Irwin Schimmel-Prestige, published in Arabian Horse Times by Arabian Horse Times

I RW I N

S C H I M M EL

The

Comeback Kid by KARA LARSON

There’s a common thread amongst the outpouring of support for Irwin Schimmel these past few months. In the close-knit Arabian horse community, when one of our own takes it on the chin, we have a way of uniting in the wake and realigning our collective perspective. It’s been a challenging time for Irwin, but through hundreds of Facebook comments, letters, texts, and phone calls, he has felt the community of the Arabian horse envelop him. These outside voices and their words now serve as a chronicle of Irwin’s resiliency, his fighting spirit, and his new identity as the ‘comeback kid’. Because just after the 2017 U.S. Nationals, Irwin was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and then developed an offshoot disorder called Chronic Inflammatory

Proficient Fire

Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The former is a

wouldn’t be where he is today for another year at least, but

rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks

having built a life on determination and drive, Irwin wasn’t

the nerves—and the latter is a neurological disorder

about to take that projection to heart.

characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. Simply put, CIDP is

It wasn’t easy for Irwin to stay away from the farm for

considered the chronic form of GBS. A post on the Prestige

three months—and with a mind like his, the limitations

Farms Facebook shares, “He literally lost all ability to move

of his physical self didn’t quite match up to his mental.

and use his legs, which was accompanied by extreme pain

Irwin shares, “Even from the hospital bed, I talked to the

and burning in his limbs.”

farm every day. I have a fellow who has worked for me now for about 30 years and I can really depend on him

For three months, Irwin was hospitalized and fighting to

with the horses.”

regain his ability to walk, all the while overcoming vexatious infections like pancreatitis and other setbacks on his journey

Between his tried-and-true staff and his devoted family,

to recovery. With time, promising days began to come more

Irwin was surrounded by support and positivity and

frequently—and more good days led to more farm talk. After

strength—a perfect environment for a comeback. Three

all, Irwin has big plans for the 2018 breeding season. Anyone

months after Irwin entered the hospital, he got to go home

who knows Irwin will tell you, ‘that sounds about right,’

to Vancouver, WA. Days later, he was finally able to make

because his mind, ambition, and goals are not characteristics

his first trip out to his beloved Prestige Farms, twenty

easily quelled. In the beginning, his doctors told him he

minutes away in Hillsboro, OR.

Empress Of Bask

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Prestige Farms Then & Now ...

The oldest of four boys, Irwin grew up on a small Oregon dairy

farm with a workhorse. “That’s how we made our spending money,” Irwin begins, “We had a decent acreage with some pretty good timber on it, and there was a little mill not too far, so we’d take the timber, put it in the trailer, and take those over there when we had spare time from farming.” Pamela Schimmel, Irwin’s wife of 53 years, shares a different kind of anecdote with that same workhorse from Irwin’s childhood, one that

Irwin Schimmel, Kendal Spencer and Pam Schimmel.

prompts a curiosity in her about his interest in horses altogether. She admits, “I never thought my husband would get into horses because that old logging horse named Tony almost killed him. They were riding double going down a hill, no bridle or anything, and he ended up getting trampled. So Irwin is a survivor.” If we’ve learned anything from Irwin’s story, it’s the value of resilience and persistence—qualities that have helped him and Prestige Farms

“I would like to thank my grandpa for no matter what I chose to do, whether it was soccer or horses, he supported me and believed in me. He has taught me so much about life and he is the best grandpa! I am so grateful for you Papa ... I love you.” — Kendal Spencer

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Multi-National Champion Dancealot Left: with Irwin and Theresa Schimmel Middle: with trainer Michael Whelihan Bottom: Irwin and MSU Afire Blazon

“I can’t imagine a world without my Grandpa Schimmel. He has always been around to give advice and lend an ear to this day. Some of my favorite memories by far, have been taking trips with him, when he tells me stories and offers me life lessons. I know that Grandpa will support me in almost any situation, as well as deliver me his honest opinion on a variety of topics. I know for a fact, he has attributed to my success as an individual and I could never thank him enough for that. Grandpa, I am lucky to have a role model like you and I am beyond grateful for everything you do for all of us grandkids. I will always remember and cherish every mile in the passenger seat, every word of advice, and every joke you played on me. Thank you for everything, Papa, I can’t wait for our next adventure no matter how large or small.”

