JUNE 2013 Dear Desert Mirage readers... The June issue of Desert Mirage features the magnificent grey Straight Egyptian stallion, Siraj Ibn Mishaal LDA (Mishaal HP x Illa Magidaa LDA by Thee Desperado), of Alabaster & Bay Arabians LLC. It is with great pleasure and honor to present to the Desert Mirage readers such a beautiful stallion as Siraj Ibn Mishaal LDA. Our gratitude is extended to owners Khaled (Kevin) Yamout and Joe Tacinelli for this opportunity to feature Alabaster & Bay Arabians and to have their beautiful Arabian horses grace the pages of the magazine. Our sincere thanks and gratitude goes out to Jean Paul Guerlain of France. A Champion Dressage rider himself, Jean Paul is writing a bi-monthly column in Desert Mirage on Classical Riding with your Arabian horse. Jean Paul is extremely knowledgable and has many important training and riding facets to share. Also, the June issue contains coverage of the 7th Annual Arabian Breeders World Cup Show in Las Vegas. This article is written by Samantha Mattocks, Owner/Publisher of The Arabian Magazine. Don’t miss the His & Hers column by L.A. Pomeroy. Her special ‘His’ guest this issue is the very knowledgeable Arabian horseman Scott Benjamin. Our regular departments, i.e., Arabian Horsewear - Dressed for Success, Equine Business and Equine Law, offer valuable insight into the Arabian horse industry as a whole. Thank you to Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney-At-Law, Bob Valentine, Ph.D. and Nancy Harm for providing this fresh up-to-date information for our readers. Desert Mirage continues to grow globally. A special thank you is extended to all of the loyal subscribers and advertisers of the magazine. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please forward these items to lauraj@desertmiragemagazine.com. Desert Mirage wishes all the exhibitors at this year’s Egyptian Event a very successful show. Sincerely, Laura J. Brodzik Owner/Publisher Desert Mirage
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G
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 Geurlain 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. Desert Mirage is extremely pleased and honored to feature a regular bimonthly 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 Desert Mirage. Following is Jean Paul Guerlain’s article V for the June 2013 issue of Desert Mirage:
ON THE SUBJECT OF COLLECTION
Three things are necessary before starting to work on collection with your horse: 1. The sufficient development of the horse’s will to go straight and forward with impulsion; 2. Rein contact; 3. A degree of suppleness and acceptance of the aids. When these elements are in place, the dressage begins to include exercises that require greater carrying power from the haunches. In other words, we begin to collect the horse. To collect the horse means to access the hind legs to carry more of the horse’s weight and to utilize their strength with complete control and accuracy. This is for the purpose of carrying and thrusting increased carrying power in the hind legs, which is essential because this alone allows the required elevation of the forehand to develop. The carrying power of the hindquarters makes it possible for the rider to shift the center of gravity further back when the horse is supple throughout his body thus letting the aids go through.
More can be demanded of the strength of the horse’s hindquarters when the forehand is lightened. To lighten the forehand, the hindquarters must be made to carry more weight. The exercises of collection should at first be less demanding and then gradually more demanding of the strength of the hindquarters and the longitudinal bending in the horse. The strength of each hind leg is developed individually by using exercises that require the hind leg on the inside of the bend to step farthest under the horse’s weight. In this position, the hind leg will support more of the horse’s weight and will be made to flex more than the outside hind leg. The foundation of dressage is based on the concept of gradual and progressive development of the horse’s strength as reflected by the Desert Mirage - June 2013
exercises he can perform. In other words, one should not take the next step until the horse can do the easier exercises with ease and understanding.
Exercises in collection The collecting exercises include the two-track movements, shoulderin, travers and half pass. Others are full halts, rein back, walking, trotting and cantering forward from the rein back, enlarging and decreasing the circle, changes in tempo, turns on the haunches, pirouettes, piaffe and passage. COMMUNICATION WITH THE HORSE How can we as riders make us self understood by the horse? Only with our aids! The horse is like a very sensitive instrument such as a violin. Harmony comes from a delicate and precise balance between the bow, the string and the musician’s fingers, which must have enough muscle tone to control the string and the bow; however, be relaxed enough to follow the rapid passages. So must be the connection between the rider and the horse through the aids. The clumsy aid, the miscue and the heavy hand lead to dissonance expressed in the horse as tightness and stiffness. If we think we are teachers, that is only close…we are taught by the horse. He informs us when he does something wrong that we have given the wrong aids. The horse could not understand us, or we gave the aids at the wrong moment. The rider develops feel for the right aids by listening to the horse’s reaction. The right aids at the right moment provide the intended effect and the student associates the reaction with the aid. I need to mention the importance of knowing with one hundred percent certainty when each hind leg of the horse is stepping forward. Only then can the rider be effective in the correct moment. Only when the hind leg is in the air can the rider influence the stride to either lengthen, shorten, side wards, etc. The aids are: The seat (the rider’s position) is the basis for all position and aids; the legs, back and arms have their foundation in the seat; the legs, the back and upper body; and the weight aids (the distinguishing aid in the weight aids is the use of the seat bones and the pelvis. In German [kroyts]). The movement is like one sitting on a swing trying to bring the swing forward without moving the legs or upper body, and the rider cannot afford to lean either forward or backward.
Leg aids and rein aids, this we will discussed in length in the next issue. I wish you dear readers and riders to enjoy your life with your wonderful friends, the Arabian horse. They will love you even more when you improve your riding.
Questions/comments: vitalcell@bluewin.ch
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Guerlain Stable
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Moroccan Fantasia Tack
Written by Nancy M. Harm
Nancy Harm Pictured with her Purebred Arabian Gelding
Harmony Tarifa
MON TEMPETE x OMAR REGASALI Desert Mirage - June 2013
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Photography by Lauren Brodzik
I
acquired my Moroccan Fantasia Saddle and tack from Professor Omar Addi. We were both on the teaching faculty of a local community college at the time and occasionally had the opportunity to talk about horses. He showed me photographs of a maroon and gold embroidered saddle cover and blanket that he brought back to the United States from the Marrakech region of Morocco to display in his home. I was so impressed with the workmanship and beauty that he agreed to help me get the complete outfit. I first displayed the outfit on a horse for the Grand Opening of the first Arab American Museum in America in Dearborn, Michigan. The outfit has also been modeled on a horse and seen at the North American Spectacular Horse Expo for a parade fashion show, the Novi International Festival and other parades. It has always been admired for its beauty and workmanship. Professor Addi and I also assisted the National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, acquire a similar outfit for an exhibit there. The exhibit was designed to coincide with the IMAX film produced in 2006: Ride Around the World, the Global Journey of the Cowboy’s 1200 Year History, which included the history of cowboys surprisingly beginning with the Moroccan horsemen. The museum exhibit featured a mural of Moroccan horsemen riding down a twisting mountain trail culminating with a life size model horse wearing maroon and gold fantasia tack. The impressive Model Arabian horse stood beside his Moroccan rider dressed in traditional costume, some of which professor Addi donated to the museum.
