Arabians of The Southeast

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476

610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com

AJMAN MONISCIONE X FABRICES DESTINY

SCID AND CA CLEAR SWEEPSTAKES NOMINATED REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT SCOTTSDALE SIGNATURE SHIPPED SEMEN AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE

2015 COLT • MONTANA FIRENZE X ROHARA VIA DONNA, BY EVER AFTER NA

Rohara

P.O. BOX 110, ORANGE LAKE, FL 32681 352.591.4661 • ROHARA@WINDSTREAM.NET WWW.ROHARA.COM OWNED BY:

FRED RAVLIN & ROHARA ARABIANS

BELOVED ONE NA

12

Region Excell xcellenc llence

9 CHAMPIONSHIPS 5 R E S E RV E C H A M P I O N S H I P S

UNANIMOUS CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

VITRUVIAN RESERVE CHAMPION GELDING AOTH WITH SEAN MAHER

ROHARA MORNG GLORY NA CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

ROHARA SERAPHIM UNANIMOUS CHAMPION H/A 1-YEAR-OLD FILLY WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

ROHARA MAJIK FLAME CHAMPION H/A MARE STOCK/HUNTER WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

SPECS AND THE CITY RESERVE CHAMPION H/A ENGLISH PLEASURE OPEN WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

ROHARA EXTRAORDINHEIR RESERVE CHAMPION MARE WITH JOHN RANNENBERG

NET WORTH LOA CHAMPION H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE 55 & OVER RESERVE CHAMPION H/A COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AATR WITH LINDA MUSSO

ROHARA MEDICI CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT AUCTION COLT RESERVE CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY YEARLING COLT WITH PHILIP DEL POZZO

PAVOROTTO K.A .

CHAMPION STALLION WITH FERNANDO POLI

U BEEN KREWED TOP FIVE H/A NATIVE COSTUME AOTR WITH DIANA MCDONOUGH

Rohara

P.O. BOX 110, ORANGE LAKE, FL 32681 352.591.4661 • ROHARA@WINDSTREAM.NET WWW.ROHARA.COM

R E G I O N 12 C H A M P I O N 2 -Y E A R - O L D F I L LY

Rohara Morng Glory Ever After NA x EA Moneila Psyche

OWNED BY ROHARA ARABIANS AND BARBARA JARABEK

NA

Showtime ...

Distinctive Style

with southern hospitality Specializing in English, Western, Hunter and Driving disciplines Multi-National Championship trainers Tish Kondas and Carla Schiltz invite you to come visit and share in the excitement!

Conveniently located 35 miles southwest of Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport 493 BOONE ROAD, NEWNAN, GA 30263 • BARN 770-252-3300 TISH KONDAS 678-427-0595 • CARLA SCHILTZ 253-380-0853

WWW.SHOWTIMETRAININGCENTER.NET 4•

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Ferrara photos

H Entuition H

H Pepper H

H Magic Mobility H

Ocala Florida Frank Hennessey 313.407.2070 | George Z 352.857.3384 | Riyan 480.650.0731 www.HennesseyArabians.com

Byzantium o

Pre-auction entertainment.

6•

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

l to r: Charles Moseley, Kimberly Douglas, Kenna Kay and John Rannenberg.

REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY—

You're invited ...

That was the theme of the Region 12 Spotlight Futurity this year: “Everyone come out and play!” And boy, did they.

by ANNE STRATTON

“The show is just a ton of fun,” says Joe Reser, of Setting Sun Stables in Wakarusa, Ind. “We’ve been going to Region 12 for a couple of years. We enjoy it for the Spotlight program, because it’s an opportunity for the junior horses to win money, and for the amateurs, when that horse is 5, to also win money.

We feel we should support programs like that.”

Is it all about money? That’s certainly part of it.

In 2015, the Spotlight paid out $149,597 in 13 classes (six halter and seven performance). But just as importantly, nearly everyone says, is that the Futurity—which is a lot more than a collection of classes—is a big part of what makes the Region 12 Show a don’t-miss event. In addition to its

competition, the Spotlight provided a seminar, a Calcutta, and, by joining with show management, an auction that doubled as a party.

Held May 5th-9th, this year, much of the activity took place on Thursday night, beginning at 5 p.m.

That’s when a band started playing and cocktail hour opened in Reeves Arena, where the auction began an hour later. Publicity had made it clear that everyone at the show was invited, regardless of whether they planned on bidding, and they were all welcome to attend the Exhibitor Party which followed the auction. The evening turned into a whiz-bang celebration that attracted a crowd of horsemen.

Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 7

l to r: Charles Moseley, John Rannenberg, and 2015 Spotlight Futurity Hall of Fame inductees Sara and Frank Chisholm, Palmetto Arabians.

A special treat this year was that Curt Rogers, auctioneer at the legendary Lasma sales of the 1980s, was on the stand. He raked in a total of $127,301 in support of the Spotlight program.

“We had probably the strongest line up of stallions we’d ever had, and we had great participation and good bidding,” says Spotlight Board President Charles Moseley.

“I believe that the prices on most of these stallions’ breedings are more than reasonable,” offers Board member Alison Mehta. “Sometimes in auctions, they are under the stallion’s published stud fee.

Here, not only can you have a great time, great food and free liquor, while seeing your friends and party a little bit, but you can get a real bargain on a stallion’s breeding and then show that baby and win money.”

An exciting twist this year was that a performance stallion attracted the highest bid ($6,000)—SF Aftershoc, who stands at Vicki Humphrey Training Center. That was a reflection, many said, of the growing popularity of the Spotlight’s 8•

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

s n o i p m Cha Champion 2-Year-Old Colt ATH PA PHOENIX KID (Sundance Kid V x Pamila), shown by Kentley Dean for owners J. Frank and Sara Chisholm.

Champion 2-Year-Old Filly ATH H ENTUITION H (Bey Ambition x RD Enzarra), shown by Robert Janecki for owner Hennessey Arabian

performance futurities (3- and 4-year old English, western and hunter open, and 5-year-old maturities for amateurs).

“I think we paid out more money this year than we had in the history of the program,” says Spotlight Board member Frank Chisholm. “The competition was really strong and there was more diversity— more horses coming in and out, and the prize money going out—than we’d seen before.”

“The performance sire owners are realizing that it’s crazy not to be involved,” notes Mike Wilson, of Wilson Training Center & Bloodstock in Tavares, Fla. “Not so much for the auction yearling jackpot part of it, but why not give every baby by your stallion the option to be there, showing as a 3, 4 and 5 year old? The 3 and 4 year old classes paid something like $5,000 each, with the maturities a little less.”

The Calcutta, organized to benefit the youth of Region 12, was based on the Spotlight’s Western Pleasure 3- and 4-Year-Old Futurity on Friday morning. “We raised over $10,000,” John Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 9

Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding ATH ROHARA ESSENZA (Da Vinci FM x S Justatinkerbell), shown by Brandy Phillips for owners Jay and Maddy Winer.

Champion Yearling Colt ATH ROHARA MEDICI (Montana Firenze x S Justatinkerbell), shown by Philip Delpozzo for owner Rohara Arabians LLC. Champion Yearling Auction Colt AOTH MD CAIRO (AJ Thee Luca x AJ Ssangria), shown by Robert Janecki for owner Manuel Durini.

Rannenberg says of the bidding which was part of Thursday evening’s action. “Peri Wilson was the first rider ‘purchased,’ and she won the class. She beat all the boys—and there were some really top level riders in there!”

In addition to the excitement, payouts and fundraising, the Futurity also supports ongoing equine education. After classes on Friday morning, Markel sponsored its annual Spotlight seminar, this time addressing the historical relevance of the Arabian, as Cynthia Culbertson spoke on “Romance vs. Reality: The History of the Arabian Breed and Its Relevance Today.”