— Love, Brooke Schimmel

find success. Irwin shares, “I want to be the best I can be and do the best job I can. I live my life day to day and do what I can with what I’ve got. I’m not out there to set the world on fire, I’m just out there to have fun and help other people and enjoy it.” Thinking about the happiness and wellbeing of others in the horse industry is key for Irwin, who shares that some of his best friends are in the Arabian horse business. “It’s truly an extended family. I have so many friends; it is just unreal,” says Irwin. Pam believes a lot of Irwin’s compassion for fellow horsemen finds its source in hoping to pay it forward, in a way. She shares, “Irwin loves to help other people who love our industry. I have seen him come down on price just so a particular person who wanted to show and couldn’t afford it got a chance to enjoy what his kids loved so much.”

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Irwin adds, “We’re not concerned with how much money

be the best Prestige crop yet, crediting the depth of

we can get out of these horses, because very rarely do

his outstanding mare collection. As a testament to his

we get big bucks out of a horse. We get plenty to operate,

program, Prestige Farms was also humbled and proud to

but we don’t go out there to try to get $100,000 for every

be recognized as a semi-finalist by the APAHA as a 2017

horse. We make the prices so people can afford them.”

Breeder of the Year.

This is an important aspect to the Prestige Farms way—

Over the years, Irwin has enjoyed driving his horses to big

breeding quality, yet affordable horses, horses that pop up

wins, breeding and selling some incredible Arabian horses,

winning all around the country with new owners. It’s an

and watching his children and grandchildren experience

objective that gives way to trainers and owners coming

their own successes in the show ring. Certainly, there are

back to him year after year in search of the right horse.

countless significant moments to think back on, but for

Oftentimes, they find the perfect mount—because with 40

Irwin, the real joy comes in sharing special memories with

years of careful breeding, Irwin can read a bloodline with

his family—and having fun all the while.

the best of them. “What I tell the kids when we go in is let’s have a good ride It’s been a journey filled with honest trial and error,

and do the best we can. And if we don’t have enough, next

studying bloodlines, trusting instincts, and simply seeing

time we’ll have enough. The biggest thing is having fun.

what works. And this boiled-down, straightforward

Winning is great, but having fun is more important. And

approach has served Irwin right. Coming into the

you don’t have to win to have fun.” ■

2018 season, he feels more confident than ever it will

Noble Dynasty PF and Cole Schimmel.

“Honestly, I don’t know if I could thank my grandpa enough. From being in the fields on the farm bailing hay, to being in the show ring, I’ve been so fortunate to grow up on a farm, learn what hard work is, and how to be successful. He has taught me to not stop dreaming, because with the right mind set, you can accomplish anything. I love and thank you for everything you have done to help me and for me.” — Cole Schimmel Ar abian Horse Times | 93 | Volume 48, No. 9, Issue #4

Family ... kids & grandkids

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“Every little girl grows up looking up to her dad, but I’ve never stopped. I know there’s no such thing as a perfect dad, but you come pretty close. I hope one day I can show you just how important you are to me. Thank you for being a loving shoulder to cry on when my heart has gotten broken, and a hand to high five to celebrate when I achieved a dream.” — Theresa Schimmel Spencer

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National winners bred by Prestige Farms

Eternal Fire PF JK Heiristocracy

My grandfather is one of the most supportive persons I have ever met. With eight grandkids who all have different interests ranging from racing cars and playing soccer, baseball and gymnastics to horses, he always makes an effort to come and support us whenever we have a game, race or meet. He has driven up to Seattle to watch my sister compete, then driven back down to Portland to watch my cousin play baseball. My grandfather will, and has done so much, to help each one of his kids and grandkids pursue their goals and dreams; I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the support he has given and the lessons he has taught. For that, I am extremely grateful. Thank you, Grandpa. — Kade Spencer

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Nutcracker Sweet PF

Block Buster PF Thunder Struck LR

Tommy Bahama PF

Flirtacious Fire PF

Marchine Gun Fire PF

Atomic Fireball PF Ar abian Horse Times | 97 | Volume 48, No. 9, Issue #4

National winners bred by Prestige Farms

Drivin Me Nuts PF

Hot Pursuit PF

Sure Fire Redemption

Hinged In Heaven

Uncle Cracker

Thank you to my family, friends, clients, staff and the entire Arabian horse community, for your prayers and support during my illness. It is overwhelming; more than I can ever express. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Love, Irwin

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P R E S T I G E FA R M S 2 0 1 8 F O A L I N G L I S T

