AHT Vol. 53, No. 4 - Issue #4

Beloved One NA+ x Valori TRF+ REGION 15 UNANIMOUS CHAMPION

DA Valentino x Satin Chall LL MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION

Proudly owned by Mr. Peng Jiang Standing at Orrion Farms • www.orrionfarms.com

Wadee Al Shaqab x Ava • Region 7 Champion Stallion

funds. Foreign Subscriptions:$195 one year, $325 two years, $385 three years, payable in advance, U.S. funds. Sorry, no refunds on subscription orders. For subscription and change of address, please send old address as printed on last label. Please allow four to six weeks for your first subscription to be shipped.

Occasionally ARABIAN HORSE TIMES makes its mailing list available to other organizations. If you prefer not to receive these mailings, please write to ARABIAN HORSE TIMES, Editorial Offices, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352.

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographic materials.

Printed in U.S.A. • POSTMASTER: Please send returns and address changes to Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352.

For subscription information, call 952-492-3213. ARABIAN HORSE TIMES P.O. Box 70, Jordan, MN 55352 Fax:952-492-3228 www.ahtimes.com

COMMENTS from the publisher

OH, CANADA

Most of you who have known me over the years know that one of my favorite shows to attend has been the Canadian Nationals. I’ve often been asked why I like it so much, and there are a lot of reasons.

For one thing, it’s one of the few super prestigious shows (a part of the Arabian Triple Crown) in which we all, halter and performance fans, show together in one arena. That creates so much camaraderie! It’s easy to enjoy all the horses, not just the ones in our chosen divisions. I realize that that isn’t possible at some big shows, due to their size and venue, but traditionally it has been in Canada. The Arabian can do everything, so isn’t this what our horses are all about?

I also love the warm welcome and good will of the Canadian people. Who among us doesn’t like to know that they are appreciated? In Canada, from Toronto to Vancouver to Edmonton to Brandon and Red Deer, we’ve all felt it.

Also high on my list is that the competition, while keen and exciting, is not as intense as at the U.S. Nationals. It’s just pure enjoyment and there is a lot to be said for that. Plus, the show is at a time when we can enjoy that first taste of fall in the cooler weather. And I love that Canadian owners and breeders, some of the best in the industry, take so much pride in their show. It’s justified and great to see. It always boosts my faith in the future of the Arabian horse.

The Canadian National show is now in transition, but moving forward. It is very sad, in my opinion, that AHA and the new organization cannot work out a deal, but my opinion remains what it always has been: Canadians deserve to have their own show and to have everything done as they govern their country. Last year, Canadians proved that they could pull off an amazing event at the last minute, and they are building on that for this year. They have some exciting things planned.

This is a time that we need to come together as a horse community to embrace our breed. That’s it, bottom line. I think that the Canadian group is doing this.

Proud supporter of:

“Horse Hair Analysis® is the most useful problem solving approach in my practice. This program allows me to resolve health issues when conventional diagnostics fail to find an answer.”

The Horse Hair Analysis program is the perfect approach to help you successfully navigate through performance setbacks such as behavioral issues, Cushings Syndrome, body stiffness and allergies.

Hair sample collection is easy, the top laboratory in the country is used for testing, and Dr. Mark DePaolo will explain the results during a consultation. A customized supplement unique to your horse will be recommended. The six month supply is less than $1 per day!

WHEN THE BEST IS YOUR ONLY OPTION™

Non-Toxic – Biodegradable

Unlike other products that only mask odors, Odaway eliminates them completely, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent.

•The Best Solution for Anything Stinky Because it’s Highly E ective & Easy to Use

•For Use in Pyranha SprayMaster® Systems

•Spray it on Those Hard to Wash Items

•Safe for Use Around Children & Pets, Making it a Great Choice for Families

• Safe

“Cowboys, teens, and animals don’t have to smell thanks to Odaway!”

– JJ Harrison, Rodeo Clown & Barrelman

OCALA FLORIDA is the Place to Buy a Farm!

More and more Arabian enthusiasts are making Ocala their home! Those in the know come here for the year-round training and access to the World Equestrian Center...and come to us because we are the #1 Farm Realtor in Marion County for 16 years and counting.

Chris & Rob Desino & Matt Varney

For Murray and Shirley Popplewell, their lives shared with Arabian horses has spanned some 25 years; a journey spent sharing kindness, humility, and immense passion with the rest of the Arabian horse community. It’s been said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and nothing could ring truer to describe the family and team behind Rae-Dawn Arabians and multi-National Champion Bey Ambition. “Twenty twenty-three marks Rae-Dawn Arabians’ 25th year of loving the Arabian horse,” says Murray, “which makes it 15 years that Bey Ambition has been part of our lives.” It’s hard to believe and as cliché as it may sound, time has gone by in the blinkof-an-eye.

