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Multi-National Champion
Monaco Jullyen V
Jennifer and Josh Quintus 8762 FM 455 E, Pilot Point, TX 940-686-5141 colonialwood@gmail.com www.colonialwood.com designed by Brandy Phillips
U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION • CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION • SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION
Sundance Kid V x C A Majia SCID/CA Clear Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Region 12 Spotlight Stallion
#1 Leading National Purebred Western Pleasure Horse #2 Overall Leading Western Pleasure Horse Wins in 2017: - Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure Open - Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over - Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure AATR 40 & Over
APAHA Purebred Western Horse of the Year
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(TOP) Jeter HA • 2014 Bay PB Gelding (Diesel Smoke CBA x PA Senneca) Scottsdale 1st Place Western Pleasure Ladies Scottsdale Top Ten Western Pleasure Jr Horse Owned by Bridget Payne-Chinowth (RIGHT) Tamar Smokin Hot • 2013 Bay PB Mare (Diesel Smoke CBA x Tamar Euphoria) Class winner Western Pleasure Jr Horse Owned by Erin Farnsworth
Jennifer and Josh Quintus 8762 FM 455 E, Pilot Point, TX 940-686-5141 colonialwood@gmail.com www.colonialwood.com Owned by Rhonda and Jim White Pilot Point, Texas
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#4 Leading National Purebred Western Pleasure Horse
Wins in 2017: - Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure Jr Horse - U.S. National Reserve Champion AWPA Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity - 2018 Scottsdale Champion Western Pleasure Jr Horse - 2018 Scottsdale Signature Champion Western Pleasure
Onyx A x SDA Lady Jabask
Jennifer and Josh Quintus 8762 FM 455 E, Pilot Point, TX 940-686-5141 colonialwood@gmail.com www.colonialwood.com Owned by Janet and Richard Thompson Park City, UT
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C A Hermoso x Crystal Blue Persuasion
#1 Overall Leading National Western Pleasure Horse #1 Leading National Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Horse APAHA Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Horse of the Year
Wins in 2017: - U.S. National Champion ABS H/A Western Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot - U.S. Reserve National Champion H/A Western Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 - Youth National Champion H/A Western Pleasure JOTR 14-18 - Youth National Champion H/A Western Pleasure JTR Elite Ridden to every win by Robin and Sarah Porter Owned by Robin and Mike Porter Crescent Creek Farms Weatherford, TX Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Western ~ 2018
Western Experience ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE WITH GORDON POTTS
MONTICETO
LN
(Justify x JD Alllove Story)
HF
Moon Dancing
(Lucky Sol Moon x Dancing Solo HH)
C.
JA RV I S
INSURANCE AGENCY INC.
Trained by: Gordon Potts | Burleson, Texas | 817-312-4017 WWW.THEBRASSRINGINC.COM Owned by: Talia Lydick | Fort Worth, Texas | 817-692-4821 Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Western ~ 2018
WESTERN COVER:
Shamrock Farms
by Mary Kirkman
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WESTERN COVER STORY
The rumors have been flying for a year and a half, ever since Carrie Fritz and Leslie Sommer purchased 50 acres in Fort Worth, Texas: would their western trainer, Joe Reser, be leaving Indiana to train at their new Shamrock Farms? And for a year and half, that’s all the stories were—rumors. Fritz and Sommer were just dreaming of a place where they could see all their broodmares, foals, and retirees together; in their 35 years of history in the Arabian breed, they always have had to travel to see their horses. But when Joe and Michele Reser’s business partner decided to sell their Setting Sun Stables facility, Shamrock’s plan changed. “We would not have thought about going into a training business, because good trainers are hard to find,” Carrie says. “The ones we have now, we love. We feel we’ve always had our horses with the best trainers [by AHT 2017 point totals, Reser was the top western trainer in the country for National wins], but no one could foresee that Joe would become available.” So, as of November 1, 2018, after the U.S. Nationals, Joe and Michele Reser will pack up their home in Wakarusa, Indiana, and move with their two sons to Texas. “Life gives you twists and turns,” observes Joe, who grew up in Wakarusa and figured it would be his home forever. It will be a good experience for his family, he says, but it is nevertheless emotional. “It doesn’t just affect Michele, Cole and Grant,” he explains. “It affects my 25 or 30 other people, longtime clients. I hope a fair amount of them are able to go with us, and right now there appears that [many] are going to, but they have to do what’s best for them. I get that.” Asked what it was about Fritz and Sommer that gave him the thumbs-up, he replies readily. “They’re honest, they’re very transparent, they love the horses, and it’s always about what’s best for the horses.”
Texas sells itself for a western trainer. “It’s full of some of the top western trainers in the country,” he says. “I’ll be competing with guys that are phenomenal at what they do, so I’m going to have to be on top of my game. I think the competition will drive me.” Under the new arrangement, little changes for Shamrock’s English horses; what will be new is that Reser will start all the farm’s homebred youngsters, western and English alike, and then route the English ones on at the appropriate time. Also making the move will be the sisters’ stallion, Monaco Jullyen V. A five-time national champion, he won last year’s U.S. tri-color in western pleasure open and AAOTR 36-54. The son of Jullyen El Jamaal and Varian Arabians’ classic broodmare Misti Morn V, “Monaco” will continue to focus on his record in the show ring, amid growing anticipation of an eventual career at stud. Now that it’s all systems go, the rest of 2018 will be busy for everyone. The Resers will be the first to arrive in Texas; Sommer, who lives in Colorado, and Fritz, in the Kansas City area, will move in the next few years. “We’ve put so much time into traveling, to being away from our families,” ref lects Carrie. “Now, the two things we love the most, our families and our horses, will be brought together for us.” Despite their own enthusiasm, both sisters respect what the move means for Reser and their barn mates at Setting Sun. “We’re honored and humbled by the clients who want to come with Joe, and we’ll miss the ones who choose to stay in Indiana,” Leslie says. “We certainly enjoyed and are thankful for our time as a part of Setting Sun.” “I’ve enjoyed all these years,” Joe says. “I thank all of my customers, the ones in the past and the ones in the present. This is the next step in life; it doesn’t change who I am or what I do. It doesn’t change how I feel about any of them, either.” ■
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Sheila Varian loved to bring new people into the breed, and you can too! Bring a newcomer to this event, and you and your guest will be eligible to win great prizes. Bring 3, and you are eligible for the grand prize of a breeding to a Varian Sire! Angela Alvarez, General Manager, 805.489.5802 | 1275 Corbett Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande, California 93420 | Log on to: www.VarianArabians.com
Legendary
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Performance & Monaco Jullyen V 2017 Unanimous Western Pleasure Champion
Innovative equine supplements created by a veterinarian Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Western ~ 2018
Just Joe
DLC Sonyx
Jeepers Kreepers
DLC Thebuckstopshere Linda & Dennis Clark 906 FM 407E| Argyle, TX 76226 LongMeadowArabian@verizon.net Steven Scoggins 217-649-4807| sscoggins33@gmail.com
Jo Money WWW.LONGMEADOWARABIANS.ORG Ar abian Horse Times | 16 | Western ~ 2018
RDA Midnight Blue
RA Dun With Style
Ever More NA 2018 Region 12 Champion Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | Western ~ 2018
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“IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT!”
Specializing in Western, Hunter, English and Show Hack
WWW.COPPLESHOWHORSES.COM Ron & Yvonne Copple, Trainers • Ron: (253) 381-3871 • Yvonne: (360) 389-7871 • Olympia, WA • coppleshowhorses@yahoo.com Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Western ~ 2018
K ha dr aj NA
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RA K el a ,
by
M agnum P syche
CA CLEAR | SCID CLEAR
Multiple Performance and Halter Titles I ncluding United States National C hampion Western S ide S addle
United States National C hampion Western P leasure C anadian R eserv e National C hampion Hunter P leasure Junior Horse Multiple R egional Titles
AFA
Khristian Dior
(Khaberet PGA x Allure WA)
Thank you Artisan Arabians for choosing Khaberet PGA for this breeding! Proudly Owned By: BOB & NANCY RISEN 40075 Via Caballos, Murrieta, CA 92562 Cell: 818-416-4877 | nancyrisen@gmail.com Standing At: IIB FARMS Cell: 417-825-0178 | Office: 417-642-5450 IIBfarms@ckt.net W W W. K H A BE R E T P G A .C OM Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Western ~ 2018
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The Ames Family | 952.492.2537 www.CedarRidgeArabians.com
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PA Kid Khan x Maggie May V
Sundance Kid V x Magdalena V
Schatzberg & Ferrera photos
The daughters of Magdalena V chosen by Palmetto Arabians continue to make a tremendous contribution to our program with 22 foals, to date. They are winning Regional and National Champion honors for new owners and being added into renowned breeding programs across the industry. Maggie May V (by Bravado Bey V) May Dancer V (by Sundance Kid V) Marilyn V (by Jullyen El Jamaal) PA Marisol Dancer (by Sundance Kid V) Current offspring of these mares will add to the legacy of their Grand-dam Magdalena V: PA Real Messina - 2017 grey colt (SF Sir Real x May Dancer V) PA Real Martinique - 2017 grey filly (SF Sir Real x PA Marisol Dancer) PA Makkintosh - 2016 bay colt (PA Kid Khan x Marilyn V) PA Real Marielle - 2016 grey filly (SF Sir Real x May Dancer V) PA Maybach - 2018 black filly (KM Bugatti x May Dancer V) PA Madalena - 2018 grey filly (Trussardi x PA Marisol Dancer)
Possesion PGA x May Dancer V)
APAHA Breeders Hall of Fame Inductee Frank & Sara Chisholm, Timmonsville, South Carolina Breeding Manager Sarah O’Brien, Phone: 843.346.5874 www.PalmettoArabians.com
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Magdalena V
Western Pleasure’s Monumental Matriarch by Catherine Cole Ferandelli
Magdalena V with foal. Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Western ~ 2018
Marigold V
Sanadik El Shaklan
Smiling in remembrance, Varian Arabian’s long-time manager Angela Alvarez recalls the birth of Magdalena V back in 1987, “Sheila (Varian) and I would always remember the day she was born as she looked like a deer with her beautifully refined, large luminous eyes and extreme head.” Quickly up and about alongside her dam (homebred Marigold V), Magdalena V immediately displayed the beauty, conformation and movement which would ultimately establish her as an iconic producer of national champion western pleasure horses. Indeed, more than 30 years after her birth, Magdalena V bloodstock is carrying forward these same traits in the show pen and the breeding shed. Angela explains, “Magdalena V was the result of a breeding plan to ‘pretty up’ the heads of some of Sheila’s athletic mares. Sheila went into partnership with the late Sigi Siller believing that her stallion Sanadik El Shaklan would produce this magic combination and he did just that. Sanadik El Shaklan was a great inf luence in the Varian broodmare program when we bred our Bay el Bey and Huckleberry Bey daughters to him. We always thought Magdalena V looked the most like Sanadik El Shaklan of all the mares he sired here at Varian Arabians.” Indeed, the heart and souls of these two visionary women produced Magdalena V whose iconic western pleasure bloodlines produce prized western pleasure get to this day. Incredibly prolific, Magdalena V produced fifteen foals for Varian Arabians, including 11 fillies and four colts. Nine
offspring were champions and three national champions. Over the years, Magdalena V was bred to several different stallions, always producing exceptional foals: Desperado V, Sundance Kid V, and the instrumental addition to Varian’s stallion band, Jullyen El Jamaal. Many folks in the industry took notice of Magdalena and her get, including the just starting breeder, Frank Chisholm, owner of Palmetto Arabians. Frank remembers, “Back in 2002 we bought Magdalena’s daughter May Dancer V (x Sundance Kid V) as a yearling from Sheila. That was the year Melody V was at her side. From there, every year we would take a look at Magdalena’s babies. At one time we had four Magdalena daughters. We still have Marilyn V and May Dancer V, the ‘Queen’ of the Palmetto Arabians broodmare band.” Frank continues, “Around 2009, Sheila and I agreed I would take over the care of Magdalena—by then she was in her early twenties and believed finished with her broodmare career. Still, while making her shipping arrangements from California to our farm in South Carolina, I decided to include a stop at Mario Zerlotti’s breeding facility in Scottsdale on the off chance we could f lush embryos from her. “Ever astute,” Frank laughs, “Sheila gave her price on any embryo successes. Remember, this was a mare deemed infertile and on her way to her ‘forever’ retirement home. Well, my ‘free’ mare quickly became a very costly (but joyous) acquisition as she f lushed three
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May Dancer V (Sundance Kid V x Magdalena V), 2004 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Arabian Futurity.
