Arabians of the Southeast, published in Arabian Horse Times

In this issue:

The Land Frank Hennessey Built ...

See what’s happening today and why this Arabian Horse attraction is bringing everyone to Florida!

Very first foal sired by:

PRESENTED BY TED CARSON Beloved One NA+ × Rohara MarcAlyssa

National Champion

PRESENTED BY TED CARSON Vitorio TO × Rohara MarcAlyssa

WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida | 352-430-3456

Hennessey Arabians has captured the heart and wonder of nearly every person that has visited since its inception in 2007. Frank Hennessey’s dream of building a

‘heaven of horses’

has been realized, while the unexpected consequence of his effort has turned the 93-acre farm into a place that many now refer to as HennesseyLand, a magical kingdom for those who are inspired by their love of the horse.

Above: Farm manager George Z and the iconic grey mares of Hennessey Arabians.

Facing page: H Paipur H (Jaipur El Perseus x Paloma De Jamaal, by Soho Carol).

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Hennessey Arabians is known as one of the top Arabian horse breeding farms in the Southeast Region, located in the heart of the “Horse Capital of the World™,” Ocala, Fla., which Ocala/Marion County officially named in 2007, a testament to the county’s unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the country. With a beautiful, mild climate all year long and soil rich with limestone calcium for strong bones, Ocala is home to more horses than anywhere else in the country.

The Hennessey breeding program was founded on the bloodlines of pure Polish and Polish-related halter horses, and has beautifully transformed into a program that offers a horse for every home and a home for every horse. In 2014, Frank acquired full ownership of the Regional and National winning English pleasure and park stallion, H Mobility H. A number of mares were purchased to produce top English pleasure offspring, as well as a few Saddlebreds to begin the Half-Arabian English division of Hennessey Arabians. Late in 2014, the Jaipur Initiative was formed for the double Ali Jamaal-bred stallion, Jaipur el Perseus. The foundation of the Hennessey herd was built on Polish bloodlines because conformation, structure and athleticism was of the utmost importance to Frank and Farm Manager and advisor, George Z. The introduction of other bloodlines such as Jaipur el Perseus into the program has created an enhancement of refinement and beauty to the Polish foundation. As a result of the quality Hennessey-bred foals sired by Jaipur, Hennessey Arabians has experienced tremendous growth in the international Arabian horse community.

Jaipur currently stands at Jadem Arabians in Belgium with Christine Jamar who has successfully sold multiple breedings and several high priced Jaipur el Perseus foals in Europe for Hennessey.

HennesseyLand–Indeed, A Magical Kingdom

by RIYAN RIVERO

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2017 REGION XII CHAMPIONS H EMERSON H Spotlight Futurity Champion Auction Colt with Phillip Del Pozzo H RAFAEL H Futurity Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding with Katie Hendrickson Reserve Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding with Mike Wilson H AMOUR H Spotlight Futurity Champion Hunter Pleasure Maturity ATR and Top Five ATR with Alexandra Cona Top Five Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse with Peri Wilson H CAPTIVATION H Reserve Champion Western Pleasure AATR with Alexandra Cona H ALOUETTE H Spotlight Futurity Reserve Champion Yearling Filly with Rob Janecki H EMBITION H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly with Rob Janecki Top Five 2-Year-Old Filly with Mike Wilson H MOTIVITY H Spotlight Futurity Top Five English Pleasure with Mary Trowbridge H MOCCA H Spotlight Futurity Top Five Hunter Pleasure Maturity 5-Year-Old ATR with Jayme Martino H PISTAL H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Auction Yearling Colt with Katie Hendrickson H PATRICIA H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly with Katie Hendrickson H ENTHRALL H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Auction Yearling Colt with Jacob Wilson Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Alexandra Cona

Pictured clockwise: H Rafael H (Jaipur El Perseus x CA Rufflesnlace), H Emerson H (AJ Thee Luca x H Entrique H), Jenny White from Wilson Training and Bloodstock, and H Alouette H (Jaipur El Perseus x H Allure H).

When asked what event in the Southeast has had the most impact on the farm, Frank responded, “The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, as is the Thanksgiving Show in Tampa. I have been particularly influenced by the camaraderie, support and respect for each others programs displayed by breeders and competitors at these shows. As the founder of the popular Weanling class at the Thanksgiving show that offers breeders an opportunity to showcase their foals with no pressure—no posing, and no hard stand up—I look forward to the show each year. Mike Wilson, Peri Wilson, and Mary Trowbridge have played valuable roles in the success of our horses at these events, including our title as the Spotlight Breeder of Distinction for three years in a row.” The Breeder of Distinction award is one that Frank refers to as the highest honor and recognition of the Hennessey program. Region 12 is the largest geographical region in the country. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses, while the Spotlight Futurity encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding stallion owners as well as breeders when they get involved in the program.

The ever-growing payouts, recognition of breeders, and quality stallions has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole.

H PAIPUR H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Filly with Katie Hendrickson H CIR LAWRENCE H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Katie Hendrickson H ABACUS H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Amelia Hruban Ar abian Horse Times | 4 |

arabians of the southeast

In January of 2016, Hennessey Arabians stepped out of the box and held an online auction of some of their quality breeding stock.

Inspired by Frank’s mantra, “a horse for every home and a home for every horse,” the project was an effort to reach a market that is otherwise hard to conquer. What set the idea apart was, the horses were auctioned online without the use of traditional Arabian horse auction companies. There were no reserves set and the bulk of the horses offered were proven breeding stock and/or show horses. The team brainstormed about ways to break the traditional mindset that online auctions are for “throw away” horses that an owner or breeder found no value in. Frank is proud of every horse he breeds and strongly believes that each of them holds value to someone, be it a foundation to a future breeding program or a best friend to someone in need. His desire to reach others with his infectious love of the Arabian horse inspired the team to hold an online auction with quality horses available at affordable prices all over the world.

To date, they have held two very successful production auctions online and are preparing their third for August 10th–12th, 2017.

A few of the success stories from buyers of the online auctions include Rob Janecki and Joe Alberti, who purchased the beautiful daughter of Jaipur el Perseus, Mahadevi o in the first auction. She has since won two Regional Championships and placed 3rd at the U.S. Nationals. They bred her to Miracle of Marwan and were overwhelmed with joy over the exceptional filly she produced for them. Barbara Banoff bought a mare in the first auction and two more in the second. She told Frank she’d have bought more had she not been outbid on multiple other horses she had her eye on.

Barbara shared on Facebook, “… so far as I could tell, Hennessey Arabians doesn’t have any low quality horses!” There is nothing more satisfying to Frank and his team than to see Hennessey-bred horses excelling with their new owners.

Pictured top to bottom: H Entuition H (Bey Ambition x RD Enzarra) George Z and Pepesza (Eukaliptus x Pestka) Sashaa LHT (El Nabila B x Giovanna JM) and her foal by Equator PASB, H Sandor H.

American Saddlebred, Crystal Bay

H Mobility H (MHR Nobility x RY Fire Ghazi)

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“Their experience is true love! These are the stories that need to be told.

A video game will not give you that special feeling. It is magical.”

~ Frank Hennessey

The entire team at Hennessey Arabians shares a common goal: to share the love of the Arabian horse across the globe. The powerful emotion that an Arabian horse calls to the surface of people from all walks of life remains a mystery to those who have not experienced it. Arabians speak to our hearts, nurture our souls and lovingly guide us through difficult situations.

During the 2013 Arabian Celebration Show in Kentucky, Kimberly Marie Jarvis, the Arabian Celebration Show Committee and Pat and Mary Trowbridge arranged a visit to the Home of the Innocents in Louisville, with Hennessey’s own, Miz Vogue VA. Home of The Innocents offers a safe haven for at-risk children; pediatric medical care; clinical treatment services and therapeutic loving foster and adoption services. When the organizers of the Home of the Innocents shared that some of the children would not be able to attend the show, the ACS took the show to them. It was an opportunity for these fantastic children to meet, touch and connect with an Arabian horse! The excitement in these childrens eyes when Miz Vogue dropped her head in their arms was astonishing. Everyone was moved to emotion beyond explanation as she made her way around the circle of children, one by one allowing each of them to touch and kiss her.

The expression in her eye was soft and kind as if she had a complete understanding for the hardships these children have faced and what it meant to them to be in her presence.

A few years ago, Frank invited a friend and his wife to visit the farm with their daughter Belle on her birthday weekend. Belle has Autism. On a routine tour of the farm, Frank pointed out a mare that would likely give birth some time in the night. Belle was eager to be awakened if it were in fact to happen. At three in the morning, Frank awakened the family to witness the birth. Belle watched with wonder as the universe presented her with this beautiful little miracle.

Thus began Belle’s love affair with the world of horses. As soon as she returned home, she asked if she could have one of her own. Months later, Frank thought of Belle after spending time with a 4-year-old Arabian gelding with one of the most loving personalities he’d ever come across. Belle’s parents accepted a generous gift of this kind, young gelding to Belle. His forever friend and companion, Belle refers to him as ‘Romeo’. Watching Belle and Romeo bond has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Frank’s life.

These stories only scrape the surface of endless emotional moments cherished by the Hennessey team.

Hennessey Arabians will be hosting seminars at the farm with the intent of sharing the history, lifestyle and passion of the Arabian horse, near the end of 2017. The goal will be to provide visitors with a unique glimpse at the lifestyle we so deeply enjoy and to introduce Arabian horses to the vast number of visitors that tour the farm located in the heart of the ‘Horse Capital of the World’. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

They say ‘time flies when you’re having fun’…

Frank’s dream of building this spectacular ‘haven for horses’, now lovingly referred to as HennesseyLand, has been in business for 10 years. 100 horses sold, countless lives touched, and an undeniable passion for the love of the horse has indeed, made Hennessey Arabians a most ‘magical kingdom’.

Pictured top to bottom: Miz Vogue VA (Triften x Miz Margeaux V) visits Home of the Innocents in Louisville, KY. Belle and H Nability H (El Nabila B x Walsa El Ludjin), aka “Romeo”, at Hennessey Arabians.

Hennessey Arabian, LLC 12780 NW 35th Street Ocala, Florida 34482 Farm: 352.629.4931 Fax: 352-629-0561 www.HennesseyArabians.com

Frank Hennessey – Owner Cell: 313.407.2070 Frank@HennesseyArabians.com George Z - Manager Cell: 352.857.3384 George@HennesseyArabians.com Riyan Rivero - Public Relations Cell: 480.650.0731 RiyanHA@me.com

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arabians of the southeast

Roharaour welcomes new arrivals

ROHARA MARCQUEE 2017 Colt

(QR Marc x Rohara Aida, by El Nabila B)

ROHARA ANDREA 2017 Filly (Montana Firenze x Kays Psylouette, by Padrons Psyche)

We invite you to visit and see the opportunities available.

