DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014/2015
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- INSIDE ARAB HORSE COUTURE VOLUME I
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014/2015 P . 10 - P . 11
I S Y O U R H O RSE L I STENI NG TO Y O U ...W H I L E RI DI NG? Riding in the Classical Way on Your Beautiful Arabian Horse
Written by Jean Paul Guerlain
P . 12 - P. 15
ARABIAN HORSE FINE ARTISTRY FEATURING TRUDY BASTMAN
P . 18 - P . 25
PA S S ION ME E T S FAS H ION AT 2 KGR E Y Chic Equestrian Fashion In & Out of the Saddle Written by Nicole Grey - Fashion Editor
P . 28 - P . 29
AN E QUI N E LAW P R AC T ION E R TRAINER /CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS & THE LAW Written by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law
P . 30 - P . 33
MI N D YOUR OWN BUS I N E S S A BUSINESS LOOK AT BRANDING YOUR BUSINESS Written by Bob Valentine, Ph.D.
P . 36 - P . 41
SUC C E S S FUL SALE – S UR P R I S I NG S HOW 36TH POLISH NATIONAL SHOW & PRIDE OF POLAND AUCTION
Written by Urszula Łęczycka
ArabHorsePromotion.com
P . 42 - P. 51
COVER /FEATURE - AL MALIIK / ACEVEDO ARABIANS AL MALIIK FEATURED ON COVER PHOTO BY STUART VESTY
CHANTILLY 2014
P . 52 - P. 61
BREEDER’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, FRANCE
TALVINA COLLECTION
P . 64 - P . 69
CUSTOM RIDING PANTS P . 70 - P. 71
DEAUVILLE ARABIAN CUP, FRANCE INT ER NA T IO NA L EC A H O B Written & Photographed by Nancy de Saegher
P . 72 - P . 73
T HE STORY OF AR N E LLE AR ABI ANS Written & Photographed by Nancy de Saegher
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CONTACT US AR AB H O RS E C O U T U R E LJB PUBLICATIONS LLC 9300 NAPIER ROAD
NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN 48167 USA P: E: W:
001.248.866.8756 info@arabhorsecouture.com arabhorsecouture.com
LAURA J. BRODZIK OWNER/PUBLISHER
EDI TO RI A L LAURA J. BRODZIK Logo Design Augusta Hammock
WELCOME
l auraj @arabhorse c out ure .c om
Editor-In-Chief RANDALL E. BRODZIK randalle@arabhorsecouture.com
Operations Editor JENNIFER DIEHL TEMPLIN jenniferd@arabhorsecouture.com
Business Manager
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE DEBUT ISSUE OF
LAUREN M. BRODZIK laurenm@arabhorsecouture.com
Technical Editor
ARAB HORSE COUTURE!
NICOLE GREY nicolegrey@arabhorsecouture.com
We are glad to be in attendance at the 2014 World Arabian Championship Horse Show in Paris. Look for Arab Horse Couture Owner/Publisher, Laura J. Brodzik, in the VIP section. Cover & Stud Farm features are available for 2015. Book your exclusive feature today!
Fashion Editor
C O NT R IB U T O R S Jean Paul Guerlain - France Bob Valentine, Ph.D., USA Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law, USA
“Très Chic Arabian Horse Magazine”
Yamilé Sadok - ParisLeMag - France Hares Fayed - Al Badia Magazine - Dubai Urszula Leczycka - Arab Horse Promotion - Poland
The first fashion forward très chic Arabian horse magazine in the industry! Indulge yourself in the lifestyle & fashion that is Arab Horse Couture.
Nicole Grey - Fashion Editor, USA Myriam Dat - Photographer/Writer, France
P R INT & P R O D U C T IO N LAURA J. BRODIK Production Controller lauraj@arabhorsecouture.com
SU BSCRI P TI O NS info@arabhorsecouture.com arabhorsecouture.com or 001.248.866.8756
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LJB Publications LLC - All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, scanned or electronic process without prior written permission from the Publisher.
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ARN ELLE ACA PULCO JS Marrak x Platinum Fantasie
CHAMPION ARABIAN STALLION IN-HAND AND DRESSAGE. OWNED BY CHRISTINA DE KRAGH OF GUERLAIN STABLES, FRANCE.
Fresh cooled & frozen semen available worldwide in 2015. CA & SCID CLEAR
Please contact: vitalcell.km@bluewin.ch
Nancy Photo All Rights Reserved
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- WRITTEN BY JEAN PAUL GUERLAIN -
I S YOU R HORS E L IST E N ING TO YOU. . .W H IL E RIDING? Riding in the Classical Way on Your Beautiful Arabian Horse
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uerlain is a French perfume house, amongst the oldest in the world. The House of Guerlain was founded in 1828 when Pierre-Francois Pascal Guerlain opened his perfume store in Paris. Jean Paul Guerlain is fourth generation Guerlain and the last family master perfumer. Jean Paul currently works as a consultant for Guerlain and continues to travel the globe to develop new fragrances.
sides. Then the minute he points even a tip of the ear off to one side, ask him to move away from the leg or bend a little to the right or begin transitions in and out of the trot. Do not get stuck on one thing and think--oh great this is good. Do one thing and then think now I should remind him again that I am here and in charge.
Arab Horse Couture is extremely pleased and honored to feature a bi-monthly column written by Jean Paul Guerlain. In the past, in addition to his role as master perfumer for the House of Guerlain, Jean Paul also accumulated World Championships in Dressage and Carriage Driving. Jean Paul will be sharing his extreme talent for training and his love of horses with the readers of Arab Horse Couture.
Sometimes this is all impossible because my horse is having a selective hearing and chaotic stallion day and he wants to have a spin out of control party with me as his guest. In this case, I either have to ride him forward to let off steam or I must close myself around him like a bird protecting its eggs. I make myself heavy, reassure him that I am there and I am stable and I am not going to his party. In either case, a rider needs to adopt this scenario with conviction, because if I choose to push my stallion forward and then hesitate, he knows and then I am for sure at his party. If I choose to make myself a ball of reassuring stability, I must not lose my balance or release my core or lose the contact for even a second because then the ball becomes a flat tire and again it is party time. On other horses, they may never actually throw a party, but are more the “always trying not to listen” types, sometimes even sticking their heads up in the air, neighing out and drifting off into outer space when you are trying to do a circle, etc.
Dear Arabian Horse Lovers: One of my horses makes it perfectly clear to me that he is listening by the position of his ears, by the softness of his breath, by the attitude of his expression, and the effort he puts into the things I ask of him. However, there are some days when he comes out a little fresh or perhaps a little cheeky and you know immediately that this is a day that he will do everything he can to pretend he cannot hear you. He will avoid the leg and prick his ears off to the side of the arena and sometimes even give me a little squeal of boisterous play. On these days, I have to always be one step ahead because if I cannot retain his concentration and let him take advantage of that for even a second, then the pricked ears and squeal become an impromptu capriole or reining spin. My trainer used to tell me that my horse had selective hearing, as he could always hear when dinner was being served. On these selective hearing days, it is up to the rider to take charge immediately, but without generating more tension. Some riders would pull the horse’s head in deep or to one side and use strong leg aids, or speedy fast mini circles to put the horse into submission. Maybe a very strong rider less technically adept would have some success in getting the horse under control, but a smart horse would soon learn to turn their selective hearing into deafness and become numb or dangerous in the process. My trainer says instead to find a way to keep the horse always thinking so there is no time for him to let his boisterous side take charge. So if I feel that my horse is in an “I might not listen to you mood“ I very quickly start doing things to keep his mind on me. If you are a good rider technically, you may not even see these things from the ground but you are working silently and subtly to let the horse know that you are there and you are in charge. At the walk, flex a little to the left, then a little to the right--gently to each side, then ask a little left leg to see if he moves off and then a little right leg to check he is moving away from both A RA B HORSE C OUTUR E
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With these horses, it is sometimes better not to try to do too much and just concentrate on a single thing. A horse that is a bit chaotic mentally needs a rider that sticks to a certain pattern and this is where precision can become your greatest tool. If you choose to ride a circle, make it perfect forward and even if you lose attention, focus on your own line and on keeping yourself as direct and as delicate as possible in your aids. I find that if you focus on precision and repetition, these horses will gradually find calm from your technical direction and begin to trust in you to lead them and open their ears up to what you have to say. If your horse has neither of these traits, then a patient caring rider will understand that a horse is a living animal and not a mechanical device. Like us, a horse has its own personality and curiosity about the world around him. On the other hand, if your horse always listens to you and has perfect hearing, well then you are lucky, like Christina de Kraugh with Arnelle Acapulco. I am very proud of them. They won two weeks ago at the Deauville Cup in France! Surely Christina loves her Arabian stallion. As the great rider Nuno Olivera said, “If you want to ride your horse well, you must LOVE your horse first!” I wish you all a wonderful time with your beautiful Arabian horses. - JPG
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Eden C Stallion Painting by Trudy Bastman Original Photo Courtesy Nawaf Al Johani
Eden C - Stallion A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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AR A BI A N HORS E F IN E A RT IST RY Featuring Trudy Bastman, USA
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hilanthropist Trudy Bastman has melded her passion for horses and art into a successful painting career as an equine artist.
