2024 AHT Saddle Seat Guide

by THERESA CARDAMONE

HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS INTO THE FUTURE

Hagale Family Arabians could not be more aptly named. Jim and Mary Martha Hagale raised their daughters Jennifer and Jamie, both national caliber exhibitors, with a passion for Arabian horses. “Our participation in the breed is all about my family,” says Jim. “My daughters, wife, and I have had fun showing horses for a long time. Now, we also want to further develop our breeding program as our Family Mission for the Future.”

A er years of winning a host of national show honors, particularly in the English division, the family began to fuel their dream of an expanded breeding program. Over time, they developed a uni ed team to ensure their continued and mutual success. Today’s Hagale Family Arabians team is composed of trainers, grooms, the veterinary department, branding/marketing, facilities personnel, and a range of others who contribute to the end result. Currently, trainers Chris Wilson and Nestor Gonzalez, and Assistant Trainer, Sarah Mullen, head the training department. Veterinary care is entrusted to Dr. Jillian Paegelow, Jaime Johnson directs branding/marketing, and the Director of Operations is Jen Wilson.

e Hagales stand eight fantastic stallions who carry high-powered performance bloodlines, with the intention of breeding for national champion o spring. SF Destination Victry is a multiple national champion English horse with tremendous potential as a sire while HA Toskcan Sun+, ROL Divine Style+, SF A erschoc+, and Vegaz are not

HA Toskcan Sun+ & SF A ershoc+

Top to bottom, le to right: 2024 Purebred Colt (SF A ershoc+ x CSP Vozka, by Vegaz), 2024 Purebred Filly (HA Toskcan Sun+ x Ladie In Redd, by ROL Divine Style), 2024 Half-Arabian Filly (Fire And Goldd x Landmark’s Dolly Parton), 2024 Purebred Colt (SF Destination Victry+ x Ladie In Redd, by ROL Divine Style), and Fire And Goldd (A re Bey V x Brassmis).

only national champions themselves, but have also produced multiple national champion progeny. Jennifer Hagale cites the purchase of SF A ershoc as the catalyst for her swelling interest in breeding.

SF A ershoc ranks second on AHT’s 2023 National Saddle Seat Leaders lists as Overall Leading Arabian Sire, Leading Living Arabian Sire, and Arabian Leading Sire by number of winning get and number of wins. HA Toskcan Sun ranks 4th on the same lists. “Originally, I was more focused on showing. But when we got A erschoc and saw his get called out in the show ring, I got excited,” Jennifer enthuses. “I have always preferred stallions to mares, and he took my

Arabian Horse Times | 5

Saddle Seat 2024

breath away. I began learning more about pedigrees when our trainer Chris Wilson took me under his wing, analyzing and brainstorming possible breeding choices with me.”

Directing the Hagale operations is Jen Wilson, who shares their vision for the future. “Our primary aim is to breed national champion foals that will shape the future of the Arabian horse industry and leave a lasting legacy on the breed,” she asserts. “We produce approximately 25 foals per year and aspire to raise horses that can compete not just in the Open, but also in the Amateur division. Jim is focused on enhancing the breed as a whole by breeding the Arabian Horse of the Future, while bolstering the Hagale Family Arabians program.”

e Hagale Family’s goal is to host an annual production sale of promising performance prospects at their farm. eir vision is to create an annual event akin to the legendary Lasma sales, an event that horse enthusiasts eagerly anticipate. As the idea takes shape, an ideal sale would feature weanlings, yearlings, 2-year-olds, and any 3-yearold prospects that might still be available. ese horses will be talented individuals destined for success. By o ering them at an early and

unproven stage, buyers can invest in a high-quality prospect where the horse’s value will appreciate over time.

Jen Wilson shares, “It’s important that we o er the industry opportunities to nd a superstar and we have faith that won’t be a

Top to bottom, le to right: Vegaz (Apollopalooza x SMS Forever Bay), 2024 Half-Arabian Colt (Vegaz x A Pleasant Surprize), and 2024 Purebred Colt (ROL Divine Style x Antebella Ames).