embryos—two fillies and a colt. I sold one and kept two: a filly, PA Marisol Dancer, by Sundance Kid V, and a colt. I still chuckle remembering Magdalena Vs’ surprise embryos and the joy she gave us living out her days at Palmetto Arabians.” The 2018 Magdalena V foal crop at Palmetto Arabians includes three Magdalena V progeny: Two grey fillies, one by Trussardi out of granddaughter PA Marisol Dancer; the other by KM Bugatti and out of daughter May Dancer V; and the third by PA Phoenix Kid and out of daughter Marilyn V is due in late May. Magdalena V’s feminine beauty, temperament, and balanced movement produced foals that inevitably drew interest from the top western pleasure trainers too. Rob Bick proclaims, “I call this breeding mare line the “M deal”. Magdalena V was no accident, as she was very well bred for the western disciplines. I showed her dam Marigold V at the Fall Santa Barbara, California, show over 30 years ago. The traits were there: extreme neck, light to handle, balance, willingness, full-framed, and calm, yet charismatic in the show pen. It’s amazing that three decades later, I’m on the East Coast showing grand-get of Magdalena’s. A trainer’s dream—all of them.” Rob brings us current, “Just last year at the 2017 U.S. Nationals, I showed two Magdalena V grand-get to national titles: 3-year-old stallion PA McKoy, Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Futurity,
Melody V (Sundance Kid V x Magdalena V), 5-time Western Pleasure National Champion and Reserve.
and 4-year-old mare PA Maya, winner of the $100,000 Arabian Horse World AWPA Western Pleasure Futurity. Both carry on the “M deal”, both so light in the bosal. I believe I never touched Maya’s bosal a single time during our AWPA final performance. Showing Magdalena Vs’ grand-get is a trainer’s treat of a lifetime.” Rick Gault, another legendary western pleasure trainer whole heartedly agrees, “Some years ago my breath was taken away at the sight of Magdalena V daughter May Dancer V. Big bodied, bold and possessing magical western pleasure movement, she was a sight I’ll never forget. When our client and friend, Valerie Brown, bought Magdalena daughter Melody V, I was blessed with training and showing one of the finest western pleasure horses in Arabian horse history.” Showing Melody V to U.S. National Champion titles as a 4-year-old in the Junior Horse, and Open as a 6-year-old, Melody V was, “able to put all the boys in their place, and that’s a rarity for a mare to do,” says Rick. Melody V went on to show and win in numerous national and regional level amateur western and hunter pleasure competitions with owners Valerie and Megan Brown before retiring and starting her next career as a broodmare. Valerie recalls her first sighting of Melody V, “We were at Canadian Nationals one year and were struck by a beautiful, well behaved young mare—then 3-year-old Melody.” Already started at Varians, Valerie and her daughter Megan knew they had found their perfect western pleasure show horse. Valerie continues, “We
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PA Maya (Possesion PGA x May Dancer V), 2017 U.S. National Champion AWPA $100,000 Arabian Futurity.
had owned Varian-bred horses before. Further, Megan had always loved the Magdalena V/Sundance Kid V cross. Shipping Melody eastward to Gault Training, smiles form when remembering her arrival, “Melody came off the trailer and it was like she had always been with us.” Now retired from the show pen, Melody has produced five foals, “all coming out of the womb standing,” according to Valerie. Stallion RGT Mozart is one of the results. Rick Gault’s enthusiasm is infectious when it comes to Melody V, “Magdalena V has carried forward a female tail line that has worked for us in our breeding program and certainly for Varians, Palmetto Arabians, and others too. Our home bred stallion RGT Mozart by our late stallion Zimmeron PGN and out of Melody V is continuing the Magdalena V line.” Owned by long-time Gault Training clients Neville and Janice Lorick, the 7-year-old multinational champion will see his first babies started this year. Rick states, “We can hardly wait to go forward with these youngsters— the great grandchildren of Magdalena V. By all appearances and actions, we have greater western pleasure horses in the making.”
RGT Mozart (Zimmeron PGN x Melody V), 3-time Western Pleasure National Champion and Reserve.
magnificent mare Magdalena V has blessed our lives and we will always be grateful for that.” More than 60 years ago, a young, passionate Sheila Varian had a vision, to produce a line of beautiful, functional Arabian working western horses. Her grit, determination and forwardthinking range of view never wavered. Varian Arabians created a working western line of Arabians that changed history and proven bloodstock that today crosses into every single discipline of the ever-versatile Arabian horse. The matriarch broodmare Magdalena V and her descendants, continue to contribute a big portion towards the perpetuation of the Varian dream. n
The proud owners of Magdalena V offspring share unity with the “M deal” stating, “Sheila made the focus of her life to produce great Arabian horses. This focus has carried through the generations and forever stamped our breeding programs. Her Ar abian Horse Times | 35 | Western ~ 2018
Strand’s Arabian Stables A Family Tradition for 60 Years 1958-2018 By THERESA CARDAMONE For over half a century, Jody Strand has been plying his trade on the same 55-acre farm in Iowa where he has lived since the age of five. This is the place where Strand’s Arabian Stables was founded 60 years ago. This is the place where Jody’s roots are firmly planted; far from the spotlights at world class horse shows; far from the cascades of national championship garlands and trophies that his horses win year after year. This is the place where he is raising his own family in a similar atmosphere of controlled (or sometimes not so controlled!) chaos—homework to do, debates around the table about the rotation of chores—with a similar sense of accomplishment. On the farm or in the show ring, the Strands thrive with an irreplaceable and warm good feeling that has been supported by their values for over 60 years. Jody Strand is one of the most accomplished horse trainers in the Arabian industry. From his first national award—a hard-won top ten aboard Hal Gibby (Hal Gazal x G-Amaka, by G-Amigo) in 1979— Jody Strand and his amateur clients have, especially in recent years, saturated both the purebred and part-Arabian classes for all age groups and levels of experience in the Western Pleasure discipline. Jody is a three-time winner of the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association’s Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year award and thus is “retired” into the APAHA Hall of Fame. The continuity of Jody’s achievements is underlined by his inclusion on the Arabian Horse World’s “Totally Tops” list of national winners each year since its inception in 1996. In addition, Jody has had his judge’s card for over 25 years and is a Level 1 judge.
D Zalamaan (OV Zalamaar x Willows Missfire, by Back Fire)
He gives credit to three of his “first great horses” for moving him to the top tier of winning trainers: D Zalamaan (OV Zalamaar x Willows Missfire, by Back Fire), who carried him to his first U.S. National Championship when he won the Western Pleasure Junior Horse trophy in 1994; The Mystical Penny (Nivarions Mystic x The Gold Penny AQHA), who Jody says made him “look good” and upon whom he won the 1995 Canadian National Champion Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse title; and MD Heir toFame (Starof Fame V x Anas Star Fire, by Afire Bey V), who captured seven national championships and two reserves with Jody and amateur owner Sue Burchard within a five-year period (2001-2006). MD Heir toFame (Starof Fame V x Anas Star Fire, by Afire Bey V)
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But it is over the last five years that Jody has achieved his most elusive goal and cemented his position as the top western trainer in the business. Prior to that, the Open Western Pleasure title was Jody’s Holy Grail. Although his horses had won many national championships in junior horse, amateur, futurity and other classes over a 20-year stretch, there was still one hole in his resume. “I always hoped I would win the U.S. Open Western before I retired,” Jody states. “Then, along comes Zefyr!” Zefyr (Sundance Kid V x Pattrice, by Pesniar) had never won the Open championship either, although he, too, had earned several other national western titles in previous years. “It was a long time coming,” said Jody. “My nephew Ryan and I used to go to Nationals and I was always so far out of the ribbons, I didn’t even know that there were any being handed out! He met me for the photo after that first Open win and couldn’t resist ribbing me about how far I’d come since the old days.”
Jody and Zefyr made Arabian history when they won the U.S. Open Western Pleasure Championship not just once, but for three consecutive years (2013, 2014, 2015), an unmatched accomplishment. To add to that—in a bittersweet moment—Jody and Zefyr picked up the 2016 Reserve Champion Open Western title; relinquishing their hold on the championship to Zefyr’s paternal half-brother, Diesel Smoke CBA (Sundance Kid V x C A Majia, by C A Hermoso), ridden by Jody’s longtime friend Josh Quintus. In an almost unbelievable show of continuity, Jody then rode into the Open Western Pleasure spotlight in the Finals for the fifth consecutive year; this time on the brilliant Vicario (DA Valentino x Faberge AA, by Magnum Psyche) as the 2017 U.S. National Reserve Champion. Jody Strand has been the mentor to many eager apprentices who have since become some of his steepest competition in the show ring. He is immensely proud to see them grow into successful horsemen/women. Jen Schmitt, Joe Reser, JT Keller, Ryan Strand, and so many others have flourished under his tutelage. The skills they honed under Jody’s guidance will benefit the Arabian community as a whole for many years to come.
“We kid each other all the time. His customers have me to thank! He works harder for them, in order to beat me! Honestly, I hate when Jody beats me in a class, because he brags about it for years. Good thing it doesn’t happen often! But who’s counting? Joking aside, Jody keeps the bar high. Has for decades.” ~ Josh Quintus
Above: Congratulations from Ryan Strand to Jody on his 2013 U.S. National Unanimous Championship. Right: 2014 double win pass amongst great friends. Zefyr and Jody with Josh Quintus and Onyx A.
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Left: Stuart Vesty, aka Captain Jack Sparrow, honoring the 2013 Unanimous U.S. National Championship of Zefyr and Jody. Above: Stuart always ready with the camera! Below: Some photo shoots go smoother than others.
“A lot has changed over the years, but always with forward momentum.” ~ Stuart Vesty
In addition to customers, mentors, and colleagues, Jody appreciates the creative talents of the other professionals who help to promote his business. He credits Jenn Trickey with expertly designing his marketing pieces, most of which are graced by the photos of Stuart Vesty. Stuart has captured some of Jody’s greatest moments of glory at horse shows and has shot nearly all of the photos on the farm with the family. He appreciates the special relationship that he shares with the Strand family. “I would have to say Strand’s Arabians is my longest continuous client for the past 30 or more years,” Stuart states. “So, I’ve witnessed Jody’s talents and successes grow first-hand. His facility and his family are growing more beautiful by the day. I always enjoy the time we spend together, whether it’s a beer by the bonfire with clients, or chasing the kids around the yard trying to get a decent family photo.” Stuart’s unique position of being so familiar with Jody and his family allows him a special perspective into what has spurred Jody’s achievements. “A lot has changed over the years,” he explains. “But always with forward momentum. Jody’s talented assistants who have gone out on their own or pursued training positions elsewhere are a testament to his success as a trainer and educator, and his success at keeping his family business alive and flourishing is a testament to his passion and dedication. I congratulate my friend; cheers to the future!”
