Western - The Arabian Pleasure Horse

Find out about the fast forming, new group working to bring big prize money to the western pleasure arena!

Sundance Kid V x Kharrea PGA, by Khadraj NA Bred & owned by 2014 APAHA Breeder of the Year, Palmetto Arabians of Timmonsville, SC

Stine photo

WESTERN PLEASURE ... IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING!

PadronsPadrons Psyche xPsyche LV Fantine, x LV Fantine,

by LV Cartell

by LV Cartell

SIRE OF TODAY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL & ATHLETIC SHOW HORSES

MOONSTRUCK DA Out of Verily PCF

Z AREENA AMEERA Out of Ritz N Famous

MACALLANN Out of Societee Belle

LA TRIGGER HAPPY Out of First Class Bluey

Proudly owned by Dazzo Arabians, LLC Albuquerque, New Mexico momdazz@aol.com

Standing at Becker Stables • 530.477.5588 www.beckerstables.com • info@beckerstables.com Scottsdale Signature Stallion AHA Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sire Region 3 Silver Sire SCID & CA Clear

It’s The Right Time: The New Arabian Western Pleasure Association

by Anne StrAtton

I

t was only a matter of time before western pleasure owners, exhibitors and trainers organized a centerpiece prize-money event for their division. They envisioned one a decade ago, as they watched the Arabian English Performance Association set up a schedule of futurity classes for both purebreds and HalfArabians that has been widely acclaimed in the industry; it has been so successful that as time went on, it grew to include a maturity event for amateurs as well. So why, wondered observers, wasn’t there one for western horses too?

The truth is probably that Real Life happened.

The time was just never quite right. Not only was the uncertain economy problematic, but also a prize-money system of that magnitude takes a lot of planning and organization, not to mention financial support, as it gets on its feet. The right team had to be available to do it. So, it became 2 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

one of those things that was always, hopefully, “coming soon.”

It may be said that “soon” started on Wednesday night of the 2014 U.S. Nationals. That is when the western pleasure community flexed its muscles and outdid itself in a pro-am calcutta fundraiser for the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund. In an over-the-top evening of exciting competition, they rang the till at more than $200,000, and it was a heady feeling.

Michele Reser, of Setting Sun Stables, who was there that night, couldn’t help thinking, “Western pleasure people really are a big family—we can do this.”

Several others, both professionals and amateurs, were thinking the same thing. Within days, the Arabian Western Pleasure Association was born.

2014 U.S. National Champion Zefyr and 2014 U.S. Reserve National Champion Onyx A.

AWPA: How It Works “The first classes will be at the U.S. Nationals in 2016,” says Reser, now a member of the new organization’s Board of Directors. “We already have the go-ahead and okay from the show commission for two 4-year-old classes. Our goal is to have a $100,000 class for purebreds and a $50,000 class for Half-Arabians.”

Traditionally, the prize money in a futurity such as this is funded by auctions of stallion services.

AWPA’s first one is scheduled for 2016, held online January 1 through February 10, 2016.

Stallions whose services are available there must have been nominated to the program by

December 31, 2015, and breedings purchased at the auction must be used in 2016.

To jumpstart the bank account, however, the organization started by auctioning four services to top stallions at the Arabian Horse Times Readers’ Choice Awards Dinner in Scottsdale this year. Breedings to 2014 U.S. National Champion Zefyr, 2014 U.S. National Reserve Champion Onyx A, and top sires Sundance Kid V and Khadraj NA sold for a total of $21,500.

“Because we want to have the first classes in 2016, we’re also going to need donations for the first five years,” Michele Reser notes. “We all get tired of going to the same well, but if you want

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 3

Sundance Kid V

to get money out, you have to put money in.”

After that, the prize money will be underwritten by the annual stallion service auction and the nomination fees of stallions and mares.

The first step for sire owners is to nominate their stallions to the program. Participation in the futurity classes at U.S. Nationals will be open to all foals by nominated stallions, but after five years, when there are 4 year olds foaled from breedings sold at the auction, the system alters slightly. Owners whose foals do not come from auction breedings may nominate the mares they breed to AWPA stallions and the foal from that year will be eligible to show in the futurity. However, there will be an extra incentive for mare owners to buy their breedings at the service auction: a percentage of additional prize money will be available for their entries in the classes.

“We want to see the money going back to the amateurs and the breeders,” explains Michele Reser. “The goal is to encourage people to breed to our stallions—and to add excitement and importance to the classes. We want to help stallion owners and also get people excited

Zefyr 4 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

about seeing the horses in the ring. These are amazing animals.”

Part of the mission, she says, is to direct attention to the skill it takes to train and show western pleasure horses; it is easy to appreciate the supercharged performances of the English horses, while the western competition is more subtle. But it requires no less talent from the horses and riders, she points out, and as the audience becomes more involved, it can better understand the class’s finer points.

In the beginning, the AWPA classes will be open to professionals only, but as the program grows, the group hopes to add amateur events as well.

Even with the experience of the AEPA to help smooth the way, setting up and administering the AWPA is a big job. The first step has been

Onyx A

the assembly of a Board of Directors, featuring a mix of trainers and amateurs: Rob Bick, Dave Daugherty, Rebecca Fulkerson, Amy Peterson, Josh Quintus, Michele Reser, Dana Romijn, Barbara Sink and Chelsea Wesson.

“I’m very excited to be a part of it,” says Rebecca Fulkerson, an opinion echoed by others. A participant in the calcutta at the Nationals last year, she still remembers the exhilaration everyone felt as the evening went on. “Promoting the western horses is something that has been needed for a long time. We want to get people excited about it and excited about breeding again. The chance to go into a class with that much excitement and that much prize money is something that the western field deserves.”∎

Khadraj NA Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 5

Linda & Dennis Clark Argyle, TX

LongMeadowArabian@verizon.net 6 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Training – Breeding – Show Facility

RE A D ERS ' C H O I C E W ES T ERN T RA I N ER O F T H E Y E A R Stanley White III 817-845-1065

w w w. L o n g M e a d o w A r a b i a n s . o r g Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 7

HOLDIN ACES Arezzo NL X Hollygolitely DDF 2009 Purebred Gelding U.S. National & Scottsdale Top Ten and Multi-Regional Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse & AATR

Ali Jamaal *Jullyen El Jamaal Jullye El Ludjin Fame VF MFA ComingUpRoses Benraz Fancy

Ruminaja Ali Heritage Memory Ludjin El Jamaal NV Justa Dream Bey Shah Raffoleta-Rose Benraz Hi-Fashion Camaar

Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated • Region 12 Spotlight Stallion • SCID Clear Proudly owned by East Manor Arabians • 298 Dusenberry Hill Road, East Nassau, NY 12062 For breeding information contact Joelle or Robert Wright at 518 766-2182 • rjwjkw@taconic.net 8 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western  9

Poco Van Star Two x Expensive By Choice Proudly owned by Setting Sun Stables

Desperado V x Windsong Bey Proudly owned by Flois & Cindy Burrow

Joe Reser: 574-360-5649 • Michele Reser: 574-862-2231 64399 County Road 3, Wakarusa, IN 46573 Breeding Manager Joshua Biron: 574-334-0490 Breeding@settingsun-stables.com www. settingsun-stables.com

10 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Poco Van Star x Aces Honey Girl Proudly owned by Setting Sun Stables and Dr. Gregory & Alison O’Shanick

Jullyen El Jamaal x Mosquerade V Proudly owned by Setting Sun Stables

Proud supporter of the:

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 11

Sired by the legendary Zimmeron PGN & out of leading Western Pleasure Champion Melody V, by Sundance Kid V 12  Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

A Proud Supporter of:

Standing at: Proudly owned by Janice & Neville Lorick Hendersonville, NC 2703 Spencer Rd, Archdale, NC 27263 | Phone (336) 471-8822 | www.RickGaultTraining.com

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western  13

Bey Ambition x TF Falconsimprint Multi-Program Nominated Sire | SCID Clear

Proudly owned by Laura Koch & Bert Sanders Standing at JT Keller Performance Horses | Grandview, Texas | Mobile 715-928-2813 | jtkellerphllc@gmail.com 14 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Sundance Kid V x Pattrice (*Pesniar/*Bask) Multi-Program Nominated Sire | SCID Clear

Proudly owned by Laura Koch & Bert Sanders Standing at Strand’s Arabian Stables | Toddville, Iowa | Office 319-393-4816 | Mobile 319.360.5997 info@strandsarabians.com | www.Strandsarabians.com Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 15

Proudly owned by Gretchen Love STANDING AT STRAND’S ARABIAN STABLES Mobile 319.360.5997 • info@strandsarabians.com www.Strandsarabians.com 16 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

DA Valentino x Faberge AA, by Magnum Psyche Sweepstakes Nominated Sire | Scottsdale Signature Stallion IA Gold Star Stallion | MN Medallion Stallion SCID & CA Clear

4x National Champion Sonoma Jazz+//

6x National Champion Onyx A+//

7x National Champion CJ Psyncinati Kid+/ 12x National Champion Caliente Virtuoso+// 4x National Champion Khontroversy PGA+//

Congratulations to Wolf Springs Ranch on their purchase of 12x National Champion Lets Get Loded!

