2020 AHT Saddle Seat Brochure

2020 GU IDE

The Sky Is The Limit ...

Dream Big!

UNANIMOUS

2019 U.S. National Champion Arabian Park Horse 2018 U.S. National Champion Arabian English Pleasure Jr. Horse 2017 U.S. National Champion AEPA Arabian Horse Times $100,000 Arabian Saddle Seat Futurity

IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire, by Afire Bey V Owned by Maroon Fire Arabians | For breeding information | Shea Stables • 810.329.6392 | Kiesner Training • 865.556.0412 www.AfireBeyV.com

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D S A TO Y SaddleSeat Horse

“It is hard to duplicate the power and excitement of riding a great English horse! When you can feel every muscle in their body propelling you forward, it’s a huge rush!”

—Kevin Price

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Saddle S E AT

Rob & Liz Haar Dexter, Michigan

SIGNATURE OAK STABLES WITH KAYLEIGH MEYER DISCIPLINE FOCUS: Saddle Seat & Western What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

Liz: I showed western as a kid and sold my horses to go to college and didn’t ride again until I was in my forties after our daughter got interested in riding. I decided if I was going to ride again, I wanted to learn something new. We also both love the fast-pace and excitement of saddle seat.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

We tend to like change, so the longest we have ever shown the same horse as an amateur is two years. We have some horses now that we may show for a third year, but will have to see in December!

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

Almost to a fault, we like discovering the next star. It’s a lot of fun, but sometimes as an amateur, if every horse you have is a junior horse, it can be challenging. We also like ‘spirited’ horses, which combining that with young horses makes every class unique! A proven horse can be nice too.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

Liz: While I ride the horses, Rob breeds them. He has some great young horses that are just starting to be shown, and even better foals from this year. It’s exciting to get a great crop of home-bred horses to show, but also exciting to contribute to the industry with good quality English horses.

Name a current saddle seat rider and horse whose talent you respect and why.

Lori Foster is a great ambassador for the breed and for saddle seat riding … on any horse. She looks good and is well prepared, but more importantly, is generous with her time promoting charity work within the breed. She always has a smile on her face, and makes it look fun, which it should be!

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Saddle S E AT

Kayleigh Meyer Dexter, Michigan

SIGNATURE OAK STABLES

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

Growing up, I always saw saddle seat as the most challenging discipline (now I realize that Western is VERY hard), and I always found myself drawn to watching those classes.

Their athleticism and show presence are what I was drawn to the most and it is what keeps me riding English horses every day.

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Most importantly, they have to want to work and have natural talent—a high neck, straight tail, and great motion only gets you so far when they don’t enjoy what they are doing. After that, they need to have a powerful hind end. I like a horse that trots squarely off all four corners with ease.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

I think everyone has personal goals they are trying to attain, and once that goal is reached, I don’t see a need for a rider to continue to show the same horse over and over again. I think it brings excitement to the breed to watch a new horse and rider team trot into the arena.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

I really enjoy starting the young horses from day one and seeing them through their entire training process; this makes the reward at the end even greater. Luckily, I have amateur riders that are willing and excited to look for that next big star and enjoy the ups and downs of the process!

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

My goal is to produce Open-quality yet amateur friendly horses from our breeding program that are straightforward to ride, train and show.

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INC E P T IO N 2020 …

Answering The Sire Question

by CHRISTY EGAN

It takes time to answer the questions that arise for successful horse breeders. It’s probably the main reason there are so few real breeders of Arabian horses, especially in America. Americans want their success stories written immediately.

Most have a hard time waiting a few years, let alone 30 or 40, for the results to really be in. For Maroon Fire Arabians and Shea Stables, the saga of Inception (IXL Noble Express+ x Bonita Afire) did not begin with his first or even his third unanimous national championship; or even with the birth of his first foals in 2018. It began with his grand dam Bacharah (Barbary+++ x NDL Bokara, by *Eter), his sire, National Champion Park, IXL Noble Express+ and his grandsire, the great Afire Bey V, leading all-time sire in the Arabian breed.

With three English and Park National Championships and almost a hundred offspring registered, you would think that Inception had answered all of his breeder’s questions about him. Certainly, his get has lived up to all expectations thus far. Tim Shea speaks glowingly of the consistent Inception conformation. “Inception’s ability to sire exceptional length of neck and a strong hind leg with great hock flexion is very rare in Arabians. We breed purely for Englishtype Arabian horses and our best breeding stallions have great shape to their necks and an ability to maintain an “uphill” balance when they move. Inception’s is the best we’ve ever seen.” Everyone else with Inception babies eagerly adds that they are quite beautiful, with lots of Arabian type and character, are leggy and strong moving. They are also consistently smart and very sweet and friendly … good around people, both family and strangers.

