Arabian Horse Times Vol. 52, No. 2 by Arabian Horse Times

VO LUM

E 5 2, N O. 2 | $2 2 .50

Patricia Dempsey: 352-430-3456 Patricia@BelovedsFarm.com www.BelovedsFarm.com

MULTI-REGIONAL UNANIMOUS CHAMPION

BELOVED CALL TO GLORY

Ar abian Horse Times | 1 | Volume 52, No. 2

QUICK FACTS: SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW February 17-27, 2022

WESTWORLD, NORTH SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Event: 11 Days Attendance Expected: ~ 311,000 people Horses Entered in Competition: Over 2,400 Shopping Expo: 300 Unique Vendors ~ A Shopper’s Paradise! Admission: Adults $10, Seniors $7 and Children 12 & Under Free!

Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Volume 52, No. 2

The 67th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show takes place at the City of Scottsdale’s WestWorld, February 17-27, 2022. The largest event of its kind in the world, the show routinely attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to experience the passion and versatility of the Arabian horse. The show draws more than 2,400 of the world’s finest Arabian and Half-Arabian horses for 11 days of thrilling competition in pursuit of the coveted “Scottsdale Champion” title. These magnificent animals and their owners gather to celebrate this exciting show and compete for more than $4 million in prize money, luxurious trophies, and wonderful awards given to the best. With more than 1,000 colorful classes, there is always something exciting to see. In addition to exciting competitions, gala parties, educational seminars and an international cuisine court, the event features an amazing Shopping Expo with more than 350 commercial exhibitors, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing and works of art, to boots, saddles and gifts. Guests also can stroll the luxurious and exotically decorated stabling areas in which the horses are housed. Each year the show has a variety of family-friendly events: Meet an Arabian Horse, behindthe-scenes barn tours, educational seminars, Paint a Pony, and games to name a few. This is a must-attend event if you are a horse lover. The expansion of the breeding division makes this the Westminster of the Arabian horse world as we anticipate the best collection of athleticism and breeding stock anywhere in the world, including new, up-and-coming supermodels. Scottsdale is not only the world’s largest display of Arabian horses, but offers a multitude of activities that help promote the Arabian horse. The mecca for the Arabian horse, Scottsdale is a great place to see, touch and feel the finest Arabian horses! If you are an exhibitor, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show presents an unprecedented showcase opportunity to compete center stage, and offers prize money and abundant marketing opportunities for breeders and purebred Arabian horse enthusiasts. You can find the schedule and entry forms on our website at scottsdaleshow.com Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a great vacation destination as well; there is so much to see and do. The excitement of the show is sure to inspire, the scenery of the desert allows you to relax, and best of all, the discovery of new friends and wonderful experiences will leave you wanting more. Plan to join us in Scottsdale in February!

Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Volume 52, No. 2

table of

CONTENTS Volume 52, No. 2 Issue 5

Soul Of Marwan AS—At The Top Of His Game by Colleen Scott

A Star On The Rise: Siwar Al Shaqab by Theresa Cardamone

2SS

Saddle Seat Cover: Maroon Fire Arabians/Shea Stables Three-Year-Old English Prospects of Sping 2021 by Christy Egan

4SS

Today’s Saddle Seat Horse

14SS

Hagale Family Arabians ... They’re Back! by Colleen Scott

32SS

Prosuasion: Producing The Future by Merrick Miller

41SS

Signature Oak Stables ... From The Smallest Acorn by Colleen Scott

118

Turismo RA ... New Beginnings by Mary Kirkman

120

Cedar Ridge Arabians ... The Future Of CRF by Sarah Jayne Johnson

122

Benefactor Of The Breed: Wayne E. Thompson by Anita Anderson Grant

4WEST

Western Cover: Shamrock Farms LLC Proudly Presents Monaco Jullyen V’s Progeny by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

9WEST

Today’s Western Horse

20WEST

Harper Arabians Celebrates Arabian Western Pleasure Accolades by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

48WEST

Eleanor Hamilton: Pioneer, Horseman, Cowboy & Arabian Horse Breeder by Christy Egan

186

Alistar Arabians & ASA Scandalous Affair ... Turning Dreams Into Reality by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

188

LeFever Training Centre: Embracing Gratitude, Gifts & Giving by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

192

In Memoriam

Comments From The Publisher

116

Faces & Places: Forever Love

196

Trainers Directory

199

Index Of Advertisers

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Cover Story: Jerland Arabians’ Next Step: A Conversation With Larry Jerome by Theresa Cardamone

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On The Cover: Puccini J (WH Justice x Miss Giovanna), owned by Larry Jerome.

1Jerland

YOUR LEADERS IN MARKETING • PROMOTION TRAINING • INNOVATION www.RoyalArabians.com Cindy McGown & Mark Davis, Owners | Scottsdale, Mesa & Rio Verde, Arizona 480.361.6926 | info@royalarabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | Volume 52, No. 2

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 Christy Egan Catherine Cole Ferandelli Sarah Jayne Johnson Merrick Miller Colleen Scott

COMMENTS from the publisher OUR BEST INDICATOR OF WHAT IS TO COME

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. 2, September 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.

There are all kinds of metrics for evaluating how healthy a business is. One of the most popular in the equine industry is how well horses are selling. How many are changing hands? Are prices strong? Are middle class, as well as champions and talented prospects, in demand? How about prices? Are they fair? Those are all valid measurements of how well a breed is doing. For me, though, there is one other factor that is more important overall. How strong is interest in breeding Arabians? Because, simply put, that reflects how much faith people have in our horses, our community and our future. And it is vital, because without Arabian horses—a steady, ongoing stream of them—we will not have a breed or a business. Breeding is not a step owners take lightly. Every stallion season costs money, and mare care and veterinary costs are not negligible. Before a foal sees the light of day, it is running a deficit, and while some owners do it for their own enjoyment, many more envision selling the foal for a profit (not guaranteed). So, it is pleasant to know that 2021 is proving that despite all the uncertainties of the past year, faith is strong in the Arabian horse. Breedings are up—stallion seasons are trading briskly, and if you’re interested in embryo transfer, good recipient mares are hard to find due to demand. That has another positive implication as well. While some breeders use ET for mares whose health demands it, many others are tapping into the valuable bloodlines of their show mares while still competing with them. When we are wondering how the Arabian horse is doing in today’s world, let’s look at the facts: we’re enjoying the present and planning for years to come. And clearly, we’re preparing for a vibrant and healthy future!

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

Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Volume 52, No. 2

For breeding information contact MIDWEST David Boggs 612.328.8312 | david@midwestarabian.com Proudly owned by Stone Ridge Arabians Dan & Maureen Grossman 812.322.5776

Proud Supporter of:

Multi-National Champion Hendrixx WB

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This is the easiest paste to use by far! I don’t have to

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On Point is very effective, and I don’t have to use as much as other pastes.

This makes it cost effective for my owners. My horses like it and I don’t have to worry about working them down so much to show. ~Sally Randle

The horses swallow this paste, so there isn’t any waste.

On Point doesn’t make the horses feel soggy, they just go out and do their job. This not only helps our rides, it also allows our amateurs to concentrate on what they need to do in the show ring rather than fighting a hot horse. ~Joe & Michele Reser

Stay On-Point Equine Paste™ • Allows your horse to stay calm and focused during competition. • Palatable and easy to dose. • Contains no USEF prohibited substances.

Innovative Equine Supplements | Created By A Veterinarian | DePaoloEquineConcepts.com Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Volume 52, No. 2

Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Volume 52, No. 2

The outstanding 2021 Colt NESSUN DORMA (Puccini J x Bakhita J)

Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Jerland 2021

Jerland Arabians’

NextSteps by THERESA CARDAMONE

A Conversation with Larry Jerome

For over 50 years, the Jerland Arabians horses have emerged as stellar representatives of the storied diversity of the Arabian breed. With innumerable national championships in halter and nearly every discipline of performance, they are sought after by enthusiasts across the spectrum of horse ownership. Larry Jerome’s passion for the Arabian horse defines his philosophy as a breeder, which includes taking responsibility for the horses that are the results of his Jerland program. “I have an extremely beautiful and intelligent wife, and I want those same qualities in my horses,” Larry quips. “I also have seven pretty talented and good-looking kids, too. It’s all about the genetics! Seriously, I strive to create an animal that is extremely correct and beautiful, but I’m not looking to make a mantlepiece statue. They must also have a great temperament and be athletic and functional. I appreciate halter and have shown and won national championships, but I strongly believe that every foal needs to have a value and a purpose beyond that of a short-lived halter horse; they need other activities in their life.” The results of the recently held 2021 Youth and Mid Summer Nationals underline the fact that the Jerland influence is as strong now as it has ever been. In an incredible demonstration of top-class versatility, Jerland-bred horses earned National Champion honors in both Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse (Verdict J) and Arabian English Pleasure Junior Horse (Notably Divine J, bred w/Joni Hyrick), as well as Half-Arabian Ladies Side Saddle Western (Blue J) and Arabian Hunter Pleasure AATR Elite (Acclaim J, bred w/Bond Show Horses). In addition, Reserve National Champion titles went to Eclipse J (Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse), Elusive J (Arabian Western Pleasure AATR Choice), and Promise Me J, who scored big in the prestigious and lucrative AWPA Arabian Horse Times $15,000 Western Pleasure AAOTR Maturity.

Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Jerland 2021

2021 Mid Summer National Champion Arabian Western Pleasure Jr. Horse, VERDICT J (Versace x Alishahmaal, by Ali Jamaal) with Liz Bentley, bred and owned by Larry Jerome; and 2021 Mid Summer National Champion Arabian English Pleasure Jr. Horse, NOTABLY DIVINE J (ROL Divine Style+ x Notability, by MHR Nobility) with Matt Siemon, bred and owned by Joni Hyrick and Larry Jerome.

Larry Jerome was named Leading Western Breeder of the 2021 Youth & Mid Summer Nationals.

Larry is constantly looking through the lens of a farsighted breeder eager to improve his output. “When I go to a horse show, I pretty much sit in the stands and watch every class,” he states. “I still need to learn; I need to know what genetics have contributed to the greatness of each animal and what trainers have contributed to allow the horse to achieve these accolades. I’ve been in this industry a long time, but there are a lot of things I still want to accomplish.” Larry continues, “When you are breeding, you must recognize the strengths and the weaknesses of every animal. Without being overly critical, you must ask yourself, if you could change something about them, what would you change? How could this be a more functional or

Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Jerland 2021

purposeful animal? Our breeding program is basically founded on two stallions: Khadraj NA (Ponomarev x Khatreena NA, by Padron) and MPA Giovanni (Da Vinci FM x Glitzy, by FS Ritz). They worked very well together to create outstanding halter and performance horses. But you always have to be thinking about the next generation and what you are going to do.” That attitude led Larry to embark on a fact-finding mission to make him aware of what options were available globally. “I was in Europe to promote MPA Giovanni and to see mares that I thought he would work well with,” Larry reminisces. “I was looking for the next step in my program and Karl-Heinz Stoeckle’s was one of the stops I made. He was standing WH Justice, who I was extremely excited about, although he was still a young horse at the time.” Larry’s desire to add

WH Justice

Justice to the Jerland pedigrees was realized when he acquired two breedings to the horse from his good friend, Bart van Buggenhout, who was standing the stallion at Aljassimya Farm. Finally able to fulfill his dream of adding WH Justice to his program, Larry chose two Giovanni daughters to make the cross. “I thought that was the ideal mating,” recalls Larry. “Genetically, they were very compatible, not closely linebred. Giovanni brought the size, the hip, and a strong back; Justice brought a beautiful face and bend of the neck. Giovanni horses are level-headed and mellow, Justice gives a show-ring attitude; plenty of snort and blow. I thought that if I could take these traits from each horse and blend them together, I would be closer to my ideal. I also maintain that a stallion cannot ‘fix’ everything, neither can a mare ‘fix’ everything. But when you get the right blend, magic can happen. I was fortunate and it worked in both cases. I ended up with both an extremely

Miss Giovanna

Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | Jerland 2021

beautiful filly, Galaxie J, and an extremely exotic colt, Puccini J, that I felt could be the next step in my genetic program.” Puccini’s dam is one of Jerland’s elite mares, U.S. and Canadian National Futurity Champion, Miss Giovanna. “The one thing that I wanted to change about her was that she was very comfortable in her own skin, like Giovanni,” Larry explains. “She was not the hot, fire-breathing dragon who exudes enthusiasm. But Puccini was another story. James Swanepoel, from Belgium, said he was the most perfect Justice foal he had seen in the United States, if not the world. Andy Sellman fell in love with him as a foal and was the first person to take him into the show ring, where he did very well as a yearling. He continued to win as a two-year-old and into his threeyear-old year with Michael Byatt.” Knowing he had something very special on his hands, Larry let the horse indicate the tempo of his career. “When I show a horse, I do it in steps,” he continues. “After going to a few of the big shows, we thought it would be best for Puccini to mature both physically and mentally. He had a juvenile attitude, and his color also needed to mature to its eventual white to complete the total package. We decided to bring him home and let him grow up before adding another part to his career. We put him in western training with Roxanne Schall, while at the same time we bred him to a few select mares. “Roxanne was the trainer of choice because she has a soft, quiet hand and would bring the horse along slowly. I didn’t want too much intensity, but

Puccini’s earliest foals: 2019 full sibling fillies SMILE J (top) and LOVE J (middle), out of Unforgettable J, by MPA Giovanni), and 2019 colt TOREADOR J, out of Kharmen J, by Khadraj NA+++/.

Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Jerland 2021

we knew that the horse was bored living in a stall. He wanted to do something. Too many halter horses just come out to get lunged and be set up; they have no spice in their lives. They need variety. I like to take my stallions and give them another job. In doing so, we realized that Puccini, like many of the Giovanni relatives, had the ability to become an incredible performance horse.” Larry bred several mares to him, with exceptional results among the five or six foals on the ground now. Some have already been snatched up by savvy breeders, including Smile J, who has found a new home in the Middle East. “We are still at the beginning, but I am looking at Puccini as having a dual career,” Larry avers. “We’ve kept him in training now for the last year as a performance horse, with Jeff Schall monitoring his physical condition. Our plan is to bring him back out into the world as a halter horse at Scottsdale in February 2022, with Michael Byatt. We think Puccini could be the unique individual who succeeds in

PUCCINI J (WH Justice x Miss Giovanna) Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Jerland 2021

that atmosphere. At the same time, we are creating foals with functionality that can be used in the western arena. Do I think Puccini will produce an English horse? Probably not. But he produces an athletic western horse with all the qualities that you want to see in that discipline. “One of his first foals was out of Promisa J, the full sister to Broken Promises PGA and Khaja J, who is the father of our multiple-Scottsdale and U.S. National Champion Western horse, Kola J. I am quite thrilled with the outcome. The oldest Puccini daughters will probably be bred in the next year or so, and we intend to try them with Verdict J, who just won his

LA BOHEME J | 2021 Colt (Puccini J x Khenya PGA, by Khadraj NA+++/)

FORTE J | 2021 Colt (Puccini J x Amety B)

first national championship in Oklahoma City. He has phenomenal genetics, being a full brother to Virtuosa MLR, the dam of FA El Rasheem, who sold for over $4 million to the Dubai Stud as a halter horse. This will be the next genetic cross for the Jerland program.” Larry continues to look to the future with a clear gaze. “You must have a vision,” he declares. “Too many people who get into this industry want instant gratification. I have had many, many wins. I have all kinds of trophies and ribbons, but I display very few of them in my home. I feel my greatest accomplishments in life are my family, my friends, the relationships that I have cultivated. Don’t get me wrong, I like to win as much as the next person…maybe more so. I play to win. But you need to prepare to win. Things do not happen to you overnight. When I sent Verdict to Liz Bentley I said, ‘This horse is not

Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Jerland 2021

VOULEZ-VOUS J (Puccini J x Porshah J, by Khadraj NA+++/) 2021 Colt

Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Jerland 2021

Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Jerland 2021

“... you always have to be thinking about the next generation and what you are going to do.” ~Larry Jerome going to be ready until he is five or six years old, but I need these genetics in my bloodlines. I do believe this is going to happen, but we need to take the time to let it happen.’ It happened with Verdict, it happened with Kola—you can’t throw in the towel. “I wanted to feature Puccini on the cover because, whereas Khadraj and Giovanni have made their marks, and Khaja and Kola are now making theirs, I think Puccini is going to be the next horse coming up. And Verdict is the horse coming up right behind him. I’m very grateful to all the people who support my breeding program and to all the trainers that support our program and do phenomenal work with our horses. It is wellknown in the industry that I have a lot of great trainers that I support because they support me.” In addition, Larry is grateful to the many people who have mentored him over the years, freely sharing their knowledge and insights. He continues to keep his fingers on the pulse of the Arabian horse industry. “We live in a world now where halter horses have a place,” he says. “But the group of people who are most active are people 50 years and older, many of them women who have waited a lifetime to raise their kids and have careers, but who have always dreamed of being in horses. Now they are riding. The amateur area has grown tremendously. I am honored to be serving on the AHA Board and I can tell you, our industry has changed, trends have changed, COVID changed us. But we are always thinking how we can keep the industry vibrant and exciting. That’s what it’s all about.” ■ Puccini J (left), and one of Larry’s favorite foals of 2021, ELATION J (Puccini J x Fascination J, by FA El Rasheem).

Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | Jerland 2021

Puccini J with Roxanne Schall

WWW.JERLAND.COM

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by COLLEEN SCOTT

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any great stallions progress slowly, earning their accolades as they grow into their bodies and personalities. Many take years to move past awkward growing pains and reach their full

potential. Not so with the much admired and highly decorated

Soul of Marwan AS (Marwan Al Shaqab x RD Challs Angel), owned

by Arabian Soul Partners, Mexico City, Mexico, and Royal Arabians, Cindy

McGown and Mark Davis, Scottsdale, AZ. In fact, it didn’t take him any time at all to grow into himself; he was, it seems, born a superstar. The 2013 bay stallion, now standing at Royal Arabians, began attracting attention as soon as he hit the show ring as a yearling in 2014, first capturing the Reserve Champion Scottsdale Arabian Classic Junior Colt title. He then went on to U.S. Nationals where he was named both Reserve Champion Yearling Colt and Supreme Champion Junior Colt 3 Years & Under. And he was just getting started. Additional titles through the years included:

2015 Scottsdale Champion 2-Year-Old Colt 2015 Scottsdale Champion Junior Colt 2018 Arabian National Breeder Finals Gold Champion Stallion 2020 U.S. National Reserve Champion Senior Stallion Most recently, with Rodolfo Guzzo at the lead, he was named Champion Senior Stallion at the 2021 Scottsdale show where he drew the entire crowd in with his dazzling presence and correctness. Of leading this great stallion to the top honor, handler Rodolfo Guzzo says, “Soul of Marwan has such incredible spirit and charisma. Every time he goes into the arena, he brings energy and big movement. The people love to see him. To win the Senior Stallion Championship at Scottsdale was special.” While the public sees fire, energy and movement, Guzzo says there’s even more to Soul than that. “He’s super kind. He’s a super sweet horse, very easy to deal with.” That Senior Stallion title win capped an already incredible show career for Soul of Marwan. “He is just an amazing stallion that continues to hold a place at the very top,” says Rodrigo Gonzalez, an Arabian Soul Partner.