4x National Champion HR El Kareem+//

12x National Champion Lets Get Loded+//

Some of the greatest Western Pleasure horses of our time began in our program and came out the biggest winners of today! They contine to win for their new owners and riders.

BECKER STABLES • BRETT & MARJIE BECKER • Grass Valley, California www.BeckerStables.com • 530.477.5588 • info@beckerstables.com

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 17

Canadian National Champion AAOTR 18-39 with Kendyl Modrich

Canadian National Reserve Champion AATR 18-39 with Kendyl Modrich

Canadian National Reserve Champion Open with Brett Becker

U.S. National Unanimous Champion Select AATR with Michael Modrich

Proudly Owned by the Modrich Family

18 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Standing at Becker Stables, Grass Valley, CA 530.477.5588 | info@beckerstables.com | www.BeckerStables.com

Supporter

Enzo x Natalia K by *El Nabila B 2007 Chestnut Stallion SCID & CA Clear Semen Available Worldwide Standing at Becker Stables Grass Valley, CA 530.477.5588 info@beckerstables.com HALAN E Hermez E x Gai Jullye Scottsdale Champion

Owned by Cavallino Arabians Tony & Tyler Shooshani Beverly Hills, CA tony@cavallinoarabians.com Volume 45, No. 10 | Western  19

Proudly owned by Steve & Karen Freeman of Stockton, California Standing at Becker Stables • Brett & Marjie Becker, Grass Valley, CA • 530.477.5588 • info@beckerstables.com 20 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Pictured top to bottom: Khruzin for Love PA • 2012 colt out of Fames Lastlove (by Fame VF) Khohinoor • 2014 colt out of National Champion Ladys Dance (by Sundance Kid V) Khrown Royal KBN • 2013 colt out of Jasmine V (by Desperado V) Aur Kinda Party • 2013 H/A colt out of 9x National Champion Sheza Loded Lady (by LBA Lode Star) Khing of Diamonds • 2013 H/A colt out of I Dream of Diamonds (by ATA Bey Starr) Khadraj NA x Aphrodite FA, by Fame VF Proudly owned by The Pitassi Family of West Linn, Oregon STANDING AT BECKER STABLES Grass Valley, California • 530.477.5588 • info@beckerstables.com Scottsdale Signature Stallion • AHA Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sire SCID & CA Clear Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 21

22 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 23

C ON T I N UA L LY A C H I E V I NG

SUCCESS AND

FUN

AT E V E RY S HO W

525 Clear Creek Road | Dawson, Illinois 62520 | 217-801-0793 W W W . R A N D Y S U L L I V A N . C O M

24 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

(Versace x JDM Famarra, by Fame VF)

6X NATIONAL TOP T E N WESTERN P L E AS U R E WINNER

SIMPLY WESTERN 525 Clear Creek Road | Dawson, Illinois 62520 | 217-801-0793 W W W . R A N D Y S U L L I V A N . C O M

Owned and Shown by: Karen Marnie | Peotone, Illinois Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 25

2015 SCOTTSDALE SIGNATURE STALLION RESERVE CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY

Photo by Christy

(Audacious PS x Sweet Silk V, by Desperado V) 525 Clear Creek Road | Dawson, Illinois 62520 | 217-801-0793 W W W . R A N D Y S U L L I V A N . C O M

Owned by: Lynn Packer

26 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

STLA

LRA

Milano

Purple Jade

Owned by: Lynn Packer

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 27

WHEN YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE IT ... BREED IT!

PA Lillith Sired by PossesionPGA

MULTI-CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE OPEN & AAOTR

2015 SCOTTSDALE UNANIMOUS CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE AAOTR 36-54 2015 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE AATR 40 & OVER

Khadraj NA+++/ x RA Po Okela, by Fame VF Scottsdale Signature Stallion • Region 12 Spotlight Stallion • SCID & CA Clear Standing at RBC Show Horses • 919.202.8384 For breeding information contact owner Nan Harley at 770.252.2705 or nan_harley@yahoo.com

Caliente Virtuoso

+//

#1 Winningest Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Horse of 2014 #3 Western Horse Overall including Purebreds in 2014

In 2014 Cal, Robin and Sarah Porter garnered 3 Scottsdale Championships, 4 Regional Championships, 2 Youth National Championships & 1 U.S. National Championship!

Thank you Colonial Training Center!

Your love and support goes above and beyond.

Robin and Mike Porter : Weatherford, Texas crescentcrkfarms@aol.com : www.crescentcreekfarms.com Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 29

When you want Western ...

Breeding the industry’s strongest show & breeding horses for over 20 years!

Multi-National Champion

Jake Jamaal JCA++// Jullyen El Jamaal x Von Herte Only One Introducing

Wish Maker JCA

Ever After NA x Jacline Jamal JCA Supporter of the

Manny Lawrence • 3675 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez, CA 93460 • Office: 805.693.1400 manny@jadecreek.com • www.jadecreek.com • Cell: 805.325.1613 30 Western

COMING SOON TO A SHOW RING NEAR YOU! Mi American Girl R (Anthem V x Mi Maria) (pictured left) Wata Zimple Man RS (Zimmeron PGN X CBS Watusi) Coming in 2016 (RGT Mozart X CBS Watusi) and (RGT Mozart X Mi Maria) REBECCA & STEPHANIE FULKERSON Rebecca@summitrubber.com | Cell 843-670-3036 For information on our horses, contact Rick Gault Training Cell: (336) 471-8822 | www.rickgaulttraining.com | rickgault@northstate.net

L eather

Bling It’s a Show Season thing

480.998.7256 • WWW.SHOWSEASON.COM

32 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

The Arabian Western Pleasure Horse:

Where Are We TodAy?

In our Arabian world, every division is evolving, and it’s a beautiful thing.

From the type of horses being bred, training techniques, viewpoints on the positives occurring, and adversely, ideas on the detrimental aspects—

people are speaking up and looking to make change. And there is no doubt that this change is good, healthy, and necessary. The following western pleasure interviews feature breeders, owners, trainers, and amateurs, who strive to be dynamic, raise questions, look for answers, and hope to see this industry and the western community continue to grow.

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 33

BreTT And MArjie Becker

Farm name: Becker Stables Years involved with the Arabian breed: 79 total (between the two) Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? Brett: I went to elementary school just down the road from Lacey’s Arabian Center (formerly Roger’s Arabians) in Alamo, Calif. My first horse was purchased at one of their 4-H auctions for $150. He was a two year old purebred gelding. When I was eleven years old, I started working as a slave at Lacey’s, learning to train my horse. I went on to win a regional top five in English pleasure on that horse.