ROHARA JUSTAMARAJJ 2017 Colt (Marajj x S Justatinkerbell, by Justafire DGL)

Rohara Arabians

KARL & ROXANN HART, OWNERS • JOHN RANNENBERG, TRAINER P.O. BOX 110, ORANGE LAKE, FLORIDA 32681 352.591.4661 • 352.266.6445, CELL • ROHARA@WINDSTREAM.NET

W W W . RO H A R A . C O M

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ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST B

by Anne Stratton

efore there was Scottsdale, there was the Sunshine Circuit. “Destination horse showing� you would have called it, just as you think of Scottsdale now. You attend for the competition and the prestige, but you also go for the fun and the warm weather. As early as the 1930s, but abundantly in the 1950s and 1960s, Florida offered not one show like that, but as many as six or seven, depending on when some of them went in or out of business, and they attracted horses from all over the country.

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arabians of the southeast

The Sunshine Circuit wasn’t just for Arabians, longtime Southeastern horsemen caution; on the schedules also were Saddlebreds, Morgans, ponies, hunters, jumpers—you name it, it showed, and the good times were legendary. Memories reverberate of the Miami Show, a stylish society affair held at Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key Auditorium, and of Winter Haven at the famous Orange Dome (which, as might be expected, looked like an orange). And Clearwater, Gainesville, Delray, Orlando, and since 1933, the Tampa Bay Charity Show at the Yacht Club, where the old white clubhouse was surrounded by azaleas. They all had stories (like the night the ring lights went out in Gainesville, and Sports Illustrated—that’s right, the premier sports magazine in the country—reported that “only an owl with a judge’s license could have reached a proper decision”).

The Arabians were a small presence, true, but they grew—largely, many say, because of the exposure at shows like these, which attracted new enthusiasts. “Everybody came,” Rohara’s Roxann Hart says, “and when you have that much activity, you’ll see expansion. It spread the camaraderie and interest in the Arabian horse.”

By 1973, the Arabian scene in the Southeast had grown to the point that a group of horsemen led by Karl Hart proposed the regional system to the International Arabian Horse Association. In the new set-up, Region 12 became the largest geographical area in what is now AHA. There were not large populations of the breed in any one locality, but there were many overall, and owners already were used to driving long distances for big shows and meetings.

For most observers today, Region 12 is synonymous with the Southeast.

We’re casting a wider net, though, as we examine an area of the country: we include the seven states of 12 (Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi), and throw in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky too. West Virginia really may be a classic border state, but it’s not a stretch for Virginia and Kentucky, which traditionally have leaned south in their culture.

By anyone’s standard, the Southeast has played a noteworthy role in the Arabian breed. Let’s take a look.

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A. Keene Richards of Georgetown, Ky.

Its Place In History

Two names stand out in the early history of Arabians in the Southeast— in the 1850s, A. Keene Richards of Georgetown, Ky., and beginning in 1930, General J.M. Dickinson Jr., of Franklin, Tenn.

When the Arabian breed first arrived in the United States, it was probably to the Southeast simply because that’s where most of the better horse breeding went on in early times. In the 17th century, England had begun using “Oriental” stallions—a catchall term for the Arabians, Barbs and Turks of the Middle East—to improve bloodstock, and early American breeders sometimes purchased them from the English. A few horses also arrived as gifts to prominent people from foreign dignitaries (Thomas Jefferson was an early recipient). Whether or not any of these were pure Arabians is hard to prove, though, because the Ottoman sultans considered purebreds national treasures and forbid their export. Smuggling them was next to impossible, not to mention risky and fabulously expensive, so horses that came from the East typically were crosses—most of them good crosses, but still not pure by modern standards.

What is widely agreed is that the first verifiably purebred Arabians came to Kentucky when horseman A. Keene Richards studied the breed and traveled to Europe and the Middle East twice in search of the best horses. His first selections arrived in 1853 and second in 1855. arabians of the southeast

Karl and Roxann Hart.

Dickinson also is credited with opening relations with Polish horsemen; he visited there in 1934, when he made his first importation of horses, and also sold Antez to stand at stud in Poland. (Antez was remarkable; a standout show, race and endurance horse, he also was used in breeding and as the personal mount for both Dickinson and his teenaged daughter, Peggy.) The general went abroad again in 1937, when he wrote in his diary that he’d been impressed by the young stallion *Ofir, who, he felt, would become an important sire. A little ahead of his time, he also routinely sold horses internationally.

At home, Dickinson’s most influential stallions were Czubuthan (Polish), *Nasr (Egyptian) and Gulastra (domestic), and it is worth noting that Hallany Mistanny, whose name remains an asset in pedigrees today, was bred at Traveler’s Rest.

Top to bottom: General J.M. Dickinson Jr., Traveler’s Rest, in Franklin, Tenn.; Antez with W.K. Kellogg; Bazleyd.

Unfortunately, the Civil War put an end to his breeding experiment, which in any case involved using the Arabians on other breeds, not perpetuating their pure lines.

By the early 20th century, Arabians were not prominent in the Southeast—until 1930, when General J. M. Dickinson Jr. established one of the largest Arabian horse stud farms in the country at Traveler’s Rest, in Franklin, Tenn. Most of his foundation stock came from W.K. Kellogg and W.R. Brown, but also included individuals from other major breeders.

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Dickinson also promoted the breed. In 1933 and 1934, he persuaded the Tennessee State Fair to host a “National Arabian Horse Show,” for which Kellogg sent a team of horses that included Jadaan, star of the recent film “Son of the Sheikh,” to do a demonstration. That first year, Dickinson’s Bazleyd was National Champion Stallion, and the dam of *Raffles, *Rifala, was National Champion Mare. *Raffles, representing Roger Selby’s stud in Portsmouth, Ohio, was 1933 National Champion in Three-Gaited. In 1934, Bazleyd returned to claim the Five-Gaited Championship, while his son, Jagai, was the Champion Arabian Colt or Filly.

In 1946, Dickinson moved the operation to California, but it did not remain long on the West Coast. He and his daughter returned to Tennessee in 1948, where the stud was disbanded in 1949.

Under General Dickinson, who was an excellent horseman and breeder, Traveler’s Rest supplied quality individuals to the equine marketplace, whether buyers specified Arabians or not. But after World War II, as the number of Arabian enthusiasts grew in the Southeast and the country as a whole, Dickinson’s program was a resource for many newcomers starting their programs.

arabians of the southeast

The Modern Era

Let’s call “modern” from the late 1950s on, about the time that the Southeast was beginning to capitalize on its growing interest. By the 1960s, clubs were springing up to provide some framework for the growing breed. Florida’s Arabian Horse Association dates to the early 1950s, while Georgia’s started in 1965 and Virginia’s Old Dominion, 1970.

In time, more professional trainers appeared on the scene, but for years, that wasn’t the case. “Most of us were training our own horses and showing just one or two at a time,” Jean Blackstone recalled of the early 1960s in a July 2014 AHT article. “We were in awe of the trainers because there were so few of them. We were all keenly aware that there were very few Arabians, and we loved them dearly and fiercely promoted them.” In those days, Blackstone served as secretary of the Southeastern Arabian Horse Association; she is the mother of today’s Director of Region 12, Lisa Blackstone.

Florida boasted the most horses of any of the southeastern states. One of its leaders was Willis Flick, a Miami attorney and former military pilot, and one of the most respected men in the breed. He and his wife, Imogene (“Jimmie”), had Glenglade Arabians in Coral Gables. In the 1960s, they turned their attention to straight Egyptian bloodlines, and Willis became one of the founding members of the Pyramid Society.

Their top stallion was Ansata El Naseri.

Also in Coral Gables, banker Frank Smathers Jr., brother of longtime U.S. Senator George Smathers, founded Four Fillies Farm— appropriately named, as Frank had four daughters. He purchased two of his earliest mares, the Crabbet-bred *Silver Pearl and *Magic Ribbon, while on a trip to England, on occasion used Egyptian influences, and made an early importation from Poland as well. His daughter, Lura, remained in the business and while married to trainer Dale Bergh operated Dalur Arabians in the Ocala area.

Among others in south Florida at the time were Rafflingle Arabians, Diane Dodge (daughter of Ray Dodge, whose trophy company

Jean and daughter Lisa Blackstone.

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Willis and Imogene Flick. made the Oscars), and some horse people who were just starting out: Dodge’s cousin Roxann Ravlin (the future Roxann Hart) and trainer Liz Langford were teenagers at the time, but already involved.

Into the 1970s, central Florida grew as an equine enclave. DLK Ranch, Dr. Winburn and Milly Shearouse, John Evans, and later, Nodorama, Town and Country and many others were there. In 1981, Town and Country merged with Lasma, creating a far-flung operation that led the industry in the boom-and-bust 1980s.

Early in the ’80s, however, all remained well; Stanley White moved to the Ocala area with Lancer Arabians, but soon founded his own facility, Grandeur Arabians, and Rohara Arabians, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, moved north from Miami to Orange Lake. By that time, Rohara was making its name.

Stanley White with Don Ford’s Asadd. arabians of the southeast

also Shelton Rimer’s Bali Hai Arabians, in Greenville, S.C., which bred primarily Lewisfield-line horses. And in Greensboro, N.C., Sitting Rock Farms began with a Crabbet focus, purchasing the *Raffles son Sotep from the Lancer auction of 1973, but later introduced Spanish bloodlines.

In Asheville, N.C., Margaret Shuey ran Sunny Acres, where George Ingle was the trainer. Her primary cross was *Raffles/*Roda, a classic mare bred in Egypt, imported by W.R. Brown, later acquired by J.M. Dickinson, and finally by Shuey. Shuey remained in Arabians until her death in the early 1990s, and it is not uncommon to see the “Sunny Acres” prefix in pedigrees today.

Emenee

Rohara Tsultress

“When I got in, there was so much excitement,” Roxann Hart recalls now. “I felt so ordinary, and so many people seemed so wise. When one of the first mares that I bought, Emenee, was Region 12 Reserve Champion Mare (I think it was the second regionals there ever was), I was so thrilled—I was just floored that I had a horse that could win like that. And the best part is, she was carrying Rohara Tsultress, who would be 1981 U.S. National Mare, at the time. Since that time, I can’t even begin to tell you how many regional [and national] champions we have shown for people, and our own horses have won in all divisions.”

