Beginnings...

When and where were you introduced to the Arabian horse?

My mother loved Arabian horses, and when I was just a boy of about 9 in 1978, she took me to an Arabian horse show at Tom Chancey’s old place on Bell Road in Scottsdale. Sadly, my mother never had the opportunity to own a horse before she passed, but because of her love for Arabians, I began to pay more and more attention over the years. She was the one that planted the seed.

Was there a particular event that catapulted you into the business of Arabian horses?

I just decided to jump right in. My plan was to buy unwanted horses, train them/tune them up and resell them for more. The first horse I purchased was an off the racetrack Thoroughbred in 1995 named Ginger. After doing some groundwork on her and retraining, and reselling her for a profit, I was hooked! The farm I boarded her at happened to be owned by a breeder of Arabian horses and was next door to Bill Finley, the manager of the syndicate for Aladdinn Echo. It was also just down the street from Iris Gallett, the breeder and birthplace of Aladdinn Echo and sire of the great Echo Magnifficoo. Bill’s passion for Arabians was a big influence on me. I spoke with him daily and helped him care for his Arabians, and in exchange he taught me the basics of how to evaluate and train Arabian horses. I began to see the specifics of their beauty; now understanding why my mother had such a love for them. I decided! I want to create the perfect Arabian horse as I see it in my mind’s eye. I became a breeder.

What was it about the Arabian horse? Why not airplanes, boats, or another breed?

The foundation of my dedication to Arabian horses has multiple factors. First, it’s really my love of art, my need for perfection, my extreme love of animals, my creative nature, and my desperate need to express myself, much like an architect or a builder. I love and appreciate other breeds of horses, but for me, as it relates to this, Arabian horses are my everything.

When did you begin PCF Arabians and where does the name come from?

My first Arabian foal was born in 1996, but the name PCF didn’t come about until a little bit later. It stands for Peacemaker’s Choice Farms. I wanted a name that was as simple as my brand. My thought was that whenever PCF would be seen in a pedigree, the farm or breeder of that animal would be unmistakable as it is the actual name of my farm, not just initials.

Once you were in, what were your dreams and goals for PCF Arabians?

To consistently create foals with timeless Arabian type/beauty with a focus on correct conformation, athleticism, and of course, charisma, as I love the thrill and beauty of a horse’s individual desire for expression. My dream is to set the bar for what is possible. To create individuals with no attribute overlooked but rather created in the extremes—horses that have an origin and brand that is unmistakable.

Are you the main horse lover in your family or are there other family members? Is this a solo venture or a family goal?

It’s my passion, and many of my children have a strong love and appreciation for the horses and they support me and my goals with PCF. Karina built a career around painting them, Elise and Zach enjoy showing amateur, and the younger ones enjoy being around them.