For 48 years Strawberry Banks Farm has been producing National Champions, a testament to our dedication and passion. Decades of success showcase our commitment to breeding exceptional English-bred Arabian and Half-Arabian athletes—both beautiful and talented.
StrawberryBanksFarm.com | info@strawberrybanksfarm.com
The AEPA has paid out over $2.9 MILLION in AEPA-related classes since its inception in 2007. On average, over $192,000 every year.
Champion and Reserve wins from U.S., Mid Summer, Canada and Youth (AEPA, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes) Open/AOTR/JTR | no Equitation Based o AHA and Canada’s National championship supplied results at end of show
by number of wins
1. Marlene LR 4 championships
Owner
Norie & Emilia Phelps
2. DFH Magic Struck 1 championship, 3 reserves Jane Palelek-Maio
3. Daniels Diva 3 championships
Futurama 3 championships
4. CF e Great Gatsby 2 championships, 1 reserve
Ladie In Redd 2 championships, 1 reserve
Renaissance Star BF 2 championships, 1 reserve
ROL Diamonds A re 2 championships, 1 reserve
SHF Matildabey 2 championships, 1 reserve
5. Judy Garland LR 1 championship, 2 reserves
6. Pensions Guaranty DEH3 reserves
Amanda Stannard
Sara Embury
Carli Belouskas or Jill Lewis
Hagale Family Arabians LLC
Boisvert Farms LLC
Toni Lick & Ruby King
Mackenzie Hooker
St. Martin Arabians Ltd.
Karen Michels by number of wins
1. Marlene LR 4 championships
2. Daniels Diva 3 championships
3. Ladie In Redd 2 championships, 1 reserve
Renaissance Star BF 2 championships, 1 reserve
ROL Diamonds A re 2 championships, 1 reserve
SHF Matildabey 2 championships, 1 reserve
4. Pensions Guaranty DEH3 reserves
5. CSP Grand Caymon 2 championships
KW Micah 2 championships
Moves A re WA 2 championships
Owner
Norie & Emilia Phelps
Amanda Stannard
Hagale Family Arabians LLC
Boisvert Farms LLC
Toni Lick & Ruby King
Mackenzie Hooker
Karen Michels
Chris & Shan Wilson
Franklin Farm LLC
Shannon & Reese Tierney Nobel Pryze 2 championships
Lindsay O’Reilly French erenaissanceman SMP2 championships
by number of wins
Dean & Tracy Dowson
Owner
1. DFH Magic Struck 1 championship, 3 reserves Jane Palelek-Maio
2. Futurama 3 championships
3. CF e Great Gatsby 2 championships, 1 reserve
4. Judy Garland LR 1 championship, 2 reserves
5. A ousand Stars 2 championships
Eros Amaryth 2 championships
Miss Martini BF 2 championships
Toskcan Stars 2 championships
Sara Embury
Carli Belouskas or Jill Lewis
St. Martin Arabians Ltd.
Sophie Yih
Lana Weatherdon
Hagale Family Arabians LLC
Glenmoor Farms LLC
“There is no greater thrill than trotting a great saddle seat horse into an arena! It’s electric!”
—Laurie Ames-Husband
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses?
Trotting a saddle seat horse into an arena from the warmup!
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why?
Honestly, I love to watch all the saddle seat classes. As far as showing, I am usually in country, but I love showing in whatever my horse is best suited for.
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or HalfArabian saddle seat horse of all time?
There are just so many, but one of my favorites is Toi Sensation. Have always loved her.
Saddle Seat Amateur Riders: what activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape?
I’m a runner and work out with a personal trainer 2-3 times a week. I do something every day! It’s not only for physical strengths, but mental as well.
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse?
Afires Heir and SF Aftershoc have left quite a mark on the saddle seat horse.
How do you advocate for or promote the saddle seat horse?
Buying, selling and showing! Love it all!
What advice would you give to someone interested in showing in the saddle seat division?
I would tell them to do it! There is no greater thrill than trotting a great saddle seat horse into an arena! It’s electric!
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses?
The thrill for me is in the breeding; watching one you love grow up and be something special. I love everything about this process.
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why?
I love to show in them all, but showing in the Sweepstakes classes is my favorite as you’re showing potentially against the very best in all ages. I also love to watch the AEPA and the 3-year-old classes; they are our future.
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or HalfArabian saddle seat horse of all time?
Too many to list, but as a kid, I dreamed of owning Scarlet Lace, Orans Adagio, Countess Vanessa, Matoi, Baskabella, and Ice On Fire.
What activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape?
I try to do a good amount of strength and cardio training with heart rate zones.
Breed your dream saddle seat horse… what sire and dam from any point in history (alive or deceased) would you pair together?
Bask x Heirs Noble Love; Bask x Rumina Afire, and Bask x Ames Divine.
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse?
