AHT English Performance Brochure 2018, published in Arabian Horse Times

ENGLISH PERFORMANCE

UN A N I MO U S 2 01 7 U.S. N A TI O N A L C H A MPI O N AEPA A R A B I A N H O R S E TI MES $100,000 A R A B I A N S A D D L E S EA T F U TU R I TY

IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire, by Afire Bey V

A NEW LEVEL MAROON FIRE ARABIANS & SHEA STABLES Dave & Gail Liniger | Castle Rock, Colorado | Tim & Marty Shea | St. Clair, Michigan | sheastable@aol.com | 810-329-6392 www.afirebeyv.com |Contact Ashton Kiesner for breeding information | 865-556-0412

SCOTTSDALE UNANIMOUS CHAMPION COUNTRY PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JIM LOWE

Mamage (Zodiac Matador x CF Fire Magic by Ariston) | PSI Love U (Allience x Provocatiw by Pro-Fire)

ALL THE RIGHT PARTS F O R T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N Owned by Dr. Nancy O’Reilly | Amazing Horse Woman, LLC www.drnancyoreilly.com Standing at Lowe Show Horse Centre | Somis, California For breeding information, contact Jim Lowe 805.444.8583

English Cover Story:

The Long Awaited Arrival Of The First Foal Crop By Inception

by Christy Egan

When Afire Bey V was five, his first foal arrived. By the time he was ten, offspring from his first three foal crops were competing at the national level and taking their first rose blanket victory laps in English competition.

Within a few years, American Arabian breeders were fighting for spots on Afire Bey V’s breeding calendar. His owner Dave Liniger pursued a simple, but dynamic strategy: develop a good breeding program based on proven stock and breed enough horses to have a relatively expedient answer regarding his siring abilities.

Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | English • 2018

2018 filly (x Heirs Noble Love)

2018 colt (x Rumina Afire)

“Our first program came from a combination of Don DeLongpre’s cross between *Eter daughters and Barbary+++/,” Dave notes. “We crossed those mares with Afire Bey V. Each great horse brought a different set of assets to the table. With Afire Bey V we hit the homerun of a lifetime.

His record is probably unsurpassable. It took us almost a decade to find IXL Noble Express+ as the stallion for our Afire Bey V daughters.” As it turned out, the next step was even more difficult.

What do you do for an encore when you’ve owned the number one stallion in the Arabian breed for decades? As luck would have it, the answer appears to be personified in a 2013 blood-bay stallion named Inception.

A son of national champion IXL Noble Express+ and out of the Afire Bey V daughter Bonita Afire, Inception’s tail-female is the great producing Barbary daughter, Bacharah, dam of nine national winners or producers of national winners. Last October at the 2017 U.S. National Championships, both the crowd and the judges were fixated on Inception’s debut appearance with trainer, Joel Kiesner. The unanimous winners of the prestigious AEPA $100,000 AHT Arabian Futurity, Inception’s appearance had breeders tracking down Tim and Marty Shea all over the Tulsa fairgrounds.

“I could barely get through a meal,” laughs Marty. “They slammed the internet with accolades for Inception. We have 12 foals coming this spring from several Nutcrackers and we bred all of the Afire Bey V daughters, as well as any others that we thought compatible. It’s

been a great rollercoaster ride.” In addition, there were a large number of mares bred to the young stallion while he was in training at Joel Kiesner’s last spring and summer. It appears that Inception will have more foals on the ground in his first two years as a sire than either his sire, IXL Noble Express+ or his iconic grandsire, Afire Bey V. The first few have already arrived to great applause. These include a filly and a colt out of multi-National Champion and national winning producer, Rumina Afire+ and a spectacular filly out of 5-time U.S. National Champion, Heirs Noble Love. Is Dave Liniger nervous about so many “proof of sire” foals arriving in 2018? Not really.

“He could be the one,” says Dave. “We’ve bred a great many good horses in the last 30 years and Inception is as good as it gets. I don’t think any horse since *Bask++ has gotten this kind of exposure. But, you know there’s only one way to find out. I’ve only seen photos and videos of the first babies, and they will have to grow up and have a chance at training and becoming successful show horses. I know that Inception has the heart and soul of a great horse; he’s got a classic Arabian temperament, all fire and show and trot in the ring, but then he will walk up to you and put his head down on your chest …”

Dave and Gail Liniger will visit the babies in person in June. Joel and Inception are planning on the Buckeye in May and the U.S. Nationals in October. Proof, one way or another, is en route. n

Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | English • 2018

Adandy Farm ...

We Promise An Experience To Last A Lifetime!

Alayna Mala

Offering

Training, Sales, Marketing & Breeding Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | English • 2018

45+ Years Dedicated to the Arabian Horse

Cathy Vincent

ADANDY FARM | Greenwood, Delaware Cathy Vincent 302.236.6665 | Alayna Mala 413.552.7716 | Farm 302.349.5116 | adandyfarm@aol.com W W W.A DA NDY FA RM.COM Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | English • 2018

Adandy Farm’s Rising Star!

Alayna Mala

ADANDY FARM | Greenwood, Delaware Cathy Vincent 302.236.6665 | Alayna Mala 413.552.7716 | Farm 302.349.5116 | adandyfarm@aol.com W W W.A DA NDY FA RM.COM Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | English • 2018

Silver Stag Arabians LLC

English Collection

Citationn (Afire Bey V x KAZ Baskteena) STANDING AT STUD

Afires Midnite Heir

(Afires Heir x Nite Of Apollopalooza)

Breathin Afire RGT

(Afire Bey V x Styling Time) OFFERED FOR SALE

Proudly owned by: SILVER STAG ARABIANS LLC | Merrilee Lyons Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | English • 2018

IXL NOBLE EXPRESS X BRASSMIS | Breeders Sweepstakes Sire | AEPA Enrolled Sire | Scottsdale Signature Stallion MN Medallion Stallion | Region 12 Spotlight Stallion Standing at: KIESNER TRAINING | Contact: Ashton Kiesner, 865-556-0412 www.kiesnertraining.com Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | English • 2018

Unanimous 2018 Scottsdale Champion Arabian Park

Conway Arabians Owned by: CONWAY ARABIANS Peter & Lori Conway | 507-202-4440 lori@conwayarabians.com | www.conwayarabians.com Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | English • 2018

This exciting, young stallion was perfectly named and is offered at stud for those who love an adrenaline rush!

Sired by Multi-National Champion Vegaz, Life inthe Fazt Lane - AKA “Eddie” - shows off all the excitement his pedigree says he should. A product of the iconic names in trotting royalty, his blood boasts true and includes Apollopalooza, MHR Nobility, Afire Bey V and Mike Nichols’ favorite mare, Rio Rita NA. His first foals are now on the ground and we invite you to join us in what is definitely going to be a WILD RIDE!

Vegaz x River Dance NA • $2,500 Introductory Stud Fee Multi-Program Nominated Sire • SCID, EVA, CA & LSF Clear Proudly owned by Amazing Horse Woman, LLC, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly • www.DrNancyOReilly.com For breeding information contact Chris Wilson 417-761-2031 • www.ChriShanPark.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | English • 2018

The Evolution Of Starline Arabians

by THERESA CARDAMONE

Laughter rang through the clear air as the horses carried their riders up the winding trail, huge eucalyptus trees lining the way.

27-year-old Barbarry Coast was doing all she could to keep up with her 16-year-old stablemate, Adams Fire. With 16 national championships, four national reserve championships, eight Scottsdale championships or reserves and 10 additional top ten honors between them, the titled pair of show horses were clearly enjoying their retirement.

Almost as much as Lori Lawrence and her daughter Nicole, the women on their backs!

Lori, Nicole and Carey with 6-time National Champion SA Gisele after her 2017 U.S. National Championship in Country Pleasure Driving AOTD ~ 2017

Nicole, Lori and her husband Carey are dedicated, hands-on owners of Starline Arabians, qualities deeply appreciated by Joel Kiesner—their trainer for more than ten years. “They are really interested in every aspect of the horses,” he says, “From making breeding decisions to watching them grow up as babies in the pasture; then evaluating every stage of their development up until the horses come into the training barn. They are devoted to the care of their horses— always doing what the absolute best thing is for the horse, including retirement. Every one of their horses has retired at the top of their game, with 100% dignity.”

It is very important to the Lawrence family that the horses who have brought them so much enjoyment and success in the show ring are retired while they are still sound and happy at their job. “I love Barbie (Barbarry Coast) like I can’t describe,” says Lori. “She takes a lot of pride in herself, still. And, every time Adam hits that trail, he’s like a fire-breathing dragon…in a good way! So, Barbie and I are always trying to keep up with Nicole and Adam. One day, he’s getting hotter and hotter and hotter, and keeps trotting higher and higher and higher, until it’s like they were taking their victory lap in Tulsa! It was one of the most joyful experiences of my life to see that horse at home, on the trail, with a little keg shoe and barefoot behind, breaking three inches past level, with Nicole smiling ear-to-ear.”

“We can’t keep them all,” Lori laments. “We’ve sold quite a few excellent horses along the way that still have a lot of career in front of them. But some of them—like Adam, Barbie and Nabasken—have given so much, not only to us, but to the whole industry, that we feel they deserve a really incredible life here with us in Rancho Santa Fe. You can see them relax into it. The first month that Adam was here, he was pretty hot when we turned him out. Now, he just stands there, enjoying the sunshine. Their whole mode changes after a while, they get it. I wish we could do it with more, they deserve it.” (Nabasken Afire captured nine national champion titles for the Lawrences in both open and amateur English Pleasure.)

Kelle King

The staggering success of Lori and Nicole—on multiple horses over the course of years—is a testament to their dedication to the sport.

Starline horses have accumulated over 50 United States, Canadian or Youth national championships and 29 reserves, as well as 19 Scottsdale championships—primarily in the amateur English pleasure and country English pleasure divisions. In fact, Lori Lawrence holds the distinction of being lauded on the “Hall of Fame” banner above the in-gate at the U.S. Nationals as one of the top-winning riders in the history of the breed—amateurs and professionals alike.