Statistically, Inception has sired slightly more fillies than colts, almost 70% are bay, and 3/4‘s are purebreds with a quarter registered Half-Arabians. But the question still waiting to be answered is … how will they train? Inception’s oldest foal crop (2018) is now two. As the Half-Arabians mature faster and tend to be ready for long lines and a

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2019 Inception Filly out of Felicia Afire (Afire Bey V x Flame Dancer)

2019 Inception colt out of Summer Afire (Afire Bey V x JKF Sashay, by Hucks Heritage V)

saddle a bit ahead of their purebred Arabian counterparts, those with HalfArabians are beginning to get some answers. “We have Half-Arabian twoyear-olds in long lines, yes!” says Tim Shea. “I’m very excited about Inception’s cross with our Saddlebred mares. So far, he is leaving the neck, size and stretch on his Saddlebred offspring, holding the best Saddlebred characteristics and complementing them. We’ve never had Half-Arabians this good, and we’ve had quite a few. They are so good that we are breeding all of our Saddlebred mares to him exclusively right now.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Tim and Marty Shea’s star broodmare, Ritida (dam of 19 offspring, including 11 national winners) has a 90-day-old Inception filly that is currently the “must see” baby at their Michigan farm. “The filly appears to be the same color as her 3/4 brother, Adams Fire [16-time National Champion and Reserve]. She is just spectacular loose in the pasture,” laughs Tim delightedly.

Trainer Joel Kiesner who shows and stands Inception is equally excited. “The purebred Inception youngsters are just two and won’t be in long lines until later in the year,” notes Joel, “but you can determine success in other ways too. Inception’s foals have great motion loose and are terrific to handle and interact with. His babies show well and they sell. I only have one colt of his left available for sale now. That’s it. And everyone that has an Inception baby loves them. They’re everything the breeders want, and they are all breeding back too.”

FACING PAGE: Noble Bacharah, Noble Blossom, Foxy Afire and her Inception colt.

It takes a long time to ask all of the questions. This fall and next fall will see the beginning of some very important answers for Inception as a sire. ■

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Saddle S E AT

Tim Shea SHEA STABLES St. Clair, MI

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

I have thought a lot about this question. When I started going to shows in the 60’s, I attended all breed shows, so I was exposed to every breed and discipline. One of the things that really attracted me to saddle seat was the excitement of watching those horses warm up.

There is such an immediacy about it, there is so much excitement pouring out of not only the horse and rider, but also the support staff, the grooms and all the other people helping to get them down that chute and into the class. Saddle seat is all about the “right now.” When you’re going down the chute and into the class, there’s no time to wait, it has to happen right now. That immediacy and that excitement really attracted me, and it still does to this day. When I stand in the warmup at a horse show and I watch everyone getting ready and going into the in gate, it’s still just as exciting.

Are there any advantages to riding a stallion vs. a mare or gelding in the show ring?

If you have the right stallion, there is just something so magical about them. They have a certain aura. This is not to say that there aren’t any mares or geldings with this quality, but when you have the right stallion, there is a beauty and proudness that you don’t always see in a gelding or a mare. In my career, two of my most famous show horses were Hucklebey Berry and A Temptation, and both had that “it” factor. They were both historically significant horses, and very important in my career.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

In today’s show ring, horses are lasting longer and longer. When an amateur hits on the right horse, they’re going several years. I believe one of the reasons behind that is the shoeing changes we’ve made. Horses are shoed to be much sounder. The angles and the fact that there is enough foot and weight there, allows them to get their balance in their trot. This makes it so that they are not overworked and they’re not shoed with angles and packages that are not conducive to soundness. For this reason, horses are lasting longer and amateurs can stick with them longer.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse, or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

As one of the premier breeders of saddle seat performance horses in the United States, both purebred and Half-Arabian, we are in the business of creating the next star! Every Spring when the foals are born, is a very exciting time for us. You hope each year for that next star, and when you look at each one, you wonder if it will be them! The whole concept of the “next star” is the thing that creates excitement for everyone in the industry. When Joel Kiesner first brought out Inception for us three years ago, it was not only exciting for us, but also exciting for the whole industry. When your next star is a stallion, it’s extra special because they have the opportunity to leave such an impact, and influence the evolution of our breed as a whole.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

From the beginning, it has been our goal to contribute beautiful horses that are unmistakably Arabian, and that have a lot of talent.

