Arabians International
—What Makes It Work by ANNE STRATTON There are a lot of reasons why Arabians International, a partnership of Sandro Pinha and Gil Valdez, has established a reputation in the upper tier of the horse industry in less than four years. Their customers tell the story. First is the level of horse care; clients like the way their horses are maintained and treated. And then there is Pinha and Valdez’s ability in the ring—the trainers know how to win. For some, the marketing is most important; it is superb, they say, whether you’re buying or selling. And finally, the trainers’ communication is second to none. They are available and they keep their clients informed. Ask Valdez and Pinha, and their standard explanation is hard work. “I was taught from a very young age that hard work pays you back,” Pinha says. “I try to spend as much time as possible in the barn.” And Valdez is the same. To the public, Pinha, who does most of the showing, appears to be the front man, but the first thing you learn about the operation is that
Sandro Pinha and Gil Valdez
it is an equal effort. “They work together as a team,” says longtime client Bob North. “Each has strengths, and they let each person do what he does best. Sandro does have to travel quite a bit around the world, showing horses in various countries, but Gil is mostly there taking care of the horses, so you feel
good about their care.” None of that happens by accident. There is a sense of balance at Arabians International; to support the breeding, training, conditioning, showing and marketing—not to mention keeping up with customers all over the world—Pinha and Valdez have designed a system that works seamlessly. Typically, Pinha’s travel schedule for marketing and as a handler in the international show ring does not gear up until after the ABHA World Cup Show in April. By then, a high percentage of the show string knows its business, and the challenge is to maintain them. Valdez, or Pinha when he is in town, fine tunes the ones who need it, and a strong crew of assistants, as well as a veterinarian and farrier, deftly maintain the conditioning. “There’s really nobody better at taking care of a horse than Gil,” says Cedar Ridge’s Lara Ames, who has known the pair since they came to Midwest in the 1990s. “Gil is very, very good at what he does.” And the communication? The farm has an extensive clientele; Pam Donnelly, Manager for Arabians International, says that is a full-time job, but it’s worth the payback. Owners tend to communicate most with whichever trainer they know best, and Pinha and Valdez often coordinate on their responses. Donnelly also is in contact with customers to make sure that everyone is promptly informed of news regarding their horses. “We all work as a team to keep everybody happy and everything running smoothly,” she says. “Everyone is involved.”
Pam Donnelly, Manager for Arabians International.
Let’s break it down.
Dick and Lollie Ames, Cedar Ridge Arabians.
Dixie and Robert North, North Arabians.
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W i n n i n g Aw a r d s :
Training And Showing For show audiences, Sandro Pinha is a familiar face, and his talent has been a topic of conversation from his early days on the Brazilian Arabian scene. “Ever since I knew Sandro as a young boy, I’ve respected his ability,” says David Boggs, who hired the young trainer to work at Midwest. “His work ethic was outstanding even as a youngster, and his love and passion for the Arabian horse, and particularly the halter horse, was on fire.” “Some people have natural ability at certain things, and Sandro is a natural,” reflects Donnelly. “I think that he gets results quickly because of that. And he is intuitive enough that when a horse ‘gets it,’ he focuses more on conditioning, so they stay fresh. If a horse needs a little more training, then he’ll work on improving whatever is not as good as he would like. Each day is different, depending on what the horse needs.” And the show ring? “Sandro is a tremendous presenter when he’s in the ring,” Donnelly says. “He tries to present
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the horse so that each owner feels like their horse is the most important horse at that time, at that moment, and I think people appreciate that. We can’t guarantee that every horse is going to win or that the judges are going to see what we see, but if you can present a horse to the best of your ability in the ring, the owners feel like they got a fair shake.” “You feel like they care about each and every horse,” says Bob North, who with his wife, Dixie, has had horses with Pinha and Valdez since Midwest days. “That is probably the most important thing for us.”
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Driving The Market:
Buying And Selling The Arabians “International” record lives up to its name; Pinha and Valdez have sold horses to South and Central America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. “I spend a lot of time on the road, looking at horses,” nods Pinha. “Whenever I am traveling for a show, I try to get around to see the breeders in the area. We are always looking for great horses and many times you find them at the small breeders. In my opinion, the main reason for our marketing success is our physical presence at horse shows around the world, and being able to meet the breeders at their farms and develop a personal relationship with them. I believe that people are more comfortable buying from someone that they have actually met face to face.” Several recent sales and purchases remain in his mind. One was a package of mares from Battle Hill Farm for North Arabians (“this group will have impact in the breeding program here in the U.S.”), then there was newly-named Brazilian National Champion Stallion Sir Marwan CRF and the South African Supreme Champion Stallion Ahsom. “And most recently,” he adds, “the beautiful Evening Song IA to the Arabian Soul Partners. Just to name a few.” “I think what sets Sandro apart is his communication skills with his clients,” says Lara Ames, whose farm-bred and
sold Sir Marwan CRF. Within days of the Canadian National Champion Futurity Colt’s going to Arabians International, the Ames family had received two offers and selected the one they liked best. “He really tries to
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Grand Commandd and Sandro.
find the right horses for his clients; matching the right people to the right horse.”