Bey Ambition’s story began in the hills of Northern California’s El Dorado County in Pilot Hill, where the bay stallion was born in 2006 on Lucy Whittier’s famed Las Colinas farm. “He was a tremendous young colt,” exclaims Whittier, who lights up enthusiastically every time she’s asked about the stallion she bred and foaled out and who now celebrates world-wide acclaim. “He had a special sparkle that immediately set him apart from Lady’s previous

foals right from day one,” she says, “Lady” referring to Bey Ambition’s dam, the matriarch Bey Shahs Lady, who was aristocratic in every sense of the word and who gifted the breed with excellence. Bred by the Ames Family’s Cedar Ridge Farm, Bey Shahs Lady blended sire-supreme Bey Shah with a mother line to *Bask++, Tsatyr, and *Gwalior. Equally as important, of course, to the equation was Bey Ambition’s sire *Regal Actor JP, who was bred in Brazil by Haras Serradinho and imported to the United States by Lucy as a 2-year-old colt. A complete outcross pedigree “in a sense” to the United States, Regal Actor JP contributed immensely to be tting Bey Ambition with the siring prowess of consistency he would soon come to prove with his methodically layered pedigree generations deep.

The fairytale story that is the Bey Ambition we now know and love began in the Spring of 2008 when the young, electric 2-year-old colt danced onto the scene at the Arabian Breeders World Cup and into the Popplewell’s (and the world’s!) hearts. “We were in Las Vegas for the World Cup and the most extraordinary colt took us by complete surprise,” Murray re ects. Though the Popplewells were not intending to purchase a stallion (or a colt!) for their breeding program, the exquisite bay sparked a re within Murray and Shirley, and the rest is history. “I think it was then and there that we made the leap to go all in,” says Murray. It was perhaps, the most signi cant step in the blossoming Rae-Dawn Arabians breeding and show program, to add a stallion of this caliber which ultimately put the farm “on the map”. “We are forever grateful to Bey Ambition’s breeder Lucy Whittier for allowing him to come into our lives,” notes Murray. “So many times, through the hustle and bustle of showing and promoting, we as an industry can sometimes lose sight of giving credit to where credit is due, and so our hats are off to Lucy for breeding such a phenomenal horse. Breeders are the absolute foundation of our industry; many people do not understand the incredible commitment—both emotionally and nancially—it takes to breeding and raising horses. It takes courage and perseverance (and, of course, being in the right place at the right time),” re ects Murray.

Bey Ambition amassed an impressive repertoire as he quickly rose to the forefront of the breed, both in the show ring and in the breeding shed. “The crowd went wild when he was named National Champion Futurity Colt in 2009,” smiles Shirley. There was no question that the connection between Bey Ambition and then trainer Claudinei Machado was so electric that it brought the stands to their feet. “I’m not really sure I made out on top that night,” jokes Murray. “I told Claudinei that if he won the Futurity National Championship with Bey, that I’d buy him a red Mustang … and well, a deal is a deal,” he laughs. The farm has celebrated and enjoyed many chapters of Bey Ambition’s show ring success, including his many Champion and Reserve wins at both the Canadian and U.S. Nationals, and perhaps one of his most memorable and special wins and Bey’s “last dance”, being named 2020 Scottsdale Unanimous Champion with Murray at the lead in the Amateur Stallions.

On his breeding side, Bey Ambition’s siring abilities are proven time and

time again—timeless beauty, class and sophistication. “It was imperative in the beginning that we nd the absolute best mares for Bey,” notes Shirley, which led the Popplewells on a quest of acquiring some of the very best genetics the United States had to offer, including embryo rights to the proli c producing Padrons Psyche daughter NW Siena Psyche, National Champions HL Infactuation and Serenata Eljamaal, as well as iconic producing Veronica GA and the distinguished San Jose Javiera.

