How It Works:
The World Class Operation Of Arabians International by ANNE STRATTON
Plenty has been written about Sandro Pinha and Gil Valdez’s Arabians International, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The roster of awards won by horses appearing with Sandro, Gil or their clients is impressive; add trophies that Pinha and Valdez won before they opened their own operation, and the depth of their reputation is even more remarkable. National awards, World Cup championships, Scottsdale tri-colors and international trophies make Arabians International one of the most successful operations in the world.
Still, it is doubtful that even Pinha and Valdez’s fans realize how comprehensive their halter record has been. Just the highlights of last year provide a glimpse. At the World Cup, the Arabians International team collected three gold, two silver and five bronze championships, along with five class wins. At Tulsa in October, Pinha alone scored national championships with a quartet of halter contenders ranging in age from yearling to aged stallion—and then flew to Brazil to present a staggering one-third of the winners at the Brazilian National Championships. And when this year opened at Scottsdale, he led four junior champions (purebred colt, filly and gelding, and Half-Arabian filly), while Gil showed a fifth, the Half-Arabian colt. Add in other titles there as well, and clients who contribute a procession of awards in amateur, and the picture comes into focus. That is just a typical year. Business as usual. The trick is, they keep doing it. Pinha especially, has been high profile for about 15 years, and Valdez has long had his own following. It is not, however, a job they take lightly. In fact, especially given the time zones of the world, it is a 24/7 commitment. Top: Sandro Pinha
Left: Scottsdale Champion H/A Classic Junior Gelding DOM
PERIGNON LL (Vitorio TO x Rohara Mademoiselle), shown by Gilberto Valdez for owner Linda Lane.
During the “high season,” 80 or more horses call Arabians International home, including the show string, six topclass breeding stallions, broodmares and recipient mares. As important as the training, showing and breeding efforts is the marketing activity; the farm maintains a worldwide network of contacts to keep their clients supplied with horses, and also handles sales on behalf of its owners. Millions of dollars (literally) in horses and breedings change hands there annually. For the past two years, Arabians International has been recognized as Arabian Horse Times Readers’ Choice Marketer of the Year. So, how do they do it? It takes a village, the saying goes, and in this case, a steady hand at the helm—one who makes his priorities clear. “The horses come first,” says Pinha. “If the horses are not cared for, we have nothing. We’re nowhere.” That is where it begins and ends, and with the team he has, it works. “I think their success is due in large part to attention to detail,” observes Scottsdale veterinarian Laura Harris. She would know; she takes care of the farm’s equine medical needs. “That is accomplished by delegation of responsibility between veterinarians, farriers, office management and trainers. Everyone has their own area for which they are responsible. Everyone contributes and communicates.” 2 ArAbiAns internAtionAl
The key is that everyone, from Pinha and Valdez to the grooms (many of whom have been with Pinha for nearly a decade) is skilled and experienced, and there is communication at every level. Luiz (“Lucho”) Guimaraes is in charge of training, manages the barn and does most of the schooling. “Every time we are with the horses, we’re looking at the water, at their feet, their joints, their blankets, their whole condition,” he says. “The horses are being checked by this group all day long. Everybody is responsible for every horse—we take care of the place like a team; we all talk about things and make decisions. And the cool thing is, everybody has a little different talent that they can put into a horse.”
A breeder with a national champion to her credit, Donnelly takes care of almost everything that isn’t hands-on with the horses (although as an owner and amateur rider, she is no stranger to barn practices). And she is a liaison for everyone, the professionals and the farm’s 30 to 40 clients alike, when it comes to the business. Laura M. Harris D.V.M., who provides veterinary service to some of Scottsdale’s top Arabian establishments, is on the farm regularly. Whenever possible, she confers with Sandro daily, but if he is not available, she is able to be proactive when necessary. “We all are so comfortable working together that if I see a problem, I can initiate a solution and then let Sandro
Guimaraes, who grew up in a family of horse breeders, had his own operation in Brazil and attended veterinary school before opting for international experience. He worked in Canada and Saudi Arabia, traveling to the United States regularly to work with Pinha, before signing on for his present position. In the office, Pam Donnelly is another longtime associate. She has been with Pinha for six years and, in his words, is not only important now, but was “integral to starting Arabians International.”
Left: Lillyana PCF
Right: Luis with Veleta, 2015 foal.
