Viva La Valley, published in AHT Abroad

Simply stated, the charming community of Santa Ynez, California is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The little town is nestled into the sur surrounding golden hills that are adorned with emerald green, sprawling live oak trees and, depending on the season, vivid yellow-green or blazing red, purple and gold grapevines from the abundant thriving vineyards in the area called the Santa Ynez Valley.

y e l l a V a L Viva The glorious natural beauty of the land and the zen-like serenity of this ultra-cool, low-key little town make it extremely special. So special in fact, that it’s home to numerous Hollywood and entertainment superstars who love the small town ambiance. These Hollywood A-listers are treated like everyone else when they drop into the local cof coffee shop, The Valley Grind, or enjoy an amazing Rancho Vistadores breakfast at The Longhorn. It’s not uncommon to sit next to a mega movie star as you grab a burger at The Red Barn, a delicious Salade Niçoise at the Baker’s Table, a delicate dish of Sole Meunière at Trattoria Grappolo, or an icy cold one at the swinging Maverick Saloon. Just saying – there is amazing food and wine to experience in the valley. This is the Santa Ynez most people know and love, but there’s much more to enjoy – especially if you love Arabian horses.

Santa Ynez Valley has an incredibly rich history when it comes to Arabian horses. According to the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association’s website, “The SYVAHA began as an Arabian breeders’ club over 30 years ago. It has since evolved into an AHA Region 2 affiliated association that hosts exciting events such as The

Arabian Foal Festival, The Santa Ynez Futurity and The Arabian Breeders Celebration farm tour, as well as other events centered around the Arabian horse.” But that description doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the world-famous and historically influential Arabians and Arabian horse breeders who have called Santa Ynez their home.

Arabian legends such as El Shaklan, Estopa, and Sanadik El Shaklan, Ali Jamaal, Strike, Ruminaja Bahat, Khemosabi, Barbary, Ariston and hundreds more were bred, born and lived in this enchanted valley.

Just as the landscape changes with the seasons, so does the Arabian horse community living in the Santa Ynez Valley. We cannot stop change; we must work with it, taking whatever life brings and shaping it into something new, brilliant and beautiful. This takes courage, vision, commitment and perseverance – all characteristics that seem to be shared by the brilliant and dedicated breeders living in Santa Ynez today. Together, they are continuing the tradition of breeding world-class Arabians in this verdant valley. Recently, we visited breeders in the area and enjoyed some quality time with them and their horses…

Text & Design: Beth Ellen Hunziker | Photos by: Gigi Grasso, Beth Ellen Hunziker, Michelle Kelly, Darryl Larson, Emma Maxwell, Renato Sorvillo, Stuart Vesty & April Visel

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Simply stated, the charming community of Santa Ynez, California is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The little town is nestled into the sur surrounding golden hills that are adorned with emerald green, sprawling live oak trees and, depending on the season, vivid yellow-green or blazing red, purple and gold grapevines from the abundant thriving vineyards in the area called the Santa Ynez Valley.

y e l l a V a L Viva The glorious natural beauty of the land and the zen-like serenity of this ultra-cool, low-key little town make it extremely special. So special in fact, that it’s home to numerous Hollywood and entertainment superstars who love the small town ambiance. These Hollywood A-listers are treated like everyone else when they drop into the local cof coffee shop, The Valley Grind, or enjoy an amazing Rancho Vistadores breakfast at The Longhorn. It’s not uncommon to sit next to a mega movie star as you grab a burger at The Red Barn, a delicious Salade Niçoise at the Baker’s Table, a delicate dish of Sole Meunière at Trattoria Grappolo, or an icy cold one at the swinging Maverick Saloon. Just saying – there is amazing food and wine to experience in the valley. This is the Santa Ynez most people know and love, but there’s much more to enjoy – especially if you love Arabian horses.

Santa Ynez Valley has an incredibly rich history when it comes to Arabian horses. According to the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association’s website, “The SYVAHA began as an Arabian breeders’ club over 30 years ago. It has since evolved into an AHA Region 2 affiliated association that hosts exciting events such as The

Arabian Foal Festival, The Santa Ynez Futurity and The Arabian Breeders Celebration farm tour, as well as other events centered around the Arabian horse.” But that description doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the world-famous and historically influential Arabians and Arabian horse breeders who have called Santa Ynez their home.

Arabian legends such as El Shaklan, Estopa, and Sanadik El Shaklan, Ali Jamaal, Strike, Ruminaja Bahat, Khemosabi, Barbary, Ariston and hundreds more were bred, born and lived in this enchanted valley.