Over the years, Rohara has owned or represented a parade of marquis stallions, among them Ivanhoe Tsultan; Bay-El-Bey (on lease from Varian Arabians); U.S. National Champion Stallions Exceladdinn and El Nabila B; Justafire DGL; JK Amadeus; Good Thunder; QR Marc— and while at Rohara, Justafire DGL, JK Amadeus and Ivanhoe Tsultan all sired U.S. National Champion Mares. Recently, Aria Impresario, A Jakarta and Montana Firenze have been writing the latest generation of the farm’s history. “This year John [Rannenberg, head trainer since 1985] had a great show in both halter and performance at Region 12,” Hart smiles.

Georgia too offered an array of Arabian farms. Before moving to California, Janice and Frank Rust’s Halali Farm was located in Evans, Ga. They had imported *El Mudir, *Egeria, *Fortunka and *Egreta from Poland, and in 1969, sold *El Mudir to Lasma. There, he was campaigned to the 1970 U.S. National Championship in Park and was *Bask’s stablemate at stud. Lasma’s Jerry Smola later came to Halali often to train horses, and it once was home to Harold Brite, who went on to train for Bazy Tankersley at Al Marah.

One of the best-known operations of the time, Curt Gwinn’s Dixieland Arabian Stud was in Eastover, S.C., and part of the reason for its fame was that Jim Fisher trained there. “Jim was probably one of the greatest ambassadors the breed has ever known,” says Martha Rattner, who worked for Fisher straight out of high school in the 1970s. “He was so charming, so free to help people—it was as natural to him as breathing. Everybody wanted to go to the show because Jim wanted to go to the show.”

At Dixieland, Fisher was a powerhouse, especially partnering some of the top horses in the 1970s, including High Hopes (three U.S. National Championships and two reserves in park, formal driving and formal combination); Angelo Storm (U.S. National Reserve Champion and Canadian National Champion Formal Combination); and Ibn Silver Ghost, 1976 U.S. National Champion in Pleasure Driving.

Rattner remembers Ibn Silver Ghost as one of the strongest, most resilient horses ever, and one of the best. “One of the first shows I went to with Jim was Richmond,” she says. “He got a second in English Pleasure with Ghost, and he borrowed a buggy from Dick Landmesser and said, ‘I’m going to drive him.’ I said, ‘Does he know how?’ Turns out he hadn’t driven him more than a couple of times since he was a 2-year-old! But he went in and won.”

There was another reason that show was important. “I can’t remember what class it was, but Jim dragged me to the ring and said, ‘I want you to see something.’ Nichols-DeLongpre was still in

Meanwhile, Jean Blackstone had Onyx Arabians in Athens, Ga., and Ann Stover headed a thriving show barn first in the Atlanta area and then near Newnan. And for a number of years, singer Kenny Rogers maintained a mostly Russian breeding program in Colbert, Ga. In the Carolinas, Edith Rosenberg’s Rose Araby Arabians, in Abbeville, S.C., was well-respected. Dick Landmesser was the trainer, and the lead sire was Aahdin, whose bloodlines were Crabbet and Babson. There was Ar abian Horse Times | 14 |

High Hopes arabians of the southeast

Top left, clockwise: Precious As Gold; Versace; a 2-year-old and yet to be realized Magnum Psyche; Ivanhoe Tsultan; ML Mostly Padron; Good Thunder; Odyssey SC and Justafire DGL. Connecticut then, and the horse he wanted me to see was Barbary. Jim said, ‘That’s going to be one of the greatest horses of all time.’ It was Barbary’s first show; he’s the one who beat Ghost in English pleasure.

And Ghost beat him in pleasure driving.”

Another important program in the area and nationwide was Lewisfield Arabians in Charlottesville, Va. It was founded in 1960, when owner James F. Lewis Jr. purchased 40 horses from Ben Hur Farm to begin his breeding program. Then he imported several individuals from Crabbet Park in England, as well as domesticallybred *Raseyn and *Raffles horses. His headline stallions were *Nizzam and *Touch Of Magic, both of whom crossed well with the Ben Hur lines to create the “Lewisfield look”—exceptionally pretty, with substantial bodies and athletic skills. The farm dispersed in 1973.

Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff ’s Cre-Run-bred 2009 Texas Yellow Rose G2, $40,000, 7 furlongs, Arabian 4-Year-Old Fillies winner, A Second Wind (Nivour de Cardonne x Wind Gypzi, by Starbask).

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“Lewisfield had some of the most well-bred horses available at the time,” remembers teacher, judge and steward Cecile Dunn. “They did a beautiful job, especially with performance horses.”

In Alabama, meanwhile, some of the major players were Russell Lee, Buddy Argo and Judge Clayton, and in Tennessee, Dr. Sam Harrison spearheaded the drive for Arabian racing. In Arabians from the early 1950s on, Harrison had several successful race horses, including *Dimrak and Samtyr. In the early 1980s, Lasma South (the old Town and Country) also jumped on the racing bandwagon, and as the decade advanced, Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff ’s Cre-Run in Doswell, Va., dedicated their breeding program to the track.

By the 1990s, many of the old breeders and farms were fading from the scene—but many faces follow them: Al-Marah Arabian Horses (Clermont, Fla.); Beloveds Farm (Lady Lakes, Fla.); Belvedere Farm LLC (Cedartown, Ga.); Burnt Hickory Arabians (Ga.); Chestnuthill Arabians (Ocala, Fla.); Christy Higman Training (Miami, Fla.); Colonial Downs Training Center (Reddick, Fla.); Cornerstone Ranch (Leeds, Ala.); Dale Brown Performance Horses (Rentz, Ga.); EAC Equine with Showtime Training Center (Newnan, Ga.); Gemini Ranch (Plant City, Fla.); Hennessey Arabian LLC (Ocala, Fla.); Honeysuckle Farm Arabians, LLC (Catharpin, Va.); Kiesner Training (Louisville, Tenn.); KM Stables (Fla.); L.A. Flynn (Alpharetta, Ga.); Magnum Arabians (Williston, Fla.); Maraba Arabians (Ocala, Fla.); Marino Arabians (Birmingham, Ala.); Palmetto Arabians (Timmonsville, S.C.); RBC Show Horses LLC (Smithfield, N.C.); Rhapsody in Blue Stables (Chatom, Ala.); Rick Gault Training LLC (Archdale, N.C.); Rojo Arabians (Port Orange, Fla.); Sichini Training (Ocala, Fla.); Smoky arabians of the southeast

Left to right: Afires Vision, Baskghazi, VJ Royal Heir and SF Aftershoc.

Mountain Park Arabians (Lenoir City, Tenn.); Southern Oaks Farm LLC ( Jupiter, Fla.); Ted Carson and Butler Farms (White Oak, N.C.); Tshampagne Arabians (Miami, Fla.); Vicki Humphrey Training Center (Canton, Ga.); Wilson Training Center (Sorrento, Fla.); Winter Sky Ranch (Maryville, Tenn.); and many more.

Milestones And Memories

The changes that came for Southeastern Arabians in the latter half of the 20th century were profound, especially on the show scene. In the early days, the big objective was just to get the horses into the all-breed shows, so that the public could see more of them. “Then when we got them [in], we would call everyone within a reasonable area to turn out,” recalled Jean Blackstone in the 2014 article. “Everyone would, and they’d fill the classes just to promote Arabians.”

Over the years, they became part of a scene that included all-Arabian events. Everyone remembers how the season traditionally closed in Florida at the Thanksgiving Show, where turkey dinner was served to the exhibitors, courtesy of the club.

Ann Stover with RRA PJ Mirad.

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Being the south, of course the Southeast story abounds with colorful characters. Toy and Tim Caldwell, of the Marshall Tucker Band, were Jim Fisher’s clients, so the band routinely played the Stone Mountain Classic’s not-to-miss exhibitor party. And then there was one owner who named his horses after famous Confederate soldiers, but reportedly wound up in prison for tax evasion (while he was around, though, he did his part to promote the breed).

On a more serious note, several historic concepts and events have come from the Southeast. One was the organization of the regional system.

“Class A shows were lots of fun,” explains longtime horsewoman and judge Ann Stover, “but if you were trying to get better and build a reputation, the regional system gave you a way to do that.”

Another landmark event, she adds, was locating the U.S. Nationals in Louisville, Ky., in 1976. “The show was losing money, and they brought it to Kentucky and made money every year,” she notes.

Stover herself was the source of some of the good ideas for the breed.

She was the first to lobby for a Youth Nationals, but was unable to sell it. Nancy Harvey and others shepherded the idea forward to resounding success. Stover, meanwhile, envisioned Region 12’s Youth Jamboree, which is aimed at the general public. Trainers provide instruction to attendees, and at the end, a horse show is held. “The kids that were attracted to this were the ones who couldn’t afford a trainer,” Stover says.

“We’ve had kids who had bridles on backwards or who had no clue what to do with a full bridle—and there were some horrendous western bits.

But they wanted to learn and it was available to them.” Each year, the Jamboree moves to a different location to maximize exposure.

When examining the Southeast’s contributions to the breed, it’s impossible to miss the competitive quality of its horses, owners, trainers and breeders. These days, leading horses and horsemen in all divisions of the main ring and the sport horse world alike call it home—and so does the Region 12 Spotlight, one of the most popular futurity programs in the industry. “We have such a great genepool in this area of the country,” Roxann Hart says. “If you can win at Region12, that’s your springboard to the national level.” arabians of the southeast

Farms of the Southeast JOE ALBERTI

Chestnuthill Arabians Ocala, FL

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1990.

What horse or event within the Southeast states has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Tampa Thanksgiving show and Region 12 are two of the best shows in the country.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast states to the global Arabian horse industry? The number of famed horses that have been born and bred in the Southeast states is too long to list. This area still has some of the most dedicated owners and breeders this industry has ever had.

How has your program evolved since its inception? My program has evolved for sure.

I started with a four-stall barn in northeast Pennsylvania, to now a 40-stall breeding and training farm in Ocala, FL. We are one of the most diverse farms, with national recognition in halter, hunter, English and country English pleasure. We also have regional wins in western, side saddle and park. We are a full service facility complete with a full breeding program and lab. I wouldn’t want to be in any other place than Ocala, FL.

TED CARSON

Ted Carson at Butler Farms Training Center White Oak, NC What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? I’m not really sure the exact date, but I purchased a young gelding for $750; a bargain, because it came with so many lessons of owning horses!

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 Spotlight is so important to our Southeast breeders. It’s a way they can showcase the horses they have bred with some payback in the form of prize money.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Region 12 continues to be one of the best shows in the country and many great horses have come from our breeders in this region.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Well, just like having children can overhaul your life, the same thing has happened to our business. We have gone from being a farm trying to make an impact on the East Coast of the U.S., to one of the leading farms in the world.

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arabians of the southeast

COLLEEN COOPER

EAC Equine, LLC Boston, MA

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1993.