Scape Condominiums in downtown Phoenix, Arizona where a total of nine pieces were purchased.
An avid equestrian she is inspired by the old masters such as Rembrandt. “I love realism, the monochromatic backgrounds along with the contrasting light”. When I look at her paintings, I feel the dynamic energy coming from each individual piece. It’s truly overwhelming.
Her work is now in constant demand by her global clients. There is an average four month waiting list for commissions. Trudy currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona where she lovingly cares for her two Arabian mares.
Trudy was recently the feature artist for the RED Development City Written by Nicole Grey
The Chestnut Stallion A RA B HORSE C OUTUR E
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The Greys Eye
trbastman@aol.com A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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Western Pleasure Beauty
TrudyBastman.com A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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AVA F ULL SE AT $ 2 5 0 USD AVAIL A BL E A T 2 KGREY.COM
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PASSION MEETS FASHION AT 2KGREY Chic Equestrian Fashion In & Out of the Saddle Written by Nicole Grey - Fashion Editor
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k Gre y is a r ev o l ut i o na r y l i ne o f cl o t h in g d es ign ed to sh i n e b o t h i n t he s a ddl e a nd o n t he s treet. Origin a lly c o n c e p t u a l i zed by K a r en L i pp, a t o p dr es s a ge rid er, w h o h a s c om p e t ed i n a nd w o n s ev er a l na t i o n a l a n d in tern a tional c om p e t i t i on s , a nd K r i s P i nt o her dr es s age tra in er. K a r en and Kris’ s on l y ins pi r a t i o n a t t he t i me w a s th eir p a s s io n fo r horses a n d ri d in g , b ut a s dem a nd f o r t hei r l i ne grew , th ey kn ew the y ha d t o b rin g o n s o meo ne w i t h f a s hi o n ex p erien ce. T h ree ye ars a g o t h e y wi s el y cho s e t o br i ng o n bo a rd fa s h io n gu ru , Me ryl R a n z e r wh o h a s t a k en 2 k G r ey t o a w ho le n ew level.
NG – How long have you been in the fashion industry? MR – I have worked in the fashion industry for over 30 years as a designer, merchandiser and graphic artist. I have worked in women’s sportswear and private label for Oleg Cassini, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Victoria’s Secret. I also currently teach fashion at Parsons.
NG - Who are some of your sponsored riders? MR – Danielle Goldstein, world–class equestrian in show jumping who is planning on taking Israel to its first Olympic show jumping team for the 2016 Games in Rio De Janeiro.
NG – Where does your inspiration come from? MR - My inspiration comes from your best fitting pair of jeans. We worked on finding the perfect fit, which took close to a year. We wanted to make sure women look great with curves in all the right places.
Dressage rider Kati Dagge, winner of the 2014 USDF Gold Medal and National Young Adult Bretina Cup Champion.
We are as concerned about function as we are about fashion. NG - What makes 2kGrey different from other equestrian brands? MR - Our look comes from fashion, we are not your typical equestrian brand. We decided to push the envelope of what is acceptable in the ring by adding hand-sewn embellishments and crystals. We manufacture in the USA and use only the finest fabrics available, including stretch denim and ultra suede. Pants are made from sportswear denim with recovery and a fantastic fit, which still has enough stretch for performance while riding. Blazers, jackets and show coats have gorgeous piping and unique linings with a four way stretch and are machine washable. We are as concerned about function as we are about fashion.
FEI – North American junior riders, region three team bronze winners.
Marilyn Little – Grand Prix show jumper and international event rider. Tina Konyot – United States Dressage Team rider at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2010 World Equestrian Games. It has been exciting for 2kGrey to sponsor the ESP (Equestrian Sport Productions) shows. We love the venue and the riders. The exposure has been wonderful. 2kGrey is also sponsoring several classes in the various shows that Equestrian Sport Productions hosts at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, throughout the autumn and the winter.
When I am not riding, I pair them with a blazer and tall boots to go out in the evening or cute flats to go shopping during the day. The sophisticated blazers and dressage coats with intricate pleated trim are easily paired with a pretty skirt or a great pair of jeans. 2kGrey also offers other clothing items, as well, including modern t-shirts and accessories. I would highly recommend this fashionable line to those who ride, but also to anyone who loves equestrian style. You can’t go wrong with 2kGrey!
Nicole Grey is an acclaimed fashion and entertainment stylist from Connecticut. A purveyor of luxury goods, she has owned nine stores on the East and
NG - What are your plans for 2kGrey in 2015? MR – Bling is not necessarily for everyone and we would like to include more basics, including more fashion colors and basic color styles.
West Coasts of the United States.
NG – Where can we find 2kGrey? MR - We can be found online at 2kGrey. com and in over 30 stores including the USA, Canada and South Korea. SkylandsSaddlery.com also carries the full line.
Manor of Hurstpierpoint and she currently resides in
NG - I personally love 2kGrey and own several pieces. The chic pants are extremely comfortable, stylish and come in several unique designs and colors.
Magazine.
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Nicole advises her U.S. and international clients on stylish and appropriate dress as well as etiquette at sporting events. An avid equestrian since the age of six, she has participated in horse-related activities around the world. Nicole holds the title of Lady of the the San Francisco Bay Area with her horse Zulu and her dog Bandit. Nicole is also a writer, prop stylist, model and film producer. Her work has been featured in Marin Magazine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine and FSHN Nicolegreymagazine@gmail.com 415.713.3456
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PAS OP! KN EE PATCH $250 U SD A V A I L A B L E A T 2 K G R EY . C OM
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AVA KN EE P AT C H $250 US D A V A I L A B L E A T 2 K G R E Y .C O M
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FR A N C E S S H O W JA C KE T $ 4 9 0 U SD A V A I L AB LE AT 2K G R EY. C OM
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OLYMPIC FU LL S E AT $250 US D A V A I L A B L E A T 2 K G R EY .C O M
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H A RL E Y S HOW JACK E T $ 4 9 0 USD AVAILAB LE AT 2 KGREY.COM
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CALECTO V FU LL SEAT ( R IG H T ) $250 U SD A V A I L A B L E A T 2 K G R EY . C OM 1 -
2611 8th Avenue Suite 2c New York, NY 10030 Meryl Ranzer, Director of Design & Partner 917.834.8139 Meryl@2kGrey.com 404.467.9030 (fax)
P AS OP ! K NE E P ATCH $ 2 5 0 USD AVAI L ABL E AT 2 KGREY.COM
INFO@2KGREY.COM
2KGREY.COM
CALECTO V KN EE P AT C H ( L EF T ) $ 2 5 0 US D A V A I L A B L E A T 2 K G RE Y .C O M
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AN E QUI N E L AW PR AC T IONER TRAINER/CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS & THE LAW Written by Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law Julie Fershtman is one of the most experienced Equine Law Practitioners in the USA. A Shareholder with the firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, based in Michigan, she has successfully tried equine cases before juries in four states. She has also drafted hundreds of equine industry contracts and is a Fellow of the American College of Equine Attorneys. She has spoken on Equine Law in 28 states, including the nation’s largest equine industry conventions. For more information, please visit: fershtmanlaw.com - equinelaw.net - equinelaw.info. Horse trainers and automobile mechanics have nothing in common. Cars can be fixed, but some horses, by comparison, seem impossible to break. Mechanics usually can estimate the time and cost needed to restore a car to proper performance, but few horse trainers can estimate how long it will take to turn a horse into a polished performance prospect. And no trainer gives a “six month/6,000 mile warranty.” The trainer/customer relationship creates fertile ground for disputes. For example: - A horse owner, after visiting the trainer’s facility a few times but not seeing his horse in active training, might assume that the trainer has done nothing. - After spending thousands in training fees, the owner might receive long-overdue news from the trainer: the horse is simply not capable of performing at the level the owner desires.