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Travis Rice, Royal Arabians, says the stallion reminds him of a prize fighter. “He wants to keep going. He loves being in the training barn. He loves to work, loves to condition. And he’s never looked better. He’s just incredible. There’s no other word to describe him.” That Soul of Marwan is recognized internationally as an outstanding representative of the Arabian breed shouldn’t come as a surprise. His bloodlines include Arabian legends: Marwan Al Shaqab, World Champion and International Champion; Gazal Al Shaqab, International Champion; RD Challs Angel, multi-national Champion and the International Champion Magnum Chall. Clearly, Soul of Marwan was destined for greatness. How did such an incredible ambassador of the breed come to be? Enter Arabian Soul Partners, founded in 2012. The Partners had taken a trip to sunny Scottsdale for the 2011 show and were smitten with the breed. As Gonzalez recalls, “The partners knew right away the Arabian horse would become an important part of our lives.” Success came early for the partners with the purchase of Miss Marwan PA (Marwan Al Shaqab x Miss Amerika), unanimous winner of the 2012 Scottsdale Yearling Filly title. Miss Marwan PA was then sold and rounded out 2012 with the U.S. National Champion Filly title. That same year, at the advice of Sandro Pinha, the partners decided on the cross between Marwan Al Shaqab and RD Challs Angel to produce Soul of Marwan AS. Gonzalez says they all knew the colt was special as soon as he hit the ground. “He just immediately started to shine, even at home.” Now, the Soul of Marwan progeny are shining. In 2021, Jasminia AS (x Jasmine Love NA) captured the Scottsdale Bronze Champion International Senior Mare title, and followed it up with Gold Supreme Champion Senior Mare at the Arabian Breeders World Cup for owners Rose City Arabians, and Bailarina AS (x Kramba AS) was named Top Ten Arabian 2-Year-Old Filly for owners Rae-Dawn Arabians. Producing winners is no doubt a result of the Arabian Soul Partners breeding philosophy. “We strive to breed horses that are conformationally correct, healthy and athletic,” says Gonzalez. “The ability

Ar abian Horse Times | 26 | Volume 52, No. 2

to ride these horses is also an important part of our breeding decisions. Beyond the conformation of the horse, we look for a horse with a great temperament. We believe in the process of evolution and plan our breeding program around it. We do not want to get caught up focusing on any particular bloodlines, but more so focus on which sire is best suited for the individual mare.” That philosophy has helped the self-described “boutique breeders” from Mexico City sell foals from their breeding program to other Arabian enthusiasts around the world, including in Europe and the Middle East. “Everyone who comes to the farm knows they are going to find quality and not quantity,” says Gonzalez. “We only breed a few each year to our carefully handselected mares, and they all get sold,” he says. Although Soul of Marwan AS might be most known for his Scottsdale and National titles and prize fighter work ethic, he’s known by the Gonzalez children for loving treats and attention. “Although this horse has a ton of energy, loves to move and can turn it on in the show ring, he’s sweet in his stall, like a big teddy bear,”

Soul of Marwan AS (top) and

says Gonzalez. “He likes to

daughter (left), Jasminia AS (x

be spoiled and petted. My

Jasmine Love NA), 2021 ABWC

kids go in his stall and give

Supreme Gold Champion Senior

him carrots.”

Mare; bred by Arabian Soul

And that’s the thing Arabian legacies are made

Partners, and currently owned by

of—personality plus for

Rose City Arabians.

the show ring and “in your pocket” kindness toward their humans. It’s clear Soul of Marwan AS and his offspring will maintain legacy status for many years to come. ■

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Alessio Azzali photo Ar abian Horse Times | 28 | Volume 52, No. 2

Al Assalah photo Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | Volume 52, No. 2

Alessio Azzali photo Ar abian Horse Times | 30 | Volume 52, No. 2

Alessio Azzali photo Ar abian Horse Times | 31 | Volume 52, No. 2

by THERESA CARDAMONE

Among the vast collection of great champions bred and owned by Al Shaqab – Member of the Qatar Foundation, Siwar Al Shaqab is the latest to captivate the Arabian horse community with her dazzling presence and exquisite quality. A glistening grey with an unforgettable attitude, she is quickly earning accolades from all who witness her exuberant performances in the halter arena. To start off the 2021 European season in Menton, France, Siwar emerged as a leading contender for the year’s ultimate honors with her dominating Gold Champion Junior Mare title at the prestigious Mediterranean and Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championship. Deftly shown to perfection by her amazing partner Raphael Curti, the stunning grey daughter of SMA Magic One (Psytadel x Majidah Bint Pacha) and the superior producer Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba) also earned the awards for Best Arabian Type/Junior Mare, and Best Head/3-Year-Old Fillies. These prestigious wins should come as no surprise, as Siwar had previously burst upon the Arabian horse scene to win the 2018 Qatar National Gold Champion Junior Mare title in her show ring debut as a baby. Siwar is elegant and smooth-bodied, with an enviable tail carriage and graceful motion. Always aware of herself and full of enthusiasm, she prances and blows to draw the eyes of judges and spectators alike. The complete package of a model Arabian horse, well-balanced and fine-skinned, Siwar Al Shaqab is hard to fault. Standing out as exceptional among her many outstanding qualities are her ultra-refined head, luminous dark eyes, and compelling expression. She is most definitely the queen of all she surveys. Siwar’s mother Abha Myra, from the famous Ses Planes breeding program of Marieta Salas, was the 2004 Spanish National Champion Junior Mare before expanding her winning record to international competition. She was also the 2008 Gold Champion Senior Mare at UKIAHS, and the Silver Champion Senior Mare at the 2008 Sharjah International anttd the All-Nations Cup. In addition to Siwar Al Shaqab, Abha Myra is also the dam of 2013 Gold World Champion Senior Stallion Fadi Al Shaqab (by Besson Carol) and multiple-Gold Champion Medan Al Shaqab (by Farhoud Al Shaqab), both exceptional masculine versions of the extremely feminine Siwar. Siwar Al Shaqab’s show career, like the careers of all the Al Shaqab Arabian horses, is carefully guided by the manager of the Al Shaqab Breeding and Show Department, Khalid Al Jehani. To follow up on Siwar’s stunning success at Menton, the next focus for the filly will be on the ultimate title, that of World Champion. This fall in Paris, she will try to match her half-brother Fadi’s Gold World Championship, while competing against the finest Arabian horses on the planet. After that, it will be Siwar’s turn to demonstrate her abilities as a producer. To create her first, eagerly awaited offspring, plans are in place to breed Siwar to the highly decorated Rhan Al Shahania (Marwan Al Shaqab x Jwaaher Al Shahania), who conquered the world as a yearling in 2019 by sweeping the Arabian Breeders World Cup Gold Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States National Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the World Gold Championship in Paris, France. In 2020, Rhan Al Shahania added the United States National Champion Two-Year-Old title to his coffers. With two such incredible parents, the resulting foal will be highly anticipated as a next step in the world’s most successful Arabian horse breeding program. There is no doubt that the combination of powerful pedigrees will bring additional honor to Siwar herself and add further luster to the Al Shaqab legacy.

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IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire | www.AfireBeyV.com | Proudly bred & owned by Maroon Fire Arabians For breeding information or progeny available, contact Shea Stables, 810-329-6392 or Ashton Kiesner, 865-556-0412

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Cover Story:

Maroon Fire Arabians/Shea Stables Three-Year-Old English Prospects of Spring 2021 BY CHR I S T Y EGA N

y patience is running a bit thin these days, and I am not alone. After a rather long, erratic winter and a terrifying 12 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, I am suffering from advanced stages of cabin fever. The Arabian horse community, in toto, is pawing the ground in anticipation of the long promised 2021 horse shows, eagerly awaiting 2021 foals and, one of the equine world’s great moments of expectation, seeing the 3-year-olds in long lines and under saddle. For Maroon Fire Arabians and Shea Stables, it has been a particularly long, three-plus years awaiting the Inception youngsters. To his credit, their great, young champion stallion has given Dave and Gail Liniger and Tim and Marty Shea, plenty of thrills and glory at the national shows while they have been pacing the floor. In 2017, he and his trainer,

Joel Kiesner, won the AEPA AHT $100,000 Arabian Saddle Seat Futurity at the U.S. Nationals, and then followed that victory annually with national championship roses in the 2018 English Pleasure Junior Horse, the 2019 Park Horse, and the 2020 Park Horse, all unanimous. His fourth foal crop is now expected, but the oldest of his sons and daughters are donning leather preparing for their first “turns” in the show ring. It is a great time of truth and proof for the dozens of people who bred to Inception his first year at stud. And perhaps even more exciting for the trainers, that are bringing these 3-year-olds along.

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Shea Stables

Josh Quintus of Colonial Wood Arabians is working a purebred Inception colt out of a SF Specs Shocwave daughter with high hopes. “I just got him a few weeks ago,” Josh says happily. “He’s got plenty of ‘go forward’, he’s easy to handle and picks up things really quickly. I won Scottsdale with his dam, so we are expecting great things. He’s got a perfect shoulder and hinge, with a big drive from behind.” Jon Ramsay, with Stachowski Farm ~ California, has the 3-year-old chestnut Half-Arabian, American Ambition out of the Undulata’s Nutcracker daughter Sweet ‘N Nutty. The gelding’s half-brother, Goldd Rush SS (by Fire And Goldd), was Reserve National Champion at the 2020 Mid Summer Nationals. Owned by North By Northwest Farm, “American Ambition is my English Futurity mount for the Nationals next fall,” Jon notes proudly. He is definitely one to watch and not the only one!

they imported the bay stallion, Rhythmic AHSA (Robali Dargeeling x Solitairey Dancer), from Australia. This 93% Crabbet-bred Arabian is standing at Shea Stables and being bred to several of their Afire Bey V and IXL Noble Express+ mares. Since its inception in 2007, Maroon Fire Arabians is the cumulative 2020 Leading Breeders of AEPA winners and Marty Shea was the overall 2020 AHT Leading Saddle Seat Breeder of National and Reserve National Champions. n

A number of farms have several Inception offspring, but Joel Kiesner, the stallion’s trainer has a healthy handful, as does Tim Shea. “They are extremely trainable,” says Joel. “We are delighted. They have really soft necks and, honestly, they are all good. We have gotten exactly what we thought we would get. Inception is a beautifully bred individual and he’s breeding true.” Does Joel have a favorite? “That’s a good question,” he laughs. “They are just started. One week it’s one and the next, it’s another.” Tim says Inception is siring the best HalfArabians the Sheas have ever produced from their top Saddlebred broodmares. High praise from people who had 11 Half-Arabians they bred win National and Reserve National Championships in 2020. For four decades, Maroon Fire Arabians and Shea Stables have been Arabian horse breeding leaders. Most recently Left: 2019 Inception colt with Foxy Afire (right) and filly with Felicia Afire (left).

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Inception with Joel Kiesner

photo by Lluvia Sommer Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Saddle Seat TODAY’S

HORSE

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

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Vegaz has continually appeared on leading sire lists for over a decade, often with fewer foals.

The train-ability and great-mindedness of his progeny have led to the gigantic rose count in the most competitive AOTR and JOTR classes.

Success does not end with the first line of a pedigree. Vegaz daughters are proving themselves to be an important and valuable contribution to the breed.

If you’ve witnessed ANY show ring appearance by Vegaz, this needs no explanation. If you need more convincing, ask any spectator of the 2020 English Pleasure Final when he returned to a standing ovation at 18 years of age. His foals come by it honestly.

Dealerz Choice

SF Top Notch

SD Graceland

CSP Danze Tothe Music

Best Of My Love CP Cozmopolis

Apollopalooza x SMS Forever Bay www.Vegaz.com Chris Wilson 417.761.2031 Owned by The Vegaz Partnership

Kingg Of Pop

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Life Inthe Fazt Lane

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HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS …

They're Back!

Everyone at this year’s Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show would agree – seeing the stunning SF Aftershoc earn perfect scores in the preliminary and championship Liberty classes (with Vicki Humphrey and Shan Wilson presenting) were arguably the show’s highlights. At 16, the fiery chestnut stallion still has an incredible aura about him that simply draws people to him. Owned by Hagale Family Arabians, SF Aftershoc’s appearance at the Scottsdale show is indicative of the exciting things to come from the family. Owners and promoters of the great Mamage in the late 90s, the family, including mom, Mary Martha; dad, Jim; and daughters Jamie and Jennifer; stepped out of the industry for a while due to college for the daughters (who are twins), weddings and babies. But they’re back – and now the proud owners of SF Aftershoc (SF Specs Shocwave x SF Sweet Elegance), along with a string of show horses, a new farm in Springfield, MO, a breeding program and plans to bring excitement and enthusiasm to the Arabian industry.

by COLLEEN SCOTT

“We always loved being a part of the Arabian horse community when the twins were showing as youth riders,” says Jim. “After more than 20 years, we’re really happy to be back.” With long-time friends and trainers Shan and Chris Wilson, the Hagales recently attended the Region 12 Championship Show for the first time. “We had toured the World Equestrian Center early in the year and were very impressed,” says Jim. “We knew it was going to be a very competitive and well-attended show in an incredible facility, so we decided to come and show some of our new horses.” The new show string includes Double or Nuttin (Undulata’s Nutcracker x Ingennue), who Jamie showed to a unanimous championship in the Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure ATR Select. Also new to the family is the stallion SF Destination Victry (SF Specs Shocwave x Aparty Girl), who Jennifer showed to the championship title in the Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR and went reserve in the Arabian English Pleasure AATR. Jamie presented another addition to the Hagale family show string, Debonheir DGL (Afires Heir x Felicia Afire). The two earned a top five in the Arabian Country English Pleasure ATR Select. Jennifer showed CSP Hot Dam (Mamage x The Vintage Rose), under the lights to a Half-Arabian Park ATR championship title. “Showing in that arena with all the lights and all the people – it was so much fun,” she says. The pair was also named to the top five in the HalfArabian Native Costume. For the remainder of the 2021 show season, the family plans to attend the Region 13 Championship Show, Mid Summer Nationals, NSH Finals and U.S. Nationals. Besides participating in multiple shows, the Hagales have just started a breeding program and will be operating out of their new 100-acre farm in Springfield. This year, they anticipate having 10 to 15 babies, including some by SF Aftershoc. “He’s

Facing page: CSP Hot Dam+// and Jennifer Hagale. From top to bottom:

The Hagale Family celebrates with Mamage in 1995 and at Region 12 with

SF Destination Victry in 2021; Debonheir DGL and Jamie Hagale.

a top producer and passes on many great traits to his offspring,” says Jim. In addition to breeding to SF Aftershoc, plans for 2021 include breeding to some outside stallions, both Arabians and Saddlebreds. Owner of a Black Angus breeding business as well, Jim is no stranger to developing a successful breeding program. “We’ll be looking for the best genetic matches of stallions and mares – matches that capitalize and even improve upon the strengths of each,” he says. “Our goal is to make sure we deliver quality foals to the industry.” The Hagales also have another unique breeding opportunity. They recently purchased a Hucklebey Berry breeding in the Arabian English Performance Association/Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund auction. “We will be making that selection very carefully, but we’re honored to have been able to purchase the first breeding to HBB in 15 years,” he says. Whether it’s showing, breeding or supporting the Arabian community, Jim, Mary Martha, Jennifer and Jamie are committed to doing everything in a quality way. “We are really looking forward to making contributions to the Arabian horse breed,” says Jim. “It’s so exciting for our family to be a part of this community again. We’re looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones as we start this new adventure.”■

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Saddle Seat T O DAY ’ S

TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS•AMATEURS

“Any horse doing their job in a comfortable, happy manner is poetry in motion, but none so much as the saddle seat horse.” —Lori Conway

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Dr. Nancy O’Reilly Owner/Amateur SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EQUESTRIAN CENTER Why is saddle seat the division for you? It is a challenge and a true way to be with your horse. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? We all need teachers and mentors. No one gets anywhere on their own. If I succeed, it’s the people I have surrounded myself with. When I stop learning, it’s time for me to go.

Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? No I don’t. That’s one tough job. It would probably be a great idea for us all to at least take the courses. If all better understood what they do we would all be much better at accepting The results and learn from it. What do you consider to be the middle market price range for a saddle seat horse? How can the middle market become stronger? I want the market to keep this profound sport growing but not at the expense of horses being bought and sold constantly. I am about owners buying horses for their lifetime. I have several horses that just hang out and are living comfortable lives. Their show days have ended and the next chapter is up to me to provide them with a great life. Describe breeding your first horse. I wanted to have a horse like my second horse I had purchased. I followed the same sire and dam, and by golly, I had her. A great mare.

Lindsay O’Reilly French Amateur/Owner/Breeder OAK HAVEN FARMS Why is saddle seat the division for you? Saddle Seat is high energy, fast paced, and unpredictable. Putting together a clean ride plus a competitive performance takes a special formula that may not work every time, which is exciting to me. English is definitely not boring to watch or ride in! Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I showed the same horse in multiple disciplines as an 8-year-old beginner. Saddle seat was my favorite, and I pursued that route in equitation. I detoured into reining for a few years but came back to English pretty quickly. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? I rely heavily on Jason, Lauren, and Genna Krohn’s opinions and expertise for breeding. Oak Haven offers a full-service breeding operation, and I could not do it without them! At shows I listen to the breeders, take note of the winning sires, and keep track of the crosses that work and seem not to work. When the announcer lets the spectators know who bred the winner, and the sire/dam, that helps us decide. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/ breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? No, but I would love to get my judges card when my children are older. Describe breeding your first horse. My mom bred a few horses while I was a Youth rider and I always loved watching the babies grow up and seeing what they’d become. Today, I love breeding specifically for the English division for their energy, athleticism and natural gifts. The good ones come out looking like they know just what to do in the ring already!

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Deborah Haug Breeder/Owner/Amateur SCION ARABIANS LLC

Why is saddle seat the division for you? I adore the close feeling with the horse, the forward motion, the cadence, and the frame of the horse. It is exhilarating to ride in saddle seat provided the horse is appropriate to the division. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I started my show horse career with Danielle Des Fountain when I had horses I rode casually on trails. She strongly encouraged me to consider show horses and I bought my first show prospect, JKF Pristine, from them about 20 years ago. The rest is history! Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? Our horses are important assets as well as friends, and it’s important to honor your relationship with them. Stand by your conviction as to their capabilities but be flexible with them through training. Horses have souls and know karma. Work only with people who share your values. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? Mentor, Mike Whelihan, helped our launch into breeding. Through active discussion with other breeders and trainers, and true respect for the pedigrees of our foundation mares who also have show ring acumen, we have based our breeding program on our valued mares bred to known, successful stallions. I’ve learned a lot empirically as well as having studied literature and working with the Colorado State University Repro program.

How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? Mike Whelihan, Jim and Peter Stachowski, and Joel and Ashton Kiesner, have been our “go to” peeps for advice, especially Mike, for whom we have a world of respect for from his work with us. They are always available and helpful with input. And a big shout out to Alberto Esquivel of Eagle Mountain Arabians as our trainer; an up-and-comer we are so fortunate to be working with.