“Jody is a great businessman. He won’t say that about himself, but he is. Honest, quality conscientious and gives great attention to detail. I am proud to have worked with he and Janice for almost 20 years.” ~ Jenn Trickey
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Ed Strand with Bashik
Vivian and Ed Strand with G Ameron
Strand’s Arabian Stables A Family Tradition for 60 Years 1958-2018
Ed Strand with Niga and G-Amigo
Virginia and Milt Strand
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Justin and SAS Just One Kiss
No hands Megan!
Jody is a good friend to many people and many horses, and he appreciates a good laugh. But, beyond all else, Jody Strand is a family man, raising his four children with his wife, Janice, on the same farm where he grew up.
Janice Strand gives insight into the parenting that she and Jody provide, “They grow up a little differently than most kids today,” she explains. “We don’t do the iPad/computer thing after school. When they come home, they go outside to play. They build forts, they play on the farm, but they also have chores. They have their hills they have to weed, they like to help with hay, they help with the horses. It’s part of growing up on this farm.”
In 1958, Ed Strand and his brother Milt took a leap of faith and started Strand’s Arabian Stables. It was founded on the values of the American Heartland: integrity, dedication, hard work, honesty, and love of family—along with passion for the Arabian horse. Sixty years later, those values are the foundation for the next generation of Strand success. Jody remembers when his dad and uncle “took the plunge.”
To keep things fresh, Jody likes to “mix it up” in balancing training and family needs. “One thing I love to do is make hay!” he exclaims. “When you’re out there mowing the hayfields, raking the hay, it’s definitely a couple of days where you are not “Probably the most doing the usual, you can’t hear the phone. The payback important thing I is good now that the kids are finally old enough to help learned from my time out! Janice runs the baler better than I do; last time, with Jody was how Aminah (11) and Justin (9) were responsible for dedicated you have to shuttling full loads of hay to the barn and returning be to be successful in this business! He has with an empty rack. They work well together,” Jody a work ethic like no comments, “go figure!”
“That was a pretty gutsy move for a guy in his fifties,” says Jody. “It was a hobby that he turned into a business. He took enormous pride in this farm and had an incredible work ethic. These are things that I’ve carried on. I’ve always had a lot of pride in the farm, even when I was a kid, and I believe I have the work ethic it takes to do this other!” business and take care of things. When I didn’t want to work, dad would tell me, ‘Your name is on the sign at the end of the driveway, too.’ If you knew my dad, you would understand.” Ten years ago, Jody was quoted as saying, “I take pride in my farm for what it has become, and the potential it still holds for the future. I look forward to the days of passing on this tradition to my children.” Evidently, those days have come to fruition. Jody explains, “We were working on landscaping with two of the kids yesterday, and I looked over at them and said, ‘Who’s going to keep this place running and looking good when I am gone?’ They were both very quick to say they would do it. I have no doubt that’s true!”
~ Joe Reser
Janice handles all of the administrative work and is proactive in the maintenance of the farm. Jody credits Janice for everything she does to keep both farm and family running smoothly. “Strand’s has been self-supporting since it started,” he explains. “It’s just our life in the horse business. It was never as if—when things got rough in the horse industry—we could just take a little bit of our “oil money,” he laughs, “and invest it in the barn! It’s all been horse-related income. That keeps you honest, keeps you from making poor financial decisions and maybe going over your head on something that you shouldn’t.”
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“It goes without saying what a horseman Jody is. All of us, who went through his program went on to win plenty, but it was way more than that. It was like college. Real life lessons. I’m thankful as hell, for all of it.” ~ J.T. Keller
“Between a full working farm, family and National level training facility, Jody carries a tremendous amount on his shoulders. What he carries would take a toll on anyone. Yet, what it so admirable about him, is that he manages to keep it all together and still show up smiling, ready for a joke. That’s character. I respect him and call him a true friend.” ~ Ron Copple
Right: Good friends Joe Frizzell & Jody on the trail. Below: Gretchen Love and Vicario++
“Growing up as a Strand has had its perks. Like riding Omega Witez, the last Witez ll son; spending every free moment in the barn; our competitive family football games in the arena; and our infamous Christmas slide show that wasn’t about our vacations, but about horses and their pedigrees. I can say with certainty, that our family loved the Arabian horse, and I am so proud to be continuing that family legacy with my own work and watching my daughter’s love of Arabians grow.” ~ Codi Strand
Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Str and’s ~ 2018
There aren’t too many other farms that can make the same claim of self-sufficiency; Varian Arabians and Al-Marah come to mind as shining examples when it comes to longevity. Jody continues to operate the farm with the ethical integrity that he learned from his father and says that Janice helps to keep him on track. “Janice has two financial categories: want and need,” he states with resignation. “‘Is this a want or a need?’ That sucks, I hate that! There’s the things you need to do and the things you want to do; we typically do what we need to do and put the wants on the back burner. And the wants are things that we both think are worth planning for. We always confer on financial matters, it is very much a team decision.” So many years of any kind of hard work can be grueling, even for the most ambitious souls. When he feels the daily grind, Jody finds ways to keep a fresh attitude “Anybody that doesn’t say that sometimes they get tired of running their own business would be lying,” Jody states. “That’s just how it is. I still like teaching people to ride. I still like teaching assistants. But, if I’ve had a tough day, or if I’m at a show putting up drapes and I’m sick of doing it…I just get on a horse. As soon as I get on a horse, I’m fine. I never tire of riding. That’s amazing considering I trained my first horse—where my dad told the client I was doing the work—when I was 14…that’s Megan’s age,” Jody grins. “The fact is, when I get on a horse, I still like doing it. Now granted, my knees hurt, but as far as the desire…I still love to train!” Joe and Debbie Frizzell have a long history as Strand’s clients. “My wife and I first put a horse in training full time with Jody in 1999,” Joe relates. “So, this will be our 20th year with Strand’s Arabians. I always liked the way that Jody’s horses looked in the show ring and I learned immediately that the horses received great care both at home and at
the shows. I have had great respect for Jody and his entire crew over the years for how they have handled our horses. Everyone at Strand’s works hard, but they also always like to have fun! We’ve had a lot of great times with all of our horse show friends over the years, and we have also had a lot of success in the show ring.” On the other end of the spectrum, Gretchen Love, owner of Vicario, lives in Oregon and has only been with Jody for around five years. While she deeply appreciates and enjoys their long-distance relationship of “mostly phone calls and horse shows,” she was enchanted by her visit to the family farm. “I had a dear friend that went with me who had also bought a horse from Jody,” she relates. “What a thrill! Jody took us on the “Gator” that goes around the property and he explained every inch of it; the history of his family; how meaningful it is.” Gretchen’s respect for Jody is evident. “His father bred some famous horses and he showed us the headstones of Niga and G-Amigo, the foundation stallions. Then he said, ‘Gretchen, don’t tell anybody, but I designed these gardens!’ His whole being is carrying on his father’s legacy and the tradition in that farm.” Jody has been teased that the farm is over-landscaped, but he believes in creating a wonderful ambience for his clients and guests. “People travel long distances to come here, sometimes from overseas,” he informs. “Or, they drive several hours to get here for what boils down to a short visit. A trip to the farm must be more of an experience than just that 60-minute lesson. It’s got to be an inviting, pretty place to come to, where people feel comfortable. They want to spend time before and after the lesson, whether it’s talking to us or talking to other clients in the barn. Our clients have always said the farm is very inviting, they always feel welcome here.”
Lessons learned ... Work ethic. Common words when asking any trainer who has been through the Strand program. One story, in particular, came up with both Joe Reser and J.T. Keller, who apprenticed under Jody in the late 90’s. All three of them laugh about it now and all three of them learned something different from the story. They had just come back from a horse show. Jody said they would take the day off from riding. Jody’s idea of a day off from riding, was exactly that. A day off from riding. It didn’t mean a day off from the long list of other things in maintaning the farm. And if you have ever been to the farm, Jody takes great pride in the landscaping, and he should. The day was to be spent trimming the shrubs that lined the driveway. It felt like a Karate Kid movie, “wax on, wax off,” as if there were some underlying lesson to be learned about an honest day of hard work. Joe was not happy about the chore, so purposely did a horrible job, and was told to stop and just go to the barn. He went and rode horses. J.T., on the other hand, tried like crazy, and his shrubs were a work of art. At the end of the day. Joe learned how to get out of doing something he didn’t want to do. Jody learned that he stupidly rewarded someone for bad behavior, so, basically, taught him how to do it, and J.T. learned how to trim bushes. They still laugh about it today. There is something to be learned every day! Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Str and’s ~ 2018
“We have had a long history with the Strand family and are so proud of all they have accomplished. Congratulations!” ~ Dick, Lollie and Lara Ames
Jody believes that the show experience needs to be just as embracing. “It’s not about the ribbon or the top ten or national championship,” he states. “It has to be about the whole thing. At a show like the Nationals, it’s the early morning lesson and the fun at the stalls, maybe going out to dinner with other customers; you have to look at the whole week-to-ten-day period as being part of it.” Jody paused as if to ponder. “Hell, a victory pass lasts what, a minute? Sure, you want to win, but you have to enjoy the whole thing. It has to be fun. I’m a smart-ass and I like to have fun with our customers, I like to tease them. I think keeping it funny and fun is important, whether they’re winning or losing. If you keep them laughing…well, my sense of humor is probably a saving grace sometimes.” Jody has had all types of clients over the years. “We are Noah’s Ark as far as our customers go,” he says. “We are fortunate to have a number of clients who have the means to go out and buy any horse that they want. But, people that are on budgets and have to find a horse that’s not as expensive? They don’t shy away from coming here either, because they know we’re going to go out and find that horse for them, and then give 150% effort to get that horse into the winner’s circle, too. We just went out and bought a horse for a customer we’ve had for years; their horse developed soundness issues. We found them an older show horse within their budget— they just want to keep coming to the barn and having fun as a part of the Strand team.” Cindy Smith has been with Jody for nearly 20 years, crediting him with restoring her confidence and providing a horse show family. “You bond with the other people in the barn,” she says. “Being there that long, you become friends. We have horses in common and we were all looking for the same thing in a trainer. Jody says, ‘a good horse always makes you feel good about yourself,’ and the same thing is true about trainers. Jody is a great amateur coach. I came to him with literally no confidence. If it hadn’t worked out with Jody, I probably would have just quit.” Gallún
Jody and Cindy Smith with Springsteen CS.
“Jody’s father, Ed, was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever been around. Hard work was instilled in all of our family pretty early. Jody’s work ethic, coupled with his talent, has made him, in my opinion, one of the most successful people in our industry. I have always been, but now more than ever, just proud to call him my uncle.” ~ Ryan Strand
“This horse show thing is not for the faint hearted!” Cindy continues. “If you don’t have confidence, everything goes to heck in a handbasket! But, as Jody also says, ‘If it was easy, it wouldn’t mean as much.’ I have gained so much confidence; with a good horse and a good coach, everything is so much better. I’ve gone through several horses with him and actually turned into a hunter rider because that’s what my horse ended up being. The horse has to tell you what they want to do, and Jody listens.”
Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Jody’s reputation for honesty is golden. “I’ve probably gotten more business from referrals because I sent their horse home and said, ‘It’s not going to make the grade,’” he muses. “One of the first things I do with clients is ask them what their goals are. If the goal is to be a national champion, I’ll let you know if this horse can or can’t. Maybe your goal is to have him ready to show at the lower levels and you want to be part of the barn. But, if the goal is national champion and I don’t think the horse is good enough, I tell them that; we find it a good home; and find one that can do it.”
“My goggles were on as a brand-new owner,” continues Barb. “My heart was beating out of my chest… I thought, what can get better than this? I was shocked when Jody suggested that I let this horse go and find a better one. Looking back on it from his angle, he probably thought, here’s a client who really looks like she wants to do this well, not float along at the edges. And, obviously, I was! I had spent many hours sitting with Jody in the stands at shows, analyzing class results and tuning my eye for a good horse. Jody can explain why, even though he can win on a horse and make it look easy, it might not be a good horse for an amateur. And so, we started looking for that next-level horse.”
Hess
A tiny newspaper ad listing a horse for sale led Barb Sink-Krusenstjerna to Strand’s Arabian Stables over 30 years ago. She bought a horse that, while in training for performance, became a halter champion gelding. “At that moment, I was hooked,” Barb says. “The following spring, he was ready to go under saddle. The Maiden class had about 30 horses, the stands were full, and the darn horse won again! That was when the second hook went in. Now, I was in hook, line, and sinker!”
Above: Jody and Barb Sink with Dream A Lil Dream.
Barb credits Jody’s strong work ethic for providing stability for the Strands. “It’s a Midwest farm ethic which Jody still has,” she elaborates. “My husband and I talk about it all the time. We don’t know people who work harder than the Strands. Jody worked under his dad and it was evident, that farm work ethic. I will also credit his wife, Janice. They keep a lid on their expenses. I think Jody is still riding on the same saddle he had 20 years ago. It has enough silver on it, it’s comfortable and everything works. He owns his own farm, he’s not leasing a facility. Those things ground you and help you make good choices and weather a storm. It keeps the family strong.”
Left: Proud Dad with Aminah on her first National Championship!
Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | Str and’s ~ 2018
“I can honestly say I would not be the trainer I am today without Jody. I came to Jody as a 20-year-old kid who knew next to nothing about training or showing horses. Through the next 11 years, Jody taught me how to start colts, how to ride western and hunt, and how to be a showman. He fought for me as a young, up-and-coming trainer, encouraged me when I was hard on myself, and couldn’t have been prouder if I beat him. He’s my mentor, my friend, and someone I admire as a horseman. Not only all of this, but Jody, Janice, and the kids became a second family to me. The Strand family is, and always will be, an important part of my life.” ~ Jen Schmitt
JoEllen Erickson and her daughter Jill Lochner have been riding with Jody for around 28 years, ever since meeting him at a horse show when Jill was a young teenager. They have reason to be very grateful to Jody for the role he has played in their lives. “Jody molded Jill into what she is today,” JoEllen states bluntly. “He was always encouraging her to never give up, even though she rode with him a lot of years before she got her first top ten.” When Jill faced the prospect of having to give up horses to go to college, Jody offered her a summer job that kept her in the barn and in the show ring. After graduation, Jill decided to go for her Arabian judge’s card. “I’ll never forget Jody was laughing, saying, ‘You’re awfully young, but go for it! If you want to do it, don’t let anything get in your way,’” JoEllen recalls. “And she did, she applied and got accepted. She had her judge’s card, then went out and got her large R and has judged Scottsdale, she’s judged Nationals, she’s judged everything. We’re pretty proud of her and it was all due to Jody’s encouragement. He pretty well molded her into the judge, the showman that she is today.” JoEllen is grateful for their strong relationship. “It’s been a wonderful ride for us, and I can never thank him enough,” she relates. “Jill is one of these people for whom it’s not always about wearing roses; but just doing well at your job. Jody is the one who instilled that in her. That’s why she’s so successful in so many ways. With her career—she travels all over the world for John Deere—and she has a 2-year-old boy. She’s still involved with the horses, judging and showing. It speaks to the fortitude which Jody has taught her.”
ferrara
“One thing that Jody does extremely well is support his amateurs,” Jill says, speaking from years of experience with him. “He teaches in a way that people can comprehend; he makes it fun and easy to learn. Most of all, he instills confidence. While some trainers yell at their amateurs if they make a mistake, Jody always points out the positive and reminds us that there will be another show.”
Team Strand’s AAOTR!
It’s more family than it is a client/trainer relationship, it’s been a long-lasting friendship. “He has said I am like a sister to him,” Jill adds. “I had been planning to be married at my parent’s home, but they had a barn fire. Rather than postpone the wedding, Jody and Janice had us transfer the whole thing to his farm.” In a lovely setting with a big tent and a pond, Jody gave Jill away to her new husband.
Joe Frizzell, Jody and Jen Schmitt at the APAHA Awards.
Jill says she knows why Jody has had such long-lasting success. “He truly loves what he gets to do every day,” she explains. “It shows in the way his horses work and how his horses and clients respond to him. Add in his God-given talent, and that is why he is one of the winningest western trainers of all time.”
Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Megan aboard She Moves Me with proud mom Janice. Ashley GallĂşn photo
Justin, Shea and “Cash”
Aminah
Janice & Justin with SAS Just One Kiss Megan & She Moves Me
Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Recently, the Strand children have begun to make their own names in the show ring. Megan (14) was honored to be a finalist for both the 2016 and 2017 APAHA Youth Western Amateur of the Year. She won the 2017 Youth National Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR Select 13 & Under title on She Moves Me (Majesteit KWPN x The Way She Moves, by Baske Afire) who was bred by Stuart Vesty. Megan also won two 2017 Youth National Reserve Championships aboard Tamar Diamond Destiny (Neposzar x Princess Dynamite, by Poirot) in Half-Arabian Western Pleasure JOTR 13 & Under and Half-Arabian Ladies Side Saddle Western JTR 18 & Under, and two more top tens on purebreds SAS Just One Kiss (Just N Nuff x DR Fames Lullaby, by Fame VF) and Gai Bombey (A Jakarta x Gailla, by Gai Argosy). Megan already earned her first two Youth National Championships in 2016 aboard Tamar Diamond Destiny, who won the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure JTR Select 18 & Under and the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure JOTR 13 & Under. Aminah won a 2017 Youth National Championship of her own in Half-Arabian Western Seat Equitation Walk/ Jog 10 & Under on Tamar Diamond Destiny, with additional top tens on ROL What An Angel (Out of Cyte x ROL Angel Eyes, by MA Gallant Ladd) in Arabian Hunter Pleasure Walk/Trot 10 & Under and Hunter Seat Equitation Walk/Trot 10 & Under. She had two top ten wins on Tamar Diamond Destiny in Walk/Jog classes the previous year.
Aminah and proud Dad on her 2017 Youth National Championship on Tamar Diamond Destiny in Half-Arabian Western Seat Equitation Walk/Jog.
Justin is the youngest Strand and has already accumulated five top ten awards at Youth Nationals in the 10 & Under division; notably in 2017, in Western Pleasure and Western Seat Equitation on SAS Just One Kiss; and in Half-Arabian Western Pleasure on Tamar Diamond Destiny. In 2016, he earned his first two top tens in Western Pleasure and Western Seat Equitation on Pslim Shady (GR Psyches Rey x Alesia, by Hijo Del Paso). An avid showman, Justin has also won numerous regional championships in both Region 10 and 11. For Jody and Janice Strand, seeing the children excel in the family business is a great joy. “That is probably the proudest that Janice and I have ever been of those kids, when they earned their first national championships,” he admits. As is often the case with siblings, the kids have a healthy rivalry between them. “Aminah is out of walk/trot now, and Justin is not,” Jody says. “When they were competing against each other…they could be fourth and sixth…it didn’t matter, as long as they beat their sibling!” Sibling rivalry aside, it is clear that the next generation of Strands will continue to honor and add to the family legacy well into the future. Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Shea and Tulsa
Jody & Shea
Ar abian Horse Times | 16 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Aminah’s twin sister Shea (11) brings her own brand of joy into the family. She was born with infantile spasms, a severe form of epilepsy which caused developmental differences that set her apart from her peers. “Shea’s not able to do some of the stuff the other kids do,” Jody explains. “She can’t always put the words together, but she’s awesome.” Jody paused. “She can run like the freakin’ wind!” he laughs. “I saw her running down to the barn from the house the other day, with Janice in hot pursuit…it wasn’t even close! Shea was leaving her in the dust!”
Jody and Janice Strand are deeply grateful for the life they have built on their family farm and the wonderful people that have supported them over the years. Their circle of friends extends far beyond the boundaries of Strand’s Arabian Stables. As time goes by, it is a safe bet Jody’s steadfast values will continue to keep him grounded and give him the foundation to meet new twists and challenges as he trains the next echelon of champions. Jody’s explanation for his continued success is more down to earth.
Unfortunately, people can be judgmental about things they have no knowledge of. While most people show understanding, Jody and Janice wish that more would broaden their awareness. “We have encountered both adults and children who have reacted negatively to Shea. We have also encountered an enormous number of people who have had very positive responses to her and treated her with grace and dignity— as an equal. Our clients are incredibly accepting of Shea and her differences. She is a very happy child who always has a smile for everyone she meets. We include her and want her to be a part of what our family is doing every day.”
“I make a living doing something that I am passionate about,” he avers. “I learned that from my dad, who had so much passion for the Arabian horse, he followed his heart and built this business 60 years ago. Only a few farms can match that span of time.” Jody believes that loving what he does for a living is a crucial element in attracting and retaining so many clients over six decades. “I am very grateful to all of the customers, past and present, who have kept us in business all these years. Their confidence is what has given us this wonderful life.”
While Shea doesn’t show horses, she is the perfect partner for her dad to go on a fun ride across the farm. “We love to take a four-wheeler ride,” Jody says with a smile. “We have a creek running through the property. I take Shea down there, and we go flying through that creek, hell-bent-for-leather, and it looks like we’re on a log ride!” Jody takes a moment to gather his thoughts.
Jody Strand has earned that confidence with his steadfast adherence to the values upon which he was raised. They are the same values embraced by his father, the same values which have brought joy and prosperity to the Strands for the past 60 years on the family farm. And they are the values with which Strand’s Arabian Stables will continue with in the future.
“I didn’t know that I’d be the guy who would have the patience to raise a child with a disability, and then I was blessed with one,” he continues. “It’s made me a much better person, more patient, and a lot stronger. Janice always was that way, I was the weak link. Janice is the best and strongest person I’ve ever met. It was a total blessing for me the day that she walked into the barn for a riding lesson, which is how we met. That is a story in itself, but we won’t get into that now,” he says with a chuckle. “My life and this farm would not be what they are today without her in it.”
Janice & Jody Strand
Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | Str and’s ~ 2018
The Extended Strand “Family ...”
Ryan Strand. Now owner of Liberty Meadows Training Center in Bucyrus, Kansas.
Beth Wilson, office manager at Strand’s Arabian Stables.
Above: Farriers Ed Konicek & Brian Wolfgram with Dr. Charles Abraham. Left: Codi Strand. Now farm manager at High Star Farm in Los Alamos, California.
photo by nedra Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Joe Reser Now at Shamrock Farms in Fort Worth, Texas. J.T. Keller Now owner of J.T. Keller Performance Horses in Grandview, Texas.