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know what my decisions were,” she says. “If I need to call an owner, I can. It is my policy on every farm, but Sandro encourages owner communication. The owners can call or text me directly—many of them are already in my phone from previous conversations.” Farrier Josh Morris, who handles the farm’s shoeing, is likewise free to do his job; he and Harris often consult on what is best for each horse. Pinha is open about his trust in his staff. “They are why I can do what I do,” he says simply. “I always tell people that are new, we have an open barn,” he adds, with the security of one who knows the bases are well covered. “There is nothing that we hide from anybody. If you see something that needs to be fixed, let us know so we can deal with it right away. That makes everyone’s life a lot easier.” While the horses come first, taking care of clients is also a priority. Donnelly handles most of the communication and client events, while Gil Valdez, who serves as facility manager (his design and landscaping has drawn wide praise), and also schools horses and shows, assists with the open houses and customer parties. The farm’s clients report that those parties—sometimes glitzy, often casual, always fun— are a much-appreciated benefit of working with Pinha and Valdez. The camaraderie, longtime owners say, Top: Que Syrah
Left: Nyeela SF and Pam Donnelly Right: 2015 Scottsdale Show 4 ArAbiAns internAtionAl
adds sparkle to the Arabian show scene, especially around Scottsdale time. So, the bottom line on Arabians International? All the hardware in the show ring, the global resources for horses, and the commerce conducted for clients is the result of talent and a thorough responsibility to the horses. It comes from a sound foundation at home. “I can visit all areas of the farm at any time, so I see much of what happens there,” reflects Dr. Harris. “I feel that the horses are treated with respect—and they return that respect.” Lucho Guimaraes would agree. “Everyone here really loves horses,” he says. “Before we get a horse ready for the show, we want to make sure it is well taken care of and healthy. That’s most important to us, even before training and conditioning: the horses are happy and healthy. We like horses to last a long, long time, for other shows and years to come.” n
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SIRE OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2014 & 2015 SCOTTSDALE LEADING SIRE OF HALTER WINNERS
Sir Fames HBV x Entaicyng NA
1 SCCOTTSDALE JUNIOR CHAMPION 8 SCOTSDALE CLASS CHAMPIONS AND RESERVE CHAMPIONS 20 SCOTTSDALE TOP TEN OR BETTER CHAMPIONSHIP HONORS 1 PRODUCE OF DAM CHAMPION (ALL SIRED BY EVER AFTER NA)
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Beijing BHF x GA Mi Grandlady 7 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPIONS & RESERVE CHAMPIONS 7 SCOTTSDALE TOP TENS OR BETTER ALL FROM HIS FIRST FOAL CROP OF 14 FOALS!
Proudly owned by
Robert & Dixie North 619.992.9832 www.NorthArabians.com Multi-Program Nominated Sires SCID & CA Clear Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194 www.ArabiansInternational.com
Anastasiaa NA Grand Commandd x Mystica Antasia
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SIRE OF INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE
Kubinec x 218 Elf Layla Walayla B, by Assad
Multi-National Champion
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U. S. NATIONAL 4-YEAR-OLD MARES WITH SANDRO PINHA
Proudly owned by The El Nabila B Initiative Mike Weinstein | 408.307.6436 mweinstein@psynergy.org
El Nabila B x Om El Jinaah, by Al Lahab
Multi-Program Nominated Sire SCID & CA Clear Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194 www.ArabiansInternational.com
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LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP 8 & OVER STALLIONS WITH SANDRO PINHA
Om El Shahmaan x Paris To Rome Proudly owned by
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia www.Alsayedstud.com www.ArabiansInternational.com
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Da Vinci FM x Amety B
LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP & U. S. NATIONAL YEARLING COLTS WITH SANDRO PINHA
Proudly owned by Gemini Acres | Jim & Sally Bedeker Cave Creek, AZ Chris Barter 602.501.9877 www.geminiacresequine.com www.ArabiansInternational.com
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2014 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION SUPREME JUNIOR STALLION 2014 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING COLT 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT
Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Challs Angel
For breeding information on Titan AS or Soul Of Marwan AS, contact Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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Proudly owned by Arabian Soul Partners www.ArabianSoulLtd.com www.ArabiansInternational.com
2015 Filly | Titan AS x Juliah B
2012 2013 2013 2014 2014
2015 Colt | Titan AS x Julia Roberts