Jason Krohn Trainer/Owner OAK HAVEN FARMS Why is saddle seat the division for you? I love the excitement of it all. There is no greater feeling than hitting the ring on a great saddle seat horse. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? These horses do so much for us. They are the reason we get to wake up every day and go to work doing a job we love. Here at Oak Haven Farms, we provide the highest level of care for our horses and our customers. Without them, none of this would be possible. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? All the time. I grew up riding with my dad and he taught me everything I know. I had to develop my own style and process along the way, and through that process, it was very helpful talking to my peers and learning new things. I think it’s a balance between learning on your own and continuing to learn new things. You can never have too many tools in your tool box, so to speak. Ar abian Horse Times | 24 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Oak Haven Farms

Providing the highest level of training and care, based on a family tradition that has been part of the Arabian industry for over 35 years.

O w n e d b y : J a s o n a n d L au r e n K r o h n | 9 0 3 - 53 9 -3 81 2 | J a s o n . K r o h n @Ho t m a i l . c o m J a s o n K r o h n , L au r e n K r o h n , a n d C a s s i e B a n k s , Tr a i n e r s 2 8 8 5 Fm 2137, B u l l a r d , Te x a s 75 75 7 Ar abian Horse Times | 25 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Martha McCollough and Lauren Krohn started Oak Haven South’s breeding program 13 years ago. Although this program is young, their horses have already achieved 10 National championship titles in the English and Hunter divisions in the U.S. and Canada.

OH PIAZZA

All of us at Oak Haven Farms are excited for what the future holds for this young, up-and-coming breeding program.

(Pryme Thyme x RA Pizzazz) Mary Knebel

Lauren takes a passionate approach to seeing her vision come to life. At only 30 years old, she has set her focus on breeding national-caliber horses, and over the years has consistently produced horses of the highest quality.

OH HEIR BRUSHED

“A young program with a young vision”

(Afires Heir x DD My Dance) Shamrock Farms LLC

Oak Haven South

OH HIGHER GROUND

(Special Thyme x ZZ Supreme) Oak Haven South Arabians LLC

OH SUPREME DELIGHT

(Pryme Thyme x ZZ Supreme) Melissa Subjeck

OH UPSCALE

(Special Thyme x CP Uptown Girl) Shuster Arabians LLC

OH THYME TO DANCE

Oak Haven Farms

(Special Thyme x DD My Dance) Oak Haven South Arabians LLC

Lauren Krohn aboard OH Dancing On Heir (Afires Heir x DD My Dance)

J a s o n K r o h n , L au r e n K r o h n , a n d C a s s i e B a n k s , Tr a i n e r s 2885 FM 2137, Bullard, Texas 75757 | 903-539-3812 | Jason.Krohn@Hotmail.com Ar abian Horse Times | 26 | Saddle Seat • 2021

2020 AHT Leading National English Performance Horse

Dancing On Heir

(Afires Heir x DD My Dance)

2020 U.S. National Champion ABS Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot 2020 Mid Summer Unanimous National Champion Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over 2020 Mid Summer National Champion Arabian Country English Pleasure AATR Elite Bred by Lauren Krohn Owned and shown by Lindsay O’Reilly French Dam of: Nirvanas Heir (by Nutcracker’s Nirvana) Nutrcrackers Heiress (by Undulata’s Nutcracker) Nobel Pryze (by IXL Noble Express) Keystone Express (by IXL Noble Express) Dancing Afire (by IXL Noble Express) Cirrque (by Vegaz) Artistry OHS (by Special Thyme) 2021 Colt (by The Renaissance) 2022 foal (by KW Micah) 2022 foal (by Inception)

Oak Haven Farms J a s o n K r o h n , L au r e n K r o h n , a n d C a s s i e B a n k s , Tr a i n e r s 2885 FM 2137, Bullard, Texas 75757 | 903-539-3812 | Jason.Krohn@Hotmail.com Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Tim Shea Breeder/Trainer/Owner SHEA STABLES | MAROON FIRE Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? When I first got into horses, the first horse shows I went to were with all breeds. What attracted me to the saddle seat classes the most was the excitement about putting the horse into the arena for the class itself, where the horses had to be animated and beautiful. I’m not showing anymore myself, but when I stand there to watch, that whole push to get the horse into the arena … it’s exciting. Saddle seat show horses show off in their most proud manner, similar to when you let loose a horse. They are going to raise their tail, head up, and trotting well, and you see the horse at their most beautiful. A great saddle seat horse looks like a loose horse in the arena while carrying a rider, so if he is really showing well, he looks like a horse turned loose. What are some of the things you’ve observed that have influenced your approach to training/breeding? I’ve been heavily influenced by what I saw at the big Saddlebred shows, going all the way back to the 70s, and I wanted to put that style of showing into my showing of Arabian horses, and by that I mean, horses who showed with more flare and were not over drilled. I was one of the first Arabian trainers that made extra passes before the lineup, and the style of bridle came out of that world. The style where the horse is showing very animated; he might even make a quick mistake, but he has a whole lot of animation, is full of life, and is not over drilled. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? In my career, I worked for Bob Hart as a groom, I was an apprentice trainer under Bill Bohl, and I was mentored by the LaCroix family, where they took me from a regional caliber trainer to a national caliber trainer. For many years we trained horses for Sheila Varian, and as the Arabian industry’s leading breeder, she was a tremendous influence on Marty and I. The horses that she bred are the foundation of our breeding program here at Shea Stables/Maroon Fire. There is significant crossover with horses able to compete in the halter ring as well as in the hunter and western pleasure divisions, but less so in saddle seat. Why do you think this is and what could be done to encourage it? In the halter classes, the horses they are picking are rounder with big full bodies but many of them lack prominent withers, are too tight in the loin, and too flat in the croup to have the athleticism required for a saddle seat horse. Most of the saddle seat breed horses have a body structure where you can actually see the skeleton underneath the musculature. This is the same kind of conformation that is necessary for endurance horses and racehorses. The other difference is that a saddle seat horse must have, as the breed standard states, a high, well arched neck. Who do you consider to be the most influential horse (past or present) in the saddle seat division in the Arabian industry? The two most influential horses are Bask and Huckleberry Bey. And when you combine those two, you came up with Afire Bey V who was bred by Sheila Varian, owned by Dave and Gail Liniger, and managed for all of his life by Marty and I. He was the number one sire for 20 straight years and his offspring totally dominate the saddle seat divisions of the Arabian world.

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Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? As an amateur, it is always imperative to me that my horses are happy and healthy when they go in the ring. The horse always comes first. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I believe it is important to always be teachable and willing to learn from others. For me, it has been a part of the relationships I’ve developed showing Arabian horses; sharing experiences is a great way to learn. I can also sit and watch classes for hours - another great way to learn. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I do not have my judge’s card but I did attend judges school. I would recommend it to everyone. I learned so much in a very short period of time and the judges I learned under the year I attended were incredibly enthusiastic and obviously cared so much about passing on their knowledge. Such a great experience!

Laura Shaffer Amateur/Owner ROOKER TRAINING STABLE Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I picked saddle seat because of the horses that I have been drawn to and purchased over the years. I love the energy and athleticism of the saddle seat division.

What do you consider to be the middle market price range for a saddle seat horse? How can the middle market become stronger? I would say $60,000 - $90,000. As with everything, prices keep increasing. The market overall can become stronger by breeding; the middle market, in particular, by creating more flexibility/options in classes offered at all shows.

Jennifer Hagale Drinnon Amateur/Owner HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS | CHRISHAN PARK Why is saddle seat the division for you? The saddle seat division is for me because of the thrill and excitement of the crowd when entering the show ring. I love the competitiveness of the saddle seat division. There are so many super talented high quality English horses. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? My twin sister and I started riding horses when we were about 8 years old. We started showing English and western in some small shows, but saddle seat stuck with me because I enjoy the excitement of the faster paced horses. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I think a lot of horsemanship is natural. You must have good communication between yourself, your trainer and your horse, and you must have good body language so that you and your horse have trust in each other. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? With any sport, you have to go into it with a good attitude and it takes a lot of knowledge, patience and practice to succeed. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? Confidence in yourself. You must be confident yet humble, and respect people’s suggestions and advice. You must have compassion and drive for whatever it is you were wanting to accomplish. Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Lori Conway Breeder/Amateur/Owner CONWAY ARABIANS Why is saddle seat the division for you? There is nothing more fun than riding a beautiful high trotting, uphill cantering saddle seat horse. Luckily, both Peter and I love watching it as much as riding it, and the more our age and physical limitations affect our athletic abilities, the closer that is becoming our reality. Any horse doing their job in a comfortable, happy manner is poetry in motion, but none so much as the saddle seat horse. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? The saddle seat horse has appealed to both of us all along, and consequently, was a natural gravitation to purchase Coltrane and some incredible mares (Noble Rendezvous, Afires Rejoice, Natalya Afire, and many more) to start our breeding program with. We are proud of what we have produced so far and are always striving to improve on our product. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? We are always seeking advice and getting input from others. Breeding is not an exact science, so it takes a while to figure out what works with certain bloodlines and what doesn’t. Any insight from others is always welcomed in our barn and we are happy to help others as well. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? I don’t think it matters what profession you go into; the qualities are all the same: 1.) A good work ethic. This is even more true in the horse business. This is not an 8-5 job, five days a week. Things happen and normally it is not good timing, but a sick or hurt horse is your

responsibility, or the if the farm is short staffed or accommodating your clients for a lesson or a viewing, it might mean your plans go out the window, and if you are standing a stallion or have foaling mares, that is a whole other level of time commitment. 2.) Skills. It doesn’t matter if they are natural or learned. You just must have the ability to use them and learn to adapt to the task at hand with patience, kindness and consistency for the people and the horses so that everyone succeeds. 3.) Have goals and aspirations. It doesn’t matter how big or small they are, you have to dream of what you want and what can be. 4.) Be honest and loyal. It is so much better than any other alternative. 5.) Have an open mind. Take criticism and don’t be afraid to keep learning and get more tools in your “tool kit.” What do you consider to be the middle market price range for a saddle seat horse? How can the middle market become stronger? The middle market is $25k to $60k for our farm. That is a price point that consistently works for us, and our weanlings, priced around $20k, gives you pretty much pick of the pasture.

Jamie Peternell Amateur/Owner HAGALE FAMILY ARABIANS | CHRISHAN PARK

would with a partner; playing small is canceled, so go big; and you know you are winning when you’re happy and having fun.

Why is saddle seat the division for you? The Arabian breed and saddle seat category offer a true elegance. The thrill of posting on a beautiful long-necked Arabian through the gate is an unforgettable experience. For me, there is no other division that would provide the excitement, precision, quality, or entertainment that saddle seat presents.

How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I stay connected to my trainers and sister while far away. Jennifer, Jen Wilson, Chris and Shan, make me feel unconditionally supported. It’s a busy industry/lifestyle, but they are always available. There’s a special relationship I share with my twin and our passion for horses. I’m always asking her for advice or how I can better my skills. Jen and Jennifer are definitely my “go to” people. My parents are my biggest fans, and therefore, I love hearing their words of advice.

Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I definitely live by core values in the horse world and beyond: learn from my mistakes and move forward; find connection with my horses like I

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Elimar Har Nahra El Ghazi RL Rah Fire Bask Brass Tsanar MHR Nobility EE Msindependence Miss Wisdom

MHR Nobility IXL Noble Express RY Fire Ghazi Brassmis

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202 0 UN A N IM O US C HA MPI ON

HA English Pleasure futurity

( AF I RE S HE I R X RI T I DA)

Young TODAY’S

P R O F E S S I O NA L S

“I have always been naturally drawn to the talent and athleticism that comes with a top-level saddle seat horse. Within this discipline, there is an expectation of excellence and professionalism. The challenge of attaining and surpassing this expectation drives me daily.” —Nora Shaffer

Ar abian Horse Times | 54 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Juliette Dell

Lance Lewis

Why is saddle seat the division for you? It suits my favorite style of horse. I love a horse that likes to snort, flip its tail over its back and show off !

Why is saddle seat the division for you? I’ve always loved the natural impulsion and talent that comes with the horses in the saddle seat division. This combo always makes for an exciting ride.

Breeder/Amateur 6D RANCH

Trainer STRAWBERRY BANKS FARM

Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I first learned how to ride in the western and hunter divisions, but I was always intrigued by the energy and excitement of saddle seat. Once I got to experience it myself, it quickly became my favorite style of riding. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? As a breeder, it is important to give each horse the opportunity to find their niche and not rush the process. You must stay open minded to letting them be the best at what they can be, rather than forcing them into a mold that they can’t fit into. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? I’ve owned and shown Arabians and Saddlebreds since I was a young junior exhibitor. I’ve learned so much from both breeds about what to expect from different bloodlines, which has helped immensely when making breeding decisions. Describe your first horse. My first horse was an old Arabian gelding named Maxx. Maxx carried me to my first Youth Nationals where he entered the arena, headed straight for center ring and stood there for the duration of the class. I hugged him the whole time! His favorite thing to do was do nothing, and I loved him for it.

Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? As soft as possible, as firm as necessary; and if you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over? How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I seek advice quite often, especially from Brian Murch. I always feel that it is good to have someone who can help you get through a roadblock, rather than just stay stuck. Staying stuck on something, I feel, doesn’t do you or your horse any favors. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? An insatiable work ethic and a thick skin. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I do not, but I intend to go to judges school this year. I’m looking forward to being able increase my knowledge about the finer points of what you see from center ring.

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everybodys

TA L K E N Baske Afire x Emayzing Grace by Hey Hallelujah

Riyan Photo Ar abian Horse Times | 58 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Emayzing Grace |

Dam of Everybodys Talken

2021

Strawberry Banks Foals Arrowheads Unlike Any Other x Emayzing Grace by Hey Hallelujah VJ Royal Heir x Rejoice Rejoice by A Temptation | Bottom Right Coltrane SS x Enchanting Memories by Baske Afire | Top Right SF Aftershoc x ERA Thrillicious | Top Left Baske Afire x Only Girl In Town Ar abian Horse Times | 59 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Lance Lewis VERSATILITY

PERSONIFIED

StrawberryBanksFarm.com

info@strawberrybanksfarm.com | Barbara Chur - Owner Brian Murch - Trainer 716.983.3099 | Lance Lewis - Assistant Trainer 716.652.9346

Ar abian Horse Times | 61 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Ar abian Horse Times | 62 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Lauren Krohn Trainer/Breeder/Owner OAK HAVEN FARMS

Why is saddle seat the division for you? I love how exciting the discipline is! The horses are beautiful and so engaged in their work. It’s fun to see them on the muscle and excited to be in the ring and then also be mannerly and willing to walk. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I started in the saddle seat division but strayed from it and into the hunter division for a couple of years, but I always come back to it. It was my first love and will always be my passion. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I believe it is our job to help our horses love their jobs. It is to find what they are good at and help them succeed. We need to be willing to find a program that works for each horse. They can all be great at something even if it isn’t in the discipline that we intended for them. How closely do you follow other breeds that specialize in the saddle seat division? What are some of the things you’ve observed that have influenced your approach to training/ breeding? Unfortunately, I don’t step outside of our bubble as often as I should. However, we are beginning to breed some Saddlebreds and it is fun! They are such beautiful and talented animals! How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? All the time, literally! Luckily, just at our own barn, we have multiple people to bounce ideas off. Then, we have friends that are just a phone call away. But, at the shows the amount of people who are willing to help grows exponentially! I am so blessed to have so many talented people willing to help me grow in my career. I think if you are hitting a roadblock, it is probably as good a time as any to get some new perspectives!

Annie Boylan Breeder/Trainer ANKAT TRAINING

Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I grew up riding hunter and my sister, Colleen, grew up riding saddle seat. She let me take a spin on a couple of her horses when I was younger and have been hooked ever since! Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I believe in molding my training to each individual horse. Instead of trying to make a horse fit into a program, make your program adjustable to each horse. You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole! I also love helping babies find their confidence and find their talent. I also believe in bringing in new people and families to the Arabian horse. I have really loved getting involved in the local community and helping families find their first Arabian horse or breed their first baby. Finally, I believe in continuing my own education on the horse. I keep myself involved in a few different breeds and disciplines like Saddlebreds,

Quarter Horses and jumping. Each has really aided in my own training program and helped shape me not only as a trainer but as a horseman. I believe we can never stop furthering our knowledge to strengthen our training.

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What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? I started living and breathing horses when I turned four and was determined to make this my life. I have been fortunate enough to work with and learn from so many different people all over, and I think that’s been the best experience I could ask for. I was fortunate enough to play division one lacrosse in college for four years. These four years were integral parts of learning to stay driven and work hard. Goals don’t happen overnight, and lacrosse helped shape my mindset to always work harder. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I believe you can never stop learning, asking for help and evolving as a trainer. I think it’s our job to stay openminded and hear other peoples’ training theories and techniques. If there’s one thing I know from having my own place, I miss riding around with other trainers and asking for their advice daily. I’m friends with some incredible horsemen that live close by (and far away) and I seek their advice often! What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? Drive and persistence. Anyone in the industry knows this is a tough business with no set hours. I was also given great advice when I first started at Stachowski Farm and that was from Jim: “Always answer your phone. You never know who’s calling and what opportunity you could be presented.”

Nora Shaffer Trainer ROOKER TRAINING STABLE

Why is saddle seat the division for you? I chose to specialize in the saddle seat division because from a young age, I have always been naturally drawn to the talent and athleticism that comes with a top-level saddle seat horse. Within this discipline, there is an expectation of excellence and professionalism. The challenge of attaining and surpassing this expectation drives me daily. The saddle seat division is not for everyone due to its highly competitive nature and rigor; however, it is these qualities that have made such a positive impression on me over the years. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? My philosophy is to always put the horse and their needs first. Doing this through a fair and honest training regimen, is one way to ensure you keep happy and willing horses who want to do their job every day. When focusing on the business side of things, I always try to promote an open environment for clients where they feel welcome and part of something special. I do this by focusing on sportsmanship, especially with the youth riders. Even though this is technically an individual sport, having a support system within the barn is crucial to success and a good experience for all. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? Throughout my youth/early adult career, I had the unique opportunity to work with a variety of trainers and learn from many different people. Furthermore, I was always working with a wide range of horses and constantly learning from both. I believe that my background of working with many different people and horses from a young age is the main reason behind why I became a professional, and also prepared me to do so. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I seek input and advice often from mentors. I would say that it definitely depends on the situation and the horse, however, those in which you work with are always the most honest and reliable. I believe that it is extremely important to ask for outside help. Being open to learn from others is a very important trait to have as a young professional, as well as having certain instances where you can teach yourself through trial and error. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? One quality that I have learned to be important is the ability to fuse old and new ideas. It is crucial to listen to professionals with a lot of experience in the field, but the ability to incorporate new and progressive ideas is vital to the longevity of the breed. Ar abian Horse Times | 64 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Makenna Rooker Breeder/Amateur/Owner ROOKER TRAINING STABLE

How closely do you follow other breeds that specialize in the saddle seat division? What are some of the things you’ve observed that have influenced your approach to training/ breeding? Although I don’t have a ton of experience showing Saddlebreds and Morgans myself, I love to go to their shows and watch them online. As a young breeder, something I have taken from watching these other breeds is that horses must have form to function. Regardless of how “extreme” certain qualities may be about a horse, they still must have good legs and correct conformation to perform at the highest level. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? An open mind. As a young breeder, I strive to absorb as much knowledge as I can from other processionals in the industry, even if they don’t see the same things I do. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I do not have my judge’s card yet, but I plan to get it in the future. Having grown up in this industry, I have shown in almost every performance division and now would love to use those experiences to contribute to our breed’s judging panels. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect saddle seat horse? Determining the sire and dam’s strengths and weaknesses in order to best match them up so the foal possess the best qualities from each parent. Sometimes there are less desirable traits that you hope to eliminate in this process. Describe breeding your first horse. Although I have had a say in many of the horses my parents have bred over the years, the first horse I really bred myself was my purebred country mare, Tory Burch MCR. The day she was born, she looked just like her “aunt” and my heart-horse, GSF Ambienze. From that day until now, I have loved every day of her journey and watching her go from a pretty foal to a bright-eyed 3-year-old, to a finished show horse. Showing her in Tulsa last year was one of the highlights of my entire show career and a memory I will cherish forever.

