Arabian Horse World presents
wonderful Wome Wom omen OF World World Arabian Horse World’s annual tribute to some of the outstanding women who have made the Arabian horse part of their lives. It’s our pleasure to share these women’s stories of devotion to the Arabian horse — they are indeed, the “Wonderful Women of World.”
Shawn Crews SHAWN CREWS INTERNATIONAL, WACO, TEXAS
“The first Arabian horse that I saw was the straight Egyptian stallion *Ibn Moniet El Nefous. My father and Jarrell McCracken, then owner of Bentwood Farms, were close friends so I got to visit the McCrackens’ horses several times in my teens. Anyone who ever saw that stallion knows he was unforgettable. “As a child I felt drawn to horses. Not sure where it came from, I am not from a horse family. I wore out the pages on horses in the Encyclopedia Britannica and would beg my parents to stop the car if we drove by a horse in a pasture on the side of the road. “When I graduated from high school, I was not particularly interested in “continuing my education” – as in college – so my father pulled some strings and I was on my way from southern California to Waco, Texas. Shortly after I found myself sitting in the office of Bentwood Farms trainer and General Manager David Gardner. He was none too happy about being asked by the boss to hire a friend’s kid who did not know a thing about a horse. And he verbalized as
“As a child I felt drawn to horses. Not sure where it came from, I am not from a horse family. I wore out the pages on horses in the Encyclopedia Britannica and would beg my parents to stop the car if we drove by a horse in a pasture on the side of the road.” – SHAWN CREWS
much to me. I don’t know how I made it through those early years without getting fired, but it was there at Bentwood Farms that I came to love Egyptian
Shawn Crews and Safina RCA.
horses. I had no idea what a priceless education that time there under David Gardner, and working with some of the finest Egyptian horses, would be. There is no question I would not be doing what I do today had if it had not been for David and his wife Marion. The first and foremost important thing I learned from David is how to dig down deep within yourself, inspire your team to do the same, to bring forth efforts and results that we have not before achieved. The second is this: None of it works without the absolute highest quality horses, and people. Arabian horses have played a role in my life every day since. “Some of my most interesting conversations about Arabian horses have been with Jeff Wallace. If there is a horse that I have not seen in the flesh that I need to know about it, chances are Jeff can fill
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me in. Jeff Wintersteen is another one that I totally enjoy talking horses with. Jeff Wintersteen taught me the history of the Polish invasion. And I always love talking horses with Mark Burke. We both grew up with Egyptian Arabians. Mark has a wicked sense of humor and we have been through some funny stuff together. And, Frank Sponle. I don’t think anyone has ever had a long talk with Frank, but my short conversations with him over the years have been instrumental in some pretty important decisions I have had to make during my career. “There have been so many unbelievable moments with these horses. Seems like it went from my first day at work at Bentwood to finding myself on a 747 cargo plane flying over an ocean taking care of horses that were my best friends and about to meet their new owners in a faraway place. How many people do you know who could barely graduate from high school get to do what we do? “For me, a more recent highlight since I have made my own farm homebase, is the day that Bint Al Riyahh and LV Gamblers Joy unloaded here. Living with them day in and day out is like nothing I have done. Looking at two of the most exceptional mares I have ever known in my own pastures (which back up to the old Bentwood farm) is indescribable. “Still, I have to admit there is a toll for some of us ladies who have dedicated our lives to these amazing animals. That is many missed precious times with our families. I am so fortunate mine has been so supportive of what I do. My family has always shown interest in the horses, but it was not until Joy gave birth to a beautiful filly at my farm last spring that my Mom and I really bonded over the horses. I was surprised and I think she was, too. Just today I got a call from my sister confirming that my Mom is going to purchase an ownership interest in the filly we call ‘Little Joy.’ I think all those missed Thanksgiving dinners are about to be worth it.”
