & The GCAT Vibe

This event didn’t just attract the horse world — it drew out the stars. Jeff Bezos, Bethenny Frankel, Martina Navratilova, Jeremy Piven, Karolína Kurková, Terrence J, and a whole roster of influencers and international tastemakers made their way to the beach.

Sting opened the weekend with a soul-stirring acoustic concert on the sand. Flo Rida and DJ Khaled shut it down on Saturday night with a fireworks-filled grand finale. The music, the lights, the choreography — it was something straight out of a movie.

Meanwhile, Major Food Group fed the VIPs with curated menus from Carbone, ZZ’s, and Sadelle’s, and the event village was buzzing with luxury fashion, international cuisine, and equestrian style.

I don’t know how to describe it except to say: it was electric.

And Let’s Not Forget… the Horses

While the celebrities and the setting stole headlines, the real stars were the horses — and they shone.

I’ll get into the full results and celebrate those incredible wins in Part 2, but I have to say this now: the quality, charisma, and presence of these Arabian horses was breathtaking. It was a masterclass in conformation and elegance, and the performances delivered were on par with the finest events I’ve covered in Europe and the Gulf.

This show elevated Arabian horses in the Americas like never before.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To Faleh Al Nasr and his GCAT team — bravo. You didn’t just dream big. You delivered big.

To Cindy McGown, for being a crucial part of making this happen here in the USA — we see you, and we thank you.

To the sponsors — especially Qatar Airways, Richard Mille, and the City of Miami** — you didn’t just support an event. You ignited a movement.

And to every breeder, handler, groom, photographer, guest, and fan — thank you for being part of something that changed the game for Arabian horses in America.

 

We have a full gallery of even more photos of this extraoriday event: 
https://www.arabhorse.com/arabhorse-around-the-world/2025-gcat-miami-beach-photo-gallery

 

Until Next Year…

Miami Beach, you’ve raised the bar. GCAT, you’ve changed the landscape. Arabian horses have never looked more beautiful, more powerful, or more celebrated.

See you next year. And believe me when I say — we’ll be counting the days.

 

— Scott Bailey
Founder of ArabHorse.com