Genuine Moroccan Tack is all richly embroidered with golden threads on velvet by craftsmen using traditional methods with a needle and thread in each hand, virtually unchanged from the beginning of saddle making there. The embroidered velvet portions are all lined in leather. Most pieces are profusely decorated with delicate tassels as well that are highlighted with golden threads and large sequins. Today there are imitations made in China that are on the market. These imitations that are sold to tourists are machine embroidered and have a cardboard backing. Moroccan Bridle: The Moroccan Bridle is similar to a western headstall with buckles to attach the bit. The bits used are similar to a long shank curb bit. The bridle is made from leather that is richly embroidered to match the saddle cover, blanket and chest decoration. The brow band differs from traditional English or Western versions. It features blinders attached to the bottom of the band to protect the eyes and also shield them from sights that may cause a horse to spook. A dangling tassel hangs from the middle of the brow band to protect from flies and probably also serves to desensitize the horse’s face. Moroccan Crown: Omar tells me some bridles have a piece called a Crown. It fits on the
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poll of the head right behind the ears and over the attachment of the Tie or Necklace. This beautiful piece is also heavily embroidered and decorated with tassels. Moroccan Reins: The bridle reins are about an inch and one half wide constructed of braided colored heavy yarns with gold designs. Moroccan Necklace or Neck tie: The necklace which is also richly embroidered is hung around the horse’s neck behind the ears and is attached to the pole of the bridle by a thick cord. This is also called “Porte-Amulette” in the French speaking areas. The tasseled portion at the bottom of the necklace is said to contain an amulet to protect the horse and rider from harm. The rectangular designs on the necklace cover four metal plates positioned at the site of the horses carotid arteries and would have added to the protection in battle in earlier times. Moroccan Breast Plate or Breast Collar: The Moroccan Breast Plate or Collar is made of matching embroidered velvet and leather. Its function is to prevent the saddle from sliding back. It is wider than breast decorations in other Middle Eastern countries and also offers the horse more protection in battle than the thinner braided wool found in the Bedouin saddle outfits. The breast collar is also heavily decorated and tasseled. Moroccan Saddle Tree or Seat: The Moroccan Saddle takes its shape from the Saddle Tree which is made of wood and covered with rawhide. Brass or iron stirrups are attached. The traditional Moroccan stirrup is very wide and heavy to accommodate the rider’s length of foot and allow standing while riding and at a gallop. Often the riders may not wear boots, but the traditional “babouche”, a type of sandal, that could fall off with a narrow English type stirrups. The sharp edges of the stirrups may also serve the rider as spurs. Moroccan Saddle blanket and pads: The Moroccan Saddle typically requires seven layers of wool felt pads, each of which are a different color. This is necessary for the horses’ comfort due to the unpadded construction of the saddle tree. These Desert Mirage - June 2013
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pads are then covered by a matching embroidered velvet and leather saddle blanket. Moroccan Saddle Cover: The part of the saddle that can be seen is designed to cover the tree, much like a slip cover for a sofa or chair. It is also heavily embroidered and may feature designs such as horses, birds, flowers, leaves, stars, and geometric designs. The cover fits snuggly and may not be interchangeable among saddle designs from different tribes. The high back and horn also serve to support the rider standing in the stirrups when galloping or the chaos of battle. Fantasia: The Black Powder Shooting Reenactment from Wikipedia Fantasia is a traditional exhibition of horsemanship in the Maghreb performed during cultural festivals and to close Berber wedding celebrations. “Fantasia” is an imported name, the actual traditional term used is lab el baroud (“the gunpowder play”). The performance consists of a group of horse riders, all wearing traditional clothes, who charge along a straight path at the same speed so as to form a line, and then at the end of the charge (about two hundred meters) fire into the sky using old muskets or muzzle-loading rifles. The difficulty of the performance is in synchronizing the movement of the horses during acceleration of the charge, and especially in firing the guns simultaneously so that one single shot is heard. The horse is referred to as a fantasia horse and is of the type called a Barb or Berber horse. Gunpowder is called baroud in Arabic, and the traditional gun is called a moukahla, hence the name lab el baroud (“the gunpowder play”). The performance is inspired by the historical wartime attacks of Berber and Arabian Desert riders. Nowadays, the fantasia is considered a cultural performance and a kind of martial art; it also symbolizes a strong relationship between the man and the horse, as well as an attachment to tradition. Each region in Morocco has one or several fantasia groups, called serba, totaling thousands of horse riders nationwide. Performances are usually during local seasonal, cultural or religious festivals, also called moussem (“season” in Arabic). Some show-based restaurants offer a fantasia as part of the entertainment.
About the author: Nancy Harm recently retired from teaching as an adjunct professor of psychology for 30 years at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Her graduate studies at the University of Michigan earned a Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology of Child Development and an Educational Specialist Degree in Early Childhood with interests in cognitive and affective development. She has applied her education to the training of her parade horses that have appeared in 500 of the Mid-Western United States largest parades and her trick horse “Tarifa” who has learned 60 tricks including basketball, soccer, playing a keyboard and even painting
pictures! Tarifa demonstrating his tricks has appeared on television numerous times including TV Tokyo’s special on the “World’s Most Amazing Animals!” They are a regular clinic presenter at the Michigan Horse Expos and can be seen in more than a dozen parades annually. Tarifa has been a Class A show horse, therapy mount, trail horse, trained for Search and Rescue, Expo clinic demo horse and best friend. Nancy received the 2013 MHC Catalyst Award in recognition of communication skills that have made a significant contribution to the renaissance of the Michigan Horse Industry.
