Excalibur EA Ă— Vesperra |For breeding information contact Ted Carson at 910-876-7332 | Ted@tedcarson.com | www.TedCarson.com
MAXXTON Exxalt x Marriyah 2018 Scottsdale 2nd Place International Yearling Colt
EXXHALE Exxalt x DA Elegantra 2018 Scottsdale 2nd Place Yearling Filly (Jr.) Jeff & Sybil Collins
javan photo
EVEXXA Exxalt x Eve Of Eden 2018 Scottsdale Top Ten Yearling Filly (Sr.) Joseph Weller javan photo
ELEVEA EXX SAYIDA Exxalt x Exquisite Lady BFA 2018 Scottsdale Signature Champion Yearling Filly AHT Strike Zero Investments LLC
PSYAXXTON Exxalt x MC Psynammon 2018 Scottsdale Signature Champion Yearling Colt AHT Cecil & Frances Butler and Jeff & Sybil Collins
by THERESA CARDAMONE
The panel of mare and filly judges were biding their time in the stands while the stallions sparkled in the Scottsdale sun. To a man, their eyes were riveted on the striking bay trotting past them like a freight train. His powerful motion was embellished by his natural, erect tail carriage, curvaceous neck, pricked ears and bold eye and attitude. The rest of the spectators were likewise
Beloveds Earth Angel (Beloved One NA+ x Magnums Angel JD+)
captivated as Pat
schatzberg/osteen photo
Dempsey’s Beloved One NA+ made his entrance, with Ted Carson flying along as his wingman. Twice named Junior Champion Stallion as a yearling, Beloved One NA+ earned his Legion of Honor in only three shows as a 2-year-old in 2015. It was an incredible year for “Beau,” during which he was named the unanimous Canadian National Champion 2-Year-Old Colt before adding the United States National Reserve Grand Champion Junior Stallion honors to his list of accomplishments. The following year, he added the
Beloveds One Blessing (Beloved One NA+ x Rohara MarcAlyssa) schatzberg/osteen photo
Region 10 Champion Stallion title to his coffers, a complementary honor to his unanimous Region 12 championship in 2015. In each case, his captivating presence was on full display, daring the onlooker to glance away, even for a second.
Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Halter • 2018
Beau’s first offspring to reach the show ring have done so with
Pat Dempsey’s concern over issues of integrity within the breed
great success. Beloveds One Blessing is the reigning Region 12
and the lack of demand for horses in general influenced her to
Champion Yearling Filly, while Beloveds Earth Angel wears two
leave all of her mares open in both 2017 and 2018. She has been
crowns for Region 15, both the 2017 Arabian Breeders Sweep-
inundated with demand for breedings to her stallions—Beloved
stakes Yearling Championship and the Open Yearling Filly
One NA+ (Ever After NA x Margarita Psy, by Padrons Psyche),
Championship. Blessing is out of Rohara MarcAlyssa, who is also
Beloved Call to Glory (Gazal Al Shaqab x JP Extreme Obsession,
the dam of 2016 Canadian National Champion Yearling Filly,
by JP Obsession) and Beloved Marcangelo BF (QR Marc x Mag-
Beloved Joy to Behold. Angel is out of five-time Top Ten Mag-
nums Angel JD+, by Magnum Psyche)—who will all continue
nums Angel JD+, who is out of a RSD Dark Victory daughter.
to stand at stud under the care of Ted Carson. Pat would like to know that horses already on the ground are finding good homes
In 2017, Beau had three exceptional chestnut sons born at
and that great strides are being made by the breed to ensure all
Beloveds Farm and they are all presently in training with Ted
of its shows operate ethically. Until those standards are met, her
Carson. Beloveds Archangel is a full brother to Beloveds Earth
horses, will speak for themselves as they continue to enjoy their
Angel, Beloveds Marc One is a full brother to Beloveds One
fabulous surroundings in Lady Lake, Florida at Beloveds Farm.
Blessing, and Beloveds Behold is out of triple-National Champion and twice Reserve National Champion, Valori TRF+, one of the best daughters of DA Valentino. All three colts are pointing for summer show debuts on the Southeast regional circuit. Beloved One NA+ was part of Beloveds Farm’s 2018 Scottsdale contingent, which will likely be the final group of the farm’s horses to make the February trip to the desert. For the past 40 years, Ms. Dempsey has been patronizing the Scottsdale show. However, the predictability of the outcomes in most of Scottsdale’s open halter classes has given her pause. Already disenchanted with the lack of integrity in the breed organization at the national level—with its blackout scoring and admitted rule-breaking—Pat would rather continue supporting the Regional shows and associations in the future. She also plans to send horses to the Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas, which operates under a more accountable, point-based scoring system.