Dr. Karlan Downing KARMA ARABIANS CHILTON, TEXAS
“I saw my first live Arabian when I was in the third grade. I was a reader and “The Black Stallion,” “The Godolphin Arabian,” “The Island Stallion,” and others pranced in my dreams — but Gazi was a wonderful fleabitten grey with a pretty face and a plume of a tail that she carried gaily. Her owner and I rode her double, exploring the back dirt roads and irrigation lanes of Lubbock, Texas. I would reach
Karlan Downing and KMA Angelo.
back and touch the arched tail and down it would drop — only to come back up again. We would both giggle and Gazi would just sigh and seem to say “KIDS!” I watched My Friend Flicka, Trigger, Buttermilk, Silver and all the other wonderful horses on TV and saved my money to go ride a rental horse — but Gazi was the best, most beautiful, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, the Air Force transferred my dad — as it often did — and Gazi became a cherished memory. “Horses have been an important part of my life for as long as I remember — they were in books I read and movies and TV programs I watched. Every cent I had went to rent a horse to ride for an hour! I have a lifelong love affair with horses — as one of my mentors Bill Munson, one of the old *Raffles breeders told me — “Some of us are just born Horsey and we will never be happy without horses in our lives. If left to our own devices, we would probably have hundreds of horses!” When I started the seventh grade, my dad was transferred to Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. There were stables on the base — and a lot of people there had Arabian Horses! “NEVER tell a horse crazy kid they can have a horse if they save enough to buy one! Every cent I made babysitting, my allowance, the money I made doing odd jobs began to add up and a check from a great uncle marked “Don’t save this — it is for something you really want!” topped off the fund. I still remember the Saturday morning it came in the mail — I ran up the stairs where my parents were working on something screaming at the top of my lungs, “I AM GETTING MY HORSE.” When my mother got me calmed down and looked at the check, she looked at dad and just shook her head. Daddy and I started the quest for a horse with $200 in my
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other breeders and watch what works and what pocket! Several horse traders offered horses — one doesn’t. Keep pedigrees tight enough to be good big chestnut gelding managed to dump me twice breeding animals, but do not be afraid to add before my dad said NO. We bought a grade AQHA something new if you think it will improve your horses. mare with a Half-Arabian colt at side, and soon I was Just do not get in so deep initially that you cannot riding my own horse. get out if down the line you decide you don’t like it! My “Goldie and I did well — she was barely green first breeding stallion and several great mares came broke, but I had read every cavalry manual in the from Vivienne’s program and are still represented base libraries, so I knew ALL ABOUT how to train my in my horses generations later. Bill Munson played horse. A young Lieutenant, Rodger Hagel, arrived at a big part in my journey as a breeder, and he sold the stables with a wonderful Arabian gelding named me his broodmare band — with me insisting that he Alideyn. Roger and Alideyn began refining my skills. keep their fillies — so a herd of mares and a stallion Soon I was riding and training horses for some of the traveled from Nebraska to Texas. His horses are still local breeders and for people who had kids getting in our program. His advice was very good — if you bucked off their horses. My dad did not want Goldie inbreed, never inbreed both sides of the pedigree. If to leave the family, so he bought her, and I became you are inbreeding the sire line keep different mare the proud owner of KoKo (Easter Comet), an Anglolines and vice versa. That Arabian gelding that I was maintains a lower cotraining. About a year later, efficient of inbreeding and Earl and Florence Bell allowed “Goldie and I did well — she was barely allows for more hybrid me to buy a wonderful, big, green broke, but I had read every cavalry vigor. Also, the mare line grey yearling son of *Pilot out is the most important of a Yatez mare. Pi-Ko was manual in the base libraries, so I knew part of the pedigree — the the first purebred I actually ALL ABOUT how to train my horse.” stallions were generally owned! He died of Colitis X – DR. KARLAN DOWLING better than some of the the summer of my sophomore mares they bred — so year in college, but I showed choose your dam lines carefully. I also got breeding and rode lots of horses for people in the Denton area. stock from the following breeders who had programs I bought one of my foundation stallions, Wezy, from a that were producing horses I liked: Trish Hewitt, breeder in Idaho when I was finishing my junior year in Bazy Tankersley, James Rooker, Gina Manion, Lois med school and several mares soon followed. When I Selby Perry, Jimmy Dean, Al