2021 AHT Readers’ Choice Awards

AHT READERS’ CHOICE AWARDSCongratulations TO OUR AHT CATEGORIES 2021 WINNERS! MOMENT OF THE YEAR CALENDAR MONTH OF THE YEAR ROL Divine Style … wins the Park & English (Jan. 2020-Dec. 2020) Open at U.S. Nationals with Joel and Ashton Kiesner, February – Kola J, Jerland Farm the first horse to win both in the same year

BEST TEAM SPIRIT Vicki Humphrey Training Center

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Howard Schatzberg

CARETAKER OF THE YEAR Javier Camacho – Stachowski Farm, Inc. VIDEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Michel Reboulaz

STALLION VIDEO OF THE YEAR Guardian AS - Michel Reboulaz

SHOW PROMOTION VIDEO OF THE YEAR Rae-Dawn U.S. National Contenders - Javan

MARKETER OF THE YEAR Orrion Farms SHOW HIGHLIGHT VIDEO OF THE YEAR Team Guzzo/Royal - Scottsdale 2021

ADVERTISEMENT OF THE YEAR Signature Oak Stables U.S. Nationals – Danielle Crawford

AD DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Cat McKenna

EDITORIAL OF THE YEAR Prosuasion: Producing The Future June issue, by Merrick Miller Designed by Emily Maita

COVER OF THE YEAR December – SF Aftershoc photo by Howard Schatzberg VIDEO OF THE YEAR AHTtv - Friends of Vail, Kameron Kicklighter

FAVORITE SHOW OF THE YEAR Region 12 Championship & Spotlight Futurity

ARABIAN HORSE OF THE YEAR* Barcelona BF, owned by Boisvert Farms LLC

HALF-ARABIAN HORSE OF THE YEAR Tooskcandalous RT, owned by Rainie Kuchynka

SIRE OF THE YEAR* HA Toskcan Sun, owned by HA Toskcan Sun LLC

BREEDER OF THE YEAR* Palmetto Arabians

OWNER OF THE YEAR* Sherman Ranch

TRAINER OF THE YEAR* Rodolfo Guzzo

AMATEUR OF THE YEAR* Jennifer Hagale

Thank you, to ourSponsor!

Proudly owned by Peter & Lori Conway 352.234.7987 Lori@conwayarabians.com 8894 NW Highway 320 Micanopy, Florida 32667 Trainer Jennifer Schmitt 319.361.5011 www.ConwayArabians.com

ASA MERCEDES

ASA Scandalous Affair x ASA Midnight Lucille 2021 Spotlight Champion Yearling Filly 2021 Region XV Champion Yearling Filly 2021 U.S. National Top Ten Yearling Filly 2022 Scottsdale Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly 2022 Scottsdale Signature Stallion Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly

Sired by Always A Jullyen V | Out of Sweet Saphire V, by Desperado V

Homozygous Black | AWPA Enrolled Sire, Breeders Sweepstakes, Region 12 Spotlight Stallion & Scottsdale Signature Stallion | SCID & CA Clear Bred & owned by Dr. James Blevins & Kim Butler of South Chesterfield, VA | For breeding information contact Dale Brown at (478) 290-2784

by CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI

In barely three years, Holly Hill Farms’ owners, Renee Pelzman and Morgan Runyon, have created one of the most exciting breeding programs in the industry after taking the big dive into the world of standing a top Arabian stallion, having purchased Fire and Goldd (Afire Bey V x Brassmis) from iconic breeder Marty Shea in February 2019. Already proud owners of several Fire and Goldd offspring, including the Shea-bred Half-Arabians Goldd Standard (affectionally known as Digger) and chestnut mare Glitter and Goldd (Glitter), they were captivated by his offspring’s beauty and “simply lovely to be around” demeanor. Though from different breeds (Goldd Standard’s dam is the Dutch Harness Horse mare Vee Gates, and Glitter and Goldd’s, the ASHA mare Stylish Contessa), Fire and Goldd’s stamp came through. The half siblings both possess Goldd’s elegant long neck, sturdy substance, and functional conformation, and his willing and engaging temperament are front and center. Morgan affirms, “All these wonderful traits were topped off with Goldd’s flair and charisma that both Digger and Glitter made their own. It became obvious that Fire and Goldd passes on to his babies the excitement a great show horse exudes.

“Goldd sired ten foals (six Half-Arabians and four purebreds) between our own mares and outside clients in 2019,” Morgan continues, “and when these foals hit the ground in 2020, our long wait was instantly rewarded. We are thrilled with our (now) 2-year-old Goldd babies.

“The pandemic definitely slowed down the 2020 breeding season, but 2021 came on like a house on fire! Numerous outside breeders chose Fire and Goldd to breed to their mares, including repeat clients. We bred back our mares to produce several more full siblings and they’ve definitely taken Holly Hill Farms to the next level. We couldn’t be prouder.” Among them is the flashy Landmark’s Dolly Parton, a daughter of legendary Saddlebred stallion SA Tomcat. Acquired last year, Dolly’s foal will be her first and should be a blockbuster.