Marjie: I grew up in Marin County, Calif. Some of my first riding lessons were taken at the age of eight on multiNational Champion Arabian Trail Horse Tu-Riff+/. As a young teen, the school bus would drop me off at Nicasio Valley Arabians and I would work in exchange for being able to ride. I was actually there when Bey Shah+ arrived as a yearling, and again later, when his first foals were getting started under saddle.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? A good western trainer has patience, persistence and a vision of what the end-product will be. The horse must be pretty, balanced and have cadence. It should also have a well-shaped neck and be strong off its hind end.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? A short back, pretty head, lowset hocks and good length and angle to the hip. The shape of the neck is more important than the length. It should come up out of the whither to enable the horse to step under itself and allow free movement of the shoulder. The neck should have some arch with good length of throat and pole.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. Khardinal Sin. What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? Horses being rewarded for having a frame but no rate. Judges that mistake a faster gait for a true gait.

34 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? A larger-framed trainable animal with good substance and movement.

roB Bick

Farm name: RBC Show Horses Years involved with the Arabian breed: 35 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I came into this business in 1980, and at that time, Arabian breeders bred for a quality, versatile Arabian. There were no discipline specific breeding programs, so this led me to being a multidiscipline trainer. Breeders nowadays have become very specialized in breeding for a ‘type’ of Arabian (western, English, halter, reining etc.)

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? A good western trainer is usually

spending a great deal of time working with other good western trainers. A good western horse needs to be physically qualified for the discipline of western pleasure; they also have to exemplify a “western state of thinking.”

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? A great western

horse for me needs to be balanced, flexible, soft moving, and have a very pretty head and neck with a laid back attitude.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. I hope to show

PA Kid Khan in the bridle; it is on my bucket list.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? A rough moving horse.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? Western horses now are being bred for quality, strength and beauty, and are the best moving of any breed.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? In the western show ring, the Arabians are some of the most beautiful and quality horses I have seen by far.

PriscillA cluff

Farm name: GRK Farms Years involved with the Arabian breed: 25 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I grew up in Washington state and I showed 4-H through high school. I would go to the Arabian shows and watch and learn everything I could, hoping that one day I would be there showing these magnificent horses myself. I came to Utah when I was 18 to attend Brigham Young University and, after graduating, I established my training program at GRK Farms. I am grateful to have a bachelor’s degree, but college taught me that I wanted to do what I love, which is to train Arabian horses.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I think timing makes a good western pleasure trainer. It is all about getting the horse to give their all while keeping the horse calm and relaxed.

For a horse, I think a kind disposition is of utmost importance, and the horse has to have the ability to do the job that is being asked of them, and have a big heart to give their all.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? I like big, round, even

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 35

feet; low set hocks and knees with strong bone, a balanced body with substance (which is the strength to do the job), and a neck with shape that can lift up out of the wither. I like to see rotation in the shoulders, knees, and hocks as they move. And of course, quality. In terms of strength, I think a horse has to have the breeding behind them to develop the muscle needed, but the training does complete the muscle development, as the horse becomes a finished western horse.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. I think Apalo would be an exciting horse to see showing in western pleasure.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? I think overall, western pleasure is on track.

I would have to think hard to come up with a pet peeve. If anything, my pet peeve would be a horse not moving true. I think it is incredibly important to keep true gaits.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? bred? The look that is being bred for western pleasure is a powerful horse with substance. Some are taller, but that’s not necessary as long as the horse has the strength to do the job. They have square, easy movement. It’s so important to keep quality, and that, more than anything, completes the look.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? There are Arabian breeders that

are breeding specifically western horses, so our western pleasure horses today are bred to do their job, which makes it much easier on the trainers. Also, halter prospects are finding their way to the western pleasure ring, which is a great secondary market for halter breeders and their beautiful horses.

eMMy fArAgo

Farm name: LeFever Training Center Years involved with the Arabian breed: 10 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? Living in Hudson, Wisc., I am very lucky to have started my riding career at LeFever Training Center. The LeFevers have passed on their love for the Arabian horse not just to me, but many other kids and families. I am also very fortunate to have been a youth in Region 10; it is a very youth-focused region and has helped me to get more involved in the Arabian breed.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? A good western trainer must be patient and needs to realize that each horse has a different way of learning. A good western horse should have a good demeanor. It should have a desire to please and be happy doing its job. It is important that a western horse becomes comfortable with what it is being asked to do. Both a good western horse and trainer should be able to learn from their mistakes.

36 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? A horse’s quality structure can be classified by its quality of movement. I look for a fluid mover that is naturally well-driven from behind. I find these horses to have a better ease of movement in the front and more desirable carriage of the head and neck. With that, it is important the horse has a good mind so it can use these abilities to the best of their advantage.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? I would say, horses being held back from their natural movement. I’m seeing some of today’s western horses being trained to move more short-strided, looking more mechanical and choppy. I prefer a more natural, freer way of going. Now more than ever, the Arabian breed is breeding for better moving western horses. We have a breed of beautiful movers, so why not show it off ?

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? The quality of western horse standards are greater now more than ever. In today’s Arabian western horse, we are looking for one that has a quieter mannerism and attitude. We are breeding for a horse that has a greater quality of movement and structure, while representing the Arabian look: arch in the neck, laid back shoulder, deep girth, short back, level croup, and lighter on the forehand.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I am seeing an overall great representation of the Arabian breed in terms of structure and quality of the horse. The improving quality of western horses and their training represents a great pride in the breed. As the involvement of youth with the Arabian horse is growing, I find it influencing the western division to continue to develop and grow.

reBeccA fulkerson

Farm name: Rick Gault Training Years involved with the Arabian breed: 20 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I grew up and still live in Summerville, S.C. It impacted me greatly with the Arabian horse as Black Bottom Arabians was right around the corner. Owned by Billy and Janette Ridgill, Billy really got me and my mom into Arabians. My mom came from a Quarter Horse background, her grandfather owned a farm in Arkansas and bred and raised show horses and race horses. She wasn’t too eager to jump into Arabians, but as I started taking lessons on several purebreds and Half-Arabians, she came to see what we all see now which is their beauty and intelligence among other things. My parents bought me my first horse, a Half-Arabian, BB Markel, when I was nine and I have been hooked since.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? To me a good western trainer is not only talented, but patient. With anything that is worth it, having patience is the key. Rick is talented beyond belief, but I think his best attribute when it comes to being a horse trainer, especially for western is his patience. As far as the horses, I think talent again, and the willingness to work. The best western horses to me are the ones who try. If they are also superiorly talented, well that’s the best case scenario.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? I like to see a short back and a neck that isn’t out of proportion. Many people love a great long neck and it is beautiful, but in order for one to have this long neck, a longer back needs to go along with it to be functional. I like to see one with a great shaped neck that has some length, short back, round hindquarters, and good feet. I am a bit about the

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 37

“pretty” too. Not to say that there aren’t some horses that have done great that weren’t the most beautiful just standing there, but I do enjoy my Arabians to look like Arabians.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. I can’t think of one that hasn’t shown, but I sure could list off some that have that I would love to have shown, including: Melody V, Anthem V, Megga Starr, Monticello V, Capt Jack Sparrow PGA, Zimmeron PGN, C A Hermoso, CBS Top Dog, Geta Lode of This, RGT Mozart … I could go on and on.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? Inconsistency in the judging. I know that may be appalling to some. While I realize and respect others opinions even if I don’t agree, I don’t understand how some pin this way and others pin so drastically different at the next show, or on the same panel if you’re at regionals and nationals.

Aside from that, I would really like to see the futurity classes get back to what they are designed for and that’s about potential, not necessarily a finished product. I think when we

ask so much out of these babies, we could be hurting them for the long term. Now from time to time there’s a superstar that just takes to it, doesn’t go through awkward growth spurts, that just falls into it (I witnessed that with RGT Mozart from his start to his western futurity class at nationals; he was never pressured into it, he just has some very special things that allow(ed) him to look like a finished horse). However, that doesn’t happen often, sometimes never, and we as owners, breeders, and trainers, need to make sure the horses come first, not winning a title as a baby.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? The level of talent for sure. There are some incredibly talented people training right now; it’s fun to watch.

Breeding … I think there are some people and farms cranking out some great horses and thank goodness they are doing so. As far as showing, the camaraderie seems really high. Participating in the Pro-Am last year really was life changing for me. The way the Arabian community steps up for their own is just inspiring.

Best breed, best people, are in the Arabian horse industry (I may be slightly biased, but it’s how I feel).

