E 5 2, N O. 3 | $2 2 .50 LUM VO
2x U.S. National Champion PCF
U.S. National ARABIAN JUNIOR MARES
2015 Arabian Mare (Bey Ambition x AP Sheez Sassy)
2016 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY ~ HIGHEST SCORING FILLY 2016 REGION 15 UNANIMOUS CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY 2017 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SALON DU CHEVAL - BEST MOVEMENT PERFECT 20’S 2017 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SALON DU CHEVAL - JUNIOR MARE CLASS CHAMPION 2017 REGION 15 UNANIMOUS CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY 2018 LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD MARE 2ND HIGHEST SCORE OF THE SHOW! 2018 LAS VEGAS WORLD CUP CHAMPION BEST MOVER OF THE ENTIRE SHOW!
Lakes And Live Oaks 12961 NE 72nd Boulevard Lady Lake, FL 32162 Phone: 352-430-3456 Patricia@BelovedsFarm.com www.BelovedsFarm.com
Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Volume 52, No. 3
Proudly bred & owned by Dr. Marta Wasiak and Dr. Babu Rankupalli Kharismatic PGA+// x Ladys Dance Contact Becker Stables 530.477.5588 Multi-Program Nominated Sire
Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Volume 52, No. 3
table of
CONTENTS Volume 52, No. 3 Issue 6
11
Cover Story: Rae-Dawn Arabians ... Our Foundation, Our Future! by Braden Davidson
48
Her Story Continues ... Siwar Al Shaqab–The World Is Her Stage by Beth Ellen Hunziker
92
The Beloved Double Or Nuttin by Mary Kirkman
419
APAHA’s Trainer Challenge Cup
420
55 Years At The U.S. Nationals
432
55th U.S. Nationals Preview
434
U.S. Nationals Judges’ Perspective
442
U.S. Nationals Profiles
472
Tulsa Hot Spots
476
Fire And Goldd by Catherine Cole Ferandelli
478
Good Blood Always Shows Itself … The Horses Of Amazing Horsewoman LLC by Sarah Jayne Johnson
482
AHT Qualifications Survey
488
In Memoriam
6
Comments From The Publisher
474
Faces & Places
480
Equine Tips: Liability Releases ...
Looking Ahead
512
Index Of Advertisers
E 52 ,
510
LU M
Trainers Directory
VO
494
NO
. 3 | $2 2.
50
Tips For Enforceability by Johanna Sheehe
2x U.S. National Champion PCF
U.S. National ARABIAN JUNIOR MARES
Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Volume 52, No. 3
On The Cover: Giana Leah PCF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF), owned by Murray and Shirley Popplewell.
w w w . R o y a l A r a b i a n s . c o m Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | Volume 52, No. 3
COMMENTS from the publisher Publisher Lara Ames Director of Creative and Organizational Development Ashley Gallún Managing Editor Charlene Deyle Advertising Account Executive Lesley Blain Mazur Contributing Editor Mary Kirkman Contributing Writers Theresa Cardamone Catherine Cole Ferandelli Beth Ellen Hunziker Sarah Jayne Johnson Production Manager Ed Barredo Print & Web Design Wayne Anderson Sales Assistant Hannah Giesen AHT Abroad Representative Mieke Opsteyn Director of Finance & Administration Sara Thomas Accounts Receivable Deb Trebesch Show Operations/ Media Support Specialist Meaghan Estes Social Media Coordinator Cari Alford Kirchner
© Copyright AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Articles or opinions published by the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times are not necessarily the expressed views of the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times. AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content or manipulation of images that are provided by the advertiser. ARABIAN HORSE TIMES (ISSN 0279-8125) Volume 52, No. 3, October 2021, is published monthly, except April, May, June, August and November, by AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, Minnesota 55352. Periodical postage paid at Jordan, Minnesota 55352 and at additional entry offices. Single copies in U.S. and Canada $22.50. Subscription in U.S. $80 per year, $140 two years, $200 three years. Canada $130 one year, $250 two years, $340 three years, U.S. funds. Foreign Subscriptions: $190 one year, $320 two years, $380 three years, payable in advance, U.S. funds. Sorry, no refunds on subscription orders. For subscription and change of address, please send old address as printed on last label. Please allow four to six weeks for your first subscription to be shipped. Occasionally ARABIAN HORSE TIMES makes its mailing list available to other organizations. If you prefer not to receive these mailings, please write to ARABIAN HORSE TIMES, Editorial Offices, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographic materials. Printed in U.S.A. • POSTMASTER: Please send returns and address changes to Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352. For subscription information, call 952-492-3213. Arabian Horse Times P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352 Fax: 952-492-3228 www.ahtimes.com