And 15 years later, as Bey Ambition settles into retirement from the show ring and who now stands privately at stud breeding only Rae-Dawn mares, he continues to be the cornerstone of the farm with his contributions continuously felt across the industry and the world, siring outstanding Arabian horses. In fact, it could be argued that Bey Ambition is one of very few stallions in our breed today who successfully sired both Halter and Performance horses winning championships at the highest levels in the breed. And now his sons and daughters are carrying the torch forward, producing a dynasty all themselves. Recently, the 2019 Unanimous Scottsdale International Gold Champion Senior Stallion Delacroixx (bred by Laura Koch and sired by the Bey Ambition son RD Dynamo) was exported on lease to South Africa. Bey’s youngest son RD Giuliano (out of Brazilian import Giulia AL) was this year’s 2023 Scottsdale Champion Breeders Club Two-Year-Old Gelding and Scottsdale Signature Reserve Champion Two-Year-Old Gelding ATH with Murray, and RD Sa ra (a daughter of famed RD Challs Angel) now makes her home at Al Zobair Stud in the United Arab Emirates. Of course, we can’t forget about one of his most special daughters and a second generation of Rae-Dawn breeding, the exceptional multi-National Champion winning RD Marciea Bey (ex. RD Marciena), 2022 Scottsdale Champion Senior Mare AAOTH, who brought home the red roses with Murray marking this the fourth win for a daughter of Bey Ambition to capture the coveted Scottsdale Mare AAOTH championship; as well as younger full sister RD Yazzna, 2022 National Champion Canadian Futurity Filly, who continues to dazzle us with her glowing beauty and elegance day in and day out, and who herself is making a statement as a breeding mare producing RD Farazz (by Ibn Farid), this year’s 2023 Scottsdale Unanimous Champion Yearling Gelding with Alcides Rodrigues.

Murray and Shirley have always been mindful of the importance of form to function and Bey Ambition has sired his fair share of top notch performance winners as well: RD Beyonni garnered two regional championships this year at the 2023 Region 12 show in Ocala, Florida bringing home the roses in both the Hunter Pleasure Select ATR and the AAOTR division, RCF Dracarys, bred by Jack and Elizabeth Milam, was 2023 Scottsdale Top Ten Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 55 & Over as well 2023 Region 7 Champion Gelding ATH, Big Ambition TRJ, bred by Ross and Terri Danielson, was 2022 Region 11 Champion Western Pleasure Open with Jody Strand; Four Seasons (bred by Cathy Stauffer) was 2022 Region 13 Champion Western Pleasure AATR with Joe Frizzell; and TRJ Classic Ambition, bred by Ross Danielson and owned by Mike and Kimberly Beethe, earned 2021 Mid Summer National Champion Western Pleasure AATR Elite.

While so much can be said about Bey Ambition’s accomplishments as a show horse, nothing can compare to the kind, gentle being that he is and that the farm gets to experience daily. He has genetically bene tted Rae-Dawn Arabians and the Arabian horse breed in general and injected an energy into the industry that most every breeder wishes for, but has come true for Murray and Shirley— an absolute realization of a stallion that wins top accolades, sires exceptionally well, and wins the hearts of people all around the world.

And so, what’s on the horizon for this horse who has literally made every dream come true? Well, that’s easy, time for some rest and relaxation and to enjoy the simpler things in life, breeding a few mares here and there, and enjoying the green pastures of Rae-Dawn in the Great White North!

Sired by Monaco Jullyen V

(Khadillac PGA x PF Kool Elise)

2023 REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY

WITH JOE RESER

(KM Bugatti+++/ x May Dancer V, by Sundance Kid V) Proudly owned by Lisa Blackstone Trained by Joe Reser of Shamrock Farms Michele Reser, 574.527.7090

REGION 12 RESERVE CHAMPION ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE

SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JOE RESER

REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE MATURITY WITH JACQUI REED

Sundance Kid Vx PA Vinchenza Always

Proudly owned by Jacqui Reed

Trained by Joe Reser of Shamrock Farms Michele Reser, 574.527.7090

by CAITLIN PIGOTT

ey say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. But sisters Leslie Doran Sommer and Carrie Doran Fritz feel like they are living a story that busts that myth. e introduction of their now 4-year-old Monaco Jullyen V son Milliondollarbaby SF, to the show arena last year presented the possibility he will follow in his legendary father’s footsteps—or hoofprints—in more ways than one.

“I still feel Monaco’s absence at every horse show,” Sommer said about the stallion who passed in November 2021. “But I nd moments of joy to get me through. Last year’s U.S. Nationals was full of those joyful moments.”

In 2022, Milliondollarbaby SF (“Money”) was named National Champion in the Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity with Shamrock Farms’ trainer Joe Reser. Money (x Im Bringin Sexy Back) is Monaco’s rst foal, so having him go national champion at his rst national performance was beyond their wildest dreams.

“We were just happy to have a Monaco baby in the ring,” Fritz remembered about the day she hugged someone so hard she broke a rib. “I don’t think I have ever cheered that loud. Money has huge shoes to ll. We want him to be great, but we also want to have realistic expectations.”

at victory also meant something extra special for Reser. October 2017 was the rst time he found himself in the winner’s circle of the Arabian Western Pleasure Open, aboard Monaco, and he came full circle in 2022 aboard Money doing the same thing in the Futurity.