the event of an emergency (who to contact, authorization to seek veterinary attention on the owner’s behalf, and more), whether the trainer can solicit or accept offers to sell the horse for a given price, and the applicable state law. Contracts can also include releases of liability (where allowed by law), insurance requirements, indemnification, and many others. 4. Professionalism. Horse training is a serious service business. The relationship works best when both parties take their obligations seriously. For the trainer, this means training the horse as promised and in good faith. For the customer, this means paying the trainer on time. 5. Law and Disputes. State laws can directly impact how a trainer must proceed as to certain types of disputes, and all of these laws differ state-to-state. These laws include:
These were real disputes, and people involved in them considered pursuing legal action. Many trainer-client disputes, however, can be avoided. Here are some suggestions to help trainers and their clients work better, address problems, and maybe prevent problems from occurring:
• Agister’s lien laws/stablemen’s lien laws, found in most states, address how a stable or trainer can take drastic action involving a horse left for care and keeping if payment has not been timely made. • In some states, trainers must comply with debt collection practice laws. • State laws also determine maximum interest rates trainers can charge on unpaid balances.
1. Discuss Goals. The best time to discuss training goals is before the trainer/client relationship begins. Maybe the client wants a hot-off-the-track Thoroughbred to become a competitive A-Circuit Show Hunter. Maybe the client believes his slow-legged horse will be a top-notch Western Pleasure winner. Maybe neither of these clients wants to keep the horse in training for more than a few months. Communication will help the client decide which direction to take – sell the horse, “take a gamble” on more training, pursue different goals, or get another opinion. Communication can also help prevent bitter feelings in the future.
Knowing the law is only part of the process. Trainers should be mindful of when to assert their legal rights. Trainers rushing to court too hastily against their clients, such as lawsuits involving unpaid fees, might be surprised when confronted, in response, with a counterclaim (a counter-suit) brought against them for negligent care of a trained horse. Regardless of who ultimately wins the case, legal expense and disruption to both parties from a lawsuit might be far more than either bargained for.
2. Promises. Lawyers know that promises of future performance, as a general matter, are not necessarily fraudulent statements. But trainers who promise a horse’s future performance are creating unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, all trainers can fairly promise that they will use their best efforts to train a horse as agreed in an effort to satisfy their clients’ goals. 3. Contracts. Everyone in a training arrangement stands to benefit from a carefully-drafted training contract. At a minimum, the training contract can include: a statement of purpose of the training, fees and payment obligations, payment deadlines, what to do in
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6. Ending the Relationship. Not all trainer-client relationships will succeed. When the relationship ends, all accounts between the parties should be promptly settled. Also, both parties should think carefully before “bad-mouthing” the other; the right of free speech in our country is a constitutionally-protected guarantee, but there are legal limits. Claims of slander (spoken defamatory words), libel (written defamatory words), disparagement, and illegal interference with the other’s business relationships could force the parties’ relationship to continue for a long time – in a courtroom. This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.
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M IM I NK NOFAL NK X CINNAMON N SPICE VLA
OWNED & BRED BY NK ARABIANS Nofal & Muntaha Kahook, Jordan Cinnamon N Spice VLA - Bred by Valentine Arabians, USA Bob Valentine, Ph.D.
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- Written by Bob Valentine, Ph.D. President - equineGenie - Horse Business Management System Owner - Valentine Arabians
MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
B
A BUSINESS LOOK AT BRANDING YOUR BUSINESS
randing is one of the most important activities within any business. Branding generates market awareness. Market awareness generates potential customers. Potential customers become customers. Customers buy your products. That was easy! Now the world knows about you, wants your product, you’re having fun making money, and life is good! From 50,000 feet you might think that is all that needs to happen if you want your business to become an icon in your market space and have the world demand your products. Unfortunately, at 50,000 feet it is difficult to see what really needs to happen unless you have the business discipline to take a high resolution look. When you are in business, business discipline raises its demand whip in many different areas – starting with feeding your horses on a regular schedule so they a healthy and happy to taking care of your business’s business at the end of a hard day’s work so your business is healthy and happy. It frustrates me when I think about the number of unhealthy horse businesses I know because they didn’t have the business discipline to take care of their business’s health. They spent way too much time worrying about their facade then worrying about their business’s health.
they went the majority of the time is their ego spent all their money. I have said before, your ego has a terrible return on investment. So, what do you need to consider before you embark on branding or rebranding your business? The first thing you need to do is understand that branding isn’t just a marketing communication exercise. It is first a strategic marketing exercise that you then communicate. And, by the way, there is a big difference between strategic marketing and marketing communications. Email blasts are important, but they are a marketing communications exercise employed after the strategic marketing has been completed. Strategic marketing deals with how to market the business’s products the majority of the time, but marketing is still standing on the shoulders of the business. Branding involves the entire business even if you are a one-horse operation and therefore, a very busy person. If you are a one-person business. you might consider contracting out your marketing. My only caution is, be careful! A marketing consultant who has been around horses for many years might know horses, but it doesn’t mean they know marketing, in particular strategic marketing – check their successes. Be careful they don’t get you into what I call the Chinese marketing trap: There are 1.4 billion Chinese, they all wear gloves, so let’s make gloves and send them all an email blast. No, no – before you do that there are a lot of strategy questions that need answers – market size, available market, served market, market message, glove styles, etc.
Branding your business isn’t easy. I will remind of this more than once in this article. Branding falls in what I call one of the ‘wooly’ areas of business that has to be done. Branding deals with intangibles that are influenced by ever changing tangibles - such as the economy and lifestyle shifts to name a couple. It is like trying to solve a simultaneous equation with three unknowns. It is a lot harder than breaking a young colt! It is probably one of the most difficult things you have to do in business – it ranks right up there with having to make cold sales calls. Oh! And then it has another variable – time! It takes time, probably far more than you ever thought. Think about why the number of horses in the United States has gone from about 45 million to less than 8 million in the last eighty years. I will bet a horse related business that exists today, that was in business in 1935, has probably gone through a business rebranding exercise more than once. Anyone remember windrow rakes pulled by horses? Those windrow rakes sure look a lot different today!
In the branding or rebranding process, somebody has to watch the store to keep the income coming, while someone has to keep the expenses in check, while someone has to keep their hands on the reins of the branding plan, all while marketing does their magic. Why? Promoting one’s brand is not easy, it is time consuming and it can run you out of money before you know it. Further adding to the difficultly is the herd syndrome. It is unfortunate, but a lot of people have a ‘herd’ mentality.
The fundamentals behind promoting your brand apply to any type of horse business. Very few people have unlimited funds and those who do, do because they are not foolish with their money. Once in a while you we will see a horse business appear to be an overnight success that everyone is talking about, only to wonder where they went five years later. Where A RA B HORSE C OUTUR E
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That herd mentality further adds to the difficulty of promoting your brand. Just look at the breeding sales of a stallion the year after they win a national championship, and then look at their breeding sales two or three years later. You will probably think the country is in a recession. But it isn’t, the herd has just moved on to the next national champion.