Facing page: CSP Vozka (Vegaz x Mattatoska) with her 2024 Purebred Colt by Mamage.

problem when people attend our sale. We plan to have open-house style previews for the two days before the sale, where people can come in and get their hands on the horses before they go through the live sale. Buyers would come to a sale like this, lled with excitement at the potential of nding a star.” With the passion, experience, and commitment of the Hagale team, future Hagale Family Arabians Production Sales will become the destination events of horse lovers’ dreams. ■

RUBI SLIPPERS Coltrane SS x ROL Fire Mist

Schatzberg Photo

Horse Times

ROL FIRE MIST Baske Afire x Firelite DGL

Arabian Horse Times

35

Saddle Seat 2024

2024 REGION

CHAMPIONSHIPS

EXTRAORDINARILILY owned by Strawberry Banks Farm

Champion Arabian Country English Pl Junior Horse with Lance Lewis

HNL INSPIRED LOVE owned by Mary Lou Rubino

Champion Arabian English Pl Junior Horse with Lance Lewis

CHANCES ARE RS owned by Strawberry Banks Farm

Champion Arabian Country Pl Driving with Brian Murch & Arabian Country Pl Driving AAOTD with Sawyer Tehan

CHENNIN BLANC owned by Strawberry Banks Farm

Top Five Arabian Country Pl AATR 19-39 with Sawyer Tehan

ETHEREALL FIRE owned by Lissa Chur

Reserve Champion HA Show Hack AOTR with Sawyer Tehan

Top Five HA Mounted Native Costume with Lissa Chur

SNAP CHAT VH owned by Lissa Chur

Reserve Champion HA Show Hack & HA Country Pleasure Open with Lance Lewis

OHH YEAH owned by Strawberry Banks Farm

Top Five HA Country Pleasure Jr Horse with Lance Lewis

A TRUE TEMPTATION owned by Strawberry Banks Farm

Champion Arabian Mounted Native Costume with Lance Lewis

StrawberryBanksFarm.com | info@strawberrybanksfarm.com

Barbara Chur - Owner | Brian Murch - Trainer 716.983.3099 Lance Lewis - Trainer 716.652.9346

Riyan Photo

HNL Inspired Love

Chances Are RS

Extraordinarilily

Chances Are RS

Snap Chat VH

Ethereall Fire

Chennin Blanc

Snap Chat VH

SHERMAN RANCH Breeders Of Champions

by COLLEEN SCOTT

When AHT caught up with Jill Sherman of Sherman Ranch, she was bustling around preparing for the farm’s annual Spring Soiree and Baby Shower. Held May 26th, it featured live music, a Youth booth from their local club DAHA, cra cocktails, photo booth and horse presentations. With more than 300 people attending, the event was a huge success.

“We love sharing our ranch and Arabian horses with the community and fellow Arabian horse enthusiasts,” she says. “ is is an event we look forward to every year.”

Jill wears a lot of hats. In UPS management for 28 years, she starts most days at 5 a.m. A er nishing her “day job,” she’s at the farm, doing chores, turning the babies out (which can be chaotic she points out), evaluating pedigrees and marketing the farm’s sale horses until 6 or 7 p.m. Adding the planning and execution of a party seems like a lot, but she takes it all in stride.

Owned by her father, the Sherman Ranch has been in existence for more than 50 years and is located on 145 acres in Pleasanton, California. As Jill recalls, her father, Martin L. Sherman Jr., was the rst one in the family to become enamored with Arabian horses, “If we’re going to have horses, we’re going to have beautiful ones.”

2024 Half-Arabian lly SR Glamsterdam (pending), sired by WC A Rare Temper, out of Twinkle Toes S.

She recalls their early days with Arabian horses, with both her and her sister showing, riding at home and helping care for the ever-expanding herd. And although she le the industry for a while, she returned in the 80s and it was as if she had never been away.

“Once you have Arabian horses in your blood, you really can’t stay away,” she says.

e foundation of the Sherman Reach breeding program has long been their broodmares. In the early days, they acquired the most prized mares they could nd, including the *Sera x, *Bask and *Karadjordje bloodlines. eir stallions include Presidio CF (Barbary x Paper Chase, by *Aladdinn) and Nicklebey Berry (Hucklebey Berry x Irish Cognac, by Cognac). In recent years, the family has

Pleasanton, California www. eShermanRanch.com

Above: 2024 Half-Arabian colt SR Old Fashioned (pending) sired by Black Daniels, out of Contessa SMP. Inset (top to bottom): 2024 Arabian lly SR Heavenly Divine (pending) sired by ROL Divine Style, out of Pristalina: 2024 Arabian colt SR Crown Caymon (pending) sired by CSP Grand Caymon, out of Ematina; and 2024 Half-Arabian colt SR Love And e (pending) sired by Arrowheads Bateleur, out of SR Spread e Love.