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by Sue Adams
(Cannon Falls, MN) -- The North Central Working Western (NCWW) Celebration Show, a new show aptly named for its focus on reining, working cow and cutting horses whether Arabian, Half-Arabian, American Quarter Horse (AQH) or any other breed, is creating considerable excitement among the working horse crowd in the Midwest. Scheduled at the Simon Arena in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2013, this competition is welcomed by Arabian reining and cow horse exhibitors who typically travel to Texas or Arizona for shows.
The Celebration concept originated with Sandy Woerle, who serves as show manager. “This is a unique show that offers a single venue for everything the working horse does,” explains Woerle. “The reining discipline is really the “dry work” for the working cow horse, yet there are not many reining shows that also have cattle. Many reining horse exhibitors like and want to compete in the working events but simply do not have the opportunity. The Celebration addresses the need for this kind of show in our area at exactly the right time, interest and enthusiasm are high and the support has been amazing. I see the potential for the Celebration to mature into a premier show in the Midwest.” Demonstration of that support comes with $20,000 in added prize
Desert Mirage - June 2013
money, including a special $7,000 added event sponsored by Eleanor Hamilton, Arabian Reining Horse Association (ARHA) President and owner of Eleanor’s Arabians. Named after Hamilton’s champion stallion, the Hesa Zee+/ All-Breed Reining Challenge includes eight divisions. In addition, the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Sanctioned Bridle Spectacular Open offers $1,500 added and the Non-Pro offers $1,000 added. The NRCHA Sanctioned Derby Open boasts an added $3,000 and the Non-Pro $1,000 added money. Hesa Zee+/ by Xenophonn, the leading all-time Arabian Working Western Sire, is the leading Arabian Reining Futurity Sire of 2012. This top producing son of Xenophonn is making an appearance at the Celebration. Champions in each of the Hesa Zee+/ Challenge divisions receive a trophy buckle designed by Dale Chavez and a matching one-of-a-kind headstall with show bit. The Celebration is also an event approved by The Ultimate Futurity, a futurity/maturity dedicated to the promotion of the Arabian and Half-Arabian stock horse that increases potential winnings for Celebration competitors. Additionally, NCWW Celebration is an Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region 10 qualifying show with Offsite Working Western Championship, is Arabian Cutting Horse Association approved and is sanctioned by the AQHA.
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Avalon Photography
In addition to added money, Woerle has worked with sponsors to combine added money with added fun in the Celebration’s schedule. White River Ag Products is sponsoring the Reining Shoot Out with $1,000 added. The Firecreek Farwa Versatile Arabian and Half-Arabian Award will be presented and Baker Creek Ranch sponsors their All Around Performance Champion Award. On Friday night, Markel Insurance hosts the Markel Exhibitors Party. The three-judge team for NCWW Celebration Show judging team includes Leo Fourre from Edina, Minnesota, Tim Stewart of Paso Robles, California, and Janette Dublin, from San Angelo, Texas.
Phyllis LaMalfa, director of ARHA Futurity program and manager for all the reining horse competition at the Scottsdale Show, sees the Celebration as a great addition for a great many ARHA members. “The timing and location for this event are particularly good,” she comments. “Taking time away from your farm or training or breeding operation is difficult and when our members must spend several days in travel time just to get to a show, they are unable to compete as much as they would like. The Celebration fills a void in the upper Midwest and offers some welcome new financial incentives in what will be a very competitive and fun show. It is a great opportunity for
both young horses and newer riders as well. We welcome the Celebration and look forward to a great horse show.”
Reining horses attract a great deal of attention at horse shows, perhaps because even uneducated spectators find themselves caught in the excitement of a great slide. Add the thrill of watching good cow and cutting horses at work and another element of thrilling entertainment adds to the mix. The Celebration challenges exhibitors to match their riding skills and the talent of their horses against their own breed and other breeds as well. It promises exciting rivalry, great money, prizes and all the fun and good-natured camaraderie that is so much a part of everything about reining and working horses. This is a special opportunity for people in the area to visit the Celebration to learn more about these disciplines and get involved. In the words of Eleanor Hamilton, who has celebrated several milestone birthdays at horse shows, “We’re about getting out there and having fun with our horses. And,” she adds with a twinkle in her eye, “don’t think age has anything to do with it.”
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www.ncrcha.com/wwh-celebration.html
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In May 2013, I spoke at the National Conference on Equine Law in Lexington, Kentucky, on the topic of recoverability of attorney fees in equine litigation. Here are some of my remarks.
can punish the wrongdoer by ordering that it pay the other party’s legal fees and court costs. However, courts are highly reluctant to do this, as this author — despite 27 years of law practice — has found.
The losing party in a legal dispute is not always required to pay the winning party’s legal fees. Only under limited circumstances can a party in a lawsuit win back his or her legal fees. In the United States (as compared to England with its “loser pays” rule), each party must bear the cost of his or her own legal fees. Four settings exist, however, in which a court could order one party to pay the other’s legal fees and costs.
Conclusion
One: The Parties Had an Enforceable, Written Contract That Specifically Addresses Payment
2. In some cases, it might make good economic sense to bypass the legal system altogether, especially where the amount at stake is small. Consider alternatives such as arbitration, mediation, or community-based dispute resolution centers.
To increase your chances of winning back your legal fees, use a carefully written contract from the start. A contract can specify the settings in which one party is obligated to pay the other’s fees and costs if the contract is breached (violated). An example of this language is: “Should either party breach this Agreement, the breaching party shall pay the other’s court or arbitration costs and reasonable attorney’s fees related to such breach.” Two: An Applicable Statute Provides for Attorney Fees Some State and Federal statutes award a winning party his or her legal fees. These laws can include: • Deceptive trade practice laws or consumer protection laws • Civil rights and anti-discrimination laws • Fair debt collection practices laws
In conclusion, please keep these ideas in mind: 1. When a legal dispute involves small amounts of money, legal fees could exceed the amount at stake. In these settings, consider proceeding in small claims court without a lawyer.
3. Make sure that your contracts include, in an appropriate way, a clause that addresses the payment of legal fees. 4. Even if a court commands the other party to pay your legal fees, this is no assurance that you will actually recover them. The other party might lack sufficient funds. Or, the court might scrutinize the cost of the services or volume of work performed and only award you some, not all, of your legal fees. This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney. About the Author
Depending on the law’s language, your entitlement to recover legal fees can be automatic — all it takes is winning the case and proving that the losing party broke the law. Some laws add difficulty by requiring that you prove the losing party “willfully” or intentionally broke the law before recovering fees. Three: An Applicable Court Rule Provides for Payment of Legal Fees Court systems have rules that govern how lawsuits proceed. In some instances, these rules give judges the discretion to order one party to pay some or all of the other’s legal fees and costs when certain situations occur, such as:
Julie Fershtman is one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners. A lawyer for nearly 26 years, she is a shareholder with the firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC (www.fosterswift.com) and has successfully tried equine cases before juries in 4 states. She has 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, and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2013. For more information, visit www.fershtmanlaw.com, www.equinelaw.net or www.equinelawblog.com.