Bringing Reser to a “ rst” national championship is not the only thing this father and son have in common. According to Fritz and Sommer, Money has the same work ethic, goofy personality, and attitude as his father.

“ e people around Monaco could see his beauty,” Fritz says as she looked o her back porch at Monaco babies playing in a pasture, “but, those of us close to him got to experience his wonderful attitude. Money is just like him in so many ways.”

When asked about their priorities in breeding western horses, the two agree that the aforementioned attitude is most important. ey have looked for that, along with other speci c physical qualities in the mares they purchase to carry on Monaco’s pedigree.

Milliondollarbaby SF is not the only mark that Shamrock Farms continues to make on the western division. At last year’s U.S. Nationals, they were the listed breeders of three national champions, and owners of two.

ey will not be selling any of the remaining Monaco Jullyen V straws, but the duo breeds to a variety of other stallions. ey are dedicated to producing quality Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses. “With Monaco, we are just trying to make Sheila Varian proud,” Sommer shared in reference to Monaco’s breeder. “We have a lot of gratitude to both her and to Monaco. We want Monaco’s legacy to continue, while still having it feel special and rare.”

When talking about Money, Fritz and Sommer are simultaneously nostalgic and excited for the future. While Monaco will always be part of the conversation, which means there will always be some sadness, Sommer’s demeanor shi s when she quietly realizes they can have “Monaco forever” through Money and his other babies.

Shamrock Farms will celebrate their h U.S. Nationals as their own freestanding training facility this coming fall, and though a lot has changed in those ve years, loving their horses as they do their own family, remains a constant.

Proud Supporter of:

• Promotes a calm temperament

• Supports a focused attitude

• Helps to maintain a quiet disposition

• Allows your horse to stay calm and focused during competition

• Palatable and easy to dose

• Contains no USEF prohibited substances

PA Ventura Kid

PA Frontier Kid

Whiskey Girl KM

Milliondollarbaby SF

Girlfriend SF

Emerald J x Mystic Rose BHF

Sired by SF Veraz (Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA)

Out of PA Appalonia Dancer (Sundance Kid V x Acappella V)

Lisa Gaudio & James Kazanjian

2020 & 2022 U.S. National Halter Breeder Of The Year

Multi-Program Nominated Sire, CA, LFS & SCID Clear

Contact Tommy Garland 804.241.1717

www.KyrieArabians.com

InValor there is hope...

Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA AWPA Enrolled Sire Region 12 Spotlight Stallion

Owned by Morgan and Renee Pelzman

Miss Friendship, “Pepsi,” with Brandi Burroughs

National Reserve Champion WC Legally Blonde (Psytation EA x CT Pina Colada

Full sibling National Champions

WC Khan dential & WC Khanspiracy (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)

Life-long equestrian Cindy Beck’s love for breeding horses began in 1981 when she traded a used two-horse trailer for the HalfArabian buckskin lly Miss Friendship (“Pepsi”). Her daughter, Brandi Burroughs, was a young girl at the time, developing the same love for horses her mom had. Decades later this mother and daughter are still enjoying horses together.

Beck has bred 44 horses, with an a nity to colored horses. at inspired her program’s name, Winning Colors. One of the most special moments she and Burroughs have in common is winning national championships on horses with the WC initials ahead of their names.

“ ere is no other feeling like it,” Burroughs shared with a smile. “Hearing your name called as the winner is the culmination of years of planning and love.”

Beck nds a lot of pride in her small operation and says that her mares are the most important part. “My advice for people is to nd the best mare you can,” Beck says. en pick a horse with a pedigree and conformation who complements her.” Her rst mare Pepsi had seven foals who earned eight national championships, and nine reserves. And the Quarter Horse mare I Am A Dun Diva (“Dee Dee”), who Beck purchased in 2010, has proven to be just as impactful on Winning Colors’ reputation.

Le : I Am A Dun Diva with WC Khan dential

Below: Cindy Beck with WC Khanspiracy

by CAITLIN PIGOTT

WINNING COLORS: PROUD BREEDERS OF 16 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS & 18 RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Riskie Business+++//

WC Just Imagine+//

WC Center Stage+/

WC Ultimatum

WC Legally Blonde

WC Khanfession

WC Khan dential

WC Khanspiracy

Multi-National Champion WC Center Stage+/ (Psymadre x CT Pina Colada)

Soon a er purchasing Dee Dee, Beck had a pivotal conversation with Caralyn Schroter who told her about the up-and-coming breeding stallion PA Kid Khan. His rst foal out of Dee Dee resulted in national champion WC Khanspiracy. Since then, this crossing has been replicated six times, resulting in ve national championships, and seven reserve national championships.

ere was always something special about WC Khanspiracy (“Jumbo”) for Beck. “He is my heart horse,” she said about him whom she bought back in 2020 from a previous owner she sold him to.