National Champion Beloved One NA+ (Ever After NA x Margarita PSY) Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Halter • 2018
Scottsdale Champion Half-Arabian Junior Gelding S c o t t s d a l e C h a m p i o n H a l f - A r a b i a n 2 -Ye a r - O l d G e l d i n g Presented by Sandro Pinha
Boyz Willbe Boyz
FF
Vitorio TO x Three Times ALady FF+ 2017 U.S. National Champion Breeders Sweepstakes H/A Yearling Gelding 2017 Scottsdale Champion H/A Junior Gelding 2017 Region 1 Champion Breeders Sweepstakes H/A Yearling Colt/Gelding Proudly owned and bred by Suzanne & Perry Perkins | Santa Barbara, CA 805.895.2138 | Suzanne@suzanneperkins.com Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Halter • 2018
2017 APAHA Professional Halter Trainer Of The Year ... Grant Krohn Now Accepting Training Horses in all Disciplines!
Grant Krohn Lindale, Texas 910-471-5933 Info@krohnshowhorses.com Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | Halter • 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Halter • 2018
Dedicated to the Arabian Horse for over 45 years.
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HALTER Essentially a breeding class, each horse is judged on its correctness of conformation, its movement, or “way of going” and those desirable qualities which he or she might pass on to offspring.
Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Halter • 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Halter • 2018
Ted Carson @ BUTLER FARMS TRAINING CENTER WHITE OAK, NORTH CAROLINA
The amateur performance divisions are strong. How do you suggest getting more amateurs involved in showing halter? The owners in each division are very different. The performance amateurs are very hands-on owners compared to many of our breeders/owners who enjoy the horses in a different way. Even the money classes bring a lot of horses and yet, so many of these the owners prefer handlers to handle the horses vs. them doing it themselves. It’s different, but still a good way to own an Arabian horse. AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? When you talk numbers of entries in anything, it has to be relative to the number of registrations per year and if this is a quality-based class. The other thing with the money classes is people show up in big numbers for these classes. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? Each horse has their own path. We ride those that can or breed the young stock. It is important to breed horses that can do other jobs. Why breed for a halter horse? Do what you love; it’s what I love. What one thing would you change about halter classes? More moving, less standing. Breeding
horses have to be evaluated on much more than 90% stand-up. What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them involved? We work hard every day to educate all kinds of owners or interested owners. If you do something from the heart, it becomes contagious. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? Numbers and percentages are what they are. The business has changed and we all need to adjust; stop looking at what was and see what the future is.
Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Halter • 2018
Braden Davidson THE ARABIAN ELEMENT OTTAWA, CANADA & SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA The amateur performance divisions are strong. How do you suggest getting more amateurs involved in showing halter? If we want to increase amateur halter participation, then halter exhibition must become more “user/amateur friendly”… we are at the point where we can’t afford to have to choose either a “performance horse” or a “halter horse”… the splintering of our horses is a big impediment to growing our amateur halter classes. Our adjudication system needs to shift towards rewarding a complete Arabian horse, period. Emphasis on the center ring statue stand must also be alleviated. It’s very rare that the performance horse can compete with their amateur owner in halter, not because they are any less quality, but because the halter arena requires a different style of horse. We must all align our focus on breeding (and rewarding) a “complete horse”, as this should be the standard across the board: a horse that is extremely beautiful, tractable, and also a horse that is incredibly gifted athletically. This is where we will be able to make all ends meet and gather both worlds back with one horse that is able to be enjoyed in the same arena, shown by amateurs, like it should be. AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? The Scottsdale show is an amazing showcase of the finest Arabian horses—there is not a single horse show in the world that holds a feather to this perennial Arabian horse event. All the people who make this show such a success and an event for us all to enjoy deserves endless thanks and praise. I don’t believe adding more classes will increase amateur halter participation. What will, in my opinion, is the ability for our horses to conform to a standard; a standard we set as a global Arabian horse community, and a standard that must be adjudicated expertly. The “standard” must be a horse that exhibits both beauty and athleticism (judged to a “complete” standard). I think adherence to a global standard would also generate confidence in gaining enthusiasm from those who would otherwise overlook halter exhibition. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? The answer to this is answered in the next question. Why breed for a halter horse? This is an interesting question, and I’m sure one that would get many different answers. I don’t think one should solely “breed for a halter horse”. But rather, we should be breeding an Arabian horse taking into consideration all aspects of the horse and its future. Our industry, while becoming so specialized, has splintered into