We strive to improve talent, trainability and quality every year. The size and scope of our breeding program really has allowed us to do this. When looking to the future of our breed, there has to be a balance between quality and trainability. Sometimes trainability gets lost in the mix, but it is so important in what we do. We ask our horses to do extreme things and look beautiful at the same time, and that’s not easy. Right now, I think the saddle seat breeders in our Arabian world are breeding for stronger rear ends. Through their pedigrees, we feel our stallions, Inception and Rhythmic, will contribute to this through their progeny.

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Saddle S E AT

Lori Conway CONWAY ARABIANS Chatfield, MN

FARM AFFILIATION: ANNA CONWAY/ KIESNER TRAINING/LIBERTY MEADOWS/RBC TRAINING What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

I love the excitement and the energy when riding Saddle Seat. I like the other divisions too, but when you are getting “that ride” on an English horse, there is nothing better!

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

There are a lot of great stallions in our breed. Each stallion brings something different, such as Coltrane (by IXL Noble Express) has no Huck in his pedigree, so he can cross on mares that are Afire Bey V bred. We are using our *El Ghazi semen, and like Baske Afire, Vegaz and *Bask blood too.

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

If you don’t compromise on quality, attitude, conformation and type, you will always have a product that is a functional horse and, therefore, a marketable horse.

A deal breaker in our program is a bad attitude.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

Our goal is to produce Amateur friendly horses, that bridle easily and trot off all four corners.

Outside of the AEPA, the saddle seat division doesn’t seem to get the same kind of participation as the western and halter divisions do in the other breeding program classes offered. How do you think we can encourage this?

I disagree with this premise. The country English pleasure division is huge, as are the maturity and futurity classes. The Breeders Sweepstakes Saddle Seat classes are also large, and I would bet that a majority of the breeding today in our industry is to saddle seat stallions.

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Saddle S E AT

Michelle Harris Temecula, California

HARRIS ARABIANS FARM AFFILIATION: STACHOWSKI FARMS What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Temperament, trainability, upright neck and great hocks!

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

Barbary, Eter, Cognac, Huckleberry Bey, Zodiac Matador, El Mudir, El Magato.

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

I like to see four generations of show horses or producing show horses in the pedigree. Then I look at the mare’s conformation and movement to see if she represents that pedigree. My decision making when choosing a stallion follows the same protocol.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

I hope to provide quality show horses with beauty and a temperament that will be a great partner in the ring, or out!

Outside of the AEPA, the saddle seat division doesn’t seem to get the same kind of participation as the western and halter divisions do in the other breeding program classes offered. How do you think we can encourage this?

I believe the halter division has more participation because you don’t have to wait to start showing until the horse is 4 years old, and the AEPA is only for English horses.

I believe we should have a 1-2 year old halter class for the AEPA, and a 3-4 year old Country Pleasure class with a prospect sale at the U.S. Nationals.

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T H E

P R O M I S E

P R O V E N

B Y

P R O G E N Y

U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION ENGLISH PLEASURE OPEN & JR. HORSE SIRE OF MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Afires Heir

Afire Bey V Brassmis

El Ghazi MA Ghazta Trot Fire Essense

Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sire AEPA Enrolled Sire Scottsdale Signature Stallion Contact Jim Stachowski Cell: 330.603.2116 Owned by Kelli Aguirre Cell: 561.358.4118 www.VJRoyalHeir.com Photos by: Vesty/Osteen/Schatzberg Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Saddle Seat • 2020

Saddle S E AT

Kelli Aguirre Calhoun, Georgia

FARM AFFILIATION: STACHOWSKI FARM

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

I grew up on a halter breeding farm and just always loved the beautiful trotting horses. Once I had the opportunity to ride one, I knew I would probably never do anything else. I loved the feeling of that power under you and the feeling that sometimes you were flying with such big movement.

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

A perfectly set on neck coming out of the shoulder in the right place and a short back with long legs. Also, they have to be beautiful and good minded.

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

Of course, I love to look at my own babies that I have bred, which are all by VJ Royal Heir. When I am looking for mares to breed, I have been successful with Baske Afire daughters and Rumina Afire or her daughters, and a Phi Slama Jama daughter.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the i dea of discovering the next star?

I love the idea of discovering the next star! That’s why I love the breeding part of this business, because I love to put the right stallion with the right mare and wait a long time to hopefully have the next star!

How has the current pandemic impacted your outlook of showing going forward?

I’m going to a show as fast as there is one to go to! I miss the show atmosphere and I more than anything, miss all my friends.