Now the question is, what do they do next year?

For one thing, Charles Moseley says, better acquaint everyone with Spotlight rules. Despite heavy publication, some potential bidders don’t realize that breedings purchased at the May show each year are for the following year. “That will produce a baby that will show the year after that,” he says. “It’s kind of a long range plan, so I think you get the true breeders who are really looking for stallions that will enhance their breeding program when they purchase in our program.”

10 •

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Champion Yearling Filly ATH PA CATNISS (Baahir El Marwan x Cassandra GA), shown by Kentley Dean for owners J. Frank and Sara Chisholm.

Champion Yearling Auction Filly AOTH PA CATNISS (Baahir El Marwan x Cassandra GA), shown by Sarah Beth Womble for owners J. Frank and Sara Chisholm.

Champion English Pleasure 3 & 4 Year Olds Open H MAGIC MOBILITY H (H Mobility H x Ellusion of Magic), ridden by Peri Wilson for owners Dina and Michael Good.

Technically, a breeding purchased at the Spotlight auction can be used either the following year or the one after that, due to the futurity’s rollover rule.

Also, a new rule that has just passed the Futurity’s Board of Directors and is expected to be approved by membership will further level the playing field for amateurs. Since the beginning, the Spotlight has allowed anyone 65 or over, or anyone with a medical reason confirmed by a doctor, to get a substitute handler to show his or her horse.

“In an auction class, assuming that you don’t fulfill one of the two other provisions for age or medical condition, we’re now allowing people who purchase multiple breedings, as long as they go in the ring themselves with one of their babies, to select another amateur handler to show their horses,” says Moseley. “For our amateurs, we’re looking for ways to enhance participation.”

“I would encourage every region in the country to [set up this kind of a futurity], even if they have to get together with another region to do it,” says Mike Wilson, who estimates that a third of the 20-plus horses he and his wife, Peri, brought to Region 12 are for the Spotlight. “It’s a great asset.”

Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 11

Champion English Pleasure Maturity 5 Years Old ATR PA MAYHEM (Possesion PGA x BP Meditation Bey), ridden by owner Rachel Pest.

Champion Western Pleasure 3 & 4 Years Old Open H PEPPER H (Majik of Marwan x Pepesza), ridden by Peri Wilson for owner Hennessey Arabian LLC. Champion Western Pleasure Maturity 5 Years Old ATR LADY GWENIVERE CBA ( Jullyen El Jamaal x C A Amiga), ridden

by Sarah Roscoe for owner Leigh Meyer.

12 •

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Champion Hunter Pleasure 3 & 4 Years Old Open VULCAN TCA (SF Veraz x Aphradite TCA), ridden by Lisa Monaghan Powell for owner Brandi Carson.

Champion Hunter Pleasure Maturity 5 Years Old ATR RGT ZYMPHONY (Zimmeron PGN x Melody V), ridden by Nikki Murphy for owners Rick and Laura Gault.

Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 13

ferrara photo

2014 filly out of a Gazal Al Shaqab daughter

MD Cairo ~ AJ Thee Luca x AJ Ssangria 2015 REGION 12 CHAMPION SWEEPSTAKES YEARLING COLT 2015 REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY AUCTION CHAMPION YEARLING COLT

Sired by Reserve National Champion Thee Desperado and out of National Champion HED Caramba

M 14 •

arabians of the southeast

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Epiic ~ AJ Thee Luca x Anastasiaa 2014 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL GOLD UNANIMOUS CHAMPION JR. COLT 2014 LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP CHAMPION YEARLING COLT & TOP FIVE SUPREME

2014 colt out of a TF Psymrekhe daughter

Serenity T ~ AJ Thee Luca x H Aspire H ferrara photo

2015 REGION 12 RESERVE CHAMPION SWEEPSTAKES YEARLING FILLY CONGRATULATIONS TO HER NEW OWNERS: AL MARROONA STUD, DOHA QATAR!

StandingStanding at: at: Mike Wilson’s cell 352-267-5550 • Peri Wilson’s cell 407-402-2116 Mike Wilson’s cell 352-267-5550 • Peri Wilson’s cell 407-402-2116 wilsontrainingc@aol.com • www.wilsontrainingcenter.com wilsontrainingc@aol.com • www.wilsontrainingcenter.com

Manuel & Maria Durini & Family Quito, Ecuador • Ph #011 593 98-060-6060 mfdurini@hotmail.com Volume 46, No. 1 |

arabians of the southeast

• 15

Photos by Ferrara Photography

Mike Wilson: 352-267-5550 | 22220 Wolf Branch Road, Sorrento, Florida 32776 | Peri Wilson: 407-402-2116

16 •

arabians of the southeast

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

DOING BUSINESS

with a

DIFFERENT APPROACH

Dedication Butler Farms Training Center, Inc. is an Arabian horse enterprise that exists today due to the steadfast support of farm owners and business partners Frances and Cecil Butler and the relentless ambition of co-owner and manager Ted Carson. The joint effort began over 17 years ago...

Ted is not content to be a great trainer. He has taken it upon himself to learn all aspects of the breed. He never quits learning, and I admire that most about him. 窶認rances Butler

The Butlers have created and continue to enhance one of the most spectacular equestrian facilities in the country on their 450 acre estate that is home to our operation. —Ted Carson

Authenticity

My own success, realistically, is something much deeper than acquiring another trophy. It is about the horses: the opportunity and ability to select and work with each individual, and then present that horse at its optimum for an audience to enjoy. —Ted Carson

2013 and 2014 APAHA Halter Trainer of the Year 2015 ABWC Handler Excellence AHA Judges Education and Evaluation Board Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Board U.S. National Ad Hoc Committee

Although each win has importance, a win or the lack thereof should not define your character. It is ultimately about the ability to enjoy the horses and the journey that they enable us to live. —Ted Carson

2 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

The ideal Arabian program is a balance of breeding, purchasing, and showing bloodstock. This ensures that your entire program remains fresh and competitive. —Ted Carson

Relationships We value the relationships made possible through these animals. Each accomplishment is the result of a collective effort among the breeders, owners, my partners (the Butlers), and my staff, headed by Cory Byrne and Brooke Fuchs. —Ted Carson

The Butler team of owners, employees, and clients support exhibitors across disciplines and promote success in both the halter and performance arenas.

4 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

We still have the first client we had when Ted walked into the barn 17 years ago with one horse. That long term status is common here. These days, newer faces as well make a good mix, with friendships being born from a common interest in Arabian horses.

—Frances Butler

We are very grateful to the breeders and owners who support us.

—Ted Carson

TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R M • 5

t l a x x E

FROM THE BEGINNING

30 minutes old

1 day

9 months

4 months

Excalibur EA x Vesperra, by SF Veraz

2015 Scottsdale International Gold Junior Champion Colt

Bred and owned by Frances Butler • Jeff & Sybil Collins • James & Kay Smith

6 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

WORTHY OF PRAISE

1 year

THE

DANCE

OF

ElleFlamenca

2015 Arabian Breeders World Cup Gold Champion Junior Filly

Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA • Bred by Markelle Arabians • Owned by Jeff & Sybil Collins

8 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R M • 9

FULFILLING HIS LEGACY ...

SF Veraz has been to us an unexpected gift who has forever influenced our program and touched our hearts.

—Ted Carson

10 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

Veraz

SF

Scottsdale Egyptian Heritage Gold Champion

2014 & 2015 Region 12 Spotlight Sire Of Excellence

Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA • Bred and owned by Patti & Mike Scheier • Scheier Farms

TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R M • 11

Inspirational Beauty...