Afires Heir
If you could change one thing about today’s saddle seat horse, what would you change?
Pretty Arabian type and hind end. Both are so important yet sometimes forgotten.
What advice would you give to someone interested in showing in the saddle seat division?
Take lessons or watch classes.
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses?
Their beauty and agility. Watching them move is truly magnificent.
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why?
Country, costume, show hack and English classes. I love to watch the versatility of the breed.
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or Half-Arabian saddle seat horse of all time?
Phi Beta Kappah
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses?
I think it’s the adrenaline. Whether I’m watching one in the pasture; a baby just learning to trot, or a horse in the ring – that presence, that natural ability – it just gives me chills. Every time.
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why? Although I have yet to show in it (maybe this year!)
What activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape? Walk, run, and free weights and machines for weight training and conditioning.
What is your go-to training aid, technique or method to train a horse?
Cynthia Burkman
Breed your dream saddle seat horse… what sire and dam from any point in history (alive or deceased) would you pair together?
Good question. Mamage and my HA mares.
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse?
Mamage
If you could change one thing about today’s saddle seat horse, what would you change?
Fill the stands with people and have shows for new riders. Also, to grow the sport, get more sponsors to support the industry and increase money classes to add more excitement and interest.
How do you advocate for or promote the saddle seat horse?
I advocate for the horse. Southern California Equestrian Center’s logo is “a place for people who love horses.” That’s what I want, is people to love horses as much as I do. Sponsoring the Experience Barn has been an excellent way to educate the public about our horses.
What advice would you give to someone interested in showing in the saddle seat division?
Have fun. You are blessed to own a horse; wear a great outfit and be with people who love horses as much as you do.
English pleasure, and specifically the AEPA futurity, is my favorite. So much excitement and seeing the up-and-coming English stars is amazing, especially as a breeder.
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or Half-Arabian saddle seat horse of all time?
I remember when I first saw Afires Heir show at Nationals. That impacted me more than any other horse I’d ever seen. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Now, when I watch, I see if any other horse evokes that feeling. It’s been incomparable.
What activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape?
When I’m not getting my steps in on the floor of whatever busy hospital I’m working, I try to do yoga, Pilates or swim. However, being a veterinarian has time constraints for that, so sometimes I have to settle for plain old stall cleaning.
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse?
I think Afire Bey V has made a huge impact on these horses, as we see him in many pedigrees of the National winners of today.
How do you advocate for or promote the saddle seat horse?
I’m very active on social media; I try to create very interactive content. I have so many people that follow me that aren’t horse people, much less Arabian people, and even they comment on the majestic saddle seat horses I share.
What advice would you give to someone interested in showing in the saddle seat division?
Stick with it. The highs are high, the lows can be low. But just being on one is the most fun you’ll ever have. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses? After many years of purchasing promising youngsters and experiencing the joy of watching them grow from weanlings to trotting into the ring at Nationals, owning and showing saddle seat horses has been an incredible journey for our entire family.
In recent years, though, the most exhilarating part for me has been breeding, raising, and showing the horses we’ve thoughtfully produced through our small breeding program. I love every step of the process—from planning the breeding and anxiously awaiting their arrival to watching them develop into top show horses. Spending countless hours at the farm, building a strong bond, and then seeing it all come together in the performance ring, I’ve always envisioned is the most exhilarating feeling.
A perfect example of this is SA Chantal. My family and I have been involved with her since the day she was born, and watching her journey has been nothing short of amazing. When she made her debut with Victor Botha last year in the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity, she exceeded all my expectations.
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why?
Half-Arabian English! Is there anything better than a high necked, high trotting horse moving on down the rail? It is a thrill every time to watch this class!
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or Half-Arabian saddle seat horse of all time?
I could never pick just one! When Adams Fire hit the ring nearly 20 years ago, he completely raised the bar for the entire division. I still remember watching him trot in as a 3-year-old in Louisville—I was in awe and he still blows me away at 23 years young trotting down the trail!
What activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape?
I lift weights three times a week for an hour to an hour and a half, and walk five miles 3-4 times a week.
Breed your dream saddle seat horse… what sire and dam from any point in history (alive or deceased) would you pair together?
Too many possibilities! I wish Ritida and Afire Bey V could have made more like Adams Fire, Eves Fire, and Emperors Fire. Best of the best!
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse? Afire Bey V
If you could change one thing about today’s saddle seat horse, what would you change? Stronger hind ends.
How do you advocate for or promote the saddle seat horse?
We are passionate breeders of saddle seat horses, dedicated to producing top-quality horses despite having a very small breeding program. We collaborate with the best trainers in the industry to ensure the saddle seat discipline is showcased at its highest level. Beyond the show ring, we actively promote this incredible breed on social media, sharing its beauty, talent, and versatility with a wider audience.
STACHOWSKI FARMS
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses?