Just as the landscape changes with the seasons, so does the Arabian horse community living in the Santa Ynez Valley. We cannot stop change; we must work with it, taking whatever life brings and shaping it into something new, brilliant and beautiful. This takes courage, vision, commitment and perseverance – all characteristics that seem to be shared by the brilliant and dedicated breeders living in Santa Ynez today. Together, they are continuing the tradition of breeding world-class Arabians in this verdant valley. Recently, we visited breeders in the area and enjoyed some quality time with them and their horses…

Text & Design: Beth Ellen Hunziker | Photos by: Gigi Grasso, Beth Ellen Hunziker, Michelle Kelly, Darryl Larson, Emma Maxwell, Renato Sorvillo, Stuart Vesty & April Visel

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SILVER MAPLE FARM: On July 28, 29 & 30th, Christie and Henry Metz hosted their first Arabian Adventures by Silver Maple Farm: Arabian Adventures in Art. This unique workshop offered a cultural experience centered around art and the Arabian horse. People came from around the country to try something new – like learning how to draw and paint horses.

Thursday evening, Christie and Henry Metz welcomed their guests to a sumptuous gourmet dinner at their home, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know each other. The next day began with Kimerlee Curyl, a wild horse photographer. She spoke about her experiences and how it influences her art.

Christie Metz spoke on two subjects that she is equally passionate and knowledgeable about: the breed characteristics of the Arabian horse and the history of the Arabian horse in art. Both of these inspiring subjects are included in Christie’s up coming book. Arabian horse breeder, artist and art

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educator Cindy Bevier Hodges presented her theory, “Everyone can draw a horse”, and with her help, everyone did! Of course, some were better than others, but everyone had fun trying. Cindy also demonstrated drawing and painting techniques, which the group attempted with various degrees of success. Augusta Hammock, an artist and designer skilled in a variety of mediums, spoke about creating art with digital technology, an area in which she is incredibly gifted.

The workshop also featured gorgeous live equine models. This included a stallion presentation, a pasture walk with mares and foals, and a visit with some young mares. It was fascinating to see the rapport between the horses and the art group. This segment of the schedule accomplished one of the main goals of the weekend – to create a connection between people and Arabian horses. Plans are already in the works for the next big adventure. Visit the SMF web site for news and updates about the next event: smfarabs.com

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OM EL ARAB INTERNATIONAL: The idyllic setting of Om El Arab, in powerful performance. I am not sure Santa Ynez, has been a destination for how the guest speakers managed their international breeders since 1984. The emotional tributes to Sigi – but each farm is hidden among the golden hills one was profound and was a testament of the Santa Ynez Valley. Much has to Sigi’s endearing qualities and charbeen published about Om El Arab, the acter. The diversity of the people who breeding farm established by Sigi Siller attended the event demonstrates how in the 1970’s, and later owned by Sigi Sigi’s influence went beyond the horses, and her daughter Janina Merz. For de- beyond geographical confines, beyond cades, Om El Arab has been acknowl- gender, race, religion or politics – it was edged as one of the most important personal, spiritual, deep and unique to and influential breeding farms not each individual she encountered. just in the United States, but also in One of the highlights of the day was the world. a tribute created by Darryl Larson.

On Saturday, July 30th, people from Sigi and Darryl shared a special bond around the world gathered at Om El that went beyond friendship, they Arab to celebrate the life of Sigi Siller were more like sisters. And so the prewho passed away on May 10th, 2016. sentation, which encompassed almost And it truly was a celebration, because Sigi’s entire life, was deeply poignant. everyone who knows Sigi, knows she Throughout the day, guests gathered loves a party and she loves to dance! So this celebration included a party atmo- in the indoor arena where more hay sphere, great music and dancing. Sigi’s bale sofas were created and adorned son Ben, her daughter Janina, and their with fabrics, pillows and plenty of tisfamilies hosted the event. Those who sue boxes. For those who were not attended the event were there equally able to attend, you can find this speto honor Sigi and to support her in- cial tribute on the Om El Arab website’s News Page. credible family.

