Profiles
ALLY HUBBARD
Culbreth Equine Training
# of horses showing: 3
Hunter Pleasure, Maturity & Hunter Seat Equitation
How do you make a living outside of horses?
My academic journey has included graduating as valedictorian two years ahead of schedule at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, where I majored in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing Management. My most recent role at Olsen’s Grain, Inc. developed in me a deeper understanding of the agricultural sector, which complements my interest in the equine industry. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA at Northern Arizona University (NAU), which prepares me for pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). While my career outside of horses is rooted in business, it is inextricably linked to the equine world. My goal is to combine my business expertise with my love for horses by working, ideally, with companies like Purina or Triple Crown, or within a university setting that offers equine-assisted leadership development programs.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
I love spending time outdoors with my dogs, hiking and camping, or exploring new places, whether it’s a weekend road trip or discovering hidden gems close to home. I have a deep passion for traveling—I’m especially drawn to places with a beach—to experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again?
A crab roll, thanks to a memorable experience at Youth Nationals. Chris Culbreth tricked me into thinking it was a mozzarella stick, and I bit into it with full expectation of cheesy goodness. Instead, the surprise and the strong flavor of the crab roll left a lasting impression.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend?
Hiking among the breathtaking red rock formations and scenic trails in Sedona or spending time with, SS Ican Winn (Ike), who started my journey with Arabians and showing.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would love to talk to animals. It would be fascinating and immensely rewarding, especially in caring for and understanding them better.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Fiji and Cozumel. Both offer vibrant coral reefs, rich marine life and pristine beaches. The warmth and hospitality of the Fijian people and Cozumel’s laid-back atmosphere made for memorable and cherished travel experiences.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Ride ‘em like you stole ‘em.” This phrase captures the essence of going all in, on horseback and in life. It’s about embracing the moment with full commitment, confidence, and a touch of daring. It has guided me in countless situations to approach challenges with determination and to take bold steps toward my goals. It’s a reminder to be fearless and trust in my abilities.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Starting my horse, Incantation SS, and watching him grow into the incredible partner he is today. It’s been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Winning our first AHPA Jackpot at Mid Summer was the cherry on top, solidifying all the hard work, dedication, and trust we’ve built.
MIKE KNOWLES
Amateur/Owner
Burkman Center / Royal Arabians
# of horses showing: 1
Country Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I’m retired from a career designing and marketing womens’ footwear. Most recently I’ve focused on purchasing, remodeling, and selling homes.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Traveling the world with my husband is always time well spent, as is time with my three daughters and five grandsons.
What causes are important to you?
Please don’t drink and drive. Need a ride? Call me.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Oysters.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? A quick trip to Chicago to visit my girls and their littles.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Super healing power.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Freddie Mercury.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Brugge.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? It’s not really a problem if you can throw money at it.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m funny.
ELIZABETH WHITLOCK
Amateur/Owner
Bein Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Reining & Ranch Rail
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Mushrooms.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? With family.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation!
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Aruba!
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
I would love to learn Spanish.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? Exercise.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Having my two kids!
What is an irrational fear of yours? Snakes.
MANDA DANIELESKI
Amateur/Owner
Rooker Training Stable
# of horses showing: 1 Country Pleasure & Driving
How do you make a living outside of horses? I am an attorney.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Family, farm and home.
What causes are important to you? Civil rights and animal welfare.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Fishing!
Have you ever won an award or contest? I am an award-winning barista.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why? RBG.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live? Taylor Swift with my daughter.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Greece.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently? Sheriff posse.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? Put on lipstick.
KATE YEARIN
Burkman Centre
Amateur/Owner
# of horses showing: 1 Hunter Pleasure
What causes are important to you?
Environmental Sustainability, Mental Health Awareness and Animal Welfare.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Escargot.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Adele, Billie Eilish or Zach Bryan.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Positano, Italy.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you? That I am attending law school in 2025.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
I traveled to a handful of cities in Italy and London with a friend over the summer.
What is an irrational fear of yours? The ocean.
CINDY CRAWFORD
Amateur/Owner
Chrishan Park
# of horses showing: 2
Park & English Pleasure
CANDY CONWAY MIKULIK
Amateur/Owner
Colonial Wood Training Center / Oak Haven Farms
# of horses showing: 1
Western Pleasure & Performance Halter
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I am a retired Vice President (AT&T). I do some consulting and real estate investing.
What causes are important to you?
Mentoring. I have been a part of Big Brothers Bigs Sisters for 25 years, helping mentor kids who don’t have a positive role model in their lives. It works!
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend?