Bella Bellezza H

Da Vinci FM x *Sashaa LHT

12 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

H

Benedetta INZ

Shanghai EA x *Legacys Rose HVP

TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R M • 13

Inspirational Destiny...

Celestina INZ

ML Mostly Padron x Serenitee CA

14 • TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R MS

"He is very current in what he is able to offer as a stallion.

Everything he provides enhances today's breeding. He is more relevant than ever before. And his foals personify it. —Ted Carson

Mostly

ML

PADRON Padrons Psyche x HS Mostly Owned by ML Mostly Padron Syndicate

TED CA R SON AT BU TLER FA R M • 15

"Mostly " IT'S BEEN

A GREAT YEAR FOR MOSTLY PADRON AND HIS DAUGHTERS!

Celestina INZ • 2015 Chestnut Filly ML Mostly Padron x Serenitee CA,

by SF Veraz Palatina • 2015 Grey Filly ML Mostly Padron x TA Palatine

2015 Bay Filly SF Veraz x Gevalia CA, by ML Mostly Padron 2015 Grey Colt Shanghai EA x Exquisite Lady BFA by, ML Mostly Padron

2015 Bay Filly SF Veraz x Mostlys Love Song, by ML Mostly Padron

Mostly

ML

PADRON

Padrons Psyche x HS Mostly • Owned by ML Mostly Padron Syndicate

DEDICATED

to the

ARABIAN HORSE

Training & Showing | International Marketing | Breeding & Stallion Management Farm: 910.866.4000 www.tedcarson.com

Design by AHT

White Oak, North Carolina | Call or Text: 910.876.7332 | ted@tedcarson.com

Love

FOR THOSE WHO

2014 U.S. Nationals

THE ARABIAN HORSE

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.AHTIMES.COM

Magazine Features • Videos • Show Results • World Travels with Jeff Wallace •Kid’s Corner • Recent Promotions • Industry News • Contests and More!

Volume 46, No. 1 |

arabians of the southeast

• 37

Rooted: Rohara and Rannenberg Thirty Years of Commitment ...

Thirty Years of Accomplishment

by JEFF WALLACE and THERESA CARDAMONE

38 •

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

A

pproaching Rohara Arabians, the seasoned visitor feels a familiar sense of anticipation that comes with the freedom of leaving the Ocala city limits. It is as if one has suddenly “broken the sound barrier” between urban and rural … you are in horse country now. The comforting oak trees embrace you, their Spanish moss swaying in the breeze like delicate lace curtains genteelly tattered by time. There is tradition. There is stability.

Entering through the stately wrought iron gates, the feeling of coming home is palpable. There is timelessness to this place that speaks of commitment and continuity. It is almost as if the fragile moss has captured your troubles in a cleansing caress as you entered. It is a peaceful place that nurtures the heart and the spirit. The roots of the thousand oaks that dot the property run deep, and so does the exemplary partnership Roxann Hart and John Rannenberg have nurtured at Rohara for the last 30 years.

John and Roxie have a very special relationship, having lasted 30 years. There is trust, loyalty and friendship between them that extends to their clients.

When I think of “Team Rohara,” I remember the good times we had at horse shows, and the many champions we have bred and shown; starting in 1990 at Louisville with Good Thunder’s championship in pleasure driving, and all the umbrellas opening in the stands, and continuing with many others: Rohara Moon Storm, RA Dark Town Strutter, and Rohara Americanlegend to name a few. Now, Rohara Morng Glory NA by Forever After, Region 12 Champion Filly, and our new rising star Rohara Monarch, by Montana Firenze, will create new lasting memories.

I look forward to continuing this relationship with John and Roxie.

You are not just a client at Rohara; lasting friendships are made there.

—Barbara Jarabek

While most of the horse world scratches its collective head in amazement at such incredible longevity, Roxann and John are happy to acknowledge this milestone, with every expectation that there will be another 30 years hence. Among the keys to their success is their respect for one another and appreciation of similar values. As Roxann puts it, “After 30 years, I still find joy in the relationship, which is not a given in any situation. It is always special to go down to the barn and watch John with the clients and horses. I enjoy having him represent Rohara.”

The feeling is mutual, says John, “Thirty years with Karl, Roxann and the Rohara family is a celebration of a truly committed relationship.

It is unique in this day and age for any relationship to last 30 years, even a marriage,

Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 39

Roxann (Ravlin) Hart on Rafflingle Mesaoud.

Rohara and John R. have been part of the Sheehe family history since we moved to Miami in 1978. Our move was a direct result of Phil meeting Karl Hart a year earlier while working on a Federal case in South Florida. I first met Roxie, appropriately, at a horse show at Tropical Park in Miami; and our first experience in Miami was a BBQ at the farm with Karl’s great mushrooms and Roxie’s fruit cocktail cake.

Our girls basically grew up with Rohara. Our first daughter, Johanna, was born in 1979 and Karl had her up on a horse before her legs were long enough to straddle one. In 1983, we were so saddened when Karl and Roxie moved their farm to Ocala, but that was also the year our second daughter, Brooksley, was born, and we asked Karl to be her godfather.

It was just a matter of time before Roxie sold us a horse. She convinced us to invest in Tsultans Tsunrise (“Sunny”), in the mid 80’s and our involvement with John R. began. He was showing Sunny at the Canadian Nationals in the summer of 1985 and we took a family vacation to Canada to watch. A budding gymnast at the time, Johanna fell completely in love with the horses and the idea of having her own. Roxie to the rescue! Johanna’s 7th birthday was a horse named Le Carle Futura. As all young riders have to learn, blue ribbons don’t come easy. At one particularly difficult show, we asked John to step in and talk to her about winning, losing and sportsmanship. As John was giving her a little pep talk, she was sitting next to her dad, pinching his leg and hanging on every word John said.

And then there was Eternal Love … and then, Everlastin Love— Ellie and Eddie. Both bred and trained by John. Johanna and Brooksley each won multiple championships on Ellie, but it was Eddie that was the horse of a lifetime. The trophy that John won unanimously with Eddie in 2000 in Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Open is enshrined in our home along with the picture of me holding the trophy, and Barbara, John’s mother, holding the ribbon.

Our association with Rohara and John R. has truly been a family affair. We congratulate them on 30 years of success and we are grateful for having been a part of it. From mushrooms to memories … thanks!

—The Sheehe Family

40 •

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

John Rannenberg in 1969.

and certainly not a job like this. So, how have we been able to sustain it? Respect. I know in my heart that Roxann believes in me and trusts me. I was the ambassador of the farm because it was a good fit for both of us. If it was not the right personality fit, there could have been a power struggle, but Roxann never felt threatened. She trusted me with a loose rein and the responsibility that came with it.”

Although in slightly different eras, both started with horses early in life, Roxann at the tender age of 4 and John at 6 or 7. Both took riding lessons at local stables, soaking up every bit of knowledge about horses and how to care for them that they could, before becoming horse owners themselves. As Arabian aficionados, they both spent many midnight hours haunting the show grounds. “When I started going to the shows, Buck Grass was an unsuspecting mentor,” Roxann remembers. “I used to watch Gene LaCroix and Sheila Varian schooling their horses at night to try to pick up things I could try myself. I thought, I might as well learn from the great ones!” After high school, John began apprenticing under some of the top trainers of the day, determined to make a successful life with Arabian horses.

When Kenny Rogers employed John for his Beaver Dam Farms in Colbert, Ga., Roxann and John began to cross paths more frequently at regional horse shows. Roxann’s interest was piqued when John consistently won with horses that she thought were not as deserving as her own. She decided to observe him more closely to see if he would be a good fit for Rohara.