National Champion Stallion - Actual Five Year Breeding Record
Next you had better have a good product worthy of being part of your brand identity. If you are a boarding stable this means a professionally run, clean, safe stable with well-fed healthy looking horses. This doesn’t take a lot of money and your stable doesn’t have to have fancy stalls. In fact, it only takes a few tools like a rake, a broom, and a wheelbarrow. What it takes more than tools is discipline and oldfashioned ‘elbow grease’. A well run stable can differentiate their business from the area competition, get a higher boarding rate, absorb all their overhead and have a waiting list. If you are a trainer you had better have the same horse environment as a boarding stable, plus the gift of understanding horses and how they think, and you had better produce winners. If you are a horse breeder, the same stable and horse rules apply, but with the added criteria that the horses you produce had better win, or produce winners. Then you need a plan. I mean a real meaningful documented plan that provides you with a roadmap that has defined tasks, milestones, measureable decision points and your business’s message. You will learn a lot about your business, your competition and yourself during the brand planning process. It is okay to talk to people in your market and outside of it as you develop your plan. Einstein stood on the shoulders of Nicolaus Copernicus and Isaac Newton when he formulated his theory of relativity. Be sure to make a plan that can accommodate changes in your market over the plan period. Remember implementing a branding plan takes time and in that time things can change. You might want to include the following in your plan:
4. List what your customer’s can expect from your products. 5. List how you will communicate the difference between your products and your competitors. 6. Include your message to your customers. 7. List the communication materials you will use to communicate your plan to your customers. 8. Include the milestones, cost and decision points for the development of your customer communication materials. 9. Include how you are going to maintain your brand’s equity. 10. Attach milestone dates, expected cost and decision alternatives to every activity in your plan. Another strategy we haven’t discussed is leveraging your brand by piggybacking on someone else’s brand. An example of this is putting your horse with a successful trainer. When the trainer wins with your horse your business wins and your brand is elevated along with theirs. My only caution here is, watch your cost and understand the value it adds to your brand and your business. Is it worth the cost, or is your ego spending your money again? Piggybacking your brand is often a very good strategy for smaller horse businesses. It reduces your capital investment, lowers your fixed cost, and lowers the amount of overhead your business needs to absorb. But, it can increase your horse cost significantly. You need to run the numbers to understand if this branding strategy adds value to your business or just more cost. I can’t leave without reminding you that a good horse business management system will help you evaluate the cost and added value your branding strategy brings to your business. equineGenie is that system! Underlying the success of any horse business and the management system you chose is your commitment to keep your system current and use the information it provides to assist you in making good business decisions. Believe me; you need a Horse Business Management System! But, purchasing one if you do not have the ‘business discipline’ to keep it current and use it is a bad business decision, and probably not the management system’s fault!
1. Your business’s mission statement. (Go back and review it after your plan is complete – it might need to change and that is okay). 2. List your business’s strengths and weaknesses. 3. List your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses.
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To be successful in a horse business does not require a finance education, but it does require business discipline and an understanding of what your financials are telling you. This understanding will enable you to make better business decisions. A good Horse Business Management System will do the calculations for you and analyze and report the results with comments or suggestions. A good Horse Business Management System will save you valuable time you can then use to improve your business. I encourage you to investigate how equineGenie not only helps you manage and care for your horses and manage your business operations and support your customers, but also helps you be financially successful. equineGenie will add value to your business.
Bob Valentine, Ph.D. President GenieCo, Inc. Box 271924 Ft. Collins, CO 80527 970.682.2645 or 970.231.1455 bob@genieatwork.com equinegenie.com Dr. Valentine taught Equine Business Management to graduating seniors in the Equine Science Department at Colorado State University. He has been involved in the horse business for too long. If you have any questions, you can reach Bob at bob@genieatwork.com, or call him at 970.682.2645 or 970.231.1455 (mobile).
M IM I NK NOFAL NK X CINNAMON N SPICE VLA
OWNED & BRED BY NK ARABIANS Nofal & Muntaha Kahook, Jordan Cinnamon N Spice VLA - Bred by Valentine Arabians, USA Bob Valentine, Ph.D.
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S UCCESSFUL SA LE – S U RP RI S I NG S HOW 36TH POLISH NATIONAL SHOW & PRIDE OF POLAND AUCTION Written by Urszula Łęczycka
ArabHorsePromotion.com
T
his year the event at Janów Podlaski State Stud at the far Eastern border of Poland, was a clear confirmation that international success makes the best marketing for the country’s breeding. After a great start of the year for Polish bred horses, young Perfinka by Esparto (bred by Białka State Stud) – Reserve Champion at the International Horse Show in Doha, Qatar, was soon after also awarded as Junior Champion Mare of the prestigious Al Khalediah International Horse Festival in Saudi Arabia. Then Latona by El Nabila B (bred by Michalow State Stud and sold from the Polish private farm to Tameem Stud in Kuwait) – a spectacular gold medal winner and highest scored mare of the show at the Kuwait International Show, they both raised an interest in Polish horses, especially in the Middle East since early this year. And so the Middle Eastern guests started to visit Polish farms, not only a few days before the event, but an entire full week after the event--even a few months before. It could have also been a good pre-vision for the 2014 Pride of Poland sale run this year in mid August with few changes compared to previous years. The sales list of the main auction on Sunday evening started with a big kick-off and four biggest stars just at the beginning of their careers, contrary to the previous years when the most valuable horses were splitting the groups of less attractive ones in the offers order. Three great Gazal Al Shaqab daughters – probably the best show and producing senior mares group in Poland currently, including Perfirka – dam of the young champion Perfinka mentioned above, Polish National Champion – Norma, Polish National Reserve Champion – Alabama and current Białka Junior Spring Show Reserve Champion 2014 – showy Piacolla by Enzo opened the bid. The trick worked and after the prices for the first offers flew up to 250 000
Euro for Norma (to Saudi Arabia), 165 000 Euro for Alabama (to Qatar), 220 000 Euro for Perfirka (to USA) and 305 000 Euro (highest bid, for Atbah Stud, Saudi Arabia) – the excitement of the buyers was large enough to sell even the less attractive and often much older mares for very high prices and end the auction with the total income of over 2 million Euro (during the main Sunday auction) and only four out of 28 mares were not sold. We couldn’t see the offers for around a half million of Euro known from previous years anymore but the fact of selling almost all horses offered and still exceeding the magical 2 million of Euro income from the auction when everywhere (maybe except the Middle East) we hear about the world crisis is unquestionable success. Although only a very few limited places at the main auction were given to the quickly developing and offering interesting horses private stud farms from Poland, they did catch their chances to sell for good prices as well. The highest sold private bred and owned horse was the elegant Fortycja by Pegasus (bred and owned by Bełżyce Arabians) that went for 80 000 Euro to Saudi Arabia. Probably the fact of the most widely promoted horse before the auction and that her beautiful younger half sister was already sold to Abu Dhabi in the spring this year, could help her to achieve that happy goal for her ex and new owners. New in the program since last year was the Summer Sale – run on Monday morning. It was held the same way as the main auction but, it usually contains younger or less quality horses from state studs and most of the private brought horses, although it is sometimes a chance to get an interesting horse for not as high of a price as the day before. Here also most of the lots were sold, with the highest bid
P ER F INK A Esparto X Perfirka/ Esparto Bred by Białka State Stud
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P IACOL L A ENZO (US) X POLONICA/ EKSTERN Breeder Michałów Stud Sold to Saudi Arabia
N OR M A GAZAL AL SHAQAB X NINA/ MONOGRAMM Bred by Michałów Stud Sold to Saudi Arabia
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(42 000 Euro from Saudi Arabia) on beautiful Elfera by Psytadel – bred and owned by Mr. Lech Blaszczyk. As expected, most of the buyers came from the Middle East, although they were more active in the Summer Sale than at the main auction where we could have seen the regular guests of Pride of Poland such as Atbah and Al Muawd Studs from Saudi Arabia or Mrs. Shirley Watts, coming as usual with her husband, legend of worldwide rock – Charlie Watts (the Rolling Stones). This unquestionable lover and collector of Polish Arabians added three mares to her Halsdon Arabians herd this year - Cenoza by Ekstern (240 000 Euro), Emantia by Emigrant (180 000 Euro) and Alhambra by Ecaho (140 000 Euro). New at the auction, but also active in buying a few horses each, were exotic Iran and Namibia- it is certainly a positive sign that in such a difficult time of horse overproduction and a narrowing market, there are some new sources of export for Polish Arabians.