Watching my talented husband coach professional baseball during the season. Other than that, riding horses, play golf or traveling to our favorite spot in Fredericksburg, Texas!
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
Unoffendable by Brent Hanson. Great insights on managing anger and resentment, among other emotions that affect us daily.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Jesus … so many questions.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The power of healing. Too much sadness around health issues and death.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live? Elvis.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dear father with a genius IQ (he was in Mensa). When troubled about work, he would say, “It’s not how much stuff you throw at the wall, it is how much that sticks. When you leave at the end of the day, make sure a lot stuck.”
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
In the Arabian world, that I have a lot of skills from being an Executive at one of largest companies in the world. Some of the local clubs don’t necessarily appreciate those skills. Most are very much stuck in the past, and that’s how you kill an organization. Would love to help grow the Arabian industry.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
My three beautiful, smart, sassy daughters have grown up to be good humans.
KIM LEWIS FARMER
Breeder Burkman Centre
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals? English Pleasure.
How many babies did you breed this year? Two.
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares? No.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
I believe we need to figure out how to market Arabian and Half Arabian horses. The cost of breeding and raising horses isn’t cheap.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses? If a buyer would buy a young horse from the breeder before they went out for training, they would be less expensive. Once your horse is in training and becoming a star, of course, the value increases. People seem to be gun shy when buying young horses from a breeder. Perfect example would be my Half-Arabian Crack Me Up. She is now a National Champion and Reserve National Champion, and you could have bought her from me as a young horse in lines right here at the farm.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
I start my young horses here at Santolina Farm. They usually start in the fall of their 2-year-old year depending on maturity. I like to send them after they have been started in lines and become solid citizens. I want to give them a fighting chance once they go off to the trainer.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
That we are breeding competitive and trainable horses. And we are breeding better horses every year.
MORGAN MOORE
Breeder
MLM Arabians
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
This year we have added western pleasure horses to represent our breeding program, joining our past halter, working western, and main ring performance horses bred at our farm. We are very excited that our first home-bred AWPA foal, Lothario MLM, will be competing with his new owners in the $100,000 Futurity with Colby Powell. Our current herd sire, multi-National Champion Arslan Aljassimya, will be competing in open western, amateur western, and performance halter.
How many babies did you breed this year?
We are a boutique program. This year was our biggest foal crop (we had 5 total foals).
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares?
We do embryo transfer with our mares, but love for our mares to carry when possible (sometimes show commitments or age prevents this). We also purchase embryo rights from quality mares.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
Anytime you handle a horse, you are in essence, training it in some capacity. We begin training our horses at a few months of age with in-hand trail walking, grooming, tying, and general handling. We send halter horses and in-hand horses out for training at the end of their weanling year to training barns. We send performance prospects out at the end of their 2-year-old year.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
That a receiving owner and/or trainer loves the individual purchased from our program so much that they want to have another horse from our program in their barn.
LORI-KAY FRYE
Amateur/Owner
Colonial Wood
# of horses showing: 2
Western Pleasure, Side Saddle & Performance Halter
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I am a tax accountant for a major financial institution, although I do not prepare tax returns. Instead, I focus on tax strategy and analysis to help drive business decisions.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Kangaroo.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Go on a quick get-away with my husband to explore areas within 3-4 hour driving distance from home.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
Yep! I am the most unlikely recipient of a first place bowling trophy. Let’s just say that I significantly contributed to my team’s handicap.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation - I’d love to travel without the hassle or time-constraints needed to drive or fly.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Chris Cornell.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Scotland, with Australia a very close second.
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
Nope. I took several years of Spanish in school but I didn’t retain any of it. I’d love to learn Russian, although I don’t know when I would ever use it.
BECKY NASH
Amateur/Owner
Vicki Humphrey Training Center / Shamrock Farms # of horses showing: 2 Country English Pleasure & Western Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses? We are retired! Yay!
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? We love to travel, spend time with friends and family; cook and plan our next adventure.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Lychee nuts.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest? The Book of Beautiful Questions
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Winston Churchill and my dad.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live? Mozart.
What’s the cheesiest joke you’ve ever heard?
You know why my hand looks like a pie? It’s got meringue on it.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Education is the key to success, you can do anything if you put your mind to it but work hard! (My dad)
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
I know a little French but I am going to try to learn some Italian before a wedding that we will attend in Italy next summer.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
Go with your gut and instinct; don’t wait.