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Saddle S E AT

Shawn & Carmelle Rooker

ROOKER TRAINING STABLE Fenton, Michigan

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Quality of motion and shape of neck. When a saddle seat horse is bridled and going down the rail, it should look effortless. We also look for a pretty face, good legs, expressive ears, and a quiet tail.

Are there any advantages to riding a stallion vs. a mare or gelding in the show ring?

For the most part, geldings are usually more level-headed and even tempered, making t hem more consistent from ride to ride. Stallions often have an incredible presence that is hard to duplicate, and a good mare will give you her all if you earn it.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

In our opinion, this completely depends on the horse and rider, as well as their long-term goals. If a horse and rider are successful in the show ring and having fun doing so, they should show together for as many years as they are able.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse, or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

Discovering the next big star, especially horses that our clients and we personally have bred over the years. It is very rewarding when the potential you see in a young horse comes to fruition in the show ring.

How has the current pandemic impacted your outlook of showing going forward?

This has definitely made us realize how much we miss the camaraderie within our barn family. Making the shows fun and enjoyable for our clients, employees and trainers, is a priority for us and with our barn being closed down to outside visitors, we really missed seeing everyone.

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Saddle S E AT

Nora & Laura Shaffer Saint Paul, Minnesota

FARM AFFILIATION: ROOKER TRAINING STABLE

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

For us, the saddle seat discipline has always been interesting and drew us in from an early start. We love the energy of the horses and the competitive nature of the classes. We believe that there is no better feeling in the world than being able to ride a great saddle seat horse.

Are there any advantages to riding a stallion vs. a mare or gelding in the s how ring?

As the owners of a stallion, they encompass all of the desired qualities of the Arabian horse. Due to their athleticism and drive, they are hard to match in the show ring.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse, or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

We have experience on both sides of this and there are definite pros and cons to both. However, the possibilities and excitement of looking for the next star is always something that we love to do.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

Through owning and breeding a stallion, we hope to contribute and add to the division in that way.

How has the current pandemic impacted your outlook of showing going forward?

We both have missed the show ring and the atmosphere of the horse shows and are eager to get back in the ring.

Though the pandemic has impacted the amount of shows we will be able to attend, we trust that all of the show officials will make it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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HA English Pleasure futurity

What Breeders Say About ... +

+ We are super happy with our Aftershoc babies. They all have so much quality and great attitudes. One of our favorite horses we’ve ever bred is sired by him, and we are excited for his coming out party at U.S. Nationals this fall.

— Lara Ames

SF Aftershoc is a beautiful horse with a pedigree to match. His foals have definitely proven themselves in the show ring, including some of our most exciting National Championship wins with his offspring.

— Jim Stachowski

SF Aftershoc has sired two beautiful Half-Arabians for us and an exquisite purebred Arabian that we have retained as a broodmare for our breeding program. O ur SF Aftershoc daughter is an outstanding producer and exudes high Arabian quality. Her 2020 colt by Noble Braveheart is exceptional, and we feel lucky to have her in our select group of broodmares.

— Juliette Dell

2020 Scottsdale Show Leading Living Sire During these uncertain times, breedings will continue to be offered at a 20% discount!

Sometimes numbers can speak for themselves.

We currently have 19 Aftershoc get that we either sold to clients or kept for ourselves out of the 23 mares we bred to him. We also have in training, 17 Aftershoc babies that we are showing or planning to show this year that were bred by our clients.

We have had some great sales to owners across the countr y and I expect great things for them, as well as our own clients, in the coming months!

— V icki Humphrey

SF Specs Shocwave x SF Sweet Elegance, by Promotion AHA Breeders Sweepstakes Sire | AEPA Enrolled Stallion | Region 12 Spotlight Stallion | NSH Nominated Sire

Owned by: L A FLYNN | Alpharetta, Georgia Standing at: ROHARA ARABIANS RoharaArabians.com | 352-591-4661 | Rohara@windstream.net Contact: John Rannenberg, Trainer | 352-266-6446 Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | Saddle Seat • 2020

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THE ARABIAN ENGLISH PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATION

13 Years Strong And Ever Evolving!

$2 MILLION in prize money paid out!

Breed to an A.E.P.A. Enrolled Stallion and get in on the ACTION!

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Saddle S E AT

Dwane Hankins Reddick, Florida

COLONIAL DOWNS TRAINING CENTER DISCIPLINE FOCUS: ALL DISCIPLINES What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Neck, hocks, and a great “go get it” attitude!

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

Anything Polish or Polish-related, as well as many of the saddle horses we use.

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

Neck, length of leg, attitude … the mare is a major contributor to the foal.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse, or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

The next big star.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

Well-trained horses that anyone can ride and show.