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Region 12 is a favorite event of mine. The level of competition, the camaraderie, and the show itself have always been highlights every year.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? The Southeast has a plethora of breeders, trainers, and amateurs integral to the success and committed to the wellbeing of our industry. While EAC may be geographically remote, our horses remain in the Southeast because of the level of competition and the high-standards of breeding that are paramount to all who breed and compete in the region.

How has your program evolved since its inception? A lot! We have evolved from a one-horse recreational program to a full-blown breeding and showing corporation! If it hadn’t been for the support, friendship, and inspiration of our colleagues in the Southeast, I’m not sure we would have been as excited to embark on our new journey as EAC. We look forward to applying all we have learned from our Southeastern counterparts and enhancing our entire industry by breeding and showing remarkably talented Arabians and Half-Arabians.

Farms of the Southeast RICK AND LAURA GAULT

ROXANN HART

FRANK HENNESSEY

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1978.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? In 1959, the purebred Arabian Gabrail (Phantom x Ralouma). He went through junior high, high school and college with me.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? My first involvement with Arabian horses was in 2003 and was a part of a partnership that owned several horses.

My first individual ownership was in 2007 when I purchased three mares from Marsha Parkinson: Zorandze, Ekzotyka, by Goliat and Ekstazia, by Eukaliptus.

Rick Gault Training, LLC Archdale, NC

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? I would say Zimmeron PGN+/ and Afires Heir. Also the Region 12 and Region 15 Championship shows make a big impact for us.

Rohara Arabians Orange Lake, FL

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 show.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? The Southeast covers a large area of very influential Arabian horse farms all the way from Virginia to Florida. Some past and some present. Many of the greatest Arabians in history were bred and trained in this part of the country. Not only is the Southeast known for top notch halter horses, but also performance. A lot of the best Arabian horse trainers in the country are in this region. All of these factors present a fantastic influence in our industry.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? “Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act, and in that action are the seeds of new knowledge.”

– Albert Einstein. This quote is applicable to the Arabian horse industry. What has gone before is the foundation gene pool with which to go forward to make a true contribution. Rohara celebrates 50 years of privilege with the Arabian horse and other Arabian breeders, particularly in the Southeast.

How has your program evolved since its inception? In the beginning (the 80s), my family would pretty much breed any stallion to any mare as long as it was an Arabian. It didn’t take long to learn that doesn’t always work well. Through the years we have constantly been improving our quality, size, and athleticism in our breeding program.

We have been very fortunate in picking great crosses in the English, western, and hunter divisions. In the past 10 years, it is really paying off. Love seeing those RGT horses wearing roses! It is a lifetime dream to breed great Arabian horses.

How has your program evolved since its inception? The Rohara program is truly based on form to function. We, through the years, have tried to breed horses that are beautiful for the halter arena and athletic for the performance arena. Entering our 50th year is a time of continuing involvement with the Arabian horse and we look forward to our 2018 foals by QR Marc, Ever After NA, SM Azraff, A Jakarta and our own Pavorotto KA.

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arabians of the southeast

Hennessey Arabian, LLC Ocala, FL

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, as is the Thanksgiving Show in Tampa. I have been particularly influenced by the camaraderie, support and respect for each other’s programs displayed by breeders and competitors at the Region XII and Spotlight Futurity show. As the founder of the popular Weanling class at the Thanksgiving show that offers breeders an opportunity to showcase their foals with no pressure, no posing, and no hard stand up, I look forward to the show each year.

Mike and Peri Wilson, as well as Mary Trowbridge, have played valuable roles in the success of our horses at these events, including our title as the Spotlight Breeder of Distinction for three years in a row.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Region 12 is the largest geographical region in the country. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses. The Spotlight Futurity encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding stallion owners as well as breeders when they get involved in the program. The ever-growing payouts, recognition of breeders, and quality stallions has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole. I see Region XII as

a community that respects one another and works together for the betterment of the breed. Even the Thanksgiving show has a uniqueness about it that strengthens the community by its innovative ideas and progression to more and more improved programs.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Hennessey Arabians began primarily as breeders of pure Polish or Polish-related halter horses. In 2014, I acquired full ownership of the regional and national winning English pleasure and park stallion, H Mobility H. A number of mares were purchased to produce top English pleasure offspring, as well as a few Saddlebreds to begin the Half-Arabian English division of Hennessey Arabians. In 2013 the Jaipur Initiative was formed for the double Ali Jamaal bred stallion, Jaipur el Perseus. The foundation of the Hennessey herd was built on Polish bloodlines because conformation, structure and athleticism were of the utmost importance to me and my Farm Manager and advisor, George Z. The introduction of other bloodlines such as Jaipur el Perseus into the program has created an enhancement of refinement and beauty to our Polish foundation. As a result of the quality Hennessey-bred foals sired by Jaipur, Hennessey Arabians has experienced tremendous growth in the International Arabian horse community. Jaipur stands at Jadem Arabians in Belgium with Christine Jamar who has successfully sold multiple breedings and several high priced Jaipur el Perseus foals for Hennessey Arabians.

JONATHAN MEYERS Rhapsody in Blue Stables Chatom, AL

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? My parents have been trainers since the 1970s, so I don’t remember “not” having an Arabian, but, I got “my” first Arabian when I was about five years old in 2000. I showed “Sassy” (WDF Jonnita Doe) in showmanship, western and hunter pleasure.

I could tie her to my swing set while I played and she would sleep, and my mom used her in her therapeutic riding program. She was a great ambassador for Arabian horses.

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 Championships. There’s an incredibly high quality of trainers, horses and competitors that attend. Horses that win at Region 12 often go on to do well at the National level.

We are a strong region and that show always pushes us to improve our program’s training, our horsemanship, our instructing. It just makes us better every year.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Some of the best Arabian and Half-Arabian horses come out of the Southeast. Magnum Psyche, Versace, Trussardi, Stival, KM Bugatti … all were born or stood here. Even Padron was here for a time. Sundance Kid V, one of the greatest performance sires of our time, stood here. And Palmetto Arabians, Hennessey, Rohara, Dolorosa and Beloveds Farm are all extraordinary breeding programs whose horses dominate the Arabian horse show ring. Some of the best breeders and leaders in our industry call the Southeast home.

Ted Carson, John Rannenberg, Vicki Humphrey, Jessica Clinton and Gabe DeSoto; Joel and Ashton Kiesner, Mike Wilson, Dale Brown, Rob Bick and Caralyn Schroter, are true horsemen.

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arabians of the southeast

Horses, trainers and competitors from the Region 12 states are recognized in most all the divisions at the major shows. They set the bar high for all others. The quality of competition combined with the creativity and proactivity of the Region’s membership has generated conversation and growth in other parts of the country. I believe Region 12 makes everyone in our industry better at what they do in the Arabian horse industry.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Measuring our program’s evolution is a hard question to answer because it’s constantly evolving. Every aspect of our program has improved from the thought processes and approach we take with our feeding program, to the way we groom, the way we train, the way we manage our staff and other resources. In each respect, we work every day with the intention of doing better than we did yesterday.

My parents have supported me, taught me, and provided some of the best breeding around for me to train and show. They have introduced me to great trainers and breeders who have helped me. They’ve made a lot of sacrifices for me to be here and to constantly be better. The gratitude I have for them is hard to put into words. I also have exceptional clients, like Charles and LeAnne Moseley, Joe and Georgia Vaughn, Susan Turner, Jordi Garner, and Connie and Sarah Roscoe, who have been clients of ours for over ten years. They are my extended family!

There wouldn’t have been any evolution of my program without my entire barn family and friends.

Since I started training professionally, the quality of my horses, training and show ring success have steadily improved. My circle of influence is always growing and some of the best trainers in the country have shared their time and knowledge with me. These have been, and will continue to be, invaluable friendships that help me grow as a horseman.

My program still has a lot of room to improve, but with the support of my family, clients and trainers, we will increasingly be a force to contend with! n

2017 Region 12 Championships & Spotlight Futurity

photos by Kelle King

O

nce everyone was settled in their accommodations, both people and horses, the Region 12 Championship and Spotlight Futurity’s first order of business was to invite all to enjoy hors d’oeuvres at their evening Welcome Party.

Celebrating their 40th year with its rich history of dedicated Arabian horse enthusiasts and known for being the largest region with quality competition, Region 12 is a popular destination to start the show season. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, May 5th-13th, the competition was as strong as ever with beautiful horses coming from all over to

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compete for the roses at this esteemed show, all under the watchful eye of respected judges: Donnie Bullock, Bruce McCrea and Ann Judge.

The pampering continued with coffee and donuts each morning, and later in the week, a Wine & Cheese Social, compliments of Markel. The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off was on Friday afternoon, providing numerous concoctions to sample and providing $1,000 in prize money to the winners from a blind tasting by local Perry officials. Educational Seminars and Free Clinics were also offered, Photography Tips from Scott Trees and Horse Health, something every one of us should

arabians of the southeast

REGION 12 & SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY

The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, particularly for its comradery, support and respect for each other. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses, and encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding them and the stallion owners when they get involved in the program. The ever-growing payouts and quality stock has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole.

—FRANK HENNESSEY

want to aspire to. Of course, everyone’s shopping needs were met, with clothing, tack, art and much more available throughout the week.

On exhibit this year were three “Arabian Horses for Humanity” statues: the famous “Goldie” was there, as well as “Legend”, a dappled grey depicting the history of the Arabian horse, painted by Suzanne Ec onomoupolus, and an unpainted statue donated to the Spotlight Futurity for their auction. This project is modeled after the “CowParade” to promote the breed and introduce our fabulous horse to new enthusiasts.

Additional hits were again, the Egyptian halter classes that were added to the class schedule last

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year, as well as Ranch Riding this year. The Western Pleasure 3-4 Year Old Calcutta was well attended and very entertaining, with Hennessey Arabians taking the 1st Place prize of $4,400 for choosing the right pairing of Flois and Cindy Burrow’s PA Anson and Joe Reser; and the Exhibitors Party with open bar and free hors d’oeuvres on Saturday night, was met with high enthusiasm and energy, perhaps with the knowledge that this great show was at its end and was the last time to all gather together in celebration and enjoy each other’s company.

The Region 12 family lost several very important members this year. A video celebrating the lives of their lost loved ones going back a few years was played and left not one dry eye in the arena. In addition, the

arabians of the southeast

The Spotlight program is more than just a lucrative futurity, it has become a key place for my customers to showcase their breeding programs!

—MIKE WILSON

Region 12 this year was a “great family reunion”—everyone working together with horses, food, and entertainment, and just being together in work and play!