Kelle King

Lori’s mom, Joan Eichen with Adams Fire at his retirement party ~ 2017

Keeping themselves ready to ride has been a tremendous asset that has tipped the balance in their favor more often than not when Lori and Nicole hit the show ring. The family is grateful to Joel Kiesner, who has partnered with them in creating such a formidable dynasty. “I have met very few people in my lifetime—and I am surrounded by professional horsemen—that have as much dedication and true passion for these horses and what we all do,” Kiesner explains. “I appreciate that so much because I have also devoted myself to horses. Lori and Nicole are riders who are dedicated to working really hard at it. They understand how to get there…it’s a triangle: them, the horses, and the trainers.

They work on their riding at home every day, on those wonderful horses, on the trails—how nice would that be?! When they come here to Tennessee to ride their show horses, they’re ready.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | English • 2018

~ Lori Lawrence

Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | English • 2018

Lori and Joel Kiesner with Multi-National Champion Nabasken Afire and Nicole ~ 2008 Multi-National Champion Carry On with Nicole ~ 2001

Multi-National Champion Barbarry Coast with Lori and Nicole ~ 2005

Joel Kiesner and Lori with Multi-National Champions CP Rock On, Adams Fire and Nabasken Afire ~ 2008

Ar abian Horse Times | 16 | English • 2018

“My background was getting on the back of any horse I could as an 8to 10-year-old child, galloping around, and staying on!” Lori recalls. “I developed a pretty good seat from all of that childhood running around.

Nicole started riding real young and had more of a foundation with professional instructors. She spent a lot of time with me—we had horses just up the street then—and we would take off on the trails. I think it is underestimated what that does for your riding in the long run, just learning how to handle a horse and feel comfortable and confident. You get to know what they are really like, versus just going out and having them ready to get on and take lessons.”

Starline’s Chanel—the top-winning Whippet in AKC history

Lori credits the family’s deep involvement with world-class Whippet dogs for providing crucial experience that led to their equal success in the horse show ring and informed their future as top horse breeders. Likewise, her youth with horses gave her the tools she needed to be a top dog handler. “It’s interesting how they tie together,” Lori offers. “It’s been a symbiotic relationship for decades, it’s gone back and forth.

People would ask how it was that I learned to show dogs so quickly. I showed halter horses a little bit, here and there, in my twenties, and that impacted my experience with showing the dogs. It all transferred over. Now, the dog breeding is transferring over into the breeding of the horses.” Since Starline is the breeder of over 100 AKC champions including Starline’s Chanel—the top-winning Whippet in AKC history—and have also bred the number one sire in the history of the Whippet breed, the mind boggles at the possibilities.

“People are always so surprised when they want to come and see our ‘kennel,’” Lori chuckles. “We’ve never had a ‘kennel,’ we don’t even have crates…they are just our house dogs! The most we’ve ever had is eight at one time, and that’s really unusual. It’s usually around five or six; now we only have four as we aren’t really breeding actively anymore. They expect a really big operation, but it isn’t. It all just stemmed from one bitch that we started with.”

Lori never had any ambition to be a horse breeder. “I just felt like it was too late-in-life to make a study of it and compete with people like the Sheas,” she explains. “I would rather just go and get a great baby by a top breeder like that. But Joel said to me one day—after we had SA Gisele and Noblemis—’You know, if you wanted to, you could do the same thing in horses that you did with dogs. You can be very successful breeders with just a couple of mares because you have two of the greatest IXL Noble Express mares in the country, and you should be breeding them!’” Keisner stands by that advice. “It’s a true statement that if you own mares like Noblemis and Gisele, you have an obligation to contribute to the breed,” he states emphatically. “And if you make horses, you have to sell some. It doesn’t go well otherwise.”

~ Lori Lawrence

“We don’t want to get big,” Lori continues. “We don’t have a ‘farm’… we have a four-stall barn but don’t foal any out, although we’ve raised a couple here. Nutorious was foaled out in Temecula, and then came home as soon as he was weaned. We didn’t breed SA Adriana, we bought her, but raised her here. I just don’t want to get too carried away with it and end up with a herd of horses. The whole philosophy was to breed the best to the best, stay very small, and try to produce only top, top quality, like we did with the dogs.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | English • 2018

Lori’s strategy is already paying off. The first two of Starline’s contemporary homebreds to hit the show ring were foaled in 2013 and they have risen immediately to the top of their class. SA Mistafire— the gelded son of Afire Bey V and Noblemis— earned a 2016 Top Ten in the English Pleasure Futurity before claiming the 2017 U.S. National Reserve Champion AEPA AHT $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity honors and the 2018 Scottsdale Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse title. He will undoubtedly continue to add to his coffers in future competitions.

And then, there is Nutorious, the 2013 Half-Arabian son of the legendary mare Rumina Afire and the Saddlebred stallion, Undulata’s Nutcracker. Raised at Starline, he became the first homebred U.S. National Champion for the Lawrences when he captured the 2016 Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity title. Lori is thrilled to be preparing to show Nutorious herself this year. “I just started riding him a couple of weeks ago when I went back to practice,” she enthuses.

“I can’t wait to show him!” If all goes well, the pair will compete at regionals and in the National Maturity.

National Reserve Champion SA Mistafire with John Golladay ~ 2017

National Champion Nutorious ~ 2016

As for the up-and-coming offspring of SA Gisele (IXL Noble Express x Rumina Afire), the winner of seven U.S. national championships and two reserves in country English pleasure and pleasure driving over the last seven years, “The first one that people will see is the 2014 Half-Arabian Nuttin But Chrome,

by Nutcracker,” Lori informs. “He’s pretty special! He’ll be in the AEPA Half-Arabian English class with Joel.

He is big-trotting and high-necked, with natural, natural ability. He’s a little different than anything we’ve had before, all the Ritida babies. He looks like Gisele. You can see her in every one of her babies. Even though he is chestnut with a big white blaze, you can still see his mother in his eyes and the way he uses himself. He has a great work ethic and we’re fairly optimistic that he will love to show, like his mother, because that’s the way he is. He’s a pretty exciting young horse.”

“Then, there’s KT Mahalo, Gisele’s 2015 daughter by Afires Heir,” adds Joel. “And she’s just going to be unbelievable.” Lori concurs. “I saw her in longlines about two weeks ago, and it was pretty off the charts!

She looks a lot like Gisele, smooth, with beautiful type, and you can definitely see ‘Captain’ in her, too. She has such beautiful motion on all four corners; all Gisele’s babies trot on all four corners.” Joel emphatically states, “I think Gisele is going to be a great, great broodmare. She is an evolutionary step forward and is a platform from which the next evolutionary jump can be made.”

Multi-National Champion SA Gisele with Lori ~ 2017

Starline recently sold SA Nuttin Like Me, a black full sister to Nuttin But Chrome, to Russ and Tammy McElliott on the advice of their trainer, Ryan Strand. “We’re very excited about her,” Lori states.

“They plan to show her eventually and also bought Debonheir DGL from us at Scottsdale, although he wasn’t technically ‘for sale.’” Debonheir was the 2015 U.S. National English Futurity Champion, with U.S. reserve championships in the 2016 Saddle Seat Futurity and 2017 English Pleasure AAOTR Maturity. “I also have a beautiful English colt for sale, same age as Mahalo, named SA Heir of Love (Afires Heir x SA Gisele),” states Lori. “I want people to know that I sell good babies.” And not only good babies, Starline has also recently sold two of their most treasured broodmares: SA Adriana (H Mobility H x Rumina Afire) and Noblemis (IXL Noble Express x Brassmis), the 2014 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure AAOTR 40+. ~ Joel Kiesner

“I just don’t want to get too big,” repeats Lori. “I sold Adriana and Noblemis, and this is the reason why: I have Gisele, I’ll never be selling Gisele, and we bought as a weanling Noble Blessing, the full sister to Inception (IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire). He was the most talked-about English performance horse at the 2017 U.S. Nationals following his spectacular National Champion AEPA AHT $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity win, with Starline Arabians’ homebred SA Mistafire earning the reserve championship. “If everything goes well, Noble Blessing will be showing in the Futurity at this year’s Nationals. She’s spectacular. I have a confirmed embryo from her and Afires Heir. I felt I didn’t need four breeding mares, at max I will need two great ones. This new filly is very, very, very special; very much like Inception.”

SA Shes A Bae (Afires Heir x SA Gisele) 2017 Chestnut Filly SA Nuttin Like Me (Undulata’s Nutcracker x SA Gisele) 2017 Black Filly SA Heir Kiss (Afires Heir x SA Adriana) 2017 Chestnut Filly

Joel appreciates the two 3-year-olds that Noblemis is leaving at Starline. “Mistique SA is a super high-quality, beautiful chestnut filly by Night Flight SA, with quality everywhere,” Joel states. “I’m sure she’ll make it to the Futurity this year. Noblemis also has KT Miss Royal,

by VJ Royal Heir, who is really beautiful with great motion front and back—both of them have super-balanced motion.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | English • 2018

Multi-National Champion Eves Fire and Joel ~ 2018

Multi-National Champion Emperors Fire and Nicole ~ 2016

Starline is looking forward to the show careers of two young HalfArabian Afires Heir sons out of the phenomenal Dutch Harness Horse mare, Ritida. She is already the mother of Starline’s troika of champions

by Afire Bey V: Adams Fire (2002), Eves Fire (2007), and Emperors Fire (2008). While Adam is now retired, Eve and Emperor bolstered their already-heavily-laden show records with 2018 Scottsdale championships in H/A English Pleasure Open with Joel (Eve) and H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 with Nicole (Emperor). The trio of full siblings have earned 23 U.S., Canadian, or Youth national championships and nine reserves between them. Horse show enthusiasts are looking forward to the eventual show debuts of Reigning Heir (2016) and Imperiall Heir (2017).