breeding many different types of Arabian horses… while this specialization has elevated our breed with great qualities, it has blurred our focus on breeding the complete Arabian horse and not sacrificing type, athletic ability and tractability. I think by encompassing all those traits into breeding decisions, the career choices are unlimited for the horses we breed. I actually believe we’ve regressed our Arabian horse breed in some aspects these past years. Each aspect of our industry continues to chase a certain trait/characteristic while sacrificing so many important qualities. We’re forgetting about breeding a “complete” horse, and we’re forgetting about the whole horse. Re-aligning our vision as breeders, to produce the best Arabian horse, should be the ultimate goal. Perhaps breeding to keep, rather than breeding to sell, should be the mentality we get back to. What one thing would you change about halter classes? More emphasis/rewards on the completeness of the horse, not focusing on “just the head.” Remove the need to stand the horses like statues in center ring, so they can be evaluated in a more relaxed way, allowing more people with confidence to exhibit their own horses. What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them involved? I don’t necessarily introduce people to the “halter horse” per say. I introduce people to Arabian horses. Inviting them to the farms, to get up close and personal with the horses; see the mares with their babies. Allow them to interact with and touch, the horses in a relaxed, no pressure environment. I believe horse shows are the worst place to introduce new comers to the Arabian horse breed. The shows are intimidating, everyone is busy, and many times newcomers don’t get the one-on-one personal conversing that leads to better understanding the horses and the Arabian horse lifestyle. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? See answer to question #2.
Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | Halter • 2018
Grant Krohn KROHN SHOW HORSES LINDALE, TEXAS AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? I think having only ATH classes would increase the number of entries immensely. I believe the AOTH or AOTR classes at any show decrease the number of entries. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? I train all performance disciplines in the Arabian breed, therefore, the horses that I show in halter also have a future as a performance horse in whichever discipline they fit into. Why breed for a halter horse? I never breed for a halter horse. I believe that the Arabian horse is beautiful, and we should all strive to breed the prettiest horse we can, but our horses also need to have athletic abilities that go beyond the halter arena. What one thing would you change about halter classes? I would make every amateur halter class ATH. I would eliminate every AOTH or AAOTH class from every show. The number of horses entered in the halter classes would grow, and the more any discipline grows is great for our breed. What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them involved? I think more than introducing the Arabian halter horse to
new people is just to introduce the Arabian horse to them. Once people fall in love with the Arabian, then introduce them to all the disciplines throughout our breed and show them how unique the versatile Arabian horse really is! I have been a part of several lesson programs where we try to get people to come out and ride and enjoy Arabians as much as I do. I think everyone needs to have some kind of lesson program that gets people in the door. It is all our jobs to help grow the Arabian breed! What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? I believe that if you want to grow, it must be from the ground up. In this case, the class A shows. There needs to be incentive for people to want to show their horse at the local level. Whether it be a cash prize, memorial trophy of some kind, or anything that gets people’s attention and makes them want to bring their horse and compete.
Darla Miles MILESTONE ARABIANS BASEHOR, KANSAS AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? Yes, I think it would. A person that owns a great horse may not have the ability to show; that would allow that person to have another amateur show their horse. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? Hunt or western performance classes.
Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Halter • 2018
Why breed for a halter horse? We breed for both halter and performance. What one thing would you change about halter classes? I love the comparison judging; I would hate to be a judge and have to use the point system. What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them
involved? I think our industry tries to promote all disciplines, and combined classes helps with crowd participation. I love to watch park and have a beautiful halter class thrown in there, particularly in Scottsdale during some of the evening classes. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? Combine the regions; and I think futurity classes at regionals help promote more entries.
Gina Pelham HARAS LA CATALINA ARGENTINA Though feeling unqualified to answer the provided questions, AHT feels her following comments worthy of printing; a breeder who wants to see the Arabian flourish. In my country I promote new breeders by selling them good breeding mares at rock bottom prices and lending them some of my stallions; but only to people I know and trust! I consider it very important to widen the base of breeders to increase competition numbers.
Suzanne Perkins FARM AFFILIATION: ARABIANS INTERNATIONAL CAVE CREEK, ARIZONA What are your horses destined for after a halter career? A performance career. Why breed for a halter horse? Beautiful horses always have the edge, even in the performance arena. What one thing would you change about halter classes? The new system of not announcing the individual scores is a big improvement and having the individual placements of each judge lined up and announced is much better. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? Offer significant prize money.
