Chestnuthill Arabians 2019, published in Arabian Horse Times

Chestnuthill Arabians Joseph Alberti II Ocala, Florida 610.972.9628 www.chestnuthillarabians.com design by Brandy Phillips

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Chestnuthill Arabians ... “Live What You Love And Love What You Live”

by CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI

Conversations with Chestnuthill Arabians owner Joe Alberti overflow with thoughtful passion and knowledge, carving a continuous path of learning and love of life. He is the true embodiment of the title phrase above.

Chestnuthill Arabians and its clientele will be proudly presenting 13 In-Hand and Performance purebred and Half-Arabian horses at Tulsa’s 2019 U.S. Nationals.

Joe has been a fixture in the Arabian horse industry for well over 20 years, always conveying a perspective that is fresh, exuberant, giving and direct, yet kind. His zest for life created Chestnuthill Arabians, a full-service operation where “open gate” policy has firmly established a community of happy horses and gratified owners.

Born and raised in the Bronx borough of New York City, Joseph “Joe” R. Alberti II, was an only child, the son of a hard-working banker. Seeking serenity away from the city, Joe’s father acquired a small farm in Pennsylvania where the family would spend their weekends, and horses quickly became a slice of this part-time lifestyle. Joe looks back, “Actually, my passion for horses didn’t begin with our first horses. They were grade horses, calm and placid. Yes, we would ride out in the countryside and I enjoyed it, but I also remember thinking if my father loves this rural life so much, why does he only spend two days a week enjoying it? Then and there I knew I would create a life for myself that I would love seven days a week, not two!” The pieces of this life-making puzzle came together a bit later when Joe discovered Arabian horses. Joe recalls, “When we acquired our first Arabian horse (for $500!), my newfound passion for horses hit me like a ton of bricks! The Arabian breed has such a rich history, interwoven with humans for countless centuries.

Arabian horses are so fancy, and flighty, yet intelligent, kind and calm. In the desert, these horses lived in the tent with their human families. What other breed of horse can attest to this?”

During boyhood, Joe sought every book, magazine, movie and resource he could find to learn more about Arabian horses. At age 14, Joe knew training Arabian horses was his chosen career.

The original Chestnuthill Arabians was established in Pennsylvania. Hard work and dedication led to national recognition, but Joe sought more.

Moving southward in 2010 to work at Florida’s world renowned Rohara Arabians opened opportunities to broaden knowledge, experience and global exposure.

Five years later, Joe returned back on his own, building a new Chestnuthill Arabians in the midst of Ocala, Florida, a world-class equine epicenter. Easily reached from Orlando and Tampa airports, the farm was thoughtfully created with lush pastures, dozens of large, luxurious stalls, a covered arena, a EuroXsizer, and breeding lab (the farm does its own collection and shipping).

Chestnuthill provides state-of-the-art marketing services, skills Joe integrates and keeps current combined with wise horse knowledge. Overseas sales have further attracted global attention to Chestnuthill horses and their clientele.

“Chestnuthill Arabians exhibits the crowning glory of a ’24/7 obsession,’” Joe acknowledges. “Horses create patience, and patience creates rich rewards in its journey. Over the years, this journey has given me great fortune to show multiple purebred and Half-Arabian horses to the winner’s circle multiple times over multiple years.” Joe’s gratification is directed not only to the many wins earned by horses such as Maghnus Z, Shaddofax, Shaddo Magniphied and ZA Magnumoiselle MTC, but equally so, to their love of their job. Joe elaborates further, “Downtime for our horses is huge in our operation. Pasture time at Chestnuthill is as important as the training program. Keeping our horses fresh keeps them well mannered. A consistent, clear training program cultivates and maintains confidence. Our horses know their job and love to perform.”

A tireless worker himself, Joe expects the same horse obsession from his staff.

“I seek people who work for the love of the horse and will do anything for them.

After all, that’s why we are all here.”

Skill in the show pen certainly attracts clients, but this isn’t the only factor. “I’m honest and I’m frank,” Joe is candid. “I will never tell a client their horse is great when it’s not, and I am good at knowing a horses’ ability. It’s so important to let the horse tell you what it wants to do. Horses are no different than humans, in that encouraging them to do what they love will make them successful. Our clientele is drawn to this.”

