Cedar Ridge Farm: History + Passion = The Next Chapter by Colleen Scott

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Cedar Ridge Arabians ............................................................................. 146-152, IBC Colby Powell Performance Horses.......................................................................28,29

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Midwest Training Centre..................................37, 22-80 Midwest (60-118), 119, 120

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National Arabian Horse Day...................................................................................144

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Rancho Las Potrancas ........................................................................................ FC, 16

by COLLEEN SCOTT

Say Cedar Ridge Farm, Jordan, Minnesota, to any Arabian enthusiast and it can mean a variety of things. With more than 50 years of history, for some it means a long string of successful English division horses ridden by various trainers and Lara Ames, and for others, the memory of Dick Ames competing in driving. For many youth riders, Cedar Ridge Farm is synonymous with Lollie Ames, an integral part of the founding of Youth Nationals.

No matter what the name Cedar Ridge Farm means to people, it’s always been synonymous with a passion for the Arabian horse. Whether that be breeding, showing or contributing to the Arabian industry as a whole, Cedar Ridge Farm, both its people and its horses, is more than pastures and horses and barns. Arguably, the farm, and the people who have been at the helm, are icons.

THE NEXT CHAPTER: FARM

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Lollie and Lara Ames have some new visions for the farm. While they will continue showing and breeding, they are transitioning the farm to more of a boutique farm, focusing on very specific initiatives.

First, the farm will now be accepting outside mares for embryo transfer management, breeding work and/ or foaling. Show conditioning for the 2023 season will also be available.

David Botha, farm manager since March, says he was drawn to become a part of the CRF family because of the farm’s rich history and the passion Lara and Lollie have for the breed, something he sees every day around the farm. “I’ve always admired their horses over the years and the dedication both Lollie and Lara have, and what they do on a daily basis.

Photo by Meaghan Estes

Farm Manager, David Botha

THE NEXT CHAPTER: BREEDING

The CRF breeding program has produced hundreds of amazing horses, to date, most notably in the English and reining divisions. Their list of outstanding breeding mares is long, with such notable names as Ames Mirage, Toi Jabaska and Perfinka. The team is really excited about the Perfinka daughter Padrona Ames (by *Padron) and Divinely Mine CRF (SF Aftershoc x Ames Divine).

Lara and Lollie welcomed 13 foals this year, pairing their outstanding foundation mares including Julietta Ames, Ames Divine and Ames Patina with outside stallions such as SF Aftershoc, Inception, Afires Heir, ROL Divine Style and Baske Afire. They are also expecting 13 foals in 2023.

While they will continue breeding for successful horses to compete in the English division, Lara and Lollie have set their sights on ramping up their breeding for horses specifically suited for the halter arena.

Padrona Ames with Kenny McDonald, and her dam, the beloved *Perfinka.

Third generation horse trainer and breeder Kenny McDonald joined the CRF team in April 2021 and together with Lara and Lollie, helped establish a plan to move the halter breeding program to the next level. For the 2023 foal crop, the focus was on adding some highly sought-after Brazilian and European bloodlines.

“We are really excited about the embryo transfers we did this year that are going to result in some amazing foals next year,” says McDonald. One they are really looking forward to is the result of *RFI Sophie Al Maktub (RFI Maktub x RFI Sophia Al Neschi) and *Sharif Al Zobair (FA El Rasheem x Risalah Al Zobair). Another embryo paired with that stunning stallion is that of SQ Jizetta (Sultan Al Zobara x Luxemere Jizette), a Cedar Ridgeowned mare. Another infusion of Brazilian bloodlines will be with the embryo from HDF Barcellona (HDF

A perfect example of Cedar Ridge’s generations of breeding excellence, Ames Divine.

Above, l-r: Ames Divine, Lara and Lollie Ames, Hadley Ames and Divinely Mine CRF. Right: “Wiggles”, the most recent addition to the Ames family.

Lugano x MFA Exoticaa). The final purchased embryo is that of the Trussardi daughter Elena Enigma SA. That embryo is paired with Dominic M.

Cedar Ridge Farm-bred horses have always been a commanding presence on the English stage; with the attention and investment now being devoted to the breeding program for the halter arena, their position in that division will be elevated as well.

The halter training barn in Scottsdale is at capacity with a combination of client and CRF horses. McDonald predicts a successful show in February with a string of strong contenders representing both. “We’re looking forward not just to the Scottsdale show in 2023, but also beyond as the 2022 foal crop hits the ring and the 2023 foals start to make their appearances.”

THE FINAL CHAPTER: HADLEY

If there’s something else Cedar Ridge Farm is known for, it’s family and tradition. The Ames family has always led by example, putting family first and demonstrating through their actions its importance.

Dick’s great-granddaughter, Hadley Ames, is approaching her last year as a youth rider. Highly successful since she started showing as a walk/trot rider, she has most recently focused her efforts on the equitation and English divisions.

Dick, Lollie and Lara Ames have had a long professional relationship and friendship with David Boggs.

“I have been so honored and lucky to have all of the opportunities Lollie and Lara have given me,” she says. “I’m so thankful.”

Hadley has ridden a number of Cedar Ridge Farm owned horses through the years and during her final year, she will campaign Alexander Dumor and His Ownman CRF, owned by Tara Ames, another extended family member.

“I’m focused on trying to be as competitive as I can, and on continuing to make memories that will last a lifetime,” she says. “It has all gone by so fast, I still remember showing as a walk/trot rider at my first Scottsdale show!”

THE ONGOING CHAPTER: LEGACY FARM

No matter which direction the Cedar Ridge Farm breeding, training or farm services are headed, there has always been and always will be one constant – The Ames family. And not just immediate family or their ongoing contributions to the Arabian breed.

David Boggs, longtime family friend and partner in some Ames breedings, remembers decades of beneficiaries from the Ames family. “Dick loved to help young people, not just riders, but also up-and-coming trainers. There are many trainers who grew their skills at the farm at one time. Dick was very supportive of everyone, myself included,” he says.

“And Dick wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was always the first one there in the morning and he’d work right beside everyone. Dick never asked anyone to do anything he hadn’t done himself,” David says.

Lollie was not only instrumental in the founding of Youth Nationals, but as David recalls, she was important as a volunteer during the show. “She was there day in and day out, working the gate, helping in the office, doing all of the things that needed to be done to make that show run,” he says.

According to David, the hard work and dedication has continued with Lara. “She is very much her father’s daughter,” he says. “The legacy of the Ames family and their involvement with the Arabian horse industry is benefiting from her presence.”

As Lara says, “We are thrilled to continue our lifelong involvement with the Arabian horse through carefully selected breeding opportunities, providing care and housing for breeding mares and supporting the industry in as many ways as we can.” ■

For the Love of the Arabian Horse. 50+ years and counting...

www.Cedar-Ridge.com