AHT Western 2021 Brochure

Sired by Multi-National Champion Monaco Jullyen V

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

— Beverly Sills

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

GORDON POTTS THE BRASS RING, INC. 10312 County Road 1020, Burleson, TX 76028 Office: (817) 447-0001 | Gordon: (817) 312-4017

(*Besson Carol x SHF Miss Scarlet+) CA & SCID Clear AWPA, Sweepstakes & Spotlight Nominated

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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A proud supporter of the

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Cover Story:

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LLC

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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AUGUST 24 TH

U.S. National Futurity Entries Due

DECEMBER 1

ST

Stallion Nominations Due for 2022

DECEMBER 31 Mare Nominations Due for 2021

ST

WWW.ARABIANWESTERNPLEASURE.COM

Important Dates

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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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Magnum Psyche × S Justadream | Multi-Program Nominated Proudly owned by DST Arabians 360.866.8138 | DSTArabians@msn.com Standing at Om El Arab, Santa Ynez, California Contact Janina Merz at 805.490.6810 | OmelArab.com Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | Western • 2021

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HARPER ARABIANS

Celebrates

Arabian Western Pleasure Accolades

BY C AT HER INE CO LE FER A ND ELLI

T

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.”

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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.

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

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KKni ni gh g h Ri ght RRider iider der 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.

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Sired by Monticello V

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MID-SUMMER NATIONALS 2021 Scottsdale Reserve Champion Open | 2020 U.S. National Champion Jr. Horse & AWPA AAOTR Maturity | 2019 U.S. National Champion AWPA Futurity & AAOTR Maturity O w n e d b y R i c h a r d & A n d r e a M a r t o g l i o | Tr a i n e d b y J o e R e s e r, S h a m r o c k F a r m s | 5 7 4 . 3 6 0 . 5 6 4 9 | M u l t i - P r o g r a m N o m i n a t e d S i r e

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

S

... it’s in the genes

AS L A C023 P AW O F 2

for your consideration

NS Khayden Moon

AW

SS Fo S/ tion B A uc A PA

al

(Moon Of Jullyen V x Khadija TR by *Khadraj NA)

Ask about our other prospects by Moon Of Jullyen V, TA Arapaho & Palidor C – destined to be stars...

NORTHSHORE ARABIAN HORSES

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.

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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

AW Winn inn ing i ng n g Team!

Te a m !

S aarat Sarat Saratoga ratoga

BF

photo by Ashley Downing© National Horseman

(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 Fixations ixations KKhash hash (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)

2

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

2

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

by number of horses

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

4 3

2

1. Nicole Cotton

Sally Leonardini or Jamie Leonardini-Gotelli

Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | Western • 2021

2

2

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.

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#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

2

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

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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 2

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

by number of horses

1. Eleanor Hamilton

3

1. Eleanor Hamilton 2. Carol Roberts

Kimberly Kirk Tillman

Ar abian Horse Times | 47 | Western • 2021

7

3

3

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.

Ar abian Horse Times | 49 | Western • 2021

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.

Ar abian Horse Times | 51 | Western • 2021

~ 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