By all indications, the Kiesner/Starline team will continue to produce champions for years to come. “It’s been a great relationship, for sure,” Kiesner says. “Some of my greatest accomplishments have been on their horses and with them on their horses. Part of that is a good working strategy, everyone being able to understand each other.” Carey Lawrence agrees. “Joel is such a smart, sensitive, deep-thinking individual,” he says.

“He teaches you and is able to explain things in such a way that you can understand it. If he doesn’t think you’re getting it, he will take it down a notch until you finally do. I just cannot imagine Starline with someone else.” Lori harbors the same excitement for her journey with her current horses as she had for her first win. “When it doesn’t feel that way, it will be time to step away,” she attests. “With Carey and Nicole so involved and it being a family thing, we definitely enjoy it on a much deeper level.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | English • 2018

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” —Rumi

Toi Sensation CRF

with Katie

Harvey

(Matoi x Alpha Phi)

5X U.S. NATIONAL & CA NADI A N CHAMPION Gordon Potts • 817-312-4017 10312 County Road 1020 • Burleson, TX 76028

2017 Half-Arabian Leading English Winner Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | English • 2018

San Antonio, TX • www.kgbtexas.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | English • 2018

ENGLISH IS OUR TRADITION! 

S I N C E

1 9 9 9



33275 Katy Lee, Magnolia, Texas 77354

Trainers: Chase Har v il l, 480-338-0865 | Katie Hubbard | Breeding/ Barn Manager: Mandy Har v il l, 480-338-0863 Email: chtrncntr@aol.com W W W.C H A S E H A RV I L L .C O M Ar abian Horse Times | 24 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 26 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | English • 2018

Arabian English Performance Horse Association

Thank You ...

All Stallion Owners and Buyers of Donated Breedings

OVER

$144,714

Raised In This Year’s Auctions Breed

to an and

A.E.P.A Nominated Stallion get in on the Action!

www.arabianenglishperformanceassociation.com Ar abian Horse Times | 28 | English • 2018

S

qh

erengeti

(Black Daniels x My Love Song, by Allience+//)

2011 Black Arabian Stallion 15.2 Hands | Sweepstakes | AEPA Enrolled SCID and CA Clear Standing at Stachowski Farm 330.274.2494 | info@stachowski.com www.stachowski.com

Owned by: Quarry Hill Farm 345 Sharon Rd. | Lakeville, CT 06039 860.435.2571 | info@quarryhillfarm.com Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | English • 2018

Ride of YourLife!

FOR THE

W W W. BEETHE A R A BI A NS .COM Cave Creek, A Z | 480.203.1394 Ar abian Horse Times | 30 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 31 | English • 2018

LI B ER T Y M E AD OWS T R AI N I N G CEN T ER 21000 Swit zer Rd, Buc yrus, K S 66013

Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | English • 2018

Creating Champions Year After Year!

Ryan Strand, 816 - 651-7424 | Wyat t Budd, 517- 899 -3254 | liber t ymeadowstc@gmail.com W W W. L I B E R T Y - M E A D O W S . C O M

Ar abian Horse Times | 33 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 34 | English • 2018

Training Breeding Marketing

Cassie Banks

Lauren Grabski Jason Krohn

Oak Haven is a full service training, showing and breeding facility.

We would love to help you and your horse reach your full potential in the show ring.

Oak Haven Farms

Owned by: Jason Krohn and Lauren Grabski 903-539-3812 | Jason.Krohn@Hotmail.com Ar abian Horse Times | 35 | English • 2018

So Proud of our

Rising Stars!

Lauren Grabski

Cassie Banks

Looking forward to many more amazing years!

Oak Haven Farms

Jason Krohn, Lauren Grabski and Cassie Banks, Trainers 903-539-3812 | Jason.Krohn@Hotmail.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | English • 2018

7-Time National Champion SD

Graceland

Vega z x Empress of Ba sk | 2 0 09 Geld i ng 2017 Canadian Nationa l Champion A rabian Eng lish Pleasure Open, A AOTR and A ATR 2017 U. S. Nationa l Reser ve Champion A rabian Eng lish Pleasure A AOTR 19-39 2018 Scot tsda le Champion A rabian Eng lish Pleasure A AOTR 19-39

Oak Haven Farms

Jason Krohn, Lauren Grabski and Cassie Banks, Trainers 903-539-3812 | Jason.Krohn@Hotmail.com

Owned by: Lindsay O’Reilly French Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | English • 2018

Mac Baske

A Heritage Of *Bask For The 21st Century

by Mary Kirkman The English pleasure mare Mac Baske was an overachiever. Looking back now, it’s fair to theorize that one reason she has continued to be relevant for nearly two decades is that when she was in the show ring, she was ahead of her time. And when she became a broodmare, she passed her abilities on.

“As balanced a mover as she was, I don’t know if how much drive she had off her rear end was truly appreciated,” reflects Shawn Stachowski, the mare’s greatest supporter—human alter ego, actually, as well as Mac Baske’s partner in the amateur division. “And when you were riding her, where she could put her head was like a dream come true. It was unbelievable.”

In five years of competition, Mac Baske collected national titles in the English division ranging from top tens in pleasure driving to the Canadian National Championship in open (1999), picking up two U.S. National Reserve Championships along the way, one in English Pleasure Junior Horse (1995) and one in AAOTR 18-39 (2000). Her trainer, Jim Stachowski, was aboard for the open work, his wife Shawn for the amateur.

Remarkably, Mac Baske’s greatest achievements may not have come in the show ring. Her first foal was 2005 U.S. National Champion in English Pleasure, Empress Of Bask, and among purebreds, her second was the

Ar abian Horse Times | 38 | English • 2018

Pictured left to right: Baskevich; Meridian and *Bask

stallion Baske Afire. Had she produced nothing more than Baske Afire, she would have been considered a success, as his perennial appearances in the high point sire lists at such shows as the U.S. Nationals and Scottsdale were enough to guarantee his dam a place in history.

Even all that wasn’t enough for Mac Baske; before her death at the age of 24 in 2015, she also produced a cadre of mares who are carrying her presence forward. If the Arabian breed had a Broodmare Hall of Fame, Mac Baske most assuredly would be in it.

“Mac Baske was a very modern English pleasure horse for her time,” Jim Stachowski observed in a 2015 Arabian Horse Times retrospective.

Mac Baske - Jim Stachowski, was aboard for the open work, his wife Shawn for the amateur.

Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | English • 2018

Pictured left to right: Empress of Bask (Afire Bey V x Mac Baske); Baske Afire (Afire Bey V x Mac Baske; Princess of Baske (Baske Afire x Berry Fancee).

“She looked like what her pedigree said—it was a classic old pedigree that represented a true, elegant, English pleasure horse—but her style and look were different from anybody else at that time.”

That pedigree is arguably the key to Mac Baske’s overall contribution. The “Bask” in her name was not an accident and would play an integral role in her life. She was by the *Bask son Baskevich, and out of AH Meditation, who traced twice to the renowned stallion, through her sire, Meridian, and her dam, Algona, a daughter of the *Bask son Negatraz. Now, breeders specializing in English pleasure scour pedigrees for references to *Bask, and Mac Baske offers not only three, but another attribute as well: some of the names in her bloodlines are not often seen today, which has lent a unique aspect to what she represents.

According to Jim, her sire, Baskevich, was “an incredible park horse … probably one of the best moving horses I’ve ever seen.” Her dam, AH Meditation, traced to the Polish sire *Dar, whose get, while not known for their refinement, consistently offered solid, balanced motion.

The result, in Mac Baske, was a throwback to the *Bask era, but with elevated motion for modern tastes. She was reminiscent of the fabled *Bask daughters of the 1960s and ’70s, but by the time she emerged in the mid-1990s, those mares had largely disappeared from the scene, as had many of the old breeders who would recognize their value. Shawn and Jim Stachowski, however, had spent their lives in Arabians; they knew what they were looking at.

“Growing up as a kid, *Bask was my idol,” recalls Shawn. “I thought he was an amazing athlete, and [in my mind] she totally resembled him. I don’t know what the halter people would say, but to me, she was beautiful. She had a classic look that I really loved.”

Shawn got her first look at the mare who would become her all-time favorite when Mac Baske, then 3, was put in training with Jim by her breeder, James Baker, of Mansfield, Ohio. No one expected the mutual attraction that exploded when, on a bright spring day, the van pulled up to the training barn and Mac Baske was led down the ramp.

“I fell in love with her,” Shawn says. “I saw her walk in and I was stunned by her—her neck was arched, and she was blowing and snorting.”

Although the mare would be sold to Double Diamond Ranch in 1996, she never left the Stachowski orbit; in 2000 they purchased her, and she remained with them for the rest of her life.

Even before she left the show ring, Mac Baske’s breeding career had begun.

In 1997, under Double Diamond’s ownership but on Jim’s advice, she was bred via embryo transfer to an exciting new sire on the English pleasure scene, Afire Bey V. In May of the following year, she produced the bay filly who would be named Empress Of Bask.

Empress began her dam’s legacy. Sold to the Stachowskis in 2000 and then to Irwin Schimmel at Prestige Farms, she entered competition as a pleasure driving horse in June 2004 and swiftly reeled off a string of victories that led to the U.S. Nationals in October. There, she was the choice of the judges for the championships in both open and amateur. The following year, under saddle, she added the U.S. National Championship in English Pleasure. For new owners 6D Ranch Ltd., she would win several more titles, including two Youth National Championships and the U.S. National Reserve Championship in English Pleasure.

Like her dam, Empress Of Bask was bred during her show career. Her first foal, the Half-Arabian Fox Appeal, was named a U.S. and Canadian National Champion in Pleasure Driving AAOTD, as well as twice a Youth National Reserve Champion. Among purebreds, Empress’s early sons, Emperor Of Anza and Espionage PF, both scored national titles, Emperor as a Canadian National Champion and Espionage as a Youth National Reserve Champion.

Today her last foal, SD Graceland, continues to knock the top out of competition; over the last five years, he has notched national championships and reserves at the U.S., Canadian, and Youth Nationals, and in 2018, claimed the Scottsdale English Pleasure Championship AATR and the open Pleasure Driving Championship, showing with owner Lindsay O’Reilly French.