Ehnle, Dick Lodwick, finished my residency and went into practice, we had Gerry Donaghue, and one of the most important, six or seven broodmares and Karma Arabians was on Paul McDannald and wife Barbara who sold me my its way! I bred my first horse in 1972 — and obviously first Spanish mare – Spanish Splendor (Abha Gamir all were Arabians. x Bardi). She has been extremely significant in my “I was fortunate to be able to visit and learn from program and my friend Paula O’Keefe has been a many of the older breeders in the U.S., but the one tremendous help in learning about the Spanish lines. breeder I would have most loved to learn from was “It’s hard to name the brightest moments the Duke of Veraga — a Spanish breeder who was a because there have been so many! The times that direct descendant of Christopher Columbus and used KM Aristoson and my mother and I traveled all over five Skowronek daughters and produced some of the to Nationals and other shows together. I still miss Spanish horses that I have admired. Unfortunately, calling to give her updates on babies and show he was killed in the Spanish Civil War and many of results. Showing my homebred gelding KMA Angelo his horses were lost — but they remain influential to the first U.S. National Championship that I myself in Spanish lines today. His knowledge and skill as a won on one of my horses and riding my mare PKA breeder would have been something I would have MPossibleDream to reserve behind him. She was loved to be able to share! bred by my best friend Patricia Gerdes from stock she “I was fortunate to be able to talk about Arabians got from me! Probably the biggest is being able to with many successful breeders in my early years. see horses I bred make their owners happy whether Vivienne Rulien was one of the early breeders who in the pasture at home, at Nationals, in endurance, helped found IAHA and the Intermountain Arabian hunter or all other endeavors and also watching Horse Association. I have always followed guidelines youth riders learn and win riding my show horses she taught me for success: Don’t breed fads! Picture loaned to them at Youth Nationals!” your perfect horse and breed to that image. Watch A H W > 90 < S P R I N G 2 0 2 1
Granger Durdin MAGIC MOMENTS STABLE, HOUSTON, TEXAS
“The first Arabian horse I ever saw in person was DLK Fixfire Flame. The first truly famous Arabian I saw was *Aladdinn. “The Arabian horse became such a big part of my life when I was five years old because my mom started a small breeding farm in Florida, and I wanted to ride every day. Arabians play a huge role in my life today because I own and ride out of Magic Moments Stable in Houston. We currently have 85 horses and are expecting 20 foals for 2021. We have three trainers and two interns, and they teach 200 lessons a week, from beginning riders to advanced students ready to
“My mentors were Ray LaCroix and Tom McNair. Tom McNair came into my life first when I was 13, and he taught me that you must work hard to achieve your goals and you also need to know how to take care of your horse and not just show up to ride.” – GRANGER DURDIN
show. We bring in Lurena Bell who is an exceptional professional dressage trainer for my lessons and to provide further instruction for the trainers and interns. “If I could discuss Arabian horses with anyone, I would choose Lydell Sannes. He was instrumental in my interest in Polish horses. He had an impressive collection of the Polish Stud books, and I got several of my foundation horses, as well as a love for the old bloodlines, from him. He was extremely knowledgeable at the Polish and Spanish bloodlines and very talented at creating beautiful athletic horses. “My mentors were Ray LaCroix and Tom McNair. Tom McNair came into my life first when I was 13, and he taught me that you must work hard to achieve your goals and you also need to know how to take care of your horse and not just show up to ride. Ray LaCroix taught me the importance of understanding the way horses think and learn so that when you are training your own horse you are able to make your work effective and have them retain what they learned. “One of my brightest moments with this breed was when Ralvon Rizin Fenix MM won U.S. National Champion Half-Arabian Sport Horse Open and Amateur, and then went to IALHA National Championships and won three more National Championships in-hand. He was the first horse to win National Championships from my breeding program.
Granger Durdin and VA Ralvon Crusader.
Another bright moment for me was when Fiona GI won National Champion at 2020 Midsummer Nationals in Open Half-Arabian Mares. She is one of my heart horses, and I fell in love with her and bought her so that I would have something positive to focus on while I was going through cancer treatment. Another bright light for me was when I was helping a child who was non-verbal, by letting her ride my mare Mystics Magic, and after about 10 rides, she just started talking in full sentences. To this day, using the horses to help disadvantaged children is one of my passions.”