ToMMy gArlAnd

Farm name: Garlands Ltd Years involved with the Arabian breed: 30+ Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I started learning to train from my father at an early age. He trained hunter jumpers when I was a kid so I showed hunter ponies. As I grew older, he began training Quarter Horses and opened a public training center to take in all breeds, including Arabians. I watched him train and learned from him as I helped him around the barn breaking horses out. I was able to ride multiple breeds this way and eventually began riding the Arabians we would get in training. It was from this that I came to train Arabian horses.

Because of those first few I worked with, I was able to see what Arabians were capable of and the sort of personalities they had.

I began looking into training Arabians full-time after just a few coming through my father’s barn. If it weren’t for my dad opening up his center to all breeds, I may very well not be part of this industry as it is today.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse?

The number one key to being a good western trainer is having patience. Training a good western horse is not a process that you want to rush. If you want to produce a quality western horse, you have to have a vision of the end result, a plan for how you are going to get there, and the ability to know when to take a step back and give your horse a break. I also think a good western trainer has to have an innate feel for the

38 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

movement of the horse. A good western horse must be very willing to learn and patient just like the trainer. No matter how great the horse moves, if he doesn’t think properly, he won’t be able to achieve the end result. The mental aspect of a horse has just as much importance as the physical.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? When looking for a western prospect in today’s world, one of the number one qualities to look for is its appearance. A good western prospect can’t be too long in the back, it needs a good shape to his neck (a straight necked horse has difficulty bridling up), and he must be round through his body, in his shoulder, and over his hip so he can move properly. A horse that moves up under himself naturally is a plus. In today’s ring we like for the horses to be a little taller and stretchier.

like an open western horse. To get this drape, trainers are going around the ring constantly bumping and jerking on these young horses’ faces, even in front of the judges. It’s supposed to be about showing your horse when you go in that arena, not schooling your horse. Unfortunately, everyone is so worried about having these babies off the bosal and draped, that the horse never gets a break and the trainers are no longer showing the horse the way they should. Everyone has an opinion on this and this is just mine.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. Choosing just one is difficult.

I was able to narrow it down to three. Looking around at Scottsdale this year, I saw a halter stallion, Apalo, that I think would be an outstanding western horse. I would also love to show Trussardi or the mare RH Triana. Those three horses all look to have great potential in the western ring.

More than ever, the Arabian is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? One of the first things I look for in a western horse is athleticism. As for the look being bred, it seems like you are seeing a bigger horse with more substantial body and structure. I think a lot of the western horses being bred today are a lot prettier, with more shapely necks, and are bigger bodied. As for the mentality of the horse, breeders and trainers want a horse that is easily trainable with a quiet disposition.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? There are a few things. I think the horses aren’t moving forward at all. They are intimidated, which makes them bad movers. It seems like AHA is working towards improving on that though. I hate to see all the metal schooling bosals used on the futurity and junior horses. And while I’m on the topic of futurity and junior horses, I don’t like to see all of these young horses going on a draped rein like an open horse. It’s okay if they’re light in the bosal and the rein is loose, but trying to get a drape in the rein is too much to ask. Those classes are for babies, they are mentally and physically young, and yet we are trying to make them go around

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? Some of the positive things I see developing in the western division are the movement towards a western horse that moves well with less of that excessive drape in the reins and the addition of level based classes for the amateurs.

I personally think we could do away with classes based on age groups and only do levels. I also like that we have added maturity classes to our shows. It allows amateurs to show a young horse in a more competitive arena and have the possibility to win some money. I know my amateurs enjoy the maturity classes and the possibilities it opens up for them.

rick gAulT

Farm name: Rick Gault Training Years involved with the Arabian breed: 32 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I am from central Canada and worked at farms across western Canada with several different breeds of horses. I ended up working for a large Arabian farm. I then moved to the Seattle area where I became exclusively involved with Arabians.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? A good western trainer needs to be patient and have great timing. A good western horse needs to be athletic, balanced, and a good thinker.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? I look for strong hind quarters, substance, a nice neck that comes out nice from the shoulders with a good pole, great balance that comes from head to tail, and good movement.

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 39

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. Kharmel BR owned by the Anthony Marino family.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? A horse heavy on the front end. I like to see them moving from the hind end forward.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding,

what kind of look is being bred? Quality and attitude is a must. We breed for athleticism, substance, balanced movement and conformation, but all these things won’t work for a good western horse unless you have the quality and great attitude.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I think the western horses just keep getting better and better and the trainers do also.

There are so many great western horses out there and the competition just keeps getting tougher.

nAn hArley

Farm name: Dreym Bay Farm Years involved with the Arabian breed: 27 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I was born in Iowa.

Both sides of the family were farmers so it’s in my blood.

I’ve loved horses as long as I can remember and have worked hard to be able to have them.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I’ll start with the horse. A good western horse really tries for you and doesn’t get resentful when they get it wrong. They also have to want to go slow. You can’t make a horse go slow and have it be happy. A good trainer can see these characteristics and can bring them out in the horse and develop them.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? I like good feet and legs. They don’t have to be perfect, but need to stay sound. I like any horse to be built a little uphill, i.e. withers higher than croup.

It makes it easier for the horse to get their hind end under them and to lift their shoulder. I like a neck that comes out higher in the chest with good length and shape and a defined throat latch. Of course, a pretty head doesn’t hurt.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. Sundance Kid V! He actually was shown very briefly, but I never got to see it.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? I don’t really have a pet peeve. I think the movement of the horses in the show ring is improving and I’m happy about that.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? Western horses need to have some substance to them. I like a nice body and a pretty

40 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

neck topped off by a tight set of ears, big eyes and typey head. They need to be soft movers that look as if they are not being given any cues. Happy horses with quiet, happy tails. Wait, I rode in on that horse, Possesion PGA! What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? There is a real excitement about breeding western horses. Not just for pleasure classes, but for working classes as well. The criteria are really the same. Good conformation and good trainable minds. The pleasure horses might have to have a bit of pretty too. We have some excellent trainers out there that are not only doing right by the horses, but are also sharing their knowledge when asked; Rob Bick comes to mind. Always ready to offer advice when asked and making himself available at clinics. I’ve shown western pleasure for more than 25 years. The trends come and go, but a quality horse won back then and a quality horse wins today.

MAnny lAWrence

Farm name: Jade Creek Arabians Years involved with the Arabian breed: Since 1989 What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse?

A good western trainer has experience, commitment, and a willingness to adjust to each and every horse’s needs, and has a knowledge of the limitations of each horse and is able to take that horse to its maximum potential. A good western horse is an effortless mover, balanced, cadenced, willing, has correct conformation, and must be beautiful and expressive.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? When looking at a western prospect, I look for all of the above. Structure the horse must have: good legs and feet, long pasterns, short canon bones, a great natural tail carriage, and the ability to use the neck and shoulder to produce a comfortable look rather than being forced into a position that is not pleasing to look at. The best all have that ‘look at me’ attitude.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. The horse that I would have loved to see under saddle would be LD Pistal, one of the great halter champions that would have made a national champion western horse. My own, Jake Jamaal JCA++//, proved that national champion halter horses can also be national champion western horses.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? Horses that look like they are not moving forward and that have been forced to carry their tail between their legs. Arabians have a natural high tail set and I do not believe they should be penalized for that natural trait. Also the hand gallop has become a race to the finish; the horse should be able to maintain his frame in the hand gallop.

More than ever, the Arabian is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what

kind of look is being bred? I can only speak for myself, but at Jade Creek we always breed with the performance horse in mind. With that in mind, I can tell you that we produce horses that will be competitive in the halter and performance arena. More importantly, we need to produce temperament, willingness and sound structure. The trait that I am most proud of in JCA horses is the ability to understand when the bright lights come on, it is show time!

