A JUDGES PERSPECTIVE
that I would never have had the opportunity to see. I have met so many fabulous likeminded people, and have had the opportunity to judge and co-judge with a number of international judges from Europe and the USA. Cindy Reich, Francesco Santoro, Bruce McCrea, Shannon Armstrong, and the 2000 Australian National Championships with Jerzy Białobok and Mark Himmel, are just a few of the wonderful breeders and judges I have had the pleasure to meet through the Arabian horse. Colleen judging at the 2014 Summer Show.
horses winning in the show ring today in Australia are a wonderful combination of all of the above, clearly evident in their pedigrees. In addition, many stunning Arabian horses are being exported overseas and many more are in the barns of small and large breeding farms waiting for their chance to shine. Australians have historically placed a lot of importance on the soundness of their horses’ feet and legs. Many breeders have one or two foals a year which may become work stock on large farms or outback stations; they might end up becoming mum’s dressage horse or the children’s pony club mount, and others are destined for the show ring.
Do you prefer the desert or the ocean? That’s difficult! I love the vastness of deserts; the colors and vistas. I look into a desert and I am in awe of pioneers, the history and the hardships they endured. But then, to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean makes you grateful for the life we have. I have seen many sunrises over the Pacific now and before I return to Australia I want to watch at least one sunset over the North Pacific. What other destinations while in the U.S. do you plan to visit? Desert and ocean! I really want to see Monument Valley; I want to walk barefoot on the ground. I must see the Grand Canyon, of course, and hopefully Santa Ynez Valley that I hear so much about. And if time permits, Yosemite National Park, with a drive down the Pacific Coast to L.A. So, if you see us driving down the wrong side of the road, please be kind and point us in the right direction! n
Opportunities brought into Australia with frozen semen from throughout the world have opened up a whole new ball game, giving us a more accessible opportunity to breed to some of the world’s leading sires. What women before you in the Arabian breed did you learn the most from? Years ago I attended every seminar I could, often travelling long distances. Val Males, Leslie Dowey and Daphne McCrae, three knowledgeable Australian ladies, were instrumental with setting judges exams, formed ‘The Standard of Excellence’ in Australia and taught Doug and I about the breeding horse. How has the Arabian horse enriched your life? I have traveled to cities and parts of our wide vast land
Colleen and Doug Rutherford with daughter Kelli Greene of Arabians Australia.
Volume 45, No. 11 | 159