Hospitality … Hagale Family Arabians Style by Colleen Scott

by COLLEEN SCOTT

With a red carpet, outdoor fire and valet parking as the greeting, Arabian horse enthusiasts from all over the country knew upon arrival they were in for a treat at the Hagale Family Arabians Farm Opening held on Saturday, March 5 at their new facility in Springfield, Mo.

More than 600 people from as far away as Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Louisiana and Ohio descended upon the southern Missouri town for the festivities. “We were really appreciative that so many people made the effort to get here so soon after the Scottsdale show,” says Jim Hagale. “It was really very humbling to us.”

Besides Jim and his wife, Mary Martha, their sons Travis and Tyson, and daughters Jennifer and Jamie were on hand with their families.

The afternoon started with tours of the newly renovated barn, which includes 31 stalls (three more will be added when the breeding lab is complete), a large indoor arena, two roundpens, office, viewing area, lounge and tack room. No detail was overlooked in the design or appointments throughout.

At 5 p.m., guests were invited to be seated in the indoor arena, which had been transformed into what looked like an elegant evening under the stars. With a glittering black and gold color scheme, glistening chandeliers, fine linens and a gourmet menu including prime rib, grilled shrimp and a savory mashtini bar, it was truly memorable. Signature cocktails, named after the prestigious lineup of Hagale Family Arabian horses, flowed from a full bar.

Attendees were treated to presentations of a handful of the Hagale Family collection of horses, starting with an entrance by Chris Wilson carrying the American flag aboard the crowd favorite and multi-time champion stallion SF Aftershoc (SF Specs Shocwave x SF Sweet Elegance). Chris and Shan Wilson, long-time friends and trainers of the Hagale family, ended the presentation with the family’s two premiere stallions, SF Aftershoc and SF Destination Victry (SF Specs Shocwave x AParty Girl) standing face-to-face in front of the excited crowd.

Jen Wilson, Farm Director for Hagale Family Arabians, orchestrated the entire event with help from Marketing Director Jaime Johnson who created and executed all of the communications efforts. Jen also served as emcee that evening, announcing each of the horses as they made their way through the presentation area.

Besides the presentation, another highlight of the evening was a live auction for the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, with the proceeds specifically earmarked for Rebecca Durr Vesty who continues to fight breast cancer. More than $116,000 was raised from the auction, which included fine art, vacation homes, breedings and training packages.

Rhett Akins, singer-songwriter of 32 #1 country hits, gave an acoustic performance, including his 1995 hit “That Ain’t My Truck.” The veteran performer shared stories about the other artists he has collaborated with such as Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, John Pardi and his son, Thomas Rhett.

While Akins has enjoyed a long career in the entertainment industry, Eli Wilson is just getting started. The 14-year-old high school student, son of Shan and Molly, shocked the audience with his stunning, spot-on rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Tim Shea, Shea Stables and Maroon Fire Arabians, was interviewed by the Times’ own Kameron Kicklighter during the event. “When you put a fantastic facility together with the fact that they are buying some of the best horses in the country – it’s going to be a killer combination,” he said.

Going forward, both Shan and Chris Wilson will train out of the facility as the family continues making new friends, getting reacquainted with old friends, breeding and showing champion horses and making contributions to the advancement and enjoyment of the breed.

“We are so grateful for all of the people in the industry that have been so supportive,” says Jim. “That’s what this party was all about.”■

FOR MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO FROM THE EVENT, SCAN HERE