The journey of breeding our own Arabians and Half-Arabians over the past few years. Watching them grow from the very beginning—seeing their potential, developing their talents, and guiding them through their training— creates a deep sense of pride and excitement. When they step into the show ring and succeed, it’s incredibly rewarding, not just as breeders but also as competitors. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding a horse you’ve raised and developed, knowing all the hard work, dedication, and patience that went into their journey. The bond we build with them along the way makes every success even more meaningful.
I can’t wait to show our very own homebred Half-Arabian SA Lucky Charm this year! Victor Botha won on him in the English Junior horse class last year as only a 4-year-old, and I’m looking forward to my turn in maturity!
What is your favorite saddle seat class to watch or show in and why?
My favorite class to both show in and watch has always been the Half-Arabian English Pleasure. The level of
talent in the ring is incredible, with so many powerful, high-stepping horses that bring a unique combination of elegance, athleticism, and charisma. The energy in the class is truly unmatched—there’s an electric atmosphere as the horses and riders give it their all, making every moment exciting to watch. As a competitor, the thrill of being part of such a competitive and dynamic class is unlike anything else.
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or HalfArabian saddle seat horse of all time?
Being totally biased, a few of our own come to mind. Adams Fire was one of the first horses to truly take my breath away. He elevated the level of competition in the Half-Arabian English division in a way that had never been seen before. I never imagined we would own, let alone have the opportunity to ride, a horse of his caliber; and that experience will always be something I cherish.
SA Chantal is another horse that comes to mind, out of our incredible foundation mare, SA Gisele. While she’s still early in her career, I believe she has the potential to be one of the greats. My parents and I feel so fortunate
to have bred such a talented filly, and I truly believe her future is going to be something special.
What activities do you do off the saddle to stay in shape?
Chasing after my two kids, Opal and Knox, keeps me active, but I also make time for structured workouts. My mom and I weight train together three times a week, which helps build the strength and endurance needed for riding.
What advice would you give to someone interested in showing in the saddle seat division?
Find a great trainer who prioritizes both the horse’s well-being and your development as a rider. Riding takes patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, enjoy the journey—there’s nothing like the bond you build with these incredible horses.
What is the more exhilarating part of showing (or owning) saddle seat horses? There are so many exciting aspects of breeding, training, and showing saddle seat horses, and watching a horse we bred hit the show ring for the first time, seeing our amateur and youth riders achieve their personal goals, and trotting into the green shavings on a horse that is perfectly prepared, have to be some of the greatest feelings in the world!
Who do you consider the greatest Arabian or Half-Arabian saddle seat horse of all time?
There are many horses that would be considered the greatest of their time, but to name a few of our favorites that have come through RTS would be Apollopalooza, GTF Beetlejuice, Prosuasion, Ballerina BF, Entouragze, and Blazn Heir HPF for the driving division.
What stallion do you feel has had the most significant impact on the modern saddle seat horse?
Again, a history of decisions made by thoughtful and well-established breeders/breeding farms created Bask and working through time, Huckleberry Bey, Afire Bey V, Mamage, Apollopalooza and MHR Nobility; then moving forward with the likes of Baske Afire, SF Aftershoc and Prosuasion (both by SF Specs Shocwave), Afires Heir, and HA Toskcan Sun, are just a few of the great English Pleasure horses that have played a role in shaping the horses we are currently seeing at the top of the Saddle Seat division. But there are so many more stallions, mares, and breeders along the way that have contributed to the quality we are seeing in these classes around the country.
If you could change one thing about today’s saddle seat horse, what would you change?
In order for a saddle seat horse to be successful, it should be well mannered, square moving, suitable for its rider, and conformationally correct all-around, rather than just having one or two extreme features. We hope the breed continues to emphasize the beauty and elegance that Arabians are known for.
How do you advocate for or promote the saddle seat horse?
Shawn and I are both delegates for our local club and attend the AHA convention every year to advocate for the needs and wants of saddle seat trainers, riders, breeders, and horses. Additionally, we have taken horses to the Michigan Horse Expo to introduce horse people from other breeds and disciplines to the Arabian English, country, and driving divisions. We are also very proud of the lesson program we have built, which introduces both adults and kids to saddle seat. Lastly, we have a large presence on social media, consistently posting saddle seat content on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Stachowski Farms brought back their live Select Sales Presentation at the Scottsdale show this year, on Wednesday evening, February 19 in the South Hall of the Equidome. eir goal? To recreate the energy of an auction-style event; and the results exceeded expectations! In less than an hour, 44 top-quality lots were showcased and broadcast live to a global audience via the Scottsdale show live feed, and the enthusiastic response underscored the market’s positive momentum.
With strong buyer interest and perfect weather, sales spanned a range of price points. By the end of February, more than 25 horses had sold, generating nearly $2 million in total sales. Stachowski Farms is thrilled by this success and look forward to continuing this tradition.