• The losing party failed to appear and defend a lawsuit. (Lawyers call this non-appearance a “default.”) In this setting, the winning party might be entitled to win back his or her legal fees, especially if the court finds sufficient proof that the nonappearing party had proper notice of the proceedings.
Please visit and “LIKE” our Facebook Page: “Foster Swift: Equine Law”!
• The court believes that the other party disobeyed a valid order of the court. Four: The Court Specifically Found that the Other Party Asserted a “Frivolous” Claim or Defense If a party has advanced a frivolous case or defense or has somehow acted in “bad faith” throughout the lawsuit, judges Page 27
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Mind Your Own Business Written by Bob Valentine, Ph.D.
JUNE 2013
RATIO MAGIC Hopefully, you are now more aware of how financial statements fit
together. When you make changes on one statement, the change is reflected on another, and when you put them altogether in a Financial Scoreboard, you discover the cause and effect. By now, you should be able to see why your financials are important in helping you run your horse business better. ‘If you want to deflate a balloon, use a dart. If you want to deflate an opinion, use a number’. Your business financials are your partner – use them. They are free, they don’t get sick unless you make them sick and they only talk back when they should!
What we have discussed so far is the basic financial analysis of a horse business – now it is time to turn it up a notch and do some power analysis. Power analysis shows you how the ratios we have previously discussed fit together. Power analysis allows you to use the connection between ratios to analyze your horse business financials even deeper. The connection between ratios is captured in one equation. This equation includes several of the key ratios that you, as the business owner, should pay attention to and use to make sure you are managing your horse business the best you can. This equation is known as the Du Pont Equation. There is the ‘Simple’ Du Pont Equation and the ‘Extended’ Du Pont Equation. We are going to start with the ‘Simple’.
To begin understanding the ‘Simple’ Du Pont Equation, we need to start with Return on Assets (ROA). We discussed ROA in the previous article. You may want to review that article and the Balance Sheet article before continuing. We are going to examine ROA’s two parts. The first part is Return on Sales (ROS).
Return on Sales (ROS) =
Net Profit Sales
This might be a good time to look at your business’s numbers. Is your ROS positive and growing? Unfortunately, there isn’t data available to tell you what a good ROS is for a horse business. Different types of horse businesses have different sales cycles so you need to average sales over different periods of time. The sales cycle of a horse boarding stable is similar to a retail business with not a lot of variation in sales, while a horse breeding business is similar to boat dealer. Sales are seasonal and dependent on seasonal and geographic influences. Whatever your sales cycle, you can always see if your ROS is improving against your business’s past performance. When comparing your ROS there are a few questions you can ask yourself:
1. Are your sales increasing? Are they increasing at an acceptable rate? 2. Are your sales increasing faster than inflation? 3. Are you sales flat or declining? 4. Are you spending money to grow, but your sales are not increasing?
If your sales are increasing, but ROS is not good, you may have a profit problem. It may be that your gross margin is decreasing or your expenses are increasing faster than your sales. You can analyze this problem using the ratios you learned in our last article. We need to do a little math to use the second part of ROA. Math is my friend. I used math courses at the university to recover my GPA after having to take a liberal arts course. But, before we do the math we need to introduce a new ratio. The new ratio is Asset Turnover. Asset Turnover is:
Asset Turnover =
Sales
Average Assets
Asset Turnover measures how many times in a given period your assets turnover in the form of sales. Asset Turnover is also referred to as ’marketing leverage’ because it indicates how much ‘Marketing Bang’ you are getting for your ‘Asset Buck’. This ratio measures how your customers are reacting to the resources you have invested on their behalf. If a modest amount of investment generates a lot of sales you invested wisely. Whatever you did, keep doing it! If a lot of investment generates a modest amount of sales you invested poorly. Whatever you did, stop doing it, or at least think about it before continuing to invest!
If everything remains equal, a higher Asset Turnover results in a higher ROA. Asset Turnover can be increased in two ways: by increasing sales while holding assets steady or by decreasing assets while holding sales steady. Remember our discussion on Receivables and Inventory in our first article about creating a horse business Chart of Accounts, and the analogy of assets to water, ketchup and molasses? Reducing Receivables (slow - ketchup) and Inventory (very slow and difficult - molasses) not only improves Cash Flow as we previously discussed, but also improves Asset Turnover. Now that we have introduced Asset Turnover and understand how it works we can do our math to complete ROA and our ‘Simple’ Du Pont Equation.
Horse business management system equineGenie.com
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We know that:
Return on Sales (ROS) = We also know from our last article that:
Return on Assets (ROA) = This allows us to write a new equation that defines ROA as:
ROA =
Net Profit
Average Assets
ROA =
Average Assets
Sales
Net Profit Average Assets
Sales
=
Net Profit
Net Profit
Average Assets Or
Sales
=
Net Profit
X
Average Assets
Sales
X ROS
Or
ROA = ROS X Asset Turnover ROS measures the profit you get from Sale, while Asset Turnover measures the Sales you can generate from your Assets. Together they give you a more in-depth understanding of your Return On Assets (ROA).
Managers of a horse business generally measure the business’s success differently than the owner of the business unless they are one in the same, which is often the case. Manager’s generally care more about Return On Assets ROA while the business owner cares more about Return On Equity (ROE). Managers care more about ROA because ROA tells them how good a job they are doing at managing Sales, Expenses and Assets. The business owner, and shareholders if the business has any, cares more about how much Profit they are making for each dollar of Equity they have invested in their business. If the manager and owner are one in the same, they care about both ROA and ROE.