Client Rich Sadala agrees, elaborating, “I have observed Chestnuthill’s philosophy to present the horses in the best condition, health and mind. I’ve known Joe for two decades or more; a long time. Chestnuthill horses seem more relaxed, well-conditioned, and show extremely sharp, giving all their attention to Joe during their halter presentation standup. We have had many different experiences with Joe, mostly good and a few sad ones just like in most lives. His management and love of Adonis GA (miracle tetanus horse) was present from his unwavering belief in saving his life. Today, Adonis is well, showing and breeding. This is, in my opinion, a great testament to Joe never giving up.”

Rich adds with a smile, “I’ll be at U.S. Nationals this year watching Joe present our 2018 filly Truly Marvelous H. Along with the competition, we always include some time to have fun.”

Staff also “light up” when talking about Chestnuthill. Assistant trainer Stefanie Simonsen joined Joe to start up the Chestnuthill, Ocala operation. Stefanie schools and shows the In-Hand and Hunter disciplines. As competitive as Joe, Stefanie proudly shares her first U.S. National showing experience, highlighted by winning reserve alongside Joe’s championship title. Still, she is just as emphatic describing the Chestnuthill day-to-day operation. “Tranquility is the word that extolls our barn philosophy,” Stefanie maintains. “This translates to winning, as our horses are very eager to do their jobs. Chestnuthill has a caregiving culture for human and horse. Joe puts our horses first as do I.” Stefanie examples multiple national champion Maghnus Z, “When the rig pulls up, Maghnus is always at his stall window, ready to get on the trailer and go to the next show (he only shows a couple times a year). He actually pouts when the realization sinks in that he’s not going this time!”

And Stefanie’s assessment of Joe? “When I’m behind the scenes, people compliment Joe. He always has a smile on his face, is always positive, always forward thinking.

Chestnuthill Arabians moves ahead continually confident in its progression. Joe puts his heart and soul into Chestnuthill. I’m proud to be by his side.”

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There are two sides to everyone. For Joe, the other is life partner Rob Janecki.

Identically matched in possessing a “game-on attitude,” Rob laughs as he describes his first horse experience. “I met Joe in 1998. He was doing telemarketing and was my boss! One day Joe invited me to come to a show in which he was competing. Mind you, I too am from New York City, one of six kids, raised in Brooklyn. However, I had never been around horses. So here I am at this horse show, taking it all in when one of Joe’s friends asks if I can help.

Sure, I replied. Next thing I knew, I was told, Go grab a halter and get that horse. My reply was a question, Uh, what is a halter? Then and there, horses came into my life and I’ve never looked back.” Rob shares more nostalgia, ‘My first horse was Rohara Canali. I bought him as a yearling, showing him In-Hand and in Hunter competition, with much of his career winning at the regional and national level. Gelded later in life, today, 21-year-old Rohara Canali lives in a Chestnuthill pasture, loving his life and his part time job as an in-hand lesson horse.” Rob acknowledges, “Though I didn’t grow up with horses, now I cannot imagine life without them. Joe and I want everyone’s dream to come true here at Chestnuthill, whether it’s winning at the national level, local level or realizing their mare just delivered a stellar foal.” Today Rob is a marketing expert with a national billboard firm, linking the expertise of his formal career with his beloved Arabian horses. And another Janecki sibling has come into the world of Arabian horses. Rob is delighted to describe brother Patrick’s third ever horse show competition, 2019 Canadian Nationals, where he showed Pharaoh CRF to a reserve championship in Arabian Stallions AOTH. Horse or human family, Rob and Joe’s life at Chestnuthill is a superb balance of horse show training and bucolic surroundings. Rob confesses, “I love seeing the mares and babies in pasture. Happy horses give us a happy, fulfilled homelife.”

Long-time client Maddy Winer agrees, “We acquired Maghnus Z from Joe. I quickly realized Joe’s innate talent of working in a way to improve the connection to you and your horse. When Joe went out on his own, we followed.”