—PAT DEMPSEY

lives of Stanley White, Sr. and Halsey Murch were celebrated. On Friday night, Ms. Kitty was escorted into the arena where open western pleasure riders, all wearing white shirts, each presented her with a white rose, honoring Stanley’s inf luence on our Arabian family. A new annual Stanley White Sr. Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Purebred Open Western Pleasure class. On Saturday night, Beverly Murch and family were present as Halsey Murch was inducted into the Region 12 Hall of Fame, recognizing his many contributions to our region and

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our breed. Region 12 history runs deep and long; it was a memorable and meaningful night for all.

One of the main events of the show, the Spotlight Stallion Auction and Futurity-in its 11th year-was held Thursday evening. The Spotlight Stallion program where foals from breedings bought at the auction from over 80 top stallions from all over the world and are able to compete in future Spotlight classes throughout the show—both halter and performance—were met with prize money reaching almost $190,000 between 13

arabians of the southeast

REGION 12 & SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY

Region 12 is one of the best places to show horses! The facility is great, the show ring is electric, and the competition is fierce. Home of the Spotlight Stallion Auction and Spotlight Futurity, it is a great incentive program for breeders and showmen in the halter and performance divisions!

Very exciting!

—TISH KONDAS

classes. Now where are you going to find better odds than that? The auction itself is a fun night full of excitement and anticipation. Over $114,000 was raised with the highest bid going for Padron’s once-in-a-lifetime frozen semen. Its great success was due in part to all of the wonderful people who helped coordinate and manage the event, adding to the overall experience of the Region 12 horse show and making it a night to remember.

With each individual winner recorded in the annals of 2017 Region 12, this year’s Spotlight Sire was SF

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Veraz and Hennessey Arabians received the Breeder of Distinction Award.

Region 12’s goal to educate and entertain, all between the frenzy of showing top notch Arabians was made possible by the five-star sponsors and volunteers who unselfishly serve to provide the best experience for all who are there. Without them, the show could not exist. They are what sets the tone for the success of the show and gets everyone excited for the Arabian horse! ■

arabians of the southeast

RGT Breathin Afire (Afire Bey V x Styling Time) 2016 U.S. National Top Ten H/A Country English Pleasure & Country Pleasure Driving with Cathy Vincent

RGT The Boss (Afires Heir x Styling Time) 2016 U.S. & Canadian National Champion H/A English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Jason Krohn

RGT Mozart (Zimmeron PGN x Melody V) 2014 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Futurity with Rick Gault

RGT Mercury Rising (Afire Bey V x Styling Time) 2017 Region 12 Unanimous Champion H/A English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Joel Kiesner

Rick & Laura Gault | Archdale, NC | Cell: (336) 471-8822

UNDENIABLE

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by MARY KIRKMAN

He’s called Elvis, and he’s special.

Yes, of course, that’s what all horse owners say, especially when marketing, and it is rare sport watching the people around Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other try to restrain themselves when they are asked about him.

Inevitably, the accolades rise like smoke, and his friends really do try to slow it down, because they are genuine horse people and they know it sounds crazy. They know that no stallion is ever proven until his foals have arrived (and preferably, are wearing leather).

But it’s a little frustrating because they know that if you see him, he’ll convince you all on his own.

That’s been proven. In January, Tish Kondas rode Elvis—Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other—for the crowd at the All American Cup Stallion Service Auction, and the big-trotting stallion brought the house down. It’s also what they hear from visitors to both places he lives (at Singing Hills Stable, in Shelbyville, Ky., for most of the breeding season, and otherwise, at Showtime Training Center in Newnan, Ga.). He works most days, and railbirds are welcome to watch.

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2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Ames Patina

2017 Saddlebred Colt Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Stonecroft Ultraviolet

2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Premaghaza

They’re also hearing it about his foals. The oldest, Saddlebreds, are yearlings and some will be entering training in the fall.

This year, Half-Arabians began arriving at farms around the country—not just at Showtime, where Elvis’s owners keep mares, but at some powerhouse breeding operations like Shea Stables, Boisvert Farms, Cedar Ridge and more. One, a filly out of Ames Patina, was the co-high seller at the Buckeye Select Sale, earning a bid of $45,000 at just 3 months old.

beautiful Miss Moriarty. While Saddlebred bloodlines are often unfamiliar to many Arabian owners, some names resound even across breed lines, and Elvis’s heritage is packed with them: Callaway’s Blue Norther, World’s Grand Champion Will Shriver, CHCourageous Admiral, Worthy Son, Supreme Sultan and a lot more. The whole package emphasizes ability and gameness, and quite a few of his ancestors are reliably high quality producers.

The expectations for this young stallion don’t come out of nowhere; he has a stellar background. He is owned by EAC Equine LLC, another name for longtime Arabian owner and exhibitor Colleen Boylan Cooper, her husband Conor, and aunt Jeanne-Marie Boylan. Cooper has been a client of Showtime Training Center’s Tish Kondas for nearly 15 years, and as Kondas testifies, knows her way around a show ring (“You can put the hammer down on that girl and she’s going to produce,” she says). Elvis was bred by high profile Saddlebred trainer, breeder and judge Melinda Moore, who inherited her love of Saddlebreds from her parents, legendary trainers Tom and Donna Moore.

The combination already has been successful. Elvis’s full sister, Futurette, was named 2016 World’s Reserve Grand Champion in Fine Harness and World’s Champion Junior Fine Harness at the age of 5, in addition to several other top awards. When Moore was asked why she chose Wine Women And Song for Miss Moriarty, she replied, “I’d already had a full sister, so I knew it would work.”

However, it’s useful to begin with facts, starting with his pedigree. He’s by Wine Women And Song, who was sold to South Africa at the age of 4 (before any of his early foals could demonstrate their considerable ability), and out of the

At 5, Elvis’s show experience has been limited, due to beginning his breeding career. Even so, his record includes the World’s Reserve Championship in 3-Year-Old Fine Harness, which he scored in his competition debut. He is expected to return to the ring this fall, and the question is, continue in harness or go under saddle? He works well in both.

In the meantime, demand for his stud services has done nothing but rise: in his first season, he covered such Saddlebred mares

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as Christmas In New York, dam of the well-known sire Undulata’s Nutcracker, and World Grand Champion CHMother Mary. This year, Kalarama Farms and top trainer Matt Shiflet, among others, signed on. In Arabians, in addition to the Sheas, Boisvert, Cedar Ridge, and the respected farrier Stanley Orr, he lately has attracted Rooker Training Stable, Victoria Arabians, Kiesner Training Center and more.

2017 Saddlebred Colt Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x VHF Licorice Supreme

It’s not just the headline breeders that the EAC team and Kondas appreciate.

It’s the bloodlines they are offering. “Afires Heir’s full sister,” Tish marvels, “and daughters of Apollopalooza, Matoi, Afire Bey V, IXL Noble Express … the Dutch Harness mare, Ritida …” And others that play in those leagues. “It’s such an honor for us,” Colleen adds.

That’s what’s behind all the hoopla. But beyond the statistics is a story that offers another important perspective on Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other.

In the beginning, Colleen Cooper was not looking for a stallion. Tish Kondas was, but when she and her partner, Carla Schiltz, visited Arrowhead Farm in December 2013, they weren’t shopping for EAC Equine LLC, which then was just forming and was targeting Saddlebred mares to develop a Half-Arabian breeding strategy.

It was when Melinda Moore showed them a cocky chestnut yearling colt that everything changed. “I was, like, ‘What is that?’” Tish says. “I was dying, thinking, ‘This is the one.’” Then she thought of Colleen and EAC; he could fit into their future, and besides, in Tish’s words, “They’re great owners to work for.” It would be a win/win situation.

2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Afires Gold

When Colleen, Conor and Jeanne-Marie visited Arrowhead, they agreed. “Tish has a great eye—I’ve always trusted it—and I’ve been around long enough to know what I like,” Colleen says. “And I liked him.”

Significantly, while unexpected, the stallion also satisfied EAC’s long term goals, one of which was to promote interest in breeding, something they feel exciting foals can do. Colleen, who grew up in horses, has opened that door for her children as well, and Elvis is a big part of that commitment to the future for both her family and the industry as a whole.

She also wanted to show a little in the Saddlebred side of their program. “It isn’t that I want to give up Arabians,” she clarifies. “It’s that I just want to learn from another breed. I’d shown Half-Arabians, but I had never ridden Saddlebreds, and I wanted to see what I could learn in Saddlebreds that I could bring back to Arabians.”

It was all systems go. Melinda had started Elvis, and when he was ready, he was moved to Singing Hills, under the supervision of Gene and Annalize van der Walt. Gene has provided further training and, in connection with Tish and EAC, developed the stallion’s show career. Annalize, who directs the farm’s reproduction

The Black Swan • 2016 Saddlebred Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Stonecroft Ultraviolet

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division—they handle nearly a dozen sires and foal out 80 to 100 babies annually— is responsible for Elvis’s breeding duties.

“In person, he’s breathtaking,” Tish observes. “He’s easily 16.2, and he’s so balanced— he’s a statuesque individual.”

“He’s so beautiful, he’ll hurt your eyes,” Gene says bluntly.

What has amazed everyone is the consistent standard of Elvis’s foals. “It doesn’t matter what you cross him on, what bloodlines, Saddlebred or Arabian, they’re all freaks,” Tish says. “I can honestly say I haven’t seen a bad one. They’re all colors, all different, but they all have quality—the same high-headedness, great posture, great attitudes.”

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EAC Son Of Anarchy • 2016 H/A Gelding Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Nobles Diva

Will Shriver Callaways Blue Norther Royally Blue Wine Women And Song Courageous Admiral Feather Light Raines Cactus Flower

Miss Moriarty

Worthy Son For What Its Worth In Reality Miss Megabucks

Prosperity Profit Mias Time

Duke Of Man - 4-year-old Saddlebred Gelding Oh Man x Wonderland’s Duchess

WC Goddess Of War • 4-year-old Saddlebred Mare Carl Lynn x Phinal Heiress

She admits that that sounds outlandish, but everyone who sees many of the stallion’s foals agrees. “I’m beyond excited,” she laughs. “The first thing people say when they get here is ‘I want to see his babies.’ People slow down driving down the street when [the foals are] in the pasture.”

That quality was underlined when EAC First & Finest was judged 2016 World’s Reserve Champion Weanling from an in-hand class of 17.

Gene van der Walt cites Elvis’s pedigree to account for his success with such differing bloodlines (at least, in Saddlebreds). “He has a lot of that old Will Shriver blood in him,” he says, “but a lot of the old blood is so diversified that I believe you can breed him to about anything and not get in trouble. I’m not trying to sell you a breeding; that’s just the truth.”