Ashley Guimaraes LUCHO GUIMARAES ARABIAN SHOW HORSES SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
“The first Arabian horse I ever saw was La Duquesa on the cover of a magazine when I was five. She was owned by my aunt and uncle, Catherine and David Straz. My aunt had sent it because I watched the ‘Black Stallion’ all day every day and I was hooked. It wasn’t until I was 20 years old that I saw one in person. I’d grown up with Quarter Horses on a family ranch, but had never been around Arabians. My family moved to Utah and we visited Taylor Ranch. *Aladdinn was not a name I knew well, other than it was a horse from an old VHS we watched as kids. He was one of the first horses I saw, corner stall on the right. That day my family left purchasing three horses, one of which I call my ‘heart’ horse, a black straight Egyptian stallion named TR Black Suede, who I still have!
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“I started going to the ranch almost daily and that added to my passion and love for this breed. Five more horses and about seven years later, we moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. I had the opportunity Ashley Guimaraes and *TR Black Suede. to work with some great people and training centers here. Then on August 1, 2016, my husband, Lucho, and I opened our training center, just over a year after getting married. I love it; it has been a lot of hard work, but has also been so rewarding. The relationships you build with these horses, the way you grow to love them, and how they love you back is worth every bit of hard work, and I can’t imagine my life any different!
“I absolutely love any opportunity to talk about the past, hearing stories about the shows and the horses that have been so influential in our industry today. I love watching Lasma auctions and Nationals videos from the ’80s!” – ASHLEY GUIMARAES
“I absolutely love any opportunity to talk about the past, hearing stories about the shows and the horses that have been so influential in our industry today. I love watching Lasma auctions and Nationals videos from the ’80s! “At the risk of sounding cheesy, my mentor is Lucho. I’ve learned from many different people, seen a lot of different things, but the way he is with a horse without saying a word is incredible. He watches every detail, always has a reason behind everything he does, and most of all he is fair to them. His knowledge of pedigrees has always astounded me, and his stories of horses from the past never get old. I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to pay attention to the little details of a horse; simple as it might sound, it’s so important! “I love being able to watch clients grow. We are now on third generation breeding of some horses, and
it’s incredible to see the babies we birthed now having babies themselves! Watching my children grow up with Arabian horses is a dream come true — our now 16-yearold riding in Scottsdale for the first time is a moment I’ll never forget. The bonds created thanks to this incredible horse are forever, and I’m so blessed that they are part of my life.”
Janet Henderson RIVENDELL FARM PORT COLBORNE, ONTARIO, CANADA
“The first Arabian I saw (1974) was a stallion bred by the Manions (Indiana) and owned by the Arndts. His name was Legendary Shahi (Bayron x Delta (Rifraff). He was a lovely grey horse with the most amazing temperament. He sired some great horses and was recognized in the Trakehner stud book. He was the epitome of the versatile Arabian. “I grew up in a small city in a subdivision. At age three, my mother paid for a pony ride at a fruit market – that lit the fire. My parents relented when I was 10 and gave me 10 riding lessons and then occasional Janet Henderson. spring break riding camps. I read everything on horses including their 55-millionyear evolution. When I was 14, I came across the story of Lady Anne Blunt and the Arabian breed. When I was 16, I had a part time job and a driver’s license and have never looked back. I have this amazing life with my husband, family, and Arabian horses. I have six judging licenses and an O-1 Visa, which allows me to travel all over North America. I have clients with FEI gold medals, National Championships, and some of the best trail horses. We have bred a National Champion and horses with Regional and National accolades along with Legions of Merit and Excellence. Our family competes in long distance, dressage, sport horse, and at one time, hunter. Our daughter is an equine veterinarian with the ACVSMR accreditation. Our son and son-in-law are both farriers. “I would love to meet Lady Anne Blunt. What an
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amazing woman! Her courage to forge her own path with Arabian horses is inspirational. I would be content to listen to all of her stories. “My mentor was Peter Cameron. I will never forget the phone call 32 years ago, inviting me to become a learner judge. The opportunity to learn from Peter and the bond of friendship that grew over the decades is a most cherished part of my life. He expected a phone call after every show, whether we were competing or I was judging – he wanted a full report. If I forgot to call, he would call me and let me know! He kept track of all of my
“My mentor was Peter Cameron. I will never forget the phone call 32 years ago, inviting me to become a learner judge. The opportunity to learn from Peter and the bond of friendship that grew over the decades is a most cherished part of my life.” – JANET HENDERSON
Maddi Camacho Larkin with her children, Lukas and Alexa.