Arabian Horse Times

From le to right: e Sherman Family, Rebekah, Colby, Dan, Jill, Marty, Peyton, Chase, Michelle and Shelly, gather to host over 300 people for a day of cars, great food, entertainment and most of all, Arabian horses up close and personal.

incorporated the bloodlines of A res Heir, IXL Noble Express, VJ Royal Heir, SF A ershoc, HA Toskcan Sun and the Saddlebred National Champion producing under Woman.

Jill considers the Sherman Ranch program to be a boutique breeding program. “We don’t breed a lot of horses every year, but for the number we have bred, we’ve been very successful, particularly in the English division.”

In fact, their program landed them on Arabian Horse Times’ Leading Saddle Seat Leaders lists as a Leading Breeder and Owner of 2023

National Champion and Reserve Half-Arabian winners, including the bred and owned SR Cracklin under (Black Daniels x under Woman), Sherman-bred Tap Out (Mamage x Beaulieu’s Tapestry), and Sherman-owned Fire It Up CRF (Baske A re x On Tulsa Time).

As those at the open house can attest, Jill is right. eir program might be small in number, but it’s big in potential. With seven foals on the ground this year by the stallions Black Daniels, CSP Grand Caymon, ROL Divine Style, WC A RareTemper and undergun, Jill is looking forward to their future. “ ey have big shoes to ll,” she says.

While Jill leads operations at the ranch along with her full-time day job, her niece, Peyton Bergstad, continues to assist with daily chores, as well as with starting the youngsters before they move on to “school” with Joel Kiesner or Josh Shino, where the family currently has horses in training.

“Just like with our open house and baby shower, we love celebrating the Arabian horse every day at the ranch,” Jill states. “We invite everyone to come visit and celebrate that love and passion with us.”■

2024 AHT LEADERBOARD

1.

Arabian Horse Times

2023 National Saddle Seat Leaders

Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National English Champion and Reserve wins (AEPA, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes). Open/AOTR/JTR | no Equitation Based off AHA & Canada's National Championship Supplied Results at end of show

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES

2023 National Saddle Seat Leaders, continued...

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

1. Game Of rones SV 4 reserves

Owner

Kristine Stelzer

2. CSP Island Dance 3 championships Dennis Miller

Drops Of Jupiter VH 3 championships Vicki Humphrey

JTC understruck 3 championships Ann or Noah Csincsak

3. Shocked N Bewildered 2 championships, 1 reserve Lisa Blackstone

Rizing Stock BF 2 championships, 1 reserve

Farms LLC e Heiristocratt 2 championships, 1 reserve

4. Nutcracker King MA 1 championship, 2 reserves

Tanqueray N Tonic PF 1 championship, 2 reserves

Turner & Alexa Gilbert

5. Angels Envy KT 2 championships Lisa Jo White

Black Label VH 2 championships Rocky or Reese Higgins

Daniels Diva 2 championships Amanda Stannard

Eros Amaryth 2 championships

First Heir EWA 2 championships

KW Micah 2 championships

LC Talladega 2 championships

Reigning Heir 2 championships

SR Cracklin under 2 championships

Strait Laced Lady 2 championships

Toi Sensation CRF 2 championships

Tshampagne Tstarboy 2 championships

Cravens Whitaker

Undulatas First Love 2 championships KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc.

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

1. Game Of rones SV 4 reserves

2. Drops Of Jupiter VH 3 championships

Owner

Humphrey JTC understruck 3 championships

3. Tanqueray N Tonic PF 1 championship, 2 reserves

4. Angels Envy KT 2 championships Lisa Jo White

Black Label VH 2 championships

Daniels

First Heir EWA 2 championships

KW Micah 2 championships

Strait Laced Lady 2 championships

by number of wins

Cravens Whitaker

Owner

1. CSP Island Dance 3 championships Dennis Miller

2. Shocked N Bewildered 2 championships, 1 reserve Lisa Blackstone

Rizing Stock BF 2 championships, 1 reserve Boisvert Farms LLC e Heiristocratt 2 championships, 1 reserve I Ask LLC

3. Nutcracker King MA 1 championship, 2 reserves Channing Turner & Alexa Gilbert

4. Eros Amaryth 2 championships Lana Weatherdon

LC Talladega 2 championships

Reigning Heir 2 championships

SR Cracklin under 2 championships

Equine LLC

Toi Sensation CRF 2 championships KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc.