Ar abian Horse Times | 13 | Halter • 2018
Murray and Shirley Popplwell RAE-DAWN ARABIANS SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA AND SASKATOON, CANADA The amateur performance divisions are strong. How do you suggest getting more amateurs involved in showing halter? Make it fun and get rid of the professional amateur. Make tiered amateur classes like the performance classes: Novice, Amateur and Semi-Pro. AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? No, AOTH is the fairest. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? The next stage of their life, breeding or performance. Our horses are doing halter until they can do performance. Even in halter, movement and conformation must support the performance. Why breed for a halter horse? That’s a good question, what is a halter horse? We breed Arabian horses and they better have a form to function. They do halter until they are ready for their next stage of life.
What one thing would you change about halter classes? Change the bad wrap halter gets. These are the best bred, best fed, best cared for, and the least abused horses in the industry— they are the breed’s future. Why does it get such a bad wrap? What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them involved? Participate in the Scottsdale Farm Tours. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? Amateur classes already have become more competitive. I think amateur owner classes are the thing that will bring more amateurs. The professional amateurs are very intimidating for some to show against. These amateurs are demanding pretty hefty pay compensation for showing and this discourages the true amateur.
Maddy Winer SIMPLY SPOTS ARABIANS The amateur performance divisions are strong. How do you suggest getting more amateurs involved in showing halter? I think we can get more amateurs involved by offering sizeable purses for AOTH classes at a regional and national level. AOTH vs ATH … At the Scottsdale show, the only ATH classes are Signature Stallion and Sport Horse classes, the rest AAOTH. Would more ATH classes help increase entries? It would be worth a try, but I think it is extremely important to focus on the AOTH classes to level the playing field. What are your horses destined for after a halter career? 22-time National Champion Maghnus Z is destined to do anything he wants once he retires, as long as this includes relaxing trail rides and tons of carrots! Why breed for a halter horse? I’d breed for a halter horse because I believe a conformationally correct horse will be able to also perform well under saddle, thereby proving the extreme versatility of the Arabian horse. What one thing would you change about halter classes? I would really like to see U.S. Nationals go back to a fivejudge system.
What have you done to introduce the Arabian Halter horse to new people to get them involved? I have many non-horse acquaintances that I have introduced to our Arabians at various shows and they are all fascinated by the beauty, athletic ability and overall talent of our Arabian horses. They begin to understand why I am so attached to our horses for a variety of reasons. What would you do to grow the Class A and Regional halter classes? Again, I believe that offering substantial purses would get many more people to qualify their horses at Class A shows in order to compete for those purses on a regional and national level. It has always worked for the Quarter Horses and Reining Horses, so why not for Arabian Halter horses?
Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | Halter • 2018
2017 North American National Halter Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth National Halter Championship Champion and Reserve wins. No Showmanship.
OVERALL LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Maghnus Z
3 championships, 1 reserve
Maddy and Jay Winer
3. Ebony By Valentino
3 championships
Stella Bella Arabians LLC