TAYLOR DAWSON
Amateur/Owner
Bein Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Reining, Ranch Riding & Trail
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I am a registered vascular technologist. I perform ultrasounds on veins and arteries all throughout the human body to identify areas of disease.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
With my friends and family, camping with my boyfriend on the weekends with our dog, and concerts! Doing any of those things really fills my bucket.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Hands down, Queen! Freddie Mercury had an amazing voice and was an incredible performer. What I’d give to be in the crowd during the Live Aid show in ‘85.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? France.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Everyone is carrying something you know nothing about and kindness is never a bad thing. A smile is always better than a frown and your attitude is everything.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
For my birthday my boyfriend booked us a helicopter ride around Sedona. It was such a cool experience and a wonderful memory!
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I remind myself of my goals and how I picture my future. From there I list out what I need to do to achieve that. And then I just do it. I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
I have made LOTS of mistakes, but I do my best to forgive myself, analyze what happened, acknowledge what I should have done correctly and move forward. Living in the past serves no purpose, but I definitely won’t forget to stop past the end marker in my reining patterns again!
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Getting back to showing after a very long 10-year break! This is my first U.S. Nationals and I’m really looking forward to all the memories we’ll be making!
What is an irrational fear of yours?
Birds - it’s actually a paralyzing fear! I have been petrified of them since I was a child and I cannot explain where or how this originated but birds are some of the scariest, nastiest creatures!
KATHLEEN FLAHERTY Amateur/Owner
# of horses showing: 1 Ranch Riding, Ranch Rail & Reining
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Whatever the odds, the result is 100% for you.
JOANNA “JENNIE” KALE
Breeder
KARHO International
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
We are honored that horses descended from those bred by the Kale Family over the last 85 years will be showing in all disciplines at U.S. Nationals: Main Ring Halter & Performance; Working Western, Trail, & Ranch Riding; Sport Horse Halter & Performance; Dressage & Jumping. Personally, we are showing a stallion representing 10 generations of our breeding in the AHPA and Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse.
How many babies did you breed this year?
We aim to breed two to four high quality babies per year. We are expecting three in 2025 from two of our top mare families.
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares?
Yes. We offer embryonic transfers on two select mares per year.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
Better structure. Type is important, but good feet and legs are what ensures the comfort and longevity of the horse into old age.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
The inability to keep track of horses I have sold. I ask everyone who buys horses from me to keep me updated and provide contact information as they continue their journey, but many don’t.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
Both. I train all my babies in halter myself beginning as weanlings, and I send all of them out to begin groundwork once they are long 2-year-olds.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
That I am a true horsewoman: I put the welfare of the horse above profit and endeavored in every way to uphold the Standard of the Arabian breed.
CASS DAWSON
Amateur/Owner
Bein Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Trail & Ranch Riding
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I used to teach 5th grade, now I am blessed to be retired.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? I would love to travel.
What causes are important to you?
Supporting animal rescue organizations.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
Yes, I’ve won numerous ribbons including the People’s Choice Award with a photo of my other horse at the 62nd Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Photo Contest.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When someone asks your opinion about something, always try to start with a positive.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
Just put one foot in front of the other and know tomorrow is another day to try again.
What’s something that scares you, but you do it anyway? Going faster at the extended lope on my horse.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
Thinking the word cancer means you are going to die and learning that’s not true.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Facing my recent challenge and not letting it stop me.
LYNN HAPPEL
Amateur/Owner
Rooker Training Stable / Powell Training Center
# of horses showing: 3
Country Pleasure, AEPA Futurity, English Pleasure & Park
How do you make a living outside of horses?
Small animal veterinarian.
What causes are important to you?
Supporting small businesses.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Octopus.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
The Ideal Team Player.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
Yes. Top women-owned small business.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King - he was a visionary.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Tom Petty.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You are not in control of how other people react.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
Oral surgery on a grizzly bear and wallaby this past Friday.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
DIY wall stencil project in my home office.
ASHLYE DANIEL
Amateur/Owner
Bein Performance Horses # of horses showing: 4
Western/English Trail, Ranch Riding/Pleasure & Reining
What causes are important to you?
I support several animal rescue organizations, including Horse Plus Humane Society.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again?
Calf liver: I cannot stomach the taste, texture or smell … I find it vile.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
Stoner, by John Williams, a forgotten novel of the last century. Stoner is a deeply moving, beautifully written story of the protagonist’s pursuit of love and knowledge throughout his mundane and simplistic life.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
Yes. I was the 2023 U.S. National Champion Arabian Ranch Rail AATR (with Adessa SS+//), 2018 Canadian Champion H/A Western Trail ATR (with My Khinda Destinee+//), and the 2017 Canadian Champion Arabian Ranch Riding (with Tsimmer Down Now+//).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams and aspirations.