Author, Urszula Łęczycka, with Cients from the Middle East
In the past, far before the Animex auction later renamed into Polish Prestige and lastly – Pride of Poland – the main reason for Polish breeders to gather in the fields surrounding Poland’s oldest Janów Podlaski State Stud (established 1817) was the Polish National Show. Nowadays that most important breeders meeting seems to stay in the shadow of the marketing for the excitement of the auction and even in the widely represented media (TV and press) at the event. Rarely is anyone mentioning the show, focusing on the height of the bids at the auction. But these are the rules of the times, even when the government owned farms, not even talking about the private ones, need to earn money to develop the rest of their breeding. And big money spent publically always brings excitement. There is also another important factor of the Polish National Show known for the attentive observers and especially the entrants for the Polish Nationals. It happens to be more difficult to win in Poland than at some of the biggest Arabian horse shows in the world. The quality of the entries, especially from three big state studs, is out of the question when the fact is that since a few years ago, we observed the lowering number of Polish private owned horses that rather go to compete abroad than attend their own national show. This year it could have been seen more clearly due to the absence of some of the biggest and most successful private breeders in Poland. The reasons mentioned are probably as many as the breeders who decide to leave their horses at their homes, but it should probably be given attention to for the future. Another thing that is characteristic for Polish shows recently and that makes a lot of international spectators surprised is the total scores given to the entered horses, especially of course, class leaders. Some of Middle Eastern guests, coming from the United Arab Emirates, hosting probably few of the most difficult and highest quality shows in the world, couldn’t believe their eyes seeing the numbers from score sheets. Indeed many times, especially in Polish best – senior mares groups as high as a total of 93 points was not enough to enter even the class top five! But the showy presence and elegance “brand-marks” of the Pure Polish horses that could be seen in senior mares and stallions at the Janow Podlaski show can easily make every panel of judges card. Amazed easily so the high point results are just a natural consequence of that “Pure Polish spirit”. Probably the most significant was the appearance of Pogrom – highly promoted, after a successful time spent at Midwest Arabians in the USA, he was a high hope of the Janów Podlaski stud team. Unfortunately this very hot and not easy to show stallion didn’t manage to beat his biggest rival and paternal half brother from Michałów Stud – being in his best condition and presenting an overwhelming trot – Equator. He was the class winner in front of Pogrom and so in the finals – a favorite for the gold medal, with silver to Pogrom and bronze to Eryks – a great moving Gazal Al Shaqab son from Michałów Stud. Those two studs – Michałów and Janów Podlaski, shared the gold medals in the finals half and half – but what is interesting, the several years of tendency for Janów Podlaski Stud dominating with stallion production while the better mares used to come from Michałów Stud, seem to be turned upside-down. This year’s gold medal winners in both colts and stallions went to Michałów (young Kahil Al Shaqab son – beautiful Morion and Equator mentioned above) while hosting Janów Podlaski stud led in bringing successful females – Al Jazeera by Kahil Al Shaqab in fillies and Pepita by Ekstern in senior mares (also Best in Show).
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At this occasion, we could also observe the success of the lease of Kahil Al Shaqab by Polish state studs. Four out of six medal winners of the 2014 Polish Nationals were the sons and daughters of this stallion from Qatar who seem to add a lightness, elegance, length of neck and legs to the Polish horse and what is interesting, most of the time (three medalists sired by Kahil Al Shaqab) it worked well with the daughters of Triple crowned Ekstern, the most successful Polish bred sire for the last 15 years. Ekstern mares and stallions – next to QR Marc and very few by Monogramm and Gazal Al Shaqab sired ones were the great stars of senior classes of the show. The beautiful greys from Michalow Stud – Georgia by Monogramm (silver medal and highest scored horse of the show with 95.17 points), Espadrilla by Monogramm (senior mares top five) and Zigi Zana by QR Marc out of Zagrobla by Monogramm (senior mares top five) accompanied by
also grey Pilarosa by Al Adeed Al Shaqab from Janow Podlaski (bronze medal senior mares) were honored with ovations during the championships prize giving ceremony. The only private bred and owned horse present in the championship awarded horses was Gotico by WH Justice, bred and owned by M Arabians, top five junior stallions. The successful event at Janów Podlaski ended up with lunch and a breeding parade of the hosting stud where, except for the several dam lines with newborn foals shown, the clue of the program – as usual, for the few last years in a row, was immortal Pianissima, in foal for 2015... What other new surprises can the Pride of Poland event still bring? They received the answer already after almost one year!
36TH POLISH NATIONAL SHOW & PRIDE OF POLAND AUCTION
SHIRLEY WATTS WITH HER NEW MARE CENOZA EKSTERN X ELNA/ALEGRO Bred by Janów Podlaski Stud Sold to United Kingdom
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FORTYCJA Pegasus X Florencja/Oset Bred by Bełżyce Arabians Sold to Saudi Arabia
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ARABIAN HORSE DAYS PRIDE OF POLAND AUCTION CONTACT: ARABIAN HORSE DAYS take place at JANÓW PODLASKI STATE STUD 21-505 Janów Podlaski, POLAND ORGANIZER: POLTURF Al. Wyścigowa 4-B/84 02-681 Warszawa tel. (48) 22 857 76 44 biuro@polturf.pl
L A T O NA E L N AB I L A B X L A R A N DA / E KS T E R N Bred by Michalow State Stud Owned by Tameem Stud, Kuwait
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AL MALIIK
Marwan Al Shaqab x Maya El Jamaal 2007 Grey Arabian Stallion (US) Bred by Taylor Arabians Owned by Daniel & Suzanne Acevedo Standing at Argent Farms (US) A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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Al Maliik
COVER FEATURE
Acevedo Arabians
AL MALIIK PROGENY “Aesthetically, he is an awesome horse,” says Andrew Sellman of Al Maliik. The seven-year-old stallion debuted at the Arabian Breeders World Cup in 2014. “He is beautiful to look at, but what stands out to me – what I love most about him – is his character.”