2. She Be A Rockstar
Grazia TG
4. VSH Dominic 5. Dom Perignon LL
Ensync FMA
6. C est La V Fyre Me Up
GS Neapalotan RCG
HS Hearttoheart
Unforgettable J
2 championships, 2 reserves 3 championships
2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves
2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships
Greg Lymer Jill Nelson
Texie Lowery Jeffrey Frahm
John and Cynthia Moore
Keith and Maureen Krichke Donna Wright
Cedar Ridge Farm
Stella Bella Arabians LLC Lawrence Jerome
ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Ensync FMA
1 championship, 2 reserves
John and Cynthia Moore
Fyre Me Up
2 championships
Donna Wright
2. C est La V
GS Neapalotan RCG Unforgettable J
3. Bey Monet TRJ
Leander PA Maybelline WA
2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve
Keith and Maureen Krichke Cedar Ridge Farm Lawrence Jerome Ross Danielson
Keith and Maureen Krichke Edward and Laura Friesen
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Maghnus Z
3 championships, 1 reserve
Maddy and Jay Winer
3. Ebony By Valentino
3 championships
Stella Bella Arabians LLC
2. She Be A Rockstar
Grazia TG
4. VSH Dominic 5. Dom Perignon LL
6. HS Hearttoheart
7. Davincis Ebony GA
Ruminas Firecracker
2 championships, 2 reserves 3 championships
2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves
2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve
Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Halter • 2018
Greg Lymer Jill Nelson
Texie Lowery Jeffrey Frahm
Stella Bella Arabians LLC
Perry and Suzanne Perkins Debra and Ken Smith
ARABIAN OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winners
by number of wins
1. Vitorio TO 8 1. Vitorio TO 12 2. Bey Ambition 6 2. DA Valentino 8
3. DA Valentino 5 3. Bey Ambition 7
4. Afire Bey V
3
4. Magnum Chall HVP
5
Marwan Al Shaqab
3
Enzo
4
Enzo
Truse
3 3
5. Eden C Gitar MF Majesteit
4 4
4
ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winners
1. Bey Ambition
6
3. DA Valentino
3
4. Eden C
2
by number of Arabian wins
1. Bey Ambition
7
Vitorio TO
4
Marwan Al Shaqab
3
2. Vitorio TO 4 2. Eden C 4 Marwan Al Shaqab
Excalibur EA
Hariry Al Shaqab Spitfyre VF Stival
Van Gogh AM
3
3. DA Valentino
2
Spitfyre VF
2
3 3
2 2 2
by number of Half-Arabian winners
by number of Half-Arabian wins
1. Vitorio TO 4 1. Vitorio TO 8
2. Truse 3 2. DA Valentino 5
3. Afire Bey V 2 3. Gitar MF 4 DA Valentino
2
Magnum Chall HVP
4
Enzo 2 4. Truse 3
OVERALL U.S. AND CANADIAN NATIONAL LEADING HALTER TRAINERS
Top Ten included
by number of winners
1. Bruno Guiraldelli
13
4. Joe Alberti
9
Sandro Pinha
13
Jeff Schall
9
Steven Heathcott
Andrew Sellman
2. Michael Byatt
3. Keith Krichke
13 13 11 10
Austin Colangelo
5. David Boggs
Alcides Rodrigues
Ar abian Horse Times | 16 | Halter • 2018
9 8 8
OVERALL LEADING OWNERS
ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS
by number of winners
by number of winners
1. Oak Ridge Arabians
4
1. Oak Ridge Arabians
2. Orrion Farms LLC
3
2. Orrion Farms 3
Murray and Shirley Popplwell Perry and Suzanne Perkins
3. Al Shaqab-Member Qatar Foundation
Robert and Janene Boggs Jeffrey Frahm Lawrence Jerome
4 3 2
Steve and Darla Miles
Steve and Darla Miles
2
Maddy and Jay Winer
Keith and Maureen Krichke
2
Pegasus Arabians
2
2 2
2
OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS by number of winners
3
1. Perry and Suzanne Perkins
6
3. Al Shaqab-Member Qatar Foundation
2
Sally Bedeker Ross Danielson Lawrence Jerome Live Oak Arabians, Inc.
Steve and Darla Miles
Oak Ridge Arabians Pegasus Arabians
Perry and Suzanne Perkins
Robert & Dixie North Family Trust
2
ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS
1. Murray and Shirley Popplwell 2. Todd and Glena Weegens
2
2
2. Stella Bella Arabians LLC
by number of winners
2
2
2
2
Stella Bella Arabians LLC
Lawrence Jerome
2
Laura Koch 2
Keith and Maureen Krichke
Pegasus Arabians
3. Al Shaqab-Member Qatar Foundation
4
2
Laura Koch 2 Midwest Station II, Inc.