What’s something that scares you, but you do it anyway?
Herd work and boxing. It’s exhilarating and fun but it scares me as there are uncontrollable variables. I have been practicing with the goal to get over the fear-factor aspect of the disciplines.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
Many! One of my personal mottos is “Make new mistakes every day.”
What is an irrational fear of yours?
Bears. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, EXCEPT for bears ... bears will kill you.
CAELEN CASPERS
Amateur/Owner
Rooker Training Stable
# of horses showing: 1 English, Park & Pleasure Driving
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I work as an Environmental Health Scientist and most recently started law school at University of Minnesota hoping to pursue a career in either or both environmental law or patent law.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
Preferably I would be spending all of my time at the barn, but otherwise I play frisbee with my dog (Newton) and I love to try new restaurants, bars, and recipes! Recently, my boyfriend and I purchased a house together, so we have been spending a ton time renovating.
What causes are important to you?
Within the Arabian horse industry and reflective of where I am with my horses, I truly care about the beginning and the end. Breeding is so important to keeping the industry alive, but so is taking care of the elderly ponies that carried the torch for the breed over the years. I am happy to say my mom and I are proudly doing both!
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Farmers market in the morning, barn for the afternoon, and dinner with friends! Sunday morning stop go running with my dog and maybe stop for coffee and go to the artisan market. Simple & sweet!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation - moving back to Minnesota has placed me farther from both Michigan and Ohio, which has been helpful to my focus/studying for school but irksome for my ability to go to the barn.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Alaska.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“The problem is not the problem, the problem is your attitude towards the problem.” - Captain Jack Sparrow
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
Bought a 100-year-old house!
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? Horses are my primary motivation. My goal in life is to be able to afford a small hobby farm where I can breed 1-2 foals a year, start some youngsters, winter the show horses, and retire out my horses when they are ready.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Within the industry, I am most proud of the horses I have bred. Pinky Promise (Noble Braveheart x Pink, by The Renaissance) and Sunday Best MC (HA Toskcan Sun x Kissing Queen NKF, by Northern Kiss).
JENNIFER GLOMSKI Amateur/Owner
Shino Training Center
# of horses showing: 1
NICOLE CHAPPARONE
Amateur/Owner
Stachowski Farm
# of horses showing: 1
Country Pleasure
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
Trail riding is my Zen, where I can relax and enjoy time with my horses and mom; and spending time with my family outdoors at the pool or the beach. My husband, 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son both bring so much light and joy to my life.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again?
Octopus! I tried it once, but seeing how intelligent and sensitive they are made it impossible for me to look at them the same way.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend?
Watch Opal take her weekly lesson at Stachowski Farm, then spend quality downtime at home with the family and dogs. I love to grab dinner somewhere casual where the kids can run around and play or take pizza down to the beach.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to manipulate time. Whether it’s pausing time to catch up on things or rewinding to relive special moments, especially when life feels like it’s moving too fast.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Africa with my parents, brother, and my husband. Being surrounded by the beauty and majesty of wildlife in their natural habitat was truly unforgettable. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the people I love.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When it comes to horses, my mom’s advice when I was young has stuck with me throughout my riding career: “Let everyone else be nervous; you just focus on your own ride.” Staying in the moment and focusing on what I can control has helped me in both riding and life.
As for motherhood, a piece of advice I heard that really resonated with me is: “You are the best mother for your kids.” In a world full of comparisons, especially in parenting, this has been a grounding reminder to trust that the choices I make are what’s best for us.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
My husband and I bought our dream house in Rancho Santa Fe just down the road from my parents and right on the trails. We’re planning to build a barn in the coming years and our kids and dogs are loving the new space.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Winning the World Championship with our incredible Saddlebred, HS Brilliant Heiress. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to show one, let alone such an exceptional horse. She is truly the partner of a lifetime and I’m incredibly grateful to my parents, especially my mom, for giving me the chance to make this dream a reality.
ABBY JENSEN
Amateur/Owner
JSN Equine Enterprises
# of horses showing: 1
Country English Pleasure
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking…
What causes are important to you? Wildlife conservation.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Sea urchin.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest? Think Again, by Adam Grant.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why? Jonathan Roumie.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live? Sting.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Alaska.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently? High Roller Reining.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Sitting back, hands down…
What is an irrational fear of yours? Bats.
ABIGAYLE CRISSMAN
Amateur/Owner
Colonial Wood Training Center # of horses showing: 1
Western Pleasure & Performance Halter
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? I love spending time with my dog, Zodiac!
What causes are important to you?