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Saddle S E AT

Morgan Pelzman Runyon & Renee Pelzman Ocala, Florida

TRAINER/FARM AFFILIATION: COLONIAL DOWNS TRAINING CENTER DISCIPLINE FOCUS: HALTER/WESTERN PLEASURE/SPECIALTY What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Ideally, we like to see a long and well-set neck, laid-back shoulder, high wither, a short back, let down well in the hocks to allow forward motion and, last but not least, a willing attitude!

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

We enjoy seeing a modern-type Arabian with old fashioned bloodlines, such as Huckleberry Bey, Barbary, Apollopalooza and El Ghazi, among others. To keep these lines strong, we need to breed them on.

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

While we take into consideration the mare’s conformation and temperament, her bloodlines are of great importance. We’ve learned that they are a huge factor in breeding decisions. So far, this year’s Fire and Goldd foal crop has proven this to be true.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

Through breeding our stallion, Fire and Goldd, to a variety of wonderful mares from strong English bloodlines, our goal is to produce beautiful, athletic and extremely amateur-friendly horses who are ready to perform and love their job.

Outside of the AEPA, the saddle seat division doesn’t seem to get the same kind of participation as the western and halter divisions do in the other breeding program classes offered. How do you think we can encourage this?

The AEPA program is geared toward professional trainers. The halter and western programs have more to offer the amateur. The jackpot classes such as those at U.S. and the Region 12 Spotlight are very enticing! We would like to see more prize money classes offered.

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Shafer Arabians

HOME O F PARK CH A M P I ONS

by COLLEEN SCOTT

Ask Gregg Shafer of Shafer Arabians in West Farmington, Ohio, how many national championships he has won, and he honestly can’t come up with an answer. But ask him how many championships a particular horse has won, or when that horse was born, or when it retired, and he knows right off the top of his head. That’s impressive given the dozens of horses he and his mother, Nancy and wife, Lotta, have campaigned during their 50 years of involvement with Arabian horses.

Allience

That Gregg can recall the horses’ careers isn’t surprising. After you talk to him or Nancy for even a short amount of time, it’s clear that Shafer Arabians is about the horses and their talent and accolades—not the people.

To say the family—including Gregg and Lotta’s daughter Hannah—is dedicated, is an understatement. Having worked with trainers in the past, they now care for all the horses (approximately 50) at their farm, and also do all the training, conditioning and showing.

“Doing everything ourselves now,” says Gregg, “is obviously less expensive, but definitely more rewarding when you can ride into the ring and compete against horses that have been trained and warmed up by professionals.”

Although he does the training now, Gregg is quick to credit some of the industry greats with helping him build that skill set.

Ronde Vu

“I got to spend 17 years having horses with Gene LaCroix and absorbed a lot by watching and working with him,” he says. Other trainers that influenced Gregg include Jim and Peter Stachowski, Matt Siemon, and the late Jim Fisher.

The Shafer’s Park division superstars and multi-time national champions are household names: REA My Allience, Hallelujah Baby, Mattaroyale, Mannos Premier, Lucky Atress, Ronde Vu, Banff, Bask De Espana, just to name a few. But probably the most noteworthy and crowd-pleasing horse the Shafers have owned and campaigned is the late Allience (*Aladdinn x A Love Song, by *Bask). A seventime national champion with titles in the English, Park and Formal Driving divisions, Allience was a 1985 bay stallion that epitomized the quintessential park horse.

Hallelujah Baby

What does the perfect park horse look like? According to Gregg, the ideal has extension, balance in the hind end and cadence.

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Lucky Atress

Regal Shilhouette

Even more important to the Shafers is attitude. “The park class is supposed to be a park class. They have to have attitude.”

Mattaroyale

In a tribute video of Allience, that attitude is apparent. Ears forward, tremendous expression, balanced movement front and back—he sets the standard for park even today. (Watch the video on Youtube. com, Allience, Remembering a Legacy.) He earned his last Open Park National Champion title at the 2000 U.S. Nationals with Peter Stachowski.

Besides his successful career, Allience sired many talented champions, including REA My Allience, Lucky Allience, The Trashman, Hallelujah Baby, JKF MacGregor, Invictus JB, Ballience V, Berry Allience V, Alicia CA, Pledge of Allience and JKF MacArthur.

While the Shafers aren’t planning to do any breeding of their own this year, they do have frozen semen from Allience available. They also stand Ronde Vu (Mamage x Ames Déjà Vu), winner of multiple national titles in the park division.

Mannos Premier

Gregg credits the success of their program to consistency.

“We have stuck to our guns in our breeding program. A park horse can’t skip behind or have nothing in the hind end. They have to get up underneath themselves,” he says.