When asked to state their best joint business decision, John responds, “Life is full of decisions, and being able to recognize what is the right choice. Our best decision was the one we made together in 1985 when our journey began.” Adds Roxann, “John almost blew the interview when he asked me about my commitment to the breed. After all that I had accomplished, I was irked!” John remembers weighing the question

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Roxann Hart with Emenee and Bemi Valentine.

Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 41

John Rannenberg competing in the Tevis Cup in 1985.

Roxann Hart, being one of the best minds for breeding Arabian horses in the world, combined with John Rannenberg’s talent to train and present those offspring in a magnificent way, makes this alliance unbeatable. Roxann and John, you are an inspiration. We love you!

—Marikate and Mark Matthews

These days it is highly unusual for someone to work at the same place for 10 years, let alone 30, in almost any line of work. We would not be surprised if this is a record in the Arabian horse business.

It is a remarkable accomplishment, and a testament to John’s dedication, strong work ethic, great talent, and integrity.

—Lank and Karen Havice, Magnum Arabians, Williston, Fla.

Karl and Roxann Hart, John Rannenberg and Rohara, have been part of my life since their association began. Our love for the horses has made us best friends and wonderful partners in any horse adventure.

John is always the gentleman; honest and so talented—a true horseman that excels in every discipline. He truly loves the Arabian horse and is dedicated to Rohara and its success in showing and breeding. It is a true rarity for any trainer to have maintained the same relationship for 30 years—a record for sure!

—Faydelle Schott

42 •

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

John Rannenberg and Multi-National Champion Good Thunder.

beforehand, “Even in my younger years, I was fully aware of how things in the horse business were ever changing, with training stables in flux and a shrinking pool of private farm jobs. I wanted to know directly from the Harts that they were in the business for the right reasons and for the long haul.” Eventually, a deal was struck that brought John Rannenberg to Rohara permanently. They have never looked back.

The ensuing years, or more appropriately, decades, have been full of experiences that continue to strengthen their partnership. In the process, they have gotten to know and appreciate each other for who they have come to be. “Over the years, I have seen John grow personally,” Roxann says. “For example, he now understands some of the worries and concerns that Karl has, which baffled him in the early years. That has transformed the depth of his knowledge about what it takes to run the farm, now and going forward in the future.”

For his part, John has come to understand things about Roxann that aren’t obvious to the casual observer. He explains, “She can seem shy when meeting someone for the first time. But, if you want to get to know the real Roxann, my suggestion is to visit Rohara and see her life’s work. She’s driven, determined and a pioneer in the industry and is very proud of her ROxannHARtArabians.”

Roxann’s innovative ideas have always been decades ahead of her time. Today, most of the leading sires and champions have potent, globalized pedigrees; but in the past, horses that weren’t considered “pure” something or “straight” something-else, held less dollar value. Roxann colored outside the lines to produce the best possible next generation. Like a painter selecting the perfect dash of pigment from her palette, she combined strains to create her masterpieces, regardless of the naysayers. She remembers a favorite moment when that determination to hold true to her beliefs played out in her favor. Despite being advised that only “pure Polish” horses would bring top dollar, Roxann consigned her homebred Rohara Baskaa, who was not pure Polish, to a prestigious auction at Lasma Arabians in Scottsdale. Added to the anticipation before the sale was a little personal drama. “My father didn’t approve of my horse business and had no problem telling me so. He threw down a challenge,

| A R A BI A N HOR SE T I MES

Roxann Hart and RA Dark Town Strutter.

Roxann and Karl Hart with A Lyrica and Aalusive Bey.

saying I would never make any money selling horses. The call I made to tell him that I had just sold Rohara Baskaa at auction for $475,000 was a very sweet phone call, indeed!”

John agrees that staying true to a similar inner compass is crucial.

That similarity has kept their longtime relationship fertile. “One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a rhythm and credibility,” he explains. “It is being consistent in who you are, what your ethics are. It’s being true to yourself, being loyal, being honest.” The deep involvement and collaboration that has been so successful for Roxann and John has provided them with a strong foundation built upon trust and understanding.

John appreciates the totality of the experience, “Way more than just a job, it’s been my passion and lifestyle for more than half my life and I am very grateful for it. How lucky am I that I get to look out the window of my home and see the beauty of Rohara and the grazing mares in lush green pastures? I am very, very lucky.”

Roxann Hart and Rohara Marc Twain.

Roxann agrees, “Every time I come back to the farm it is like I am entering Adventureland. I never know what I may find. While I was walking on the property today, I found a nesting Sandhill crane! They are rare around here, but the atmosphere is always full of untapped potential.”

Thirty years of relationship building has been fertile ground not only for John and Roxann, but also for the clients and friends that they have cultivated. The Arabian community is very much an extended family, reuniting frequently at shows and events held all around the globe. There is always a familiar face, even far away from home.

Roxann Hart and WCF Lady Liberty.

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John Rannenberg and I grew up together in the Arabian business, each of us blessed to be building our futures working with the horses that we love.

Over the years, I have come to see him as the uniquely talented and gracious person that he is. It is my opinion, that John is the most versatile horseman in our breed today. His horses are always happy, healthy and ready to win across many disciplines, and his ability to connect with them, as well as people, has led to his long-standing relationship with Rohara Arabians and the Hart family. The mutual trust, loyalty and abiding friendship that they have cultivated, is the kind of partnership that is the foundation of this business.

On a personal note, one of my favorite memories is when John—a representative for sponsor Kenny Rogers’ Beaver Dam Farm—presented the award for 1982 United States National Champion to my beloved *Padron for the final jewel of his “Triple Crown.”

—David Boggs

Roxann and John have a gift for attracting clients who enjoy each other’s company and appreciate each other’s horses as part of the same team. The Rohara barn is all about the fun and camaraderie that develops with the right mix of people and horses. John is successful because he cares about the clients and their horses. He provides a ready ear for concerns, an ability to coach, and a toolbox full of training skills that he applies with the talent of a master. Those qualities, along with his penchant for winning, are what drew the Harts to John in the first place. They are the reason that the Rohara horses are always finely tuned and ready to win. If they had to, they could even show themselves!

Aalusive Bey did just that to win the title of 1994 U.S. National Champion Mare at only 3 years of age. John shares one of his and Roxann’s favorite horse show moments, “It was finals night at Freedom Hall in Louisville, and there I was on the green shavings, in a black tux, showing Aalusive Bey to a packed house. I walked up to the judges with confidence, leading the stunning grey filly.

I turned to stand her up and as I raised my right hand over my head, the whip went flying out of my hand through the air, landing eight feet behind me! At this point, Roxann, my mother, and all of the other Rohara fans gasped, thinking I’d purposefully dropped the whip. It just wasn’t done back then. Aalusive Bey never missed a beat or dropped an ear.

She was like a top bird dog on point out in the field! I just kept showing her like I was directing a symphony. As the filly continued to give me her heart and soul, the crowd, now realizing what had happened to my whip, got behind her and raised the roof in that ring! Now, that was a special moment in time for me, for Rohara, the filly, and her owners Resting S Ranch. Who knows, maybe I’m the one who started the trend!”

Aalusive Bey is a perfect example of one of the ways that John and Roxann complement each other. While they both gravitate to the same kind of horse, John likes to see them when they are fully turned out, while Roxann is able to see raw potential. They remember the John Rannenberg with Aalusive Bey.

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Roxann Hart and son Jon with WCF Lady Liberty.

Roxann Hart and John Rannenberg with Ivanhoe Tsultan.

first time that John set eyes on Aalusive Bey. Roxann had purchased some stunning young fillies, “and one scrawny grey. But I knew what I had,” Roxann avers.