Jen Schmitt Now head trainer at Conway Arabians in Chatfield, Minnesota.
2013, 2014, 2015 u.s. national champion western pleasure
Sundance Kid V x Pattrice Proudly owned by Equidont Arabians Laura Koch & Bert Sanders Warner Robins, GA
2016 u.s. national reserve champion western pleasure
Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Congratulations, Jody and Janice, on the diamond anniversary of Strand’s Arabian Stables. We will forever share the memories of a lifetime with Zefyr’s history-making performances in Western Pleasure’s most coveted crown. Thank you! ~ Bert & Laura
Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Proud breeder of:
multi-national champion
vicario++
DA Valentino x Faberge AA
Now proudly owned by Gretchen Love
national champion
just tu kool rta
Smoking Jose Cuervo x Imtu Kool+/
Now proudly owned by Michelle Bancroft
STONEGATE ARABIANS Jay Krusenstjerna & Barb Sink-Krusenstjerna Waukee, IA
Proud breeder of:
multi-national champion
elashahn+/
AAS-Elishahh x Veyonce++/
Now proudly owned by Jill Lochner
Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Str and’s ~ 2018
multi-national champion
the mystical penny+// Nivarions Mystic x The Gold Penny
1992~2016
When we first stepped into your barn, I simply wanted a pretty horse to ride. 30+ years later, we are beaming with pride to be listed as leading breeders of western pleasure winners! Our learning curve of Arabian horses has grown into a check by check bucket list of accomplishments which were inspired and guided by you from the start. As we look over time at all the incredible horses that have come across our path, Jay and I are thankful we walked into your barn that day.We wish the Strand family a very happy 60th Anniversary! ~ Barb & Jay
multi-national reserve champion
dream a lil dream+++/ Fire An Ice x Crystal Blue Persuasion
2001~2016
Ar abian Horse Times | 23 | Str and’s ~ 2018
sweet melody b
Vicario++ x Melody V+// Proudly owned by Kathy Shippee
2018 filly
Vicario++ x SAS Just One Kiss+ Proudly owned by Janice Strand
multi-national champion
DA Valentino x Faberge AA Proudly owned by Gretchen Love, Portland, OR
2018 black filly Vicario++ x SS Summer Song Proudly owned by Cathy Stauffer
famous lady v
Vicario++ x Famous And Wiser Proudly owned by Dr. Charles Abraham
Ar abian Horse Times | 24 | Str and’s ~ 2018
2017 u.s. national reserve champion western pleasure I am ever so grateful to Jody and Janice for making these past few years some of the happiest of my life. Vicario, with his training and showing, is truly a dream come true, and I feel even more fortunate and honored to be a part of the entire Strand Stable Family! Congratulations on your family’s 60th year anniversary as you celebrate the values, dedication and pride of your legendary program. ~ Gretchen Ar abian Horse Times | 25 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national champion
jp crimson cowboyy Remington Magnum x Cozy
multi-national champion
sunsational kid+// Sundance Kid V x Mane Street Introducing:
absolutly sunsational Sunsational Kid +// x BW Jazzmine
Congratulations, Jody and Janice, on the 60th anniversary of Strand’s Arabian Stables! Best wishes for your continued success! ~ Joe & Debbie
national top ten & regional champion
tuff e nuffe+/ Prussia x Niga Liberty Girl
national champion
remington magnum Magnum Psyche x Khasmir
Proudly owned by Joe & Debbie Frizzell, Ames, IA Ar abian Horse Times | 26 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national top ten & regional champion
sophia cs
KM Bugatti x Ashton Bey Proudly owned by Gretchen Love Portland, OR Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national champion
elashahn+/
AAS-Elishahh x Veyonce++/
Happy Anniversary to the Strands on their 60th! If I wanted to give you a hard time, I would say this officially makes you ‘old,’ but I’ll save that for the right time. The farm is home to me, and you guys are family. The times we’ve shared can never be replaced and I thank you for them all. Your encouragement, support and even tough love, has meant everything to me. From jogging through the in-gate to walking down the aisle, you’ve been my friend! Cheers to the entire Strand Family! ~ Jill
Proudly owned by Jill Lochner Long Grove, IA
Ar abian Horse Times | 28 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Introducing:
zzoie
Zefyr+// x C A Tapatia Proudly bred and owned by JoEllen Erickson Durant, IA
How can Jill or I thank you enough for the unwavering encouragement, honesty and friendship over the past 28 years? Our horse crazy hearts wish you, and your family, all the best on this diamond anniversary. It is not a surprise to see your continued success for 60 years! Congratulations! ~JoEllen
vesty
reserve national champion
psynsational psy
Magnum Psyche x FA Jada
Ridden by Jill Lochner, pictured with Joe Frizzell on Sunsational Kid+//.
scottsdale champion
hj famoso
Magnum Psyche x Poetry SMF
Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Congratulations! Best wishes on 60 more! ~The Gudgeons Proudly owned by The Gudgeon Family Cedar Falls, IA
national champion & multi-regional champion
khalua jullyen v Jullyen El Jamaal x Khantina Girl V
national top ten & regional champion
khalogne j
Khadraj NA x Porcelain J
multi-national champion
da kota ff+//
Da Vinci FM x Zippininfromdallas
Ar abian Horse Times | 30 | Str and’s ~ 2018
scottsdale champion & national top ten
springsteen cs Sundance Kid V x Ashton Bey
I’ve been riding with the Strand group for 17 years, and am thankful for every one of them! It is the full package! Horsemanship, camaraderie, friendship and great buisness. Jody, thank you for your honesty, encouragement and expertise. Had it not been for you, I don’t know that I would still be at it. I wish you and your family a happy diamond anniversary, and look forward to many more years of this incredible journey! ~ Cindy
Proudly owned & bred by Cindy Smith Hanna City, IL
Ar abian Horse Times | 31 | Str and’s ~ 2018
scottsdale champion & regional champion
beyonet ws
Sir Fames HBV x HK Najmenette
Proudly owned by Kathy & Emily Shippee Brentwood, NH
Jody’s consummate skills as a trainer of western horses in both open and amateur divisions is well known throughout the industry, yet riding with Jody has always been about having fun while working hard. His wit, humor and endless patience at the barn and at shows, makes riding truly enjoyable. Thank you so much, Jody, Janice and family! ~ Kathy & Emily Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national champion
khosmopolitan md Khadraj NA x Luck Wood Have It
Congratulations to the entire Strand family on 60 years in the Arabian industry! Also, Jody, thank you for all you’ve done for Koda and me. You’re the best! ~ Dave & Bev
Proudly owned by Dave & Bev Teigen Mondovi, WI
Ar abian Horse Times | 33 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national champion
she moves me Majesteit x The Way She Moves+/ Proudly owned by Abigail Molina and Kathy Betzer Carlisle, IA
Congratulations on 60 years! Thank you to Jody, and his amazing team who have helped my biggest dreams come true. You and everyone at Strand’s Arabians have inspired me with your incredible level of dedication to, and passion for, the Arabian horse. Here’s to many more years. ~ Abbie Congratulations to Strand’s Arabians for 60 years of loving the Arabian horse. It has been wonderful to watch Abbie continue to grow into the amazing hunt rider she has become. Thanks for all the caring and considerate ways you have worked with her and the wonderful Stella. We want to thank everyone at the “barn” who have taken such good care of Stella and Abbie. You are all amazing! ~ April & Grandma Kathy Ar abian Horse Times | 34 | Str and’s ~ 2018
multi-national reserve champion
cbs watusi+/ Baskafix II x Top Kat
Proudly owned by Stoneridge Arabians Beth & Dennis Grubba Custer, WI
wwa sharif
WWA Kurafi x WWA Sharika In training with Strands 2004~2007
pslim shady
GR Psyches Rey x Alesia In training with Strands 2009~2018
60 years Strand’s Arabians! Dennis and I are so proud to be part of this remarkable accomplishment. Honesty, great horsemanship and good times speak for themselves. Many more and many thanks! ~ Beth & Dennis Thank You to Rebecca Fulkerson-West, for giving us the opportunity to experience this wonderful mare! Ar abian Horse Times | 35 | Str and’s ~ 2018
Introducing:
taaj ibn beyk MPA Giovanni x Ansar Bint Beyk Proudly owned by Emily & Deborah Annett Des Moines, IA
Congratulations on a successful 60 years! In the short amount of time I’ve been there, my horses and I have learned so much! Your entire team makes it fun to learn, all your jokes make it complete! Can’t wait to see where our future takes us! #jodysgotjokes ~ Emily
national top ten & regional champion
machiavelli lc The Nobelest x FA Eternal Affair
schatzberg/osteen Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Str and’s ~ 2018
national top ten & regional champion
lemanz Enzo x Daliaa B
national top ten & regional champion
pa baskfire Baske Afire x Memphis NA
vesty
Congratulations on 60 years! Thank you so much, for including me in this great milestone. I am thrilled to be a part of Strand’s Arabian Stables. ~ Carol
Introducing:
rv twice the price QB Leo Twice x MSA Shahlambra Proudly owned by Carol Tanner Beloit, WI
In foal to Multi-National Champion Vicario for 2019! Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | Str and’s ~ 2018
regional champion & national top ten
forenzo
HJ Famoso x C A Tapatia
It is an honor to recognize Jody and the training legacy he is leaving on the industry. Thank you, Jody, not only for my well-trained, happy horse, but also for your excellent instruction, encouragement, and endless patience. You create a wonderful barn atmosphere that anyone can enjoy. Showing is fun because of you, and I can’t thank you enough for this incredible ride! Congratulations on 60 years and looking forward to many more! ~Sandy
Proudly owned by Sandra Himelrigh Kimbolton, OH
Ar abian Horse Times | 38 | Str and’s ~ 2018
gjr dakars mercury Odyssey SC x GJR Dakar Honky Tonk
Congratulations on your 60th! It is widely known how successful as a horse trainer Jody is, but as a newer client, I have quickly learned Jody also manages to be consistently patient, light hearted and kind. I am enjoying every moment of my journey. Thank you, to all at Strand’s, for the warm welcome and commitment to client success! ~ Natalie
Proudly owned by Natalie Rinaldo Rockford, IL
Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | Str and’s ~ 2018
multi-regional champion
mcf dream on
SS Painted Intimidator x Fantasy On Parade Proudly owned by Good Fortune Arabians, Cary & Donna Klockenga Cary: 309.945.2247, Donna: 309.507.1255, Geneseo, IL
Good
Fortune
Arabians
Seven years ago, I became a client of Jody’s and a member of the Strand’s Stable family. Since then, I have had several horses and have never been disappointed. Jody is a people person; kind, courteous and patient. Even when I have a bad ride, he offers enouragement and finds something positive to say. I am so fortunate to have Jody, Janice and their children in my life. I thank God for them. Congratulations on your 60th Farm Anniversary! ~ Donna & Cary
national top ten & regional champion
tamar miss scarlet Tamar Nickoli x Tamarkatiescarlet Proudly owned by Kathy Jordan, Cedar Falls, IA
Janice, Jody, Megan, Aminah, Shea & Justin
Strand’s Arabian Stables
3625 Alice Road • Toddville, Iowa 52341 • Jody’s cell: 319.360.5997 www.StrandArabians.com
Dedicated to the Arabian Horse for over 45 years.
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WESTERN PLEASURE This Arabian is calm, willing, has an obedient attitude with smooth, soft gaits and is happy and content to do its job. It is ideal for sitting in a saddle all day.