Tshampagne Tstarboy 2 championships Anna Schippert

Undulatas First Love 2 championships KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc.

“You didn’t just ride him, you experience greatness.”

—Theresa Schimmel Spencer

TRAINERS | OWNERS |

Saddle

Olivia Lockhart

OAK HAVEN FARMS

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

Whatever Jason and Lauren tell me!

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

They should add a 15 years and older class for our older horses. We have a maturity for amateurs to show their young horses, but to still show the value of our older horses, a class dedicated to those older horses would be spectacular!

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Songwriter CA, because he just stood out immediately and brings such a presence to the ring!

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Sophisticated Lady

English: Barcelona BF

Country: OH Dancing On Heir

Lindsay O’Reilly French

OAK HAVEN FARMS

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

Charisma. It’s not a body part necessarily, but does the horse have that something special, is unique and has charisma? Once it catches my attention, I like looking at the bloodlines (what did the parents do/look like?).

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

We have many young horse class options; I’m thinking it’s time for an older horse class, maybe for over 15 years old.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

Is the horse fighting the bridle or happy? Is the rider noticeably working really hard? In country it should appear pleasurable and as a team with the horse and rider.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Countess Vanessa (I still have my flag from Nationals)

Country: for sure (but I’m biased), my main girl, OH Dancing On Heir!

Valerie Kline

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

The neck and how it meets the withers.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

More amateur classes. Amateurs drive the industry.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Orans Adagio with Gene LaCroix

Theresa Schimmel Spencer

PRESTIGE FARMS LLC

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for? High set neck, good hocks and a straight tail, but above all, that certain charisma that makes you say, “Holy cr*p!” Dad knew that look. When showing the young prospects, he’d smile, chuckle to himself and say, “Nope, that one’s not for sale.” Of course, they always were but he’d make you work for it!

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I think adding a CEP class would be helpful for the young horses that aren’t quite strong or mature enough to become English quite yet. It would give them the opportunity to compete without having to push them before they are ready.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth? By tying the horse’s tongue, it helps them keep from getting their tongue over the bit or even sucking it up into their mouth, making it hard for the horse to breathe sometimes. So, I see it as helping the horse more than using it as a way of keeping their mouth quiet, as long as it is tied properly. A horse that is unhappy in the mouth is going to manifest other behaviors that a tongue tie won’t hide. The judge will be able to tell that the overall picture is off, whether its head bobbing, not stepping up behind, or a multitude of other issues. The tongue tie isn’t a magic genie that corrects everything but does pacify some horses and improves the overall performance.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Vision Of Glory PF (Baske Afire x Noble Vision PF, by MHR Nobility), of course! She had a solid debut in the English Futurity and continues to grow bolder and stronger all the time. She comes from a strong line of performance and producing mares. We are more than excited for her 2025 embryo transfer foal by Prosuaded By Love.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Countess Vanessa

English: It’s a toss-up between Snapchatter P.F. and Dancealot for English. My personal favorite is Dancealot, aka Red Feather! He was so gifted and powerful, all served up with a giant dose of mischievousness. You didn’t just ride him, you experience greatness. He taught Mike Whelihan, my dad and me so much; not among the least of those was humility!

Country: JM Marquis Spirit

I have been very lucky to have owned and shown Snapchatter P.F., Dancealot and Marquis Spirit—amazing horses!

Shawn and Carmelle Rooker

ROOKER TRAINING STABLE

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

We don’t believe you can focus on just one feature; a quality prospect should be the “whole package.” When evaluating a young horse’s potential, we look for attributes we can build on as the horse gets stronger and more finished. These include squareness off all four, good legs, high head carriage, fluid motion and manners. We also take their pedigree into account.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

The AEPA classes were instrumental in adding prize money to performance classes. Because of this, we take AEPA eligibility into strong consideration when breeding and purchasing saddle seat type horses. We would love to see more AEPA sponsored classes at shows outside of U.S. Nationals. For example, they could add an amateur English Pleasure class similar to the amateur Country class already in place. By adding more classes, this continues to incentivize the program beyond just the horse’s 4-year-old year. We would like to see this for both the amateur and open divisions.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