John wasn’t so sure. “I thought, Roxann, what have you bought? She was a long yearling and looked really rough. I see a whole lot of work ahead; she sees what I can do with the raw material.”

open mare championships at Scottsdale as a two year old . . . the only time that phenomenon has occurred.

What he did was transform the duckling into such a magnificent swan, she swept both the junior filly and

Thirty years of seamless success at Rohara has become an example of what is attainable in the Arabian business. Roxann and John plan to keep traveling the same path, confident that it will continue to bring them joy. As John puts it, “Today, Rohara is strong and still committed to creating beautiful and useful Arabian horses that are sought by people from all over

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Rohara Arabians ... 5-time Readers' Choice Award winner and APAHA Breeder of the Year.

It has been an honor knowing Roxann and John. Two better people you will not meet. With their talents combined, I have learned so much from both of them, and their friendship I will always treasure.

—Linda Musso

John Rannenberg ... Readers' Choice Versatile Trainer Award winner and 7-time APAHA winner.

the world. We will strive to continue to earn the respect that it takes to be leaders in this industry. We are blessed with the support.”

The trees form a canopy as you drive away. There is an awareness that you have been to the core of what makes the Arabian horse business thrive. It is the steady pursuit of perfection, tempered with love, trust and friendship. You are certain, as you pass through the gate once again, that Roxann and Karl Hart and John Rannenberg, have built a sustainable model that will be here for the next generation to enjoy. Roxann, Rohara, Rannenberg … these three “R’s” will undoubtedly continue to recommit and redefine themselves into the next 30 years. ■

John Rannenberg with *El Nabila B and Rohara Aria Spartan.

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John R

Multi-National Champion Everlastin Love & John R.

Dear John, Over the past 30 years, we have watched you rise in the Arabian horse industry to become one of the most respected and versatile trainers ever! You can do it all and you do it with style, grace, elegance, integrity and professionalism. You are a consummate gentleman in the show ring—we can count on our horses being groomed to perfection and we have the confidence that, regardless of the class, you will always give it your best effort—and out, as a mentor for our girls, especially Brooksley.

We are proud to have been associated with you for all of these years.

You are more than a trainer to us; you are part of our family and we will always remember you with Everlastin Love ...

—The Sheehes

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John R Good Thunder

Forthe Loveof Thunder

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Ice Skating at Rock Center ...

Patty Melts with cheese Ray Milland Martinis Bowling in Springfield ...

Del Frisco's Miss Saigon Drinks at the Delano Good Boys Good Thunder - white gown in driving? Yes, that worked! Roses 4x Let's try costume ... BINGO! Roses 7x Lovey ... I am thinking show hack ... YES!! Roses 6x Let's try country ... Roses 1x

AMA Allamerican

There have been many others—MD Mon Gahlan, AMA Allamerican (2 wrong leads gets you a National Championship), Malecon, National Velvet, Phantom Necko, Rohara Hermes ...

When these thoughts and horses pop into my mind, you are always there, and why is that? It is because you were always there to help, train and advise me.

But most importantly, to LAUGH with me. Together we have amassed over 50 U.S., Canadian, NSHF and Scottsdale Championships. Now that is saying something! It has been a grand time indeed! As always, your Coco

Forthe Loveof Thunder

—MARIKATE & MARK MATTHEWS • MARABA ARABIANS Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 49

John R

“It truly has been an amazing privilege to know Roxanne Hart, a world renowned breeder of beautiful Arabians and a person I can call a friend. I am also humbled and honored to work with, to listen to, and learn from John Rannenberg.

Flawless and correct, I truly love watching him ride so beautifully, not only my horses, but those he handles in the halter ring. He is a world class horseman!

Theirs is a journey that started 30 years ago, and continues today and beyond, achieving new accomplishments. Their goal then and now, will always be to better the breed they both love … the Arabian horse.”

—Linda Musso

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John R

Magnum Arabians congratulates John R.— the consummate horseman and industry icon— on 30 years of success at Rohara!

Please join us in cheering for John as he takes center stage with Magnum Psyche’s magnificent sister, Merveille, in Futurity Fillies at U.S. Nationals this fall!

— Lank and Karen Havice

Williston, FL • ph: 352.528.9577 lank@magnumarabians.com karen@magnumarabians.com • www.magnumarabians.com Volume 46, No. 1 | ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST • 51

John R John, Your partnership with Beloved Farms and your honest regard for the well-being of our program and its individual horses, has proven to be paramount and cherished.

Special thanks and admiration to you for starting Beloved One NA on his bright career and what looks to be an incredible journey. He is a special horse you have treated with profound respect, kindness and experience. You have given us an incredible foundation with him, who looks to be an important player in the Beloveds program and the entire industry.

Your loving care of Beau will be forever remembered.

A special person such as yourself, with integrity, talent, and loyalty, is truly a gift.

—Pat

Patricia Dempsey • Lady Lake, Florida www.BelovedsFarm.com 52 •

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TSHAMPAGNE NIGHT Black Daniels x Phun Night

NUTTIN BUT HART Undulata’s Nutcracker x Adoniis Amber Rose

2013

2014 NUTTIN COULD BE FINER and dam Adoniis Amber Rose

QUEEN OFTHE NIGHT TA and dam Phun Night

NUTTIN BUT HART Undulata’s Nutcracker x Adoniis Amber Rose

TSHAMPAGNE NIGHT Black Daniels x Phun Night

TSHAMPAGNE NIGHT Black Daniels x Phun Night

Brooksley Sheehe & Family 6440 SW 114th Street, Miami, Florida 33156 305-778-1788 • info@tshampagnearabians.com - www.tshampagnearabians.com

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NUTTIN BUT HART Undulata’s Nutcracker x Adoniis Amber Rose

NUTTIN BUT HART Undulata’s Nutcracker x Adoniis Amber Rose QUEEN OFTHE NIGHT TA Baske Afire x Phun Night

QUEEN OFTHE NIGHT TA Baske Afire x Phun Night

TSHAMPAGNE NIGHT Black Daniels x Phun Night

NUTTIN COULD BE FINER Undulata’s Nutcracker x Adoniis Amber Rose

2015

Black Daniels x Never Ending Love 2015 Half-Arabian colt

Black Daniels x Never Ending Love 2015 Half-Arabian colt

Mamage x Phun Night 2015 Half-Arabian colt

SF Aftershoc x Phun Night 2015 Half-Arabian colt

IXL Noble Express x Adoniis Amber Rose 2015 Arabian colt

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Dynamic Region 12— As regions go, Region 12—seven states of the Southeast—gets high marks. The area bounded on the north by Tennessee and North Carolina and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean is doing something so right that it’s hard to miss. It offers a highly competitive regional horse show, a lucrative futurity and is home to a lot of horses that routinely score big titles on the national and global scene. So, AHT took a closer look. We asked several residents to give us their thoughts: what is right about Region 12?

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The Arabians Of The Southeast In horse people from one end of the region to the other, a cross section of people representing diverse interests in horses, a couple of themes emerged—and surprisingly, while everyone appreciated the prize money on offer in the Region 12 Spotlight Futurity, that wasn’t what they cited when going to the heart of the area’s success. They were more into the basics: it is the breeders that make the difference.

We hear that “no one” is breeding Arabians these days? Region 12 would beg to differ.

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Clockwise from top left: a championship show, parties, commercial exhibitors, chili cook off, efficiently run under

Director Lisa Blackstone, and patron gifts, insure that Region 12 is the place to be every May and will continue to grow.