Maddy smiles, “Maghnus Z is approaching his teens, one of the winningest Arabian horses ever of over two dozen national champion and reserve champion titles. We still show Maghnus a couple times a year, as he loves every minute of it. He is my one in a million horse, lighting up with flare and sparkle in the show pen, yet kind and calm during downtime. The minute Maghnus hears my voice, he nickers and whinnies his greetings, testimony to Chestnuthill’s care. The 2019 U.S. Nationals will see Maghnus Z, amateur handler Maddy, and Joe “going again” for the roses, to repeat 2018’s U.S. Nationals unanimous championships in Half-Arabian Gelding Stock/Hunter AAOTH and Half-Arabian Gelding Stock/Hunter 3 & Over.

Newly acquired 2011 purebred bay gelding Marvellous Xceptshahn makes his Chestnuthill U.S. Nationals debut showing with Maddy and Joe in Amateur and Open In-Hand competition. This following a triumphant unanimous 2019 Canadian Nationals AOTH championship title with Maddy and a unanimous reserve championship with Joe. Maddy’s assessment of Chestnuthill is simple, “Joe always gives us a positive spin. He addresses every bug-a-boo. This makes us confident and prepared at our shows. We hit the ring feeling good about ourselves as do our horses. We love the Chestnuthill show and barn life. Best of all, Joe’s horses equally love him at both.”

Hospitality and Chestnuthill Arabians go hand-in-hand. This community truly gives as good as it gets, always keeping out the welcome mat. Longtime client Matt Murray says Chestnuthill exemplifies this, “I was regional champion a few times and champion at Scottsdale with multiple horses. In 2012, I was slated to show AOTH Stallion Halter at U.S., but just weeks before, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.

“While I was lying in a bed at M D Anderson, near death, Joe took my stallion to U.S. and was named U.S. National Champion Stallion. I will never forget him for that.

Focusing more on my health has taken me out of the daily grind, but rest assured, Joe and I are far from over. He left me a message a few weeks ago, I got you a room at Tulsa. Mind you, I don’t have a horse that I own going and have nothing in training, but ... I have a room, because that’s the way Joe rolls. Some trainers keep it all about them; not Joe. He always kept it all about me.”

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Chestnuthill’s coaching tactics are personified by Kristine Nolan’s enthused words, “My relationship with Joe Alberti and the Chestnuthill Arabians team has truly changed my life for the better. It’s no secret that I’ve always been fairly quiet and introverted, but Joe has helped instill great confidence in me as both a rider/handler and as a woman. He pushes me to be a better version of myself in and out of the show ring, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his encouragement and friendship.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share many special experiences with Joe and my Chestnuthill family. Like many Arabian horse owners, I dreamed that someday I’d have a National Champion. In 2016, that dream became a reality when Joe showed my gelding, Expectations SS, to a national championship win in the Arabian Junior Geldings class. To this day, I still consider it to be one of the happiest and best days of my life.”

Lifetime horse owner and amateur handler Ann Cranmer Gauntlett is new to the Arabian horse show world, competing when she isn’t engulfed in her admirable career as a Molecular Biologist. Looking forward to the U.S. Nationals, Ann is showing her 2015 purebred grey mare Sofia CDA in the Amateur Mare Breeding competition and with Joe in the Open. Ann professes, “I’ve just started showing in the halter classes, having a long span of time since my childhood local horse show experiences in California. I knew of Joe from his former Chestnuthill, Pennsylvania operation, and later meeting him when building my home in Ocala.” Ann’s “ah ha” moment came early when Joe frankly stated to Ann that Sofia CDA wasn’t ready for competition at Scottsdale earlier this year. Ann was impressed, stating, “Joe would have made good money taking Sofia to Scottsdale. Still, he prioritized the horse over the dollar.

Sofia was ready a few months later for Region 15, winning the Open Mares with Joe and Reserve in Mares AOTH with me. I love being a part of Chestnuthill Arabians— the barn, the clients, showing ... the whole experience.”