Kayleigh Meyer Trainer SIGNATURE OAK STABLES

Why is saddle seat the division for you? I am addicted to the excitement, athleticism and presence that a great English horse has. There are so many moving parts that have to perfectly line up and work together to produce that incredible athlete that everyone loves to watch show. The intense energy that you can feel when you’re in the ring with an English horse is what first drew me into the discipline, and it is what continues to push me to be the best that I can be for my horses. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? Being a young professional, it is important to have eyes and ears open at all times and to act like a sponge absorbing anything and everything—even the smallest of details can make a huge impact in a training program. Although us young professionals may have a few new tricks up our sleeves, there are plenty of people around us that have their program down pat and have gone through all the same bumps in the road that we are going through now. My experience is, that many of these people are willing and excited to offer up any guidance when asked. Being kind and open to other young professionals will only help us all grow together, which will only help the Arabian industry as a whole. Cont. on page 67 ... Ar abian Horse Times | 65 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Ar abian Horse Times | 66 | Saddle Seat • 2021

...Kayleigh Meyer, cont. from page 65. What do you consider to be the middle market price range for a saddle seat horse? How can the middle market become stronger? I think that it is beneficial for the breed for breeders to have the middle market price range horse in mind when they are selecting horses for their breeding program and pricing them accordingly. Of course, all breeders want to hit that jackpot superstar, but most buyers are in that middle market price range, and it is important to fulfill those needs. While Signature Oak Stables certainly produces the best foal crop that we are capable of, I hope that we can also produce high quality horses that are attractive to the middle market buyers. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect saddle seat horse? While a high necked, well-laid back shouldered, short backed, tightly eared horse trotting past their nose and breathing fire is every professional’s

dream, these horses don’t always make the best amateur-friendly mounts. We are in a time where an outstanding and safe amateur horse is the most sought-after horse on the market. I believe that we need to continue to breed trainability, manners, and temperament into our high powered energetic English show horses so our discipline and industry can continue to thrive. Describe breeding your first horse. I am extremely grateful and excited that, fingers crossed, I will be expecting my first foal in 2022! I understand that breeding is a little bit of a gamble, but I am excited to roll the dice and start my breeding journey. Rob and Liz have had tremendous success in their breeding program, and I hope that my first try at breeding will be equally as rewarding.

Caitlyn Soudan Assistant Trainer SUGAR HILL FARM

Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I want to remain firm and fair to the horses. Using my body language when I’m doing groundwork and carrying that technique as I break them is very important to me. Being firm is key to making sure they take me seriously and helps avoid the development of bad habits. I work hard to give them the best chance to learn and be successful by communicating in ways they best understand. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? I grew up in a horse-oriented family, riding and caring for them since I was a little girl. I had a great instructor who always put me on challenging horses, knowing that it would make me a better rider and horseman. In college I trained and worked with so many different breeds and disciplines that it taught me a lot about how to adapt and get out of my comfort zone. My weeklong apprenticeship with Dave Weber had a huge impact on my breaking and training of young horses here at Sugar Hill. He taught me so much about breaking things down and “keeping it simple.” Horses communicate with each other through body language and that is something that they understand so easily. Learning to communicate with them in that way really opened my eyes to something so different and has become a part of my every thought with horses. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I am lucky to be able to work with so many different, truly professional trainers. I learn from Mitch Sperte daily. Having his experience and judge’s perspective is critical and valuable to my growth as a trainer. We are very close and work often with Brian Murch and Lance Lewis of Strawberry Banks Farm. Their input is often fresh, different from our daily routine and again, the experience they bring to my world is invaluable. Mitch has also reached out to Caralyn Schroter on a few occasions at shows to guide me with some of the hunter horses. I’m very new to this division, so her knowledge, skill and advice has been helpful. I do my best to keep an open mind when it comes to training styles and techniques. The horses are all different and often require a different perspective. Again, I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by so many experienced professionals to learn from. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? As stated previously, I work hard to keep an open mind and stay willing to learn. I love hearing from other professional horsemen what works for them and what doesn’t. Tapping into their experience can save valuable time. I love the quote Mitch often uses, “We either win or we learn.” Who do you consider to be the most influential person (past or present) in the saddle seat division in the Arabian industry? Because I am so new to the industry and did not grow up in the Arabian saddle seat division, I do not know a lot about the great trainers of the breed. In my travels, the past few years with Mitch to the major shows, I’ve observed and quickly learned to respect many trainers in the saddle seat division. My direct experience and “lifeline” in saddle seat has been Mitch for the past three years. It took me some time to realize what a tremendous influence he is and to grasp the kind of experience he has, both as a trainer and a judge. Every ounce of knowledge I have about saddle seat this far, is due to Mitch’s teachings. Ar abian Horse Times | 67 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Foal Photos & Design by Riyan

SugarHill Margin Call top left

Nutcracker’s Nirvana | Misstafirebey by Afire Bey V

SugarHill Sir William top right

Royal Nobility+ | Designer’s Touch by WC Designed

SugarHill Karamel bottom left SF Aftershoc | Pleasantview’s Eye Kandy by Only Man in Town SugarHill Wizard bottom right SF Aftershoc | Bewitched By Moonlight by Charmed & Bewitched

Royal Nobility+

VJ Royal Heir | Joleen WB by MHR Nobility

Ar abian Horse Times | 68 | Saddle Seat • 2021

SugarHill Wizard | Photo by Riyan Sugar Hill Farm photo by Grant Taylor

Ar abian Horse Times | 69 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Ava Lehman SHF Red Hot Stilettos

SHF Red Hot Stilettos Black Daniels | Style Is My Game by Undulata’s Nutcracker Owned by Ava Lehman | Bred by Betsy Kubiak of Sugar Hill Farm Presented by Ava Lehman & Mitch Sperte in Half Arabian English Pleasure Open & Amateur at Youth and United States Nationals

Ar abian Horse Times | 70 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Sugar Hill Farm Assistant Trainer

Caitlyn Soudan

Sugar Hill Farm Owned by Betsy Kubiak Trainer/Manager, Mitch Sperte Assistant Trainer, Caitlyn Soudan Victor, New York | SugarHillArabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | Saddle Seat • 2021

THE ARABIAN ENGLISH PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATION

15 Years Strong And Ever Evolving!

over

$2 MILLION in prize money paid out!

Breed to an A.E.P.A. Enrolled Stallion and get in on the ACTION!

w w w.ar abianenglishperfor m anceassociation.com

2020 National Saddle Seat Leaders Includes U.S., Mid Summer and Youth National English Champion and Reserve wins (AEPA, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes). Open and amateur/junior classes only.

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Noble Shoc VA Toi Sensation CRF 2. MR Mayhem 3. OH Dancing On Heir RA Extraordinare Rizing Stock BF 4. Game Of Thrones SV Money Talks BF No Strings Attached Shocked N Bewildered

Owner 2 championships, 2 reserves 2 championships, 2 reserves 4 reserves 3 championships 3 championships 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve

Mary Beethe KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. Connor Koch Lindsay O’Reilly French KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. Boisvert Farms LLC William & Janell Voss Shamrock Farms LLC Vicki Humphrey Lisa Blackstone

LEADING ARABIAN LEADING WINNERS by number of wins 1. Noble Shoc VA 2. MR Mayhem 3. OH Dancing On Heir RA Extraordinare 4. Game Of Thrones SV 5. Entouragze Princess Connection 6. GSF Revolution Heirs Noble Love Supreme Sensation SMP

Owner 2 championships, 2 reserves 4 reserves 3 championships 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

Mary Beethe Connor Koch Lindsay O’Reilly French KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. William & Janell Voss Shuster Arabians LLC Pamela Gaffney and Brittany Boucher Charles Amato Equine Interests LLC Karlton Jackson and Emily Shippee Cathy or Sophie Yih

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Toi Sensation CRF 2. Rizing Stock BF 3. Money Talks BF No Strings Attached Shocked N Bewildered 4. Bayonce 5. Bugzy Malone Miss Martini BF Nirvanas Sizzle PF Sal Mineo BF

Owner 2 championships, 2 reserves 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 3 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. Boisvert Farms LLC Shamrock Farms LLC Vicki Humphrey Lisa Blackstone Franklin Farm LLC Lisa Jo White Boisvert Farms LLC Hallie & Jennifer Zimmerman Boisvert Farms LLC

Ar abian Horse Times | 73 | Saddle Seat • 2021

2020 National Saddle Seat Leaders, continued... OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES by number of winning get

by number of wins

1. Afires Heir 2. Vegaz SF Aftershoc 3. Afire Bey V (deceased) Baske Afire (deceased) Mamage 4. GSF Rizing Son 5. HA Toskcan Sun IXL Noble Express 6. SF Specs Shocwave Thunder Struck LR

13 9 9 8 8 8 6 5 5 3 3

VCP Magnifire

1. Afires Heir 2. GSF Rizing Son 3. Afire Bey V (deceased) SF Aftershoc Vegaz 4. Mamage 5. Baske Afire (deceased) 6. Apollopalooza (deceased) HA Toskcan Sun 7. Matoi (deceased) SF Specs Shocwave

18 13 12 12 12 11 8 7 7 6 6

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get

1. Afires Heir 2. Vegaz 3. Afire Bey V (deceased) HA Toskcan Sun 4. Baske Afire (deceased) IXL Noble Express Mamage 5. SF Aftershoc 6. Apollopalooza (deceased) SF Specs Shocwave VCP Magnifire VJ Royal Heir

10 8 5 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2

by number of wins

1. Afires Heir 14 2. Vegaz 11 3. Afire Bey V (deceased) 7 Apollopalooza (deceased) 7 HA Toskcan Sun 7 4. Mamage 5 SF Specs Shocwave 5 5. Baske Afire (deceased) 4 IXL Noble Express 4 6. The Renaissance 3 SF Aftershoc 3

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

by number of wins

1. GSF Rizing Son SF Aftershoc 2. Baske Afire (deceased) Mamage 3. Afire Bey V (deceased) Afires Heir 4. Allience Black Daniels Fire And Goldd Thunder Struck LR

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2

GSF Rizing Son SF Aftershoc Mamage Afire Bey V (deceased) Afires Heir Baske Afire (deceased) Black Daniels Matoi (deceased) 6. Allience Fire And Goldd Thunder Struck LR

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included) by number of winners 1. Jessica Clinton Joel Kiesner Matthew Siemon James Stachowski 2. Jason Krohn Jonathan Ramsay

10 10 10 10 9 9

3. Joel Gangi Shawn Rooker 4. Ashton Kiesner Josh Shino Shan Wilson

Ar abian Horse Times | 74 | Saddle Seat • 2021

8 8 6 6 6

13 9 6 5 4 4 4 4 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses 1. Boisvert Farms LLC Vicki Humphrey Starline Arabians LLC 2. 6D Ranch Ltd. Cedar Ridge Farm Franklin Farm LLC KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations Inc. Connor Koch Cathy and Sophie Yih

4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

by number of horses

1. Amazing Horse Woman LLC Candace Avery Bella Cavallo Stables LLC Cedar Ridge Farm Dremul Enterprises Inc. Lindsay O’Reilly French Vicki Humphrey KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations Inc. Ashton Kiesner Elizabeth or Tom Moore Cathy or Sophie Yih

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1. Boisvert Farms LLC 2. Starline Arabians LLC 3. 6D Ranch Ltd. Franklin Farm LLC Vicki Humphrey KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations Inc. Connor Koch Alia and Anna Schippert

4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS | ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS | HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses 1. Boisvert Farms LLC Marty Shea 2. Vicki Humphrey 3. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc. 4. Cedar Ridge Farm Lindsay Rinehart 5. 6D Ranch Ltd. Cal Poly Pomona Carmelle Rooker Jensen Arabians, Inc. Prestige Farms LLC

8 8 7 6 5 5 3 3 3 3 3

by number of horses

1. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc. 6 2. Cal Poly Pomona 3 Carmelle Rooker 3 Cedar Ridge Farm 3 3. 6D Ranch Ltd. 2 Chris Wilson 2 Karlton Jackson 2 Lindsay Rinehart 2 Marty Shea 2 Scott & Michelle Harris/Helen Lacey Reed 2 Tom or Elizabeth Moore 2

1. Boisvert Farms LLC 2. Marty Shea Vicki Humphrey 3. Lindsay Rinehart Prestige Farms LLC 4. Burrline LLC Cedar Ridge Farm Jensen Arabians, Inc. Live Oak Arabians, Inc. Milagro Arabians Shan & Molly Wilson

Victoria Arabians LLC

Ar abian Horse Times | 75 | Saddle Seat • 2021

Stachowski Farm, Inc.

8 6 6 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Ames Divine U.S. Reserve National Champion Bred & Owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians SHF Rosemerry U.S. National Champion Bred & Owned by Tom & Elizabeth Moore

LAURA RODEL, PROUD PERFORMANCE TRAINER | WWW.CEDAR-RIDGE.COM The Ames Family | Jordan, MN | 952.492.6590

SF DESTINATION VICTRY and Jennifer Hagale

DEBONHEIR DGL and Jamie Hagale CSP HOT DAM+// and Jennifer Hagale

info@HagaleFamilyArabians.com

www.HagaleFamilyArabians.com

$110 per section through September 30th $130 per section October 1st and forward * Space is limited and subject to availability * or link to: https://www.ahtforms.com/video-order

Ar abian Horse Times | 113 | Volume 52, No. 2

VALLDEZ+/

VOLUME CONTROL HERMES MA

LD PISTAL

Ar abian Horse Times | 114 | Volume 52, No. 2

LD PISTAL WHITNEY MILES

Milestone Arabians | darlam@milesexcavating.com | 816.769.7172 | www.milestonearabians.com

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by MARY KIRKMAN Merrilee Lyons, of Silver Stag Arabians, loves her horses—always has, through decades of Arabian ownership. First in her heart is Turismo RA, whose undefeated show career includes tri-colors as the champion stallion at the U.S. Nationals (Junior), Canadian Nationals, and Scottsdale. It was, therefore, understandable that when Merrilee decided to move her 8-year-old favorite from the east coast, she chose Scottsdale, the center of the halter world. This past spring, Turismo joined Andy Sellman’s barn at Orrion Farms, accompanied by his sons Evolution CCA and Picasso SSA, and Merrilee’s Canadian National Champion Mare Edens Fantasy. So began a new chapter in their lives. Sellman, who had shown against Turismo in the past, says his regard for the stallion has only deepened since working with him: “He’s an impressive creature. Aesthetically, physically, he’s a one-of-a-kind horse. He has a stand-up that is unbelievable; you rarely see something this statuesque, and it’s easy to look at because it’s not forced.” Even better, he is equally taken with the stallion’s personality. As Turismo has settled into his new home, it’s apparent that he enjoys interacting with the staff. “He loves when we put our arms around him,” Andy grins. “I think he’s very sensitive; he’s a kind horse. I have more respect for him each day.” Johnny Ryan, who cared for Turismo in the month preceding the stallion’s move to Scottsdale, agrees. “He’s a cool horse,” Ryan says. “He radiates being a stallion and he has a great snort button, but he’s totally within himself—very regal. You can walk by his stall and be captivated because everything is majestic.” Both trainers mention what Turismo can contribute to the breed as a sire. “He can add such balance, carriage, shape to his neck, tail carriage—I think he’s going to put ‘a little bit more’ into [his foals],” says Johnny, who judged the stallion at Scottsdale. “A little bit more size, more stretch to the neck, and in some cases, more type. I’ve been fortunate to see several of his babies, and he puts an incredible neck and shoulder on them.” Andy sees that and more in Evolution CCA, already a national top ten in halter, and Picasso SSA. “They train great,” he notes. “To me, that mental feature is just as important as physical features. I really value people that breed good-minded horses and stallions that breed good-minded foals that are willing and enthusiastic, and he is that.” Both see Turismo’s potential for a crossover into the performance ranks. “There is every reason to believe he could be a sire along the lines of a Jullyen El Jamaal or a Sundance Kid,” Johnny says, “the type of horse who has done well in the western and hunter world.”

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“Turismo’s a horse I’d like to have in our gene pool,” Andy states flatly. “I can’t think of another stallion as functional as this guy. He’s a horseman’s horse, one that would be universally liked by performance -oriented people as well as halter people.” With Turismo, Edens Fantasy, Evolution and Picasso in Scottsdale, Merrilee also rerouted the others she owns. Two youngsters went to Dwayne Hankins to be prepared for sale in performance, while retirees Citationn and RGT Breathin Afire, along with Afires Midnite Heir, are with John and Christine Ryan in Pennsylvania. “Merrilee’s only a couple of hours away, so she visits them about once a month,” Johnny says, adding that there are Turismo foals in the area that she likes to monitor. Turismo is now at home in Scottsdale—and as Andy says, “We’re in a very good place.” He is optimistic and the stallion is happy. Back east, though, Turismo is missed not just by Merrilee, but Johnny Ryan too. “Every day that I took him to the round pen, I would just marvel at what a magnificent animal he is,” Johnny says. “He’s got a certain aura about him, almost like he knows he’s great—he probably does know he’s great. I was actually sad to see him leave, even though I knew that was the plan all along. I just enjoyed my morning time with him.” Merrilee knows just how he feels. n

From Turismo’s latest foal crop: Picasso SSA (above), out of Edens Fantasy (right), by Eden C.

by SARAH JAYNE JOHNSON Established by Dick and Lollie Ames over 50 years ago, and now managed by their daughter, Lara, Cedar Ridge Arabians sits on 500+ acres of green pastures with a one-of-a-kind facility in Jordan, Minnesota, not far from Minneapolis. It is staffed with some of the brightest rising stars in the industry: performance trainer Laura Rodel, training and operations manager Stephanie Davisson, and the newest member to the CRA family, halter trainer Kenny McDonald. When discussing what brought McDonald to CRA, he explained, “I was drawn to the CRA team for a few reasons; the Ames Family is one of the most respected families in all of the Arabian horse industry, and they have developed one of the best breeding programs in the nation.” Being young, McDonald brings to the table a new style of halter training. He has been showing and training halter horses since a very young age with his family. Walking into CRA with the Ames Family’s established decades of success in breeding and halter wins makes his job that much more exciting.