Sigi’s daughter, Janina, was also Although Om El Arab is internaher business partner, her travel comtionally regarded as one of the leading Arabian breeding farms in the panion, her best friend and so much world, no horses were presented that more. It is Janina who will continue day. Instead, the barns were open and to run the business that she and her guests casually strolled the beautiful mother worked so hard to make a aisle ways and enjoyed the horses as success. Together they made Om El they lounged in their stalls. Around Arab an Arabian breeding farm that the farm, different areas were created is universally respected by breedwhich encouraged groups to gather ers - large and small – from around and visit. In the outdoor arena, there the world. Janina was very busy on was a stage for the guest speakers and the day of Sigi’s Celebration of Life, musical entertainment, as well as a but now that it is completed, she took huge dance floor. Lots of large hay bale a moment to share some thoughts couches were constructed and covered about the day and about her mother, with colorful horse blankets and pillows who she loved so much… “My mom – perfect for lounging and listening to loved a good party. She was always the touching tributes from a few of Sigi’s the last to leave any gathering. That dearest friends. night, a few of us did her proud. We The band was also significant. The basked in the love we felt for each musicians have been friends of Ben other and for her, and stayed up until Merz since childhood and for most, the wee hours of the morning honorSigi was like a surrogate mother to ing a very special woman. I know she them. Another friend of Sigi’s, a world- enjoyed herself too and was happy for class opera singer, gave a touching and the day and for her life well-lived.”

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ALJASSIMYA FARM: Recently, Lara Ames and her mother, Lollie Ames, visited the Santa Ynez Valley and a few of the farms in the area. “I love Santa Ynez,” stated Lara. “It’s so beautiful – it’s almost surreal. I like the small town atmosphere too, it’s quiet and serene, but it has a great energy with all the Arabian horse farms there.”

Lara and Lollie called on Bart van Buggenhout, Manager of Aljassimya Farm.

“Of course, we’ve been to the Valley before, but it was our first time to visit Aljassimya Farm. Bart gave us a great tour.

He showed us a few of their show horses, including Equator who looks fantastic.

Then he took us on a pasture walk to see the mares, foals and young horses.

Bart is a pedigree expert - he knew each horse and its breeding. It’s clear that he really cares about the horses because he puts so much thought into every detail.

As we walked, he explained they are not breeding just for today. They are thinking ahead in terms of generations and the goals they want to achieve. Bart is doing a great job, from branding Aljassimya in such a cool and elegant way, to managing the farm and overseeing the breeding. He has a wonderful group he works with too: Debra Schlem, Michelle Kelly, Robin Hopkinson, Ashlee Alfreds – they are all tops in the business. We had a great time and look forward to visiting again.”

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Bart spends a lot of time in the Valley overseeing the horses and the operations of the business that has become one of the top farms in the world. Santa Ynez is quite a change from Bart’s home in Belgium. How do they compare? According to Bart, “The Valley has both positive things, as well as a few negative things, but nonetheless, it’s living in paradise. It is a wonderful place for the horses and I like the healthy, relaxed lifestyle. Also, the people here are wonderful. They are down to earth and hardworking – especially our team at Aljassimya.

“Establishing a farm here in the Valley had some challenges, but we are making progress. We are excited about the 2016

foal crop. Al Ayal AA did a great job – his babies are very consistent in quality, overall well and strongly built with beautiful heads. We also have some excellent results from SMA Magic One, they are exceptionally typey foals with showy attitudes. The Monther Al Nasser babies always have a consistently high quality.

Again this year, Monther blessed us with a few stunning daughters. We are looking forward now to 2017… just a few months to go and again the foaling season starts.

The main features will be the Al Ayal AA foals and new to our program will be the first Equator babies.

“There are always special events we look forward to, such as the upcom-

ing show in New York, NY will be fun.

We are also looking forward to the U.S. Nationals with Equator and other AJF horses. Equator is as ready as ready can be, he looks absolute stunning. Ashlee Alfreds has done a superb job conditioning him. We can’t wait … we are ready!

We also have two horses for the hunter classes, ridden by our resident handler Nestor Gonzales, who is doing a beautiful job. So we will cheer for our Aljassimyabred horses under saddle too.

“In addition, we support our international show horses. We will be presenting AJF-bred horses at the upcoming European shows including All Nations Cup, European Championships and the Salon

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du Cheval. Jaal Aljassimya, our yearling colt will go to Aachen with Glenn Schoukens. Jaal has not disappointed us yet, he is getting better and better, and we have high hopes for him. We also hope to send him to Paris together with Mai Aljassimya, the Bronze Champion Filly from Menton. She will be presented there

by Giacomo Capacci. She is special to us all and we have high hopes for her as well.

“So you see, we have a global presence, from the Middle East to Europe, to the United States. We love having our home base here in Santa Ynez and we enjoy welcoming visitors to the farm. I can honestly say, I look forward to every single day here in Santa Ynez.” X