Ar abian Horse Times | 82 | Western ~ 2018
Ar Ar abian abianHorse HorseTimes Times| |83 83| |Volume Western 48,~No. 201810
ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE ASSOCIATION with REBECCA FULKERSON-WEST
What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? The horses. These great horses have so much heart, talent, and beauty that we all have so much respect for. The best thing about a great western horse is their desire to please and the ability to make their jobs look so easy. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Quality and attitude are most definitely at the top of the list when looking at prospects. A young horse can be drop dead gorgeous, but if they don’t have the build or mindset to do western, then it’s very difficult to get them to excel in this discipline. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? The core mission of the AWPA is to encourage people to breed for western horses. Each discipline has become very specialized, so you really need to consider what you want a foal to compete in when choosing a stallion for your mare. In addition to beautiful heads and necks, we are seeing breeders focus on quality, movement and trainability, to produce top quality western horses. It’s very exciting! How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? The top level of any sport can be expensive. However, there are
always experienced, steady show horses that a person can find at an entry-level budget. The horses are often over 10 years of age and need a little maintenance. Gaining confidence on this type of horse and then moving up to a national-level horse will truly help our sport grow. If a new person can fall in love with Arabians in a safe environment, rather than being over-mounted or encouraged to buy a bosal horse because it can win money, then they are more likely to be in this sport for the long term. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? We are very proud to have the first two AWPA purebred winners both be mares! Both PA Tantara Always and PA Maya looked amazing in their AWPA classes. Many successful show mares aren’t campaigned like the stallions (they are often turned out into the broodmare band after their Junior horse career ends), but hopefully, with the evolution of breeding technology, these incredible mares will be given the chance to continue showing against the boys!
ANGELA ALVAREZ FARM AFFILIATION: VARIAN ARABIANS ARROYO GRANDE, CA What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? Sheila loved all disciplines and actively bred for and competed in them, but she had a special place in her heart for the western discipline. Desperado V, Maclintock V, and now Major Mac V, are all living pieces of western art, depicting the gorgeous type, good minds, balanced bodies and rippling athleticism that Arabian horses are known for.
Ar abian Horse Times | 84 | Western ~ 2018
What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) The first thing we look for in our western pleasure horses—in all our horses, truthfully—are trainable minds ... horses that enjoy learning, display an eagerness to please, are not prone to arguing, and show a courage and perseverance in learning new things. This key factor has always led us well. The next thing we look at is feet and legs, followed by overall balance. And the very last thing we look at is type and beauty. It is certainly not the least priority, but if you don’t have the other parts, type and beauty are meaningless. Pretty is as pretty does. Size is not important. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? There are good and bad things to what I see in the direction of breeding western pleasure horses today. It seems like the trend is to breed very pretty western horses. In fact, I think it is safe to say that the western pleasure discipline displays the most breed type of any of the performance disciplines currently. The downside is that
type is perhaps prioritized over other areas, such as balance and good minds. The question I always ask myself as a checkpoint is, “If this horse was bred, would the qualities he/she passed forward add to or detract from the breed as a whole?” How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? Geld more horses and breed more intentionally for disposition. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? The western pleasure discipline is now the most marketable, healthy resale market in the Arabian horse industry. Programs like the AWPA, who first offered significant money incentives for western pleasure horses to train toward, have created an attractive bundle that incentivizes stallion owners and breeders alike. I think this is the primary reason we see stallions in the highest level of competition ... they are being pointed toward what will likely be a very successful breeding career. And since we need more people breeding, it’s a win/win, in my opinion.
LIZ BENTLEY IIB FARMS ORONOGO, MO What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? The training and time that goes into the western horse is tremendous and showing the product of your effort is rewarding. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Quality and conformation are equally important, as is willingness. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? We’re breeding sport specific. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? We can’t until more horses are available.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? We aren’t breeding as many horses, so the odds go down.
Ar abian Horse Times | 85 | Western ~ 2018
FRANK CHISHOLM PALMETTO ARABIANS TIMMONSVILLE, SC What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? I’ve always loved the western classes. Growing up, the only way I ever rode was western. I love the versatility and athleticism that a western horse has to show. It’s not easy for a horse to get into and hold a western frame thru four different gaits. It takes a lot of strength and training to be a good western horse. I love seeing a western class with beautiful western horses like Kid Khan, Monticello V, Zefyr. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Temperament is important. A hot horse isn’t going to make a good western horse. The walk and the jog are slow, controlled gaits. It takes strength to do the walk, jog and lope. So, the horse must have substance. The classes are so tough now, you must have a beautiful horse to show in a western class if you want to win. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? The horses are getting bigger. Sundance sired a lot of the taller horses—he was 15.3 hands tall; Kid Khan is 16.1 hands tall. Again, the horses must be strong enough to hold their frame thru a class. Riders can’t be messing with their reins. The horse has to look like it’s on automatic pilot to be in the roses. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? The smart amateurs are purchasing horses that top trainers show in the Futurity, Junior, AWPA and Open classes. These
horses are already broke for an amateur to take over and be successful on. Unfortunately, most of these horses aren’t cheap because a lot of money has been invested in training the horse and they have a good show record. If you can’t do that, go to a good western breeder and buy a well-bred young horse before a lot of money is spent on training it. It’s the best way to get more horse for less money. Also, get a good western trainer to go with you and help in the evaluation process. They know what to look for and it’s the smartest move you can make. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? Some of it goes back to size and how big and beautiful our western stallions are now. It will happen again. My ideal mares were full sisters: May Dancer V and Melody V. Both were by Sundance Kid V and out of Magdalena V. Great horses.
PRISCILLA CLUFF FARM AFFILIATION: GRK FARMS HERRIMAN, UT & SCOTTSDALE, AZ What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? I love the collection and the challenge. My favorite thing about a great western horse is smooth gaits and self-carriage. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) I look for overall eye appeal, strong bone and the ability to balance. This means the horse must have a rolling motion through its shoulders, knees and hocks. And it must have good hinge throughout the neck, especially at the base of the neck, and at the poll. Of course, attitude and trainability play in as well. Ar abian Horse Times | 86 | Western ~ 2018
How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? It has become more specialized, as the horses are stronger in their hindquarters than in the past. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? It is hard to do this, as it costs a lot of money to breed top notch horses, so the best ones need to be sold for a profit. Generally, new people might want to buy a regional level horse which is more affordable and be sure they love it before they step up
to a pricier horse. We want to invite newcomers and keep current breeders. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I think stallions have a bigger, more impressive neck, and that is why stallions often win the open. I love the mare Melody V.
RON COPPLE COPPLE SHOW HORSES ROCHESTER, WA What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? My favorite thing about western is the challenge, which is complements my favorite thing about a great western horse, the athletic strength and concentration of said horse. The hard work and patience it takes to build a western horse is made much easier by riding a great western horse. When you combine the two and someone new rides the horse and says, “I want wanna’ these,” that’s pretty cool. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) For me, they must have form following function. As important as a slow thinker and beauty, is if their hind end is built right. Without it, the horse will struggle, thus not performing well the hardest discipline. Low hocks, short pasterns, and a strong angled hip with their neck coming out of shoulders correctly are a must. Quality first. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Breeding has improved tenfold; better athletes, better built, beautiful and good thinkers. It’s so good to know that the breeding has improved with the increased levels of training and demands we ask of these horses. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? That’s tough; many of our clients have us buy young and build their horse over time because a great western horse isn’t hard to
find, it’s hard to buy. Building young horses is the only way to make them affordable, because once you ride one, you don’t want to sell it, or all you want to do is buy it—they are just that cool to ride. There’s nothing like it. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? If you’re talking about the purebred open division, I would say it’s because the boys tend to carry more substance and strength, but not because their necessarily better; and the girls draw more attention. But in the HalfArabian open, that’s not the case, mares can win and do win. I won with a mare in the Half-Arabian open two years ago, as Half-Arabian mares tend to carry more substance.
Ar abian Horse Times | 87 | Western ~ 2018
JOELLEN ERICKSON FARM AFFILIATION: STRAND’S ARABIAN STABLES TODDVILLE, IA What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? My favorite thing about a good western horse is their quiet, soft, and easy way of going. No stress, just enjoying what they are doing and making it look easy. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Quality, substance and ease of movement. A good western horse needs to be cadenced and good gaited. I love seeing a western horse that moves softly and doesn’t look like it is a struggle to perform. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? I think we have been breeding for more quality, size, beauty and attitude. The horses I see today seem to look more relaxed and are enjoying what they are doing. Nothing looks animated. Fluid gaits.
or as expensive. I am hoping the new money programs for the western, English and hunter divisions, will help with our costs and give us more incentive to hang in there.
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? That’s a good question. I wish I had an answer, but I don’t. I have been doing this for 28 years and it isn’t as easy as it used to be to afford to have a horse in training and travel the show circuit. Like everything else, whether it is camping, boating, vacations, etc., costs have risen for all of us. Feed, bedding, fuel for the trainers, labor, etc., all that has to be dealt with, has passed down to us. It makes it tough. I wish it were easier. When my daughter, Jill Lochner, started riding and showing with Strand’s at the age of 14, it wasn’t as hard as it is now,
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I am a huge fan of mares. I always felt they can be just as competitive as the stallions and geldings. The hard part of showing and promoting a mare—at least in the past—is we want to breed them and keep producing and marketing their foals, but now it should be easier with the ability to do embryo transfers. I hope to see more mares win national championships in the future now.
J.T. KELLER J.T. KELLER PERFORMANCE HORSES GRANDVIEW, TX What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? To me, it’s the most challenging. The degree of difficulty and number of quality is second to no other discipline. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Attitude and trainability are #1; quality of movement and overall quality are a close second. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? With the addition
of the AWPA and other futurities, western breeding is at an all-time high and will grow, in my opinion.
Ar abian Horse Times | 88 | Western ~ 2018
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? I think there are some great deals still out there. Also, a lot of shoppers have an exact horse they want and will not be open minded enough to buy a correct horse for them. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? Mi Tiffany was
the best and went on to have several winning offspring as well. You don’t see as many “open” horses period; with the creation of the maturity, amateur riders are expecting to start riding and showing 4- and 5-year-old horses early in their career. Most mares are a little more sensitive and end up not making it to the open divisions.
ANNE WHITAKER KELLER AVONLEA ARABIANS & J.T. KELLER PERFORMANCE HORSES GRANDVIEW, TEXAS What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? There is so much to love about western, from the outfits to the people to the horses themselves; and I’ve had the privilege of riding a great one—Onyx A! What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) I focus on movement. If a foal or young horse naturally jogs and lopes, then chances are he/she will also have the correct conformation and attitude to jog and lope under saddle. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Breeding has continued to become more and more specialized. When my family and I started breeding 20 years ago, there were Arabians bred for halter and those bred for performance, but there was still a lot of crossover between the two. Breeding has now evolved to become extremely specialized. Arabians are bred for halter, English, western, sport horse, working western, etc. This has really increased the quality of the horses in each discipline, including western pleasure.
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? Western pleasure is a great discipline for those new or getting back into riding, as it’s less physically demanding than other disciplines (but even those who are physically fit will soon discover that riding uses a unique set of muscles!). It’s important to find the right match for a new rider. A new rider does not need an expensive Open western horse or the next young and up-and-coming star. I’ve seen great western horses available at a wide range of prices. I believe you can find the right match both for the rider’s skill set and pocket book.