And there is another factor in the Elvis mix, maybe the most important of all, they say. “His disposition is wonderful,” Gene notes. “As a stud, he’s great to be around. We’ve already worked around some of his weanlings and they seem to have really good minds and good thinking.”

“They are great thinkers,” Tish nods, “and they have tons of quality, which is what trainers want in their program.”

“He’s just a good soul,” Colleen reflects. “That’s 90 percent of it when you show, that you have someone who is game and trustworthy.”

It’s only the beginning of the story, but two words that come to mind for those who know Elvis are “timing” and “historic.” The great ones are rare, they observe—but when great ones occur, they offer what is needed in their breed at the right time. Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other enjoys an opportunity to make an impact on not one, but two breeds.

One of the few who has seen this story unfold from day one is Melinda Moore, and she says that everything apparent today was there at the beginning, from the moment Miss Moriarty welcomed her son on May 10, 2012. Melinda has her own context—one which explains that although there is a reason for his impressive formal name, those who know him refer to him more familiarly. “Elvis Presley is and always was my favorite entertainer,” she explains. “He was unbelievable.

When the horse Elvis was born, he was absolutely breathtaking— spectacular—in every way; he justified being named after the King.

There was no way to fault him.”

“He really is a King in our eyes,” Colleen agrees, “and we will continue to ensure that he is treated and honored that way. We have a responsibility to him to do just that.” ■

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Wine Women And Song x Miss Moriarty • 2012 Saddlebred Stallion • AEPA Enrolled Sire Proudly owned by EAC EQUINE LLC • Colleen Cooper • 978-314-2347 • www.eacequine.com Presented by SHOWTIME TRAINING CENTER • Tish Kondas • 678-427-0595 • www.showtimetrainingcenter.net

AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

by THERESA CARDAMONE With the year only half gone, 2017 has already proven to be the pinnacle in the long and fruitful career of Ted Carson. Early in January, he was named the United States Equestrian Federation’s Halter Showman of the Year over other horsemen spanning 19 different breeds and specialties. It was a tremendous honor that was underlined the following month when he was awarded two prestigious titles by the Arabian Professional & Amateur Horseman’s Association—Halter Professional of the Year and the ultimate endorsement, Horseman of the Year. It is a rare occasion when a handler who exclusively shows halter is given the highest of all honors, which clearly illustrates the level of respect that Ted Carson has earned.

Legendary breeder and showman Dick Ames is generous in his praise of Ted Carson, “You mean Kit? His nickname is Kit,” Ames reports with a smile in his voice. “He showed our National Show Horses for us and did really well with them.

Ted & Brandi Carson

At the time, they were a hot item. That’s where Kit got his notoriety, through these horses that he was showing for Cedar Ridge. We were the first farm that he worked on and he was with us for a long time.” Ames has much more to say about Ted Carson’s work ethic and abilities, “He is a good man, has numerous exceptional skills, and works hard at what he does,” relates Ames.

“He has a special way with horses and a good eye for a good horse. He takes excellent care of them—the horses tell that story.” The alert, happy horses that fill Ted’s stalls are all the proof needed to validate Dick’s claim. Furthermore, Ames has a cryptic message

“What makes Ted so special? Most of all, my horses come home sound of Mind, Body and Spirit—they come back better than when they were sent to Ted. He has a sound program that takes into account the individual horse, a program that is founded in experience but flexible for the individual ‘horsenalities.’ He has an outstanding and experienced staff, is honest with his clients and looks after the clients’ best interests as well as their horses.” ~ Nancy Janosik, Better Way Farms

that he wants to include “in bold letters” for Ted, so here goes… “More than anything else, he really excels in the mud business. That’s M…U…D…mud. I’m not telling you what that means, but he’ll know.” Now, if only Ted will let the rest of us in on the secret!

From the heartland of America, Ted Carson eventually moved to the east coast where he set up shop at Dolorosa Arabians, continuing to hone his craft and adding to his growing reputation as a reputable trainer whose love for horses is his primary motivator. With his wife and partner Brandi teaming with him every step of the way, Ted has made a steady climb into the international spotlight of the Arabian industry.

Horses in his care have been awarded the highest titles offered in America. The clients that he has garnered over the course of more than thirty years have, for the most part, stuck with him and are part of his clientele today. Jim and Kimberly Butler-Blevins have had horses with Ted for years and they use a single word to describe their relationship with Ted and Brandi, family.

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Excalibur EA (Shanghai EA x Essence Of Marwan EA)

Na’mous Al Shahania (FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR)

“Al Azure Group salutes Ted & Brandi Carson and the remarkable team at Butler Farms. Your dedication to the breed is an inspiration and your passion is contagious. Yours is a great story and we are thrilled to be a part of it!”

~ Mary Anne Applegate, Al Azure Group, LLC

“We started our breeding business around 10 years ago and went down to visit Ted when we realized that he was located in North Carolina like us. Ted and the whole Butler team welcomed us with open arms. We still always feel as if we have walked into our family at his barn at the shows. Ted has helped us through the years with our breeding program and has taken our horses to the win many times. He is truly a great and kind trainer.”

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~ Chloe Cox, Sycamore Arabians

“Jim and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this extended family,” Kimberly explains. “Ted and Brandi go out of their way to make sure every client feels welcome in any activity they are having—no one feels excluded whether they have one horse, or ten.” The feeling of inclusion is a recurrent theme whenever Ted’s clients describe what keeps them coming to his barn. Inclusion and integrity, the trait singled out most often as his most exemplary. According to all who know him, Ted will give you the straight scoop if you ask him about a horse’s potential whether you like the answer or not. “Ted is going to tell you the truth about your horse, so be ready for an upfront answer,” Kimberly states. “We value that trait because we would rather know the truth than to put a lot of money into a horse that cannot make it in the show arena. He is kind to the horses he trains and sometimes the goal is not to win that time out, but to accomplish a secondary goal, such as

Many trainers can produce a win and a trophy, but there are only a few that know how to develop their clientele into a cohesive, supportive team. Frank articulates what it is about the stable atmosphere that kept him coming back for more. “Ted does a great job as a trainer, showman, and evaluator of horses, but Sara and my favorite aspect of our relationship is their hospitality: their effort and ability to make their stalls such a great environment to enjoy shows,” Frank enthuses. “We both enjoyed our shows with Ted and Brandi. There was always a great, friendly vibe at their stalls and all the clientele chipped in to make the environment fun and welcoming to everyone.”

As is often the case, one satisfied customer leads to another. The Chisholms were happy to recommend Ted to their friends Bill and Tracy Buglass, who were immediately taken by the congenial atmosphere

making me a better rider.”

at the barn and decided to put horses in training there. Their primary

When C.A. and Frances Butler welcomed Ted Carson to their Butler

also provided the fun. They wanted to have a good time with their horses,

Farms Arabians as a resident trainer twenty years ago, they took the first step on a journey of partnership that has done nothing but flourish over the decades. Frances Butler attributes much of their success to Ted, a

motivation was finding a trainer that not only provided the wins, but win or lose. “We trust them with our horses,” Bill states. “Ted and Brandi and their crew are knowledgeable, respectful, humble, great horse people, and they turn out a great product. They run a professional business,

man she considers as a son.

have only wonderful clients, and we always have a great time with them.

“Arriving at Butler Farms with only one horse, Ted hit the ground

horses, which we feel is the foundation for building our breed.”

They never act like they know it all. They care about the people and the

running,” says Frances. “He immediately reached out and started bringing in clients from all over the U.S. Many of those early clients are still friends and are still bringing horses to Ted. His work ethic was and is phenomenal; he is one of the hardest workers that I have ever me, he has never been afraid to get dirty and is actively involved in every aspect of horse and farm management. Ted’s most important attribute, however, is his integrity. He is a genuinely nice person with a strong moral compass and a great capacity to love: his family and friends, his work, and always the Arabian horse.”

Frank and Sara Chisholm also became acquainted with Ted when he established his permanent location at Butler Farms Training Center in North Carolina. When Frank was involved with a group developing the Spotlight Futurity program for Region 12, he relied on Ted to give him sound advice. That allowed Frank to note and appreciate the full scope of what he was capable of as an advisor and trainer.

“I really respect the way Ted shows his horses,” enthuses Frank.

“They are always well conditioned and move well with him leading them, and he gets good results. Ted also has an excellent eye for good horses. Some trainers do a good job in the ring, but don’t have the best eye when assessing them. Ted is really good at picking good horses and is someone his clients can always rely on to make sure that their money is well spent.”

Ted, Michaiah & Inman enjoying some quality, family time.

Ted and SF Veraz (Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA)

Creating a cultural climate that allows horses and people to flourish is a key element in Ted and Brandi’s success. Amy Caraway became a

Ted and Cory Byrne

believer in Ted four years ago when he evaluated her yearling colt who was going through an awkward phase in his development. Ted was able to see his potential and transform him into a horse who, according to Ted, would “only get better—this is a national champion.” Two years later, Ted led Amy’s horse to the United States National Champion Futurity Gelding title, for which she is forever grateful. “Ted works tirelessly to help his clients get a real shot at seeing their dreams come true, whether that client owns just one horse (like me) or a stable full of beautiful horses,” says Amy. “He and Brandi go above and beyond to foster a no-drama team and a family environment. They want everyone to feel included and important, and they surround themselves with honest, hard-working, and like-minded professionals on their staff.”

Amy’s voice as a small breeder/owner is important to the breed as a whole because she represents the vast majority of Arabian horse owners.

She recognizes the value of Ted and Brandi’s predilection to be active mentors to their clients, leading by example. They don’t simply promote breeding stallions to their clients, they breed their own mares to them as well, putting their money where their mouths are, sharing the risks and the rewards. Like many others, Amy also cites Ted’s honesty as a primary reason she chooses to trust him with her horse. ring, trainers were “falling over themselves” to have him in their barn.

“Ted will give you an honest opinion of your horse...he doesn’t just

“People offered to take him for free and pay his show expenses to bring

tell you what he thinks you want to hear,” she says. “That’s a strong

him back out,” she says. “But, I’ve only ever wanted what is best for

indicator to me that it’s not just about making money to Ted. He wants

Bugatti and there is nobody that I would entrust Bugatti to other than

to succeed, sure, but he really wants to see his clients succeed. The

Ted. So, I sold some stock, worked a lot of overtime and did whatever

ability to provide an honest evaluation, even when such honesty might

I had to do to make that happen. At the end of the day, not everybody

mean the loss of immediate revenues, is critical toward uplifting and

will be able to breed and campaign great horses. If it was easy, every-

improving the breed. Ted is a man of his word. If he commits to show

body would be doing it. Ted’s also a breeder, and he breeds for pretty,

your horse, you can count on it. As an owner who has to watch the

functional horses that can do both halter and performance. That’s the

budget carefully to participate at the higher levels, I know without

right thing to do for our breed. All of these horses that we see winning

question that being able to accurately predict what a show will cost,

halter classes as yearlings…how many do we see come back in the

being able to count on my trainer’s commitment to show my horse,

Scottsdale Signature classes under saddle? A big percentage of the

and knowing that my horse is well cared for at all times has played a

Bugatti foals come back. And when they’ve been with Ted, they come

huge role in my decision to remain active in the Arabian industry over

back in ring healthy and happy. Our biggest thing in Ted’s barn is, we

the past several years.”

have fun. We enjoy each other’s company, we cook, we laugh, and it’s just a great place to be. Sincerely. The horses are happy. I’ve never seen

When Kristi Waters was interested in bringing KM Bugatti—her U.S.

happier horses in my life, ever. These horses are living a good life…you

National Champion in halter and performance—back to the show

just have to experience the difference.”