Animal rescues are always important to me, I usually do a fundraiser for my birthday.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Blood sausage/pudding.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? At my home barn, I love spending time with our broodmares and retired horses.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? I loved going to the Grand Canyon right before the Scottsdale show!
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
I speak a little French and Japanese.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? Picturing the end goal or product.
MAKENNA ROOKER
Amateur/Owner
Rooker Training Stable # of horses showing: 3 Country, Show Hack & Driving
How do you make a living outside of horses?
Real Estate - I have been with the Wentworth Real Estate Group for almost 5 years as an agent on our Zillow Flex program.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? I enjoy cooking for family and friends and going on the boat.
What causes are important to you?
Promoting the Arabian horse! I am passionate about not only getting new people involved, but also highlighting all of the amazing things our breed and industry have to offer. I would love to see our numbers increase at every stage: breeding, lessons, and horse show entries.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Because of my job, weekends are generally my busiest days of the week. However, my ideal weekend would consist of a full barn day, dinner and drinks with friends, and a Sunday at home to get organized for the week and watch football with family.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I thrive on a busy schedule. I love having things to do and get bored very easily. If you need an errand run or task completed, I’m your girl!
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I remind myself that the work I’m putting in now will eventually pay off. Maybe not today, maybe not this week, but it always will. I find this very applicable to both showing horses and my career.
DANIEL & NORMA REVILLA Breeder
Amaranto Arabians LLC
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals? Halter.
How many babies did you breed this year?
1
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares? Yes.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
Breeding with the purpose of improving the breed, because that way you will always have a good quality horse to show, offer, and that you can enjoy and be proud of.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
Fair price.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
We send them to the trainer’s barn just after weaned; roughly around 7 months of age.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
Be recognized for having very good quality Arabian horses.
JULIA SOLOMON
Amateur/Owner
Parallel 49 Arabians PLLC # of horses showing: 1 Hunter Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I’m a high-risk obstetrician specializing in fetal imaging and diagnosis, and my husband is a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. Our amateur daughter is pre-med right now and shows the Parallel 49 owned horses.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
If I Betray These Words, by Wendy Dean MD. It explores the concept of moral injury and injustice in medicine. How corporations and private equity involvement in medicine adversely affects care, and the moral distress that physicians face when they know what to do to help their patients but are prevented from providing the best care because it affects profitability.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Assuming I can use a literary character, it would hands down be Sherlock Holmes.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Being able to talk to animals and have them answer me.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Reunion of the original members of Led Zeppelin.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Lake Louise, Alberta. Perfect combination of utter serenity and being back in my homeland of Canada.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Sage advice given to me in the middle of a crazy year of internship, where we worked 100+ hours a week: when you are exhausted and not thinking straight and faced with something that provokes you, just respond, don’t react.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m the consummate horse show momma bear. I make sure people have food, take them for stitches when needed, carry all the common meds in my purse, and am happy to problem solve for anyone.
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
Grew up speaking French.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of? I’ve worked hard to become as skilled as possible in 3D ultrasound and fetal cardiology, and now have the pleasure of being able to teach it and speak about it all over the world.
KRISTA BROOKS
Breeder
Shino Training Center
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
Hunter Futurity.
How many babies did you breed this year?
1
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares? Yes.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why? Cost.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
Knowing when to sell them at what age.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
Send them out. Varies, but typically at 2 years old.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
A horse I’ve bred that makes their new owners proud to own them.
KIM ISRINGHAUSEN
Amateur/Owner
White Oak Farms LLC / Caralyn Schroter, Inc.
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I am an Associate Dean at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry in Richmond, VA.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? I love to exercise (walking, running, etc.) and travel, especially to the beach.
JENNA BOLLENS
Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 3
Show Hack, Performance Halter, Country & Costume
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I own my own dog grooming shop.
What causes are important to you?
Many people are not aware, but I have lived with a disease/disability for the past 21 years; it’s called lymphedema. Until recently, not much has been done in terms of treatment. Last December, I underwent surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and it has been life changing. I am now involved with lymphedema support groups to offer encouragement and hope to others suffering from the disease.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Traveling to Texas or North Carolina to spend time with my horses! Of course, a weekend beach trip is always top of my list as well.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
The one-year Bible. It was a gift from my son, and I read it daily.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I am an introvert. I have been accused of being antisocial. I am not antisocial at all, I just don’t need as much social time as others!
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
My husband and I took a trip to London where we enjoyed exercising daily in Hyde Park, taking in all the sights and enjoying each other’s company.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Aside from my family and career, making it to, competing in, and winning U.S. Nationals.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Horses and dogs are about what my life revolves around, and the occasional Disneyland trip.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would want the super power of being able to teleport.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
I’ve already seen him a few times but I’m always up for Garth Brooks!