To this day, I run into people who say, “I didn’t know Arabs could work cows.” I grew up with my parents using our Arabs for everything outside and inside the show pen. We would always go to brandings and gathers
continuing education. Peter taught me to always give every horse a fair look – he taught me to listen and how to spin to keep an eye on the whole ring. I don’t claim to have his photographic memory, but I do my best! “I will never forget my daughter’s first National Top Ten in 1999. Sending my son and daughter out the driveway in 2010 to WEG – Drew as the Canadian Endurance Team Farrier and Bri as the Canadian Endurance Team Vet – is forever etched in my memory. When we took our stallion, Rivendell Elessar, to his first FEI endurance ride at the Biltmore in 2014, our goal was to finish. He came second. He now has his Legion of Merit. Certainly, winning a National Championship in 2017 was a highlight. Training my Half-Arabian mare, Rivendells Arwen to Prix St. George has given me a sense of accomplishment. She has her Legion of Excellence. “I love that my whole family is in the horse world. I love that I never stop learning and will never stop sharing the love of Arabian horses.”
and take our purebred & Half-Arabian mounts. I’m very excited that my kids will soon be doing the same things on my retired show horses!
“I grew up with my parents using our Arabs for everything outside and inside the show pen. We would always go to brandings and gathers and take our purebred & Half-Arabian mounts. I’m very excited that my kids will soon be doing the same things on my retired show horses!” – MADDI CAMACHO LARKIN
“My mentor in the breed would have to be my mom, Katy Camacho, who passed away in 2008; she’s the one who I would want to discuss the breed with in the present. She was a phenomenal horsewoman and had the patience of a saint. She had quite the touch with horses and would never take a shortcut to get a finished horse. Her love of the traditional California Vaquero and
Maddi Camacho Larkin
the ways of a finished bridle horse were her passion.
NIPOMO, CALIFORNIA
“The first Arabian horses I remember seeing were the ones raised by my parents. Mostly Abu Farwa and Bay-Abi offspring. Those lines were a family favorite, and we always had the most beautiful and friendly foals. “Arabians have influenced my life in such a big way. I love showing in the working cow/reined cow classes, herd work, and cutting. I really enjoy being able to compete successfully in those classes on my Arabians.
“My brightest and proudest moment to date would be 2020 U.S. Nationals. My husband, Wes, and I showed two awesome chestnut mares and came home with five National Championships. VG Tsatine won the open and amateur purebred herd work and Sin Derella WP and I won the Half-Arabian herd work amateur, Half-Arabian working cow amateur, and the Half-Arabian reined cow amateur.”
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greatest mentors because they always encouraged me to follow my passion and continue learning. They supported me through years of lessons, horse show weekends, heartbreak, and they shared in my overwhelming joy. They taught me that when things get tough the tough just keep going. This mentality proved to be essential, because passion only gets you in the door; it’s hard work and dedication that earns you a place. “From the expected joy of celebrating show ring successes to the unexpected bond I formed helping my mare recover from a career-ending injury (she made a full recovery), I’ve had some incredible moments with the Arabian horse. But honestly, my favorite moments have been sharing my passion with the phenomenal people I have met in the Arabian horse community. I remember fondly cheering on a friend when her stallion went World Champion, celebrating with a lesson student when she truly felt confident for the first time, and traveling all over the world with friends who share my love of this special breed. The horse gave me my passion, but my friends have nurtured it ever since.
Cat McKenna.
Cat McKenna CAT MCKENNA DESIGN LLC, PHOENIX, ARIZONA
“My first horse, Jasali, was my introduction to the Arabian horse world. She was actually a Half-Arabian, but she was entirely my best friend. I can still remember the thrill of racing through the trails and jumping fallen logs with her and my barn friends. Later we showed main ring hunter pleasure – like a true Arabian, Jasali could do it all.