After Empress Of Bask, the initial plan was to try Mac Baske with another stallion, but Shawn felt strongly that she should go back to Afire Bey V—

Ar abian Horse Times | 40 | English • 2018

Pictured right, top to bottom: Fox Appeal (Fox Creek x Empress of Bask); SD Graceland (Vegaz x Empress of Bask); Noble Dynasty PF (MHR Nobility x A Blessing); Tommy Bahama PF (Vegaz x A Blessing). which turned out to be prophetic, as the mare’s next purebred foal was Baske Afire. Baske Afire would enjoy three owners in his life: his breeder, Double Diamond Ranch, Joe Betten, and Barbara Chur of Strawberry Banks Farm, who in 2008 purchased him at auction for a record $2.8 million. At this writing, although he died prematurely in 2015, his progeny record lists 985 registered foals. He bred his first mare as a 2-year-old in 2001, and quickly commanded so much interest as a sire that his own show career was suspended (his earliest U.S. national champion came as a yearling from his initial crop). First his Half-Arabians and then his purebreds propelled him to near-permanent residence on the highpoint sire lists of the national shows and Scottsdale, routinely in both halter and performance. In the show ring, names like the purebred Princess Of Baske and Half-Arabian Carrie Bradshaw come to mind easily, among a host of others, and in the breeding ranks, he has left several stallion sons and countless mares to continue his contribution to the breed.

There was more to come. In 2004, again from Afire Bey V, Mac Baske produced the filly A Blessing, who was purchased as a yearling by Irwin Shimmel. Crossed with MHR Nobility, A Blessing promptly offered Noble Dynasty PF, a multi-national titlist in park, as well as Tommy Bahama PF, national champion or reserve (or both) at the U.S. and Youth Nationals. And other A Blessing kids are just starting in training or are new in their show careers (“A Nutter Blessing will be a star,” Shawn Stachowski observes).

Meanwhile, Mac Baske’s daughter Mac Nificence Afire notched a Buckeye Championship in English Pleasure before becoming a broodmare, where it appears that she will have her greatest impact. Her first foal, FS Mac Ximilion, just won the trophy at Scottsdale for Country English Pleasure Junior Horse 3and 4-Year-Olds, and his younger siblings already are attracting attention. For Shawn, Mac Nificence Afire has another attraction: some of her foals strongly resemble their granddam.

There are others—overall, Mac Baske produced seven fillies and five colts—but the message is clear: she was not only an impressive show horse, but also consistently a producer of high quality Arabians who are reliable breeding horses as well. Factually, she was exceptional. And since some of her sons and daughters are just coming of age for show careers, the final chapters of her story are still in the future.

What, in real terms, did she bring to the party? “She could trot sky high off of all four legs and put that tail up like you would not believe,” Shawn notes. “[To her foals], she brought the hocks and the motion and much better tail carriage.”

That is not, of course, all there is to know about Mac Baske for those who knew her. On a personal level, she was characteristically a queen. “She never did really need any attention from people,” Shawn says. “She was more aloof, more ‘leave me alone, I’m good,’ not lovey-dovey. She didn’t need that in her life, but she was still a sweetheart and she loved her carrots.”

That was how, in 2015, Shawn knew that there was something wrong with her mare. Her voice still chokes up when she remembers how Mac Baske softened, became more chummy, turned to humans for help. “I didn’t like seeing her that way, because I knew what a proud horse she was,” she recalls.

They sought answers and eventually found a fractured coffin bone that had evaded detection on x-rays. The old champion was put down in November of that year.

Mac Baske was ahead of her time, many horsemen have said, but perhaps it is more accurate to add that in being that, she also was a link to the best of the past, to the landmark stallion that still attracts breeders to a pedigree: *Bask. In Mac Baske, everything—the elegance, the balance, the headset, the drive of amazing hocks, the pedigree that continues through generations—came together. n Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | English • 2018

Leading Sire

Baske Afire

Breeding for English ... we believe in the importance of bloodlines At Strawberry Banks, we are committed to breeding top English horses. Our stallions and mares have pedigrees that carry the “who’s who” in producing winning performance horses.

Including Baske Afire’s full sister, A Blessing, dam of multiple National champions..

Bay El Bey Huckleberry Bey Taffona Afire Bey V *Bask Autumn Fire Sparklingburgundy BASKE AFIRE *Bask Baskevich *Daalda Panama MAC BASKE Meridian AH Meditation Algona

Ar abian Horse Times | 42 | English • 2018

Rejoice Rejoice A Temptation x Rumina Afire, by Afire Bey V

2017 U.S. National Champion Country Pleasure Driving with Brian Murch 2016 & 2017 U.S. National Reserve Champion Country Pleasure Driving AAOTD with Barbara Chur

Enchanting Memories

Baske Afire x Emayzing Grace, by Hey Hallelujah

The next generation of Strawberry Banks Farm bred Arabians is proving the strength of our program. Combining the bloodlines of Baske Afire, A Temptation and Hey Hallelujah brings the beauty and athletic ability needed for today’s show ring. We invite you to come visit and experience the elegance at Strawberry Banks.

Strawberry Banks Farm Barbara Chur, owner ~ Brian Murch, trainer, cell: 716.983.3099 716.652.9346 ~ East Aurora, New York • info@strawberrybanksfarm.com

www.StrawberryBanksFarm.com Ar abian Horse Times | 43 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 44 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 45 | English • 2018

A

English Elegance in Texas with Kellye Hill

MAZING GRACE SMP

(The Renaissance x Pretty Amazing) U.S. National Top Ten Country Select ATR Multi-Regional Champion Country English Pleasure Open and Amateur • Owned by Leticia Robinson Trained by Kellye Hill

Thank you, 6D Ranch, for allowing us to give Empress of Bask a forever home.

“The sight of that mare did something to me. I’ve never been quite able to explain. She was more than tremendous strength, speed and beauty of motion.

She set me dreaming.”

—Unknown

TimoThy and LeTicia Robinson | PauLeTTe FaLcon KeLLye hiLL, TRaineR | 512-636-3120 buda, Texas | aRianaFaRms.com Ar abian Horse Times | 46 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 47 | English • 2018

Congratulations!

NOBLE SOLDIER

(IXL Noble Express+ x Sweet Summer Fire)

2017 OVER ALL AR ABIAN & HALF-AR ABIAN WINNINGEST NATIONAL ENGLISH HORSE

U.S. National Champion Arabian Park Open U.S. National Top Ten Arabian Park AAOTR U.S. National Top Ten Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 Canadian National Champion Park Open Canadian National Champion Park AOTR Canadian National Reserve Champion English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39

K E V IN PRICE • 612-418-8401 • priceper formance@yahoo.com 19805 W. Lawnsdale Road, New Berlin, WI 53146 www.PricePerformanceHorses.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 48 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 49 | English • 2018

(Cizandro x Darona T) DUTCH HARNESS HORSE

2016 ADHHA Jr. Fine Harness National Champion 2017 ADHHA Amateur Fine Harness National Champion AEPA and Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated

For breeding to this upcoming stallion, contact: Jonathan Fisher, Owner STORMY RIDGE STABLE | Centre Hall, PA 814-280-1121 | stormyridgestable@gmail.com Trained by: Melissa Moore | SUNRISE STABLES | Versailles, KY Barn: 859-873-9129 | Cell: 859-533-6225 Standing at: YODER EQUINE | Millersburg, IN 574-535-4887 | mdyyessep@gmail.com

Call Me Tango T 2017 Weanling American Dutch Harness Horse Open Futurity National Champion

Ar abian Horse Times | 50 | English • 2018

SF Belles N Whistles 2017 Half-Arabian Filly

2017 champion | rgt MERCURY RISING presented by | JOEL KIESNER

owned by | BRADLEY MARLOW & JOSEPH KINNARNEY

HA English Pleasure futurity

ENGLISH Be it English pleasure or park, this Arabian demonstrates animated, balanced motion with a desire to go forward with impulsion from the rear, expressed in long, lofty strides that eat up the arena beneath their feet as they flow over the ground.

Ar abian Horse Times | 52 | English • 2018

Ar abian Horse Times | 53 | English • 2018

Lara Ames CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS JORDAN, MN

Scottsdale and very happy with it.

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have only had four saddles in my lifetime.

For a long time, I rode in an Arabian Saddle Company Saddle but fell in love this winter when I rode in a Freedman saddle. I bought one at

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? They have been a huge part of our farm for a very long time. We feel this is the backbone of our industry.

Shannon Beethe BEETHE ARABIANS CAVE CREEK, AZ What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? By far, my saddle of choice is the Arabian Saddle Company Louisville Flat Seat.

It sits you right down on a horse, is super comfortable and has great grip.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I am very excited to see the renewed push for riding programs! We created Scottsdale Equestrian Academy, Inc., which is mainly saddle seat based, a little over two years ago and are very

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I am not in favor of this. At our breeding farm, all of our horses, unless they are too immature, get started early in their 3-year-old year. By the time they are late in their fourth year, they are very broke and ready for an amateur, but not stressed.

I respect my trainers feedback when deciding who is ready or not. Not all are going to show in the AEPA class and their 4-year-old year can be wasted.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would love to see us strip the horses in the final, as I think conformation should play a role. I would also like to see some divisions added throughout the year for amateur classes.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? English: Adams Afire; Country English: Rumina Afire; Park: Matoi.

proud of how it quickly is has grown! We have an incredible instructor, Paige Wagner, along with a fabulous string of lesson horses that have helped us grow our program very quickly. Our very first Academy rider was national champion at Youth Nationals her very first year showing, which was very exciting! It is very rewarding to witness so many of the new riders fall in love with our awesome Arabian horse! So, there is no question that our lesson program is a huge part of the ongoing success of Beethe Arabians.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? This is tricky because it seems to me, that the main reason for the age difference between saddle seat and western/hunter Maturity ages is due to the different bridle regulations for Junior Horses in those divisions. A saddle seat horse wears the same bridle in Junior Horse as it does in Open competition, whereas a Hunter and/or Western Junior Horse is (or has the option to) wear a different bridle than in Open competition. So, it makes sense to me with the difference in bridles.