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
I’ve moved onto property where I can have horses! Always been a dream of mine and it’s nice to know my ponies will have a place at home for when the time comes to retire.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I try very hard to find the positive in situations and I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, even if it seems to suck at the time.
What’s something that scares you, but you do it anyway?
I am terrified of heights. I used to not be able to even step on a chair. I reach as much as I can from the floor and use chairs/ladders/step stools as minimally as I can.
What is an irrational fear of yours?
I am extremely worried about running out of gas; never have in my whole life but it’s something I check when I get into people’s vehicles (KRISTI!)
PEGGY WEEMS
Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Working Western
How do you make a living outside of horses? I’m retired.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend?
Riding at an Arabian horse show.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
The most thrilling was my first U.S. National win in 1999.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
It would be with my Dad. He was an amazing leader who built up a very successful company, but still made time for skiing, surfing, rafting, traveling, horseback riding and many other activities with his family. During travel to these many activities, we were given the opportunity for meaningful one-on-one discussions about relevant topics.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I have been blessed with a superpower; I’m still riding my horses at age 81+.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Tina Turner.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Galapagos and Machu Picchu.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
At Region 3 last month, Arroyo Mac V+ and I won both of our Ranch Riding Championships. He totally reads my mind and tries to do his best.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I remind myself that if I could do it yesterday, I can do it again today!
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
I taught college level Computer Science for 20 years, but I’m even more proud of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
JILL SHERMAN
Breeder
Sherman Ranch
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
English and Country Pleasure.
How many babies did you breed this year?
7
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares?
We have in the past.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
Transported semen and the ability to afford raising horses and having access to local facilities with kind interests.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
As an amateur and private ranch with no in-house professional trainer, it is extremely hard to get trainers to come look, and even harder when your geographic area has limited Arabian ranches to draw people in.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
We start them at home and send them out when we feel they are ready, not dependent on age but rather mindset and maturity.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
Congrats on breeding a great horse!
CECILY SOTOMAYOR
Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Working Western
How do you make a living outside of horses? Accounting at a law firm.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Oysters.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Riding my horses and going to Oregon Ducks games.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Teleportation.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
The Beatles.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Dubrovnik, Croatia.
What’s the number one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I am very proud to be first generation American.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? I try to remember why.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Reserve Champion in the Rookie Reining at Scottsdale.
What is an irrational fear of yours? It used to be spiders, but now I live in a basement apartment and am used to them.
ELISE GRAVES
Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 2
Hunter, Side Saddle & Performance Halter
How do you make a living outside of horses? I’m an X-Ray Technologist.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? My husband, 7-month-old, and I spend a lot of our weekends camping in the Pacific Northwest.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Chorizo.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest? A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Mind reading.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Chris Cornell.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Hawaii.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently? Become a mother!
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first? I would like to learn sign language.
What is an irrational fear of yours? Large spiders and flying bugs.
JESSICA HOUSKA
Amateur/Owner
Chrishan Park
# of horses showing: 1
Arabian Country English Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses? Wealth management. I work on the investment side of a boutique multi-family office.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? With friends and family and gardening (vegetables, flowers, anything really).
What causes are important to you?
Bringing awareness to neurological disorders and mental health.
What’s one food you’ve tried but would never eat again? Honestly, I am a huge foodie and there is nothing that comes to mind that I would never eat again.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? With friends and family at our house.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would love to be able to take people’s pain away.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
George Strait!
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck? I remind myself that there are typically others counting on me. If I do not stay motivated to keep going, I could not only negatively impact my goals and dream, but others as well.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
Really, everything my husband and I have accomplished together so far in our lives makes me extremely proud. I am beyond proud of my husband.
ALLY EDWARDS Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses # of horses showing: 1
Ranch Riding
How do you make a living outside of horses? Photographer.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Reading, traveling, spending time with my animals.
What causes are important to you?
Protecting the environment and women’s rights.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest? You, With a View, by Jessica Joyce.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
In college, my film script was one of five nominated for best original screenplay out of the whole school.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Grand Teton National Park and Edinburgh.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Much like nature, life is very often working in our favor, even when it seems like we are only being faced with adversity, discomfort, and change. -Brianna West
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
Showed my reiner at South Point in Las Vegas.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
Assume I’ll remember to do the thing I told myself I need to remember simply by memory.
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
I self-published a children’s book about one of my first lesson horses.