Al Maliik, the 2014 Las Vegas World Cup Bronze Champion Supreme stallion, 2014 Region 14 Champion stallion and 2014 Top Ten US National Champion Stallion, who scored in the top five of all stallions presented In Tulsa, has begun an incredible show career for his first year in the show ring! At the 2014 World Cup, Al Maliik scored the highest for ‘body and type’ of any entry at the show, placing Reserve Champion in Stallions 5-8 Years Old and Bronze Supreme Champion Senior Stallion. Andrew Sellman says this of Maliik, “He’s a great show horse. I wasn’t concerned about him, but you never know how it’s going to come across until you have them in that setting. I was just elated with how he handled himself for the first time in the show ring! First, when he came in, he trotted beautifully, and he was real brave and charismatic. Then when we did the walk with all the other horses at the same time, he was very regal—he was just really proud and did a beautiful walk around. Al Maliik’s stand-up was perfect, which doesn’t always happen, especially the first time you show a horse. He couldn’t have conducted himself any better.” Sellman also states, “Anymore, to be successful on the National, World Cup, or Scottsdale level, a horse has to have everything. They can’t just have one good feature, like a pretty neck, or a beautiful face, or a good body. And this horse does have everything. He has no weaknesses. That makes him successful as a show horse and sought after as a breeding horse.” Ricardo Rivero, who conditioned the stallion in preparation for his introduction to the public at parties in Scottsdale says, “He is so hard to fault. He has no conformational flaws, no bad feet, no bad legs— it’s all-together. While he has a showy presence, his temperament
is exceptionally trainable. He’s so easy to work with and cool in the barn. Anybody can go in the stall with him.” Al Maliik comes by his quality and charisma from his amazing sire, Marwan Al Shaqab and his beautiful Brazilian dam Maya El Jamaal. His pedigree is flawless with multiple International Champions within every generation. Andrew Sellman, his trainer, says, “He’s of a very popular and quality pedigree. Maya El Jamaal is very well respected and Marwan is one of the most important horses in our industry. Al Maliik as an individual is what you would want from both parents. Although a horse can be great on paper and not amount to much in real life, this horse turned out to be everything one could have hoped for from the cross of these exceptional horses.” That, some might argue, is no more than one would expect from a pedigree that includes Marwan, a multi- U.S. National Champion, twice World Champion, European Champion and All Nations Cup Champion Stallion, and Maya El Jamaal, U.S. and Canadian National Reserve Champion Mare. Add to that, Marwan’s heritage of Gazal Al Shaqab (U.S. National Reserve Champion Senior Stallion), Fame VF (U.S. National Champion Stallion), Kajora (U.S. National Champion Mare), Ruminaja Ali (U.S. National Reserve Champion Stallion) and Bey Shah (U.S. National Champion Stallion). Plus, Maya El Jamaal’s family of Ali Jamaal (U.S. and Brazilian National Champion Stallion), Khemosabi (U.S. National Champion Stallion), and the multi-national top ten stallions who went on to become influential progenitors, *Ansata Ibn Halima and El Hilal. Nearly every individual in his pedigree was either a national titlist or the sire or dam of one, sometimes many.
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A L MA LIIK X MI MIST IC A L M AG IC (CA HR MAG IC DR E A M ) (Top) A L MA LIIK X FA N TA SY M (T HE E MA ST E RPIE CE BY PA DRONS P SYC H E ) (Middle) A L MA LIIK X IMPE RI A L K A BI SA H (Bottom)
Michael Byatt, who not only stood Marwan but also imported Maya El Jamaal from Brazil agreed, “I loved Maya. She was an amazing mare that I thought was the ultimate as to what I was looking for in type and quality. Having lived my life with Marwan, it just seemed so obvious.” Danielle Taylor, breeder of Al Maliik and owner of his dam, the late Maya El Jamaal states, “When [he was a foal], I walked the field and he would be the first out of 20 to come up to me. From day one, he never offered to kick; he always happy, always had his tail up. I never had to correct him. [When he was older] I would jump on him in the field and ride him around.” As a lifelong horsewoman, Taylor knew what she was looking at. She has been the breeder of several National Champions, including,
most recently, 2014 Scottsdale Supreme Classic Champion Baahir El Marwan and multi-World and All Nations Cup Champion Baanderos. She gave the new colt time. His childhood was marked with awkward stages, she remembers, but because ‘his whole pedigree is beautiful’, she didn’t give up on him. She watched him, loved him and was just considering a career for him as a show horse and breeding stallion when circumstances required her to sell him. Even then, she searched for the right buyer, and it was Suzanne and Daniel Acevedo who fit her requirements. “They were buying him because they wanted a Marwan colt, not to sell him,” she says. “I felt her heart was in it. He was more than sentimental to me.” Suzanne Acevedo, who owns Al Maliik with her husband Daniel,
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says, “We’ve owned other stallions that are wonderful, but never one like this. He has a different feel about him. I don’t know how you explain it; it’s a demeanor, like he’s a true gentleman. He has the charisma and show attitude, but he’s so gentle. He has heart, so you want to handle him softly. He’s like the old world Arabian paintings of white stallions,” observes Acevedo, citing the celebrated Adolf Schreyer portraits that for more than a century have represented the Arabian horse for its beauty, fiery spirit and partnership with its human companions. “That’s how he acts; he’s majestic. He looks like a horse who can take you where you need to go.” Acevedo remembers getting a call about a Marwan son for sale after the 2013 World Cup. She already was aware of his pedigree, and it took only a couple of looks at two cell phone photos
for her to commit to the purchase. When he arrived in June, she was more than satisfied. “When he got off the trailer, he just had so much star quality,” she recalls. “I had recently seen Marwan, and in the stall he is so majestic; and that is what this horse is like. They have this air about them— but they’re very gentle. It’s absolutely beautiful.” The future is bright with this beautiful white stallion as a show horse and also as a breeding sire. With a small number of mares bred in 2013, there have been some amazing foals born that includes some future superstars. Al Maliik is well on his way. His first filly to hit the show ring at the Breeders Finals in Scottsdale was fourth place out of twenty fillies; she was only four months old and recently weaned. “We are thrilled with the
quality Al Maliik is passing on to his first foals,” says Acevedo. We are seeing amazing bodies, short backs with incredible shoulders and necks. The faces are beautiful with such refinement from the ears to the muzzle. They have their sire’s attitude and charisma that is portrayed with their movement and beautiful tail carriage. We can see the Ali Jamaal and Marwan influence in each foal…it is so exciting to see the pedigree come to life in Al Maliik’s foals!” Al Maliik is the stallion that Suzanne has been looking for to be the cornerstone for Acevedo Arabians. “We believe that he will make our breeding program. We have some exceptional mares, including daughters of Versace, Magnum Psyche, Eternety, Echo Magnifiicoo , Falcon BHF, Enzo , Besson Carol, Petrus Carol, El Shaklan and Magic Dream in foal for 2015. We are so excited for 2015!”
AL MALIIK Pictured with Trainer Andrew Sellman ArgentFarms.com A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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“He’s the next genetic giant,” Ricardo Rivero says. “With his beauty and nearly flawless conformation, he is destined to sire exceptional foals.” From the time Al Maliik spent playing in the pastures of Mississippi for over six years with his breeder and one of his biggest fans, Danielle Taylor, to arriving at Acevedo Arabians and on to the show ring within twelve months, he has won three major titles and will have almost a hundred foals on the ground by the spring of 2015! Sounds like the perfect Cinderella story and a dream come true for all of this stallions’ supporters.
Al Maliik
Al Maliik
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Acevedo Arabians Acevedo Arabians is a small breeding farm located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Another farm has recently been purchased in the Houston, Texas area of Magnolia. Dan, Suzanne, Alexis and Katie Acevedo are the proud owners of Acevedo Arabians home to some incredible Arabian horses. Suzanne has had a lifelong passion for Arabian horses; “Horses were always in my life. I had my first experience with an Arabian horse when I was eighteen and I never looked back.” Acevedo Arabians has been growing and acquiring horses for over twenty years. What started with their first group of mares has grown into a world-class breeding farm with national winning mares by some of the greatest stallions, such as Versace, Marwan al Shaqab, Gazal al Shaqab, Magnum Psyche, DaVinci FM, BHF Falcon and others. Acevedo Arabians is also home to the beautiful Marwan son Al Maliik who is out of the beautiful Ali Jamaal daughter Maya El Jamaal and Armir a son of US and Las Vegas winning stallion the beautiful Arbutuer (Regal Actor x GG Samir daughter). Both Stallions bring some of the most sought after pedigrees as well as great show records with limited showing.