Client Relations:
The Art Of Communication It comes up again and again: great client relations. “Communication, like in any other business in the world, is the key to success,” Pinha says bluntly. “We have many wonderful clients who send us their horses on a regular basis to condition and market for them. I think our dedication to doing the best job we can for them keeps them coming back, and also they refer their friends to us. We have a great time and enjoy socializing with our clients to try to let them know how important they are to us.” (In fact, many say the barn’s social life is an important part of their enjoying the Arabian horse community.) “When you send them a horse, you know you’re going to be treated very well as a client,” smiles Lara Ames. “No matter if your horse is a superstar or an average horse, it’s going to be prepared fully for whatever you’re doing with it.” “Relationships are very important,” offers Michael Weinstein, a member of the partnership which owns El Nabila B. Pinha showed El Nabila to the U.S. National Championship in Stallions. “The way we show our support is by staying with them, working together.”
is a feeling of accomplishment that you can create something. Sandro and Gil share that with us, and believe in our horses and our program and what we are trying to accomplish.” Clients laugh, though, that if you go with Arabians International, you’d better be prepared for honesty. “A few times I have been accused of being brutally honest,” Pinha admits. “But I would rather be up front with a client in the beginning than have them spend a lot of money and then be disappointed when they don’t get the results they had wanted.” Most clients, however, appreciate that he and Valdez are looking out for their interests. “It’s very hard to find people who have the ring skills and who can take care of horses the way we want them taken care of—and then also to have the people skills too,” observes Bob North. “It’s a rare combination, and Sandro is a master at it.”
With Pinha and Valdez, he adds, it is more than just showing horses (and becoming personal friends, which they all are). The trainers are interested not only in showing the partnership’s horses, but in being involved with their breeding program as well, an important component for Weinstein’s group. Their program now has advanced to breeding daughters of El Nabila B to stallions they like, and in 2014, Arabians International will be showing two fillies for them that represent their next step. “You can move the success up much more quickly when you buy,” Weinstein acknowledges, “but you don’t accomplish anything [in terms of creating a breeding program]. Right or wrong, I have a style of horse I like. The process of getting show horses using the bloodlines that you choose is very tough, but it makes it exciting—there
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Where It Began
And Where It Is Going Neither Sandro Pinha, who grew up in Brazil, nor Gil Valdez, a native of Mexico, sprang overnight onto the Arabian scene. Both learned their horsemanship, and won the respect of their clients and contemporaries. And both are quick to say that the story is not complete without crediting those who have helped them. “My father introduced me to the Arabian horses,” says Pinha, “and Mr. Paulo Levy introduced me to Mr. David Boggs, who brought me to the U.S. and gave me the opportunity to work with the team at Midwest for seven great years. He taught me everything I know about marketing in the horse business.” Boggs is equally complimentary. “There was a fondness and friendship that grew between us immediately,” he recalls. “When Sandro came to Midwest, he came with great knowledge and skills, and he has continued to improve them. I’m very proud of him now to see the accomplishments he’s made—what he and Gil have done with this farm! He’s one of the hardest working people I’ve met in the world, regardless of any business. He’s great to his friends and his clients, and he knows a great horse.” And it has not been just the people. The parade of horses that have made Arabians International’s name either in the show ring or in marketing is stellar: El Nabila B, 2010 U.S. National Champion Stallion; Jose Alves Filho and Maisa Tucci Alves of Haras JM.
Cavalli, twice Scottsdale and ABHA World Cup champion, as well as successful on the European show scene; Freedom PA, twice Scottsdale reserve champion, U.S. National titlist and Scottsdale Signature champion; He Be Showy DFA, five-time national champion Half-Arabian gelding; Miss Marwan PA, Scottsdale and U.S. national champion; RD Challs Angel, twice national champion and twice ABHA Daneisha Brazzle and Sean Givens.