THE MISSION OF AHA There’s a lot of discussion these days about the recently-passed rule by AHA that changes our qualification system for regional and national shows. Personally, I’m going to do what is necessary to qualify for Nationals, but do these rules benefit the industry as a whole? Not everyone supports them and many have concerns. My observations deal with the big picture—an issue that is indicated by the amount of dissention on this topic and others that have simmered increasingly over the years. In September, Arabian Horse Times did a survey of opinions and found that 80 percent of the people canvassed were not in favor of moving forward with the qualifications that were approved by AHA’s Board of Directors. What that told us was that there are a lot of people troubled about the state of the industry and the disassociation between elected officials and the membership. So, let’s take an honest look at where we are as a community and a breed organization. First and foremost, we need to remember that our main product is the Arabian horse. No matter how we feel about the qualification rule, let’s ask ourselves how AHA can better serve its community (and in the process, hopefully, inspire less discord). What do members, as Arabian horse owners, breeders and exhibitors, want from AHA? As an AHA member, I feel that we need to look more closely at our association and how it is run. Over time, it has changed many things and many changes have been for the good. One thing, however, that does not change is the timing of the convention and its voting process. With the convention scheduled for mid-November, right before holiday season, it is therefore often difficult for those who participate in U.S. Nationals—people who are involved in the industry, who devote significant time and money to their horses—to attend and express their views. I think AHA (and we, as members, if we don’t speak up) has too often taken its eye off the ball. I feel it should direct more of its time and energy toward helping these great animals and the people who breed them. We can worry about the qualifications all we want, but if we do not do something to promote the breed and breeding, we will not have to worry about horse shows. To me, focusing on growing the breed is job one. If that means we need to examine how AHA is run and consider reorganizing it to do better, then I think we should. At the end of the day, the Arabian horse should be the most important subject. Let’s take this opportunity this issue presents to come together and talk. In no way is this meant as an attack on AHA officials or anyone else; personal attacks are out of place and unproductive. We all love our horses. I’d just like us to speak more about our priorities and how we achieve them—and that means a hard conversation, requiring all our honesty. It also requires that while we may not all agree, we understand that we all genuinely care about our horses. We want to do the best for them. Finally, when many of us are in Tulsa for the Nationals, let’s celebrate the Arabian horse. As breeders and owners, we can be very proud of our accomplishments and our desire to guide our horses and our community into a bright future.
Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Volume 52, No. 3
El Tino x SW Victoria For breeding information contact MIDWEST David Boggs 612.328.8312 | david@midwestarabian.com
Owned by Stone Ridge Arabians, Dan & Maureen Grossman 812.322.5776 | www.stoneridgearabians.com
Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Volume 52, No. 3
HHA and Dr. Mark have really allowed us to take a look at our horses on a deeper level and provide better nutritional care for them as a result. In identifying areas where our horses are struggling, we can help them with those exact issues. Thanks to HHA, we are able to help sustain optimal health for our breeding horses, and the results are obvious. ~Sarah O’Brien, Palmetto Arabians
Pictured: Multi-National Champion Sire Always A Jullyen V
Proud supporter of:
Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Volume 52, No. 3
For decades, Dr. Mark DePaolo has treated horses with preventable issues such as Cushing’s syndrome, allergies, nervousness and chronic stiffness. Through the Horse Hair Analysis Program and its affiliated lab, mineral testing is the perfect solution to help navigate these problems. The easy process of hair sample collection, laboratory testing, and consultation with a veterinarian will result in a customized supplement unique to your horse. No guessing required.
Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Volume 52, No. 3
Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Volume 52, No. 3
As the morning orange sun rises over Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert, a crystal-clear blue-sky breaks dawn on a new day of happenings on Arabian Park Drive, the heart of Scottsdale’s Arabian horse community. Murray and Shirley Popplewell’s Rae-Dawn Arabians has made some sweeping changes to their story over the past few years, and just when one would think it couldn’t get any better, it does, and new chapters continue to be written encompassing the goodness of a beautiful life entwined with Arabian horses. As so often happens when one share’s their life with Arabian horses—an eye for beauty develops to be more inquisitive, along with a taste and style that not only is sensitive to the eye but creates a love and a passion that develops more personally—emotions transcend the dream into manifestation. Sharing time with Arabian horses for any period of time has a magical way of this most magnificent breed intrinsically weaving themselves in and out of your very being. Suddenly your life has completely changed for the better, to do better, to breed better; and as opportunity presents itself, you also welcome into your life, and your breeding program, some of the very finest of bloodstock. Rae-Dawn Arabians is no exception. “It’s the people, the horses, and the lifestyle that comes along with being involved with Arabian horses,” Murray shares, “and it’s a wonderful way of life for Shirley and I. We enjoy every moment of it.” Both Murray and Shirley are quick to exclaim, almost in unison, that the only thing guaranteed in life is that it is ever changing. And change, does it ever.
continued... AleSIA eNB
(Atticus ENB x Aliyah Vision PCF) Pictured top to bottom: RD MARcIeA Bey (Bey Ambition x RD Marciena), MD MASSIMA (Truest x MD Mirka), GIANA leAh PcF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF)
to the U.S. Nationals one last
RD MARcIeA Bey (Bey Ambition x RD Marciena)
time,” smiles Murray. RD Marciea Bey will show with Mr. Alcides Rodrigues in the Senior Mare class, vying for the title of United States National champion. With an eye always on the lookout for the next “phase” of Rae-Dawn, Giana leah PcF was added to the program in January of 2018. “She was eccentric, and all the pieces just fit,” says Murray. “She came out of her stall, tail over her back, neck arched, and with the most incredible showy attitude. And her face … it was so sculpted, so refined.” Giana leah PcF hails from Sam Peacemaker’s PcF Arabians. She is by Polidoro Fc and out of the illustrious producing Aliyah Vision PcF (PcF Vision x Maria PcF, to DA Valentino/ Afire Bey V/Padrons Psyche/ echo Magnifficoo). “The pedigree doesn’t get much finer,” says Murray, “and she looks exactly as her pedigree says she should which excited us very much.” After joining the Rae-Dawn collection in 2018, Giana leah
“Our exposure to the world-class mare NW Siena Psyche
PcF captured the coveted Junior Filly championship rose garland at Scottsdale a month
catapulted our program many steps forward” says Murray. “We saw
later. That very same year, she went on to be named 2018 U.S. National champion Open
Siena during a presentation in Santa ynez and we were awestruck.”
yearling Filly. “There was a lot on the table at the 2019 U.S. Nationals,” Murray recalls.
NW Siena Psyche is a daughter of Padrons Psyche and out of
“There were some very, very special 2-year-old fillies competing and the pressure was
the Bey Shah daughter NV Shanteuse. The classic blending of
on.” Stress and excitement aside, Giana leah PcF prevailed and was crowned 2019 U.S.