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One of the best parts of his new gig, he shares, is working in such an upbeat and happy barn with Stephanie and Laura. Laura Rodel has been with CRA now for a few years, and each year she looks forward to seeing more horses and clients reach success together and is witness to the breeding of incredibly talented horses in all divisions. When it comes to McDonald, Rodel has nothing but great things to say as well, “Kenny has been a great addition to Cedar Ridge. He’s brought new ideas and solutions to the team that have been very helpful thanks to his extensive knowledge and talent. His personality fits in really well, there’s never a dull moment at work.” Operations manager Davisson had the same praises for McDonald, “Our team is so much fun! It’s nice to have a group of people that work so well together and help each other out so much. It’s the perfect balance of work and pleasure.” Looking towards U.S. Nationals, the trio is excited for the rest of the industry to see their latest talent. “We are slowly starting to put our plan together for Nationals,” McDonald says, “but one to keep an eye out for is the Half-Arabian yearling filly, Like No Other CRF, by Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other and out of the beautiful Baske Afire daughter, HA Sahara Afire.” Davisson agrees. “It’s always exciting to see the younger stock enter the ring for the first time to see what divisions they’ll be competitive in. Of course, the AEPA, AWPA, and AHPA classes are always goals.” Continuously improving the quality of its breeding, including the addition of home-bred western pleasure horses, and exceptional teamwork is Cedar Ridge Arabians’ key to success, both at home and in the arena. With the help of this skilled trio and CRA’s ever expanding lesson program, one can bet they will see numerous future national champions within the industry for many years to come. n

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Daniel C. Gainey’s son, Dan, Ferzon and Wayne.

Wayne’s first introduction to horses was his Norwegian immigrant grandfather’s Belgians and Percherons used for farming. Though he has fond memories of going to school in the winter pulled by a team (literally with hot bricks to keep their feet warm), it was a Shetland pony he met when he, his parents and seven siblings left Iowa for a farm in Sherburne, MN, who to him looked more like a toy, but was indeed something to reckon with. He quickly found out, however, that if you could ride a pony, you could ride anything! Sharing his love of animals with his siblings, as a teen he enjoyed doing racing and gymkhana events with draft horses at the county fairs. After high school he joined the Navy, and after three years, returned home to continue his horse addiction. Wayne began breeding palomino Quarter Horses and American Saddlebreds and was awarded Minnesota State Fair Champion American Saddlebred Five-Gaited Palomino, but it was his ability to connect, bond and communicate with horses which led him to develop his training skills. In 1953, Wayne purchased his first Arabian, the yearling filly Arachne; only one of two daughters out of *Azja IV, dam of Azraff. Under Wayne, she produced eight foals in her lifetime, all extraordinary quality, including Aba Bahabas, by Ibn Semuel, who Wayne proudly recalls became a National Champion in Formal Combination and a Denver Broncos mascot. In 1960, Wayne purchased Shidraffa, who was in foal to Redraff (Rasraff x Othmadeyna). Her colt, “Tygar” was his first attempt at showing Arabians. Though their presentation at the Minnesota Arabian Horse Show didn’t go so well, it was an enormous wakeup call for Wayne, who spent the rest of the day observing how things were done in the halter ring. After returning home, he spent hours and weeks honing his trade, and the next year, he and Tygar returned and were awarded Jr. Champion Yearling. It didn’t take long before others noticed the flair and condition of Wayne’s horses and he would excel in this arena until his retirement. It was the stallion Raffon, bred and owned by friend Paul Hemming, which led to his introduction to Dan Gainey. Stabled with Wayne, Gainey and his trainer, Ken Crooks, made an appointment to see what the buzz was about regarding this young stallion who was by Gainey-bred Gazon (sire) and Ferzon (grandsire). Wayne’s unique eye for quality led Gainey to eventually persuade him to work for Gainey Fountainhead Arabians in 1964. Raffon would soon follow, leading to his U.S. National Stallion Championship in 1965. Hired as the manager and in charge of all breeding and foaling, Wayne bred his own mare Arachne to Ferzon for four of his finest progeny: two stallions, Gai Aracazon and the prolific Ibn Ferzon, and two mares, the stunning Gai-Gay-Ferzona and Galicassatt. It is his relationships formed within the industry that Wayne is most appreciated for. Lyle Anderson Jr. (my father) had been Mr. Gainey’s stable boy as a teenager, and he and Wayne formed a bond that lasted until his untimely death in 1973. His friendship felt more like family; he was fun to be around, had a wicked sense of humor, and was known to be a trickster. While working in Monticello, Wayne crossed paths with Don and Shorty Boggs, who were looking to buy a horse. They walked into the barn and Don fell to his knees when he saw Gawad, a very typey grey stallion with nice bone and body and very full of himself. Boggs and Wayne made a deal on the spot and Gawad was delivered shortly thereafter. While unloading him, Wayne met a very young Bobby Boggs and it was the beginning of another friendship that would turn into family. Always up for a challenge, Wayne’s friendship with Walter Mishek, who came up with the idea of starting a newspaper for the Arabian horse industry, gained him a position at the company, and it wasn’t long before Arabian Horse Times hit the press, but his first love of breeding and training called him back a few years later. Ar abian Times | title, 123 | is Volume 52, No. 2 of remarkable. Nothing Watching Wayne prepare a horse from being halter broke toHorse a National nothing short

Watching Wayne prepare a horse from being halter broke to a National title, is nothing short of remarkable. Nothing is rushed. He believes in earning the trust of the horse and not through intimidation, pain or fear. His ability to condition and prepare them for the ring is unequaled still today. He evaluated each horse as to its needs for feed, conditioning and training. Lounge lines were never used, and young horses were allowed to free exercise. The condition of each horse determined the amount of work they received, anywhere from 5 minutes to no more than 30 minutes a day. Temperature and humidity were also brought into the equation for the time they were worked or exercised. Each horse was bathed after each workout in a mild detergent shampoo and then once a week they were given a bath of warm mineral oil and warm water. Wayne felt the best defense to a wellconditioned horse was a regular worming program, some sweet feed, a little bran, and quality Alfalfa hay, and he stressed how important water was, preferring buckets so one could monitor their water intake. Along with free choice salt, this program produced many Champions. Of those Wayne showed, not only were they presented beautifully, without the heavy oil and shaving, but they sparkled from head to toe and were happy to do their job for him. Never did Wayne use a whip or mistreat a horse. At 91, when asked which horses he admired the most, the list is long. Though he’s sure some have escaped him, a few that come to mind are National Champion Dornaba, the most beautiful of all; GA-Rageyma, Gay-Rose, Gai-Gay-Rose, Gali-Rose, TJS Georgie Girl, Bask Calonett. Stallions were many as well: Azraff, Gawad, Garis, Raffon, Azraff, Gamaar and Gai Parada …, but Ferzon, Gay-Rouge, Phar and Ibn Ferzon were his favorites. Gay-Rouge and Raffon had so much presence and willingness to show, and Phar (Azraff x Garaffa), out of all the horses Wayne owned, was by far his most fun to show. Ferzon had a very sweet and kind temperament and Wayne often rode him bareback. His impeccable disposition which he passed on to his offspring, was perfect for taking the Gaineys on many a sleigh ride, and he was always a gentleman and very easy to handle for breeding. Though he often discussed with Gainey the breeding of the mares, many of the breeding decisions were left up to Wayne. One he recalls being very proud of was a colt he named Gai Parada. In addition to working at Beehive Arabians, Dorian Farms and Crooker Arabians, Wayne also created Meriden Farms, which stood mainly Raffles-bred mares and his beloved stallions Phar and Ibn Ferzon. Wayne reflects on his time with the Gaineys from 1964 and on and off until Dan’s death in 1979, as a precious gift, and their influence helped him to create the horseman he became. Those thankful to know Wayne and forever grateful for the gift of his friendship include, this writer and family, David and Bob Boggs, Lollie (Dick) Ames, Walter Mishek, Shelley Brinkert Hjelm, Jerry McCrae, Gene Reichardt, Dorothy Zelskie, Maxine Luger Gallett, Garnet Gilligan, Jody Strand, Pat Forehand and Van Jacobsen to name a few. Recently, Wayne was the recipient of The Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society’s Benefactor of the Breed Award, given to those that have contributed to the knowledge, promotion and/or education of the public about the Arabian breed. His impact on the breed is as profound as the mark he has left on the lives of those who know him. Gone are many who remember those glorious days, some of the best days within the Arabian industry, but his legacy lives on.

Sired by Multi-National Champion Monaco Jullyen V

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Consistently making NATIONAL CHAMPIONS in the English, Western, Hunter, Driving, Reining and Ranch Riding divisions.

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Different from the Rest. 2021 BUCKEYE CHAMPION ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE OPEN MID SUMMER NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION & U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN STALLION 2021 Three-Time Western Pleasure Champion in his first year in the Western Pleasure Division Proudly Owned by: Talia Lydick | 817-692-4821 Standing at: The Brass Ring | Gordon Potts | 817-312-4017

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Monaco Jullyen V’s Progeny BY CAT H ER I NE C OLE F ER A NDELLI

hamrock Farms LLC’s’ rock star stallion, Monaco Jullyen V, is carving out a new path, adding another key layer to what has already been a stellar western pleasure career. Having set Arabian western pleasure show records, winning U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Horse three years in a row unanimously, the next test for Monaco was to pass his unique talents and beauty on to his offspring, and he is proving to be even better than they could have imagined. Monaco’s trainer/best friend, Joe Reser, is enthusiastic about his breeding abilities, “Starting in 2019 with Monaco’s first colt and now with six foals on the ground, he is at the beginning of creating the next leg of his legacy.” Joe smiles, “All of the Monaco babies (three colts, three fillies, all bay), inherited his soft eye, stunning type and fluid movement and balance, and all even have his exotic, tippy ears!” When Monaco’s first foal, the 2-year-old colt MillionDollarBaby SF (“Money”), hit the ground, Joe, along with Shamrock Farms owners Leslie Doran Sommer and Carrie Fritz, knew they’d hit the jackpot. Says Leslie, “Money looks and acts exactly like his dad. We had to name him MillionDollarBaby as he’s so like Monaco. And for us, Monaco is that one-in-a-million horse Shamrock Farms is blessed to have, the horse we feel has revolutionized Arabian western pleasure.”

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Above: 2021 filly out of Candy Girl V.

Joe agrees, “Money is huge and mature, just like Monaco. Later this fall, we plan to start him and move carefully toward cultivating his show career. I look forward to this as a trainer career highlight for myself, that same thrill I had when I first laid eyes on Monaco.” Although Monaco Jullyen V breedings are not sold publicly, Leslie and Carrie have offered select breedings through the AWPA and Scottsdale Signature Stallion programs. Longtime client, Kristen Harkins, won the winning bid for the 2020 AWPA Monaco Jullyen V breeding. Kristen bred her National Champion Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity mare PA Maya, producing the 2020 filly Mayovka. Kristen is thrilled with the results, stating, “This pairing gifted us with everything we wanted! Our filly is big, confident, correct and topped off with an exquisitely chiseled face. Her movement is near perfection. She carries the very best of her sire and dam. Monaco and Maya hit the ball out of the park!” Shamrock Farms is thrilled to have three more Monaco babies make their debut in 2021. The first two were fillies, both out of the Sundance Kid V daughter Candy Girl V. Again, Monaco proved himself, as both fillies’ movement have the “floating on air” gait that brought him unparalleled success in the show pen. Joe is equally excited about these “girls”, exclaiming, “We cannot say enough good things about Melania SF and Monica SF. Time cannot pass fast enough to start their training!” The latest Monaco foal, a stunning bay colt out of the mare Viquita Juell XX, was born in March and is yet again a chip off the old block of his sire. Joe, Leslie and Carrie couldn’t be prouder. Shamrock Farms has carefully managed Monaco Jullyen V’s career, first as a show horse and now as a game changing breeding stallion. Leslie explains, “Shamrock Farms’ purpose has always been to produce carefully thought-out quality over quantity. As we move further into our breeding goals, we choose to control every aspect of Monaco’s journey as a sire. Monaco has changed our lives, and as such, we owe him the best life possible. We are dedicated to giving Monaco his opportunity to make an indelible mark as a leading-edge Arabian horse sire.” The old Irish adage “Tenacity of purpose,” fittingly describes the Shamrock Farms philosophy, its goals and its future. It’s a stellar beginning to Monaco Jullyen V’s creating more Shamrock Farms Arabian bloodstock; progeny who are western pleasure “done differently.”

From top: Monarch SF (on the Western cover); Million Dollar Baby; and 2021 filly out of Candy Girl V.

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$224,50 0 IN 2021 PRIZE MONEY!

2020 Arabian Horse Times AWPA Arabian Futurity Champion Rick Gault & Girl Crush

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Western TODAY’S

HORSE

A great horse will change your life. The truly special ones define it ...

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DA Valentino x Faberge AA, by Magnum Psyche | Multi-Program Nominated Sire Proudly owned by Gretchen Love | Contact Jody Strand at 319.360.5997 | www.StrandsArabians.com

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HARPER ARABIANS

Celebrates

Arabian Western Pleasure Accolades BY C AT HER INE CO LE FER A ND ELLI

alk to an Arkansas native and he/she will describe achieving greatness as attaining “All Get Out.” 2020 was such a year for Harper Arabians, earning AHT’s prestigious “top nod” as the Overall Leading Breeder of National Champion/Reserve Arabian Western Pleasure horses.

Located in pastoral Prattsville, Arkansas, Harper Arabians personifies a family-run Arabian horse business dedicated to careful breeding, impeccable care and exacting placement of their Arabian horses who are brought to sale. They maintain, “When you buy a Harper Arabians horse, you join the Harper family.” Built from the ground up by his father, Harper Arabians today is run by Arkansas native Jeremy Harper and his “Michigan transplant” wife, Chelsea. Blessed with three children, Payne (17), Chloe (9) and Quinn (5), they are all immersed in the day-to-day operation, and equally obsessed with competing in the Arabian Youth rider show circuit. Hard work is part and parcel of Harper Arabians. As such, the rewards are palpable. “We are mainly a mare-based breeding farm,” Chelsea and Jeremy describe Harper Arabians’ operation. “We are always attuned to the top Arabian stallions, those who not only are beautiful, but possess great dispositions, athletic ability and enhance our broodmares attributes. We’d have to say a little bit of science goes into our program, combined with persistence and natural progression.” Chelsea continues, “Our breeding test and validation comes every spring during foaling season when we invite visitors to come visit and enjoy the new babies. We keep some of our homebreds for our program but are equally rewarded when Harper Arabians babies are purchased and put in training with the top trainers in our industry.” Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Western • 2021

Many Harper Arabians excel in the western pleasure show pen, yet many others have earned roses in hunter pleasure, country English, and even halter competition. Amateur western pleasure competitor Bridget Chinowth-Payne, owner of the Harper-bred purebred, 2014 bay gelding Jeter HA (Diesel Smoke CBA x PA Senneca), proclaims her fortune, “Jeter HA, is kindness combined with a huge heart. 2020 was my son Garrett’s first time ever competing in a show bridle—he had only been riding two years. It was also Jeter’s first year in the show bridle, being 6 years old. Nonetheless, they went on to win two reserve national championships at Youth Nationals: Arabian Western Pleasure 13 & Under JTR and Select.” Bridget continues, “Having shown Jeter HA myself since he was 4 years old, competing on him is so much fun! His conformation makes western pleasure competition so easy for him. I would take a barn full of Jeter’s!” Longtime client Michele Moss, agrees, “Jeremy and Chelsea consistently produce greatness by utilizing their vast breeding knowledge; pairing their proven broodmares with the top western pleasure stallions in the industry. My mare, Fames Last Love HA, is the perfect example. Consistently a prize winner at the national and regional competitions, she is the perfect dream to ride! With that, I couldn’t resist purchasing the 2-year-old mare Opal Long HA, produced by their splendid mare PA Senneca and sired by the incredible Onyx A.” Homebred bay gelding, 7-year-old purebred Cadillac Jack HA (Fames Blackjack HA x Heartbreaker RA), consistently brings home the roses with Harper youth riders and Chelsea, a self-professed western pleasure novice. Last year’s Mid Summer/Youth Nationals saw Payne Harper and Cadillac Jack to the reserve championship in Arabian Western Pleasure Elite JTR and Arabian Western Pleasure JOTR 14-18. Continuing their winning streak at Scottsdale 2021, Payne and Cadillac Jack earned championship roses in Arabian Western Pleasure 14-18 JTR and JOTR. Another Harper-bred star is the 2005 bay purebred mare One Bright Starr HA (LBA Lode Star x Muskadot), who with Chloe Harper, also added to the red roses treasure trove at the 2020 Youth Nationals, winning the Western Pleasure Walk/Trot 10 and Under. The Harpers take pride in seeing their bloodstock in the winners’ circle as rewarding validation of their prized broodmare band, a select group of mares possessing Fame VF, Magnum Psyche, Varian and other bloodlines. The Harper “girls” consistently pass on beauty, brains and gentleness to their babies, combined with charismatic consistency and athletic talent. Among them, Heartbreaker RA, bred to Bentley SF, produced the stunning bay colt Redemption HA in 2019, whom Harper Arabians sees as a future breeding stud for their broodmare band. Jeremy and Chelsea thank everyone who has joined the family, and invites all to come see for themselves their Harper Arabians bloodstock. n

From top: Chelsea Harper and Cadillac Jack HA; The Harpers with One Bright Starr HA.; Jeter HA and Garrett Payne

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Western pleasure TODAY’S

TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS•AMATEURS

“Breeding a perfect western horse is a gift of nature, along with many kind and nurturing hands ...’ —Marta Wasiak

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equation as much as possible. It’s important for us to create marketable animals that can join other families and be companions in and out of the show ring for years to come. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? We are always talking to other breeders, trainers and owners. It’s the easiest way to keep up with the climate in the industry. While we have our own breeding philosophies, it’s also important for us to continue to evolve our program in line with the evolution of the Arabian horse and its industry.

Jeremy and Chelsea Harper Breeders/Amateurs/Owners/Judges HARPER ARABIANS Why is western pleasure the division for you? We breed horses to excel in multiple divisions, and our western-bred horses seem to excel in their chosen division because of their beauty, athleticism and personalities. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? As breeders, we do a lot of research. Mainly, we are speaking to other successful breeders, to the trainers we admire, and to owners who we believe would be a good fit to own horses in our program. Breeding is a calculated hypothesis at best; so, we try to take the guess work out of the

Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? Yes; we both have our judges’ cards ( Jeremy is a national/regional judge and Chelsea has her “R”). Becoming a judge was imperative to both of us. It is the quickest and most efficient way to compare our breeding program to others in the industry. When you judge, especially large shows where you can see multiple get from a specific sire, it gives you important insight into common faults or good attributes that horse consistently passes on. We think becoming a judge has given us a leg up as breeders. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Breeding western horses comes with many of the same challenges that breeding excellent horses for any other division would. Genotype and phenotype do not always go hand in hand. Taking calculated risks in your program to try to develop a horse that is better than its sire and dam is a very tall task.