Ar abian Horse Times | 54 | English • 2018

Peter & Lori Conway CONWAY ARABIANS CHATFIELD, MN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have a number of well-known brands in our tack room, but for me, the Freedman’s World Cup Super Grip is my favorite. The Freedman saddle is a work of art. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none. I love the secure and comfortable feel of where the saddle sits on the horse and how it positions me as a rider. It is almost so beautiful, I hate to use it for everyday riding, but I do!

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Unfortunately, at our farm we have neither the stall space, the time, or the people to have an outside or academy type lesson program.

I really wish we did and could, but I have retired from that aspect of the horse industry and Jen only has time for the clients that have horses in training at the farm. One never

Lindsay O’Reilly French FARM AFFILIATION: OAK HAVEN FARMS TYLER, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I grew up riding in a Lillian Shively saddle because I was all about equitation, then grew into a Freedman; but now love the old Deep Seat from Arabian Saddle Co. which is no longer made. My trainer, Jason Krohn, has come up with a new style of saddle similar to the old deep seat that is my fave now!

knows though, as we live close to the Mayo Clinic which would provide many lesson students; maybe in the future we will pursue it.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I actually don’t have a problem with it. It takes longer to make a saddle seat horse, so having that additional year to prepare is a good thing in my opinion. If it went back to 4- and 5-year-olds, I feel like there would be fewer horses competing in the class, not more of them if the age was changed.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA board is very open to change and suggestions, and are looking forward to reading peoples comments on this question. The AEPA $100,000 Purebred and $50,000 Half-Arabian classes have spearheaded other divisions to get on board and that has been a positive boost for breeders, owners and trainers. It is a fun and exciting class that draws spectators to the ring!

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? English: Heirs Noble Love (PB), Revelation JF (H/A) and Adams Fire (H/A); Country: Romeo Afire (PB), Americanbeautie (H/A) and JM Marquis Spirit (H/A); Park: Apollopalooza (PB), COLTRANE! (PB) and SA Sophisticated Lady (H/A).

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Great lesson programs are very important to our industry. Luckily, I grew up riding with Libby Ferguson, and many successful, young English trainers and riders out there she started. A good foundation is important.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I am a believer that a horse does need a break. With that said, I showed in the Maturity when a 4-year-old could. We gave my horse the next year off and he matured, grew up, and then competed again in his 6-year-old year. As long as they are given a break (only competing two of the three possible years if it were 4 to 6-year-olds), I believe it would be ok.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? Countess Vanessa (park), Second Editions Debut (English), and James Brown (country); I’m biased. For purebreds, SD Graceland (English), and again, biased!

Ar abian Horse Times | 55 | English • 2018

Michelle Harris HARRIS ARABIANS TEMECULA, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s … it’s comfortable and fits well.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm?

Lessons are not a part of my farm, however, lessons are key to promoting the Arabian horse to the next generation of Arabian owners.

Katie Harvey FARM AFFILIATION: THE BRASS RING BURLESON, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have just started riding in the Freedman’s Deep Seat Saddle and really like it a lot. I typically prefer a deeper seat English saddle.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm?

Lesson programs are an important tool to bring new folks into our breed and is something that is growing and must continue to do so. The academy programs in the Saddlebreds for example, are such a great tool to introduce not just young people, but adults as well, into their breed. I think that the Arabian community is continually increasing and improving its outreach to newcomers.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I don’t necessarily like the idea of changing the age for Maturity back to four, but we either have to change the Futurity age or offer another class for the 4-year-old country pleasure horse. The AEPA fills the gap for the 4-year-old English pleasure horse, but 4-year-old has no class at Nationals.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? It is one of my favorite classes to watch; I wouldn’t change it.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? HA Toskcan Sun, CF Jimmy Neutron, Moonlight Serenade, Nutcracker Sweet PF, A Thousand Stars, Expressly Bella, HA California Sage and Allience.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? This is a question that has a lot of opinions for sure! Personally, my thought is it should be open to 4-, 5- and 6-year-old horses and you can pick two years out of the three. Horses mature at different times. It should be the collective decision of the exhibitor and the trainer as to when that horse is ready to be shown by the amateur. By closing the Maturity division to 4-yearolds, it doesn’t eliminate them from competing in the age division and therefore requires them to qualify at local and regional competitions which places them at a disadvantage by competing with aged horses. I breed a few horses a year and I also enjoy buying young prospects. It’s hard to pull out the checkbook for a great 3-year-old when you know you won’t hit the ring with it until at least 24 months of being in training. I understand the intent of the rule, but I don’t believe that it has achieved the intended results. I believe the two out of three-year option would be the best of all worlds.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? No. I enjoy the individual patterns as well as the finals class.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? There are just too many, but being able to ride *Sakr when I was a kid was probably the greatest thrill ever!

Ar abian Horse Times | 56 | English • 2018

Chase Harvill CHASE HARVILL TRAINING CENTRE MAGNOLIA, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I really love two brands, Arabian Saddle Company and Freedman’s. My old reliable is an older model ASC saddle that is super soft and comfortable. I have ridden in it so much over the years, it has memory foamed to my legs and rear end!

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I currently do not have a true lesson program but am so thankful that trainers have started riding programs again. I have every intention of starting one myself in the future. Riding programs are the only way to get new riders into our breed these days!

4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think owners should be given the option to show their 4-year-old. Make it a 4 to 6-year-old class where the owner can only show them two of the three years. I have had 4-year-olds that would have been ready for their amateur to do the Maturity with. We always need to encourage our amateurs to show, especially if they are breeders as well.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? This class has been an amazing addition to U.S. Nationals. The only thing I would like to see changed is the horses unranked to the trainers, judges and public going into the final. By leaving the class unranked, it would create a little more excitement and drama for the final class.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? People probably are sick of me saying Gai Argosy, but I don’t care! In my mind, he was the greatest English horse because of his ability, beauty and competitive nature. Just like Gai Argosy, Bonfire ROF has withstood the test of time in the Arabian country and continues to dominate after a decade of showing. My favorite park horse of all time would have to be Allience. He was such a balanced, beautiful horse who was extremely exciting and consistent for many years.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a

Kellye Hill ARIANA FARMS BUDA, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I love Freedman’s.

My personal saddle is my favorite, a Freedman Victory Pass; I believe it’s a 2000 model. It’s like a glove and has plenty of sentimental value.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We currently do not have a lesson program due to time and space constraints, however,

I believe lesson programs are vital to the growth of the industry. At a local level we are involved with facilitating and implementing an outreach plan through professional and community relationships. The intent is to engage local trainers with the interested public. Our goal is to create enthusiasm for the Arabian horse.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I believe the age restrictions should be the same across all disciplines.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would opt for stripping of the horses vs. the pattern, again seeking consistency across the disciplines while preserving the mental and physical soundness of our young athletes.

Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? Midnight Jazz and Empress Of Bask.

Ar abian Horse Times | 57 | English • 2018

Vicki Humphrey VICKI HUMPHREY TRAINING CENTER CANTON, GA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? The Freedman World Cup is my favorite saddle to show in. It is flatter than the deep seat saddle and gives you freedom to put yourself anywhere you want to be, forward or back when needed.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division.

How important are lesson programs to your farm? An Academy division in the Arabian show world is imperative for the survival of our performance world, not just my farm, but every performance-based farm in the business. It is a crucial part in the need to market outside our Arabian world.

We have painted ourselves into a corner by our national show focus. There is nowhere to start, to introduce new riders to the breed. If we introuced an Academy division in every local Class A show, we would see a big increase in youth participation in a few years. This is not only an important move for our breed, but a wonderful alternative to

Joel Kiesner

the technology we compete with. The benefits of acquiring horsemanship skills, the self-esteem and confidence it builds, the social skills that develop and the camaraderie enjoyed by sharing the love of these horses is invaluable. The Academy classes, non-rated, can be designed according to the needs of each region. They require no R judge, horses can be any breed, and limited show attire is required, all which makes the division very affordable for beginners.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? As breeding has slowed, there is a need to support them The Maturity was a great marketing tool when it started. Now amateurs cannot show our English horse at four, and it basically adds a year of costs to either the seller or the buyer. It makes little sense to show these horses in the amateur division at four and then in the Maturity the next year. As we struggle to improve all aspects of our industry, limits are the last thing we need. Options are what we need. I would be in favor of a compromise of showing two years within the 4- to 6-yearold years. That would open options to horses not ready at four and horses shown open at four, but give amateur riders prepared and ready the option to show their horses at four.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class?

And if so, why? I would like to see the judging go back to the original specs of the class. I would like to see the panel receive the very excellent detailed description of the scoring system originally in place, and then include it in the final judging.

the great outdoors in general, beyond what they find on their computers and cell phones.

KIESNER TRAINING LOUISVILLE, TN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? The new Freedman’s deep seat, the Victory Pass DS. I absolutely love it, and everyone should have one.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division.

How important are lesson programs to your farm? We give a lot of lessons to people, no question; though we don’t have a program for the public. We should, and discuss it a lot, but we haven’t worked out the details. We hope to have something soon as a service to the horse industry and for our business; something that gets people exposed to horses and

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? Well, there’s been a lot of discussion, and there’s two sides to it. There are the people who want to show their 4-year-olds, and there’s some 4-year-olds and riders who are capable of that, but for most of horses, it’s probably not good. What I have seen with young horses is when they jump in too soon, they don’t reach their full potential and become the best show horse they could be. It’s also probably trickier for English to be ridden by amateurs at that age. I’m not saying there’s not a great deal of sophistication in western and hunter; they are highly trained. But things go wrong with English horses, such as rearing, spinning and running around in center ring, which you rarely see in hunter or western. With the limited number we have to be show horses, we need to do our best to manage their careers. Those are my feelings on it. I know there’s another side, but there you have it. Showing 3-year-olds in a snaffle and 4-year-olds in the AEPA is a natural progression.