“I have always appreciated the way Ted prepares and presents his horses. There is a connection with him and the horses he shows and it’s obvious. I appreciate this and his constant connection with what is going on in the market and in the show ring around the world. I can always call on Ted for advice on marketability and value in the worldwide marketplace—I find this critical as a small breeder and greatly appreciate the support and knowledge he and Brandi have provided over the years.”

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~ Joel Desmarteau, Markelle Arabians

ted carson

Ted and Patricia Dempsey at the 2017 Marquise Auction.

Pat Dempsey “experienced the difference” when she put her stallion, Canadian National Champion and U.S. Reserve National Champion Junior Stallion Beloved One NA, into the care of Ted Carson. Beau had a history of being fractious in the show ring, and Pat knew that it was important for him to be placed with someone who could win his confidence. He showed beautifully for Ted in the 2017 Scottsdale Classic, a huge achievement that didn’t go unnoticed by his grateful owner. “Beau went in like a gentleman,” Pat said with pride. “All of the other trainers were bowing to Ted. They knew that the horse was usually overstimulated, wouldn’t stand still, and couldn’t perform. Ted totally diffused him, he was a different horse out there.”

Pat also experienced the thrill of watching Ted show her homebred Beloved Gracious Lady to the high score of 394.5 in the 2016 U.S. National Arabian Yearling Filly Breeders Sweepstakes Championship after qualifying with a unanimous win as the Region 15 Champion Yearling Filly. Ted has earned Pat’s trust and confidence over and over again, a truth which was perfectly illustrated for the world at large in Scottsdale: • THE SCENE—inside the WestWorld International Arena, which was transformed into a select auction house with raised stage, spotlights, and elegant tables packed with the industry’s most affluent buyers and their associates.

• THE VANTAGE POINT—a bird eyes view from the “cheap seats,” a first-come-first-served balcony for light and sound operators and other interested non-buyers.

• THE MOMENT—the room erupts as Pat Dempsey sets a world record price for an Arabian yearling filly sold at auction, topping all other bidders and paying $1,550,000 for Om El Erodite.

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Ted and Om El Erodite (EKS Alihandro x Om El Excella)

The well-heeled crowd rose to its collective feet in appreciation of the unprecedented moment. At the same time, many of the top halter trainers were leaping from their seats as one, eager to give their personal congratulations to the unexpected buyer.

From above, it seemed as if Pat had exercised magnetic properties that drew potential handlers from all corners of the room! Each one would have been delighted to show the filly on her behalf.

But Pat knew that the only person she would trust with Erodite was already sitting quietly at her side.

“Ted has earned my trust over time and he is the only one who will be working with Erodite,” Pat says. “She’s at Butler Farms Training Center, where she lives between two of my other fillies.

Ted says she’s a happy horse, easy to work with and eager to learn. She’s learning how to be turned out. Before she was just in a stall—now she goes out with another of my fillies. Now, she can be a horse.”

Ted’s commitment to put the filly at ease and gain her trust has already paid off handsomely. Two months after the auction, Ted Carson showed Om El Erodite to the title of Gold Supreme Champion Yearling Filly at the prestigious Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas, qualifying for the World Championships in the process. Beloved Gracious Lady added the 2017 Region 15 Champion Junior Filly crown to her coffers—once again by unanimous verdict—with Ted on the lead.

Come November, Erodite and Gracie will head to Paris to take on the finest fillies in the world in the Arabian horse breed’s most significant halter competition at the Salon du Cheval. There, Ted Carson is likely to close out his finest year with more amazing achievements—World Championships with Om El Erodite and Beloved Gracious Lady. There couldn’t be a more fitting and well-deserved ending to such a magical year for Ted Carson, a true class-act, an American classic.

“Ted is an expert who already knew Shanghai’s babies very well, having worked successfully with Wortex’s three-quarter brother, Excalibur EA. Now I am even happier at that choice, as Ted is a real horseman and Wortex has been expressing his joy of life and amazing motion like he never did before, thanks to Ted’s work. This is what matters for me—much more than winning any championship with a feared horse—their happiness.

Thank you, Ted Carson and Team.” ~ Jennifer Dhombre, Kalliste Arabians

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ted carson

“Ted, we value your honesty, integrity, and your dedication to the Arabian breed.

But your commitment to your family is by far your best attribute. Jimmy and I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family. We wish you many great years ahead!� ~ Lisa Gaudio, Kyrie Arabians

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ted carson

Ted with U.S. National and Las Vegas Gold Champion ML Mostly Padron at home on Bulter Farms.

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ted carson

Ted & Brandi with their 2016 APAHA awards.

Horseman of the Year and Halter Trainer of the Year.

Ted Carson At Butler Farms

by FRANCES T. BUTLER Twenty years and counting! Even for me, it’s hard to believe that Ted Carson came to Butler Farms Arabians more than twenty years ago.

THE EARLY YEARS When he arrived in White Oak, N.C., Ted was quite young and actually looked even younger than his age. To this day, Ted is the only person that I know who actually wanted and waited impatiently, for gray hair. Looks, however, can be deceiving; Ted was already an established figure in the Arabian community, previously working at such prominent farms as Cedar Ridge and Dolorosa Arabians.

CA and I had followed Ted’s career in the show ring for several years and considered ourselves lucky to have someone of his caliber agree to become our trainer and farm manager. After twenty years, we still feel the same way.

Arriving at Butler Farms with only one horse, Ted hit the ground running. He immediately reached out and started bringing in clients from all over the United States.

Many of those early clients are still friends and are still bringing horses to Ted, including the owners of that very first horse.

For six months, my husband and I carefully scrutinized every move that Ted made; as business owners who had hired hundreds of people over the years, we recognized Ted’s abilities. Impressed with what we saw, we offered Ted a partnership; he accepted.

As partners, we sat down with Ted and worked out the expectations, the goals, and the philosophy which were to be the cornerstones of our new enterprise. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Ted Carson

Exquisite Lady BFA (sired by ML Mostly Padron) with her 2017 filly by Exxalt.

and Butler Farms Training Center over the ensuing years became synonymous.

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THE FORMATIVE YEARS As the years passed, Ted’s amazing qualities and talents became ever more apparent; Ted was not just a show ring diva. His work ethic was and is phenomenal, he is one of the hardest workers that I have ever met, he has never been afraid to get dirty, and is actively involved in every aspect of horse and farm management.

Like the Energizer Bunny, Ted is always on the move, always looking for ways to improve the training center, to improve and grow the Arabian breed that he loves, and to improve himself.

In one important area, Ted needed no improvement … he has always had a phenomenal ability to identify good horses. Om El Erodite, Exxalt, Alexxander, SF Veraz, MC Psynammon, Donatella, ML Mostly Padron, Excalibur EA, Triumphant Star, Celestina INZ, Geneva, Na Mous … these are just “the tip of the iceberg,” just a few of the stars developed

by Ted at Butler Farms Training Center.

Although every horse cannot be a star or national champion, Ted strives to help each horse reach its highest potential, whatever that level might be.

On a personal level, early in his stay at Butler Farms, Ted met the woman who was to be the love of his life and his soulmate—Brandi Smith, an accomplished horsewoman herself.

Naturally, the two met at a horse show.

Like the Butlers, Brandi knew what she wanted when she saw it. Even today, she jokes that Ted never had a chance.

In 2001, Ted and Brandi married and became partners in life and business. A daughter Michaiah was born in 2004, and a son Inman, several years later.

As his family and his reputation as a trainer grew, Ted somehow found the time to study for and become credentialed as a judge, judging prestigious shows in the United States and around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.

His work ethic and his success as a trainer and a businessman, while obviously Above: The excited “Team Exxalt” during his 2015 Scottsdale Gold Championship debut.

important, are not Ted’s most important attribute, however. That attribute would be his integrity. Ted is a genuinely nice person with a strong moral compass and a great capacity to love—his family and friends, his work, and always the Arabian horse.

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A born teacher, Ted is a man who has always been willing to share his love and knowledge of Arabian horses with those who reach out to him. Over the years, he has mentored and worked with young trainers and judges from both the U.S. and other countries, teaching them training techniques, the criteria and rules used for judging horses, and an appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of the Arabian breed.

Ted also routinely works with owners and clients to differentiate a great horse from a good horse or a good

Top to bottom: Ted at one of his many informative clinics at Butler Farms.

horse from a bad one. Ted’s goal and the goal of Butler

Las Vegas Gold Champion Elle Flamenca.

increase their ability to recognize the qualities which

Farms Training Center was and is, to promote Arabians

Butler Farms is the proud home of Ted Carson Training Center.

by nurturing both established and new owners of these special horses.

To further that goal, Ted gives seminars and individual tutorials; he does farm visits to advise and educate owners on how to manage their herds and how to evaluate the potential of individual horses for halter, performance or pleasure. He also assists owners and clients with breeding decisions. He advises all owners to find a comfort level in the number of horses owned and in their financial commitment.

He believes that a “happy/comfortable” owner will stay in the industry for the long term.

TODAY At this point in his life, Ted Carson is a successful man by any standards, a man at the top of his game. On a personal level, Ted is loved by his beautiful family, by his partners who consider him a second son, and by his many friends. As a businessman, his client base has expanded and is worldwide— his stalls are always full. As a horseman, Ted has earned respect as a breeder, a judge and a trainer.

Ted is widely recognized as one of the best halter trainers in the United States, not only by clients and admirers, but also by his peers. In addition to his numerous individual show awards, Ted has been named APAHA Halter Trainer of the Year and APAHA Horseman of the Year. He also received the USEF Norman Dunn Handler of the Year Award, an award which covers all breeds, not just Arabians.

Ted also finds the time to serve on a number of Regional and National committees and boards, including the Region XII Spotlight Futurity and the APAHA. He is always willing to assist in efforts which will promote Arabian horses.