Their formula for success has been proven over five decades, garnering Shafer horses more than 50 national championships and reserve national championships in the park and English divisions.

“I’m not exactly sure how we ended up with all of these great horses,” says Nancy. “We love what we do. We love our horses.

And we owe them something, that’s why they are all still here on the farm.” ■

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REA My Allience

Saddle S E AT

Laura Rodel Jordan, Minnesota

CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

The first time I rode an English horse, I fell in love with the energy and power I felt. It was so hard to go back and ride any other discipline.

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

A long poll, neck, short back, open shoulders and a strong hind end.

But the most important is having a horse with the heart to want to work and please.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

I think until you find the right horse and rider combination that works best.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

I like finding the next star. I like to see how everything you taught them training-wise and how they learn to use it when you show them for the first time, they become this whole new horse and enjoy it so much.

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

To keep people interested in the saddle seat division, keep bringing in new people to become involved, and train great horses that people can enjoy showing.

How has the current pandemic impacted your outlook of showing going forward?

I think this year will be a little slow, but next year everyone will be itching to go to all the shows.

Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Saddle Seat • 2020

Saddle S E AT

Joel Kiesner Louisville, Tennessee

KIESNER TRAINING

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

It suits my personality, I guess! I’ve always enjoyed riding saddle seat. I did ride some western, and did some halter, but I was always best at English and it’s what people will pay me to do!

I love doing it. I love the physicality of the horses and what athletes they are. I marvel at the horses that can do it really well more than any other style of horse. I also love the high pace it requires—it’s exciting!

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

A great neck, great front and hind motion, and a working smart personality. That’s all you need, those four things.

When looking for a saddle seat prospect, what pedigrees interest you the most?

We have had so much success with Afire bey and Noble Express pedigrees, as have others. They are in almost every one of our horses and those are the pedigrees we have done the best with.

Are there any advantages to riding a stallion vs. a mare or gelding in the show ring?

It’s a little potluck! Your stallions are a little bit different to train; they can be a little defensive, but they also have a lot of stamina and a lot of verve. I personally really enjoy riding stallions; I get along with them very well—I love it. Mares can be a little trickier. Though there is nothing quite like a beautiful feminine English horse, some you will have to deal with good days and bad days certain times of the year, more than others. Geldings are great because they are pretty willing, and you can almost always count on them to be the same each time. They all have their strong points, that’s for sure!

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

No, they are the same from stallion to stallion. The qualities we look for are the same in what makes up a great English horse. Great neck, great motion, a working smart personality, and proper build. You have to have a proper build and an English-style framed horse in both the stallion and mare. I also always like to have the pedigree be represented in the individual. I don’t think horses whose pedigree is not represented in themselves breed very true. A horse that reflects what their pedigree is supposed to reflect, those horses breed pretty true.

Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | Saddle Seat • 2020

Saddle S E AT

Kevin Price New Berlin, Wisconsin

PRICE PERFORMANCE HORSES

What drew you to the saddle seat discipline vs. others?

It is hard to duplicate the power and excitement of riding a great English horse! When you can feel every muscle in their body propelling you forward, it’s a huge rush!

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Heart, heart and more heart! Obviously, you want a long neck and a great motion off all four legs … blah, blah, blah, but if they do not have the will to want to do it, you don’t have a great horse.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

I personally like to make the next star. It’s always a little more satisfying to make a great one! Watching that young horse go from the field to the show ring and turn out to be a star is such an amazing feeling!

What do you hope to contribute to the saddle seat division?

I hope that people enjoy watching the horses that I train and show, as much as I love to train and show them. I enjoy teaching anyone who wants to learn, how to ride, train and show an English horse. I hope that other people can develop that same passion for it as I have.

How has the current pandemic impacted your outlook of showing going forward?

I don’t think that it has changed my opinion at all. We are as busy as ever in preparing our horses to be the best they can be. We are having as many people breed good horses as we can, and we are training as many people to ride as we can. Showing will happen again.

Ar abian Horse Times | 38 | Saddle Seat • 2020

Saddle S E AT

Brian Murch East Aurora, New York

STRAWBERRY BANKS FARM

What are the important must-haves in your ideal saddle seat horse?

Quality! Super hinged upright neck, moving off all four corners with fluid motion, expression and attitude are a must!

Are there any advantages to riding a stallion vs. a mare or gelding in the show ring?

Not necessarily. A good sound thinker is first and foremost, although geldings usually are more of a sure bet.

What qualities of the mare do you find important when breeding for a saddle seat horse, and are those qualities prioritized any differently when selecting a stallion?