Ar abian Horse Times | 89 | Western ~ 2018
TALIA LYDICK FARM AFFILIATION: THE BRASS RING, INC. BURLESON, TX What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? I love the western discipline … the good ones and have several great western horses of my own. As western is the hardest discipline, they must be well mannered and balanced, and go very slow at the western jog, then turn around with perfect form at the hand gallop. They must always keep their frame, halt, be still and quiet, and they must be beautiful and have good conformation. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.)? All of the above, which is very hard to find! How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? By seeking out specific stallions that make for successful western prospects.
KENZIE MCDANIEL MCDANIEL PERFORMANCE HORSES SCOTTSDALE, AZ What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? The aspect I most enjoy about western is the timing and skill it takes. My favorite part about a great western horse is their movement. A true and soft mover is always fun! What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) I like to see a willing attitude, correct movement and natural softness. To me the most important characteristic is movement; I want to know that the horse will be able to lope or jog without losing the proper rhythm. Attitude plays a big part as well. If you have a horse that is not willing, it’s very hard to get that soft look we all love. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Breeders have become excellent at breeding for specific disciplines, and because of that, we have more horses that naturally want to move slow and are built for the job. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? That’s a hard one. I think there will always be a struggle to find top quality horses that are affordable. If you know
where to look, you can get lucky, but most newcomers don’t have those resources. I think we need to find a way to reward breeders so that they can afford to let horses go for less money, while still being able to make a profit. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? It seems like stallions have dominated the Open for years now. My thought is that they tend to have more presence than mares. I really loved watching PA Maya in the AWPA Futurity last year; she looked like a lot of fun!
Ar abian Horse Times | 90 | Western ~ 2018
TYE MCDANIEL MCDANIEL PERFORMANCE HORSES SCOTTSDALE, AZ What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? My favorite thing about the western discipline is the time it takes to truly teach a horse to carry itself with confidence and ease. A great horse can make western look so easy when they are locked in at the lope. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) I look for a quiet horse with a willing personality, and one that has a soft natural lope. I look for attitude first, because in order to make a great western horse, it has to want to do the job. It doesn’t matter how pretty or correct its conformation is if it hates what it does. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? In my lifetime, breeding for specific disciplines has been huge. Breeders are really good at finding and elevating the best traits to make a great western horse … horses with an easy lope and natural neck placement with a great attitude! How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? There are really nice horses for sale at reasonable prices already. I see the problem as how do we do a better job of connecting newcomers to those horses.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I have worked with a lot of very talented western mares. I believe the reason we haven’t had one win the purebred Open recently is twofold: 1.) There are some supremely talented stallions showing right now, and 2.) It’s hard for a mare to have the same physical show presence in the ring as a stallion. Most mares aren’t as big and bold as their stallion counterparts, but that doesn’t make them any less talented.
COLBY POWELL COLBY POWELL PERFORMANCE HORSES, LLC SCOTTSDALE, AZ What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? I think western is exciting for people because of the depth of competition. Many national western classes are filled with multi-national champions. A great western horse to me has an effortless way of going, which really sets them apart from the competition. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) I believe it comes down to the age of the prospect: if you’re looking at weanlings and yearlings, quality and bloodlines are number one. For 2- and 3-year-olds, overall quality and movement are important, but also trainability and work ethic.
How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? In all of our disciplines, we have become more specialized in our breeding; aiming for a specific discipline.
Ar abian Horse Times | 91 | Western ~ 2018
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? I have a few! But overall, they are out there, just harder to find at affordable prices.
horse in the top ten has a shot at winning. My ideal western mare is KJR Lexington; I love the way she goes—pretty and soft. It is very easy for her to do her job and has been able to do so for an extended period of time.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I think in general, the open western is a deep class. Realistically, any
JOSH QUINTUS COLONIAL WOOD TRAINING CENTER PILOT POINT, TX What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? My favorite thing about the western class is how much more technical it is, much more than other disciplines. In the open class, everything is done very subtlety and on a drape rein, which means our legs, seat and upper body are making a lot of cues that no one can see; those ques are only between the horse and rider. In a great open class, there is a flow to the class. People who are watching the class for the first time won’t catch on to all of that except how beautiful the horses are. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) In evaluating performance horses, the number one rule is, START FROM THE GROUND UP. A great mover will always be able to do their job easier. The easier it is for the horse to do, the longer their career will be. Then you want to look at legs and their angle, but that will go hand-in-hand with movement. Finally, you want to make sure they look like an Arabian and if they have the look of what you think a top-notch horse should look like. The only thing you will not know until you get on is there mental capability and how they accept training. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? I don’t think this is just about western horses, as it seems that about 15 to 17 years ago, we as an industry began to breed for disciplinespecific horses. Other breeds have done it for years, but Arabians have always been talked about as being the versatile breed. When we start breeding for a discipline, like English or western, you are looking for characteristics that don’t cross over, so now we are breeding horses that can do their job better than before.
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? I don’t think Lamborghini’s were made for people who just got their driver’s license. People get interested in Arabians when they see them for the first time, but they always begin with a starter horse. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I don’t think there is any specific reason why there hasn’t been a mare that has won the open western in the last few years, but, in my opinion, if there is one mare that could never be beaten in the show ring, it would be a combination of two mares, the beautiful mare Mon Celica who was shown in the 1980s, and the most gifted mover ever, Mi Tiffany.
Ar abian Horse Times | 92 | Western ~ 2018
JOE RESER SETTING SUN STABLES WAKARUSA, IN What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? My most favorite thing about the discipline is the degree of difficulty when training these horses. These horses are like sponges; they want to constantly learn and please you. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) When I look for a western pleasure prospect, I start at their feet. After their feet, I look for a great and beautiful neck. I like a really round neck set up on their shoulders. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Breeding has changed a lot over the years. Every horse went from doing a little bit of everything, to now being bred to be more specific. How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? In order to have top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price, there needs to be more breeding. It is not the time to back off. More people need to be breeding so the supply and demand can be supplemented.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? Mi Tiffany was the best and all-time greatest. A mare can totally win the national western pleasure open championship, but right now we are on a string of studs and there just hasn’t come along one to knock the boys off.
STEVEN SCOGGINS FARM AFFILIATION: LONG MEADOW ARABIANS ARYGLE, TX What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? I love the precision that is involved. It should look easy and effortless, but anyone who has done it will tell you that is not the case. There is so much training and work that goes into getting them there. One of my favorite things about a great western horse is their presence in the ring. They are competitive and want to win as much as we do. When you hit the ring, they are dialed in and you are truly a team. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Obviously, the packaging it comes in is important. Conformation and quality certainly matter, but to me, the most important attribute for a western pleasure prospect is attitude. A lot of heart and a willing attitude are necessary for success in the western pleasure arena. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do
you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I don’t know that I can pinpoint why a mare hasn’t won the open in a while, but the ones that did are truly memorable and you never forget them. I think we could see that changing in the near future. Look at the AWPA, it has been won the last two years by mares. To me, Mi Tiffany is the ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse.
Ar abian Horse Times | 93 | Western ~ 2018
CINDY SMITH FARM AFFILIATION: STRAND’S ARABIAN STABLES TODDVILLE, IA What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? Having ridden hunt for many years, I knew I would have to get back to western again when I bred Springsteen CS, and western is hard! When you ride, you have to make it look easy. A great western horse makes it look easy … willing, soft gaited and happy. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) A great mind (quiet and willing) is first for me; then conformation (a strong rear end, good feet and legs, and a nice hooky neck with an appealing face). I know I am backwards from most people, but I have seen several horses that were built to do the job but just hated doing it. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Boy, everything is so specialized today. I think that is great. I know people complain about how the Arabian used to be versatile and aren’t anymore, but the western horses are better than ever. It gets harder all the time. With Sundance Kid V gone, I think we are all searching for the next western-producing sire.
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? Let them lease the horse and show. I do a small amount of breeding, and after getting a foal on the ground, putting it in all the money programs and sending it off to training, there is not a lot of wiggle room sometimes. It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? I say it is time to break the cycle. There are two that come to mind although one is still a Junior horse … PA Maya and Vera Wang.
DAVID TEIGEN FARM AFFILIATION: STRAND’S ARABIAN STABLES TODDVILLE, IA What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? There is nothing prettier than a western pleasure class where the horses are beautifully turned out, moving in a natural, easy, collected manner. My favorite thing is riding one of these horses. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) A prospect must first look like a western horse. It wants to go slow! It also must be very pretty. Looking at it, I try to picture how it will look hanging in a bridle. It also must want to try. Conformation is probably the most important, because without good conformation, it won’t be able to do the job.
How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Arabians are more specialized today. Breeders are now breeding for a specific discipline whether it is western, halter, English, etc.
Ar abian Horse Times | 94 | Western ~ 2018
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? I think many breeders are offering their quality horses at affordable prices. It’s the cost of raising, training, and showing the horse that is hurting our industry.
epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? Most trainers seem to prefer a stallion. Generally, stallions are more typey. One of my favorite mares is KJR Lexington. She has a soft, easy way of moving, is very beautiful and makes it look so easy.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who
JAMES AND RHONDA WHITE TIMBERIDGE RANCH PILOT POINT, TX What is your favorite thing about the western pleasure discipline and what is your most favorite thing about a great western horse? Western pleasure is one of the most difficult disciplines, not only because you must have a magical seat and no hands, but also, because of the many talented horses within this discipline. It is a challenge. Having a very responsive, good minded horse is one of my favorite things in a western horse. What do you look for in a western pleasure prospect? And how do you determine which aspect is the most important to you (i.e., conformation, quality, attitude, size, beauty, etc.?) Attitude is at the top of my list. A horse that has heart and is willing, goes a long way in its success. All successful western horses must have western conformation and quality to win in the arena, but without a willing attitude, no amount of beauty or size will go far. How has breeding evolved over the years to make the ideal western pleasure horse what it is today? Good movement and temperament are qualities that we breed for. Quality has risen and good mares and stallions with these qualities are carefully selected to get more hind end engagement, the ability to track underneath themselves with more front-end movement. Beauty has become a more prominent factor than in the past also.
It’s been a while now since we’ve had a mare win the National Western Pleasure Open championship. Why do you think that is? And who is/was your ideal mare who epitomizes a great western pleasure horse? Stallions stand out in presence over the mares. I think this a judging trend and would love to see a quiet, good quality mare win! Without a good mare, there are no good stallions and geldings. Mi Tiffany comes to mind.
How can we offer top notch western pleasure horses at an affordable price to encourage new people to get involved? This is a tricky question. All of us want more affordable horses, and the quality has risen significantly over the years. The AWPA program has presented the most opportunity towards this goal.
Ar abian Horse Times | 95 | Western ~ 2018
2017 National Western Pleasure Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth Nationals Western Pleasure Champion and Reserve wins.
OVERALL ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Caliente Virtuoso
3 championships, 1 reserve
Robin Porter
3. Honeys Rockin Cello
2 championships, 1 reserve
Marty Lake/Susan Al-Abbas
2. Diesel Smoke CBA
Infinnit E
Spiryt
4. Unzipped For Kixx 5. CPH Lonestarr
CPH Rockstarr Monaco Jullyen V
Xtreme Special Dream
3 championships
2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 3 reserves 2 championships 2 championships
2 championships 2 championships
Timberidge Family LLP
Marissa Jensen Hayes and Karen Jensen The Brass Ring, Inc. Margaret Owings
Brooke Bellville/Barbara Beaudoin Kristina & Roger Swartzendruber Shamrock Farms LLC Gail Tory
ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Diesel Smoke CBA
3 championships
Timberidge Family LLP
3. Monaco Jullyen V
2 championships
Shamrock Farms LLC
2. Infinnit E
4. Americoo Kheanne
Onnesty
WR Amazing Tradition
2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve
Marissa Jensen Hayes and Karen Jensen Keith and Maureen Krichke Family Becker Stables, Inc.