Talia Lydick Amateur THE BRASS RING, INC. Why is western pleasure the division for you? It is slower and better for me. I love it! Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? Gordon Potts my trainer, suggested it for me. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? Have shown in dressage, hunter pleasure and show hack for years. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I ask my trainer, Gordon Potts. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/ breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? No, I do not, but I have been to the judges’ school. That is a great experience. Ar abian Horse Times | 23 | Western • 2021

Poco Van Star Two x Candy Girl V | Proudly owned by MD Equine LLC

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Knight Rider M (Van Gogh AM

Kharisma M)

2015 Bay Stallion | Sweepstakes Nominated Standing in 2022 to a limited number of select mares, contact RBC Show Horses for details.

Standing at: RBC Show Horses | Rob Bick & Caralyn Schroter info@rbcshowhorses.com | 919-202-8384 www.rbcshowhorses.com

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Owned by: Helen Lanier & Christina Vance

Helen Lanier Amateur/Owner RBC SHOW HORSES Why is western pleasure the division for you? At my age, easy-peasy is always best. It’s relaxing, but more work than most people think. I love having a horse that’s kind, comfortable and smooth! What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? Working on the farm, managing cattle, kids, dogs and eventually, horses. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? All the time! No one has all the answers. Seeking support from those who grew up in the industry can be one of the smartest decisions an amateur could make. What do you consider to be the middle market price range for a western pleasure horse? How can the middle market become stronger? Somewhere between $50k - $100k, depending on their level of training. Finding the right temperament at the right price is critical. To avoid discouraging newcomers to the industry or young riders, we need to keep good horses at an affordable price. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Finding the right bloodlines with the right temperament is essential.

Maria Smith Amateur STRAND’S ARABIAN STABLES Why is western pleasure the division for you? The rhinestones drew me in but what keeps me in it, is the challenge that it presents. It takes patience, partnership and a really talented horse to make it look easy. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? My first horse as a child was a hunter but when we started looking for a more competitive horse, I wanted a western horse. I’ve been riding and showing western ever since. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? One of my favorite things about the Arabian horse is the community. I think we can always learn from another’s experience, and I feel like it is one of our greatest resources. Whether it is my trainer, my husband, my barn mates, or friends in the industry, I feel very fortunate that I can seek out several different perspectives and advice. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/ breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I don’t have my judges card yet, but definitely intend on going. I think it will help me to become a better amateur and I would love the privilege and opportunity to judge these incredible horses from center ring. Who do you consider to be the most influential horse (past or present) in the western pleasure division in the Arabian industry? Sundance Kid V. Ar abian Horse Times | 26 | Western • 2021

Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I think commitment is the core value that best describes my feeling about horsemanship. I always want to get better and learn. When I show, I am determined to have the best ride possible for me and my horse. After that, it’s up to the judges. I enjoy the partnership and love the process of getting prepared to compete. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? I have had horses since I was 13 and have gained a lot of skills and experience watching and learning. I love watching horses being worked at horse shows by different trainers with different skill sets. Since returning to Arabians, I have been very fortunate to be trained by Joe Reser. Joe has taught me how to really show a horse. He has made me expect more and believe in myself.

Andrea Martoglio Amateur/Owner SHAMROCK FARMS LLC Why is western pleasure the division for you? I re-entered the Arabian world six years ago after showing Morgans and Arabians in many different disciplines: saddle seat, hunt seat, driving, reining and western pleasure. I love the challenge of western pleasure, the challenge of making it look easy while it is not. I also love the outfits!

What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Today’s perfect western horse is beautiful, athletic and a great mover with a great mind. Putting that into one package is a challenge and trying to breed that special horse is a lot of fun. Describe breeding your first horse. After breeding several Morgan horses, my first attempt at breeding a HalfArabian was breeding my Quarter Horse paint mare to Audacious PS. I put in an order for a bay paint filly and, of course, a grey paint colt was born! I have learned a ton the last few years. I wish I had started earlier... there is SO much to learn. I was traveling with my sister to Joe Reser’s in Indiana when she would go to ride and we had so much fun on those trips, that I decided I wanted to try western also! Joe and Michele are wonderful people; they make it fun and Joe is the best at actually teaching his amateurs how to ride. He wants you to feel competent and in control while showing your horse and I love that philosophy. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I am constantly seeking the advice of people whom I admire. Of course, my sister, is my main go-to and we bounce about everything off each other. I also rely on the counsel of Joe and Michele for about all things western. I also have some very close friends in the industry who I “go to” for an outside opinion. They are amazing horsemen and I know I will always get an honest, unbiased and straight forward opinion. I don’t know what I would do without them, and they make me laugh, which is a bonus!

Carrie Doran Fritz Owner/Breeder/Amateur SHAMROCK FARMS, LLC Why is western pleasure the division for you? Western pleasure, English pleasure, hunter pleasure, country pleasure, you name it … if you can do it with an Arabian horse, I’m all in! Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason?

What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? I have had a crash course in breeding over the last five years and I have learned that it is definitely not for the faint of heart! I think we have a slightly different perspective when it comes to breeding a western horse than some, but from what I see in our pastures, it seems to be working. Who do you consider to be the most influential person (past or present) in the western pleasure division in the Arabian industry? Sheila Varian, no doubt.

Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | Western • 2021

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I ask someone. Most likely, other people have had similar issues and found a solution. What do you think are the most important qualities to have in order to make it as a young professional? Talent, a strong work ethic, dedication and skills for a job that is 24/7. Not only do you need to be a great rider, but also a teacher, a vet, a psychologist, a businessman, a breeder, a truck driver, etc. One must know how to deal with the loss of a horse, disappointing show results, anxious amateurs panicking before entering the arena, and mucking stalls because the person you hired just quit the job. A love for animals and people is a must.

Marta Wasiak Amateur/Owner/Breeder MISTY WOODS ARABIANS | BECKER STABLES OCALA EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY Why is western pleasure the division for you? Watching western pleasure classes at Nationals looks so easy, but it is such a deceptive sense of effortless, moving the horse with a ‘cool’ rider. It takes years of patient training and conditioning of the horse who must be born with athletic abilities, great conformation, and a willing mind to do the job. The western division became a fascination and challenge for me; while wearing a beautiful, shiny and sparkling outfit was a definite whoa factor! How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? For me, mentoring is crucial, with much practice. Having an open mind and watching people ride and interacting with their horses is important, as well as trainers who are respectful and fair to horses; understanding the horse’s potential and limitations and not being ‘forceful’. Finding someone who you believe is the best in any particular discipline and learning from that person is pretty special. And when I do not know what to do,

Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I do not have a judges card, yet; it is in my future plans. Besides the book knowledge, one must ‘have an eye’ for picking a winner and knowing why. Baseline knowledge is necessary, but to me, the finesse of evaluating horses is a special gift of an excellent judge. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Selecting the right mare, then finding a perfect stallion to complement and enhance her features, while checking all the boxes needed to make a western pleasure champion. Growing up in Poland, I learned from the masters—Director Andrzej Krzysztalowicz, Ignacy Jaworski, Marek Trela and Jerzy Bialobok—about the importance of dam lines. After being introduced to Kharismatic PGA, and buying a breeding, it took me 2 years to find his ‘perfect partner’, Ladys Dance, who was not a western horse herself, but a lovely hunter—bold moving with fantastic attitude and great mind. Combining the best qualities of these two resulted in my dream horse becoming a reality. But once you have a foal on the ground, we worry about development, nutrition, socialization with other horses, health issues, injuries, etc. Later, there are new challenges, and a million things that can possibly go wrong along the way. So even if your breeding ideas work well, there is a long journey ahead, before the victory pass and beautiful rose garland. Breeding a perfect western horse is a gift of nature, along with many kind and nurturing hands touching your horse.

Shelly Carn Owner/Breeder/Amateur NORTHSHORE ARABIAN HORSES, LLC Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I first became drawn to the western pleasure division as a youth, showing on the East Coast in the early 70s, when I fell in love with Del Taurean as he campaigned toward his national championship. Hunt seat, however, was my heart discipline. But over the years, I’ve grown more appreciative of the subtleties of the western pleasure division and the skill it took to achieve that look. When we decided to refocus our breeding program in 2010, producing competitive western pleasure horses became the goal. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? Respect and gratitude. Respect for the responsibility of seeing that the horses entrusted to me are well cared for, recognizing that my agenda may not necessarily be theirs and acknowledging the fact that Ar abian Horse Times | 30 | Western • 2021

Cont. on page 32...

Western

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AS L A C023 P AW O F 2

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SS Fo S/ tion B A uc A PA

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Rich & Shelly Carn | scarn@ntin.net | 940-395-7697 Valley View, Texas Ar abian Horse Times | 31 | Western • 2021

...Shelly Carn, cont. from page 30. I’m the one that needs to adjust, and respect for the fact that there are differences among the people I encounter on this journey, and that I can learn something from everyone. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to spend my day in the company of horses and people that share my passion. How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? Often! Two heads are better than one! Although I can’t say that I always follow advice I’m given, I do appreciate the perspective it provides. As for a “go to” I have several: Wendye Gardiner is typically my first “stop”; I seek breeding insight from Morgan Moore; and Heidi Bailey, who has done my breeding for close to 20 years. She’s not an Arab person, but there’s no one better to consult when it comes to overall horse husbandry. If I still have questions, I’ll look until I find someone with the answers.

Who do you consider to be the most influential person (past or present) in the western pleasure division in the Arabian industry? So many people are involved in developing horses for this division—from the breeders, owners, trainers, amateurs and caretakers involved on a daily basis to those making sure there are suitable classes offered at the shows as well as all those who were involved bringing the AWPA to life. The whole is definitely more than a sum of its parts. That said, if I were pinned down to one person, I’d say Sheila Varian. The number of western pleasure horses sporting her signature “V” in their pedigrees, is truly impressive. Additionally, Shelia did much to educate us about the western tradition and highlight the finesse involved in developing horses to excel in the western disciplines. Who do you consider to be the most influential horse (past or present) in the western pleasure division in the Arabian industry? If I had to pick one, my choice would be *Khadraj NA who, by virtue of his incredible neck, in my mind has defined the frame of the modern Arabian western pleasure horse.

laurels for many years and did not get serious about it again until Jennifer Schmitt came to work for us 5 years ago. She is a western pleasure guru and I have learned so much from her. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/ breeding? I was lucky to grow up in an area of CO that was the home to many foundation Arabian horse breeders, and their influence is always in the back of my mind. I started judging, and horses from my early days in 4-H, and that skill set has carried with me while evaluating bloodstock and setting goals for our breeding program to achieve. The foundation from which our horses stand, to the beauty and type each horse has, is important in our Arabian breeding program. The mind set and willingness to do their job is also paramount and a must for success in any breeding program.

Lori Conway Breeder/Amateur/Owner CONWAY ARABIANS Why is western pleasure the division for you? It holds a lot of appeal for me. It is the antithesis of riding in the hunt or saddle seat division physically, but requires a skill set that is mentally challenging and tests this adrenaline junkie’s abilities to be slow and methodical. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? Many moons ago, I was the trainer at Longs Peak Arabians in CO and I showed halter, western and English. A bit of old but cool trivia: at the illustrious Scottsdale All Arabian Horse Show, I was Champion in the Half-Arabian Open Western Pleasure with Kara’s Mr. Jacques (owned by Dan Fogelberg (the singer)) and was Reserve Champion Open Western Pleasure with Keraphix+ (owned by LPA) in the same year. I rested on my

How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? We are always trying to learn more! We will freely give advice and help those that ask for our opinion and we have no qualms to reach out to others for their advice and expertise. We are all in this together and the more we help each other out, the stronger the Arabian breed becomes and the more it will grow. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? The perfect western pleasure horse … hmmm. Breeding is difficult no matter what type of horse you are trying to get, and it is that challenge that keeps driving us all to do it year after year. The continuity of our western breeding program is that they are all beautiful, with great legs and feet, good movers stemming from their neck placement, shoulder angle, short coupling and long, deep hip. The attitude and willingness to learn can be developed to some extent, but without it, the horse won’t see a lot of consistent success in the show ring or breeding shed.

Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Western • 2021

Sundance Kid V

Desperado V Sweet Shalimar V

Jullyen El Jamaal Moments To Treasure Tymeless Treasure

Huckleberry Bey Daraska Ali Jamaal Sweetinspirationv Ali Jamaal Jullye El Ludjin Eternety Letraza

U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN WESTERN PLEASURE JR. HORSE & AAOTR MATURITY Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sire | AWPA Enrolled Sire | MN Medallion Stallion Proudly owned by & standing at Conway Arabians, Lori & Peter Conway, Chatfield, MN For breeding information call 507.202.4440 | www.ConwayArabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 33 | Western • 2021

Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? My trainer, Martha Rattner, led me down this path. At first she taught me to show horses in-hand, then to ride in intro dressage, and later, a switch to western dressage. A few years ago, Martha found the horse for me to ride; Zorrado. After lessons here and there, we started showing in A shows, then regionals, then the Nationals. I get better each time. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? Work hard. Do not get discouraged if things do not go well. Sometimes we may need to take baby steps to reach our goal. How closely do you follow other breeds that specialize in the western pleasure division? What are some of the things you’ve observed that have influenced your approach to training/breeding? I always watch the Arabian western pleasure classes. Zorrado is a purebred, so it is always nice to see how other horses perform. If I have questions about what I noticed in the performance, I would ask our horse trainer about it.

Henrietta Ellzey Amateur/Owner FLINT HILL FARM Why is western pleasure the division for you? It is the type of discipline that has made me comfortable with riding. I like the smooth ride. It has helped me learn to temper my energy, which in most instances, can be in overdrive.

How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I do ask questions of the trainer. I may look up information online, from books and or from instructional DVDs.

Sienna Snell Breeder DST ARABIANS Why is western pleasure the division for you? I love the beauty and athleticism of a great western horse. They can make something so difficult look effortless. Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? In breeding horses, they always tell you what they want to be, and several years ago I had one that I knew was an exceptional western horse from the time he was born. Riding him made me fall in love with western pleasure and I hope someday to have another horse that can lope the way he did. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? There is no substitute for hard work. I foal out my own mares and do everything with them from the beginning, and I believe it makes it that much more special when they grow up and become exactly what you hoped they would be. You need to absolutely love it, or it isn’t for you. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/ breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? I do not have my judges card, but I did attend the judges school. I think the school is a great experience for people to learn what judges are searching for. However, there are certain things in the school I feel need to be updated with the times. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Breeding horses is never an easy job. You can do everything right and sometimes things still won’t work out for you. However, it helps to study the entire pedigree, not just the sire and dam. I fell in love with studying pedigrees when I was only in middle school and would often do that instead of homework, and always found it fascinating when several horses I loved all had the same tail female line, and that is not a coincidence. Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Western • 2021

Martha Rattner Trainer RATTNER BLOODSTOCK LLC Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? I consider every horse in the same way. I treat them as if they were my own horses. I give the same message to every owner, that it takes 24 months to train a horse. Some take longer, but never less. I’ve had success in less time no question, but there was always more work to be done or more to learn. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? I think having passion for something drives a person to study. If you study by doing research and knowing history, it certainly helps you learn the subject matter. Observation is important. I believe the more you travel and watch, the better prepared you can be for anything that comes your way. Take every opportunity to listen to others and remember every word because a lesson they learned could save you from making a mistake. Do you have your judges card? If yes, why was this important to you? How has judging and evaluating horses contributed at all to your training/ breeding program? If no, do you intend on going to judge’s school? Why or why not? Judging for over 40 years has been a big advantage to training horses. You learn quickly what bloodlines to avoid, and it becomes crystal clear which professionals you might want to avoid when looking for a new horse that will match a customer’s needs. You learn that maybe something you have been doing in the ring doesn’t come across to the center of the ring quite like you thought it did. I think the biggest lesson judging has given me is an understanding of the human element to our sport. Your mind, attitude and overall demeanor is unbelievably transparent, both as an exhibitor and a judge. I believe the only way to fully understand that, is to do both jobs extensively. Judges school is about the rules and learning from mentors. Standing in the center for decades is what gives you the experience to becoming a horseman. What are the breeding challenges in creating the perfect western pleasure horse? Structure. If you look at the hocks, knees and underpinning of a group of Arabian horses today, you can see we have a big problem. We need to search for the structure that creates better gaits, movement and speed control. Hocks and knees that are lower to the ground. Describe breeding your first horse. The first horse that I bred on my own (outside of my family) was Sweete Pea. She was sired by Pacific (Barbary x Paper Moon). She was a National Champion Western Pleasure Horse.

Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | Western • 2021

A Winning Team!

Saratoga

(Sir Fames HBV x A Current Affair) Affair)

2021 REGION 7 CHAMPION A/HA/AA Western Pleasure Walk/Jog 10 & Under A/HA/AA Western Seat Eq. Walk/Jog 10 & Under with Natalie Jane Gaylord Arabian Western Pleasure AATR Select with Natalie Gaylord Coached by Rick Nab

Colby Powell Performance Horses ColbyPowellPH@gmail.com | 253-508-7885

Fixations Khash (Fixation x Khaadi) Khaadi)

2021 REGION 7 CHAMPION HA/AA Ladies Side Saddle Western ATR

2021 REGION 7 RESERVE CHAMPION HA/AA Western Pleasure AATR Select with Natalie Gaylord

2020 National Western Pleasure Leaders Includes U.S., Mid Summer and Youth National Western Pleasure Champion and Reserve wins.