MARE’S SIRE

MARE

IN FOAL TO

CA Natashya IXL Noble Express Afires Heir JR Patrice Apollopalooza Afires Heir MD Bellamesa MHR Nobility Baskghazi She’s A New Yorker (ASB) I’m A New Yorker Baskghazi Cohiba Baby Hucklebey Berry HA Toskcan Sun SF Cara Mia Afire Bey V HA Toskcan Sun HV Tesstoify Matoi Baskghazi SF Sweet Seduction SF Specs Shocwave Inception Rumorr Has It Afire Bey V Inception Red Hott Mama Mamage Mountain Views Heir To Fortune Ruby Red CCF Afires Heir Mountain Views Heir To Fortune CP Dansing Heiress Afires Heir Nutcracker’s Nirvana Miz Show Biz Baske Afire Nutcracker’s Nirvana Eternity PF MHR Nobility SF Aftershoc Evening Wheir Afires Heir SF Aftershoc Noble Vision PF MHR Nobility SF Aftershoc Mild Beauty Gallo Del Cielo Al Marah Matt Dillon B B Flashdanse MHR Nobility Afires Heir Italia CCF HA Toskcan Sun Afires Heir HH Tiny Dancer VF Vanguard HA Toskcan Sun Miss Carrissima (ASB) Rare Perception HA Toskcan Sun JSN Cosmopolitan El Ghazi Inception Ballroom Blitz PF Mamage Thunder Struck LR Prestige Farms has several yearlings, two-year-olds, and young started prospects, as well as National Champion producing mares in foal for 2018 to the world’s finest National Champion siring stallions who are all available for your viewing pleasure. Please give us a call to discuss.

Irwin Schimmel & Family P.O. Box 814 Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Irwin 503-367-4997 Office: 360-256-9432 www.PrestigeFarmsLLC.com

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eding your Thank you, Irwin, for bre Afire! beautiful mares to Baske amazing You are a great breeder of ur belief in performance horses and yo lish him as a Baske Afire helped estab nners!! leading sire of National wi breeder, but a You are not only a great ays look forward fantastic competitor. I alw sses with you. to showing in driving cla at supporter Thank you for being a gre horse ……. and lover of the Arabian A passion we share!! — Barbara

Princess Of Baske and Barbara Chur

Congratulations, Irwin and Prestige Farms, on your great success as breeders! We look forward to seeing what will be next!

Bred by Prestige Farms - Sired by Baske Afire AFIRE ON WALSTREET PF ALL REVVVED UP+ ATOMIC FIREBALL PF+/ BASKE ANGEL FIRE BL MEMORY BURNIN RING AFIRE CANT CONTROLLER PF DA DEBONAIR DA VINCI CODE DCISIONS DCISIONS PF DIVA AFIRE MA FLATTERY AFIRE FOREVER BASKE PF

FYRE AND BRIMSTONE GLACIER FIRE GOODIE TWO SHOES GSF SIRIUS FIRE HIGH SOCIETY FLING HOT RODDER PF IN THE LINE AFIRE MACHINE GUN FIRE PF MARCOPOLO PF MARGARITA ROSE PF MEAN MACHINE PF MIZ KATARINA BASK PF MIZ SHOW BIZ

NOTHING COMPARES PISTOLERO PF PROFICIENT FIRE QUARTERBACK SNEAK PF RADIO ACTIVE PF READ ALL ABOUT IT ROCK N ROLLER PF ROL FEELIN GROOVY SHAKEN RATTLEN ROLLEN SHES HIGH MAINTENANCE STREET ROD PF TRYST CCF TURBO AFIRE

Strawberry Banks Farm Barbara Chur, owner | Brian Murch, trainer, cell: 716-983-3099 716-652-9346 | East Aurora, New York | info@strawberrybanksfarm.com www.StrawberryBanksFarm.com

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BASKE AFIRE

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... a long history with Irwin Empress of Bask and Irwin Schimmel

Irwin ... a great breeder, competitor, mentor and friend. He has been part of the Stachowski program for many years—he’s a family member!

Empress of Bask and Jim Stachowski

Congratulations, Irwin, on your success breeding to Nutcracker’s Nirvana. I’m excited to see them under saddle and in the show ring. Best of Luck!

Thank you, Irwin, for being a diligent supporter of both the Arabian breed and Stachowski Farm.