Before proceeding, you need to remember the difference between Assets and Equity. Assets are the valuable resources a horse business has and uses in the business. If you remember from the Balance Sheet article, the Total Asset line on a Balance Sheet includes Cash in the bank; Receivables which is the money owed the business; the net book value of a business’s Fixed Assets such as horses and vehicles; Inventory; and other items. However, someone might have a claim against some of the Assets. The claims might be held by vendors, banks and other lenders, and the government. If there are claims, those claims are summed up in the Total Liabilities line on the Balance Sheet. The remaining claims are held by the business’s owners. The business’s owners own what is left over. What is left over is their Equity. Total Assets minus Total Liabilities equals Equity. I hope you remember this as the basic accounting equation:
Assets = Liabilities + Equity
Forgetting all the financial jargon, this is a commonsense concept that people use every day. If you purchase a horse for $15,000 and you pay $5,000 down and have a loan on the balance, you know you
have $5,000 worth of Equity in that horse. Another example is, if you start a horse business and put $50,000 of your own money into it and you borrow $10,000 to purchase a tractor, you have $60,000 of Cash and Fixed Assets (tractor). However, since you borrowed $10,000 to purchase the tractor and there is a loan against it, you still only have $50,000 in Equity. If you are one of the lucky ones and have no accounts payable, no debt, no liabilities of any kind, your Assets are exactly equal to your Equity. We call the difference between Assets and Equity, OPM – Other People’s Money. If your horse business has Liabilities, and most horse businesses do, you are using OPM to help generate profit and your Assets will be greater than your Equity.
The important question from a financial standpoint isn’t whether a business is using OPM, but how much OPM is it using and is it using it prudently and productively. A business never wants to borrow more money than it can put to work, and a business doesn’t want to borrow more money than it can pay back. Remember the Debt-ToEquity ratio we also discussed in the Balance Sheet article? This is a useful measurement to show when a business is overextended. The
Debt-To-Equity ratio is part of another useful ratio, Asset-To-Equity. The Asset-To-Equity ratio is:
Asset-To-Equity =
Average Assets Equity
If the Asset-To-Equity ratio is 1:1 it means a business has no Liabilities. If the ratio is 3:1 it means the business has three times more Assets than Equity. The Assets-To-Equity ratio is also known as ‘financial leverage’ or ‘equity multiplier’. It shows how much you are leveraging OPM. It is the responsibility of the business owner, or whoever is accountable to the owner, to manage this ratio so that the business remains financially sound. If the business is delivering a healthy ROA, and its owner or managers are utilizing the proper amount of financial leverage, the business will deliver an even healthier ROE.
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The reason – they are using OPM. How much is too much financial leverage? The rule of thumb is that most established businesses never go much above a 3:1, Assets-To-Equity ratio.
You can use ROE to assess any business’s performance against any other business, regardless of market segment or industry. In that sense it is the ultimate financial measuring stick. The average ROE for any group of businesses fluctuates between 10 and 20 percent – in good economic times 20 percent, in bad economic times 10 percent. Now it is time to look at the ‘Extended’ Du Pont Equation. The equation looks like this:
Net Profit Sales
X
Sales Average Assets
=
Net Profit Average Assets
X
Average Assets Equity
=
Net Profit Equity
or
ROS X Asset Turnover = ROA X Financial leverage = ROE This equation is handy because it breaks down the ultimate financial goal of a business owner – a healthy ROE. It breaks ROE down into all the component parts and helps you understand how to manage each one. Let’s review the equation’s component parts and the strategies associated with component.
1. ROS – Return On Sales: You manage ROS by managing Sales and Expense. The key ratio to watch is Expense/Sales. No business can afford to have Expenses rising faster than Sales.
2. Asset Turnover: You manage Asset Turnover by increasing Sales faster than Assets, by decreasing Assets, or both. The key Asset to watch is Receivables and Inventory since they are the most likely candidates to vary in the short term. The solution is to get paid on time and don’t let Inventory in the door unless you absolutely need it and then, use it quickly. equineGenie is excellent at managing Inventory and conserving Cash. 3. ROA – Return On Assets: Return On Assets improves when Sales rise faster than Expenses and/or Assets. We have discussed managing Sales, Expenses and Assets such as Receivables and Inventory in previous articles.
4. Financial Leverage: The Assets/Equity ratio is a great tool to show you if you are taking the appropriate advantage of OPM – Other People’s Money. If it is close to 1:1, you may be running your business too cautiously. You may want to take on more debt. If it is higher than 3:1, you may want to back off before you get in financial trouble. More isn’t always better when it comes to financial leverage.
5. ROE – Return On Equity: For many investors, ROE is the ultimate financial measuring stick. It shows investors if they are better off investing in one opportunity or another. Your ROE must be competitive with other opportunities, or you may have a difficult time attracting money when you need it. This includes a bank loan. Banks have opportunities to lend money just like investors. They also only have a finite amount to lend. You will be competing for their funds. The best ROE will win! In the next article we will discuss forward looking financials. We will discuss setting goals, creating plans and making them happen.
To be successful in a horse business does not require a finance education, but it does require 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 helps you be financially successful.
Bob Valentine, Ph.D. President GenieCo, Inc. Box 271924 Ft. Collins, CO 80527
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 1.888.678.4364 or 970.231.1455 (mobile).
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Roby Baer’s love of painting came early in life. One of her fondest memories was coming home with her older brother and identical twin sister from grammar school, seeing Grandma Marty’s car and knowing that she was going to go paint old red barns. Her Grandmother would have her oil paints and pastels ready to go and they would all get into the car and drive around the countryside. Grandma Marty didn’t want them to get into her oils so she gave them her pastels instead. This is where Roby’s love of pastels began. Roby inherited her grandmother and mother’s art capabilities and this began her journey as a self-taught artist. Roby sold her first painting in high school and began doing commission pieces from there. Along this journey, one of Roby’s proudest moments was achieving Signature Status with the Pastel Society of
America entitling her to sign PSA on all of her originals, prints and correspondence. International Artist Magazine has included Roby Baer in the “Master Painter Showcase” of their magazine, which was an honor for her as well. She has been fortunate to pursue and receive honors as Artist of the Year by Quail Unlimited, The Dove Sportsman’s Society and The Safari Club as well as win the contest to artistically represent world renowned architect Santiago Calatrava’s Sundial Bridge in Redding, California. Roby has been featured in the Pastel Journal, selected for numerous national magazine covers, named as a featured artist of Ducks Unlimited and has received juried art awards as well. Please contact Roby Baer at robys@c-zone.net or visit her website at www.robys.com/home.html
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www.robys.com
DESERT MIRAGE - JUNE 2013
Haras du Jardy (15 km west of Paris), France Championship / Dressage Eighteen horses (Thoroughbreds) & One Arabian Stallion One lone Arabian stallion competes in Championship Dressage competition amongst a field of eighteen Thoroughbreds and garners the Championship! The multi-talented Arabian stallion to compete and win this Dressage competition is Arnelle Acapulco (JS Marrak x Platinum Fantasie) owned by Christina de Kragh of Guerlain Stable. The stallion was ridden by professional rider Arnault Perrin, 27, of France.