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? They are difficult to state as it seems to change with each and every show, as to what a certain set of judges deem to be the proper way of showing. The one thing that does stick out is that I believe we are starting to see more pretty.

kAren MArnie

Farm name: Red Rose Arabians Years involved with the Arabian breed: 42 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? My love for horses started on my Aunts farm in Indiana when I was around five years old. Her son let me ride his pinto and I found my passion. Of course, I constantly begged my parents for a horse, but they couldn’t afford it back then. To satisfy my horse craving, I would use my babysitting money and rent horses at the local livery to go trail riding. When I started

working, I saved my money and in 1967 bought my first horse, a Saddlebred gelding and my second horse in 1970, a Quarter Horse gelding. Then, in 1973 I traded my Quarter Horse to Wayne Pavel of Shiloh Farms for a three year old Ferzon-bred stallion and that started my love affair with the Arabian breed. In the late 1970s I met Pearl Draves of Ivanhoe Arabians. She had a huge influence on my knowledge and appreciation of Arabians and we became Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 41

best of friends. I moved my horses to her farm and for the next 20 years, we showed our Arabians together. I now have my horses with Randy Sullivan and continue to show in the western division; a passion that has endured for 42 years.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse?

I believe a western trainer is no different than any other trainer.

They should have patience, consistency, be rewarding, and have the ability to judge an individual horse’s learning capacity.

A good western horse is quiet, soft gated, willing, happy to do his job, and have the conformation to carry itself with ease.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? I like a western horse to have a short back, strong hip, good lay of shoulder, good legs and feet, soft free movement and, of course, it sure doesn’t hurt to have a pretty face.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? Horses that are behind the vertical or don’t preform their gates with soft free forward movement.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? Today’s western horses are absolutely more beautiful than ever. Their overall athletic

look is breathtaking to watch. I do feel there is room to improve on movement by allowing their shoulders to free up and to have an all over more relaxed look.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I felt the 2014 U.S. Nationals was the best nationals for the western performance division I have seen in a long time. Most horses where soft, more relaxed and moving forward. I hope this trend stays with us.

lynn PAcker

Farm name: Randy Sullivan’s Training Center Years involved with the Arabian breed: 15 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I have been riding since I was five. I grew up in Chicago with several hunter/ jumper farms. I was lucky to learn to ride in a barn filled with different breeds—Arabians, Morgans, Saddlebreds, Thoroughbreds and wonderful grade horses. I went to my first Arabian show in 2000. I found my dream horse and have bought Arabians ever since!

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse?

Randy Sullivan is how I describe a good western trainer, and a good western horse has to have balance, quality and an elegant way of moving. It should be effortless.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? The overall quality of the horses; the competition is remarkable and I love a challenge. Also, the push to buy better quality horses every day, and the overall optimism in our industry; it’s nice to see and be a part of.

42 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

joe reser

Farm name: Setting Sun Stables Years involved with the Arabian breed: Since 6 years old Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I was born and raised in the town our farm is in, Wakarusa, Ind., and my parents got me involved in Arabian horses. We first started with your average horse that we took on trail rides and a couple local shows every year. Soon, I got more involved and found that I really enjoyed it and had a great passion and love for it. So, my parents bought me my first show horse when I was eight years old. One thing led to another and I got involved with a 4-H club here for 10 years.

From there, I kept showing after I graduated from high school. I ran my own business for a few years, but I realized that if I really wanted to be serious and be a part of this industry, I needed to learn more. This meant going off to work for somebody, so I worked for Jody Strand. I really enjoyed my time there—around 2 years—and came back home to Wakarusa and started doing my own deal. And that’s where we are today.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I think it applies to a lot of disciplines, but we have to be good listeners with our horses and with our customers. I think we have to be part psychologists, too. I wish I would have went to school for psychology! I think it would be very useful as a trainer. How I can be with one customer—aggressive and get after them a little bit—is not necessarily the best route for someone else. So, you have to listen to your customers, see what makes them tick, find their strengths, and work from that angle. And above all, it takes a lot of time and patience to create a horse that does their job so effortlessly, and as a rider, make it look like you’re doing nothing in the saddle. That’s a challenge and that’s what makes a good western trainer. Then passing that along to the amateur rider … that’s the real trick. If you can get your barn going and have the amateurs be successful in the show ring, that’s where you’re going to survive. There are only so many open classes at a horse show, and as a trainer, you can only ride so many horses; but the amateurs are what really support this industry, and that’s the fact of the matter.

As for a good western horse, I think it’s their brain and whether or not they have guts. I’ve ridden some really pretty horses, some horses that would appear to be made for the western division, but they don’t all have the guts to make them great. They may be built to do it, but they just don’t really care to do it. Today, along with the guts, you also have to have the beauty. You want the head, the neck, a laid back shoulder, short cannon bones, correct feet, not too flat of a back, the croup should slope off a little bit, hocks low to the ground, and conformation-wise, that’s what truly makes a great western horse. We are getting closer to achieving all these traits because we’re breeding more specifically for that.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. I would have to say LD Pistal.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? The idea of calling for an excessive amount of walking in the western division. We walk enough in our western classes and really, teaching the horses to walk is one of the hardest things. Last year at nationals in the open western, it seemed like we walked for a good ¾ the way around the arena, just waiting for a horse to twitch an ear or do something. A lot of people were talking about it and in the end, sometimes it just seems that we’re trying to beat our best horses.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? We’re bred? We’re breeding to make great western horses. In the earlier days when I was a youth rider, my horse did everything. It could do costume, western, and it could wear a double bridle and do English; but today, that just doesn’t work. Our focus has switched to thinking about one kind of horse, and today we’re seeing more of an exotic look in the face and neck, in particular. But more impressive than that is the movement on the horses being bred today. They’re being allowed to take a true step and I like the direction we’re heading. I think our horses are great and the trainers have great horsemanship skills, so it will be interesting to see where we are in another five years. I think we’re in a pretty good spot right now, but I also think that we have to keep breeding.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? The number of people competing in the western division. The western classes at Scottsdale this year were huge and the quality of the horses just keeps getting better every year!

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 43

lindsAy rinehArT

Farm name: Trotwood Farm, LLC Years involved with the Arabian breed: 21 Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I took riding lessons at a local stable which just so happened to be an Arabian training facility. As a little girl, I was crazy about horses.

With fate bringing me to an Arabian farm, it was easy to fall head over heals with the Arabian horse.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? For the trainer: patience. For the horse: A naturally soft body and mouth, with a quiet, kind and trainable attitude.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? A true mover with a well balanced body and long scoped neck.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. The amazingly beautiful grey Russian stallion named Flamenco.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? Banging on the mouth.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? Horses with soft, true gaits; quiet, trainable dispositions; extreme quality; strong, balanced bodies and slightly low set, shapely necks.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? Today, I notice more true styled western horses being pinned in the show arena. High quality individuals that are better, truer movers, possess softer carriage and have excellent body substance and structure.

Horses that look soft and natural with less emphasis on the horse being “hooked-up” and more emphasis on the overall picture and horse’s pureness of gait.

cArAlyn schroTer

Farm name: RBC Show Horses Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I came from Western Canada and I realized at a young age that you have to travel everywhere to find education and knowledge from all great horsemen.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I feel that dedication, thoroughness, quality of stock and experience are some of the broad qualities a good western trainer possesses.

The traits I like to see in a good western horse are quality (which used to be listed first in the junior western horse class specs), balance, conformation and substance. If one was to possess all these with a large dash of western attitude and trainability, I believe the horse would end up being as close to the ‘perfect’ western horse we could wish for.

44 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? For me, quality, which encompasses many fine and important components. I like to look for balance in head and neck, body and hip. Length of leg, good feet and pretty tail carriage. Quality of motion is also very important to me.

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. Versace … his beauty was so breathtaking.

as well as extremely functional. They have round necks that are set on high. They are of good size height, around 15 hands or better, with large strong bodies. I believe most great ones are soft moving with a slow rhythm. Trainability and a natural western attitude is becoming more and more easy to find.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I believe that the Arabian trainer community as a whole is definitely more aware of presenting horses that are naturals and not so man made.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? I think overall, every trainer competing at a national level is bringing out the best in their horses in a viewer friendly manner.

In the breeders community, I see more having very defined goals of what they would like to produce. They are conscious of what their offspring are like to live and work with on a day to day basis. Sound structure and sound minds.