“The Arabian horse’s capacity to bond with people was unlike anything I had experienced. This profound connection has kept my career tightly tethered to Arabians ever since.” – CAT McKENNA
“I was passionate about horses from a very early age. Maybe four? It was when I found the Arabian breed, however, then I was hooked. The Arabian horse’s capacity to bond with people was unlike anything I had experienced. This profound connection has kept my career tightly tethered to Arabians ever since. When I was out of college, I began training horses and I stumbled into design and photography; they were perfect vessels to carry and communicate my respect for the beauty of the Arabian breed. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have many mentors and influential people encourage my love of the breed. One of the greatest things about the Arabian horse is that it touches all aspects of one’s life. While not traditional ‘horse people,’ my parents are my
Nancy O’Reilly SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EQUESTRIAN CENTER SOMIS, CALIFORNIA
“My first Arabian was a purebred named EF Trific Shoc (SF Specs Shocwave x DA Trifinity). I knew I needed a major life change and a new community…this was my future. That was eight years ago. Now it is my absolute passion and purpose. “Arabians saved my life. They are strong and beautiful. I was in love and knew I would never be the same. They literally gave me a reason to get up after going through a divorce and more changes than I thought were conceivable. They became my True North.
Nancy O’Reilly and SF Stonewoods N Cook.
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“The Queen of England is to this day an avid equestrian and even into her 90s she can be seen riding one of the horses she bred. She is a great leader and horsewoman and has bred most of the Palace’s herd… she loves her horses and I can see her hair in the wind as she rides one of her favorites through the green pastures
“Arabians saved my life. They are strong and beautiful. I was in love and knew I would never be the same.” – NANCY O’REILLY
near one of her castles. I liked her even better when I read stories about her horses. I would love to ask her how horses have helped her with her leadership skills and how they help make her amazing life. “Many people have helped me. I can truly say most everyone in the horse has given me support and encouragement along the way…I just can’t name them all, but I will mention Dr. Krystal McCullogh, who took me to see my first Arabian, and Lindsay O’Reilly French, from whom I have learned so much about the Arabian breed…I love these two women. Southern California Equestrian Center’s motto is: A Place for People Who Love Horses. “I love horse shows. It’s baby time. I love all my babies: Cocoa Chanel, Fastz Eddie, Sir Edward, and all those babies coming. I am a lucky girl, loving my horses, and I plan on getting luckier.”
Vikki Renfrow VALLEY OAK ARABIANS, BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA
“The first Arabian horse I ever saw was *Emigrant at Valley Oak Arabians. I was stunned by his beauty and elegance. “The Arabian horse has become a big part of my life thanks to my partner Manny Vierra. He is so involved in showing and breeding, but his passion for the breed is incredible. Also, learning about the foundation of Valley Oak Arabians beginning with Polish horses, has been very educational as well. I also have the unique opportunity to learn and be present from the very beginning when the foal is born. “Arabian horses play an important role in my life. They have given me the opportunity to travel the world and see the most amazing Arabian horses all around the world and meet so many wonderful people who are now my family and friends. “If I could discuss Arabian horse with anyone it would be Manny Vierra. I am partial, of course. He is very knowledgeable and has been an icon in the Arabian horse business for years, so I have had the privilege to
Vikki Renfrow and Black Diamond VO.
talk and learn from the best in the industry. Of course, the team from Arabians International – Sandro Pinha, Gil Valdez, and Sally Townley – have been indispensable as well, as have Jeff Wintersteen, Michael Weinstein, and I could go on. I thank everyone for the time they have spent to help teach me about Arabian horses. “My mentor in the breed is Manny Vierra; he has taught me so many things but the most important is that peace and beauty are therapeutic values that come with the breed. Just to have the opportunity go out back or down to the barn and walk through stalls and feed the horses carrots or apples, and enjoy their individual personalities is a real privilege. “Oh Wow. I’ve had so many special moments with Arabian horses, however I would say the purchase of Preludio OSB and his win at the U.S. Nationals has been very special. And all the Preludio foals being born in
“My mentor in the breed is Manny Vierra; he has taught me so many things but the most important is that peace and beauty are therapeutic values that come with the breed.” – VICKI RENFROW
the U.S. and at our barn this year. I must also mention Manny’s purchase of AJS Emara Meia Lua. It has been fascinating to learn the history of her great-grandam, *Eldorada, and the story about how her bloodline contributed to Valley Oak Arabians’ early success. Another special moment was the purchase of Aria Qatars Angel and CW Soleil.”