You shouldn’t be able to see a tongue tie from center ring, so if a horse wearing a tongue tie has a quiet mouth, the tie has either done its job to quiet the mouth or the horse already has a quiet mouth. A busy mouth will still be busy, even with a tongue tie. You have to judge the horse in front of you.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Profuzion. His English pleasure motion and head carriage are effortless for him, which makes him enjoyable to train and spectate. He is a product of his pedigree, sired by Prosuasion and out of GSF Ambienze, both multi-National Champion English and Park horses we have brought up through our program. We are excited for his future as both a show horse and breeding stallion.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

We are very fortunate to have trained many outstanding horses in all of the saddle seat divisions. We could write a book on “greats” that have come through our program, but to name a few: AA Apollo Bey, Apollopalooza, GTF Beetlejuice, LBC Isabeaux, Halstead’s Pretty Boy, Thank Ghaz, Spitfire PR, Prosuasion, GSF Ambienze, Entouragze, Ballerina BF, and Blazn Heir HPF.

Matt Siemon

SIEMON STABLES

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

Athletic Ability

Quality

Good Straight Legs

Good Feet

Good Minded

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I think they should bring back the informal combination classes and formal driving classes; they were very exciting and showed the versatility of the English horse.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

Even with a tongue tie, if a horse doesn’t have a quiet mouth, it will show.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Probably Songwriter CA—very athletic and beautiful.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Supreme Decision and GSF Alejandro

English: HBB

Country: He’s The Berries

Corry Key, DVM

SOUTHWIND ARABIANS AND EQUINE SERVICES

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

I don’t think I can focus on just one particular feature; there are so many parts that have to come together to create a great saddle seat horse. However, there are certain features that are a must-have in an English program: a strong, deep hip that allows a horse to propel the rest of the body is essential and the lay of shoulder and length and shape of neck are important as well. As a breeder, it’s even more of an artistic vision, and the hope that the genetics selected align the way you think they should. It’s the biggest gamble with (sometimes) the greatest rewards.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I think instituting the yearling AEPA in-hand class at U.S. National could do a couple of things: a.) show the natural movement that these horses are bred for and dispel the myth that all the trot is man-made, and b.) get people excited for the young horses that are the future of the discipline.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

There are multiple signs that a horse’s mouth isn’t quiet. The tongue-tie doesn’t allow a horse to get the tongue over the bit. Other signs such as mouth gaping, or chewing on the bit can also indicate a horse that isn’t quiet.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: MHR Nobility

English: Afires Heir. I still remember the chills I got watching him the first time at Nationals. I could have watched that over and over. It was beautiful.

Leah Golladay

STACHOWSKI FARM

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

A long, flexible, functional neck, a good hind end, and a pretty face!

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I’d love to see something for the 4-year-old country horses! If they don’t have enough motion to be in the top of the AEPA, it feels like there is a gap in marketability for a 4-year-old country horse still a year away from maturity eligibility (you can show in Jr. horse but a lot of 4-year-olds aren’t necessarily strong enough to go toe to toe with the 5-year-olds). I think if there was a class for them at a prestigious show, or a little prize money was offered, it might increase their marketability.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

I think horses that want to be busy in the mouth will find a way, tongue tie or not, but they won’t be able to suck their tongue into the back of their mouths while they do it, which is so beneficial to horse and rider!

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

I ride a mare named Divinely Mine in the Country Futurity, and in my opinion, she’s a pretty perfect specimen! She is by SF Aftershoc and out of Ames Divine, and she’s got all the right parts! She’s extremely beautiful, elegant, trainable, and good off all four corners! I think she’ll make an impact on the breed for years to come, as a show and breeding horse!

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Toskcan Stars. When she’s doing her thing, I can barely look away, whether she’s in the show ring or she’s barefoot in the off season!

English: I have a trio of favorites, and they’re all mares! I’ve been very lucky the last couple of years to have the honor of showing Ames Divine and SHF Rosemerry in the open English at U.S. They both provided a unique, thrilling experience that I will be forever grateful to have had! Ames Divine digs in and will give you all she has and more! Rosemerry has more fun showing than any horse I’ve ever ridden; she KNOWS the crowd is there just for her and loves every second of it, you just have to stay out of her way and let her do her thing! Lastly, my mare Starr Llight. We crossed a lot of bridges together over a lot of years. She was the perfect mix of difficult and fun and always kept things interesting, but when she’d hit the show ring, she was on (usually)! She will always hold a big place in my heart and is part of some of my favorite memories!