In addition, another point of agreement came up again and again. The Region 12 Show is the face of the region, its annual competition and welcoming party to the outside world, and how it goes speaks volumes for the Arabian horse community in the Southeast. Last fall, when Region 12 Director Lisa Blackstone was preparing to assume office, she sent out an extremely comprehensive survey (it questioned everything, many recipients say) to members, asking what they wanted to see at the Region 12 Show. And when they answered, the show’s management listened and acted.

Addressing the often-forgotten but much appreciated exhibitor spouses, the show set up a Man Cave. With a pool table, basketball hoop, poker table, big screen TV, comfortable seating and more, it was wildly popular.

One resounding message from the constituency was that they wanted to have fun, Blackstone reports. Yes, they wanted top-notch show ring competition—but they also endorsed more camaraderie, more things to do together. So Region 12 this year, in addition to joining with the Spotlight Futurity for a bang-up exhibitor party following the Futurity’s auction, added extra activities for its attendees and reached out to involve the local community where possible. And that is all in addition to fielding some of the sharpest equine presentations in the country.

And Friday night became Military Appreciation Night, with veterans groups and service families attending from nearby Warner Robbins Air Force Base. Cynthia Culbertson, at the show as speaker for the annual Markel Seminar, sat with the group and explained what was going on in the ring, then offered them a chance to get up-close-and-personal with the horses. It was better received than they expected, Lisa Blackstone admits, and management is already planning tweaks for next year to better meet the interest they encountered.

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A chili cook off attracted more than 100 entries—and ran out of cups after 700 had been handed out. Judges from the local Perry, Ga., Chamber of Commerce and City Council made the selections from blind tastings, and prizes ran from $500 for first place to $200 for third and for most popular overall.

Maybe that is a key: already, the group is planning to build on this year’s compliments to make next year even better.

One important mission, several said, was to strengthen ties with their sport horse constituency. “We want to improve our service to them,” nods Blackstone. “They are very important and we’re lucky to have them. We did a few things this year, but we’d like to integrate them more. Region 12 sponsored a wine and cheese party just prior to musical freestyle dressage—and the place was packed for it; that class was a huge success.”

But overall, as special as the Region 12 Championship Show is, it can only reflect its community. Without a solid foundation of horse people and Arabian horses, it wouldn’t approach the reputation it now enjoys.

So, to discover the heartbeat of the region, we went to a selection of owners, breeders and exhibitors—to those who know best. What makes Region 12 tick? And, we asked them, what are your contributions? Here is what they told us.

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The owners of Exxalt: Frances and C.A. Butler, Jeff and Sybil Collins, with Brandi and Ted Carson. Not pictured, James and Kay Smith.

Chestnuthill Arabians’ Joe Alberti.

BUTLER FARMS TRAINING CENTER, INC. Frances and C. A. Butler ~ White Oak, N.C.

instrumental in setting up the Spotlight Futurity, and it has been successful and has encouraged breeding,” she says.

“There’s a lot going on in Region 12,” says Frances Butler, who with her husband, C.A., and trainer Ted Carson and his wife, Brandi, owns Butler Farms Training Center.

Over the years, they have promoted many stallions.

Currently, SF Veraz and Exxalt get many of the headlines, and Butler is especially pleased that ML Mostly Padron, a star in his day, is enjoying a renaissance of support. “He seems to be crossing now better than ever,” she reflects.

“When he came out, there were a lot of other stallions with *Padron breeding; now, though, you have all the Marwans and Gazals and Marqs. And Mostly has fit right in with the newer lines! We have continued to breed and encourage our clients to breed. Ted is there to consult with them and help them in any way they need.”

“First, we have a really strong group of breeders,” she explains. “Some of them have been in the business for 20, 30 or 40 years, and even in the recession, they never stopped breeding. They limited their selections and became more careful about what they were breeding to, and as a result, I think we are actually producing better foals on the east coast than I’ve seen in my time in the Arabian industry.

“Also, Region 12 has the Spotlight Futurity, and it is greatly successful. Our breeders support it. They buy their breedings at the Region 12 Show and then they show their foals and they make money. It’s a nice cycle.”

She considers their contribution; in addition to training, Carson stands a lineup of stallions with worldwide influence and has developed international stature himself.

And she and C.A. play their roles as more than just owners and partners with others in some of the sires. “C.A. was

CHESTNUTHILL ARABIANS Joe Alberti ~ Ocala, Fla. Joe Alberti has been a resident of Florida for five years, but he’s clear on what makes Region 12 successful. “You have some deep-rooted, longtime breeders who have been in this industry and seen the changes over time, from before transported semen to now, when multiple foals can be registered from one mare in a year,” he says. “Those people are grounded; they know a good horse. They’re not about ‘hype.’ They’re breeders. They know what it was like

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Glenn Stevenson with GS Shaheerah.

when you had to ship your mare 2,000 miles to the right stallion; you had to be confident that the foal was going to be worth all the expense it would entail to get that mare in foal, vs. making a phone call and paying a Fedex® charge.

Because these people are so grounded and have such a keen eye for what a good quality Arabian is, the caliber of horses has stayed extremely high.”

That doesn’t mean the newer-comers aren’t very good as well, he will add. But the inspiration of so many veterans, with such stellar records, is special. “When you think of horses that have come out of Florida—like Magnum Psyche, Versace, QR Marc, and ABD Justinian!” he says.

“Whether they were born here or brought here at a young age, they were made famous because of their Region 12 owner or breeder. Ultimately we have had great horses, some of the best in the world. And we have them because the people here know what they’re doing, and they’re not just about the latest and greatest. They’re about what is going to produce a great horse that is going to go on and be not only a beautiful horse, but functional horse.”

GS ARABIANS INTERNATIONAL Glenn Stevenson ~ Key West, Fla. “The year 2015 was our first attendance at Region 12 as GS Arabians International,” says owner Glenn Stevenson, “and we had the pleasure of presenting the filly ABD Marwtinque in the Sweepstakes class for yearling fillies.

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Frank Hennessey receiving the coveted 2015 Spotlight Futurity Breeder of Distinction Award.

already knew. We thoroughly enjoyed the Spotlight series and we felt it is probably one of the best programs in the United States to be involved with. We were successful in our auction bid, so we look forward to showcasing the resulting yearling. The highlight for me was the ridden classes, and I was absolutely blown away by the HalfArabian park classes—such classy animals. We are in the process of closing on a new farm in Dade City, Fla., and this will be where we will be concentrating on breeding and showing.”

Stevenson also plans an even greater involvement with promoting the Arabian horse in the area. “We look forward to becoming more involved with Region 12 and its members, and will be hosting events for youth and amateur handlers at the farm in 2016. We have some great speakers already lined up for this event. Look out for our farm, GS Arabians International, at next year’s Region 12 Championships. We will be back!”

HENNESSEY ARABIANS LLC Frank Hennessey ~ Ocala, Fla. “Hennessey Arabians is proud to call Region 12 our home region,” says Frank Hennessey. “We find that the members of the region as a whole share our commitment to the education and preservation of the Arabian horse, and to creating an energetic, fun filled environment where we can all learn and grow. The Spotlight Futurity program offers incredible marketing resources, recreational venues and a global stage for breeders to present their quality

Karen, Lank and George Havice, with A Fancy Miracle, dam of Magnum Psyche.

breeding stock. We commend the Region 12 and Spotlight Futurity Program Board of Directors and Show committees for organizing a fantastic event this year.”

MAGNUM ARABIANS Karen and Lank Havice ~ Williston, Fla. “There are three factors that make Region 12 one of the very best regions,” says Lank Harvice, best known in the Arabian horse community as the breeder of superstar stallion Magnum Psyche. “One, horses of high quality in many disciplines: main ring, endurance, pleasure riding, dressage, reining, and sport horse. Two, good people: individual owners, large and small farms, talented trainers, and reputable agents. And three, location: a year round climate conducive to raising and enjoying horses.