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Quarter Horse-riding husband Dick, who had ridden since age four. At her summer sale, Sheila started describing RANCHO SOÑADO, AMADO, ARIZONA the making of a spade-bit horse in the Vaquero tradition. Then she demonstrated reining maneuvers on Jubilation “As a young girl, I read every Walter Farley book and V, her personal horse. Then she repeated the exercise all the classics like Black Beauty, Misty of Chincoteague, bridle-less. Dick turned to me and said in amazement, Black Gold, and Justin Morgan Had a Horse. I had “This woman really knows what she is doing!” Thus began severe childhood asthma, so I could not have a pony a long friendship with Sheila and journey with Arabian or horse or ride except for the occasional trip to the horses that has brought us both so much joy. I have amusement park for a short pony ride. The park near shared that story many times because it shows you are my home in the Chicago suburbs had a European never too old or too green to follow a dream. Carousel with elaborately painted, beautiful horses “I have many incredible memories with Agracie Girl with flowing manes and large eyes, certainly modeled V who is now 20 years old. Gracie, at age 18, won 2019 after Arabians. The pony ride and carousel were all I National Champion English Trail AOTR with me by 22 asked my Dad to go on at the park. As a college student points out of 15 horses. That night, the temperature had I wrote my art history paper on Delacroix, the Romantic dropped dramatically and rain was pounding on the roof French painter of ancient middle eastern subjects, of the Pavilion in Tulsa. Officials warned us we might have including battle scenes with Arabian horses. to evacuate our horses from the “The first time I recall personally seeing many “I used to drive up in my used Volvo, bought open-sided warm up area to the more secure show ring due to Arabians was as a college from Dexter Volvo, to his farm in the spring to tornado warnings. student at Stanford, when see the new foals frolic in the pastures with “We were first in the draw. I visited George Dexter’s their dams. One day, a friendly man working Just as we entered the ring, the Arabian farm in the there invited me and my older sister to come hail started pounding on the beautiful Nicasio Valley of tin roof. Gracie perked up her inside the gates for a visit. I now believe that Marin County, California. George was a child of the this man was Tim Shea. He let us watch him lead ears when she heard the sound, Depression but worked his a charismatic bay stallion to his paddock. That and she looked around for its source. I put my hand on her way up to be the largest was Bey Shah. I never forgot being close to that withers and said softly, “Gracie, car dealer in Marin County. majestic horse or Tim’s kindness.” you and I have this.” I felt her I used to drive up in my – NAN STOCKHOLM WALDEN relax and we had an amazing used Volvo, bought from round. She has always given Dexter Volvo, to his farm in 100% and takes care of me and anyone else I put on her. the spring to see the new foals frolic in the pastures with “Gracie has won numerous trail championships their dams. One day, a friendly man working there in western and English trail. I have only shown her as invited me and my older sister to come inside the gates an amateur, but she has won with several different for a visit. I now believe that this man was Tim Shea. He open riders, a credit to her. She has a career total of let us watch him lead a charismatic bay stallion to his 13 National Championships or Reserve Championships paddock. That was Bey Shah. I never forgot being close in the U.S. and Canada. At the 2019 Nationals, she to that majestic horse or Tim’s kindness. I remember also placed top ten in western trail open, western trail seeing a beautiful black colt in that pasture and thinking, AAOTR, and ranch riding 55 and over (third place). Since ‘It would be amazing to own a creature like that.’ Never 2010 when she won her first National titles, Reserve in did I imagine my husband and I would one day own the Open and Champion in the AOTR, she has always more than 35 of our own Arabians. Or that we would placed top ten or better at U.S. (except when she was have a breathtaking black stallion of our own, pregnant and skipped 2015-16). She has 21 National MacNificent RS (Maclintock V x Ravvens Skylark), and a Top Tens since 2010. She also has numerous Scottsdale gorgeous bay stallion, Picante Jullyen V (Jullyen el wins, including 2014 when she won Open, ATR, and Jamaal x Precious V), and would be breeding and AOTR Western Trail with me in one day! This is a mare selling them to help make others’ dreams come true. that can greet 25,000 visitors at our annual Pecan “I feel so blessed that at age 50 when I was looking Festival. She has visited with grade school students who for my first horse, I found Sheila Varian’s Arabian Farm have never seen a horse in person, and after reading in California and she sold me Agracie Girl V (Sundance the Farley book, The Black Stallion, came to pet her. She Kid V x Amazing Grace V). Gracie has been my “one in would stand quietly for hours, never stomping a foot nor a million horse.” Sheila overcame the skepticism of my