Joe Alberti embraces the big view of the Arabian horse industry, knowing this is key to its future. Exampling the 2019 U.S. Nationals, Joe states, “We must get back to what I call ‘useable horses.’ Yes, not all horses can achieve both In-Hand and Performance success at the highest levels, but we must give them a chance. We plan to exemplify this at U.S., having entered our 4-year-old stallion, Pharaoh CRF, in In-Hand and AHPA purebred competition. Chestnuthill has shown horses to halter and performance national titles, and we seek to continue on this path, honoring the unique Arabian horse’s diversity.” Joe adds, “I see a real benefit to upcoming performance halter classes. This is an inviting entry for new people to our breed. I have a half dozen clients excited to show in performance halter at the 2020 U.S. Nationals.

Creating excitement is always positive.”

Kameron photo

Joe concludes with outspoken sincerity, “Arabian horses invite drama by their sheer beauty. Let’s always channel that drama to horse show excitement! I envision one bringing their ‘Aunt Tillie’ to U.S. Nationals, seating her in the final Saturday night stands, and watching her whoop, whistle and cheer with the crowd, knowing in her non-horse world heart, that she has just witnessed a big deal event. We always want people to come away saying, ‘I want to do this!’”

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2YR OLD COLTS

Aria Impresario | Sofiya AA by Al Ayal AA

Standing at Chestnuthill Arabians Ocala, Florida SCID/CA/LFS Clear www.chestnuthillarabians.com

Owned by The Impressive Group Scottsdale Unanimous Champion Egyptian Heritage Jr Colt Region 2 Reserve Champion Yearling Sweepstakes Colt U.S. National Top Ten Yearling Colt

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FUTURITY FILLIES

Kavalle MI | Emmanda Owned by Shalin and Joseph Foti Scottsdale Champion SSS Yearling Filly Region 10 Reserve Champion Yearling Filly Canadian National Top Ten Futurity Filly

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FUTURITY C OLTS

Standing at Chestnuthill Arabians Ocala, Florida SCID/LFS Clear Owned by Wanderlust Arabians and Chestnuthill Arabians

JJ Bellagio | Dark Angel GA

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Marwan Al Magnifficoo | WC Xceptshahnal

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Owned by Maddy and Jay Winer Canadian National Champion Gelding AAOTH Canadian Reserve National Champion Gelding U.S. National Champion Gelding

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SR GELDINGS OPEN AND AMATEUR with Maddy Winer

JR MARES OPEN AND AMATEUR with Ann Gauntlett

Mirage V++++// | HA Lady Freya

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Owned by Ann Gauntlett Wanderlust Arabians Region 15 Champion Mare Region 15 Reserve Champion Mare AAOTH

YEARLING COLTS

Exxalt | Marriyah

Owned by Shalin and Joseph Foti Canadian National Top Ten Yearling Colt Region 15 Champion Yearling Colt

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YEARLING FILLIES

Truest | Marwvelous Thyme H Owned by Honeysuckle Farm Arabians Region 15 Champion Yearling Filly Available for purchase

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H/A S/H GELDINGS OPEN AND AMATEUR with Maddy Winer +//

Magnum Chall HVP | The Sweet Rose Owned by Maddy and Jay Winer 24x National or Reserve National Champion

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H/A S/P GELDINGS OPEN AND AMATEUR with Robert Janecki

Vitorio TO | CF Mamies Night Out Owned by Robert Janecki 3x National Champion

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H/A HUNTER PLEASURE OPEN Mariachi WA | Xtreme Glory Owned by Shalin and Joseph Foti | Region 15 Top Five H/A Hunter Pleasure

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Shaddofax | ZA Magnumoiselle MTC

H/A YEARLING FILLIES

Owned by Maddy and Jay Winer Region 15 Champion H/A Yearling Filly

H/A YEARLING COLTS

Shaddofax | Rohara Balenciaga Owned by Mark Fischer Canadian Reserve National Champion H/A Yearling Colt

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JR STALLIONS AHPA HUNTER PLEASURE STALLIONS AAOTH with Robert Janecki

Ekstern | Perfirka Standing at Chestnuthill Arabians Ocala, Florida SCID/CA/LFS Clear

Canadian Reserve National Champion Stallion AAOTH Region 15 Reserve Champion Hunter Pleasure Jr Horse Region 15 Reserve Champion Stallion