Murray and Shirley Popplewell
4
4 2 2 2 2 2 2
by number of winners
1. Murray and Shirley Popplwell
6
Ross Danielson
2
2. Al Shaqab-Member Qatar Foundation
Lawrence Jerome Steve and Darla Miles Oak Ridge Arabians Pegasus Arabians
Robert & Dixie North Family Trust
2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS by number of winners
1. Todd and Glena Weegens
4
Perry and Suzanne Perkins
2
2. Live Oak Arabians, Inc.
Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | Halter • 2018
2
Maghnus Z … Leading The Way WITH MADDY WINER Maghnus Z was the winningest North American National halter horse in 2017, a feat over some outstanding horses. What does this mean to you? This is amazing, but honestly, I was shocked and ecstatic when I was told what Maghnus had accomplished. I am extremely honored every time I enter the ring with Maghnus, as he absolutely loves his job and never seems to tire of performing in the ring as he blows and snorts and trots over the moon when he enters. He thrives on cheers from the crowd and seems to live for that moment. To see Maghnus recognized this way is one of my proudest moments and one I will never forget! Can you share with our readers how Maghnus Z came into your life? I first saw Maghnus Z at Tulsa when he was 5-years-old and he and Joe Alberti won U.S. National Champion Stock/Hunter Gelding. Once Joe came back to the barn, I asked him about this horse that immediately stole my heart. Joe said he was for sale and the rest as they say, is history. Our first show was Scottsdale where Maghnus Z and I were unanimous champion H/A Gelding AOTH. Just imagine a stock/hunter winning against those high trotting saddle/pleasure geldings. I was over the moon and Maghnus became that once-in-alifetime horse for me! What has Maghnus Z accomplished in his lifetime and is there a win that stands out above the others? He is a 22time U.S. and Canadian National Champion and Reserve. He has also won the Triple Crown, winning Scottsdale, U.S. and Canadian National Champion Gelding AOTH. I believe our proudest moment is when Maghnus won U.S. Supreme National Champion H/A Stock/Hunter Gelding. When Joe led him into Ford Truck Arena for the overall championship, Maghnus put on a magnificent show. He just owned the ring that day and won against a highly competitive class of incredible geldings. I’ll never forget how I felt that day! Maghnus Z and Joe seem to have a special bond; what makes this relationship so strong? Joe has cared for Maghnus since his late 2-year-old year. When others didn’t think this gangly gelding was of any merit, Joe knew he was special. Maghnus adores Joe and kicks his game up
Magnum Chall HVP x The Sweet Rose, by Amurath Baikal
another notch when Joe shows him, yet he always seems to be more careful when I’m on the lead. What are your plans for Maghnus Z in 2018? We will let Maghnus decide. Right now, he is enjoying his welldeserved time off. What would our readers be surprised to learn about Maghnus Z? One of the reasons I feel that Maghnus has had a long and successful career and always hits the ring like it’s his first time, is that after U.S. Nationals, Maghnus gets turned out daily and has a good six months every year to just be “a horse.” He loves being turned out, so that is what he gets. As you can imagine, he is the KING and everyone at Chestnuthill Arabians treats him as the special horse he is, but I think he really enjoys my visits with an endless amount of carrots! No matter who I might show from now to forever, Maghnus Z will always be my horseof-a-lifetime. Thank you, AHT, for recognizing Maghnus Z this way. n
Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Halter • 2018
OSE ET R S WE THE PX M CH ALL HV MAG NU
22X NATIONAL AND RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION
We are proud and honored to announce
Maghnus Z+// as the Winningest Halter Horse in 2017 with more wins at the National level than any other halter horse in North America, both Purebreds and Half-Arabians. Owned and shown by Maddy and Jay Winer Exclusively shown to every Open Championship by Joe Alberti of Chestnuthill Arabians
Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Halter • 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Halter • 2018
Topping the charts in 2017... (Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth National Halter Championship Champion and Reserve wins)
• Rae-Dawn named Leading Breeder & Owners of Halter Winners • Bruno Guiraldelli named Leading Halter Trainer • Bey Ambition named Leading Halter Sire (Results compiled by Arabian Horse Times)
Merriam-Webster defines lifestyle as, “the typical way of life of an individual, group or culture.” Over the last twenty-plus years, Shirley and Murray Popplewell have developed and nurtured what they like to call the “Rae-Dawn Lifestyle” at their Arabian horse breeding farms in Saskatoon, Canada and Scottsdale, Arizona. Central to the lifestyle is, of course, the Arabian horse and— as Murray is quick to point out—the people that gravitate to them. While it is true that the Arabian breed is a common denominator that draws together people from all walks of life, the addition of the Popplewell’s renowned hospitality and attention to every detail beckons many of those people into the Rae-Dawn lifestyle. “Our success centers around being ourselves,” says Murray, “We’re not trying to pretend that we are anything other than what we are. I think some people recognize that honesty and the genuine feeling we have for the horses and are attracted to us.” “We have always been under the impression that if you can be a good host and treat people with honesty and integrity, good things are reflected back on you,” he continues. “That’s the big thing. The horse industry has to be built on honesty and integrity, that’s what it’s all about. We’re just being ... continued Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | Halter • 2018
ourselves and creating a breeding program that can offer horses people want to own at a very reasonable price so that others can enjoy them the way we do.” And, enjoy their horses the Popplewells most certainly do. They are completely “hands-on” owners, meaning they have cleaned their share of stalls and still do other daily tasks in addition to being experienced amateur handlers who love to show and win with their horses. Rae-Dawn
performance horse, with a 2017 Scottsdale class win in a year culminating in a top ten at the Canadian Nationals in Open Western Pleasure competition in his first national appearance under saddle. Bey Ambition’s Murray & Shirley Popplewell and Family offspring have enjoying the 2018 Scottsdale Show. brought armfuls of ribbons and trophies to their owners all over the world and earned him the prestigious honor of being voted the APAHA Halter Sire of the Year. His homebred daughter, RD Marciea Bey, the 2016 U.S. and Canadian National Reserve Champion Futurity Filly, is from another homebred, 2010 U.S. National Champion Yearling Filly and 2012 U.S. National Champion Futurity Filly, RD Marciena (QR Marc x NW Siena Psyche).