Richard & Janet Thompson Tabitha & Jennifer Bell
5. Monticello V 2 reserves Lesley Farms LLC
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner
1. Caliente Virtuoso
3 championships, 1 reserve
Robin Porter
Spiryt
2 championships, 1 reserve
The Brass Ring, Inc.
2. Honeys Rockin Cello
3. Unzipped For Kixx
4. CPH Lonestarr CPH Rockstarr Xtreme Special Dream
5. Billie The Kid GRK
DR Im The Man Elashahn
Tiarra De Oro
2 championships, 1 reserve 3 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve
Marty Lake/Susan Al-Abbas Margaret Owings
Brooke Bellville/Barbara Beaudoin Kristina & Roger Swartzendruber Gail Tory
Gary Kehl
Shirley Gassen/Jennifer Woodward Jill Lochner Lisa Jensen
Ar abian Horse Times | 96 | Western ~ 2018
ARABIAN OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winning get
by number of wins
2. Jullyen El Jamaal
2. Jullyen El Jamaal
1. Sundance Kid V
9
Khadraj NA
3
SJ Mikhail
3. LBA Lode Star
3 3
1. Sundance Kid V
3. C A Hermoso
Khadraj NA
2
Monticello V
14 5 4
4 4
Maclintock V 2 4. Europeczyk 3
Monticello V
2
Exxpectation
3
Onyx A
2
Onyx A
3
Neposzar Versace Zefyr
2
Hermez E
2
SJ Mikhail
2
3 3
LEADING ARABIAN SIRES by number of Arabian winning get
by number of Arabian wins
2. Jullyen El Jamaal
2. Jullyen El Jamaal
1. Sundance Kid V 5 1. Sundance Kid V 7 Khadraj NA
3 3
3. Khadraj NA
5
4
3. LBA Lode Star 2 4. Hermez E 3 Maclintock V
2
SJ Mikhail
2
Onyx A
Versace
Onyx A
2
2
by number of Half-Arabian winning get
1. Sundance Kid V
3
by number of Half-Arabian wins
4
1. Sundance Kid V
7
2. C A Hermoso 4
3. Europejczyk 3
Exxpectation 3 Monticello V 3
OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS Top Ten included by points
1. Joe Reser
66
5. Abram Cotton 35
3. Brett Becker 53
7. Robert Bick 31
2. Josh Quintus 61 6. JT Keller 33
4. Gordon Potts Jody Strand
41 41
8. LaRae Fletcher Powell Zachary Powell
Ar abian Horse Times | 97 | Western ~ 2018
25 25
OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses
1. Michael and Debbie Knapic
3
Brooke Bellville or Barbara Beaudoin
2
Steve and Karen Freeman
2
2. Tabitha Bell 2 Buckshot Farms
2
Gary Kehl 2
Rebecca Marr 2 Kendyl Modrich
2
OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses
1. Frank Chisholm 4 Varian Arabians
4
3. Bill and Liz Alward
2
Hennessey Arabian LLC
2
2. Tamara Hanby 3 Cedarbrook Arabians LLC Gary Kehl
Marty Lake and Susan Al-Abbas
Setting Sun Stables LLC Bobbi Stuckenhoff
2 2 2 2 2
ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses
1. Frank Chisholm 4 Varian Arabians
4
2. Cedarbrook Arabians 2
Tamara Hanby 2 Hennessey Arabian LLC
Bobbi Stuckenhoff
2 2
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses
1. Bill and Liz Alward
2
Nicole Leverett
2
Marty Lake and Susan Al-Abbas
Ar abian Horse Times | 98 | Western ~ 2018
2
Photos by AHT staff.
Ar abian Horse Times | 99 | Western ~ 2018
Ar abian Horse Times | 100 | Western ~ 2018
A Tip Of The Hat Tribute To The Dynamic & Ever Elegant
Diane Powers by Catherine Cole Ferandelli
F
amily and friends all agree, it was natural for Diane Powers and the Arabian horse to meet, create and keep a lifelong love. Simply put, the grace, beauty and warmth Diane exudes remains the perfect match for partnering with her beloved Arabian horse band. A San Diego native, Diane can hardly remember a time without horses in her life. Her father always kept riding horses, and with that they enjoyed frequent trail rides through the bucolic trails of Fallbrook, a lovely, rural hillside community in North San Diego County.
Diane rode horses throughout her school years, graduating from San Diego State University with honors, and earning a degree in Landscape and Environmental Design. Soon after she purchased a local design firm, having worked through college with its owner, the renowned Ilse Ruocco. Educated academically and through hands-on experience, Diane also traveled extensively throughout Mexico and many other South and Central American countries. Her passion for their culture and vibrant colors felt natural for Diane’s next career steps in a Mexican history-steeped San Diego.
Diane revisits a memory, “The Arabian horse connection came one day with Dad and I riding out and coming upon a field of about a half dozen unkept, yet lovely horses. They were in poor shape, yet grand in their demeanor. It was clear to us these horses needed a better home, so Dad made inquiries and we took them home that same day! I believe I was about 8 years old at the time and hugely excited to take on these horses.” It turned out this band of Arabian horses were well bred; in fact, all had their papers in place which Diane’s father obtained. Several were given to good homes within a week, leaving Diane with one, a Ferseyn-bred mare named Aaseyn. This was her very first Arabian horse. Diane smiles, “Aaseyn and I immediately knew we were meant to be together. She and I traveled to many a local show, enjoying the camaraderie, winning a few prizes, doing everything together. Back in those days, we were a do-it-yourself operation. Dad had learned more about horse training from a mail order course, enhancing his talent within his loving avocation of training and developing horses. We did well for ourselves and were very happy with this life.”
2002 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure AAOTR 40 & Over Link to Fame with Diane.
Ar abian Horse Times | 101 | Western ~ 2018
S
Link To Fame, 2015 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Open with Bob Hart Jr.
oon after acquiring her design firm, Diane heard about the Old Town San Diego Historic Park lease coming up for auction. Immediately her vision of a Mexican-themed attraction combining its arts, crafts, architecture and foods had its perfect locale. Boldly going forward with an offering price, a very young Diane was thrilled to make the winning bid for this iconic property. The result was Bazaar del Mundo which in its 35-year reign was amongst the most popular California State Park’s system attractions and one of San Diego’s top three visitor destinations. Always using a creative and artistic approach, Diane combined her love of Arabian horses and her Bazaar del Mundo attraction. Diane tells the story, “I was working on a special event for our first Cinco De Mayo event, realizing beautiful horses would be a splendorous addition. For myself, I wanted the grandest Arabian horse I could find. That’s how we found Cory. Initially I leased Cory and then purchased him.” Partnering with Cory, Diane again traveled the local show circuit, doing everything themselves. Show folks were beginning to notice the always perfectly and festively attired Diane and her elegant grey gelding. One day legendary horseman Richard Shrake approached Diane and insisted she needed a “big, bold Quarter Horse.” Heeding his words, Diane did seek another horse, though it was to be another Arabian horse. Contacting Sheila Varian to locate a mare, word traveled to Bob Hart, Jr. and a lifelong friendship was born. Bob recollects, “I’ve known Diane for over 30 years. The first horse we sold Diane was a young black mare; I remember one of the criteria was that the horse had to match her outfit. I believe it was red and purple; only Diane could create an opulent show ensemble with that color combination.” Soon seeking more horse show opportunities, Diane turned again to Bob, purchasing Eternaly Barbarys, the impeccably constructed Barbary daughter with whom Diane partnered to many a western pleasure win at regional and national competitions. Now desiring a stallion to add to the horse show team, Bob sold Diane and husband, Brent Gilman, the Fame son Link To Fame (aka “Link”). In his lengthy career, 23-year-old Link has shown to national championships in western pleasure, both in the open and amateur show pen, earning competitive top tens with Brent as recently as Scottsdale 2018. Ar abian Horse Times | 102 | Western ~ 2018
O
ver the years, Diane and Brent’s warmth and friendliness has invariably created and kept friends throughout the Arabian horse industry.
Current trainer Bill Melendez agrees, “I too, go back with Diane at least 30 years. And yes, I remember her amazing red and purple western show outfit. Only Diane, with her creative talents could make that a show stopper.” Bill adds, “Diane’s mind set is technical, a perfect match for western pleasure, which is all about subtle technique. She competes only with herself, always seeking improvement, always giving the very best care to her horses. She and Brent are serious competitors, yet fun and great to spend time with, whether at the barn most Saturdays, or at one of our shows.” Trainer and friend, Chris Culbreth, nods, “In the mid-1990s, Diane contacted me about working with her Half-Arabian mare Kimberlite. I was already familiar with Diane as a business leader in San Diego and was excited to work with her. Together with Brent and their outstanding horses, we had many successful, fun years in the show pen. I proudly showed Eternaly Barbarys to a western pleasure championship in 2000. They remain great friends and two of the smartest business and horsemen folks I know.” Business acumen and boundless energy served Diane well when after 35 years, her lease to the Old Town San Diego Historic Park unexpectedly lapsed, thus ending her beloved self-created Bazaar Del Mundo Center. Brent, himself a respected commercial real estate broker, quickly located ideal new sites for the boutiques and restaurants. Today, the Bazaar Del Mundo theme with its gardens, fountains and Latin folk art is thriving at Diane’s quartet of Mexican-inspired shops and restaurants located throughout San Diego County, including a prominent corner in San Diego’s Old Town. Brightly colored in a fiesta of gold, crimson and orange jewel tones, they showcase the warmth and romance of Mexico, while serving award-winning cuisine. Diane herself, hopes for more of the same in the future, “My life has been a joy. I love the horses, our historic ranch retreat, our friends, the restaurants, and my dear husband. I hope for nothing except more of our rewarding, fulfilling life.” Fellow amateur horsewoman, Kathy Hart, speaks the same of her friend, “Diane’s drive and business sense combined with her unique sense of style and design, have led her to a very successful, renowned career as a restauranteur and entrepreneur. Diane’s love of her horses and dedication to community have afforded her many awards in and out of the show pen. Diane and Brent are wonderful people, whom I consider dear friends. We are fortunate to have Diane Powers as part of our Arabian horse community.” n
Diane aboard Reflektion and Chris Culbreth on Eternaly Barbarys, both 2000 Scottsdale Western Pleasure champions. Ar abian Horse Times | 103 | Western ~ 2018
C hloe Kehl GRK
Thats Amore
(Amarii x CW Strikingbeauty)
GRK
Billie The Kid
(Sundance Kid V x Just To Fool You)
Bred by her grandfather ‌ the dream comes full circle. Ar abian Horse Times | 104 | Western ~ 2018
Exclusively Raised, Trained and Shown by G R K FA R M S
EE Xtreme Heat
Billie The Kid GRK
(Desert Heat V x EE Minuet)
(Sundance Kid V x Just To Fool You)
National quality western pleasure prospects for sale. Come find Your next champion!
Gary R. Kehl 801-560-9688 • garyraykehl@gmail.com
Priscilla Cluff 801-234-0295 • priscillacluff@yahoo.com
At C o p p e r h i l l s E q u e s t r i a n C e n t e r • w w w. G R K Fa r m s . c o m
Maclintock V x Jortalia V Proudly owned by Judy & John Mittenthal Sammamish, Washington Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Scottsdale Signature Stallion AWPA Enrolled For information contact Greg Harris at 805-245-5755