Psyche and Bey Shah+ and a near unbeatable mare in the show
National champion 2-year-Old Filly with Alcides Rodrigues. After a brief hiatus with time
ring culminated in Siena’s dynamite production abilities, gracing
to relax and rejuvenate last year, Giana leah PcF will return to the U.S. Nationals this
the industry with some of the most winningest horses ever. “We
year as a 4-year-old to compete in the Junior Mare division, again with Rodrigues. “It’s for
purchased two embryos from NW Siena Psyche on that visit to
sure not an easy decision to bring back a horse who accomplished so much as a yearling,
california and RD Marciena was one of the resulting fillies,”
especially one of our very best,” says Murray, “but it’s a horse show and we’re here to have
notes Murray. RD Marciena is sired by QR Marc and was the 2010
fun and enjoy.” Nothing like embracing the moment, and the now, with a mare like Giana
Breeders World cup Gold champion yearling Filly in las Vegas,
leah PcF.
2010 U.S. National champion yearling Filly, and 2012 U.S. National champion Futurity Filly. But aside from RD Marciena’s
Despite the depth and consistency of the Rae-Dawn herd, Murray and Shirley Popplewell
tremendous show career and accomplishments, is her ability to
have always been open to the idea of a new addition, should they come across a horse
produce producers, like her dam before her. Bred to Bey Ambition,
that ignites each other’s passion and makes sense for the RD show and breeding program.
RD Marciena produced RD Marciea Bey, a second generation of
likewise, Rae-Dawn’s resident trainer, Alcides Rodrigues, keeps his eyes peeled for
Rae-Dawn breeding and arguably one of the most beautiful mares
opportunities to continue to elevate the farm’s profile on the world stage. As fate would
in the world today. From a blending of Ali Jamaal, Marwan Al
have it, the 2020 Scottsdale Show presented an opportunity and MD Massima came
Shaqab, Padrons Psyche, Bey Shah, *Bask, and *el Shaklan to
into the picture and joined the Rae-Dawn herd. A spectacular daughter of Truest, MD
name but a few, RD Marciea Bey has curated a repertoire high in
Massima descends from the matriarch herself, MD Mirka, a mare blending the program
success: 2016 U.S. and canadian Reserve National champion
of ecuadorian breeder Mr. Manuel Durini. MD Mirka is a daughter of AJ Thee luca
Futurity Filly, 2018 U.S. Reserve National champion Junior Mare,
(Thee Desperado x *heD caramba, by Magnum Psyche) and out of the Padrons Psyche
and this year, masterfully presented by resident trainer Alcides
daughter MD Psylk. Ironically, MD Massima traces to canadian-bred Showgirl SP who
Rodrigues, 2021 Arabian Breeders World cup Silver champion
was bred and born in Ontario; how wonderfully fitting that this mare line comes full
Mare on the Polo Fields in Scottsdale. “We are taking her back Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Volume 52, No. 3
has inherited a tremendous ancestry of the circle back to canada. “We knew Massima’s
Arabian breed’s greats. “Smooth bodied and extra
mother line was very special, as grandmother
refined, she has a wonderful showy character
*Anastasiaa is also the dam of big-time winning
that is so important in today’s show ring,”
MD hibat Allah,” exclaims Murray. “Adding to
comments Alcides. “She has a unique sparkle
her power-packed pedigree, MD Massima won
when competing at the very highest level; just
the 2020 International Gold championship title
ask Shirley. She showed Nova so beautifully at
at Scottsdale with then trainer Mike Wilson and
Scottsdale and together the pair captured 2021
capped an already momentous year being crowned
Scottsdale Signature yearling Filly championship
2020 U.S. National champion yearling Filly
honors in February.” It was a phenomenal win
with Alcides Rodrigues in a perfect ending to the
amongst a group of the top fillies in the country,
show season.” Alcides couldn’t agree more. “She
in the world for that matter. An elimination
is one of the biggest 2-year-olds I have ever seen
cut which can be grueling for babies under the
and is ultra-feminine and very refined with lots
February desert sky, and some 40+ fillies later,
of curves—we love her!” MD Massima will also
RD Nova JP came out on top. “She won it!”