Yet, when all is said and done, despite the accolades and honors, Ted Carson remains a man of inexhaustible energy, a man driven to reach new heights, a man still driven to promote and grow the Arabian breed that he has loved since he was a 14-year-old boy.

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Beloved One NA +

Ever After NA x Margarita PSY

NATIONAL CHAMPION

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Om El Erodite ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP GOLD SUPREME CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY with Ted Carson

Dear Ted and Brandi, Our Arabian Journey together is AWESOME, EXCITING, EDUCATIONAL and AWE INSPIRING! Love, Pat

BELOVED GRACIOUS LADY & BELOVEDS VIA LUNA 2016 Region 15 Champion & Reserve Champion Yearling FIllies with Ted Carson & Cory Brine

Patricia Dempsey Lady Lake, Florida www.Belovedsfarm.com

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Photo by Cory Byrne

Ted, for me, represents a man with unending drive and complete commitment. I fully believe what he loves most in this world, is his family & work to promote the Arabian horse .

Javan Schaller, Mankind Arabians 480.797.5046

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Exxalt

Excalibur EA x Vesperra by SF Veraz SCOTTSDALE GOLD CHAMPION Standing at Ted Carson Training Center

My wife Sybil and I were one of Ted Carson’s first clients at Butler Farms Training Center. We have remained clients for over twenty years. Ted has shown horses that we own or co-own to Championships at every level: Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Regionals, and Nationals. Some of those horses, like Exxalt, Elle Flamenca, and Geneva, have become well-known in the Arabian industry.

However, Ted has done much more than win ribbons for us; he has assisted and guided our breeding program. Over time, Ted has helped Collinswood Farm accumulate a group of mares that are exceptional, that have excelled in the show ring and in the breeding arena. Those mares are producing beautiful foals which have been sold overseas and here in the United States.

Obviously, we are delighted with Ted Carson and the many ways that he has supported and improved our program! Thank You, Ted Carson.

Jeff and Sybil Collins, Collinswood Farm Pembroke, North Carolina

2017 EXXALT FILLY out of a DA Valentino daughter.

Irraadessa

Ibn Raad x Shaahnana by Mishaal

Angelfyre

BWF

Apalo x Tareefa Jamaal by Dakar El Jamaal

Thank you for the Fun, Success and Love of the Horses!

Chuck & Nancy Janosik, Better Way Farm Carrollton, Georgia BetterwayFarms@gmail.com

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ted carson

JamilaTF

2013 SE Grey Mare (Mishaal HP x Skyy)

2017 EGYPTIAN EVENT BRONZE CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

History will always be the judge.

But f irst it calls for Epic Performances.

2016 Egyptian Event Champion 3-Year-Old Futurity Filly 2016 Egyptian Event Unanimous Champion 3 & Over Mare AATH

Al Azure Group, LLC. salutes Ted & Brandi Carson and the remarkable team at Butler Farm. Your dedication to the breed is an inspiration and your passion contagious.

Yours is a great story and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

2016 East Coast Championships Reserve Champion Mare Champion Mare ATH 2017 Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Top 3 Straight Egyptian 3 & 4-Year-Old Mare 2017 Egyptian Event Bronze Champion Senior Mare Champion 3 & Over Mare AATH

The Applegate Family, Al Azure Group, LLC New Hope, Pennsylvania Ar abian Horse Times | 21 |

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EQ

Escalade

+//

Bucharest V x Allurience CG

MULTI-CHAMPION MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME AND SHOW HACK with Brooke Fuchs and Kim Butler

Integrity, honesty, and loyalty are traits my husband and I look for in a trainer.

Ted and Brandi exemplify all of these traits in their day to day life, whether it be with family or clients.

Jim and I are proud to be a part of the Ted Carson family!

Dr. James Blevins & Kim Butler Chesterfield, Virginia

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ted carson

Nazareth

CF

Eden C x MWF Najada

2017 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION & REGION 12 CHAMPION HUNTER PLEASURE JR. HORSE with Brooke Fuchs

2015 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION FUTURITY GELDING with Ted Carson

With hard work and steadfast determination, ride your dreams into reality. Saddle up each day with integrity and good company for your journey, and enjoy the ride!

Amy Caraway Salisbury, North Carolina

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For your consideration ...

Ted, Brandi and their crew, are knowledgeable, respectful, humble and great horse people. We trust them with our horses and always have fun with them and their clients.

McCarthy Photo

Bill & Tracy Buglass and the Erik Johnson Family Deerfield, Wisconsin

WGA

Real Grand

SF Sir Real x Gianna J, by Khadraj NA

REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY TOP TEN YEARLING COLT For sale information contact Bill or Tracy Buglass at 608.445.0925

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ted carson

Ted & Brandi, Every corner of our show horse experience with you, and your team, has been a delight. Your vision of our horses and the execution of their presentations have been nothing less than professional and complete. Our time with you is always enjoyable.

Frank & Sara Chisholm Timmonsville, South Carolina www.PalmettoArabians.com

PA

Phoenix Kid Sundance Kid V x Pamila

PA CATNISS (Baahir El Marwan x Cassandra GA) 2015 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Champion Yearling Filly with Kentley Dean

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Pallera

KM

KM Bugatti x Isabella De Jamaal

REGION 12 ABS TOP FIVE YEARLING FILLY

Ted and Brandi, You both are such amazing people whose friendship I greatly treasure. You define the words “first class” and are the most sincere, humble, kind and caring people I have ever met in the Arabian horse industry, as well as in my life. We are all very blessed to be a part of your outstanding team. It is more than just a “training/show” barn, you all are family who have great respect and support for each other. You are all part of the foundation that has helped build what we all share when we are together--“home”. Ted, your talent is like no other, as it comes from your heart ... your passion and sincere love for the horses. It shows every time you enter the ring or are just spending time with us around the stalls. Brandi, you and your entire family are so very special. You both mean the world to me and I am beyond grateful to have you in my life. After every show, we look forward to and count down the days until we can all be together again….sharing our passion, love, friendships, laughter, tears, and family time ... creating truly treasured memories with the most amazing thing in this world that brought us all together, the Arabian horse.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you all do every day, for being great friends who are like family and for being some of the most special, amazing and caring people I think the world of! ~ Kristi Kristi Waters, KM Stables, Inc Clearwater, Florida www.KMStables.com Ar abian Horse Times | 26 |

ted carson

SG

Brass Prince

Brass x Rose of USA

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION GELDING

Ted and Brandi, We are so happy with all that you have accomplished over the years.

We are very honored to say you started your professional career at Cedar Ridge.

We wish you both continued success in your future.

Love, Dick, Lollie and Lara

Jordan, Minnesota www.Cedar-Ridge.com

Up Your Brass Brass x Gem of a Doll

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A GELDING

Ames Lucky Affair Brass x Lady Gambler PM

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A MARE

Breeders Lisa Gaudio and Jimmy Kazanjian with “The Trinity of Miracles� 2017 Half-Arabians (Vitorio TO x Kyrie Elleison) Elle Vitorina, Epona Elleison, and Big Man In Town.

Ted, We value your honesty, integrity, and your dedication to the Arabian breed.

But your commitment to your family is by far your best attribute.

Jimmy and I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family.

We wish you many great years ahead!

Lisa Gaudio & Jimmy Kazanjian Kyrie Arabians Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Appalonia Dancer

PA

Sundance Kid V x Acappella V by Simeon Shai+ Multi-Champion in Mare Halter & Western Pleasure

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ted carson

Elle Marin

Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA Bred by Markelle Arabians, LLC Now owned by Al Jood Stud, Qatar

Thank you, Ted and Brandi, for guiding these young mares from my small breeding program onto the world stage.

Joel Desmarteau, Markelle Arabians, LLC Atlanta, Georgia | 404.401.8141 www.MarkelleArabians.com

Elle F lamenca

Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA Bred by Markelle Arabians, LLC Now owned by Dubai Arabian Stud

Ar abian Horse Times | 29 |

ted carson

Thank You, Ted Carson, for the amazing adventure experienced in the U.S. for Kalliste Arabians, representing France & Europe!

Shanghai EA & Mirwanah Kallisté by Marwan Al Shaqab

2017 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT 2016 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT 2016 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP SILVER SUPREME CHAMPION JUNIOR STALLION 2016 CENTRAL PARK HORSE SHOW ARABIAN U.S. OPEN SILVER CHAMPION JUNIOR STALLION

Ar abian Horse Times | 30 |

ted carson

2015 EUROPEAN BREEDERS CUP GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING COLT 2015 DEAUVILLE ARABIANS CUP INTERNATIONAL GOLD CHAMPION, MOST BEAUTIFUL HEAD, BEST FRENCH HORSE 2015 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP TOP FIVE & CLASS WINNER, HIGH SCORING YEARLING COLT 2015 ALL NATIONS CUP BREEDERS CUP TOP FIVE (Only male selected for the Championship.

The others were fillies.)

2017 SCANDINAVIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT (For Shgaïr Stud)

Now proudly leased by Shgaïr Stud Bred & Owned by Kalliste Arabians, Jennifer Dhombre kalliste.arabians@gmail.com www.Kalliste-Arabians-International.com

Frozen semen available in the U.S., please contact Ted Carson at 910.876.7332 | ted@tedcarson.com For breedings in Europe, please contact Christine Jamar at info@christine-jamar.be Ar abian Horse Times | 31 |

ted carson

SF

Baahir Jawhar

Baahir El Marwan x Jewel Of Marwan H

HEADING TO THE ARABIAN U.S. OPEN IN CENTRAL PARK! Al & Chloe Cox, Sycamore Arabians, LLC Edenton, North Carolina www.SycamoreArabians.com

Ted Carson ~ Trainer, Judge, Husband, Dad and Friend!

2016 APAHA HALTER TRAINER OF THE YEAR | 2016 APAHA HORSEMAN OF THE YEAR 2016 USEF NORMAN DUNN HANDLER OF THE YEAR

TED CARSON TRAINING AT BUTLER FARMS TRAINING CENTER, INC. 440 Devin Drive, White Oak, NC 28399 WWW.TEDCARSON.COM

Ted Carson 910.876.7332 Brandi Carson 910.876.7333 Cory Byrne • Brooke Fuchs

V ER SATILE - FUN - A FFOR DA BLE - HONEST BACK-TO -BA SICS TR A INER

Jonathan Meyer Training and showing successfully in HALTER, ENGLISH, WESTERN and HUNTER DIVISIONS.

One of the oldest and most successful Arabian & Half-Arabian horse programs in the Southeast​.

W W W.W I N N I N G A R A B I A N S .C O M R hapsody In Blue Stables - Chatom, A labama - 251-586 - 4882 - winningarabians@gmail.com