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Nitty Gritty STLA C Im Fondau 2. Enzperation XX 3. Hendrixx WB Karmel El Jullyen V 4. BSF Sister Sarah 5. H Verdykt H Shedir RE 6. Aur U Lonesome Tonite Gazali VC Im The Tru Diva Ima Rock Star II Kola J Out West

Owner 4 championships, 1 reserve 4 championships, 1 reserve 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve

Shannon Pullifrone Franklin Farm LLC Shamrock Farms LLC Richard & Andrea Martoglio Franklin Farm LLC Callie Filetti Rebecca Marr Jennifer Hardy Sally or Jamie Leonardini Maria Danieli, Inc. Karen, Brooke or Nicole Pitassi Hillstar Farm LLC Lawrence Jerome Mary or Kathryn Quigg

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Enzperation XX 2. Hendrixx WB Karmel El Jullyen V 3. H Verdykt H Shedir RE 4. Gazali VC Kola J Cadillac Jack HA Jeter HA Slate A

Owner 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships 2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 2 reserves 2 reserves 2 reserves

Shamrock Farms LLC Richard & Andrea Martoglio Franklin Farm LLC Rebecca Marr Jennifer Hardy Maria Danieli, Inc. Lawrence Jerome Jeremy or Chad Harper Bridget Chinowth or Steve Payne Richard, Gail or Anne Whitaker

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Nitty Gritty STLA C Im Fondau 2. BSF Sister Sarah 3. Aur U Lonesome Tonite Im The Tru Diva Ima Rock Star II Out West 4. CEA Comfortably Numb He Aint Foolin WB Tamar Chiaro Di Luna

Owner 4 championships, 1 reserve 4 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 2 reserves 2 reserves 2 reserves

Shannon Pullifrone Franklin Farm LLC Callie Filetti Sally or Jamie Leonardini Karen, Brooke or Nicole Pitassi Hillstar Farm LLC Mary or Kathryn Quigg Shamrock Farms LLC Trent Trahan Troy Peterson

2020 National Western Pleasure Leaders, continued... ARABIAN OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winning get 1. Justify Khadraj NA (deceased) 2. Monticello V Onyx A Sundance Kid V (deceased) 3. A Jakarta Khaja J Kharismatic PGA LBA Lode Star PA Kid Khan S.M.A.Magic One

by number of wins 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

1. Onyx A 2. C Our Zeus Justify Monticello V 3. Khadraj NA (deceased) 4. Enzo Jullyen El Jamaal Khaja J Scimaron Sundance Kid V (deceased)

8 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get 1. Khadraj NA (deceased) 2. A Jakarta Khaja J Monticello V Onyx A S.M.A.Magic One

by number of wins 4 2 2 2 2

1. Khadraj NA (deceased) Monticello V 2. Enzo Jullyen El Jamaal Khaja J

Onyx A

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

by number of wins

1. Justify Sundance Kid V (deceased) 2. Kharismatic PGA

1. C Our Zeus Onyx A 2. Justify 3. Scimaron Sundance Kid V (deceased)

3 3 2

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included) by number of winners 1. Joe Reser 2. Josh Quintus 3. Jody Strand 4. Brett Becker Abram Cotton Gordon Potts Steven Scoggins Stanley White III 5. Elizabeth Bentley Zane Bucher

10 8 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4

4 4 3 3 3 3

5 5 4 3 3

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses 1. Franklin Farm LLC Troy Peterson Shamrock Farms LLC 2. Kimberly Beethe Dennis & Linda Clark Ltd. Family Partnership Callie Filetti Laura Gault Jennifer Hardy Jeremy or Chad Harper Hillstar Farm LLC Sally or Jamie Leonardini

3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses 1. Jeremy or Chad Harper 2. Lawrence Jerome Tamara Hanby 3. Diane Athey DST Arabians Edward or Laura Friesen Nicole Cotton Sally Leonardini or Jamie Leonardini-Gotelli Setting Sun Stables LLC Wilson Bloodstock

4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

1. Jeremy or Chad Harper 2. Lawrence Jerome 3. Tamara Hanby

4 3

1. Nicole Cotton

Sally Leonardini or Jamie Leonardini-Gotelli

Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | Western • 2021

Western WORKING

Crystal McNutt Trainer/Owner MCNUTT PERFORMANCE HORSES Did you pick this division? Or did someone encourage you to go down this path? What was the reason? I rode stock seat equitation, and I think my love of reining just came from years of that. Do you have any core values you live by in your horsemanship and your training business? Honesty, integrity and a solid work ethic. Try to be better every day! How closely do you follow other breeds that specialize in the working western division? What are some of the things you’ve observed that have influenced your approach to training/ breeding? I show in the NRHA and love the competition. I’ve tried to prepare my Arabian reining horses the same way and make them the best they can be. By showing in the NRHA, it has driven me to raise the bar at the Arabian shows. What skills, education or experience best prepared you for training/breeding? I was lucky to ride with so many great trainers. As my dad said, I had a million-dollar education, so I should be ready! How often do you seek advice and/or help from your peers or mentors? Do you have a “go to” or does it depend on the situation? Do you feel it’s important to ask for outside input when you hit a roadblock? Or more beneficial to learn for yourself? I am very lucky I’m able to ride with some of the best in the reining horse industry. Andrea Fappani, Bob Avila and Martin Muehlstaetter have really been great coaching me and helping me be a better horsewoman. Ar abian Horse Times | 42 | Western • 2021

#1 Leading Half-Arabian Working Western Horse

SS A Noble Star & Michelle Pease-Paulsen NATIONAL CHAMPION ABS H/A Reining AAOTR Jackpot H/A Reining Horse AAOTR H/A Ranch Riding AATR 19-54 NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A Reining Open Derby RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A Reining Open with Skylar Powell

LaRae Fletcher-Powell Cheryl Fletcher & Skylar Powell Ar abian Horse Times | 44 | Western • 2021

2020 National Working Western Leaders Includes U.S., Mid Summer and Youth Nationals Working Western Champion and Reserve wins (Cutting, Reined Cow, Reining, Western Trail, Herd Work, Working Cow and Ranch Riding). Open/Amateur classes only.

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. 2. 3. 4.

Khaarga Harlequin Rumour Haz It SS A Noble Star EAF Hesa Wizard WA Midnight Marquis 5. Ima Smart One Legacy Fire Dammage RGD Fancy Lierjett 6. Mr Univerce 7. HM Phandango

Owner 4 championships, 3 reserves 2 championships, 4 reserves 4 championships, 1 reserve 4 championships 4 championships 2 championships, 2 reserves 2 championships, 2 reserves 2 championships, 2 reserves 1 championship, 3 reserves 4 reserves

Kara Guy KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations Inc. Michelle Pease-Paulsen Round Barn Ranch Thomas or Kay Wright Larson Arabians LLC Kathie Williams Karen Gander Lyra Waggoner Ashley Zitrin

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. Khaarga Harlequin 2. Rumour Haz It 3. EAF Hesa Wizard WA Midnight Marquis 4. Legacy Fire Dammage 5. Mr Univerce 6. HM Phandango 7. Zee Mighty Mouse 8. Aantonina SF Adessa SS Breaking Dawn TR Phoenix CA

Owner 4 championships, 3 reserves 2 championships, 4 reserves 4 championships 4 championships 2 championships, 2 reserves 1 championship, 3 reserves 4 reserves 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves

Kara Guy KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations Inc. Round Barn Ranch Thomas or Kay Wright Kathie Williams Lyra Waggoner Ashley Zitrin Eleanor Hamilton Jessica or Carrie Jacobucci Ashlye Daniel All Things Equine David or Jessica Bein

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins 1. SS A Noble Star 2. Ima Smart One RGD Fancy Lierjett 3. Major Impression Sin Derella WP 4. BSF Copenhagen Angel Whoa Dam It 5. Hezas Sweet Dreams WGA Docs Willowmena WGA Ima Copy Katnic

Owner 4 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 2 reserves 2 championships, 2 reserves 3 championships 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves

Michelle Pease-Paulsen Larson Arabians LLC Karen Gander Jensen Arabians LLC Wesley & Madelena Larkin Ian Sage Sheila & Jenna Curley Pamela, Madison or Justin Rose Deanna Glasl and Delaney Haight Sandra Augustine

2020 National Working Western, continued... OVERALL PUREBRED LEADING SIRES by number of winning get 1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. What It Takes 3. Al-Marah Matt Dillon TA Mozart 4. Abidon Another Hero Khadraj NA (deceased) Kordelas Los Angeles Rohara Moon Storm TA Giovanni

by number of wins 10 6 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. Another Hero What It Takes 3. Khaarga Ibn Magnate 4. Al-Marah Matt Dillon Flame Ison Midnight Magnum Poirot TA Giovanni

21 10 10 7 4 4 4 4 4

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get 1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. TA Mozart 3. Another Hero Khadraj NA (deceased) Kordelas What It Takes

by number of Arabian wins 5 3 2 2 2 2

1. 2. 3. 4.

Hesa Zee (deceased) Another Hero Khaarga Ibn Magnate Flame Ison Midnight Magnum Poirot What It Takes

11 10 7 4 4 4 4

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

by number of Half-Arabian wins

1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. What It Takes 3. Al-Marah Matt Dillon Rohara Moon Storm

1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. What It Takes 3. Al-Marah Matt Dillon Rohara Moon Storm Trick R Treat

5 4 2 2

10 6 3 3 3

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included) by number of winners 1. Crystal McNutt 2. Jill Mitchell 3. Jim Hitt Bradley Sterling

12 10 8 8

4. Jessica Bein Anita Dublin Eddie Ralston

6 6 6

Ar abian Horse Times | 46 | Western • 2021

5. Michael Damianos Gary Ferguson Colby Powell Lance Scheffel

5 5 5 5

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses 1. Eleanor Hamilton Carol Roberts 2. Vallejo III Ranch LLC Lyra Waggoner 3. David or Jessica Bein Dennis & Linda Clark Ashlye Daniel Catherine Cole Ferandelli or Alexis Irene Cole Wesley & Madelena Larkin Kathie Williams Thomas or Kay Wright Ashley Zitrin

5 5 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses 1. 2. 3. 4.

Eleanor Hamilton The Brass Ring, Inc. Kimberly Kirk Tillman Carol Roberts Linda Jacobs Petroglyph Arabians Richard Ames Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc.

5. Buckshot Farms Dusty Morgan George Junior Republic Assoc. Inc. Karma Arabians Kathie Williams-Baity Lauren or Kelly Whyte Rainwater Insurance, Inc. Ronald Scott or Carolyn Gipson

10 5 4 3 3 3 3 3

Silver Spurs Equine and Kit Hall

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

1. Eleanor Hamilton

1. Eleanor Hamilton 2. Carol Roberts

Kimberly Kirk Tillman

Ar abian Horse Times | 47 | Western • 2021

by CHRISTY EGAN

Ar abian Horse Times | 48 | Western • 2021

Pictured: Eleanor with long time friends and horsemen Dick Ames, Joe Betton and Tom Redmond. Eleanor’s aunt and famous novelist Mari Sandoz. Eleanor’s father with his team of borrowed horses, 1927. Eleanor’s family home in the Nebraska Sand Hills, Double R Ranch.

I’ve personally known a great many people who have been involved with Arabian horses since the 1970’s, but among them, I know of almost no one else like Eleanor Hamilton. Pioneer, horseman, cowboy and horse breeder, Eleanor is honestly one-of-a-kind in each of these defining categories. The key to Eleanor’s unique life and perspective undoubtedly lies in the first of her descriptions … pioneer. As rare as each of these designations are, pioneers, even second generation pioneers, are literally an almost vanished breed. Most Arabian owners and breeders know that Eleanor Hamilton was raised in the Nebraska Sand Hills, but few people understand what that means and the sort of grit, fortitude and bottom that define her as a pioneer. In America, many of our pioneer forebears were legendary. They lived through a time of deprivation and hardship that we cannot honestly comprehend now, in this time and place. Eleanor speaks proudly of both her mother and father. Her parents built the Nebraska Double R Ranch her family occupied and created from scratch: cabin, fences, corrals, barns, everything. Her mother was the youngest sister of the famous novelist Mari Sandoz, of whom John Hutchins said, “No one in our time wrote better than the late Mari Sandoz did, or with more authority and grace, about as many aspects of the Old West.” Among Sandoz’s numerous credits are Crazy Horse, The Strange Man of the Oglalas, Old Jules and Cheyenne Autumn, which was made into a John Ford movie in 1964 starring James Stewart. Eleanor’s father carefully obtained his ranch horses specifically to work cattle, plow fields and pull farm equipment and wagons. He taught his daughter how to discern soundness, intelligence, stamina and cow sense. Eleanor rode and worked her father’s horses throughout her childhood and never forgot his lessons about what a good, sound horse should look like and how it should behave.

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Pictured: Hesa Zee+/ (Xenophonn x Somthing Special). Eleanor with Rod Matthiesen, her long-time in-house trainer and coach. Eleanor at the 2015 APAHA Awards.

Below: Crown Musc+ (*Muscat x Crown Juel, by Silver Baron) pictured with four of his daughters.

Ar abian Horse Times | 50 | Western • 2021

“Those horses of my childhood formed my lifetime opinions as a horseman and created a clear picture of what the ideal horse should be in my mind,” Eleanor says. “We didn’t have tractors and cars in the beginning. We rode horses to work cattle, tend the fields and to get us to town and to school in all kinds of weather. I love a beautiful Arabian horse, but the important characteristics of a horse to me begin with honesty, trainability and the soundness, talent and gumption to get the job done. We worked those horses of my youth through long, trying days, in every weather, and they did not let us down. The basics of the sound, dependable horse is, and always will be, the very essence of my Arabian and Half-Arabian breeding programs.” Eleanor’s Arabian Farm is 38 years old this year. Eleanor, personally, is 85 (born: February 28, 1936). When she first started looking for a horse as an adult, she was not in search of a stallion or a broodmare, she was looking for a good horse to ride. She and her husband, Harold, lived and worked in Minnesota. At the time, Shinder’s News Stand in Minneapolis was a great place to find all sorts of books, magazines and newspapers. Eleanor stopped there frequently and looked for horse magazines. In one of them the mention of an Arabian horse sale in Minnesota got her attention and she went. By the 1960s she owned her first registered Arabian horse. It was Eleanor’s Arabians’ trainer, Rod Matthiesen, who introduced Eleanor to reining with Arabians. A trainer for over 50 years, Rod has been with Eleanor’s Arabians since the 1980s and helped Eleanor select and purchase her first breeding stallion and first national quality Arabian show horse, Crown Musc+ (*Muscat x Crown Juel, by Silver Baron). The original representative for Eleanor’s Arabians, Crown Musc+ was shown by Eleanor and Rod for over 10 years, first in halter and then in reining and western pleasure, open and amateur. As the farm’s foundation breeding stallion, Crown Musc+ sired over 100 offspring, purebred and Half-Arabian, among them 14 national winners, including national and reserve national champions Fire Musc+, Grand Casino+, CMS Super Chick, and Summer Dai+. The crown jewel of Crown Musc+’s first foal crop, Fire Musc+, was a U.S. Reserve National Champion in the Reining Futurity/ Maturity and became a great broodmare. Her national champion offspring include Zee Fire Ball+/, Heza Fire Walker, Zee Fire Storm and the Reserve National Champion, Sheza Fire-Cracker. “Crown Musc+ came to our barn when it was brand new and he was a young and talented horse,” says Eleanor. “He was the yardstick by which I measured my breeding horses for 20 years regarding talent, quality, temperament and trainability. He set the standard.” Although Eleanor started early with horses on her family’s ranch in the Sand Hills, she came back to them somewhat later in life. It never dawned on her to let it slow her down. She took up reining in her fifties and was President of the Arabian Reining Horse Association for many years, as well as secretary for the Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders. Eventually she became well recognized for her accomplishments and was named APAHA Amateur Working Western Rider of the Year in 2007 and 2012, and APAHA Breeder of the Year in 2015. As a breeding farm, Eleanor’s Arabians hit the big time with the 1995 arrival of the Arabian stallion Hesa Zee+/. Already a 1993 Scottsdale Reining Champion, 1994 U.S. Reining Top Ten and Canadian Reserve National Reining Champion in 1995, Hesa Zee+/ had a career total of six national top ten awards, three in open and three in amateur. His first foals began to arrive in 1994. He brought a new level of national notoriety to Eleanor’s. When Eleanor added Hesa Zee+/ to her program in 1995, it brought with it all of the success and talent of the original “Zee” as well, Hesa Zee’s sire, Xenophonn (Bolero++ x Farviews Kamal, by Guardsman). The foundation stallion for Miller’s Arabians, Red Bluff, California, Xenophonn was U.S. National Champion Cutting Horse (both Novice and Open) in 1979 and again in the Open in 1982. The leading working western sire for many years, Xenophonn has numerous national champions and reserves in all working western disciplines, but especially in cutting. Hesa Zee+/ has been following in his father’s hoofprints as a sire of working western national winning horses since his first foal crop. Two of those 1994 foals became Hesa Zee+/’s first two national winners.

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~ Eleanor Hamilton

2018 U.S National Champion Zee Fire Ball+/ (Hesa Zee+/ x Fire Musc+ by Crown Musc+)

Eleanor’s Arabians Breeding Manager, Mark Coombs. Eleanor, Pam and Justin Rose with Heza Fire Walker (Hesa Zee+/ x Fire Musc+ by Crown Musc+). Colby Powell and Art By Hesa (Hesa Zee+/ x Artymusme).

One was literally Hesa Zee+/’s first offspring, aptly named Hezas First. A bay mare, she was 1999 U.S. National Top Ten in the Reining Horse Futurity 5 & Under. The second was Hezas Kool, 1999 U.S. Reserve National Champion Working Cow Horse, Amateur. Both of those national winners were out of Xenophonn daughters. At that point, Eleanor had already purchased several Xenophonn mares but the national success of those initial champions undoubtedly inspired her to buy more. Over the ensuing years she has owned eight. Eventually, however, the Hesa Zee+/ cross with *Muscat daughters and daughters of the *Muscat son, Crown Musc+ have dominated his national’s list. Of Hesa Zee+/’s national winners, 30% of them are out of *Muscat or Crown Musc+ daughters, and the *Muscat daughter Artymusme accounts for five of those. A mare of fine pure Polish and Russian breeding, Artymusme’s national winners with Hesa Zee+/ include reining national champions: Art By Hesa, EAF Hesa Artist+/, and Hesa Artfull Zee. It comes as a surprise to no one who knows him that Rod Matthiesen, Eleanor’s Arabians’ long-time in-house trainer and coach, has some very common-sense thoughts about Hesa Zee+/’s success story. “There are two basic things that make Hesa Zee+/ bloodlines stand out in performance,” Rod notes. “First, Hesa Zee+/’s get are built to do the job. They enjoy what they do because they can do the work, soundly and efficiently. Secondly, they are quiet-minded and very trainable. Hesa Zee+/ had these characteristics as an individual in large quantities, and he was great at passing them on. Years ago, Arabian horse breeders bred their pretty halter horses to performance horses, thinking they would get a pretty performance horse. It just doesn’t work out that way very often. The mind set you need for a great halter horse includes a high ‘flight response’ for that great, ready-to-spook, wide-eyed, ears-up look. That is not what you want in a working western athlete. For the breeder’s part you need to put in time, thought and money. Eleanor has done all of that for many years and she has stuck to her guns about having a top working horse that is a real ranch horse, and not just a pretty face. I once read an article about the King Ranch in Texas, where they talked about how everybody who rode their horses had a say in their breeding program. They listened to the cowboys, the people who rode those horses, day in, day out, cutting cattle, fixing fence. Eleanor listens to her people that way too.”

Multi-National Champion Dunit My Way RA (Hollywood Dun It x Minding Ps and Qs, by Hesa Zee+/) with Crystal McNutt and Kathie Hart.

Ar abian Horse Times | 52 | Western • 2021

Hesa Artfull Zee (Hesa Zee+/ x Artymusme) and Gary Ferguson, Scottsdale 2020.