“We don’t think that there is any one thing in particular that Magnum has contributed. Like many people, we support Region 12 by showing at local and regional horse shows. We would like to think that we help by breeding horses which represent Region 12 well by winning at national levels, both in the United States and internationally; this in turn helps to attract prospective purchasers to our farm and others in our region. We are fortunate to be part of a group of breeders in our region which can offer many different world-class bloodlines and options.”

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Linda Musso with Net Worth LOA.

LINDA MUSSO Birmingham, Ala. Longtime Rohara client Linda Musso is best known now for her beloved Net Worth LOA. Last year, she and the gelding were U.S. National Reserve Champions in HalfArabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 55 and Over; the year before, Net World LOA topped Show Hack with Rohara’s John Rannenberg.

“I guess we’re fortunate in having what I consider to be some of the best trainers and facilities in the Region 12 area,” Musso says. “We have top people in English, halter, western—all the disciplines. We may not have quantity, but we have quality in so many areas. And then there is our Spotlight! I think this year was one of our best.”

This year, Musso’s Region 12 Championship class, HalfArabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 55 and Over, offered one example of what she feels makes the region so strong. “The competition! One of my competitors this year was last year’s national champion and another had a lot of national titles, so the bar was raised! The horses are such top quality that you have to come in riding to win it, because everyone else is. I did something I normally don’t do: I came in first. I thought, ‘Somebody’s got to win it!’”

(She did.)

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Rhapsody In Blue’s Jonathan Meyer.

Asked what she contributes to Region 12, she smiles. “Net Worth, of course! He’s a great horse.” She is, however, deeply appreciative of everyone’s contributions to Region 12. “The other day, I was at Rohara, and John R. had invited the owner of the Saddlebred farm Heathermoor, in Birmingham, to visit. They were in Ocala for an activity, and she [ Jennifer Fernambucq] came with about 10 young Saddlebred riders. John brought the horses out, showed them the purebreds and Half-Arabians, and gave them a brief history of each horse. And you know how people who don’t know Arabians call them ‘crazy’? Well, these horses were as gentle as could be. The girls left in awe; as horse people, any time you get to see the best of the best, you take away memories you’ll have forever. We need to do more of that. We don’t need to just stay with people who are in our breed—we all need to open our doors.”

RHAPSODY IN BLUE STABLES Leigh, Randy and Jonathan Meyer ~ Chatom, Ala. “The reason we’re the best region is because God loves us the most!” laughs Leigh Meyer. No, not really, she adds. “Region 12 is an area where there are a lot of horse lovers—people that are truly infatuated with horses. With that comes enthusiasm and passion, and any time you’re around somebody that is enthusiastic and passionate about what they do, it’s intoxicating and contagious. Couple that

with the economic environment of many of the states in Region 12, and that makes it huge.

“It’s also very competitive between trainers here, which is good because it makes us all better,” she continues. “But that said, I don’t think there is a single trainer in Region 12 that I dislike or disrespect. Randy, Jonathan and I have the utmost respect for the trainers here, and their willingness to help each other.”

Randy and Leigh Meyer have been professional trainers since the 1970s, and Leigh is clear about what may be their greatest contribution to the Arabian horse breed for the future. “We have a son who is about to turn 20 and since he was 10 years old, he has wanted to be an Arabian trainer. He is exactly what the future of our industry wants and needs—he’s a good horseman and he loves his horses.

He is in the barn at 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and he’s here until 6 or 7 p.m. every night. Many of this breed’s top trainers have been his mentors, and he’s an asset to our industry.”

The Meyers’ other contribution, she adds, is a combination of their talent and diversity, along with their straightforward honesty. “We have an open barn policy, and you can come any time. We do everything—halter, with training that prepares the horse for a performance career later, and other performance divisions too. We also love sport horses, but that hasn’t been our focus—although we have one client who is showing in western dressage, which worked easily because our basic training provides the groundwork for that. We start horses with the kind of ground training I used for my dressage years ago. However you would like to structure what you need, we’ll work with you, and we’ll always give you our very best honest effort.

That’s what I think we offer Region 12.”

Walter Mishek photo

Roxann Hart

ROHARA Roxann and Karl Hart ~ Orange Lake, Fla. “Region 12 is a mecca of breeders—breeders that are breeding phenomenal, excellent horses with the quality that works for the American and international market,” says Roxann Hart, who began Rohara nearly half a century ago and has been its guiding influence ever since. “The breeders have a true business in Region 12; some of us are very old breeders and some are small breeders, but the breeders in our area are very active.

“Also, I think our region is capped by a very successful point of our pyramid, and that is the Region 12 Show.

It’s such a contributor to the region as a whole. This year at the Spotlight, we had foals from more than 100 mares.

That’s just for one little venue, but when you look at how many purebred foals are being produced in the U.S., [Region 12] is a large contributor to that number.”

Rohara’s contributions to the region and the breed are evident on many levels—in the show ring, in breeding and in marketing. But for Hart, one service counts more than any other. “My husband—not me, but Karl, being the ‘distaff side’ of Rohara—started Region 12 and the regionals, back in the days of IAHA,” she says. “He was the director when the first Region 12 Show was ever held, and I have shown in every single Region 12 since its inception.”

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John Rannenberg

ROHARA John Rannenberg ~ Orange Lake, Fla. “Region 12 has so much depth and quality, from breeders to trainers to top amateur riders,” says John Rannenberg, who in 2015 celebrated his 30th year as head trainer at Rohara. “We’re one of the largest regions in the country; we have seven states in one region, so some of us have to travel a long way just to get out of our region (we have to go 12 hours). But the size of the region and the amount of horses we have makes for a very, very competitive and well-rounded regional show.

There is a lot of credibility to winning at Region 12; going on to Nationals, you are considered a contender.

There have been many famous horses who got their start here—Magnum Psyche, DA Valentino, Versace, Trussardi, and others. With just those four alone, you have probably a dozen national championships.

“Another thing that is making Region 12 so successful is that our officers and those who put on the Region 12 Show have shown a genuine interest in what people want, and there has been a real desire for improvement—and it was already a great show, in one of the best facilities in the country.”

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Jacque Thompson on The Renaissance.

Rohara’s contributions to the region go back to before the regional boundaries even were envisioned, and certainly long before Rannenberg arrived. “It’s all about Rohara’s longevity,” he says. “It’s really been a staple of Region 12, and over the years, we’ve consistently brought our best horses to the Region 12 Championships. There is commitment and loyalty to the region. We support it financially, through scholarships, and by bringing great horses.”

Plus, he adds, the farm has been supportive through personal service as well. “Karl Hart has served as a director I don’t know how many times, and Roxann served on the Spotlight Futurity board. Now, I do. And I give [constructive] feedback, my thoughts and perspective on any issue in the region.”

And then there has been Rohara’s contribution in the breeding of fine horses. “A huge part of the challenge of becoming a successful program and then maintaining it is continuing to improve and make a better animal,” he reflects. “Roxann has stood the test of time. Not every breeding was a success, but she was able to switch gears or directions; she was never hung up on a certain line or type—she bred for the outstanding individual.

“The other thing is that her horses were able to cross over, could win at the national championship level in hand, and then go on to national championships in performance.

That is not a common thing, but historically the Rohara horses are known for their quality, their ability and their trainability. Rohara horses have stood the test of time too.”

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PARK ARABIANS Jacque and Rod Thompson ~ Lenoir City, Tenn.

“Many players in Region 12 are making a tremendous effort to promote the breed in any way they can think of, and their individual contributions take many forms,” notes Jacque Thompson. “For instance, earlier this year Smoky Mountain Park Arabians hosted a small gathering with Gene LaCroix. Several influential horse breeders met up at the farm and spent a pleasant afternoon discussing how to best promote our breed.

