the 2012
Fall Festival
minnesota arabian horse breeders by Beth Ellen Hunziker It’s hard to believe, but the annual Minnesota Arabian Breeders Fall Festival celebrated its 31st anniversary this year. Perhaps the secret to its longevity and continuing success is that it embodies everything that is good about the Arabian horse and the community of people who love them. Currently, there are many discussions taking place about how to improve the Arabian industry, encourage breeding, bolster the market, increase participation and attract new owners. In fact, the Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders Fall Festival and Medallion Stallion program has been the model for success in the Arabian community ever since its inception, and even in these challenging economic times, it continues to grow and improve each year. The Board Of Directors’ creative minds made the 2012 show exciting, and the “open barn” attitude of the exhibitors made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. At this year’s Fall Festival, the halter classes were full of beautiful horses that any breeder could be proud to claim. The performance classes were large— participation in these all-amateur classes was significantly up from previous years—and the beauty, athleticism and versatility of the horses were at the highest levels. A critical component in the success of every horse show is the panel of judges. This year the Fall Fest had a stellar
6 • MN BREEDERS | A r A bi A n Hor se T i mes
group of experts, including Scott Benjamin, Jody LaSalle, Ron Palelek, John Power and Corky Sutton. Even from the sidelines, it was evident the judges were enjoying the high quality of the horses and handlers competing at the show. For many breeders, owners and spectators, the halter competitions for yearling fillies and colts are the most highly anticipated classes at the Fall Festival. This year was no exception, and it is worth noting that Marwan Al Magnifficoo, by Marwan Al Shaqab, sired three of the four yearling champions. Marhaabah, also by Marwan Al Shaqab, sired the remaining yearling champion. The Minnesota Medallion Stallion program offers the services of some of the leading sires of the breed. This year, the stallion DS Major Afire was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was also the High Point Sire of the Show. Other noteworthy sires were Khadraj NA, whose service was the highest selling in the auction, and MPA Giovanni, who won the Get of Sire class. Several more stallions sired multiple winners in halter or performance or both. Greg Brown, President of the Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders, was one of the busiest people at the show. He shared his thoughts about the show, the team and the future of the Minnesota Breeders Fall Festival and the Medallion Stallion program. “This year, the Minnesota Fall Festival