championshiP
Perrin rides Grand Prix level Dressage throughout Europe, winning on his own stallions as well as client horses. When asked about the competition, Christina de Kragh said, “This was Acapulco’s first time in such a competition, with Thoroughbreds. However, he was confident and he won the Championship! The judges were surprised but happy. I am so proud of my stallion. It’s a dream come true!” In addition, Christina herself rides Acapulco successfully in Dressage competitions throughout France. She, too, has won numerous Championships with Acapulco. This is truly an example of the intelligence, athleticism, talent and versatility of the Arabian horse. An accomplishment of monumental achievement for the breed!
dressage
•SIRAJ IBN MISHAAL LDA Mishaal HP x Illa Magidaa by Thee Desperado 2010 Grey Straight Egyptian Stallion
abarabians.com
SAWAJ AL SHAQAB Brixx IA x Abaigail by Psyoung 2011 Bay Purebred Stallion
In early 2011, partners Khaled (Kevin) Yamout and Joe Tacinelli, decided
to purchase a few pleasure horses to enjoy on their ten acre property in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Within a few months of searching, it was clear to them that there was a new common interest and passion that they wanted to pursue and so, established Alabaster & Bay LLC for breeding, training, and caring for select lines of Straight Egyptian and domestic Arabian horses. Kevin owned his first Arabian, Al Hattal al Lahab, at the age of 13 in his homeland, Lebanon. He developed that special life bond with Hattal that so many horse owners experience. By age 17, Kevin and Hattal were a winning race team. Tragically, Hattal died young and Kevin was hesitant to
begin again with another horse after that heartbreak. Joe, on the other hand, had always been a city boy and had only limited exposure to anything more than a trail horse or two and his grandfather’s old Appaloosa geldings. Joe’s first studied experience came in Spring 2011 with a visit to LD Arabians in Austin, Texas. Kevin had already decided he wanted a Mishaal HP son – although he was planning on a gelding. Kevin and Joe visited Dan and Louise DeRusseau, lifetime breeders, to Mishaal HP, at their remarkable farm. Without much hesitation, they decided to invest in their foundation stallion.
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•SIRAJ IBN MISHAAL LDA 2012 Scottsdale Arabian Breeder Finals with Owner Kevin Yamout
•SIRAJ IBN MISHAAL LDA 2012 Egyptian Event Top 10 with Dan Bergren
STINE PHOTO
THEE ANWAR ABA Thee Desperado x Psymplee Velvet by Psymadre 2012 Bay Purebred Colt
A month later, Kevin and Joe attended a farm conference at Arabians, Ltd. The business side of Joe was piqued by what might be possible from a farm operation. The horseman side of Kevin was awed by the likes of Mishaal HP, Thee Desperado and so many other incredible stallions and dozens of beautiful mares. The Arabian horse bug had bitten. Now Kevin and Joe live on a 23-acre, working equine facility with plans for a very exciting future. Kevin’s attraction to the Arabian was obvious as they were the breed of horse he had grown up knowing and loving. As Kevin knew it, this was just the way horses were supposed to be; full of personality, cunning, and beauty. By becoming more serious about the breed, both Kevin and Joe now also are very serious about understanding the Arabian heritage and preserving the traits that are so unique to these majestic animals. Traits of the Arabian that first attracted Kevin and Joe are, foremost, their intelligence and ability to adapt. They breed with an eye for the aesthetic points of the animal, of course, but it is always prefaced with the desire for a horse who is a willing learner and natural performer.
The current farm stands two stallions – one Straight Egyptian and one domestic purebred Arabian stallion. Along with the stallions are three Straight Egyptian mares and one domestic mare, and two geldings to help round out the herd and keep the youngsters (a filly and two colts) in line. This is the first breeding year for Alabaster & Bay’s foundation stallion – Siraj Ibn Mishaal LDA, a three-year-old grey Straight Egyptian Arabian by Mishaal HP out of Illa Magidaa by Thee Desperado. Siraj’s dam is a full sister to Ruminaja Ali (Shaikh Al Badi x Bint Magidaa). Alabaster & Bay’s second stallion is Sawaj Al-Shaqab, a two-year-old bay colt, by Brixx IA out of Abaigail by Psyoung. Both stallion’s books are open for 2014 breedings. Siraj ibn Mishaal LDA showed at the 2012 Egyptian Event in the Futurity, trained and handled by Mr. Dan Bergren, placing Top 10. He also garnered two Supreme Championships at the 2012 Summer Sizzler in Springfield, Ohio (Region 11) and a Reserve Champion and Top 5 placement at the MSU Showme event last Fall. Both Bergren and Kevin are showing Siraj again at the 2013 Egyptian Event where he is also partici-
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SAWAJ AL SHAQAB Brixx IA x Abaigail by Psyoung 2011 Bay Purebred Stallion
ABARABIANS.COM
PSYMPLEE VELVET LRA Psymarde x Esprijala 2003 Bay Purebred Mare
pating in the Egyptian Breeders’ Challenge. Siraj is halter trained and will continue his dressage training as well. After the successful 2012 Egyptian Event placing’s with their Straight Egyptian stallion, both Kevin and Joe were pleased with the results and Kevin discovered a true interest in training and showing halter himself. Working with Bergren, Kevin went on to show at the 2012 Summer Sizzler in Springfield, Ohio (Region 11), taking two Supreme Champion placements. Kevin has also shown and placed at the MSU Showme Event in East Lansing, MI and, most recently, at the AHAM Michigan All Arabian Horse Show in Mason, Michigan with their two-year-old stallion, Sawaj Al Shaqab. This year, Siraj and Alabaster & Bay’s Egyptian-related yearling, Thee Anwar ABA (Thee Desperado x Psymplee Velvet by Psymadre), will be showing in Halter at the Egyptian Event. On May 1, 2013, Alabaster & Bay purchased an equine facility in South Lyon, Michigan. This 23-acre facility includes 30 stalls among three buildings with five foaling stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, and acres and acres of fenced pastures. A lovely tree-lined riding path encircles the
property for leasurely rides. While Alabaster & Bay is considering general boarding services, they are more interested in boarding horses that are in training at the facility. Also available at the facility are three riding lesson horses. Allison Bishop is joining Alabaster & Bay at their new facility, offering professional dressage and Western/English pleasure training. Kevin is also training and handling halter for select clients. Kevin states, “While we like to think we’ll have the next Ruminaja Ali among our foals, our real objective is to raise, handle, and train these wonderful creatures to be loving, obedient yet thinking individuals. We would both be just as proud to have an Alabaster & Bay foal become the love of one little girl’s life (like Joe’s granddaughter, Sabrina) as to have one compete at Grand Prix level dressage. As time goes on, we may become more competitive and less idealistic in our breeding, but we know we’ve got the ideal breed to adapt to our objectives.” Contact Kevin on 248.446.0016 or Kevin@AlabasterBay.com. For more information, please visit their website at ABARABIANS.COM.
