AHT Journeys - Royal Arabians

Presents

Royal Arabians

The Journey with Royal Arabians includes not only the written story, but an amazing film proudly posted on www.ahtimes.com, as well. Together they tell the complete story of passion and success with the Arabian horse.

The Road To Royal

by JEFF WALLACE

A drive through the Arizona desert immerses the traveler in a rugged beauty found nowhere else in the world. Sharply defined mesas and fantastic saguaro cacti silhouetted against brilliant blue skies rise from the tans and rusts of the desert floor. For lovers of the Arabian horse, the desert environment is a natural extension of a breed that originated many millennia ago in ancient Syria. It is easy to imagine a Bedouin with robes flying, streaking across the sand on his most precious possession, his Arabian horse. In modern day Mesa, Ariz., a tranquil oasis known as Royal Arabians interrupts the rough desert terrain with its orderly calm. Paddocks filled with the newest generations of royally bred horses flank the quiet drive leading to the citadel of the farm, the barn that houses the great breeding and show stock.

Whereas some prominent breeding farms have themselves been in existence for multiple generations, others are the result of the right combination of enthusiasm, desire and chance. When Mark Davis met Cindy McGown, he had no knowledge of Arabian horses. Cindy was the mother of a horse-crazy young girl, Amanda, and owned just a couple of Arabian horses boarded on other people’s farms. That exposure to the breed drew Mark in, and turned him into Cindy and her Royal Arabians biggest fan. And the rest, as they say, is history. The path was set for a story of triumph that continues to unfold at a dazzling pace. In the last ten years, Royal Arabians has become a preeminent collector of some of the finest bloodlines from around the world, and is now recognized as a place where new standards for the breed are being set. In spite of that whirlwind of accomplishments and the fame and fortune that accompanies it, Cindy and Mark have never forgotten their roots, which were planted in much more humble backgrounds. Perhaps that is why the Arabian horses resonate with them. The Arabian horse has a relationship to man that is different from that of other breeds.

The centuries of existence as family members in the tents of nomadic tribesmen in the deserts and river valleys of the ancient mid-east have evolved into an affinity and kinship that uniquely bonds Arabians to mankind. It is an evolutionary bond that crosses the boundaries between species.

Cindy and Mark credit the horses and the hard work it takes to care for them as instrumental in the raising of their children. From cleaning stalls and grooming, to handling the horses and embarking on amateur show careers, Amanda and her siblings learned at a very early age to appreciate the manual labor, finesse, and knowledge that it takes to be responsible horse owners. Experiencing the intense work ethic that must be upheld when raising animals in a domestic environment, has served them well in all areas of their lives, and in the case of Amanda, in caring for two young boys of her own. Mark celebrates the family involvement and the way that the kids learned to handle success and failure through their experiences with the farm’s horses. He has witnessed them go through the roller-coaster of highs and lows as they were able to find a wry humor in the disappointment of sometimes losing when they wanted to win, the determination to do better the next time, and the exultation of a well-earned blue ribbon. Growing up with horses has provided a foundation for life that is sometimes missing in a world where values can become blurred and distorted under the pressure of striving to be the best.

RA Princess Jammal (Pershahn El Jamaal x Maggie Mae PGA)

Amanda, now known by her married name of Amanda Fraser, continues to compete in the show ring as an amateur at the highest level with great success. Her favorite show ring memory is when she presented Royal’s gelding NW Siensational (Afire Bey V x NW Siena Psyche) to the title of U.S. Reserve National Champion in 2013. The rousing standing ovation they received during their victory pass continues to inspire her. NW Siensational, who is Cindy’s favorite horse, continues his show career as a performance horse in the capable hands of Ron Copple at Copple Show Horses in Olympia, Wash. Amanda remembers growing up with horses on her mind. As a young girl, she and her friends would form herds, pretending that they were horses themselves. Or, she would “saddle up” the back of the couch, climb aboard, and let her imagination take her on the ride of her dreams, through forests and fields that were later supplanted by a reality that even her wildest

Amanda Fraser

dreams could not have predicted. Amanda will be aboard one of Royal’s most precious mares as she presents Aria Marchestra (Marwan Al Shaqab x GC Merpsydita) in the amateur hunter pleasure division in 2015. In adherence to the philosophy that a beautiful horse must also have a useful purpose, Aria Marchestra is pulling double duty as a premiere broodmare and show horse. Under the careful guidance of Scottsdale’s Cari Thompson Training, Aria Marchestra has already been named Region I Champion Hunter Pleasure, that, after producing Royal Maestro by Pershahn El Jamaal. Royal Maestro is a testament to his dam’s value as a broodmare, having earned the title of 2014 Scottsdale Champion Signature Auction Colt.