“Jumbo was my rst national championship,” Beck re ected on their 2022 Oklahoma City victory. “As special as those moments are, we really breed all-around horses. Right now, Jumbo is home while some of his younger siblings are in training. Seeing him every day brings me indescribable joy.”

One of these siblings is WC Khanvicted (“Chapo”), who is currently at Becker Stables preparing for the 2023 Half-Arabian AWPA Futurity. Beck and Burroughs are very purposeful about the training programs they invest in. Becker Stables has been the most common choice because of their faith in how Becker can optimize a horse’s potential.

Moving forward, Burroughs hopes to learn from her mom’s experience and eventually take over the small breeding operation. “I believe in the foundation my mom has created so much that I purchased Fiona from her,” Burroughs stated with admiration. Fiona, formally known as WC Khan dential, is the only mare to come of the PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva cross thus far. So, this was an intentional purchase.

Multi-National Champion

WC Khan dential (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)

Her daughter is wise to build on what she has created, because Beck has always had a knack for breeding a successful Half-Arabian. She is extra proud of their success at young ages. She bred consecutive Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Futurity winners in 2005 and 2006. WC Center Stage took the title in 2005, as the rst buckskin to win the class. Her mares also produced the National Champion Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity winners in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

“I am excited to see what the future brings, “Brandi says to her mom, “but truthfully, all that matters is we have horses who we adore, and we get to share them with each other.”

Multi-National Champion WC Just Imagine+// (Le Fire x Miss Friendship):

National Champion WC Khanfession (PA Kid Khan x Tiki Command)

Multi-National Champion WC Khanspiracy

WC Khanvicted (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)

Multi-National Champion Riskie Buisness+++// with Brandi Burroughs

2022 AHT OVERALL LEADING OWNER OF NATIONAL WORKING WESTERN WINNERS

WESLEY & MADDI LARKIN

SIN DERELLA WP+//

U.S. National Champion H/A Working Cow Horse AATR

U.S. National Reserve Champion H/A Reined Cow Horse AATR

U.S. National Top Ten H/A Herd Work AATR

SH ELECTRIC GUN+/

U.S. National Champion PB Reined Cow Horse AATR

U.S. National Champion PB Working Cow Horse AATR

VG TSATINE+//

U.S. National Champion PB Herd Work - ird Consecutive Win

U.S. Nationals Champion PB Herd Work AATR - ird Consecutive Win

Owned by Wesley & Maddi Larkin | Nipomo, California | Trained by Wesley Larkin & Andy Camacho

By CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI

This is a particularly exciting year for Kim and Jim Blevins’ Alistar Arabians and their “dream horse” ASA Scandalous Affair (Always A Jullyen V x Sweet Saphire V). Affectionately known as Scandal, the 2015 homozygous black stallion impeccably exhibits and produces classic Varian bred temperament and type and will debut 2020 progeny in the performance show pen. Case in point is the Blevins’ own homebred 2020 black filly, ASA Mercedes (x ASA Midnight Lucille), currently in training with western pleasure trainer par excellence, Jody Strand.

“Mercedes was our first Scandal baby,” shares Kim. “Her pedigree is steeped in Varian western pleasure bloodstock. As a yearling, showing in-hand, she outdid herself, winning at the Regional level and a earning a top ten at the 2021 U.S. Nationals. Much of her 2-year-old year was starting under saddle. Now Jody and his daughter/assistant, Megan, are carefully training Mercedes toward a rewarding western pleasure career.”

Scandal’s time in the breeding shed is pleasingly busy.

Currently Scandal has nine babies on the ground: five purebred and four HalfArabians; two born in 2020, and the remaining seven in 2022. “We’ve quite the variety of mares who’ve been bred to him,” says Kim, “and his unmistakable traits have come through—his stunning beauty, movement and balance.” While breeding their own mares to Scandal has been hugely rewarding unto itself, equally gratifying to the Blevins is having repeat buyers for Scandal breedings for their own mares.

“Several foals are expected this year and even more for 2024,” Kim continues.

“Considering the majority of his babies were born just last year, returning breeders/owners of great mares who believe in Scandal means so much to us.”

Strand’s Arabians client Boni Lavelle is one of those customers, purchasing two AWPA auction breedings to Scandal. “I was researching a breeding stallion for my mare Khalico J, by Khadraj NA,” says Boni, “who has produced two fabulous colts for me by Zefyr. But since Zefyr’s retirement, I needed the ‘next’ great cross, and Scandal is so well put together; plus the photos Kim shared of her Scandal get were proof positive he produces quality from head to toe.” She continues, “Kim’s own stunning Scandal filly out of their Khadraj daughter sealed the deal, so I was thrilled to see Scandal at Jody’s. He took Scandal out and worked him, further convincing me he’s the guy for my mare.”