LEYLAH LDA Alixir x Amiri Jaliya LDA 2009 Straight Egyptian Black/Bay Mare Pictured with her 2013 filly by Thee Outlaw
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AWASIF LEYLAH ABA Thee Outlaw x Leylah LDA 2013 Straight Egyptian Black/Bay Filly Available for Purchase Private Treaty
248.446.0016 Kevin@AlabasterBay.com ABARABIANS.COM
Desert Mirage - June 2013
•SIRAJ IBN MISHAAL LDA Mishaal HP x Illa Magidaa by Thee Desperado 2010 Grey Straight Egyptian Stallion
THEE ANWAR ABA Thee Desperado x Psymplee Velvet by Psymadre 2012 Bay Purebred Colt Available for Purchase
The Arabian Breeders World Cup, hosted by the Arabian Horse Breeders’ Alliance, in Las Vegas remains one of the USA’s best loved shows. This year’s performance really was a world event, with visitors attending from all corners of the world, as well as an international panel of judges and horses competing from as far afield as Australia and the Middle East. Judges Eduardo Moreira Caio of Brazil, Sylvie Eberhardt of Germany, Jaroslav Lacina of the Czech Republic, Lewis McKim of Canada, Allan Preston of Australia, and Cory Soltau DVM of the USA, were chosen to asses this year’s entries
The two days of regular showing classes, held in mid-April, provided plenty of thrills as the qualifying horses for each championship became clear. The stand out in the mare class for many was Najdah Al Zobair (Marwan Al Shaqab x JFN Bint Ludhan), owned and bred by Al Zobair Stud in Sharjah, UAE, and on Saturday, the buzz was all about her. However, it would be the very last class of the show that was the most eagerly anticipated event as WH Justice (Magnum Psyche x Vona Sher-Renea) returned to the US show-ring for Aljassimya Stud of Qatar, who has leased this legendary 14-year-old stallion from the Kerjean Family of Italy; he was bred by Wendell Hansen, USA. With 340.5 points, WH Justice was the highest-scoring horse of the show but competition for Sunday’s championships was fierce. Going first was the Yearling Filly Championship and taking Gold here for the Middle East was the bay AJ Manayer (Vitorio TO x Anna Marie BHF), bred by Oak Ridge Arabians and owned by the Ajman Stud in the UAE, who had finished second in her qualifying class. The Silver garland went to Mera Alsayed, who stood above AJ Manayer in the class. Mera Alsayed is by RHR Marcedes and is out of Bonne Chance TBA, bred by Don Manuel Arabians and owned by Al Sayed Stud from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bronze went to the grey RHR Cashmere (OFW Magic Wan x Nostalggia), bred by James and Jamie Dyer and owned by Qatar’s Al Shahania Stud.
The Yearling Colt Championship was very exciting, with just one name on everyone’s lips as Scottsdale Champion Prussia MI (Abha Qatar x Parada) took to the ring. Bred by Australia’s Mulawa Stud and owned by Al Mohamadia Stud from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this showy chestnut added another golden garland to his collection. Taking Silver was A Jericho (A Jakarta x Destiny VF), bred and owned by Norma-Jean Abel of Canada. Bronze went to the El Nabila B son Titan AS (ex Om El Beladeena), bred by Psynergy Enterprise Developments and owned by Arabian Soul Partners. Badiaa Al Shahania was the unanimous Gold Junior Mare Champion. Sired by Marwan Al Shaqab and out of Majalis, this grey beauty is owned and bred by Al Shahania Stud. Standing Silver was Mystica Antasia (WH Justice x LL Albufera) for her owners Atyab Stud of Kuwait; this pretty filly was bred by Stoneridge Arabians and Oak Ridge Arabians. Bronze went to another grey beauty, this time in the form of Om El Soraya (Om El Bellissimo x Om El Sariyana), bred by Om El
Arab International and owned by Aljassimya Stud.
Al Shahania Stud scored the double in the junior championships as Om El Sanadeed (Om El Shahmaan x Om El Jinaah) took the Gold Junior Stallion title. Bred by Om El Arab International, this grey colt was awarded the title by majority opinion. The Silver garland went to the flamboyant Excalibur EA (Shanghai EA x Essence of Marwan EA), bred by Ganaderia Agropecuria de Moinanes in Spain and owned by Haras las Rosas of Uruguay. The Bronze award went to RD Dynamo (ex TF Falconsimprint), sired by one of America’s most popular young stallions, Bey Ambition. RD Dynamo is owned and bred by Murray and Shirley Popplewell of Canada.
The Senior Mare Championship saw the second unanimous decision of the day as Nadjah Al Zobair added her second US title to her collection by taking Gold. Gazala HBV (Gazal Al Shaqab x Tiaraa Rose), bred by Arabian Soul Partners and owned by Pomeroy Arabians International, stood Silver while the feminine Falcons Love Note BHF (Falcon BHF x BHF Shahs Luvsong) too Bronze for Robert and Dixie North; she was bred by Battle Hill Farm. The final championship of this event was that of Senior Stallions and here, we saw an upset as *Pogrom beat WH Justice to the title that many had already decided was his. Bred and owned by Janów Podlaski State Stud in Poland, this four-year-old bay, sired by QR Marc and out of Petla, took the Gold title amid gasps from the audience. WH Justice had to settle for the Silver title following a second selection by the judges as he tied with Baahir El Marwan for the placing. With WH Justice awarded the Silver, Baahir El Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x HB Bessolea) stood Bronze for The Baahir Group; he was bred by Taylor Arabians.