I’m just quite honestly more concerned about the horses than

Ar abian Horse Times | 58 | English • 2018

peoples’ wishes to get on them sooner. We need to protect the horses and their career. Horses can go on and have a long career. We aren’t cutting out years of showing in the maturity; they get two years and our horses get two years, but I’m talking about setting them back just 1one year. It’s well worth it and our horses are well worth it.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I think it must be going pretty well, because the western people created their own AWPA and the hunter folks developed the AHPA. So, we are thrilled; the best form of flattery is imitation. However, we are always looking for new

Jason Krohn

ideas to be better, so I’m anxious to hear what other people say. If anything, I wish it were more money and more classes; I’m very fond of it—it’s my favorite class of the whole show.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? There’s been so many great horses of the past and I’ve been lucky enough to ride some of them, but the thing that excites me the most, is looking to the future and what we might be able to ride this year, next year, or three years from now. That’s what I think about; I seldom think on the past.

comfort they need and gives myself and our professionals the close contact we need to be successful.

OAK HAVEN FARMS BULLARD, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My favorite is a brand new saddle that we designed with Stan Schneider and Charles Pinnell from Schindler’s Tack. The Millennium Master Built by Joseph Sterling (England) has all the comfort and support of a traditional deep seat with the style of a lower rise seat. It fits my horses perfectly. This saddle gives my customers the support and

Jim Lowe LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE SOMIS, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman saddles are so close to the horse, you can feel anything, but unlike old saddles, its soft leather is like a couch.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Huge. We need new people, new breeders, more numbers, more avenues to bring in more

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? During the transition to our new farm, we currently do not have a lesson program, but believe these types of programs are the foundation for introducing new people to the Arabian breed.

Our goal is to have our lesson program running by the end of the year, so we can do our part by bringing new people to the Arabian horse community.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think it took a little getting used to at first, but from what I can see by waiting that extra year, those horses are stronger and more trained, making that class extremely competitive.

people. If you don’t have lessons, you’ll starve the program from not enough humans and people with strong lesson programs will thrive. If we don’t have lesson programs, this industry will not survive. Examples of strong programs are Select Show Horses, Cedar Ridge and Vicki Humphrey; they are thriving and are perfect examples of what we need.

They have new people and barns with kids who show. It is of major importance to our industry. We need to push our lessons to the public, and if you are not pushing, you’re losing money. These kids’ parents pay for rehab or horse lessons; it is their choice.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? It’s like the NBA rule for one and done. Some are ready and some are not. It is a good rule, because most horses are not ready, but it shouldn’t be left for the division to decide, but that of the trainer.

We trainers know some 4-year-old Half-Arabians who are intense, and lots can be wrecked. It should be at the trainer’s

Ar abian Horse Times | 59 | English • 2018

discretion but is a good rule to benefit the horse for one more year of training.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? They need more emphasis on quality of motion and presentation; not just on trot, but a horse that is beautiful in every aspect. It cannot be tied to the highest trotting horse.

I feel sometimes the judging is forcing trot and forgetting

Brian Murch FARM AFFILIATION: STRAWBERRY BANKS FARM EAST AURORA, NY What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s World Cup Super Grip Saddle. It simply puts the rider in the best position on the horse and really improves your timing. Also, it fits the horse perfectly.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? For our farm not so much, but for the industry in general, it is crucial for the future. We need to do everything possible to cultivate new people with lesson programs, clinics, 4-H, etc. I also really like the Academy classes and think more should be offered.

Dr. Nancy O’Reilly FARM AFFILIATION: LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE SOMIS, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why?

Arabian saddle high back.

It’s so comfortable.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? It’s all learning. My trainer, Jim Lowe, takes lessons. When we stop

manners, bridle, quality of motion and carriage. It is an amazing class in general, but I have seen some who should’ve had higher places, despite not having the highest trot, but having everything else.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Kahtin Around (Park); Allionce and The Noblest (tied for English); and Affliction (Country).

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? My personal feelings are that most 4-year-old English horses are not mentally ready for most amateurs at that age. There are always exceptions, but for longevity, I feel it serves its purpose.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? Getting more breeders to take part. As a board member from its beginning, I’m proud of the horses we have seen compete and the money we have been able to give to its participants. It’s a fantastic program for breeders of both Arabian and Half-Arabian English and country horses.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I was fortunate to ride the great National Champion English Pleasure horses Hey Hallelujah and A Temptation. FF Summer Storm was another favorite. Rumina Afire was very special in the country division. The park horse Allience was very impressive and unique during his time in the ring. The winner of this year’s park class ridden by Kevin Price is also high on my list.

learning, it’s time to go. I would be. I’d be surprised if anyone would say, “No thanks, I have learned all I need.” Learning is a lifelong issue. Life is learning.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I really don’t know.

Four-year-olds are babies either way. We need to give them all the TLC possible. It takes time for them to grow and become confident.

Remember, horses can teach us so much and will be with us possibly 30 years.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I am partial to my own horses. Cookie and Deven are my favorite English, and Hennessy and Kappa and Cey Hey I am blessed to have in country.

Ar abian Horse Times | 60 | English • 2018

Kevin L. Price

big or small, it’s up to everybody to keep new blood coming into the Arabian breed.

PRICE PERFORMANCE HORSES NEW BERLIN, WI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why?

I like to ride in the Arabian Saddle Co. saddles. They are comfortable, and the Buffalo leather is very grippy. They seem to fit the horses well.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs are extremely important to our farm. They keep new individuals coming into the industry and introduced to the Arabian breed. There are many farms that do not offer lesson programs and rely on other farms to bring people into the industry, which I think this is completely wrong. Whether

Shawn and Carmelle Rooker ROOKER TRAINING STABLE FENTON, MI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? An older Arabian Saddle Co. saddle and a new Freedman’s.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lessons are a huge part of our industry. Current clients riding their own horses, practicing on lesson horses, or new riders exploring equestrian sports, lessons and hands-on experiences are vital to our business and the horse community.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think this is still a good thing. I think a lot of good horses get bad habits from putting amateurs on when the horse is still in its developmental stages, especially the saddle seat horses. I think there are a certain group of horses and amateurs that can handle it at 4 years old, but for the majority I think it is better to keep it the way it is.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? They should bring back at least 12 horses to the final! I don’t think it’s right to pick the top ten from the pattern; especially since it seems that it is unfair to the exhibitor that goes earlier in the draw. Let the pattern determine the 12 that come back and let the class decide the top ten.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I have had the opportunity to show some great horses so far in my career! But some of my favorites are Toi Slamtastic for English, Brass Glamor Shot for country and Noble Soldier for park.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I believe English horses that are ready to compete in the maturity as 4-yearolds should be able to. Not every horse matures and trains at the same rate, and it’s important to recognize which horses are mentally and physically ready to show. With that said, the English horses are no different than the hunt and western style horses, therefore, they should not be singled out as ineligible to compete in the Maturity divisions at 4-years-old.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA class is one of the biggest spectator draws of the show; quality of motion needs to be judged more importantly than level of motion, which it seems we have slowly ventured away from, in turn leading to less entries exhibiting and being entered in the class.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Currently, Heirs Noble Love and ROL Divine Style. From the past, an all-time favorite is Apollopalooza, and one of his sons, Gotta Wear Shades— brilliant, square moving, athletic show horses.

Ar abian Horse Times | 61 | English • 2018

Rae Paige Schwarz FARM AFFILIATION: QUARRY HILL FARM LAKEVILLE, CT What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? A Freedman World Cut Super Grip. It fits me and my horses well and it’s just a beautifully made saddle.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We have just started our lesson program, and we’re finding that people love coming here. It’s always good to get new people involved with Arabian horses.

Tim Shea SHEA STABLES ST. CLAIR, MI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why?

My Freedman saddle. The leather used has some grip to it, making it a lot easier to stay with the horse.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? They are the most important thing going on in the industry right now. If you look at the hunter/jumper industry, it dwarfs the Saddlebreds, Arabians and Morgans put together, and they all came in through a beginner lesson program. When you think about that and how big the lesson programs are, they’re just huge. Historically the Saddlebred industry has had many lesson programs too, many of their top riders came in through beginner lessons.

The best chance of bringing new people into the industry is through a lesson program. When you bring someone in as a rider, they are a consumer. When you bring in a new breeder, they are a producer. We need more consumers than producers.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I understand why that rule is in effect, but I do think saddle seat horses with competent riders should be allowed to compete as 4-year-olds.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I love the AEPA class. It’s wonderful seeing young horses and seeing them individually, which obviously doesn’t happen in an ordinary class.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Of course, my favorite English horse is our stallion, QH Serengeti (Black Daniels x My Love Song,

by Allience), and I loved him in the park class at Nationals last year.

I feel magazines in the industry need to get behind and feature barns that do lesson programs, and I think we need to have something like a lesson program nationals or even regionals. Maybe before the regular shows start. Something needs to be done to nurture the lesson programs; the Saddlebreds do it. People that do the lesson programs with some level of volume are making good money at it, and most people will stick with the breed or discipline that they start with, so Arabian and Half-Arabian lesson programs are important for our business.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I agree with this.

Most horses are just getting situated and have a better chance if they aren’t over shown as a 4-year-old; it’s a lot to ask of an English horse.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? As a member on the Board of Directors, we are talking about changing the 6th-10th places to a Top Ten, with all getting the same prize money. First through 5th will get incremental prize money as they have been.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? My all-time favorite English horse is Heirs Noble Love; she is in a whole different category. But on a personal level, Hucklebey Berry who I trained and showed to two National Championships. Country English would be Lori Lawrence’s mare SA Gisele and my favorite Park horse is Apollopalooza.

Ar abian Horse Times | 62 | English • 2018

Jill Sherman

horse farms are far and few between in our area. You should be able to get revenue as an amateur instructor with some sort of limitations in place as nobody’s time is free!