Scandal’s AWPA breedings continue to sell out, and he is a Spotlight Stallion fixture in Region 12’s prestigious Spotlight Futurity program.

Considered one of the finest Arabian horse breeding programs in the country, the Spotlight Futurity awards big prize money, paid out concurrently with Region 12 Championship competition. Held at the spectacular World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, Region 12’s early May competition is a top draw event for breeders to showcase their Arabian and Half-Arabian bloodstock in-hand as well as in multiple performance disciplines.

Alistar Arabians will debut their 2022 colt ASA Midnight Affair (full sibling to ASA Mercedes) and 2022 bay Scandal filly ASA Oh So Scandalous (x RA Oli Lani, by Khadraj NA) in-hand at the 2023 Spotlight Futurity.

No stranger to the show ring, Alistar Arabians actively embraces the versatility of the Arabian horse. “Jim and I are equally passionate when it comes to the English disciplines, native costume and even reining,” Kim explains. “Our Vegaz son, EF Moonshine, displays exemplary temperament—flashily fancy in native costume, yet proper and dignified when shown by our trainer Brooke Fuchs in show hack.” And in the working western discipline of reining, Kim and Jim teamed with multimillion dollar earner, NRHA trainer Craig Schmersal, attaining 2020 Scottsdale HalfArabian Reining Futurity Reserve Champion (post run off for Champion!) with their homebred gelding ASA Dunnit Again (Pale Face Dunnit x ASA Sanas Ebony Dream). His full sibling, ASA Smokin Gladys, is in training for the same class at

2024.

Kim concludes, “We have a variety of horses who compete in distinctly different disciplines, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are true believers in letting our horses show us what they do best, and most of all, we love our life; the rewards our horses give back to us are our real life dream.”

Scottsdale

Pictured left and above top: ASA Scandalous Affair (Always A Jullyen V x Sweet Saphire V); ASA Oh So Scandalous (ASA Scandalous Affair x RA Oli Lani), 2023 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Reserve Champion Auction & Top Ten Yearling Filly (middle); and ASA Mercedes (ASA Scandalous Affair x ASA Midnight Lucille), 2021 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Champion Yearling Filly ATH (bottom).

Arabian Horse Times 2022 National Western Pleasure Leaders

Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National Western Pleasure Champion and Reserve wins. Based off AHA & Canada’s National Championship Supplied Results at end of show