More than ever, the Arabian breed is turning toward breeding for specific divisions. In western horse breeding, what kind of look is being bred? The western specific breeding includes horses that are visually beautiful

I see the showing community as passionate about their horses. Verygoal orientated and very willing to do what is best for the horse.

jody sTrAnd

Farm name: Strand’s Arabians Years involved with the Arabian breed: Born into the industry What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I think it takes somebody with a lot of patience; timing is always a good thing, and the ability to feel true gaits. A lot of our western horses can be mixedgaited, so being able to feel correct gaits—a true jog, a true lope—is huge. Another is the ability to determine whether a horse is suited to be a western horse, and if they’re not, allowing them to move on to a job that’s easier for them. Some people think you can make a western horse, but that’s not the case. You can teach a horse to be a western horse if they have all the components, but the horse ultimately chooses.

As for the horse, a good western horse has to have substance, quality, and structure. It has to be a strong horse—good legs, hocks preferably low to the ground, a short back—just built for the task. This structure is important because they really have to be able to carry themselves in the show ring. They have to rely on their hindquarters for strength and balance as we have so little contact in the bridle. One of the most important components that a lot of people don’t talk about is heart. A horse has to have heart and try to be a western horse. I’ve had really good horses with a few imperfections in their conformation, but they had a big enough heart and so much try that they were able to overcome it.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? Structurally, a very strong horse. Preferably, a quiet disposition. Nice shoulder, short back, correct legs, hocks low to the ground, tight and strong through the hocks and stifles, and beauty and quality are a must.

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 45

Name one horse that was never shown in the western division that you would love to have the opportunity to train and show in western pleasure. I always thought that Pyro Thyme would be a really cool western horse.

Every time I saw him, I just thought that he looked like a really good structured horse. But the number one that I was always really curious about was LD Pistal. He’s a big, handsome horse by Magnum Psyche and I’ve ridden a few of his get that have been very good. On a personal level, he is out of Halana, who is a Hal Gibby daughter and that’s the stallion my family had when I was a kid.

What is your biggest pet peeve you see in the western division today? A huge drape with a really poor moving

horse. I would much rather see the gaits be true and have light contact than a huge drape with really bad gaits. To me, this is a problem in prioritizing things—at some point, the drape became more important than the gait. Let’s get quality movement first, and then as much drape as you can get. I judge that way, too. I never pick a big drape when the gaits are poor.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I think we are improving in the quality of movement and the overall quality of our western horses.

The gap between beauty and structure is getting smaller and we’re seeing horses that are both better movers and have incredible quality.

rAndy sullivAn

Farm name: Randy Sullivan’s Training Center Where did you come from? How has that impacted your involvement with the Arabian horse? I started riding at a young age with my father, and I mostly rode Quarter Horses. I became involved with training my first Arabian in 1975, and I have enjoyed the challenge of training Arabians ever since.

What makes a good western trainer? A good western horse? I feel patience and consistency is a necessity in being a great western trainer. A western horse should consist of a “want to” attitude, as well as a balanced individual, with extreme quality.

When looking at a western prospect, what are you looking for in the horse’s structure? Starting with correct legs and feet, I look for a laid back shoulder, a short strong back, and roundness through the croup. I also want to see a pleasing attitude and extreme quality; a soft moving individual that covers the ground with ease.

What are some of the positives you’re seeing today in the western division? I think it’s exciting to see and hear that most trainers are full and have quality horses. It makes showing more competitive and keeps all of us pushing to be at the top of our game at all times. With competition being as deep as it is, clients are making better decisions on how to breed a western horse and what to look for when buying a great western horse. n

46 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

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Desperado V x Sweet Shalimar V by Ali Jamaal

Zefyr+//

May Dancer V

Melodie V

Sunsational Kid

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 49

Palmetto Palmetto Arabians Arabians And And The The Sundance Sundance Kid V Kid Phenomenon V Phenomenon

by ANNE STRATTON It was one of the most memorable scenes at the 2014 U.S. Nationals: the victory pass in the western pleasure championship, when the black stallions Zefyr and Onyx A, champion and reserve champion, jogged out of the ring together—in harmony, at ease and moving fluidly, like charcoal shadows of each other. Or more accurately, like shadows of their sire, the remarkable Sundance Kid V. Not all of the sons and daughters of Sundance Kid V are movie star black, and not all go one-two for a major trophy at the national level— but a high percentage of them, regardless of color, are very successful at what they do. At last year’s U.S. Nationals, the stallion practically wrote the book in western competition alone, siring not only Zefyr and Onyx A, but two others in the top ten, which translates to nearly half of the class. Then there was the U.S. National Champion in Hunter Pleasure, and the champions in Hunter Pleasure Select, the Western Pleasure Maturity and English Trail AAOTR. Not to mention, a long list of top tens.

By the time the awards were tabulated and leading sires at the 2014 U.S. and Canadian Nationals were ranked by Arabian Horse Times, Sundance Kid V had scored in three significant categories for performance sires.

For purebreds, he was reserve by number of points and third in number of winners; in both purebreds and Half-Arabians, he was third in number of winners; and for Half-Arabians, he was sixth in number of winners.

“Is he going to start a dynasty here?” inquired one observer. “Do you think he could become the next ‘dominant sire’?”

Trainer Rob Bick, who knows the stallion well and has trained his get, replied bluntly, “He already is in western pleasure.”

Frank and Sara Chisholm, of Palmetto Arabians in Timmonsville, S.C., own Sundance Kid V. “He had a good show in 2013, but in 2014, he knocked it out of the park,” Frank says, still a little stunned at the statistics.

“We were hoping and we thought he might have a good one, but we didn’t know he would be this great.”

The Stallion With So Much To Offer

Sundance Kid V, bred by Sheila Varian, welcomed his first foal crop in 1998, and the Chisholms began using him in their program three years later. By that time, they already owned a full sister and a 50 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

Champion and Reserve Honors for Sundance Kid V sons, Zefyr and Onyx A, in the 2014 U.S. National Western Pleasure Championships.

Two additional Top Ten honors went to Maleah Maria and Sunstormm, leaving Sundance the proud sire of almost half of the Top Ten.

few of his daughters, so by the time they purchased him in 2003, they knew what they wanted and why.

“The other thing about him is that the percentage of show horses he puts on the ground is amazing,” adds Bick, who has advised clients to breed to Sundance Kid V. “It’s not like, say, he puts 10 One reason that Sundance Kid V is so easy to like is that his or 12 on the ground and four or five are show-able. The whole contributions as a sire are reliable and clearly discernible: he bestows group is show-able. We rarely get one that isn’t a show horse, and size and good looks (usually enough beauty and type to it’s the same thing with see his offspring through halter ribbons at many stages of the outside people “In today’s culture of training, competition), and he is known for siring a graceful, curvy who breed to him; the horses that really step forward are the ones that train neck that Bick says makes performance easy for his get. they all get show horses. the best and are physically able.”

“That makes a trainer’s job easy,” he grins. “Sometimes the It’s just a consistent ~ Ted Carson more physically talented a horse is, the smarter it seems.” quality about him.

I’ve never sent anyone Bick, who has long served as a source of counsel for Frank to breed to that horse Chisholm on pedigrees, trains and sells many of Palmetto’s Sundance that was disappointed in what they got.”

Kid V offspring. “They’re sweet horses and easy going,” he reports.