GA Valor

MA Noble Hope Morgan, a believer in letting babies be babies, is ever astute following the growth, movement and personalities of the youngsters. She reports, “The different dams obviously bring their own traits to the table. Still, Goldd’s fluid movement, firm bone and fine conformation are evident in all. Each possesses their own personality, with Goldd’s kind and willing nature ever evident. We will let the babies show us what they want to excel in, but I have to confess, we have a trotting fool in our 2-year-old filly Unorthoddox (x Afire Gdanser).” She and her half-sister, Enlightenedd, who was recently sold to Tim and Tiffiny Barta, will definitely be high-end English Pleasure performers.

Morgan and Renee’s desire to own “cool” Arabian stallions is infectious. “A couple years ago at Region 15, another gleaming chestnut stallion caught my eye,” laughs Morgan. “Watching MA Noble Hope (IXL Noble Express x MA Bey Mustique, by AA Apollo Bey) instantly took me to that place where you embrace the thrill of how much fun a great Park horse can be.” A consistent U.S. top ten and regional champion, “Hank” will join the Holly Hill Farms show horse string for what should be a great 2022 season.

Moving in a different direction, Holly Hill Farms recently acquired 3-year-old bay stallion GA Valor (Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA, by Versace). A full sibling to the great SF Veraz, “Val” is currently in training with Colonial Downs Training Center’s Dwane Hankins. Morgan is pleased to report that Val’s beginnings in performance training are pointing to a western pleasure career. “We seek to add Val’s elegance, type and manner,” Morgan says, “as another great addition to our show stock and breeding operation.”

Fire and Goldd’s busy 2021 breeding season is about to launch a bevy of 2022 babies for Holly Hill Farms and outside breeders, including Amanda Purdin Standish and renowned trainer and breeder Vicki Humphrey, who is eagerly anticipating a foal out of her 2020 U.S. National Champion AEPA Futurity homebred mare Drops of Jupiter VH.

Holly Hill Farms’ ASHA mares, The Sun’s Out (by CF First Night Out) and El Baile (by Kalarama’s Spanish Dancer) were bred back to produce full siblings to Half-Arabian 2-year-olds Fools Goldd and Heart of Goldd. Morgan relates, “Fools Goldd (now owned by Burrline LLC) and Heart of Goldd have proven to be so amazing, we had to breed Goldd yet again to these special mares. Both mares are paramount to Holly Hill Farms’ breeding success. They trace back to multiple Hall of Fame dams and world class sires. Their pairing with Goldd has been spectacular!” Both colts were sold as weanlings to outstanding show homes.

Fire and Goldd is once again an honored participant of this year’s Region 12 Spotlight Futurity. Fourteen years running, the Spotlight features a stallion lineup filled with U.S. National and World Champion show and breeding stallions, some of which breedings are currently available only through the Spotlight Auction. Held the evening of Thursday, May 5, the gala affair will feature offspring from previously nominated Spotlight Stallions competing in various disciplines for prestigious titles and prize pool money of $155,000.

“Bringing Goldd into our lives continues to take us to Arabian horse heights we never expected,” Morgan concludes. “I must say, for two girls on a budget, I feel we’ve done pretty well.” v

SIRING CONSISTENT WINNERS IN HALTER AND PERFORMANCE...

LEGENDARY SIRE Botswana

TF Royal Shahbaz Falcon BHF x TH Maya Naufali

2021 USEF Horse of The Year Region 12 Champion | 2021 USEF Horse of The Year Region 14 Reserve Champion Region 12 Res-Champion Western AATR Select | Scottsdale Champion Western AATR Select | Region 14 Res-Champion Western Jr. Horse

Frank & Sara Chisholm, Timmonsville, SC Breeding Manager Sarah O’Brien 843.346.5874 www.PalmettoArabians.com

Jullyen El Jamaal x Amazing Grace V, by Huckleberry Bey

Top Ten AWPA All-Time Leading Purebred Sire AWPA Sire earnings: $41,502

Equator PASB x LR Valita, by DA Valentino Scottsdale Halter Champion

Always A Jullyen V x Cassandra GA, by Versaces Gold Breeding Manager Sarah O’Brien 843.346.5874 www.PalmettoArabians.com

AWPA Enrolled Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Region 12 Spotlight Stallion Scottsdale Signature Stallion MN Medallion Stallion

Proudly owned by Dreym Bay Arabians Nan & Craig Harley www.dreymbayfarm.com

Contact Palmetto Arabians 843.346.5874 Khadraj NA+++/ x RA Po Okela, by Fame VF

Top Ten AWPA All-Time Leading Purebred Sire AWPA Sire earnings: $39,002

vesty

National Champion Sire

Sundance Kid V x Pamila, by Marwan Al Shaqab Breeding Manager Sarah O’Brien 843.346.5874 www.PalmettoArabians.com

Sundance Kid V x Kharrea PGA, by Khadraj NA AWPA Enrolled Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Region 12 Spotlight Stallion Scottsdale Signature Stallion MN Medallion Stallion