JJ Montego Bey and Irwin Schimmel

—Shawn Stachowski

Mantua, Ohio • San Marcos, California • Scottsdale, Arizona

—Jim, Peter and the entire staff at Stachowski Farm

Block Buster PF

JK Heiristocracy

Noble Dynasty PF and Cole Schimmel

They say â&#x20AC;&#x153;it takes a village ...â&#x20AC;?; no truer words were ever spoken. Irwin Schimmel is a village unto himself! He is the breeder, promoter, owner, Dad, client, Grandpa, trainer, showman, cheerleader, and most importantly, our friend. His influence in the Arabian industry is unparalleled. We are grateful to have him in our lives. Noble Vision PF

Vicki, Jesse and the entire staff at Vicki Humphrey Training Center

Vicki Humphrey & Jessica Clinton DeSoto Canton, Georgia | 770.335.6194 | VHTC@VickiHumphrey.com www.VickiHumphreyTraining Center.com

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Irwin ... a great breeder, a great supporter, a great inspiration! First he chose

Bred by Prestige Farms - Sired by Afire Bey V ABSOLUTELY AFIRE AFIRES CENTURIAN AMBITIONS AFIRE BARACUDA BEY BARRINGTON BEY+/ BB RUBY AFIRE ETERNAL FIRE PF FLIRTACIOUS FIRE PF HEAD OVER HEELS

NEWS FLASH OH BEY B REIGN AFIRE RUMORR HAS IT SHES A HOTTY SIMPLY SINFUL SURE FIRE REDEMPTION TT WISDOMS FIRE

And now, he was quick to breed to

Congratulations, Irwin, on a successful breeding program that the entire ind ustry loves and respects. It is breeders like you who have been an inspiration and mentor to so many. Wi th the basis of breeding for pedigree, along with individ ual characteristics, the Arabian horse has a bri ght future. We appreciate your choosi ng Afire Bey V and Inception to use in your pro gram. We eagerly await the arrival of your firs t Inception foals. Thank you for your suppor t of the industry and the friendship that we have come to cherish. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dave & Gail Liniger Tim & Marty Shea

Unanimous National Champion IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire Contact Ashton Kiesner for breeding information | 865-556-0412

Thank you, Irwin, for be ing such an inspiration to us. It is always a pleas ure to have you visit the farm and share your thoughts on the direction you are taking yo ur breeding program. You have always been a supporter of the Arabian horse and what it does for family and friends. Your smile is infect ious and everyone can feel your love for the horse. We are thrilled to see you coming back strong and ready to share your new foals with us. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Roger, Linda and Denn is and the entire Lervick sta ff.

Roger & Linda Lervick P.O. Box 699, Stanwood, Washington 98292 | 360-652-0108 | 800-669-2745 Trainer, Dennis Wigren: 360-202-5934 cytosk@whidbey.net â&#x20AC;˘ www.rolervickarabians.com

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+ SF Specs Shocwave x SF Sweet Elegance 2012 U.S. National R eserve Champion A rabian English P leasure 2010 U.S. National R eserve Champion A rabian English P leasure Junior Horse

Thank you, Irwin, for yo ur years of support to the Arabian industry. It is an honor to recognize you as one of ou r leading breeders

I am proud that you have selected Aftershoc as one of the sires for use in your successful breeding program. You are an inspiration to all of us who are pursuing our own breeding programs in the hope of being as successf ul as you have been. Chase and I wish you all the best as you continue producing future champions for Prestige Farms and the ma ny clients that turn to you for a winner. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; L A Flynn

Standing at: CHASE HARVILL TRAINING CENTRE 27109 South Creek Drive | Magnolia, TX 77354 281-252-6228 | chtrncntr@aol.com Trainer, Chase Harvill: 480-338-0865 Breeding Manager, Mandy Harvill: 480-338-0863 Owned by: L A FLYNN Alpharetta, Georgia www.chaseharvill.com

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It has been an honor to sp end time with you and your family over the years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been fun! You have contrib uted so much to the Arabian horse over the years; we love the passion and energy that you bring to it and your family. Love, Dick, Lollie and La

Theresa Schimmel Spencer Mia Schimmel

Dick, Lollie & Lara Ames | Jordan, Minnesota www.Cedar-Ridge.com

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Irwin Schimmel & Family P.O. Box 814, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Irwin: 503.367.4997 â&#x20AC;¢ Office: 360.256.9432 www.PrestigeFarmsLLC.com PrestigeFarms@gmail.com

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