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World Cup champion; Sir Marwan CRF, twice U.S. National Reserve Champion, Canadian National Champion and Brazilian National Champion; and the promising young Titan AS, 2013 AHBA World Cup Bronze Medalist in Yearling Colts. There also has been Magic Dream, a leading sire in the United States and now South Africa, and there are more. There are more every year. In addition, Arabians International stands stallions at stud, and periodically hosts sires Pinha has shown to titles, including North Arabians’ Grand Commandd, a U.S. National Champion Colt, and El Chall WR, threetime U.S. national reserve champion, ABHA World Cup supreme champion and European champion. John Blincoe’s stallion, Marwan Al Magnifficoo, has just arrived and brings much excitement and promise. One name always stands out to Pinha and Valdez, however, and that is the incomparable Magnum Chall HVP. Pinha arranged Magnum Chall’s sale to Raegen and Lucky Lurken in 2002 and showed the stallion to
his breakout title as Scottsdale Champion 3-Year-Old Colt the following year. Then, during his tenure at North Arabians, he stood Magnum Chall HVP at stud, and through the years has promoted his get. He facilitated the lease agreement that returned the sire to Brazil to make his contribution there. “Almost everyone we know who has had horses with Sandro and Gil really respects them,” one owner says, echoing many others. “They make you feel like they care about you as a customer and as a person, and they care about the horses you’ve put in training with them.” n
Dixie and Robert North, North Arabians. Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 9
na
Leading sire of today’s most beautiful champions Sir Fames HBV x Entaicyng NA • Multi-Program Nominated Sire • SCID & CA Clear Proudly owned by Robert & Dixie North • For breeding information contact: Robert North 619.992.9832 • Mike McNally 760.500.0792 • www.NorthArabians.com
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Shown by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 sandro@sandropinha.com
Ever After NA x JA Psilk N Lace Owned by North Arabians
Ever After NA x RD Arietta Bay Scottsdale Signature Champion Yearling Filly Arabian Breeder Finals Champion Signature Yearling Filly Arabian Breeder Finals Unanimous Champion Yearling Filly Arabian Breeder Finals Unanimous Silver Champion Junior Filly Owned by North Arabians
Ever After NA x Cajun Spyce KBS U.S. National Reserve Champion Yearling Filly Las Vegas World Cup Silver Champion Yearling Filly Owned by Arabian Soul Partners Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 11
El Chall WR x JFN Captive Love
Proudly owned by Robert & Dixie North For breeding information contact: Robert North 619.992.9832 Mike McNally 760.500.0792 www.NorthArabians.com
WR
Magnum Chall HVP x Major Love Affair Multi-Program Nominated Sire • SCID & CA Clear
Las Vegas World Cup Supreme Jr Champion Stallion, Breeders Finals Champion Stallion U.S. National Reserve Champion • Menton Bronze Champion • El Ran Cup Best of Show. Paris World Show Sponsors Trophy 12 ArAbiAns internAtionAl | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES
Beijing x GA Mi Grandlady
Las Veges World Cup Supreme Champion Yearling Colt Multi-Program Nominated Sire SCID & CA Clear
His First Two Foals Owned by North Arabians
2014 Filly • Grand Commandd x Promises PSY, by Padrons Psyche
Proudly owned by Robert & Dixie North Shown by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 • sandro@sandropinha.com
2014 Colt • Grand Commandd x Just Amazing NA, by Ever After NA Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 13
Arabian Breeder Arabian Finals Breeder Finals Champion Weanling ChampionColt Weanling Colt Las Vegas World Las Vegas Cup World Cup Bronze Champion BronzeYearling Champion ColtYearling Colt
El Nabila B x Om El Beladeena by Al Lahab SCID & CA Clear
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Marwan Al Shaqab x HED Caramba, by Magnum Psyche Arabian Breeder Finals Champion Weanling Filly
Proudly owned by Arabian Soul Partners www.ArabianSoulLTD.com
Marwan Al Shaqab x HED Caramba
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 sandro@sandropinha.com
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Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Challs Angel, by Magnum Chall HVP SCID & CA Clear
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*Gazal Al Shaqab x Vasnni El Lethyf
Proudly owned by Arabian Soul Partners www.ArabianSoulLTD.com Ever After NA x Psyches Amber Dream
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 sandro@sandropinha.com Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 17
FA El Shawan Ă— Loredonna Z, by Odyssey SC Scottsdale Champion Junnior Colt Scottsdale Champion Yearling Colt Region 1 Champion Yearling Colt SCID & CA Clear
Proudly owned by Arabian Soul Partners www.ArabianSoulLTD.com
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 sandro@sandropinha.com
+/ Magnum Psyche x Truly Fame Miss, by Fame VF
Sire of Scottsdale, Regional & National Winners
Sweepstakes Nominated Sire & Scottsdale Signture Stallion
Proudly owned by Highland Pride Arabians La Habra Heights, CA www.HighlandPrideArabians.com
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194 Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 19
Making a monumental contribution ...