SHERMAN RANCH PLEASANTON, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s craftsmanship, quality and comfort are above standard, not to mention the attention to detail.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm?

This is a great question! Our ranch is in an area with an over abundance of opportunity to bring new people into the breed, and I feel there are restrictions in place which do not allow amateurs the opportunity to bring new people into the Arabian horse business. If you are a national caliber amateur rider, you darn sure should be able to teach kids the basics of horsemanship and riding. There should be something in place that lends amateurs the ability to give starter youth lessons.

Some trainers do not want or have time to accommodate new riders, as it’s very time consuming, not to mention Arabian

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I actually agree with this, as I feel it can compromise the integrity of our horses; we rarely send our horses out before they are late 3-yearolds. With that said, there are some very gifted amateurs in our breed who are very capable of riding a young English prospect.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? No; this class is a favorite.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Expressamo has a heart of gold and is a homebred; there are toomany great country horses to list; and in park, Countess Vanessa and Majorca.

Ar abian Horse Times | 63 | English • 2018

Jim Stachowski STACHOWSKI FARM MANTUA, OH

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Twenty years ago, I had a favorite Barnsby saddle, but that wore out a long time ago. I now ride in a Freedman Super Grip saddle; it’s a great saddle.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs are not only extremely important to our farm, but they are critical to our industry. We need to continue being creative and bring new people into the industry, and lesson programs do just that, bringing horses to people in a fun, low stress environment. Once you get people to experience saddle seat horses by giving them a hands-on experience, they are hooked—there is nothing like it! One lesson grows into more lessons which leads to a horse purchase or lease, which may eventually lead to showing and/or breeding. It’s a great way to grow our industry. Youth programs are important, but we have to remember to focus on adult lesson programs as well.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I know a lot of amateurs want to be able to show their saddle seat horses as 4-year-olds in the Maturity class, but in my opinion, I believe it is best for the horses to wait until they are five and six. There may be some individuals that are ready at four, but I think it is best that they are all given the chance to mature without that added pressure.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would eliminate the pattern portion of the class.

I’m not sure that the results of the pattern really affect the final results. Let the youngsters be youngsters, have a brilliant performance the first time they hit the ring and not be over schooled to do a perfect pattern. I love the excitement of the rail portion of the class!

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? While there are many, many favorites that come to mind, I would have to say that my all-time favorite English horses would be Mac Baske (purebred) and Lady Ava Isabella (Half-Arabian), who was named after my daughter, Ava! A fun fact about her … she took both Ava and I to national championships—she really is a good mare.

My all-time favorite country English horse would be multinational champion Mulberry, shown by my wife, Shawn.

My favorite park horses would be Countess Vanessa, and of course, the very talented multi-national champion mare Sophisticated Lady.

Ar abian Horse Times | 64 | English • 2018

Peter STACHOWSKI Stachowski FARM MANTUA, OH

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My favorite saddle is my Freedman Super Grip saddle; it is a really balanced saddle and puts you in the right spot on the horse.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I believe saddle seat lesson programs are very important. While we have lessons for clients and more advanced riders here at the farm in Ohio, we support several Arabian farms in the area by referring beginners and very young children to their already established riding programs. We also support the local 4-H groups in the area by having them tour the facility and see hands-on what a training farm does daily. It is important to the industry that we all continue to offer programs to introduce new people to Arabian and Half-Arabian horses.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? The English Maturity classes at Nationals have become very competitive.

It definitely highlights how great our amateur riders are in our breed. While I am not opposed to having 4-year-olds show in the Maturity class, I do believe that they aren’t really developed enough and may not have enough experience to compete against older horses. In my opinion, 5- and 6-yearolds are better suited to compete against each other. That way they don’t have to be over-trained to show at such an early age. There are exceptions to every statement, but I

believe there is a big difference in maturity level of a 4-yearold to that of a 5- and 6-year-old.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I’m not sure I would change anything about the class. If the class is large enough, the pattern is helpful to let you showcase a horse individually and then use the scores to narrow down the number of horses moving forward to the final. The final then becomes a very exciting class where there is room to really show off your horse. Although, if the class is small and everyone is moving forward, the pattern really doesn’t have the same value. The AEPA class is exciting and a great way to show off and market our youngsters.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? It is hard for me to narrow down my list to just a few all-time favorites, as I have ridden and watched a lot of very talented horses over the years. One of my favorite English horses is a mare that I rode to National Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse last year, GSF Malinah. She is a really special mare and it was a lot fun hearing everyone cheer for her in the ring!

For a favorite country English horse, my pick would be JJ Montego Bey. He always gave you a great, honest ride or drive, and had the best “country” attitude around.

I have multiple all-time favorite park horses. The first one, Sufis Fancy Free, is special to me as she was my first National Championship. Sufi was a great show horse! Another I had the pleasure of showing is Mattaroyale; she always went through that gate ready to show. Sophisticated Lady … enough can’t be said about her talent. She was exciting to watch but even more fun to ride! She just lit up when she went into the ring, always giving you 110%. And my favorite purebred park horse was Allience. He was exciting to ride and could work off his rear end like no other horse.

Ar abian Horse Times | 65 | English • 2018

Ryan Strand LIBERTY MEADOWS TRAINING CENTER BUCYRUS, KS What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I ride in a 21” Arabian Saddle Company Saddle. I feel like it has a little bit more grip than some of the other saddles I have tried. We work a lot of young horses here and I hate when I am riding in a saddle that feels slippery.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs, one way or another, are crucial to any farm. Most people that show horses at a high level almost certainly started through 4-H, FFA, Pony Club or a lesson program.

At Liberty Meadows, we currently do not have a large riding lesson program. One of our goals for 2018 is to grow beginner level riding in our business. I think that if more farms do not start to incorporate lesson programs in their business, we are going to have a serious lack of new participants in our sport. We already have too few new participants in our breed.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I grew up in Iowa riding with my uncle, Jody Strand, and I think the western division is drastically different than the English division. I am fairly confident most western trainers would not want to be showing junior horses in hackamores with amateurs through their 6-year-old year. I think that it is difficult enough through their 5-year-old year, and those horses are usually ready for a bridle. As far as the saddle seat division is

concerned, I don’t really have a problem with the current rule, however, I have always thought that the saddle seat maturity should be open to 4-, 5- and 6-year- olds, and you can show your horse in any two consecutive years. People complain that they want to show their 4-year-olds, so go ahead; show your horse in its 4- and 5-year-old year, but not in its sixth year.

Other people like that they can show their 6-year-old in the maturity, and that is fine too, show your horse in its 5- and 6-year-old years. This allows you to make your own decision on when you feel your horse is ready, or not ready for the maturity.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? More than anything, I wish the class was bigger in terms of number of horses. We just recently started showing horses in that class and I think it is exciting, it pays excellent prize money and is an extremely good marketing platform.

The only thing I occasionally question is the pattern section of the class. It seems to me that the pattern is not really judged. What I mean by that is, I have seen extremely high level horses go in that class and barely complete the pattern with a ton of trouble, and in the same class I have seen horses with slightly less quality and potential complete the pattern perfectly and not advance when the higher quality horse advanced to the final, almost regardless of its performance in the pattern. I am fine with that, I think it is a class designed to showcase the potential and future possible success of a saddle seat horse, so that being said, why have a pattern with multiple facets if at the end of the day, how well you perform the pattern is not really that important? I am not sure that is the solution, but that is the one aspect of the class I find myself questioning.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I think it is hard to pit purebred Arabians against Half-Arabians, so here is my list: English - Afires Heir (PB) and Second Editions Debut (H/A); Park – Apollopalooza (PB) and SA Sophisticated Lady (H/A); and in Country, it’s pretty hard for me to make a call here. I think that it is a fantastic division in our breed and there have been tons of horses that are worthy of saying that they are one of the best.

Ar abian Horse Times | 66 | English • 2018

Jacque Thompson SMOKY MOUNTAIN PARK ARABIANS, LLC KNOXVILLE, TN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My current favorite is my Freedman’s Cut Back. It has a close feel of the horses back, sides and movements, as well as a “grippiness,” which allows me to feel secure in the saddle. When at home, I like to use a straight rein, often out of the martingale, plus a draw, to mimic a full bridle. That is kind of an old-fashioned set up, but one that, for me, makes sense and that takes advantage of the well-positioned D-rings on that saddle.

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Though Smoky Mountain Park Arabians, LLC, is primarily a breeding and sales facility, the lifeblood of our business are

Cathy Vincent

the lesson programs of our clients. Their success with our horses defines our future in the breed. At Smoky Mountain we are fortunate that quite a few horses by our stallions have gone in the ring, done their jobs, and won at the national level. It is thrilling that some of them, even at a young age, carried their owners to victory. It is not an exaggeration to say that the lesson programs which train the riders our horses carry to victory define Smoky Mountain Park Arabians’ future in the breed.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA classes have certainly been a blessing to us at Smoky Mountain Park Arabians, LLC, and also to our breed. If I could change anything, however, it would be to increase participation in our class by winning the trust of exhibitors not currently active in the AEPA. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Besides my own stallions, Baskghazi and The Renaissance and our mares like A Love Supreme, BaskGhazelle SMP and Baske Afire Revue SMP with their illustrious babies, like Supreme Sensation SMP, I would say Aequus, because he was showing when I was re-entering the Arabian horse show world at my first U.S. Nationals and I found him so inspiring to watch.

because, in the last six months, we have had a rash of interest in our area. Youth programs are the salt of our industry! It’s where we all began and is vital to the Arabian horse world!

ADANDY FARM GREENWOOD, DE What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s Cutback.

It gives me the ability to sit straight and evenly in the saddle. I have never had a purebred or HalfArabian that a Freedman does not fit. The best of the best, no doubt!

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We are in the process of putting a youth lesson program together. Simply

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I like the fact that English Maturity horses have to be older, simply because they work harder! “A” plus on that for me.

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? Absolutely NOT! I’m a fan of the system and the way the class is run! I’ve been a supporter since the beginning!