Jill Sherman

SHERMAN RANCH

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

High headed with good feet, straight tail, and an ease of willingness to move forward with a nice hind step and a pretty face helps.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

A Pro-Am AEPA/AWPA with A LARGE PRIZE INCENTIVE! One western and one country for 5-year-olds.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

GREAT QUESTION! I would like to know the answer!

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Songwriter CA for sure. He was a standout.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Pro Fire

English: Afires Heir

Country: SR Cracklin Thunder

Silvio Domingues

Da Silva

PRESTIGE FARMS, LLC

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

Conformation, their movement for the discipline and quality.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

A country class, because a lot of young horses with the potential of being English pleasure horses just aren’t mature or strong enough to complete with the ones that are in the AEPA class. Like late babies or ones still trying to grow into their bodies.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth? I personally don’t use a tongue tie to keep a mouth quiet. I use it to help keep the horse’s tongue where it should be or get the tongue up over the bit.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Vision Of Glory PF, of course.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Matoi

English: Good Vibrations

Country: Americanbeautie

Peter & Lori Conway

CONWAY ARABIANS

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

Sometimes it is not so black and white. Example: we purchased three very different horses as 2-year-olds from Tim and Marty Shea. We needed to elevate our saddle seat breeding program and chose Coltrane, Noble Rendezvous and Afires Rejoice. If you know these three horses, you know that Coltrane is long necked, short coupled with a high tail, and oily moving with a lot of ambition that hydroplanes when moving. Noble Rendezvous is a long, smooth, three even quadrant mare with a long neck carried high, that stays level and square when moving, and Afires Rejoice is a compact box of a mare, more like a sports car. So, what stood out the most in all three of these horses is the ability to travel forward in a vertical frame easily with the attitude and willingness to do it.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

The AEPA has played an important role, that’s for sure! It would be fun to add another Amateur Owner class. There are already two, the Strawberry Banks Pro/Am Class in Ocala at the Keystone/AHAF show and the Conway Arabians Amateur class in Scottsdale. If another sponsor came along, a third one could be added. :-)

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

I don’t think it will change anything. A tongue stabilizer keeps the tongue from going over or between the bits and if a horse has a busy mouth or shows aggression and frustration (for whatever reason), the tongue stabilizer will not cure that problem.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

That is easy! Songwriter CA and Rubi Slippers! Both are full siblings by our stallion, Coltrane, and out of Strawberry Banks’ mare ROL Fire Mist (bred by R.O. Lervick Arabians), and they were incredible and so beautiful in the class!

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Coltrane

English: Heirs Noble Love and Prosuasion

Country: Noble Rendezvous

Jennifer Hagale Drinnon

HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

I think having a long-arched neck is the most important feature for a young prospect. I am looking for a nice neck, big eye and high tail carriage. It also must have straight legs and good feet.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I like the young classes because it is fun to see the young, upcoming horses and they are good classes to watch if you are looking to purchase show horses for amateur riders. I am not sure that we need to add any classes right now because there are a lot of classes at these shows now, that so many classes have been separated out by age and level of riders. The shows are becoming really long and it makes it hard for people to be able to attend the shows.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

I think that they can tell if the horse does not pull or lean on rein pressure.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Loves Divine (SF Aftershoc x Ames Divine). She was well mannered and perfectly framed. She had plenty of motion and has a remarkable pedigree.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: CSP Hot Dam (Half-Arab) and ROL Divine Style (purebred), who is among the rare few athletic enough to win the open Park and English class in the same year.

English: Mamage

Country: G Eazy

Jennifer Junker

OAK HAVEN FARMS

When looking at a young prospect to purchase, what is the most important body feature and what are you looking for?

The neck and hind end are very important body features, but I most value overall, quality, in an individual.

The AEPA classes have played an important role in the Saddle Seat division. If they were to add any additional classes, what do you think they should be and why?

I love the AEPA classes at U.S. Nationals; they are two of my favorites to watch. I don’t think we need any additional classes because there are so many divisions already.

With the allowance of tongue ties in the country division, how does a judge determine if a horse has a quiet mouth?