Acevedo Arabians has won many US National Championships, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Breeders Finals and Regional Champions in halter. Most recently, a 2014 US National Champion Half-Arabian mare, the beautiful MM Magnum’s Butterfly, and US Top Ten National Champion Stallion Al Mallik. Maliik was the fifth highest scoring stallion of the show! They have also been successful in the Western Pleasure and Amateur Halter classes. Suzanne, Alexis and Katie have won multiple championships at the US Nationals, Scottsdale and Las Vegas. Suzanne is proud to have her two daughters carry the future for Acevedo Arabians. “I am so happy that I have been able to instill in my daughters the love and admiration of this breed. We are losing the youth to many other outside interests. My husband and I have been blessed to have two daughters that will continue to breed and show Arabian horses. That is what this is all about!” Acevedo Arabians is designing a worldclass marketing and sales center in Scottsdale, Arizona. This beautiful farm is located on Cactus Road in the heart of the major Scottsdale farms. Isaac Taylor of Taylor Ranch is heading up the sales center for 2014, as the facility will be expanded for 2015 with new barns and presentation arenas that are currently being
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built. “We are so excited about this new venture. Our goals are to help the small breeders connect with the marketplace without having to be lost in the major training barns,” says Suzanne. “The plan is to condition and market weanlings to yearlings during the Scottsdale season from October through April.” The future of Acevedo Arabians looks bright for a family that truly loves the Arabian lifestyle. “Our family has worked hard; we have built our farms from the ground up and bought horses that have helped build our success. We have cleaned stalls, completely taken care of our own horses and foaled out our own mares. My daughters have been taught how to work, due to having our own farm, not just having a trainer handle everything. I remember going to shows when Katie was in leadline, Alexis in Walk-Jog and myself in my Amatuer class and Dan was the groom. We won many championships on our own…even up to the US Nationals!” says Suzanne. Acevedo Arabians would like to extend an invitation to all that are visiting Scottsdale to come and visit and experience some amazing horses. “We welcome anyone that would love to visit and share our passion for these beautiful horses!”
Suzanne Acevedo with Bay Oaks Psyignet, Three-Time Reserve National Champion by Magnum Psyche
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Contact information: 208.760.0816 AlMaliik.Stallion@gmail.com AcevedoArabians.com
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National, Scottsdale & Las Vegas Winning Mare LM Magnified with Alexis Acevedo
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Katie Acevedo with National, Scottsdale & Regional Winning Western Pleasure Mare Sagewynd Zarrina
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Written by Myriam Dat of France The Chateau de Chantilly is located in Chantilly in the OISE (near one hour from Paris) in the remarkable site of the valley of the Nonette half-moon, a tributary of the river Oise, deemed a princely city and capital of the horse. The present castle is a reconstruction of the XIXth century, on the site of a medieval fortress, according to the plans of the architect Honore DAUMET (before the last son of King Louis Philippe). This is Henri of Orleans -DUC D'Aumale tried, large collector (1822-1897) who inherits the domain that includes the "little castle" built in the 16th century by Jean BULLANT, as well as the castle, his museum Conde, and the great stables. The collection of paintings of the Museum Conde, in fact the first museum of old paintings (before 1850) in France after the Louvre museum. Composed of more than a dozen rooms, 800 heads of works of French paintings, Italian, Flemish, etc., as well as many objects of arts complement this collection. The major stables were built by the architect Jean AUBERT at the request of Louis Henri de Bourbon, 7th Prince of CONDE, architectural masterpiece of XVIIIth century. They were hosting at the time, 240 horses and 150 dogs divided into different groups for the hunts daily that had held out throughout the year. The French Revolution was the death of this princely era but the major stables were miraculously saved thanks to the army that had occupied it. Only two statues have been destroyed in order to reuse the lead: the statue and its fountain of the course of kennels and the fame which overlooked the roof of the dome, top of 28 meters of height. At the end of the XIXth century, the Duc d'Aumale tried 5th son of King Louis Philippe, will inherit his property in 1886 to the Institute of France to the condition that everything is
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maintained in state. The castle and its dependencies are the subject of several protections in title of historical monuments in 1988. The lawn of the racecourse which hosts in June the event of the Jockey Club and the price of Diane, was the field of competition model and style of the second edition of the Arabian Horse Organization (AHO) Breeder's European Championship the 9th and 10th of August. This site has been chosen by the AHO to honor the race of pure Arab blood. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Director of the AHO, implemented plans to encourage, support and promote the work of the European breeders who have dedicated their lives to perpetuate and improve the race of pure Arab blood; this passion that these latter will be rewarded in the form of premiums. This second edition of the Arabian Breeder’s European Championship has brought together 134 horses in 2014 of very high quality of several countries (France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom, Russia and Poland). A superb competition in a prestigious setting, this competition has seen the number of horses double in this second edition; no doubt that next year, the show will be even more to the height both by the quality and the quantity of the Arabian horses presented.
Chantilly
2014
Breeder’s European Championship FRANCE
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Senior Male Gold
AJA ANGELO
WH JUSTICE X AJA AAISHA Breeder: Mr & Mrs. M. HICKFORD United Kingdom
Senior Male Silver ESPRESSIVO
QR MARC X PSYNESICA Breeder: NV ZOUTEKREKEN-PAUL GHEYSENS Belgium
Senior Male Bronze ELMARAN
AL MARAN X EKSTERA Breeder: WOJCIECH PARCZEWSKI Poland
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Senior Female Gold
JALICIA DE NAUTIAC
WH JUSTICE X SHAFALI DE NAUTIAC Breeder: Haras de NAUTIAC Christian et Rachel BOURRASSE France
Senior Female Silver AL ALIHA
DWD TABASCO X GAHARI Breeder: AL HAMBRA ARABIANS Austria
Senior Female Bronze NESJLA
KAIS X LOASA Breeder: Mr & Mme EVERARS VAN DEN BROEK Belgium
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Junior Male Gold
EQUIBORN KA
QR MARC X ESPADRILLA Breeder: NV ZOUTEKREKEN-GHEYSENS PaulBelgium
Junior Male Silver FEUER JADE
AJMAN MONISCIONE X NEVA BINT VOLGA Breeder: VIEIDER Ivan Italy
Junior Male Bronze EMERSON KA
QR MARC X ELERINA Breeder: NV ZOUTEKREKEN-GHEYSENS PaulBelgium
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Junior Female Gold
FM NEFERTARI
BS SPECIFIC X RESACA Breeder: YEGUADA BIDASOA Family MARTINEZ Spain
Junior Female Silver AL INAYA
WH JUSTICE X AL DAFINA Breeder: AL HAMBRA ARABIANS Austria
Junior Female Bronze PSYCHE KREUZA
EKSTERN X PALLAS-ATENA Breeder: KRZYSZTOF POSZEPCZYNSKI Poland
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Yearling Male Gold
GALLARDO J
EMERALD J X GOMERA J Breeder: BVBA Christine JAMAR Belgium
Yearling Male Silver EA ARJEN EL MARWTEYN
ZT MARWTEYN X ANCHOLY ALI Breeder: Kathrin HAMPE KLINGEBIEL Austria
Yearling Male Bronze POSEIDON OS
AJMAN MONISCIONE X MARYAH OS Breeder: Family STOECKLE-GESTUET OSTEROH Germany
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Yearling Female Gold
MOUNIRA J
EMERALD J X MAGNIFICIENT LADY J Breeder: BVBA Christine JAMAR Belgium
Yearling Female Silver ESTOKADA KA
QR MARC X ESPADRILLA Breeder: NV ZOUTEKREKEN-GHEYSENS Paul Belgium
Yearling Female Bronze MM SANTANA
RFI FARID X SAYONARAH EL BRI Breeder: MATT Mario Austria
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2 & 3 Year Old Female Gold
MM ESPLENDIDA
RFI FARID X MM ELUISE Breeder: MATT Mario Austria
2 & 3 Year Old Female Silver MISSISSIPPI J
QR MARC X MAGNIFICIENT LADY J Breeder: BVBA Christine JAMAR Belgium
2 & 3 Year Old Female Bronze DA MAGIC MOMENT
WH JUSTICE X DA ENFIDHA Breeder: Cornelia A. KOLNBERGER Austria
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Photos by Barbara O’Brien Photos by barbaraobrienphoto.com barbaraobrienphoto.com A RA B HORSE C OUTUR E
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All Breeches may be Purchased on:
TALVINA.COM
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ARNELLE ACAPULCO
JS Marrak x Platinum Fantasie 1998 Grey Arabian Stallion Bred by Arnelle Arabians Owned by Christina de Kragh Standing at Guerlain Stables, France Breeding Information: vitalcell.km@bluewin.ch
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D EA U V IL L E A R AB I AN C U P , FR AN C E IN T ERN A T I O N AL E C AH O B Written & Photographed by Nancy de Saegher Deauville, France, the mythical seafront city in Normandy, associated with so many personalities ...the writer Flaubert; the painter Maler; the filmmakers Rita Hayword, Prince Ali Khan, Jean Gabin, Claude Lelouch; the dancer Nijinski; the fashion designers “Coco” Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent; the photographers Lartigue, Seeberg and Capa. When Arnelle Acapulco enters in the arena you cannot help but stop everything you are doing and take notice; his electrifying charisma and the way he captures the entire audience and owns the ring cannot really be matched by any other ridden Arabian stallion. Arnelle Acapulco won this Championship against tough competition—easily, passionately and perfectly ridden by Christina, as always. Her style of riding is not to control her horse but to feel the horse’s thoughts. His success as a show and riding stallion leaves nothing left to prove.