As for Cindy, she is not an owner who sits back and has others do the work. She shoulders the responsibility for the care, breeding and health of one of the most valuable herds of horses in America. With 74 horses on the farm

Cindy McGown

Royal Eternally Versace (Versace x Eternal Love T)

and 18 foals expected in 2015, Cindy’s responsibilities on the farm are vast. Royal Arabians has purchased embryos from some of the most famous and beloved mares in the world including the ethereal World, European, All Nations Cup, Las Vegas Breeders World Cup, and U.S. National Champion mare Emandoria (Gazal Al Shaqab x Emanda); the International Triple Crown and U.S. and Polish National Champion Pianissima (Gazal Al Shaqab x Pianosa); RH Triana (ROL Intencyty x Sylviah WLF) who was the unanimous Junior Champion at the U.S. Nationals, Scottsdale and Las Vegas Breeders World Cup; the gorgeous and glorious San Jose Javiera (Hafati Express x Sterling Princess) and arguably the most electrifying horse in the show ring today, the incomparable *Wieza Mocy (QR Marc x Wieza Marzen) to name only a few. *Wieza Mocy has numerous international and world titles and is the reigning U.S. National Champion Mare. Right at home among that group is the foundation mare of Royal Arabians, the elegant mother of champions, Maggie Mae PGA (Magnum Psyche x Rachael Ann). A farm icon and particular favorite of Cindy’s, Maggie Mae deserves the position of honor as the first of many extraordinary mares at Royal Arabians. Another mare acquired in the early years is Cinderella WC (SH Hallmark x WC Delekatka).

With a primary love for and focus on the breeding program that she manages, Cindy sets an outstanding example as a hands-on owner/manager.

Michael Carpio - Halter Trainer

At the heart of Royal Arabians’ success is the generosity and deeply caring nature that Mark and Cindy exhibit both to the general public out in the spotlight during premiere industry events, and to their fiercely loyal employees on the farm. The staff has been handpicked to fit in with the culture of allegiance to the horses themselves that is a hallmark of the farm. Success, although plentiful, is never gained at the expense of the horses. As performance trainer Justin Cowden states, “Mark and Cindy want their horses to be happy, and that is very refreshing. Yes, they want their horses to do great things, but at the horses’ own pace.” Describing his employers as having a “great state of mind,” Justin’s attitude toward training reflects their own love of the animals and the cohesive qualities of all Royal Arabians employees. Each person who works there treats the horses as if they were their very own. Blue ribbons and championship trophies won by Royal Arabians are never tarnished by harsh treatment of horses or humans.

Office Manager Rylee Gallún was born into a family that adhered to similar standards while rising to the top Justin Cowden - Performance Trainer

photograph, or other portrayal of the Arabian horse, Cindy appreciates the dedication and creativity of artists as much as she appreciates the dedication and creativity of breeders.

Her love of Arabian horse art is a direct reflection of her abiding love of the Arabian horse itself. She supports the art auction to promote the artists who agree with her opinion that, “Arabians are living art.” Her charitable giving is a part of her nature, and a demonstration of her determination to give back to the industry that she feels has given so much to her. Royal Arabians offers additional support through their participation as presenting sponsors of the Arabhorse Farm Tours. This popular, annual event draws people from all over the world to enjoy a few winter days in the desert sun as they visit a number of illustrious establishments. The proceeds of the tours benefit Healing Hearts, the largest non-profit equine rescue in Arizona, among other causes. Cindy’s humble delight in being able to give back to the Arabian horse community in this way is a refreshing change from the all too common egoism that can so easily pervade an industry that boasts many well-heeled owners, trainers and breeders. For Cindy, it is the pleasure of giving that drives her, not the accolades that she justifiably receives.