Bey Ambition scored more 2016 United States national championships with his progeny, including his daughter, Beloved Gracious Lady, who won the U.S. National Champion Yearling Filly title before also winning her class at the 2017 World Championships in Paris—earning the only straight 20s for movement in the process to capture the Best Movement Female award. The Shirley Popplewell with Reserve Champion Mare AAOTH RD Lavinya (*Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Marciena) and Murray Popplewell with natural ability of the Bey Ambition offspring to Champion Mare AAOTH RD Magic Moments (Bey Ambition x GF move and perform under saddle was evident in the Simply Magic) at the 2018 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Western Pleasure division, where RD Habanero, a maternal half-brother to RD Marciena, was named horses have achieved countless national and international the 2017 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure honors, both in-hand and under saddle. Prominent among AAOTR Jackpot and, most recently, the 2018 Scottsdale them is Rae-Dawn chief stallion, Bey Ambition (Regal Champion Western Pleasure AATR 40-59 and 2018 Actor JP x Bey Shahs Lady, by Bey Shah), a multipleScottsdale Champion Western Pleasure AAOTR 55 & national champion halter horse—and now a successful Over. Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Halter • 2018
Both Murray and Shirley had big wins in amateur halter competition at Scottsdale, with Murray Popplewell bringing home the 2018 Scottsdale Champion Mare AAOTH title with RD Magic Moments (Bey Ambition x GF Simply Magic)—the second time in a row it has been won by Bey Ambition offspring! Reserve Champion Mare in the class went to Shirley Popplewell and RD Lavinya (Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Marciena). In the previous year, the Scottsdale Champion Mare AAOTH was RD Siena Serenade (Bey Ambition x NW Siena Psyche). As current as they are amongst contemporary owner/ exhibitors, Shirley and Murray Popplewell are highly regarded breeders who celebrated their 20th year in the Arabian horse industry in 2017. They keep an image of what they see as a “complete horse” with form to function in mind, which helps them to maintain clarity in their breeding decisions, whatever the current trend or the tendency toward excess of a particular trait might be at the time.
breeding for the market—the quicker you can get them out and exposed to people, the sooner they might have the chance of selling and moving on to a new home.” Often that “new home” becomes an introduction to the Rae-Dawn lifestyle for the lucky buyer. An open, trusting atmosphere for visiting and for viewing the horses is a key piece of that lifestyle, whether at home or in the barn area at horse shows. Arabian enthusiasts are welcomed to the many open barns, presentations and barbeques that the Popplewells host. Their enthusiasm and knowledge, which they are willing to share, is appreciated by old timers and newcomers alike. The community feeling extends to the diverse staff of the farm. Manager/trainer Bruno Guiraldelli is completely committed to the Rae-Dawn horses, and his dedicated staff can always be counted upon to take care of every detail of the horses’ care.
“The hardest thing we have to do as breeders is stay true to what we feel is the ideal Arabian horse,” Murray states. “We try to breed to stallions that will offer something new to our mare and yet double up on the mare’s strong points. That’s the way we approach it.” At Rae-Dawn that sometimes means finding a daughter of a great stallion or a mare from a program which meets their standards and can contribute to the improvement of their program. One example of that foresight is the Popplewell’s recent acquisition of Madora MI (Allegiance MI x Melody MI) at the 2018 Marquise Auction in Scottsdale. From the famed Mulawa Stud in Australia, Madora MI represents many generations of thoughtful breeding by the Farrell family. The Popplewells are striving to create horses that can win in world-class breeding classes before moving on to a new facet of life under saddle. “Yes,” says Murray, “We do feel there’s got to be life after halter. Halter is one of the easiest, quickest ways to get your horse into a show ring to promote your program, and maybe in North America we push them too much. At the same time, if you are
MADORA MI
(Allegiance MI x Melody MI) purchased at the 2018 Marquise Auction.