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tossing her head carelessly around the children. She has worked with autistic children, adults grieving their lost horses, and has befriended the barn cats. “Sheila Varian called her ‘one of the most beautiful mares I have bred.’ In addition to her athleticism, Gracie has won titles in sport horse in-hand as well. Pete Cameron told us, ‘Horses like Gracie can compete in trail against any breed.’ Judge Bill Hughes who judged her at Scottsdale said, “I kept waiting for her to make a mistake, and she never did.” Another clinician, Frank Bell, told us when she was a five-year-old, ‘I can’t do a clinic with this horse because she is too perfect. She has no vices I can work on!’ “In 2014, when Gracie and I won the ‘Triple Crown’ as Champions at U.S., Scottsdale, and Canada, the announcer came down to see me after the U.S. Competition. He said, ‘I usually announce at AQHA shows, but I want to tell you that I have never seen a partnership between horse and rider like you have with that black mare.’ Dick and I took her on a couples’ ride with the famous Ranchero Visitadores in Santa Barbara. John Branquino Sr. told me, ‘Nan, you and Dick have the two prettiest and best trained horses here,’ referring to Gracie and our Half-Arab Stars and Stripes SF. That was out of 63 couples coming from a Quarter Horse-rodeo man. I have hundreds more stories about Gracie who has truly been the love of my life. “I would want to talk more with the late Peter Cameron. We were fortunate to meet Pete at a Varian event towards the end of both Sheila’s and Pete’s lives. Pete was a man of knowledge, conviction, and passion for the Arabian horse. He was not timid about doing the right thing as a judge. He held judge’s cards in multiple breeds and travelled millions of miles as a judge. I understand one time when he was judging a halter class of stallions at Scottsdale, he excused the ENTIRE class for gingering tails in the preliminary class. They all came back clean in the Championship. That is leadership and ethics in action. Pete also had a wicked sense of humor. One time at Sheila Varian’s Jubilee Sale in August, he was a clinician. We happened to have a well-trained German Shepherd with us. Pete said, ‘Can I borrow your sunglasses and dog?’ He got a cane from someone else. Then he paraded into the show ring with our dog and cane and said, ‘I know a lot of you feel that we judges are blind when we judge your horses!’ With no offense to the visually impaired, he brought the house down. Then he explained what he looked for in movement, type, suitability, and everything that makes a great horse. “For a person who is still with us, I would choose more time with Cindy Reich at Cal Poly Pomona. She is
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a dedicated master of care, nutrition, breeding, starting of foals, and conditioning. The articles she has written should be in a book. She is totally committed to the breed and students of the breed. I learn so much every day from so many sources…that should be all of our goals regardless of profession…and then pass that along to the next generation. “Of course I have had many mentors. Sheila Varian and her right hand/successor Angela Alvarez are right up there, but one of the most exceptional horse trainers I know is Lester Buckley. Lester has earned the respect of so many equestrians around the world. Jack Brainard called Lester the “greatest living horseman.’ Sheila Varian called him ‘magical.’ The term ‘horse whisperer” is overused, but in Lester’s case he deserves that and many more accolades. He has done it all from starting horses on the Parker and King ranches to being the first American to be invited and to complete classical dressage training at the Nordrhein-Westfalisches Landgestut and Olympic Center in Warendorf, Germany. Lester earned his International Trainers License in Dressage and Sport Jumping from the German FN (national federation). Lester is also unusually modest and comfortable with all kinds of animals. “I have personally seen Lester walk into a round pen with a high-strung colt and calm him almost instantly just with his body language and demeanor. Lester really speaks and reads “horse language.” He a national treasure for those of us who want people to handle and understand horses in a way that keeps humans safe and horses healthy and happy to work. We need to support clinicians like Lester and introduce him to our young trainers so that they can bring out the best in our intelligent, willing, and brave Arabians and Half-Arabians.”
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