I believe in the quality factor being number one … shape of neck, an intelligent soft eye, sloping shoulder, short length of back and good position of hock. Breed these traits from both sides and the law of averages should proceed.

How many years does an amateur ride the same horse before they change horses?

It all depends on the individual. I feel the time span for our show horses has dramatically increased mainly because of improved education of horse show vets and farriers along with the trainer’s approach. My guess would be 3-5 years.

Do you prefer an already proven saddle seat horse or do you like the idea of discovering the next star?

That depends on the rider and the individual horse. As a whole, probably one with some seasoning is a better approach. But certainly, there are exceptions that allow the new fresh stars to go right out of the blocks.

Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | Saddle Seat • 2020

Ar abian Horse Times | 40 | Saddle Seat • 2020

2019 National Saddle Seat Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth National English Champion and Reserve wins. AEPA Saddle Seat Futurity, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes. Open and amateur/junior classes only.

OVERALL ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner 1. MR Mayhem 4 championships Connor Koch 2. Afires Rejoice 2 championships, 2 reserves Conway Arabians, Inc. 3. Money Talks BF 3 championships Shamrock Farms LLC Rruger 3 championships Mark & Deborah Himmel Sal Mineo BF 3 championships Boisvert Farms LLC 4. Steel Strike 2 championships, 1 reserve Amber Tayler 5. Maximilano 1 championship, 2 reserves Bianca Massman 6. Bugzy Malone 3 reserves Lisa Jo White Oppenheimer NNW 3 reserves North By Northwest LLC 7. Blazn Jewel HPF 2 championships Penny or Laura Carrington CP Manifesto 2 championships Kirby Arabians LLC CSP Hennessy 2 championships Amazing Horse Woman LLC Davinci Reflection WA 2 championships Jon Peters E-Hucks Solberry 2 championships Sarah Childs Glorys Chase RS 2 championships Rene Ramirez HA Tsamsun 2 championships Gail Lundquist Lord Of Fire 2 championships Russ & Sheri Lindmark ROL Fire Lily 2 championships John & Judy Mittenthal The Incredible Huck 2 championships Karey or Elena Barker Zig E Stardust 2 championships Taylor Latham

ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. MR Mayhem 2. Afires Rejoice

4 championships

2 championships, 2 reserves

Connor Koch

Conway Arabians, Inc.

3. Rruger 3 championships Mark & Deborah Himmel

4. Maximilano

1 championship, 2 reserves

Bianca Massman

6. CP Manifesto

2 championships

Kirby Arabians LLC

5. Oppenheimer NNW

CSP Hennessy Glorys Chase RS

HA Tsamsun ROL Fire Lily

The Incredible Huck

3 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

North By Northwest LLC Amazing Horse Woman LLC Rene Ramirez

Gail Lundquist

John & Judy Mittenthal Karey or Elena Barker

Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | Saddle Seat • 2020

2019 National Saddle Seat Leaders, continued...

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Money Talks BF

3 championships

Shamrock Farms LLC

2. Steel Strike

2 championships, 1 reserve

Amber Tayler

Sal Mineo BF

3. Bugzy Malone

3 championships

3 reserves

4. Blazn Jewel HPF

2 championships

E-Hucks Solberry

2 championships

Davinci Reflection WA Lord Of Fire

Zig E Stardust

5. Halsteads Romeo

Have You Ever Im McDreamy CRF

Noble Treat Nutcracker Sweet PF

Boisvert Farms LLC Lisa Jo White

Penny or Laura Carrington

2 championships

Jon Peters

Sarah Childs

2 championships

Russ & Sheri Lindmark

2 championships

Taylor Latham

1 championship, 1 reserve

Brittany, Brian or Barb McKenzie

1 championship, 1 reserve

Barbara Kalevich/Mason DeRegnacourt

1 championship, 1 reserve

Kerri or Megan Buksa

1 championship, 1 reserve

Brad & Sandra Schroter

1 championship, 1 reserve

6D Ranch Ltd.