BREEDER FINALS CHAMPION WEANLING COLT BREEDERS WORLD CUP BRONZE SUPREME CHAMPION COLT BREEDERS WORLD CUP CHAMPION YEARLING COLT BREDERS WORLD CUP BRONZE SUPREME CHAMPION JR. STALLION BREEDERS WORLD CUP CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT
El Nabila B x Om El Beladeena
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Ever After NA x Psyches Amber Dream
2014 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION SUPREME JR. MARE • 2014 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY 2014 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY • 2014 WORLD CUP GOLD SUPREME CHAMPION FILLY 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY • 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY
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2015 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION 3 & 4 YEAR OLD MARE 2015 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL SILVER SUPREME CHAMPION MARE
WH Justice x JFN Captive Love Proudly owned by Arabian Soul Partners www.ArabianSoulLtd.com www.ArabiansInternational.com ArAbiAns internAtionAl 17
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LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP 3-YEAR-OLD FILLIES WITH SANDRO PINHA
Abha Qatar x BHF Dark Angel
Proudly owned by Desert Horse Partners LLC Jeff Sloan | 248.766.2903 Milford, MI www.ArabiansInternational.com ArAbiAns internAtionAl 19
Kelly Campbell photo
2015 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY
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Ever After NA x Psyches Amber Dream
U. S. NATIONAL FUTURITY FILLIES WITH SANDRO PINHA
Proudly owned by Jack & Elizabeth Milam Newcastle, OK | Scottsdale, AZ www.RegencyCoveFarms.com www.ArabiansInternational.com
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Pitonisa AS
Scottsdale & National Champion Owned by Arabian Soul Partners
2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION PRODUCE OF DAM ALL SIRED BY EVER AFTER NA & PROUDLY BRED BY LISA MARKLEY
Amani Al Shahania
Scottsdale Champion Owned by Al Shahania Stud
Forever Mi Dream
Scottsdale Reserve Champion Owned by Regency Cove Farms
Proudly owned by Lisa Markley & Leanne Reel Lisa Markley Arabians Lisa Markley | 480.220.3100 lisamarkleyarabians.com Scottsdale, AZ
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www.ArabiansInternational.com
BROODMARE EXTRAORDINAIRE
Padrons Psyche x Mi Amber Dream, by Magic Dream
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Arbiteur x Donatella Versace
2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN JUNIOR FILLY 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN YEARLING FILLY 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN 2 YEAR OLD FILLY AAOTH 2015 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN MARE AAOTH Proudly owned by PCF Arabians | 480.963.5222 Gilbert, AZ www.PCFArabians.com 24 A rAbiAns internAtionAl
www.ArabiansInternational.com
PCF Vision x Mi Bey Angel
Grand Commandd x Just Amazing NA
2014 ARABIAN BREEDER FINALS RESERVE CHAMPION WEANLING COLT 2015 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL 2ND PLACE YEARLING COLT
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Ever After NA x JFN Captive Love
2015 Scottsdale International Champion Yearling Filly Proudly owned by Silver Box Southwest LLC Carol & Stuart Nierenberg Carefree, AZ 26 ArAbiAns internAtionAl
www.ArabiansInternational.com
Proudly owned by Sherri Youngblood San Antonio, TX www.ArabiansInternational.com
Marwan Al Shaqab x Miss Yahsminah Elamal
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Montana Firenze x Amos TS
Ever After NA x Falcons Lovenote BHF
Proudly owned by Wade & Barbara Hill Windsor, CO www.ArabiansInternational.com
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Pstrategy x Veronica GA
2015 SCOTTSDALE SIGNATURE STALLION CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD GELDING 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD GELDING Proudly owned by Highland Pride Arabians La Habra Heights, CA www.HighlandPrideArabians.com www.ArabiansInternational.com
2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION JUNIOR GELDING
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Pogrom x Angellinah WLF Proudly bred & owned by Arabian Park Arabians LLC Scottsdale, AZ www.ArabiansInternational.com 30 ArAbiAns internAtionAl
Sir Marwan CRF x Toi Jabaska
Proudly bred & owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians, Inc. Jordan, MN www.Cedar-Ridge.com www.ArabiansInternational.com ArAbiAns internAtionAl 31
Vitorio TO x Rohara Mademoiselle
2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN JUNIOR GELDING 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN YEARLING GELDING
Proudly owned by Linda Lane Elk River, MN www.ArabiansInternational.com
Avalon photo
Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194 Lucho Guimaraes 480.758.8708 www.ArabiansInternational.com
Farm Address: 28311 N 66th St., Cave Creek, AZ 85331 • Mailing Address: 28432 N 44th St., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Dedicated in loving memory of the legendary
2001 ~ 2015
THE ONE AND ONLY