Kubinec x 218 Elf Layla Walayla B, by Assad
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El Nabila B x Om El Beladeena, by Al Lahab Owned by Arabian Soul Partners
El Nabila B x Om El Bashara Estopa Owned by Om El Arab International
El Nabila B x Om El Jinaah, by Al Lahab
Proudly owned by The El Nabila B Initiative Mike Weinstein 408.307.6436 mweinstein@psynergy.org
Standing with Om El Arab International Sigi Siller & Janina Merz 805.688.6958 info@omelarab.com Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha & Gil Valdez 480.226.0001 sandro@sandropinha.com Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 21
Sire extraordinaire
darryl
Canadian National Champion
Breeders Cup Bronze Champion Colt
Breeders Cup Silver Champion Colt
Marwan Al Shaqab x Pacific Echo, by Echo Magnifficoo
2011, 2012, 2013 Leading Sire Of Halter Winners at Minnesota Fall Festival Canadian National Reserve Champion, Scottsdale Champion Colt Arabian Horse Celebration Champion 6-7 Year Old Stallion Proudly owned by John Blincoe UNIGLOBE SELECT ARABIANS Scottsdale, AZ • 480-404-4945 • e-mail: USArabians@aol.com
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Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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WH Justice x Divina Pasion by El Nabila B
Proudly bred & owned by
Hector & Miguel Flores MC Arabians Mexico
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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Proudly owned by Jose & Maisa Alves S達o Paulo - Brazil, CEP 13190-000 (P) 55 19 3879 2964 and 3879-1002 www.HarasJM.com.Br
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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Marwan Al Shaqab x Ames Mirage
Brazilian, Canadian & U.S. National Champion
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Psytadel US x Silk Melody, by JK Amadeus For breeding information contact Arabians International
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Region 3 Champion Stallion ATH U.S. National Top Ten 2-Year-Old Colt
Joys Creation x Affillia, by Affirmmed
Proudly owned by Snake River Arabians Rita & Stillman Buzzell Ririe, ID & Scottsdale, AZ snakeriverarabians@yahoo.com Phone: 208. 538.7886
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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Ajman Moniscione x RK Izabella Chall, by Magnum Chall HVP
Proudly owned by Don Manuel Arabians Jacksonville, FL • Peter Kessler Phone: 800.576.8087 • Cell: 904.635.5558 www.Donmanuelarabians.com
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194 Volume 44, No. 9 | A rAbiAns internAtionAl 31
Scottsdale Top Ten Yearling Filly
Majik Of Marwan x C Sade by Magnum Psyche
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PCF Vision x Psyches Psecret by Padrons Psyche Scottsdale Unanimous Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Region 1 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Arabian Breeder Finals Champion 2-Year-Old Filly
Proudly owned by
Arturo & Perla Ortega Olive Cave Creek, AZ
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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Don El Chall x Alluring LOA
Bernier photo
In foal to National Champion Stallion *Pogrom
Bernier photo
Region 3 Unanimous Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Region 3 Champion Mare ATH
PCF Vision x Challure LOA
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Bernier photo
Gemini VII x Challure LOA
Region 1 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Region 1 Champion Mare ATH
Bernier photo
In foal to National Champion Stallion *Pogrom
Proudly owned by
Amjad Hammad Jordan
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
PA Gazsi x PA A-Magic Moment
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El Nabila B x Tiaraa Rose, by Echo Magnifficoo
Pogrom x Angellinah WLF, by Sir Fames HBV
Proudly owned by Arabian Park Arabians LLC Gail & Cordy Overgaard 11310 E. Arabian Park Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259 480 797-2001 or 2002 www.ArabianParAarabians.com Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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El Nabila B x MFA Choclate Lily, by Magic Dream CAHR
Sir Fames HBV x Bey Starrlett WLF, by Bey Shah
Bernier photo
Bernier photo
Marauderr x Gai Schara
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x Exotic AngelImage AB, Ames Image Sir MarwanSir CRFMarwan x ExoticCRF Angel AB, Ames
Proudly owned by Cedar Ridge Farm Jordan, MN www.Cedar-Rdge.com
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
Armando El Aryes x Ivana BFA, by Eminant Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sire • CA & LFS Clear www.RaheedCA.com
Proudly owned by Daneisha Brazzle Cell: 562.712.8683 Sean Givens Cell: 323.309.8175 celestialarabians@gmail.com www.celestialarabs.com
Represented by Arabians International Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly 480.414.8194
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“It is with great pride we market, train and show this amazing collection of the world’s finest Arabians for our incredible clients and the renowned breeders of our industry. The opportunity is accepted with sincere gratitude, and you have our continued commitment.”
Farm Address: 28311 N 66th St. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 • Mailing Address: 28432 N 44th St Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Sandro Pinha: 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez: 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly: 480.414.8194 www.ArabiansInternational.com
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Farm Address: 28311 N 66th St. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Mailing Address: 28432 N 44th St Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Sandro Pinha: 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez: 480.226.7357 Pam Donnelly: 480.414.8194 www.ArabiansInternational.com