Bruno sets the pace, managing his team and working endless hours beside them to achieve enviable results. Bruno not only manages the entire farm, he presents the Rae-Dawn show string to many of their greatest victories. Recently, Bruno posted an incredible win with one of RaeDawn’s recent acquisitions, Giana Leah PCF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF), a stunning product of Sam Peacemaker’s PCF Arabians. At the prestigious Scottsdale All-Arabian show—billed as the World’s Largest Arabian Horse Show with over 2,400 entries—the jubilant Rae-Dawn entourage celebrated as Giana Leah PCF was named the 2018 Scottsdale Junior Champion Filly, with Bruno on the lead. It is a cinch that Murray and Shirley Popplewell will continue to spread the joy that their passion and love for Arabian horses ignites. That passion and love will continue to stoke the flames of the future for the Popplewell family as they nurture the Rae-Dawn lifestyle for a score of years to come.
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Bruno Guiraldelli with 2018 Scottsdale Junior Champion Filly Giana Leah PCF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF). Bred by PCF Arabians.
SCOTTSDALE RESULTS... RD MAGIC MOMENTS (Bey Ambition x GF Forever Magic) First Place Classic 5 Years & Older Mares AAOTH with Murray Popplewell GIANA LEAH PCF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF) First Place Arabian Classic Yearling Fillies of January 1 – April 15 with Bruno Guiraldelli Arabian Classic Junior Filly Champion with Bruno Guiraldelli RD ASHALEENA (Marsal Al Shaqab x RD Dukessa) First Place Arabian Classic Yearling Fillies AAOTH with Murray Popplewell Reserve Champion Arabian Classic Junior Filly AAOTH with Murray Popplewell RD ENTAYVIA (Equator PASB x Mi Morena) Second Place Arabian Classic Yearling Fillies AAOTH with Shirley Popplewell RD LAVINYA (Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Marciena) First Place Arabian Classic 3 & 4yr Old Mares AAOTH with Shirley Popplewell Reserve Champion Arabian Classic Senior Mare Championship AAOTH with Shirley Popplewell RD YAZZMANI (Ever After NA x Summersmagicdream)
RD HAVANNA (Hariry Al Shaqab x RD Siena Serenade)
Top Ten Arabian Classic 2yr Old Colts of April 16 – December 31 with Bruno Guiraldelli
Second Place Arabian Classic 3 & 4yr Old Mares AAOTH with Murray Popplewell
RD MOMENTUM (Emerald J x RD Magic Moments)
Top Ten Signature Championship Classic Three Year Old Mares ATH with Murray Popplewell
Top Ten Classic Yearling Colts of April 16 – December 31 with Bruno Guiraldelli
RD LADY MAGNUM (Magnum Psyche x Bey Shahs Lady)
PCF CRYSTAL VISION (PCF Vision x MCA Afire Beylee)
Top Ten Arabian Classic 5 Years & Older Mares AAOTH with Shirley Popplewell
Top Ten Arabian Classic 8 & Older Mares with Bruno Guiraldelli
Top Ten Signature Championship Classic 4 Years & Over Mares ATH with Shirley Popplewell
Unanimous Champion Arabian Classic Senior Mare AAOTH with Murray Popplewell Top Ten Scottsdale Signature Championship Classic 4 Years & Over Mares ATH with Murray Popplewell RD MARZELLA (QR Marc x Jazella FA) Top Ten International Arabian Breeders Classic 2 Year Old Fillies with Bruno Guiraldelli SONG OF RASHEEM (FA El Rasheem x Psong of Padron) Top Ten International Arabian Breeders Classic 4 & 5 Old Mares with Bruno Guiraldelli RD LUANNA (RD Dynamo x Enchanteress) Top Ten Arabian Classic Yearling Fillies of April 16 - December 31 with Bruno Guiraldelli RD AVONNYA (Spitfyre VF x Alanna) Top Ten Arabian Classic 2yr Old Fillies of April 16 – December 31 with Bruno Guiraldelli Top Ten Signature 2yr Old Filly ATH with Shirley Popplewell RD TESORO (Ajman Moniscione x RD Marciea Bey) Top Ten Signature Auction Championship Yearling Colts/Geldings AOTH with Murray Popplewell RD KAYENTA (Stival x RD Lady Magnum) Top Ten Signature Auction Championship Yearling Fillies AOTH with Shirley Popplewell RD DARICHO (A Jericho x RD Windarra) Second Place Arabian Classic Yearling Geldings with Bruno Guiraldelli