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? There have been so many superstars, I just can’t list them all. We truly are blessed with talented Arabian show horses!

Ar abian Horse Times | 67 | English • 2018

Janell K. Voss

show them is in their age group class. That doesn’t seem fair to the horse or rider. Further evaluation and consideration of allowing 4-year-olds to show in Maturity English/country would be my recommendation.

FARM AFFILIATION: SELECT SHOW HORSES SHERIDAN, IN With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm?

Although not directly involved in the academy program at Select Show Horses, I have seen the significant benefits it has produced for the barn. Most of the young riders showing with the barn today started in the lesson program. Every year, one or two kids graduate from academy to the Class A show ring, feeding our industry from the bottom up. I believe these types of programs are essential to our breed’s growth.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? The Maturity division is a great opportunity for an amateur to show a younger horse and not compete against the more experienced horses. Whether a 4-year-old English horse with an amateur is a good idea depends entirely on the horse and rider. Some horses are ready by that age and others aren’t. But for a 4-year-old, the only viable choice today for the amateur to

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I think the AEPA is a very positive program for the young English horse. However, even though I understand it is not supposed to factor in, the more extreme trotting horses are most likely to win, whereas a well-mannered, nice moving horse with less action is scored lower. Although there are negative factors, splitting AEPA between English and country might give the developing country horse a good option as a 4-year-old. This separation might also increase the number of horses showing, since I believe many good country 4-year-olds are left in the barn at Nationals.

Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I’ve only been back in the industry since 2012 after an almost 20 year break, so I don’t have a good answer here, but I would say in English, my favorite is Vegaz.

One reason is that I own one of his sons who I dearly love.

Vegaz not only has beautiful action, but also seems to pass on a good temperament as well.

In country, I can’t really speak to a favorite because there are so many nice horses showing country these days.

For park, I will date myself and vote for Orans Adagio.

I can still remember watching Gene LaCroix ride him at Nationals.

Ar abian Horse Times | 68 | English • 2018

2017 National English Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth National English Champion and Reserve wins. AEPA Saddle Seat Futurity, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes. Open and amateur/junior classes only.

OVERALL ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Noble Soldier

3 championships, 1 reserve

Teal Dowling

2. RC Iron Man

2 championships, 1 reserve

Debra Hines

SD Graceland

Toi Sensation CRF

3. Carrie Bradshaw

Steel Strike

4. Blazn Jewel HPF Bonfire ROF

DA Heatstroke Davinci Reflection WA Diva Afire

Glorys Chase RS

Goblet Of Fire CCF GSF Alejandro

Sal Mineo BF

Shes So Bad

3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships

2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

Lindsay O’Reilly French KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. Vicki Humphrey Amber Tayler

Penny and Laura Carrington Alycia Boucher

Remington Monroe Equine LLC Kendyl Peters Arabians, Inc. North By Northwest LLC Rene Ramirez Hadley Ames Bill Castro

Boisvert Arabians LLC Conway Arabians, Inc.

ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins

1. Noble Soldier

3 championships, 1 reserve

Teal Dowling

2. RC Iron Man

2 championships, 1 reserve

Debra Hines

SD Graceland

Bonfire ROF

DA Heatstroke

Diva Afire

Glorys Chase RS Goblet Of Fire CCF

3. A Revelation BHA

DM Diamond Toi

Fire and Brass Heir Power PR

Prosuasion SA Kappuccino

Spirituall Gangster

Strickly Business

3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve

Lindsay O’Reilly French Alycia Boucher

Remington Monroe Equine LLC North By Northwest LLC Rene Ramirez Hadley Ames

Bron and Geniene Scherer Dorothy Murray

William and Nancy Blankenship Ava Rasmussen

Laura and Nora Shaffer Pegasus Arabians

Mike and Kimberly Beethe Michael and Jenny Lau

Ar abian Horse Times | 69 | English • 2018

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Toi Sensation CRF

2 championships, 1 reserve

KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc.

Steel Strike

1 championship, 2 reserves

Amber Tayler

2. Carrie Bradshaw

3. Blazn Jewel HPF

Davinci Reflection WA GSF Alejandro

Sal Mineo BF

Shes So Bad

4. Beaujoleis Blazn Spirit CSP Hot Dam

Girl on Fire Lord of Fire

RGT Thunder Road Rizing Stock BF Swing Town SF

Voodoo Ride SF

1 championship, 2 reserves

Vicki Humphrey

2 championships

Penny and Laura Carrington

2 championships

Kendyl Peters Arabians, Inc.

2 championships

Bill Castro

2 championships

Boisvert Arabians LLC

2 championships

Conway Arabians, Inc.

1 championship, 1 reserve

Peter Marsh

1 championship, 1 reserve

Jeanne Miller

1 championship, 1 reserve

Richard and Mackenzie Mullis

1 championship, 1 reserve

Leslie Palmer Garvis

1 championship, 1 reserve

Kathy and Emily Shippee

1 championship, 1 reserve

Jill Nelson

1 championship, 1 reserve

Boisvert Farms LLC

1 championship, 1 reserve

Tres Soles Arabians LLC

1 championship, 1 reserve

Grant Reser

OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winning get

by number of wins

1. Afire Bey V 23 1. Afire Bey V 29 2. Baske Afire 17 2. Baske Afire 21

3. Afires Heir 11 3. Afires Heir 16

4. IXL Noble Express

8

4. IXL Noble Express

12

SF Specs Shocwave

6

6. SF Specs Shocwave

9

VCP Magnifire

6

8. VCP Magnifire

7

5. Apollopalooza 6 5. Apollopalooza 10 Mamage 6 7. Mamage 8

9. Matoi 6

LEADING ARABIAN SIRES

by number of Arabian winning get

1. Afire Bey V 15

by number of Arabian wins 1. Afire Bey V

19

1. Baske Afire

15

3. IXL Noble Express

3. IXL Noble Express

12

3. Apollopalooza

3

2. Afires Heir

10

VCP Magnifire

4

4. Apollopalooza Mamage

SF Specs Shocwave

8 3 3 3

2. Afires Heir 4. Vegaz

5. Apollopalooza

SF Specs Shocwave

VCP Magnifire

14

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

by number of Half-Arabian wins

2. Afire Bey V

2. Afire Bey V

8

5

HF Mister Chips

4

SF Specs Shocwave

4

Mamage

3 3

1. Baske Afire

18

3. Apollopalooza

6

4. Mamage

3

SF Specs Shocwave

4

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS Top Ten included by points

1. Jonathan Ramsay

70

3. Joel Gangi

61

2. James Stachowski

69

4. Jason Krohn

56

6. James Lowe

52

5. Joel Kiesner

7. Gabe DeSoto

8. Dalton Budd

55 51 43

Ar abian Horse Times | 70 | English • 2018

9. Peter Stachowski

40

Kevin Price

35

10. Tom Theisen

35

10 5 5

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

1. Starline Arabians LLC

6

Remington Monroe Equine LLC

4

2. Amazing Horse Woman LLC

3. Boisvert Farms LLC

Penny and Laura Carrington Conway Arabians, Inc.

North By Northwest LLLC

4 3 3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

1. Starline Arabians LLC

5

Leslie Goryeb

2

2. Conway Arabians, Inc.

Kimberly Jarvis Kingswood Farms

Remington Monroe Equine LLC Cathy or Sophie Yih

2 2 2 2 2

by number of horses

1. Amazing Horse Woman LLC

3

2. Penny and Laura Carrington

2

Boisvert Farms LLC Bill Castro

North By Northwest LLC

Remington Monroe Equine LLC

3 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses

Vicki Humphrey

3

6

Tom and Elizabeth Moore

3

4

R O Lervick Arabians

3

Rodney and Jacqueline Thompson

Live Oak Arabians, Inc.

1. Marty Shea

11

3. Boisvert Farms LLC

4

Prestige Farms LLC

4

Shawn Stachowski

2. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc. Nick and Juliet Carden

Lindsay Rinehart

4. Cedar Ridge Farm Laura Gault

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

by number of horses

2. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc.

3. Nick and Juliet Carden

R O Lervick Arabians

4. Cedar Ridge Arabians Dolorosa Arabians Lindsay Rinehart

Rodney and Jacqueline Thompson

Trigger Arabians LLC

3 3 3 3

3

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS 1. Marty Shea

3

8 6 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

1. Boisvert Farms LLC

4

Vicki Humphrey

3

2. Laura Gault

Live Oak Arabians, Inc.

Tom and Elizabeth Moore Marty Shea Shawn Stachowski

3. Richard Halstead

J R Bacon Drilling, Inc. and Whelihan Equine Enterprise, Inc. Prestige Farms LLC Lindsay Rinehart

Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | English • 2018

3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

Richard Ames with SHF Encore & Toi Slamtastic CRF Laura Rodel with His Ownman CRF & Ames Imperator Hadley Ames with Ames Inspiration Jessica Clinton with Toi Fabulous CRF Josh Shino with Fire It Up CRF

The Ames Family | Dick, Lollie & Lara Ames Jordan, Minnesota | 952.492.2537

For Your Next English Champion Visit WWW.CEDARRIDGEARABIANS.COM

.

E

S MO KY MO U N TAI N PAR K B R E E D I N G

NGLISH ...

FOR YOUTH, AMATEUR & OPEN

Baske Afire x RY Fire Ghazi

S U P R E M E S E N S AT I O N S M P Baskghazi x A Love Supreme Multi Youth National Winner with Falan Alpert

ESSENCE OF FIRE SMP The Renaissance x Escada SCA, by Afire Bey V with Katherine Bartlett CONTRATULATIONS NEW OWNER 2018 YOUTH RIDER BRITTIN EDWARD

ML Afire Dream x Fire Essense

Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated • Region 12 Spotlight Stallions Scottsdale Signature Stallions • WCAHA All Star Futurity • AEPA Enrolled Sires

Rod & Jacqueline Thompson For Information Call 865-816-2406

Lenoir City, TN www.SmokyMountainParkArabians.com