WC Godiva (Gazal Al Shaqab x Je Ali Selene)

of the Arabian industry over the past thirty-plus years.

The daughter of Brad and Holli Gallún, she appreciates the philanthropic spirit that Mark and Cindy demonstrate year in and year out. “They support our breed in every aspect, which is not something you find very often. More breeders like this would be good for the business and good for the breed.” Rylee knows what she is talking about. The owners of Royal Arabians exemplify the very definition of philanthropy, the desire to promote others … especially through the donation of money to good causes. Each year at the Arabian National Breeder Finals held in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cindy reaches out to purchase items that have been donated in order to benefit the show; in particular, the work of Karina Peacemaker, a Tonasket, Wash., artist who grew up with Arabian horses. Be it a splendid painting, dramatic

Cindy, Mark and Amanda consider themselves to be lifelong learners when it comes to the Arabian horse.

Always eager to improve their knowledge base and breeding program, they have been advised by some of the most successful professional horsemen the breed has ever known. From the well-respected Leo Hansen, who is a longtime member of the Royal team, to leading trainer Andy Sellman and the staff of Argent Farms in Wisconsin, and Rodolfo Guzzo and his associates at Guzzo Worldwide in Scottzdale, Arizona; they have reaped the benefits of their condensed knowledge. The ability to make the most of such learning opportunities and to continue to seek counsel from other industry leaders keeps them on the cutting edge of a highly competitive business and will propel them to even greater heights in the future. Perhaps the most exciting elements of that future is the proof that their lessons have been well learned. Going into 2015 Royal has added the young and very talentetd Michael Carpio as their head trainer, who will be presenting not only their premiere purchases but also their competitive and beautiful young stock they are now producing year after year. In the first foal crop of their homebred stallion, Royal Emanuel, the result of crossing the great Eden C, who is both a U.S. National Champion and the reigning All Nations Cup Gold Champion Stallion, so named in Aachen in 2014, with the multi-National and International Champion *Emandoria, Royal Emanuel has not only put his stamp onto each of his get, he has followed the formula

The Future of Royal Arabians - Jordan & Micah Fraser

of the greatest breeding horses by consistently out-producing himself. That is the mark of excellence in breeding.

Not to be outdone, the first foals of Royal Invictus are themselves both a reflection of their sire and examples of further refinement of his exceptional traits. The son of Ajman Moniscione, an International Champion in Italy, Germany, Belgium and France and the aforementioned *San Jose Javiera, Royal Invictus underlines the efficacy of the Royal Arabians breeding program.

As the foals of both stallions begin to be seen in show arenas all around the world, they will fulfill one of Mark Davis’ personal goals … that Royal Arabians be remembered as a producer of not just a single great horse, but as a collection of bloodstock that will further the breed in programs all over the world. Mark and Cindy keep an eye to the future by continuing to add new mares to that collection.

Royal Maestro (Pershahn El Jamaal x Aria Marchestra)

The horses of Royal Arabians punctuate the landscape of the farm much like the colorful flowers that burst into bloom after a desert storm. Mahogany bays and copper chestnuts, silver greys and all shades in between … they carry with them the legacy of their desert roots. It isn’t too hard to imagine them at full gallop across the sands, their delicate ears pricked forward on alert, their banner tails flung high, their nostrils distended to drink in the desert wind. They are the essence of their ancestors, the promise of their pedigrees. Guided by the loving hands of Cindy McGown and Mark Davis, the heritage of the desert horse lives on at Royal Arabians. n

R oyal A rabians

Mesa, AZ - Scottsdale, AZ info@royalarabians.com ~ www.RoyalArabians.com Leo Hansen - Barn Manager LHansen@RoyalArabians.com (602) 565-1480

Michael Carpio - Halter Trainer MCarpio@RoyalArabians.com (770) 653-6526

Justin Cowden - Performance Trainer JCowden@RoyalArabians.com (775) 901-3029