CAITLIN PIGOTT
Amateur/Owner
Shino Training Center / Highland Pride Arabians, The Pigott Family # of horses showing: 2 Country Pleasure & Side Saddle Western
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I own and operate The Good Word, Co., which helps nonprofits and cause-oriented organizations with their communications efforts. I also get to tell some pretty amazing stories through editorial writing and on my brand-new podcast The Good Stuff.
What causes are important to you?
As someone who has worked for and with nonprofits for my entire career, this is tough to pick. Professionally, I have had the chance to work with a variety of incredible organizations that impact lots of communities. Personally, I am very drawn to organizations that help kids from tough circumstances find opportunity and success, and organizations that help first responders or military members and their families. I encourage everyone to find a cause or two that are important to them and invest their time and efforts there.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Edinburgh, Scotland.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Hard work is the only way to get ahead.” – my mom
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
I launched my podcast “The Good Stuff” last month. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I am borrowing this answer from Josh Shino. About a year ago I was interviewing him for a story I was writing. As a friend of many years and a client of his, I have always admired his work ethic. I asked him how he motivates himself each day and his answer has stuck with me since. He said “Some days, it’s not about being motivated at all. It’s about being consistent.” So, on days when I feel stuck or not motivated, I just try and be consistent with my work and what’s expected of me.
What is an irrational fear of yours?
Birds and ketchup.
DEBI & BYRON DONICS
Amateur/Owner
Volney Creek Ranch, LLC
# of horses showing: 2 Hunter Pleasure, Maturity Mare Halter Championship
How do you make a living outside of horses?
My wife Debi and I own a brand incubation company focusing on
healthcare and beauty products. Our company, HTI Collection, Ltd. has been in business for 25 years.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Traveling and visiting interesting places around the world. Spending quality time with family members and good friends. Love time spent with our Great Dane, Lincoln!
What causes are important to you?
The future of the Arabian horse industry. We are concerned about the future development of the industry we love, and are working on new ideas to promote the Arabian horse to the general public and attract new young riders.
A secure and safe future for the USA and clean environment also.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Riding one of our horses and enjoying a great dinner with friends and family.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest? Just started reading Think Like a Horse by Grant Golliher. Love it so far.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
Yes. Won “Best Selling Product on QVC” in 2009 for our haircare product Ojon!
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Great question: Probably Jesus to truly understand how he viewed life and creation and what we might best learn from him to solve the problems in our world today!
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Would love to see the Beatles perform live again or one of the great early Blues singers/guitarists such as Robert Johnson or Lead Belly.
THERESA RICE
Amateur/Owner
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Debi and I both love Tuscany … its history, countryside and, of course, the greatest food and wine in the world.
Do you speak any other language? If not, which would you pick to learn first?
I speak Spanish, French, Italian and some Portuguese in addition to English.
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1
Ranch Riding, Ranch Rail & Reining
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m a fly fisher, a writer (mostly short stories, in which horses frequently make an appearance), a slow runner and stubborn hiker.
What’s a recent article or book that captured your interest?
The book How to Know a Person, by David Brooks. A beautiful, thoughtful book about forming deeper connections.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
One of my short stories was the Equestrian Voices contest winner for Plaid Horse Magazine in 2019. It was the first time I’d had a short story published and I made money on it. I was very excited.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. No commute times or long flights. Sign me up! I do love road trips though.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Fly fishing for arctic grayling in Alaska. A once-in-a-lifetime experience catching a very pretty fish. They have a great dorsal fin. I love an animal with a cute outfit.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“If we only showed horses for the ribbons, we would have quit a long time ago.” Which I took to mean the process of what I’m working on, whether in horses or writing, or fishing or hiking, it’s all learning and growth. And that’s what’s important. The ribbons are great (and roses). I want them all, but it’s the journey that keeps me coming back.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
I climbed a volcano—Mt. Saint Helens—and then glissaded down the snow. An intimidating and empowering adventure.
What’s something that scares you, but you do it anyway?
Is this not, showing horses, for all the amateurs? I get very nervous before classes. But I also love it, so the fear just has to come along for the ride. And hopefully it doesn’t make me mess up.
Debi & Byron Donics
TAMARA POTTER-MEEK
Amateur/Owner
Stewart Performance Horses
# of horses showing: 1 Hunter Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses? Retired Teacher, but still substitute teach.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time?
With my family, which includes a wonderful granddaughter. I also love to hike, write, and hang out at home with my two Labs and three horses and my incredible husband who supports my love of horses.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend? Not having a plan and being spontaneous to do whatever joy presents itself in the moment is ideal on a wide-open weekend!
CORRY KEY, DVM
Breeder
Southwind Arabians and Equine Services
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
Show Hack and Country English (Open and Amateur).