“They don’t want to be macho; you don’t have to fight with them. You Bill Buglass, who with his wife, Tracy, owns Windy Gap Arabians show them what you want and they’re very willing.” in Deerfield, Wis., would agree. “Our belief is that the Arabian horse needs to be beautiful—needs to look like an Arabian—and Notably, even with the beauty, conformation and talent that are cited be athletic,” he says. “When we got started breeding, that’s what by nearly everyone who has Sundance Kid V horses, it is that signature we saw in Sundance Kid V.” attitude they talk about most. “In today’s culture And that is what Sundance Kid delivered for them. “the percentage of show horses he puts on of training, the horses that “I think every baby we’ve had by him has gone the ground is amazing. It’s not like, say, really step forward are on to be top ten or better at U.S. Nationals and he puts 10 or 12 on the ground and four or five are show-able. the ones that train the best other places, as either a hunt horse or a western and are physically able,” horse,” Buglass reports. WGA Rose Dancer, 2014 The whole group is show-able.” ~ Rob Bick says Ted Carson, who has Canadian National Champion in Hunter Pleasure observed the stallion since Junior Horse and U.S. National Reserve Champion he arrived in the Carolinas 12 years ago, and has shown some of his in the Hunter Pleasure Maturity the year before, and Coldplay Kid, get. “I think that what a lot of trainers like about the Sundance Kid who won two U.S. National Reserve Championships and a host of horses is that they are mentally and physically very trainable horses.” top tens, come to mind readily—and recently, WGA Very Sunny, On the basis of his own experience, Carson breeds mares to the stallion. U.S. National Top Ten in the 2014 Western Pleasure Futurity. There have been others as well, including their first Sundance foal, a mare Josh Quintus, who trains the Sundance Kid V sons Onyx A and Diesel they retained as a broodmare. She consistently produces youngsters Smoke CBA, endorses their sire as well. “I do like these horses,” that sell well and go on to successful show careers. he says. “They’re very gifted off their feet, and they’re ones who can concentrate a long time. People don’t realize how they have to “We’ve been very fortunate,” Buglass says. “Frank and Sara and concentrate to hold the frame and pay attention to what’s going on, Melissa are a pleasure to deal with, and we happen to think alike in particularly the studs.” what we like in horses.”

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 51

“I’m very proud of Frank and Sara for being such thoughtful, conscientious breeders of really good Arabian horses. I could see that they were not always breeding to sell the first generation, and that is an indication that they are breeders—they have a major interest in long term goals, rather than just marketing. I think without a doubt you can consider Frank and Sara Chisholm wise breeders and an asset to the Arabian breed.” ~ Sheila Varian

What Works—The Heritage

Sundance Kid V did not rise to prominence on his own. What is being seen today is a combination of two factors: the depth and quality of his pedigree, which was designed by Sheila Varian and resulted in an individual with all the attributes to breed on, and the careful career guidance of Frank and Sara Chisholm.

The pedigree comes first. In his sire line, Sundance Kid V traces to Varian’s first great stallion Bay-Abi, and in his tail female to one of the program’s foundation mares, *Bachantka. In between are some of Varian’s most legendary names: Bay El Bey, Huckleberry Bey, Desperado V, Baychatka, Moska, Spinning Song, and Sweet Inspiration V, among others—all proven contributors. There is almost no one in the framework of bloodlines that has not produced at the highest level, usually time after time, and the introduction of Ali Jamaal as a broodmare sire adds a dash of the exotic.

“Rob has pounded into us over the years that there are certain lines that are pretty predictable,” Frank Chisholm chuckles when explaining their attraction to the pedigree. “There are certain lines, certain ways to breed that give you athletic, good minded horses.”

So, why would Varian sell a young sire with all that potential?

Because, as Frank argued when he made an offer, Sundance Kid V so thoroughly represented her lines, wasn’t she limited in who she could breed him to among her mares? Sheila, who did not really want to part with the black stallion, could see the reasoning. And, she would add, the Chisholms themselves factored into her decision as well. Over the years that they had purchased horses from her, she had come to know them and seen them grow as breeders; she was comfortable with what they wanted to do, and felt she could trust them with Sundance Kid V. He came to Palmetto in 2003 and has been building his reputation ever since.

Rob Bick notes that the stallion, in the tradition of the sires in his line, has used all the qualities he inherited but defined them his own way. “Sundance is unique,” he says, “and he stamps the babies we get with his own look.”

PA Kid Khan Sundance Kid V x Kharrea PGA 52 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

He tries to explain the evolution of individuality in the line.

“Sundance Kid’s grandsire, Huckleberry Bey, was a great horse and in his time had one of the higher-set necks we saw in the breed,” he says. “He was a saddle seat style horse, and he went on to sire that through Afire Bey V in the English division. This horse is a little different. The Huck influence, as you see it in Desperado V, puts on more of a western style body (and so do some of the Polish horses, like Dar, that you see in his pedigree). So, even though he’s just turned out every day, not worked, Sundance has muscles in his rear

“Our belief is that the Arabian horse needs to be beautiful—needs to look like an Arabian—and be athletic. When we got started breeding, that’s what we saw in Sundance Kid V.” ~ Bill Buglass

end that look like a Quarter Horse that has been working every day.

That’s just how he’s built.”

Bick finally just shrugs to express his appreciation for the stallion.

“Caralyn and I are extremely grateful to Frank and Sara for sending us these nice horses,” he smiles. “They’re a great boost to the program at RBC.”

What Works—The Breeders

Frank and Sara Chisholm bring a unique combination of experience to the Palmetto program. Sara grew up with more hands-on horse experience; as a kid, she was an avid barrel racer in other breeds.

Later, when she and Frank decided to get riding horses as a hobby, it was she who gravitated to Arabians. Her Half-Arabian, “Charlie,” was the magnet which drew Frank in.

Frank, on the other hand, led the way into breeding. He grew up wanting to be a breeder. In the beginning, however, horses were not in the cards for him; through his childhood and teenage years, tropical fish and racing pigeons fit his budget better, but he learned early on the principles that govern selective mating. By the time he became a success in racing pigeons, he had learned not only how to breed winning birds from other people’s castoffs, but also how to socialize and train them to augment their performance enough to win prizes.

When they established Palmetto, Frank and Sara say, they might have ridden a lot, but they had quite a bit to learn about breeding.

From day one, they set out to get educated; they made their mistakes, Frank nods, but after a while, they saw progress. The

truth—and one of the keys to their success, friends say—is that they never forgot that they didn’t know everything. In the 16 years they have had Palmetto, they have never stopped learning and trying to improve, and the strong program they have today has been the reward.

One of the techniques Frank Chisholm mastered in his fish and pigeon breeding was to form relationships with people whose background and knowledge was clear. In addition to Varian, one of their most helpful mentors has been Rob Bick, who, he says, “can look at every horse in a pedigree and tell you everything they did and what they were like.” Add that to their own studies, and the Chisholms navigated the initial learning curve quickly.

Sheila Varian goes straight to the heart of the matter. “As Frank and Sara and I became friends, I could see that they were breeding some fine horses,” she says. “They are probably the sharpest couple I’ve ever had anything to do with when it comes to learning about breeding horses. They’re astute—real students.

They don’t ask a thousand questions; they do their homework, and sometimes they are more quiet than verbal. But I always know they’re listening and learning, and I find them fun to talk to about breeding.

Tulsa 2014

“Sundance Kid V was one of their first major purchases,” notes Ted Carson, “and yet they’ve been able to breed in the same sense of leadership as what Sheila has been doing for so many years.

They’re very quick learners, they pay attention to people who know about horses, and they take note of what they see—and that’s not easy to do, no matter what you spend or what horse you buy. To have that much success so quickly is a lot of credit to them.”

“I’m very proud of Frank and Sara for being such thoughtful, conscientious breeders of really good Arabian horses,” she continues. “I could see that they were not always breeding to sell the first generation, and that is an indication that they are

Pictured Top to Bottom: Multi-National Champion Zefyr++/, owned by Equidont Arabians 2014 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Open Multi-National Champion Ladys Dance+/, owned by Becker Stables 2014 U.S. National Champion Hunter Pleasure Open PA Monaco Kid, owned by Lee Cary 2014 U.S. National Reserve Champion Country Pleasure AAOTR Maturity Multi-National Champion Onyx A, owned by Avonlea Arabians 2014 U.S. National Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Open Multi-National Champion Agracie Girl V++++//, owned by Rancho Soñado 2014 U.S. National Champion English Trail AAOTR Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 53

me, as Always A Jullyen V did; when we saw Always A Jullyen at Scottsdale, Andy Sellman was showing him in the yearling class, and right away, he was the one we wanted to see when we went to Sheila’s the next summer. Now, Kid Khan hits me that way too. He comes out and you say, ‘oh, my God.’ He’s 16.1 hands and he’s a magnificent, striking animal. We have only two foal crops, three or four babies in each one, but he’s done an excellent job so far and we have high hopes for him as a replacement for Sundance.