return to the U.S. Nationals this October to stake
celebrates Murray. While Rae-Dawn Arabians
her claim of the red rose garland as champion Two-year-Old Filly with Rodrigues. Also moving the Rae-Dawn program forward, are two very special fillies welcomed in December of 2020: Alesia eNB and RD Nova JP. And how
GIANA leAh PcF (Polidoro FC x Aliyah Vision PCF)
fitting that both fillies, bay in color, coincidentally have a sparkle so reminiscent of stablemates Giana leah PcF and MD Massima, both purchased near the same age and same time in years past. “Alesia eNB took our breath away when we saw her at Sandro Pinha’s Arabians International,” exclaims Murray. “her attitude was electric—we got goosebumps when she came walking out of the barn. We knew what we were getting ourselves into with Alesia because she shares the same
Alcides Rodrigues, MD Massima & Shirley and Murray Popplewell
mother as our beloved Giana leah PcF.” From Mike Weinstein’s breeding program, Alesia eNB
has won many top honors at Scottsdale,
is sired by Psynergy’s junior stallion Atticus eNB,
including big wins in the Signature Auction
who is a son of *el Nabila B and out of Om el
classes, winning the Signature Futurity Filly
Benedine, by *Sanadik el Shaklan. her dam,
class was a first for the farm and a wonderful
Aliyah Vision PcF, needs little introduction,
accomplishment.
as this mother line is prevalent in Rae-Dawn’s collection and has produced phenomenal show
“Breeding Arabian horses is an art all of
and breeding horses for both the farm and others.
itself,” notes Murray. “you don’t know what
“We’ve come to learn this pedigree is very predictable,” says Murray. And predictable it is. Alesia eNB dazzled the crowd at the Arabian
RD NOVA JP (Ibn Farid x Starry Night JP)
earning the highest movement score of the entire show, propelling Rodrigues to the forefront as the 2021 Arabian Breeders World cup handler of excellence. With fall sights set on Tulsa, Rodrigues and Alesia eNB will show this October in the coveted yearling Sweepstakes Filly class. She has been expertly managed and prepared for by the Rae-Dawn team this year and Nationals will be her second outing and arena she steps into this year.
to uncover pedigrees and horses that fulfill and bring forth qualities and traits that light
Breeders World cup this past April capturing the coveted Silver champion yearling Filly trophy and
you don’t know, and it takes years studying
your soul on fire.” Arabian horses have woven Bred by Jack Perry, the beautiful bay yearling filly RD Nova JP is by the international import *Ibn Farid and out of Starry Night JP, who blends a lovely mother line of some of the industry’s greatest show horses, ever— Magnum Psyche, Padrons Psyche, ynazia hcF, Odyssey Sc (by Versace), and Arn-ett Perlane+. Murray and Shirley didn’t think twice when they first saw Nova at Greg Knowles’ training barn. “She exuded so much quality!” Murray exclaims, “we weren’t leaving there without her!” RD Nova JP is a style all her own who
themselves into the Popplewell’s fabric of life. What started as a small acquisition of a “few” riding horses for a hobby, has morphed into a world-class collection of the finest stallions, mares, and foals housed in facilities that span two countries—the breeding farm in Saskatchewan, canada and the marketing, sales and show center in Scottsdale, Arizona. With sights set on Tulsa, the old adage of “be careful what you wish for” and “the sky’s the limit,” rings very, very true for the Popplewells and Rae-Dawn Arabians.
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Tocont i nuer eadi ng,pur chas e anAHTdi gi t als ubs cr i pt i ont oday . www. aht f or ms . com/ s ubs cr i be