Deauville is a city with famous historic villas, Normandy architecture, casinos, and...a passion for horses. Two exciting days in a very beautiful and extraordinary location: the “Pole International du Cheval of Deauville”, corresponding perfectly to valorise and to promote the Arabian Horse, to enjoy and to admire fantastic Arabians coming from eight different European and Arab countries—to prove the Arabian horse fascination has no boundaries at all. A lovely show indeed, perfectly organized by Eric Gear and his team, all in a very nice relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The most spectacular fact to mention about this horse is that special relationship, that strange complicity, that bond Arnelle Acapulco has with Christina. She pays attention and listens to what Acapulco tries to tell her and he is just willing to please her and to have fun together. They just adore each other, a very special friendship between a lady and a horse based on mutual respect, affection and love.
I have met old friends, I have met new friends, I have met so many nice people, as we all share a strong passion for those wonderful creatures whose beauty and elegance are an endless source of inspiration. The Arabian horse gets people together and creates friendships and happiness.
An authentic fairy tail…in real life.
The list of the beautiful horses I really loved at this venue would be too long. The high quality classes, beautiful horses, beautiful champions; however, I would like to mention especially Arnelle Acapulco, competing in the ridden class… a fantastic stallion. Arnelle Acapulco, born in 1998 and bred by Arnelle Arabians in France, is out of JS Marrak (Warandes Plakat x Nasoulah) and Platinum Fantasie (Platinum Phantom x Ermine Shadow). All of his ancestors have won many National and International Champion titles in Europe. Arnelle Acapulco is a gorgeous stallion. An alabaster beauty with a lot of charisma, extraordinary presence, lovely character, beautiful eyes, outstanding conformation and tremendous versatility; his owner Christina de Kragh presented him in the ridden class.
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THE STORY OF ARNELLE ARABIANS Written & Photographed by Nancy de Saegher Born in the beautiful countryside near to Antwerp, a diamond city and important port in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, I grew up surrounded by horses. My parents, grandparents, all my family and all my friends had horses. Riding was nearly as evident as breathing in my family. In 1993 I moved with 45 horses to France in the beautiful region of “The Périgord”, a nice location in the southeast of France, near to Bordeaux, where it is so good living--good weather, good food and a good environment for breeding Arabian horses.
I started to ride quite young. I loved to ride and I loved to just be with the horses. I competed in horse events, classical dressage competitions most of the time. In 1980 I had the opportunity, by chance, to ride my friend’s Arabian stallion. That “encounter” was a real revelation…I was completely charmed by the intelligence, gentle contact, presence and aptitude as a riding horse of this Arabian stallion. These qualities were a shock for me as until this point, I used to ride Belgium Warmblood horses and German dressage horses. This was exactly the kind of horse I had been looking for, the horse who matched me perfectly…an Arabian horse.
I bred my Russian mares (daughters of Amrullah, Menes, Vatican, Poulenc, Monitor, Armagniak, Salon, Mukomol) to two Russian stallions I leased: Pegase EF (Menes x Pesenka by Salon), and Aspect 33 (Naftalin x Patriotka by Aswan), the Russian horse with the most impressive race record in the world…6/39=28,6,3,1,1. ASPECT 33 SU (Naftalin by Topol x Patriotka by Aswan), a real “gentleman “ stallion whom I leased at the age of 22.
I decided to buy an Arabian stallion and I found “the” stallion in the Netherlands, AMRULLAH (Procent (Awan x Panel) x Psikhea (Arax x Pika))--a striking bay pure Russian stallion with spectacular movement, extreme presence and grace, a golden character and ridden to perfection in dressage.
I bred my Egyptian mares (daughters of Ibn Faanah, Nawal Moniet S, Ihab Albadeia, Raqqas , Nijamin) to Saroual and Hissaf Al Kabaa.
In the beginning, I used Amrullah to compete in dressage events. I was very proud to become the Belgium National Champion in Dressage, against other breeds. Besides the tremendous satisfaction of riding, I began learning more and more about this Arabian horse, his story, his heritage, and his genetic potential. I became more and more interested in breeding and I started a breeding farm in Belgium. “Arnelle Arabians” was born. The first foals hit the ground in 1985 in the Ferme d’Arnelle, on old historic farm near Namur in Belgium.
And last but not least, the trotting machine, JS Marrak (Warandes Plakat x Nasoulah), Belgium National Champion, French National Champion, father of National and International Champions all over Europe in-hand and ridden who gave me very nice, gentle and beautiful foals! The best ambassador of this “Arnelle” branch is definitely Arnelle Acapulco, out of Platinum Fantasie (Platinum Phantom x Ermine Shadow) proudly owned by Christina de Kragh of Guerlain Stables.
From the beginning, the breeding program was divided into three branches:
In 2003, serious health problems forced me to make the difficult decision to end my breeding business. I sold most of the Arnelle horses and leased the others. Still very grateful to the “real” friends who where there to help me in those difficult moments and who boarded my favorite horses at a time when I was unable to have them with me.
Russian power--with chief stallion Amrullah. My first Arabian horse reveals to be a perfect example of the strong dominance of the Aswan/Arax combination. He represents the bloodlines that produced horses known for their beauty, combined with strength and athletic abilities. His father, Procent, full brother of Palas, was exported to the US, he is the half-brother of Abdullah (by Patron), World Champion.
My health is fine now. I go back to horse shows as a spectator, ride again and I am thrilled to see that the “heritage of Arnelle Arabians” will stay in the minds of passionate Arabian enthusiasts through the descendents of the mares and the stallions of Arnelle Arabians.
Egyptian authenticity. With chief stallion Ibn Faanah (Masir (Mehanna x Bint Shahbaa) x Shams El Faanah (Farouk x Narges)) bought in Germany, representing the bloodlines of Straight Egyptian horses known for their balanced and correct conformation, excellent movement, very typey heads and potential black producers.
I do some work as a freelance photographer at Arabian events all over Europe and assure the promotion of a black Egyptian Arabian stallion GR Fayeed and of Arnelle Acapulco, both ridden in dressage and who both have fabulous genetic potential. I continue with my website, dedicated to the heritage of the Arnelle Arabians horses. The Arabian horse, through Arnelle Arabians, brought me so much friendship and gave me the opportunity to meet very special people, and that has no price.
Show supremacy. With chief stallion JS MARRAK (Warandes Plakat( Plakat x Barwna) x Nasoulah by Ghibli) representing the bloodlines known for their elegance, typey heads and swinging ground-covering way of going. A family of World, European and National Champions (Warandes Plakat, Plakat, Saskia).
Latest hot news…thanks to Christina de Kragh, a dream will come true, the circle will be round. A baby from Arnelle Acapulco (for sure the best foal I have ever bred) and Arnelle Bint Amrullah (a female carbon copy of my first Arabian stallion Amrullah) is planned for 2016, breeding in 2015. Both of the mothers-in-law, Christina and Nancy, are so thrilled!
The standard of every horse acquainted and my devise of the breeding philosophy is : “Beauty and Versatility” “Conformation & Arabian Type”
arnellearabians.com nancy.de.saegher@gmail.com nancy.photo.fr@gmail.com
Every horse at stud is ridden. The Arnelle horses and the foals of the Arnelle stallions excel in racing, endurance, and dressage plus in the show ring. A RA B HORSE COUTUR E
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