~Rod Matthiesen

Noted breeder and horseman Dick Artymusme Ames of Cedar Ridge Arabians, was good friends with Eleanor for many years. The two of them collaborated on reining competitions, sponsoring prize money and trophies. They bid against each other at Minnesota Breeders and Scottsdale stallion service auctions, thoroughly enjoying the competition they afforded each other, in and out of the show pen. The Hesa Zee+/ cross with Dick Ames’ mare Sarabask (Serinask x Charrisma) helped the Hesa Zee+/ legend blossom with three full sisters sired by him, producing ten national or reserve national champions to date. The middle sister, Minding Ps and Qs, U.S. Reserve National Champion Reining and Canadian National Champion Reining AOTR 40+, is the dam of seven of those national and/or reserve national champions. To date, Hesa Zee+/ has sired 30 offspring that have won National Championships and/or Reserves and a total of 47 national winners, both purebred and Half-Arabian at the Youth, U.S., Canadian and Sport Horse National Championships. Hesa Zee+/ has added 40 registered offspring since his death, 50% purebreds, 50% Half-Arabians. Five of these youngsters are already national winners. Annually, Hesa Zee+/ continues to be named among the leading working western sires, frequently right at the top, and his daughters are proving to be extraordinary producers of national winners as well. Breeding high quality purebred Arabians is hard work and ongoing success is not guaranteed, but breeding consistent, high quality Half-Arabians might be even more difficult. Success with the frequent breed crosses of American Saddlebred or Quarter Horse with Arabian can take even more time and imagination than purebred Arabian horse breeding. Horses that produce well within their own breeds often do not cross well with other breeds. And sometimes they do far better with other breeds. Eleanor’s enviable success record is balanced equally between purebreds and Arabian-Quarter Horse crosses. “It’s been an interesting journey,” Eleanor laughs. “I started a bit of a trend when my Triple Colonel son, CG Colonel Jac sired the Canadian National Champion Ar abian Horse Times | 53 | Western • 2021

~ Eleanor Hamilton Half-Arabian, EAF Colonels Lil Lady, as well as a U.S. National Top Ten named EAF Colonels Princess. Then my Peppy San Badger son, Little Sorrel Peppy, sired the 2016 Working Western Horse of the Year, 6-time National Champion and Reserve Working Cow Horse, Built By Peppy, and the 3-time National Champion and Reserve Cutting and Cow Horse, Zee China Doll.” Mark Coombs, Eleanor’s Arabians Breeding Manager, has been with the farm for 22 years and is adamant about the extreme importance of Hesa Zee+/ within Eleanor’s breeding program. “Just look at the success stories,” says Mark. “We’ve been breeding to some of the top Quarter Horse NRHA sires of the day over the past few years. And yet, the great working western show horses from Eleanor’s have come from Hesa Zee+/, Hesa Zee+/ crossed with *Muscat and Crown Musc+, and Hesa Zee+/ and the Xenophonn daughters crossed with CG Colonel Jac and Little Sorrel Peppy. That is sound, solid breeding on both sides of the pedigree. Eleanor has always liked the older, more classic-bred horses, both Arabian and Quarter Horse. Like Eleanor is so fond of saying … ‘If it ain’t broke, why fix it?’” Now retired, Eleanor became an Arabian horse breeder in the middle of her life and accomplished phenomenal things in the past 30 years. But in large part, what she did in midlife and beyond is rooted, right down to bedrock in her birthright as a pioneer and her formative childhood as a cowboy and horseman. She was born and bred to do what she has done, much like the great Arabian and Half-Arabian athletes she has bred, fostered and supported in this world. She will tell you that her horses were born to be working horses, strong, perseverant, tough and ready to do a good job and finish it. She will say that temperament is the most important quality in her horses, and they prove their good minds and versatility, horse after horse, by winning with open riders, amateurs, children and toddlers. You could say almost precisely the same thing about this grand, 85-year-old lady who still rides every Saturday at her barn and insists on working reining patterns, not just jogging around. Ask her about the big horse shows though and she’ll tell you, “Oh, there’s going to be another one just like it next year.” Priorities. Eleanor and her horses have always gotten them straight. q

Ar abian Horse Times | 54 | Western • 2021

2016 Working Western Horse of the Year Built By Peppy (Little Sorrel Peppy x Fae Zee Princess) with Eleanor and Lance Scheffel.

Eleanor and Hesa Zee+/ (Xenophonn x Somthing Special).

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THERE’S A LITTLE WESTERN IN ALL OF US...

Proud to introduce the newest additions to our Western program... 2021 H/A Buckskin Filly | Hollywood Dunit x Minding Ps And Qs (above) 2021 H/A Grey Colt | Star Spangled Whiz x Minding Ps And Qs 2021 H/A Bay Filly | Vicario x Venessa EQ by Versace (above) 2021 PB Bay Colt | Kola J x PA Coachella Dancer by Sundance Kid V (right) 2021 PB Bay Colt | Delacroixx x Perfirka by Gazal Al Shaqab

Ar abian Horse Times | 56 | Western • 2021

The Ames Family | Jordan, MN www.Cedar-Ridge.com

2021 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE OPEN Proudly bred & owned by Dr. Marta Wasiak and Dr. Babu Rankupalli | For breeding information contact Becker Stables 530.477.5588 Multi-National Champion Kharismatic PGA+// x Multi-National Champion Ladys Dance+// | Multi-Program Nominated Sire

Call: 952-492-3213 or E-mail: sales@ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 185 | Volume 52, No. 2

by CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI

Ar abian Horse Times | 186 | Volume 52, No. 2

Kim and husband Dr. James “Jim” Blevins are pleased as punch to be immersed in the next chapter of their Arabian horse dream, breeding multi-generation 100% Alistar Arabians bloodstock. Kim enthuses, “Our next breeding chapter took our homebred stallion ASA Scandalous Affair (Always A Jullyen V x Sweet Saphire V) from the show pen to trainer, Dale Brown’s breeding shed.” ASA Scandalous Affair (aka “Scandal”) is a big spoke in the Alistar Arabians wheel of bloodstock-producing aspirations. Breeding him to their homebred mares was the next big step and the results are in … meet the sable stunner, ASA Mercedes.

We let our horses show us what they do best, then give them the best training we can find to further their talents.” Kim and Jim are in every sense, the very essence of Alistar Arabians. Their lifestyle is all about performing the daily duties around the farm and for the horses. “We are the farm staff,” Kim laughs, “hands on with the day-to-day tasks and even the late-night foal watch. Living this life is a huge part of how our big dream started small and stays small, but most of all, carries on with wondrous rewards.” Looking forward, Scandal has several more purebred and Half-Arabian foals on their way for 2022. He is a Region 12 Spotlight Stallion,

Born in March 2020, this ebony black filly is out of Alistar’s ASA Midnight Lucille, daughter of Western Pleasure National Champion Midnight Magnum. A classic representation of the Varian breeding program, Kim attests, “Mercedes possesses correct type, substance and athletic, balanced movement. All in all, the perfect combination of her sire and dam.” Energized with Mercedes’ beauty and conformation, the decision was made to start her show career in the yearling filly breeding stakes competitions. Earlier this year, Mercedes was sent to renowned halter trainer Michael Wilson to prepare for her show debut in Region XII’s Spotlight Stallion Futurity Yearling Filly class. Mercedes’ elegant performance, splendidly handled by amateur Katie McGregor, was rewarded with Champion Spotlight Futurity Filly and Reserve Champion Spotlight Futurity Auction Filly. At Region XV, Mercedes thrilled the spectators again, winning ABS Arabian Yearling Filly. Kim and Jim are overjoyed with her stunning performances, yet equally pleased to see her calmly settle in at the show grounds, always greeting them with a nicker and a contented lick of the lips. “Through good fortune, listening to expert advice and having brilliant horse friends willing to share their triumphs and failures,” Kim continues, “we’ve been very blessed. We are very small breeders, usually producing one, perhaps two foals a year. Those small numbers typically create lower odds for success, so our breeding results have pleased us beyond measure.”

ASA Mercedes with her dam, ASA Midnight Lucille, and her first win at the Region XII Spotlight Championships.

Alistar Arabians’ goals are not exclusive to simply producing Arabian show horses. From the beginning, their dream has evolved by carefully crafting a small select herd of happy, classically beautiful, athletically gifted bloodstock; horses who are enthusiastic about doing their job, whatever that may be, willing to give their all. “The foaling journey begins at birth and then proceeds, taking twists and turns,” Kim smiles, and the babies we’ve bred have mostly come from western pleasure ancestry mixed with some halter breeding. Still, we always are attuned to what each of our horses want to be. We have produced hunters, western pleasure horses, and even several reiners.

Scottsdale Signature Stallion and AWPA Enrolled, giving opportunities for Scandal’s offspring to compete in varied show competition venues. At only 6 years old, Scandal’s trainer, Dale Brown, has him in a full bridle, which Kim views as a better than ever western pleasure Scandal. Always a believer in giving a horse plenty of training time, Scandal’s show career and breeding career will continue with Dale and ultimately include Kim showing him in western pleasure amateur competition. It’s the icing on the cake for Kim, who has dreamt since childhood of having her very own Arabian black stallion. Alistar Arabians surely embodies the words that great dreamer Walt Disney once declared, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” n

Ar abian Horse Times | 187 | Volume 52, No. 2

by CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI

Don LeFever has a daily prayer of, “Giving thanks to

family, friends, ADHF and the community for our good fortune.”

Life has a way of throwing curve balls when least

expected. For the LeFevers, Don’s sudden illness, resulting in a liver and a kidney transplant, served up a literal life and death challenge. A challenge resulting in appreciation of “the good of humanity.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 188 | Volume 52, No. 2

Located in Western Wisconsin, LeFever Training Centre (LTC) has created an idyllic, successful lesson and training program, no matter what the experience level of the client. Owners Don and Teresa LeFever, along with their son Jordan, pride themselves on welcoming folks to their lesson program with only one prerequisite: their desire to join the LeFever community of riding, caring and loving Arabian horses. Don LeFever’s passion for Arabian horses took root during his childhood years living in Syracuse, NY; leading him to take on a “summer job” at Midwest Centre at age 16 that lasted for 12 years! Working with the Arabian horse industry’s top-level horses and humans gave Don invaluable experience in starting his own training center. However, Don sought to create a lesson and training center that beaconed to “new” horse lovers seeking a fun, yet safe learning experience—horse owner or not. Today, LeFever Training Centre gives more than 80 lessons per week, offering fulltime horse training, competes within a busy show schedule, and puts on sold-out summer horse camps and birthday parties. In other words, most anything that involves horses and horse lovers. LeFever Training Centre is truly a labor of love, an equine gift to a community that offers little else to its citizens in way of leisure activity. Life was good. And then in 2018 everything changed.

Don’s health spiraled downward, with a serious illness that couldn’t be diagnosed despite seeking top medical specialists. Teresa describes watching her husband fade. “Don continued to worsen, we were taking him from specialist to specialist and no one could figure it out. Finally, a physician at University of Minnesota diagnosed liver failure; thus, Don needed a liver transplant.” For five months Don was hospitalized awaiting a donor, growing weaker and weaker. “At one point, my 5’7” husband weighed 90 pounds,” Teresa remembers. Don hung on. Teresa, Jordan, friends and family visited daily. Don admits, “Sometimes I would only sense a visitor was sitting with me, I was that weak. Recently, many friends have admitted they were certain their visit was the last time they’d ever see me.” During this stressful time, Teresa and Jordan continued to operate LeFever Training Centre full time. Five harrowing months passed before a liver became available. His donor was 19-yearold Alex McFarland, who tragically passed from an asthma attack. Deemed a “high risk” liver, Don’s survival chances were less than 20%, but dismal odds were better than no odds at all, so Don chose the surgery. Additionally, his health was so fragile, he had also been suffering from kidney failure and was attending dialysis three days a week. “Fortunately,” Teresa explains, “Don’s liver transplant put him at the top of the list for a kidney, and six months later, on December 28th, we got the call, and he received a new one.” The roller coaster ride continued, but slowly Don began to improve. Ar abian Horse Times | 189 | Volume 52, No. 2

The medical staff, in awe of Don’s dedicated family and friends, allowed him to go home about a week after surgery. Aware of all his blessings, Don praises his supporters. “Mary Trowbridge and AHDF was our lifeline, and donations from a GoFundMe were astounding. Ken and Lisa Steffes of Dahl’s Pharmacy donated all the medical equipment and supplies needed for Teresa to take care of me at home, and there were countless others in the Arabian horse community who helped us financially and simply by checking in and asking how I was and how they could help.” Then there’s the donor family. Contrary to usual procedure, the McFarland family inquired about Don’s progress (and eventually learned) that the LeFever’s owned a horse training business. In time, with the assistance of Life Source, due to the complex policies involved in direct communication, the LeFevers learned more about the donor family and their teenage daughter, Shyla. Meetings were arranged, and after an emotional get together with all families, Shyla began taking weekly riding lessons, quickly gaining expertise both in the saddle and in everyday horse care. Soon, she was showing LeFever lesson horses locally with success, and today, owns and shows her very own Arabian horse, the 10-year-old bay gelding Vhickttor WHG. The family also enjoys camping and other activities with the LTC crew. The LeFever family’s incredible turn of events illustrate how tenacity, loyalty and empathy re-write ones’ destiny. Don’s description of life today is one of many blessings. “The McFarland family will forever be an integral part of our lives, and we are truly grateful to the Arabian horse community and so many individuals for their care and concern. My health is flourishing thanks to a lifestyle of healthy food and exercise, and our son, Jordan, is dedicated to becoming the second generation of LeFevers running our training center. Yes, all is good.”

Shyla McFarland aboard Vhickttor WHG.

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Ar abian Horse Times | 191 | Volume 52, No. 2

Judith “Judy” Ann Sirbasku (1938-2021)

Patricia A. “Patsy” Jarvis (1938-2021)

Mark Wharton (1960-2021)

Judy was born in 1938 and graduated from Harding High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She met Jim Sirbasku, the love of her life, on a blind date at the age of 16. They were married in 1959 and moved to Waco, TX in 1968 where their union lasted over 50 years until Jim’s passing in 2010. It was here that they raised their children, David and Susan.

Patricia was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Charles and Eleanor Jarvis. She was Vice-President and second generation of C. Jarvis Insurance. Her interests included horses, gardening and attending or watching anything her granddaughter did, the love and shining star of her life.

Originally from Australia, Mark ran Peregrine Bloodstock LLC in Lexington, Kentucky with fellow Aussie Quentin Naylor for nearly 25 years. He was a familiar face at Arabian horse events around the world, from shows to conferences and racing, Mark was always there to add his valuable insight and share anecdotes with friends.

When Jim and Judy purchased their first straight Egyptian Arabian mare, Judy discovered a profound passion for the breed. They later purchased land and Rock Creek Arabians was conceived. Judy’s devotion to her beloved horses made her a steward for the breed. Her unwavering affection and allegiance to her horses, spanning more than four decades, produced a multitude of champions that made a global impact on the industry.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Raith (Richard), daughters Sandra and Kimberley, and granddaughter Brooke Marie Jarvis.

“On May 16, 44 years after we first met, Mark quietly slipped away. I have still to comprehend a future without him, but it seems his passing has stirred something very deep in those he touched, so that even in these troubled times, people are recalling him to be the catalyst which led them to the joy of owning an Arabian horse. “...so much still to contribute and gone far too soon, it’s up to me now, and the horses we created together through our joint vision, to carry his presence into the future through the beautiful Arabian horses which were his life. Godspeed Mark …” ~ Quentin

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ethel Murray, husband, Jim, and siblings Margaret Scherer, Ben Murray, Adelaide Duffy, Mary Nelson, Kathleen Minea and Donald Murray. She is survived by children David Sirbasku and Susan Priest, granddaughter, Zoe Sirbasku, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ar abian Horse Times | 192 | Volume 52, No. 2

Egan

Randy Meyer

C A Ultimo+// (1995-2021)

Ghazimoto (1996-2021)

A long-time lover of Arabian horses, Randy worked passionately to promote the breed for decades. Randy fought a long and valiant battle with cancer, passing peacefully on July 5th, with his wife, Leigh, by his side.

Bred by Priscilla Normington and lovingly owned by John and Sheryl Yochum, this beautiful chestnut gelding (C A Hermoso x Citation Of Merit) since 2000, honored his trustees with the well-earned title of all-time most winningest Hunter Pleasure horse with 41 National titles in Open, Junior Horse and Amateur/Youth (12x Champion/9x Reserve and 20x Top Ten).

Ghazimoto was no stranger to the horse show world. Bred by esteemed breeder and trainer Michael Byatt, the bay Half-Arabian gelding (El Ghazi x Princess Greystone) was a 14x Regional Champion and Reserve winner, 2x Scottsdale Champion and 3x National Champion/Reserve in English Pleasure Open, AOTR/JOTR for multiple owners before finding his final resting place with Lian Oteiza in 2012.

Having trained and shown Arabians since the early 70s, Randy, a respected trainer among trainers in main ring halter and performance, with his wife ran Meyer Show Horses at Rhapsody in Blue Stables as a chief program consultant and farm and breeding manager.

“… my barn aisle will not be the same without you in them … those big, kind, loving expressive eyes. You are a legend and everyone who knew you loved you. I cherish my most memorable moments in the show ring with you. The energy you brought into the arena when you hit the gate was like no other … always one with the crowd. The true definition of a show horse. I love you big boy, rest easy.” ~ Lian

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Kelly

Little

Om El Bandeiras (1997-2012)

Enotri EEA (2013-2021)

Antares RCF (2017-2021)

Bred by Om El International and owned by Taylor Ranch since late 2005, the 2007 Las Vegas World Cup Reserve Champion 6-10 Year Old Stallion and 2011 Scottsdale Top Ten International Stallion 6 and Older was one of the most prepotent sires available today. By the straight Russian *Nariadni and out of a double granddaughter of the great Egyptian stallion El Shaklan, he had three lines to the famous Spanish bred mare Estopa. He produced a classical, typey Arabian head with an elegant throatlatch on an athletic body designed for competition. With a commitment to excellence, only a few Bandeiras’ foals were born each year, each exhibiting extreme Arabian type and breathtaking beauty, and cherished worldwide.

Thoughtfully bred by world renowned breeders Philip Del Pozzo and Brent Stone of Enzo Worldwide and Albert Sorocca of Equus Arabians, Enotri EEA (Shanghai EA x Enjoi E), Enotri was destined for greatness. A mix of legendary and champion Spanish, Polish, Russian and straight Egyptian bloodlines line his pedigree, including the great Bey Shah and Padron. A grandson of the “Champion Maker” WH Justice, Enotri was the epiome of award-winning conformtion and exotic type while exuding charisma and attitude.

Antares RCF (Barzan Al Shahania x Forever Mi Dream) was the thoughtful creation of Jack and Elizabeth Milam, Regency Cove Farm. His full potential was just being realized, garnering a Scottsdale, ABWC Gold Supreme and U.S. National Championship the three times he was shown.

After earning Scottsdale International Reserve Champion 3-Year-Old Colt in 2016 under Michael Byatt, and recognizing his breeding potential, Enotri was the first American-bred stallion leased by Al Shaqab Stud. Eager to join his ever-expanding fan base, Joe and Kim Orr joined the Enotri EEA Partnership and Enrico Mearelli of Elegantica Training Center, Italy, inquired about leasing him for his European clients. Though gone too soon, Enotri has left behind his own legacy which is sure shine for him.

Ar abian Horse Times | 194 | Volume 52, No. 2

“We are forever grateful to be blessed with this beautiful presence, even though it wasn’t for nearly long enough. Fly free, our beautiful boy. You were named after one of the brightest stars in the heavens … you will always be our star.” ~ Elizabeth

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Ar abian Ar abianHorse HorseTimes Times| 161 || 195| Volume || Volume51, 52, 51,No. No.5 25 Western Hats, Derbies, Homburgs and Snapbrims. Custom hats. Top hats, hunt caps and helmets. Hat carriers: single and multiple. Ultimate Show Apparel by Diane Olsen. Frank Principe Silver Bits.

TRAINER & FARM ARIZONA

Arabian Horse Times Vol. 52, No. 2

Articles inside

In Memoriam

LeFever Training Centre: Embracing Gratitude, Gifts & Giving by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

Cedar Ridge Arabians ... The Future Of CRF by Sarah Jayne Johnson

Soul Of Marwan AS—At The Top Of His Game by Colleen Scott