Contact Palmetto Arabians 843.346.5874

AWPA Sire earnings: $85,225

Proudly owned by Tim & Tiffiny Barta Barta Show Horses, LLC at Yellowstone Ranch, LLC, Ocala, Florida Multi-Program Nominated Sire | Standing at RBC Show Horses, Smithfeild, NC | Call 919.202.8384

n the surface, the story of Barta Show Horses

sounds familiar in Arabian horse lore: when their

daughter, Olivia, began riding, Tiffiny and Tim Barta

decided to get involved in the business too—to the

point that they now own a stallion and are drawing

up plans for a farm in Ocala, Florida. However,

those scant facts don’t begin to cover the

depth of the family’s appreciation for the breed.

For the Bartas, it’s not just what you do with

the horses. It’s how and why you do it, and

the bottom line is about the heart:

the people, the animals, and

what’s important in life.

The Story So Far

The Bartas got into Arabians

in 2015. Olivia primarily rides

western, but is looking forward to

more English, and while

Tiffiny has shown in various

divisions, she loves saddle seat best. Their

2020 purchase of SF The Patriot, whose pedigree

(Allience x Spectra PR, by Promotion) is a star-studded outcross for English bloodlines today,

has led them to establish their own breeding program. Their six national-caliber

show horses, including Patriot, are at RBC Show Horses in North Carolina.

AHT: What has been the basis for your Arabian horse involvement?

Tiffiny: For us, it’s always been a family thing. Usually, we take our RV to the horse shows and are able to spend a lot of time together. We have so many memories already—coming back after having a good ride, when you’ve placed, or after a bad ride, when you’re laughing, ‘What an idiot I am! I can’t believe I did that!’

AHT: When did you realize that Arabian horses would become this important to you?

Tiffiny: The first time Olivia showed her own horse. She came out of the class with a ribbon, and just the smile on her face—it was like she had achieved something that she didn’t know she was capable of. Showing horses has taught her so much; no matter whether she wins or loses, she has the best attitude. She always goes back in and tries her best.

AHT: Let’s talk about your breeding program. Obviously, you’ll want to produce high quality horses. What are your other priorities?

Tiffiny: Yes, we want to breed winning horses, but I take into account that that doesn’t always happen, and those foals deserve a home and love too. So, I’d like to stay “boutique” size; if not every horse we breed is top notch, we will be able to take the time to make sure they are able to find a job. I really love doing this, so I want to enjoy it and that’s part of what it takes for me.

AHT: You’ve been very open about having no horse background before this, and now you are venturing into what can become a very pricey undertaking (everyone may offer advice that includes buying a horse or breeding from them).

Tiffiny: Like anything else in this industry, you’re learning every day. I’m not afraid to make mistakes—I love learning, and I’m happy to hear people’s advice, but I don’t always have to follow it. The challenge is to see what you can do with what you learn.

AHT: What has been your latest best experience?

Tiffiny: Being at Hennessey Arabians for the birth of our first foals by Patriot, both colts from our Saddlebred mares by Undulata’s Nutcracker. The first we’re going to name BSH The Kingsman. They’re both so special. Hennessey has been great to work with—they made it very easy for me to be involved.

AHT: How many mares are left to foal this year?

Tiffiny: Two. One in April, by Ibn Farid, and one in May, my daughter’s western horse, who is in foal to *Khadraj NA.

AHT: Eventually you’ll be selling horses too. Describe yourself for upcoming customers— who will they be dealing with?

Tiffiny: Of course I’ll be saying all the good points about a horse, but if you buy one from me, you’re also going to know its faults. I think that’s important; we all know that every horse usually comes with a quirk (such as, ‘this one doesn’t like to be girthed’). There’s no perfect person and no perfect horse. It’s a matter of how you work with it that counts, and I want to make it as easy as possible for you and the horse. That doesn’t have to be a problem at all if you work with each horse individually.

AHT: What advice would you give Olivia that you make it a point to live by?

Tiffiny: I want her to know that she can get through this world and be kind as she does it. While being strong, she can be kind and gentle. Doing the right thing is always the correct thing to do.

BSH The Kingsman By SF The Patriot, out of Ro & Me’s Visionary, by Undulata’s Nutcracker

BSH The Huntsman By SF The Patriot, out of Undulata’s Coco Chanel, by Undulata’s Nutcracker

SF The Patriot Allience+// x Spectra PR

Kharismatic PGA+// x Ladys Dance++/

Proudly bred & owned by Dr. Marta Wasiak and Dr. Babu Rankupalli Contact Becker Stables 530.477.5588 | Multi-Program Nominated Sire

At Victoria Arabians, we know the importance of correct conformation and trainability as a foundation for success in the Country English Pleasure and English Pleasure divisions. We know this, because we’ve been breeding this way for decades and the Champions who began their lives in our pastures are included with the best all-time horses of our industry. Just a short drive from World Equestrian Center, we encourage and welcome your visit.