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

Owner

1. H Verdykt H 3 championships, 1 reserve Rebecca Marr

Son Of A Preacher Man WA3 championships, 1 reserve Lori & Chelsea Cantero

WC Khanspiracy 3 championships, 1 reserve Cynthia Beck

2. DF Khontraban 2 championships, 2 reserves Sarah Boothe

3. Santa Fe Cool 3 championships Tatjana Patricia Desire Kelch

4. Ahleah TRF 2 championships, 1 reserve Brooke or Larry Bellville/Barb Beaudoin

Poco Chips SS 2 championships, 1 reserve Flois or Cindy Burrow

STLA C Im Fondau 2 championships, 1 reserve Franklin Farm LLC

5. Aur Kinda Party 1 championship, 2 reserves Sally or Jamie Leonardini

BSF Sister Sarah 1 championship, 2 reserves Callie Filetti

CPH Allstarr 1 championship, 2 reserves Laura Koch

Intensity DHA 1 championship, 2 reserves Jody & Janice Strand

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

1. H Verdykt H 3 championships, 1 reserve Rebecca Marr

2. DF Khontraban 2 championships, 2 reserves Sarah Boothe

3. Ahleah TRF 2 championships, 1 reserve Brooke or Larry Bellville/Barb Beaudoin

4. Intensity DHA 1 championship, 2 reserves Jody & Janice Strand

5. Enzperation XX 2 championships Shamrock Farms LLC

M S Centaur 2 championships Diane McLaughlin

6. Karmel El Jullyen V 1 championship, 1 reserve Franklin Farm LLC

PA Lucerne 1 championship, 1 reserve Shamrock Farms LLC

Pshenandoah 1 championship, 1 reserve Rachel Vaughn

Saratoga BF 1 championship, 1 reserve Natalie Gaylord

Vera Wang 1 championship, 1 reserve Franklin Farm LLC

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins Owner

1. Son Of A Preacher Man WA3 championships, 1 reserve Lori & Chelsea Cantero

WC Khanspiracy 3 championships, 1 reserve Cynthia Beck

2. Santa Fe Cool 3 championships Tatjana Patricia Desire Kelch

3. Poco Chips SS 2 championships, 1 reserve Flois or Cindy Burrow

STLA C Im Fondau 2 championships, 1 reserve Franklin Farm LLC

4. Aur Kinda Party 1 championship, 2 reserves Sally or Jamie Leonardini

BSF Sister Sarah 1 championship, 2 reserves Callie Filetti

CPH Allstarr 1 championship, 2 reserves Laura Koch

5. Mia Bella Rossa LK 2 championships Lori-Kay Frye

PA Canadian Sunrise 2 championships Seth Dixon Dyrvik

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES

ARABIAN LEADING

by

2022 National Western Pleasure Leaders, continued...

JOIN #AHTSOCIAL

Specializing in managing your farm, lesson program, or horse rofiles on both FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

Use AHT Social Media Management Services to: B il yo r bran

Mana e yo r content an create sche le yo r ee ly ostin s

Kee c rrent a s eblasts oste re larly Assist yo ith real ti e ostin s of horse sho conten ers res lts

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE IS A #MUST for yo r b siness s ccess

et A et yo starte Contact us sales@ahtimes.com

Arabian Horse Times 2022 National Working Western Leaders

Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National Working Western Champion and Reserve wins (Cutting, Reined Cow, Reining, Western Trail, Herd Work, Working Cow and Ranch Riding) Open/Amateur classes only | Based off AHA & Canada’s National Championship Supplied Results at end of show

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

Owner

1. Remi Martin 7 championships, 1 reserve Mientje Ploeg or Nicole Brown

2. Sure Is A Whiz 5 championships, 2 reserves Dennis or Sally Douglas

3. M Gettin Er Dun 6 championships Erin Moore

4. Adessa SS 4 championships, 1 reserve Ashlye Daniel

5. Mozarts Roselita RA 2 championships, 3 reserves Tracy Dowson

6. Zee Kahili 4 championships Lee Cary-Chase

7. Aantonina SF 3 championships, 1 reserve Jessica or Carrie Jacobucci

Hott Rockett 3 championships, 1 reserve Tammy McDonald

Megas Silver Bucks 3 championships, 1 reserve Lesley Badura

8. Mozarts Cromemercedes2 championships, 2 reserves Kevin & Judith Jorgenson

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

Owner

1. Adessa SS 4 championships, 1 reserve Ashlye Daniel

2. Mozarts Roselita RA 2 championships, 3 reserves Tracy Dowson

3. Zee Kahili 4 championships Lee Cary-Chase

4. Aantonina SF 3 championships, 1 reserve Jessica or Carrie Jacobucci

Megas Silver Bucks 3 championships, 1 reserve Lesley Badura

5. Mozarts Cromemercedes2 championships, 2 reserves Kevin & Judith Jorgenson

6. Lolitas Jamaal 1 championship, 3 reserves Isabella Sobral or Laurie Long

Zee Triple Zee 1 championship, 3 reserves Miller Arabians

7. E Zee Slider 3 championships Ken & Connie Walling

SH Noble Venture 3 championships Whitney McCord or Emory Rapp

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

Owner

1. Remi Martin 7 championships, 1 reserve Mientje Ploeg or Nicole Brown

2. Sure Is A Whiz 5 championships, 2 reserves Dennis or Sally Douglas

3. M Gettin Er Dun 6 championships

Erin Moore

4. Hott Rockett 3 championships, 1 reserve Tammy McDonald

5. Smoking Gun 1 championship, 3 reserves Becker Stables, Inc.

6. My Khinda Destinee 3 championships

My Lucky Shamrock 3 championships

SR Ultra Shine 3 championships

Ashlye Daniel

Gayle Pniak

Velda Peach

7. Arkys Smart Leo Lad 2 championships, 1 reserve Riley or Susan Lallo

Little Bit Of Boom 2 championships, 1 reserve Tracy Dowson

Shesa Dancing In Dirt 2 championships, 1 reserve PHD Enterprises

Whata Doc Bar TR 2 championships, 1 reserve Natalie Gaylord

OVERALL PUREBRED LEADING SIRES ARABIAN

SIRES

LEADING OPEN TRAINERS

2022 National Working Western Leaders, continued...

Western pleasure

TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS • AMATEURS

“The Arabian is by far the most beautiful western pleasure horse of any breed.”