I think tongue ties should be used to help the horse properly place their tongue, given the space that the bits take up with a double bridle. This is especially helpful to horses with smaller mouths or larger tongues. I don’t think this tool will ever fully quiet a busy mouth; it just helps some horses be more comfortable. I also think the horse’s attitude about doing their job matters most.

Who was your favorite 3-year-old in the Saddle Seat division at the 2023 U.S. Nationals and why?

Songwriter CA was a standout to me. I have been fortunate to follow this horse from the time he was a weanling because he belongs to my friend Candace Avery. His debut at U.S. Nationals was so impressive with his expression, balance and quality. I also loved his full sister and Reserve Champion in the class, Rubi Slippers.

Who is your all-time favorite Park horse, English and country horse?

Park: Mandalay Bay

English: Hucklebey Berry+/ Country: ROL Firecracker and CP Manifesto (I can’t choose!)

K e Long

Instructor: Leah Golladay # of years competing: 9

WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE MEMORY IN SHOWING EQUITATION?

Last year at Youth Nationals, earning a top ten in both the UPHA and Saddle Seat Equitation 15-18. It was fun to compete against all the other talented riders!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE NERVES OR PRESSURE LEADING UP TO/DURING AN EQUITATION CLASS?

I am always a little nervous before a class, but I try not to stress too much because it doesn’t help anything. Once I get on my horse, the nervousness turns into excitement. During the class I try to focus on my form and placement, and not so much my nerves. I am always thrilled when I enter the arena!

WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR TRAINER PLAY IN HELPING YOU IMPROVE YOUR EQUITATION SKILLS?

Leah is constantly helping to improve my skills. ere are always things to work on to become a better equitation rider, and she reminds me of the things I need to correct. I appreciate all her help and support in making me the rider I am today.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MASTERING EQUITATION, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

You must believe in yourself to achieve the things you want. ere are always goals to set and things to get better at. Con dence has been something that has helped me in the ring.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RIDERS LOOKING TO EXCEL IN EQUITATION?

e more challenging horses will help you become better, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the moment. Try not to get discouraged when something goes wrong but continue to give it your all. I would also say, although it takes a lot of determination and e ort to excel in equitation, the most important thing is to have fun while you’re showing, and not be too hard on yourself.

Audrey Bush

Instructor: Jolene Galvin & Taryn Lundquist # of years competing: 8

WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE MEMORY IN SHOWING EQUITATION?

When I won my rst pair of roses in equitation at Scottsdale! I was so excited cheering on my older sister, Addie, in horse shows and that encouraged me to make goals!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE NERVES OR PRESSURE LEADING UP TO/DURING AN EQUITATION CLASS?

By listening to music before and walking my pattern over and over and over again in my head! It is similar to playing other sports; so much mental prep goes into it

WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR TRAINER PLAY IN HELPING YOU IMPROVE YOUR EQUITATION SKILLS?

She always is super supportive in helping walk my patterns and is super patient with me if I don’t understand something. ey both always give me good pep talks!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MASTERING EQUITATION, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

e biggest challenge would be trying to keep your posture correct while trying to keep your horse together. I overcame this by doing multiple equitation lessons a week to get a feel for it, and also being made to wear weighted chaps.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RIDERS LOOKING TO EXCEL IN EQUITATION?

Don’t give up! I felt very discouraged in the beginning not knowing what I was doing wrong, but I kept up with lessons and it started coming along!

AlexaGilbert

Instructor: Leah Golladay

# of years competing: 12

WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE MEMORY IN SHOWING EQUITATION?

Trotting down the ramp at Region 12 is an unbeatable feeling!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE NERVES OR PRESSURE LEADING UP TO/DURING AN EQUITATION CLASS?

Blasting music while getting ready and messing around with friends!

WHAT ROLE DOES YOUR TRAINER PLAY IN HELPING YOU IMPROVE YOUR EQUITATION SKILLS?

Besides the actual coaching, knowing how much my trainers believe in me makes me work harder to always improve.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MASTERING EQUITATION, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Taking it too seriously! We all put in so much work to be great eq. riders, that making one small mistake can be heartbreaking if you let it be. But I always remind myself that we are all doing this because it is fun and we love horses!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RIDERS LOOKING TO EXCEL IN EQUITATION?

Have fun! You will never feel like you fully excelled unless you put the work in and have fun doing it.