“Joel and Ashton Kiesner also hosted a well-attended clinic this year for Arabian horse trainers and invited Gene LaCroix and Tim Shea to participate. Their event was a great success and will help many people not only in Region 12 but in other regions as well.

“Lisa Blackstone, the director of Region 12, developed a wonderful horse show app to allow people easy access to show results.

“And my husband, Rod Thompson, developed ArabianHorse.com, a global website devoted to advocating for our breed. He designed the site to both facilitate commerce within the Arabian horse community as well as to create interest in the breed from the general public.

“Many others in the community have been working diligently behind the scenes to insure that our beloved breed remains viable. There are some very good horses produced in our region, and I am proud that Smoky Mountain Park Arabians is a part of that effort.”

VICKI HUMPHREY TRAINING CENTER Vicki Humphrey ~ Canton, Ga. When assessing Region 12 now, Vicki Humphrey, one of the ring’s most successful English trainers, cites its breeding achievements first. “In the English division, I feel as if we have the future of our breed in Region 12. We have many of the top English breeding stallions here, with

Vicki Humphrey

Afires Heir, VJ Royal Heir and SF Aftershoc. They are siring foals with more talent than I have ever seen before.

The crosses back and forth are going to be amazing.”

Vicki Humphrey Training Center’s contribution to Region 12 and to the industry, she says, is multi-faceted. “For one thing, we are doing a lot more breeding. We are standing SF Aftershoc, along with several junior stallions—Mr Mayhem, Young Money and Noble Dynasty PF. “Also, we have just completed a new 50-stall barn and indoor arena, so we’ve increased our training abilities and our training staff.

“We are starting our public lesson program this fall. Our goal is to promote our saddle seat division in the local area—and jump-start the client base. This is a difficult industry to become involved in as a beginner. We have no academy classes and even at the walk-trot level, the competition is fierce. My goal is to promote a National Arabian Academy division as we build our own Academy here. While it is an exhausting endeavor, I feel that the future of our performance ring requires that we do it. If we look at the statistics of declining numbers at our shows, the end of our business, as we know it, is within 10 years unless we promote our Arabian show ring and the thrill of competition to the public.” ■ Volume 46, No. 1 | arabians of the southeast • 67

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Southeast Breeders Edition Cover Story

by Anne Stratton

From the time he was 14 years old, Joe Alberti has known he would be an Arabian horse trainer.

“I believe in ‘Live what you love and love what you live,’” he says. “When you are passionate about what you do and you love it, you’re bound to be good at it.”

Alberti is good at what he does—the result of hard work, talent and good horses. From the start at his original Chestnuthill farm in Pennsylvania, he developed a national reputation, and when he sold to move south in 2010, it was only to broaden his experience at world-renowned Rohara. Five years later, he was ready to be on his own again, this time in horse-centric Ocala, Fla.

Design by Brandy Phillips : www.photobybrandy.com

“It’s a beautiful farm,” he smiles, “about an hour from the Orlando and Tampa airports.” It is also fully-equipped: 26 stalls (with immediate plans for expansion), a covered arena (rare in Florida), a EuroXsizer, and breeding lab (the farm does its own collection and shipping).

Already, Alberti and his staff are moving at warp speed. His assistants, he says, are as obsessed as he is about horses. “I don’t want people working here who are just collecting a paycheck. Our horses are the reason that we’re able to do what we love—there isn’t anything that we wouldn’t do for them.”

What attracts the clientele? It’s more than just his skill in the show ring. “I’m honest,” he says frankly.

“I won’t tell you your horse is great when it’s not, and I am good at knowing a horse’s ability. One of the most important things is letting the horse tell you what it wants to do; like people, horses who do what they love will be successful.”

In addition to training, Chestnuthill also offers breeding and marketing services, where Alberti’s skills in social media have attracted global attention to his horses. In recent months, sales have included such standouts as Prince Karat R and ABD Justinian to the U.A.E., and others to Poland, the U.K. and Canada.

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And its list of stallions is impressive. Alberti’s longtime headliner Shaddofax, twice a National Reserve champion and already the sire of champions, shares the barn with Eric and Michelle Loftis’ U.S. National Champion Rohara Crown Prince and Mister Magnum, a Scottsdale, U.S. and Canadian National Champion.

In coming years, there also will be new names at stud. “We have high hopes for Don and Connie Copeland’s DC Trienze FF, who will be campaigning to the U.S. Nationals in the yearling colt division this year,” says Alberti, “and a promising colt from Hidden Heart Stables by international sensation Kanz Albidayer, named Elle Amarr.”

The line-up of proven bloodlines is no surprise. Alberti is known for his pedigree addiction as well as his eye for a horse. “I think that helps from a training standpoint,” he says. “It’s important to understand the lineage of these horses and where they have been most successful. We aren’t just a halter barn or just a performance barn. We do it all.” The “all” can be seen especially in the operation’s strong amateur program, which features a variety of divisions.

At the end of the day, Alberti says, their mission is not only the horses. It’s the clients too. “I’m really proud that for the last two years, I’ve had the national champion and national reserve champion in the Half-Arabian Stock/Hunter Geldings open and amateur classes,” he says. “It was the same two horses, who flip-flopped each year, which was perfect—it gave both clients a chance to be national champion.

“Everyone is supportive of one another here,” he reflects. “It makes a real difference in the overall show experience. I like to win, but it has to be fun.”

Even with his success, Alberti remains focused on what, for him, is essential. “I couldn’t do any of this without the love and support of my family, friends around the world and Rob Janecki, to whom I am the most grateful.”

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Justafire DGL x R-Colette by Padrons Psyche

Justafire DGL x R-Colette by Padrons Psyche

2x Reserve National Champion Stallion and sire of National Champions

SCID and CA Clear AHA Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Multi Program Nominated

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com Volume 46, No. 1 |

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Da Vinci FM x DD Crown Jewel by Magnum Psyche

National Champion Scottsdale Champion Regional Champion

SCID and CA Clear AHA Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Multi Program Nominated

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com 72 •

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Owned by Eric and Michelle Loftis

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2014 Arabian Colt Montana Firenze x RH Triana

Competing at U.S. Nationals with Joe Alberti in Yearling Colts Standing to a limited number of mares in 2016.

Owned by Don and Connie Copeland Dublin, GA

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com

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Chestnuthill Arabians and Honeysuckle Farm Arabians congratulate Ghanim Saeed Al Ali of the UAE on his purchase of this lovely mare. We wish you the best of success with her!

Pyro Thyme SA x JJ Night Love

U.S. National Top Ten 3yr old Filly Unanimous Iowa Gold Star Champion Filly Unanimous Regional Champion Yearling Filly

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 Owned by Ghanim Saeed Al Ali of the UAE www.chestnuthillarabians.com 74 •

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A Jakarta x Aryel by Hadaya Eindafa 2014 Arabian Colt

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ZT Marwteyn x Onapar by Parys el Jamaal 2014 Arabian Filly

Owned by Glenn Stevenson GS Arabians gstevenson@keywesttaxi.com 305-797-1296

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com Volume 46, No. 1 |

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Kanz Albidayer x Allamara MA 2015 Chestnut Colt

Congratulations to the proud new owners of this incredible colt. We welcome and congratulate The Nolan Family of Hidden Heart Stables, LLC!

Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com

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Joe Alberti 6455 SW 73 St. : Ocala, Florida 34476 610-972-9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com

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Patricia Dempsey 352.430.3456 Lady Lake, Florida

Ever After NA x Margarita PSY

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