Sundance Kid V pictured at 20 years young with Frank and Sara Chisholm and Palmetto Arabians’ breeding manager Melissa Bradshaw.

breeders—they have a major interest in long term goals, rather than just marketing. I think without a doubt you can consider Frank and Sara Chisholm wise breeders and an asset to the Arabian breed.”

What Works—Palmetto, The Breeding Program

Both Frank and Sara rode western in their youth, so it was natural that the focus at Palmetto became western and hunter. But some of the reason also was simple practicality. “We felt like we don’t have a huge gene pool in the Arabian breed right now,” Frank says, and adds that when they got in, Afire Bey V was already writing the story in the English divisions. “There seemed to be more possibilities in western and hunter, and they were natural for an Arabian to do. It looked like we would have more flexibility to try different things.”

Although their concentration is on performance, they do not neglect type. It is an inherent part of the equation for success, and they enjoy seeing some of their foals compete in halter. “It is something we play with when they’re young, and then their job is to get under saddle and do something,” Frank explains. “They can win at the regional level and some of the futurities. We love halter, but we’re not trying to play in the big leagues there. We’re trying to breed a beautiful, athletic horse, but not the exotic look it takes in halter now.”

The Palmetto stallion roster includes not only Sundance Kid V, but also, for outcross, Always A Jullyen V, by Jullyen El Jamaal, and SF Sir Real, a son of Sir Fames HBV, from a Versace daughter.

Six-year-old PA Kid Khan, out of a Khadraj NA mare, is the heir apparent to Sundance Kid V; he offers what has been called a slightly more modern twist on his sire, while still retaining his quality. And the new kid on the block is another Sundance Kid V colt, PA Phoenix Kid, who at age 2 will be bred lightly this year to evaluate his potential.

“It’s not all pedigree,” Frank explains of how they selected the stallions. “It’s how the horse ‘hits’ you too. Sundance did that to 54 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

“When we were looking at Sir Real, we were looking for a pedigree that had the ability to produce beautiful saddle horses in every cross in its pedigree,” he continues. “He was the best fit we found. It’s the same with Always A Jullyen; he came out of Amazing Grace V, who produced Stan White’s stallion, Amazing Fame V, that won a couple of national championships. And Jullyen El Jamaal has done an excellent job in the western class.”

On an annual basis, the most important decisions in the program now are which mares to cross with which stallions, a project which inhales afternoons of discussion between Frank, Sara and Palmetto Breeding Manager Melissa Bradshaw. Bradshaw, a graduate of North Carolina State in Equine Science who has studied at Colorado State and Ohio State, provides a valuable third perspective in the process. “All three of us name the foals, too,” Frank says of the teamwork. “But mostly that’s Sara and Melissa, although I have veto power.” He pauses for a moment, grins, and revises the comment. “Well, I can veto Melissa’s choices, but probably not Sara’s. I live with her!”

There is no quick gratification in breeding. It’s looking at what you think will work in how the horses are going to cross, and having the patience and resolve to see it through.

~ Frank Chisholm

The Breeder’s Focus—The Future

It is not lost on Frank and Sara Chisholm that with Sundance Kid V turning 20 this year, identifying an heir is no longer a theoretical goal for the future. It has been on their radar for the past few years, but following the stallion who put Palmetto on the map is no easy task. By November, after U.S. Nationals 2014, Sundance Kid V had become so respected in western and hunter circles that there were no 3-year-old prospects left at the farm to show buyers.

“The scary thing—and the exciting thing—for me is what we do to go forward,” Frank says, and he marvels. “Looking back, it seems like Sundance was pretty easy for us.”

Still, he can’t keep the excitement out of his voice (a feat in itself, as Frank Chisholm is, on the whole, laid back and quiet-spoken) when he considers the next few years of testing PA Kid Khan and PA Phoenix Kid. Kid Khan was fourth in the U.S. National Western Pleasure Junior Horse class last year, and at 6, has two foal crops on the ground. And Phoenix, a grandson of Marwan Al

Shaqab through his dam, also appears to have potential; already experimentation in crossing Marwan mares to both Sundance and Kid Khan has yielded promising results. “The babies are so young they’re not under saddle yet,” Frank cautions, “but we’ll see.

“There is no quick gratification in breeding,” he reflects, sounding every inch the breeder Varian and others believe he and Sara are. “It’s looking at what you think will work in how the horses are going to cross, and having the patience and resolve to see it through. It’s not like in halter; you don’t have a baby that when it hits the ground you know will be a national champion. In western pleasure, you don’t find that out for four or five years.”

So, what is on the horizon in the immediate future? Rob Bick is high on PA Kid Khan, his partner in junior western pleasure last year. “He probably has spent more time breeding in the last two years than he has training,” Bick says, “and yet, he’s simple to train. We’d breed him, throw him right on the trailer to go to the show next to other horses, stable him next to a horse he’s never seen in his life, and have no trouble. He just warms up, goes to the ring and shows. He has the perfect attitude—you couldn’t ask for a better-minded horse than he is, and he’s beautiful. That’s the kind of horse you get from Sundance Kid V.”

“But breeding is something you never sit still with. It is always ‘what’s the next step?’ We’ve had a lot of discussions with Rob and Sheila about that, and we’ve picked what we’re going to try for our next steps. The question is, ‘can they be close to as effective as Sundance has been?’

That’s the big question going forward.

And that’s actually what makes it fun.” ~ Frank Chisholm

Ted Carson is equally approving of PA Phoenix Kid. “He is one of the nicest Sundance Kid horses ever born,” he says. “What I love about him is that his quality is good enough for the halter or performance arena, and construction wise, he just fits the bill. He is such a soft creature, besides having the quality. I think he has a lot of future.

“I think what you’ll see is the next generation of stallions come through for the hunter and western divisions, and it’s going to be Sundance sons,” he continues. “You can kind of see it happening already.”

And Frank and Sara Chisholm? “We know Sundance is a proven entity, and Always A Jullyen V has done really well in the hunter classes,” Frank says. “But breeding is something you never sit still with. It is always ‘what’s the next step?’ We’ve had a lot of discussions with Rob and Sheila about that, and we’ve picked what we’re going to try for our next steps. The question is, ‘can they be close to as effective as Sundance has been?’ That’s the big question going forward.

And that’s actually what makes it fun.” n

Volume 45, No. 10 | Western 55

Proudly owned by Frank & Sara Chisholm • 4506 Langston Road, Timmonsville, SC 29161

SF

PA Kid Khan

By Sundance Kid V Out of Kharrea PGA

SF Sir Real

By Sir Fames HBV Out of Veronica GA

Sundance Kid V

By Desperado V Out of Sweet Shalimar V

PA Phoenix Kid

By Sundance Kid V Out of Pamila

Always A Jullyen V

By Jullyen El Jamaal Out of Amazing Grace V

Contact breeding manager Melissa Bradshaw at 843.346.5874 • palmettoarabians@aol.com 56 Western | ARABIAN HORSE TIMES

www.HighlandPrideArabians.com

+//

Sharem El Sheikh

Eternety Lovins Khrush SSA

Tomboy Khadraj NA Lovin Spoonful VF

El Shaklan Samanna *Hal Gazal Hal-Kirsten *Ponomarev Khatreena NA Fame VF+ ET Gamaara

EA+/ Padrons Psyche

Magnum Psyche

Truly Fame Miss

A Fancy Miracle Fame VF H H Krista

Padron Kilika Sasaki Medina Azahara Bey Shah Raffoleta-Rose Garis Shamus Sahib

For breeding information contact: Laura Cronk at 760-716-2265 | HopeReignsArabians.com Rick Nab at 602-524-3959 | rickcnab@gmail.com

Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Sires Scottsdale Signature Stallions | SCID & CA Clear Standing at: Hope Reigns Arabians LLC, Franktown, Colorado

Elegance Refined Western Defined

525 Clear Creek Road | Dawson, Illinois 62520 | 217-801-0793 W W W . R A N D Y S U L L I V A N . C O M

Owned by: Lynn Packer