2024 marks our 10th year since the inception of the Hollywood Toi Foundation with nearly in grants awarded!

The Foundation believes that youth riders are the future of the Arabian horse industry and creating the opportunity for more youth riders to compete will in turn create more opportunity, growth, and engagement for the industry as a whole.

By THERESA CARDAMONE

Peter and Lori Conway have a long history with the Arabian horse as exhibitors and as dedicated breeders. Lori has a passion for showing horses in both the Western and English divisions but these days her time is mostly devoted to the breeding end of the business. Foaling out 26 mares this year and running their new farm in Florida hasn’t left much time for riding and showing. Peter augments his passion for breeding with the satisfaction of serving on several of the horse show community’s governing bodies. Together, they are a formidable pair who continue to support and promote the breed wholeheartedly, as evidenced by their farm slogan, “Bred To Move You.”

In 2023, Conway Arabians, under the leadership of Peter and Lori, continued their streak of success, earning numerous accolades for their achievements in breeding, showing, and service to the Arabian horse. The Conways were AHT Leading Breeders of purebreds by number of winners and overall, with three national champions emerging from the Conway Arabians program. Wild Hearts CA (VJ Royal Heir x Wildfire LOA) was crowned the 2023 Mid Summer National Champion Arabian English Pleasure, while Money Trane CA (Coltrane SS x Viressa) became Canada’s 2023 National Arabian Champion Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure AATR. To complete the trio, Songwriter CA (Coltrane SS x ROL Fire Mist) earned the 2023 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Futurity title. Meanwhile, Songwriter’s full sibling, Rubi Slippers, was the National Reserve Champion in the same class.

Money Trane and Songwriter’s sire, the black beauty, Coltrane SS (IXL Noble Express x Brassmis), and the 2018 U.S. National Champion Park horse, has contributed to Conway’s status as 2023 Saddle Seat Leader by being named a Leading Living Sire of Overall Saddle Seat national winners (purebred and HalfArabian). Coltrane is also a Leading Sire of purebred national winners by his number of winning offspring and by the total number of wins. His prepotency is evident through his many champions, who mirror his carriage, style and movement.

Prosuasion (SF Specs Shocwave x MZ Kitty) is a new and important element in the Conway Arabians Saddle Seat breeding program. A celebrated show horse, Prosuasion earned six National Champion titles and five Reserves beginning in 2011, when he was named the U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Futurity winner. Most recently, he earned U.S. National Champion Park Horse honors in 2022. Prosuasion excels as a sire, with his progeny earning seven National Champion titles and two Reserves, with 27 additional Top Ten awards.

In 2023, his son, Prosuaded By Love (x Heirs Noble Love), was named the U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse, which followed his 2022 U.S. National Champion AEPA $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity and 2021 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Futurity victories. Another son, Barrister DGL (x Noble Blitz), is a highly regarded junior stallion for the Conways.

The breeding program is based at Peter and Lori’s beautiful new farm in Micanopy, Florida. They are breeding mares to Coltrane, Prosuasion and Barrister in 2024. n

HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS

Special Olympics Missouri Evening of Excellence

Jim and Mary Martha Hagale, along with friends Brad and Martha Boswell, co-hosted an Evening of Excellence fundraiser in April bene ting Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) at Hagale Family Arabians. e farm’s beautiful indoor arena was lled with Special Olympics athletes, board members and VIP guests, along with select Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chief players present to support the incredible program.

Champion horses including SF Aftershoc+ and HA Toskcan Sun+ were presented to the crowd along with a few young horses, followed by an exquisite dinner and select bourbon tasting. e delightful evening ended with an enthusiastic and prosperous live auction, which along with a silent auction, raised more than $250,000 for Special Olympics, Missouri.

Time moves forward and with it comes change, all the while the love of the Arabian horse remains a constant at Cedar Ridge Arabians. Lara Ames now steps forward to continue the tradition of the Cedar Ridge breeding program based on the strong history of generational distinction in English horses that her parents began so many years ago. Though the quantity of future production will lessen, the quality shall always reflect the Ames’ tradition of excellence.

BRASSMIS

JULIETTA AMES

TOI JABASKA

AMES DIVINE & DIVINELY MINE CRF

The AEPA has paid out over $2.7 MILLION in AEPA-related classes since its inception in 2007. On average, over $158,000 every year.

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