The Arabian Breeders World Cup offered much in the way of presentations, not least culminating in the Breeders’ Cup being awarded. For the third time, this highly-coveted prize went to Om El Arab International, and it was very moving to see Sigi Siller so emotional as she received this prize once again.
In addition, the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance honoured Dr. Nasr Marei and his Albadeia Stud in Egypt with the Lifetime Achievement Award while Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka received the Ambassador Award for all that she has done for the Arabian horse in Poland. Meanwhile a new award, Dams of Distinction, was presented to the mares Bint Bey Shah (Bey Shah x Musks Angel Eyes) and Felisha BHF (Falcon BHF x Tevkah). The presentationof all these awards resulted in emotional scenes in centre ring.
The Arabian Breeders’ World Cup is highly enjoyed by all that attend, from the opening night gala to the climax of the show’s proceedings on the Sunday afternoon. If you haven’t been before, make a date now to visit next year; you wont be disappointed. For more information and full results, please visit www.arabianbreedersworldcup.com.
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In 2010, the Arabian Horse Association called him its ambassador for the breed but in truth, it’s a role Scott Benjamin has embraced for much of his life, luxuriously overloading the senses of lucky generations of audiences with the magic and majesty of some of the most incredible Arabian horses and events ever known. This highly respected horseman in the US and abroad knows how to put one’s best foot forward (and how to dance through the stuff you can’t step around), making HIS viewpoint a treasure trove of great advice and behind-the-scenes stories about putting the “show” in Arabian horse showing. HERS: Welcome back, Scott, from Las Vegas and the Arabian Breeders World Cup. The Opening Night Gala at the Encore Resort and poolside XS Nightclub looked amazing... HIS: It was and Vegas is a perfect host! We’ve reached a place, as a civilization, where we have the time and opportunity to explore the luxurious kinship between horses and ourselves. It feeds our aesthetics and our souls. I love the setting because it brings people closer to the horses and experiencing something greater than ourselves. It’s a different relationship than pets. To our pets, we are parent figures, but with horses, we seek equality and respect, that have to be earned. When an Arabian is presented in its best context, the results never fail to astound me. HERS: That’s why I’ve always loved in-hand classes, where one truly gets to exhibit a natural ‘work of art.’ HIS: Exactly. In-hand is really special because all you need is to condition what nature, with a little guidance from man, has created. Music is critical to in-hand presentation. Powerful music is important, as is a certain ‘elegance’ for softer presentation of mares and foals. HERS: So what’s on your go-to song list? HIS: I have a preference for Mozart, but nothing was as fun as opening Saturday night stallion shows with ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighting).” It has such energy and power, it was perfect for stallions. HERS:: Elton John or Nickleback version? HIS: Nickleback! Another great song is Ricky Martin’s ‘The Cup of Life’ and I love the tradition of closing the show with Wayne Newton’s ‘Danke Schoen.’ HERS: That must leave everyone smiling. It’s a classic, by a tremendous friend of the breed. HIS: Wayne is wonderful. One year, we had a Vegas news team stop by while we were still setting up the show, and they wanted to shoot their reporter from the back of a horse. We found a horse but couldn’t find a saddle. So I called Wayne. He said, sure buddy, anything you need, and before you knew it, we had that reporter mounted, and I don’t think they ever realized they were sitting on a *Padron-bred stallion, in Wayne Newton’s personal show saddle. HERS: Do you remember the first Arabian horse experience to blow you away? HIS: Two, actually. At the 1983 Arabian Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin, I saw the legendary Bey Shah as a young sire in a liberty showcase. Again, there was amazing music that befitted his ‘large and in charge’ attitude and, to this teenage Midwest farm boy, it was both sensory overload and respectful presentation of everything a horse should be. The second time was as a young man at
Aachen, in the All Nations Cup Arena. The atmosphere was very intimate and its modest number of seats all filled, creating an electricity that connected the audience to the horses in the ring. That feeling changed my life. HERS:: You’ve been involved with Arabian horses in Poland, and all over the world including, before Vegas, you were in Dubai. What can we learn from other nations about how to show off our show horses? HIS: We’re always learning. Being sensitive to the tastes and cultures of others is something we’ve all learned. Today’s Polish Arabian industry has a huge international clientele but for the first ten years it seemed every catered event was some variation of pork. A more international cuisine encourages more people to feel comfortable. Pork is simply not on the menus of some of our greatest enthusiasts. HERS: That’s a great culinary point. HIS: I like to think of the Arabian horse as catering to our higher senses. So don’t short your catering budget. HERS: Or the spirits to accompany it? HIS: There’s a reason (laughs) why alcohol is free in Poland – a little ‘conviviality’ at an auction always leads to a better sale! But the bottom line is, in creating a conducive atmosphere to showcase horses, small details lead to large results. I love the Master’s Tournament at Spruce Meadows, which can still blow me away with its combination of entertainment, education, and spectacle. I’d go every year if I could and am proud to say it’s in my hometown. From grassroots to opulence, it’s so ‘right’ on so many levels. We should all take a little Spruce Meadows with us, in whatever we do. HERS: Fine horses are best complemented with fine fare and atmosphere. Speaking of, any other Vegas stories? HIS: Hey, you know what stays in Vegas... HERS: : Okay! Speaking of first impressions, a great hairstyle starts with healthy management so try a deep conditioner or therapy masque once a week in the shower to revive/repair hair, and get regular trims. Men’s shorter styles (less than two inches) need trims every four to six weeks; medium lengths or longer, every six to eight. Hmm, combined farrier/salon services, anyone? Scott Benjamin is an international equine consultant actively involved with the Arabian breed for over 35 years. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University, specializing in Equine Management and Animal Breeding/Genetics and has been involved with Arabian events in the U.S., Canada, Middle East, Australia, South America, Africa and most of Europe as a director, judge, manager, trainer, steward, clinician, coach, speaker and author at www.benjaminequine.com. L.A. Pomeroy is a 2012 finalist and two-time (2011, 2010) American Horse Publications Editorial Excellence Award winner and graduated summa cum laude from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Equine Business Management to complement a Journalism B.A. from SUNY-Albany. She is a contributing equinista (fashion + equestrienne) whose advice appears on Horses in the Morning Radio, in international equestrian lifestyle magazines, FizzNiche.com and REDBOOK. Share stylish suggestions at www.lapomeroy.com.
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