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES by number of winning get

by number of wins

1. Afire Bey V (deceased) 16 1. Afire Bey V (deceased) 24 Baske Afire (deceased) 16 2. Baske Afire (deceased) 18

2. Afires Heir 13 3. Afires Heir 14

3. IXL Noble Express 7 4. Mamage 10 SF Aftershoc

SF Specs Shocwave

7

SF Specs Shocwave

7

5. IXL Noble Express

4. Mamage 6

10 8

SF Aftershoc 8

Vegaz 6 6. Apollopalooza (deceased) 7 VJ Royal Heir

6

VCP Magnifire

4

VJ Royal Heir

7

5. Black Daniels 4 7. Vegaz 6

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get

1. Afires Heir 10 2. Afire Bey V

8

4. VJ Royal Heir

5

3. IXL Noble Express

5. SF Specs Shocwave Vegaz

6. Baske Afire

HA Toskcan Sun Mamage

6 4 4 3 3 3

by number of Half-Arabian winning get by number of wins

by number of wins 1. Afire Bey V 2. Afires Heir

3. IXL Noble Express SF Specs Shocwave

VJ Royal Heir

4. Mamage

5. Apollopalooza

HA Toskcan Sun

Vegaz

14 11 6 6 6 5 4 4

1. Baske Afire

13

1. Baske Afire

15

2. Afire Bey V

8

2. Afire Bey V

10

3. SF Aftershoc

6

3. SF Aftershoc

7

4. Afires Heir

3

4. Mamage

5

Black Daniels

3

5. GSF Rizing Son

4

Mamage

3

SF Specs Shocwave

3

4

Ar abian Horse Times | 42 | Saddle Seat • 2020

SF Specs Shocwave

4

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included) by number of winners 4. Sharon Blendinger 1. Jonathan Ramsay 10 5. Joel Gangi 2. Jessica Clinton 9 Shawn Rooker Matthew Siemon 9 Shan Wilson James Stachowski 9 3. Joel Kiesner

James Lowe

7

6. John Golladay

5

6

Peter Stachowski

5

Jason Krohn

6

Ryan Strand

6

5 5

8 8

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

1. 6D Ranch Ltd.

5

3

Kirby Arabians LLC

3

Joseph Kinnarney & Bradley Marlow

2. Amazing Horse Woman LLC 4 North By Northwest LLC

3. Rob & Elizabeth Haar

4

Starline Arabians LLC Lisa Jo White

3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

by number of horses

by number of horses

1. 6D Ranch Ltd.

2

1. 6D Ranch Ltd.

3

Lindsay O’Reilly French

2

Boisvert Farms LLC

2

Debra Hines

2

2. Amazing Horse Woman LLC

Amazing Horse Woman LLC 2 Mark & Deborah Himmel Kirby Arabians LLC Lauren Lefton

North By Northwest LLC Jeffrey & Sevana Skinner Lisa Jo White Cathy or Sophie Yih

Penny and Laura Carrington

2

Patty Ferszt Rob & Elizabeth Haar

2

Matt & Megan Huke

2

Joseph Kinnarney & Bradley Marlow

2

North By Northwest LLC

2

Brad & Sandra Schroter

2

Starline Arabians LLC

2

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS | ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS | HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses

by number of horses

by number of horses

1. Marty Shea

10

1. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc.

4

1. Marty Shea

8

3. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc.

5

Karlton Jackson

3

3. Boisvert Farms LLC

4

3

Shawn Stachowski

2. Vicki Humphrey

Prestige Farms LLC

4. Boisvert Farms LLC Cedar Ridge Arabians

Shawn Stachowski

5. Cal Poly Pomona

Nick and Juliet Carden Karlton Jackson

Lindsay Rinehart Carmelle Rooker

Springwater Farms Arabians LLC

8 5 4 4

2. Cal Poly Pomona

Lindsay Rinehart Carmelle Rooker

3 3

4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 43 | Saddle Seat • 2020

2. Vicki Humphrey

Prestige Farms LLC

4. Springwater Farms Arabians LLC

7 4 4 3

W “

ith ith people people like like Laura Laura Rodel, Rodel, the the Arabian Arabian horse horse isis

IN IN GREAT GREAT HANDS HANDS”” Gene LaCroix LaCroix ~~Gene

The Ames Family | Jordan, MN | 952.492.6590 Laura Rodel, Trainer | Stephanie Davisson, Instructor

W W W. C E DAR- R ID GE . C OM

L “

aura Rodel is one of the best trainers out there—

KIND, PATIENT AND EFFECTIVE.

She is way ahead of her years, and has a bright future ahead of her.

More importantly, she will be instrumental in the BRIGHT FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY.” ~Joel Kiesner

L “

aura is a joy to work with. Beyond always being pleasant and eager

to learn more and improve, she is

NATURALLY SKILLED in her balance and timing. It is INSPIRING TO BE AROUND such a talented, young trainer. ~Tom Moore

Maternal brother to Afires Heir with NO lines to Huckleberry Bey. IXL Noble Express x Brassmis | Multi-Futurity Program Nominated | Lori Conway at 507.202.4440 | Ashton Kiesner at 865.556.0412 | ConwayArabians.com