How many babies did you breed this year? I have five mares pregnant for 2025.
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
My late husband. He missed out on watching our three kids grow into adulthood and so much else.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Iceland has been my favorite travel destination where I rode Suna, a beautiful Icelandic horse on the beach!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Let go of fear and instead keep an open heart to trust myself.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?
Within the last two years, I remarried. After my husband’s death I never thought I would. Life has a way of surprising us in beautiful ways when we just keep stumbling forward.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
I tell myself to just focus on doing the next right thing because the only “wrong” thing I can do is to do nothing.
What’s a mistake you made in the past that you’ve learned from?
Waiting until the “right moment” to do something new or adventurous. Do it now since we may not get the chance to again!
What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re extremely proud of?
A few months after my husband died, at 50 years old, I pushed through going back to school to complete my Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing. Immediately following, I completed my Master’s in Teaching and began teaching high school Language Arts.
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares? No.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
More prize money at all levels of competition would help. But the breed as a whole needs to reignite the Arabian horse as a family horse … a using horse … a doing horse.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
I think it is frustrating that so few people want young prospects. So, there is so much time and money invested in them by the time they are marketable. I understand why breeders are disappearing.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
I typically send them at 2 years old to be evaluated and the trainer will start them in the lines at 3.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
Having my name announced at Nationals as the breeder of a winning horse.
SIMONE REYNOLDS
Breeder
October Hill Farms LLC
What disciplines will horses you bred be showing in at Nationals?
English Pleasure Junior Horse, AEPA and Country English Futurity.
How many babies did you breed this year?
We normally breed four to six foals a year. This year we bred only two mares due to the number of English prospects we have coming into the barn. As a boutique breeder, we are focused on great mare lines including daughter of Brassmis, Mz Kitty, RY Fire Ghazi, Touche-Tu and BF First Love, all producers of multiple Champions in English Pleasure and Park.
Do you do embryo transfers with your mares?
Yes, we have been freezing and transferring embryos for about 15 years. We freeze one or two embryos each year with a goal of maintaining genetic diversity in the future and increasing the impact of our mares to our program.
If you could change one thing that would incentivize people to breed, what would it be and why?
A support system. We need to make successful breeding more accessible to the small breeder with a support system that provides practical tools, education and outlets to be successful. There is so much to know. The lack of resources can really defeat those whose primary job isn’t horse related. A simple tool like a checklist of nominations, programs and due dates, education on bloodline traits, generational breeding, and a place in our competition structure for the good horses that are bred - the horses in the middle. Breeders need to be able to break even on a good horse. Until we have an outlet and purpose for the horse in the middle, people will be reluctant to breed.
As a breeder, what is your biggest frustration when it goes to selling horses?
Having good horses and not having a good way to market them without sending them to a big training barn.
Do you train your own horses or send them out for training, and at what age do you begin?
We have an in-house trainer that starts the young horses. At 30 months they are matched by personality and talent and sent out to a handful of trainers across the country.
As a breeder, what is the best acknowledgement you can receive?
Recognition from peers and repeat business from clients.
JESSICA MALDONADO
Amateur/Owner
Chrishan Park
# of horses showing: 2
Country & English Pleasure
How do you make a living outside of horses?
I work in Public Relations at a firm called PolicyWorks and get the honor of working with companies ranging from global Fortune 100 companies all the way down to small nonprofits and local musicians. I get to help tell the stories of these great companies and individuals through media relations, social media, paid advertising and more.
Aside from showing, how do you like to spend your time? Most of my time is spent watching my son Tommy play sports, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What causes are important to you?
I’m lucky to support many causes I believe in through work, including supporting musicians and live music, local venues and nonprofits, and advocating for a wide range of issues for our clients.
Have you ever won an award or contest?
I was recognized as a “40 under Forty” honoree by the Des Moines Business Record a few years ago (I’m sadly over 40 now).
If you could have dinner with anybody in the world from across history, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift! Aside from being a generational singer/songwriter, she is also a Public Relations mastermind, and I would love to soak up her creativity for even just a few minutes.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Healing....health is one of the things we often take for granted and I wish I could help cure things like cancer and other illnesses that take away loved ones far too soon.
Alive or passed—and money no issue—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Taylor Swift...I was supposed to see her in Vienna this summer until a foiled terror plot cancelled the shows.
Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Vienna, Austria
What’s something that scares you, but you do it anyway?
You should always do things that scare you. If you don’t, that means you’re not pushing yourself or really living. A wise man (Shan Wilson) once told me, things that give you butterflies are a good thing and are worth doing.