—Ali Brady

Morgan Moore

MLM ARABIANS

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Cadence, balance, hind leg engagement, and thoughtful/willing expression all play in to the finished aesthetic of a beautiful Arabian western pleasure horse. They should look smooth to ride, responsive, and attuned to their riders.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA program has not only driven more interest in breeding western pleasure horses, but has helped encourage more diligent, focused form-to-function breeding. We are seeing more quality young horses enter the arena than ever before who are exceptional movers, beautiful, and conformationally correct. It is exciting to see horses that raise the bar each and every year and this program is the motivation for many to breed great prospects.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

There are so many incredible horses that come to mind for me, but the one that was most inspirational for me from a breeding perspective was Onyx A. He is one of the few horses to capture the champion titles at three of our historically most prestigious events: Scottsdale, Canada, and U.S. Nationals. He was and is an exceptional athlete. When I decided to breed a horse for western pleasure specifically, he was the first outside stallion I selected. His Open win at U.S. Nationals will always be one of my favorite presentations in western pleasure.

Hillary Boothe

HILLARY BOOTHE TRAINING AT PROMISES RANCH LLC

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

Bosal and bridle horses both have their own unique feel and experiences. I enjoy either and find them both to provide their own form of communication with the horses.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

A pleasure horse needs to easily do its job in the arena. Nothing needs to be forced, pushed, or demanded. This comes with the horse’s burning desire to perform and the joy the horse finds when working. Pleasure horses should enjoy the rider while the rider enjoys the pleasure horse.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

I love Woods Western for my show clothes! But for an obsession I would have to say my bit collection that is insane and grows every show!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA gives the junior horses and stallions a spotlight. I feel that any classes that promote correct conformation and suitability is important.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

True jogs, true lopes, the ability to move out and enjoy working the class. Western horses aren’t just slow and meandering, but also fluid and forward when needed.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I’d probably say, Habanero. LaRae’s style of training him allowed him to show so soft and true. He has a great stride in the lope and her cowgirl gallop was the best! It’s something we should all be striving for.

Dwane Hankins

COLONIAL DOWNS TRAINING

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

I love a bridle horse. I have a system that rolls the horses up making them beautiful, but at the same time very amateur friendly.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Quiet mouth, quiet tail, soft, but not afraid of the bridal. Great balance can all be achieved without forcing.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

A good lunge in a short ride in the show pen and one more lunge before the show if I need it. I don’t like to be on them a long time; their necks get tired.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

I think it’s extremely important. It ups the value of our horses tenfold.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? The quality and the movement of our horses today is amazing. Let’s keep it how it is.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

DR All Keyed Up. This western horse won many national championships for Frank and Sharon Stathopoulos.

Linda Clark

LONG MEADOW ARABIANS

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Since most of my riding has been on bridle horses, I am most comfortable on these horses.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

I really prefer little warm up prior to my class. I want to make sure I am prepared prior to the show and then just go in when the gate opens. Too much warm up causes me to think too much or overthink!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA classes have given breeders an opportunity to showcase their stallions and earn payouts. With the continuing expenses of both showing and breeding, it is good to have the opportunity to offset some of those expenses with these classes.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

I believe we still have too many western horses that look intimidated in the show ring. It all gets back to owners allowing this to happen with their horses.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

It is difficult to pick one horse that exemplifies the western horse, but I love the look of softness that we see in the Versace-bred horses.

Ashley Reimer Carpio

ABCENTRE

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Bosal horses! I love riding the babies and being part of their progression. Plus, riding one-handed is hard!

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Connecting with your horse and shaking off any nerves. By that point, you either know how to ride your horse, or you don’t, so I think it’s more about getting a feel for how they’re feeling at that moment.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

I’m always scouting for a new outfit. You can never have enough!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

I think the AWPA has done a lot to increase the value of our young horses. It has increased awareness of up-and-coming sires and driven home the concept of form to function.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

In recent years, Monaco Jullyen V is the horse that comes to mind. Beauty, athleticism and trainability. He was nearly unbeatable in both the open and amateur fields for many years, and we’re now seeing a few of his babies hitting the ring with great success.

Kim Stevenson

ABCENTRE

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Keeping myself calm and relaxed - focus on my breathing. I find the more relaxed I am, the better my horse performs.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

I love show clothing that is different from what anyone else is wearing - that goes for anything from the Trail Pen to the Western Pleasure ring. I definitely like to stand out from the crowd! There are a few designers that I work with that know it is going to be a “fun one” when I call for a new outfit! For my western pleasure top that is currently being made, I saw a top a concertgoer was wearing at Coachella - took a photo of it - and asked my designer if she can make this into a western pleasure top (she said, yes!). I cannot wait to see the finished product!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

Extremely! The AWPA Futurity classes have record entries at U.S. Nationals and both the purebred and Half-Arabian Finals showed off the incredibly talented group of young western pleasure horses that are being bred.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

Grow the Arabian horse show industry - not only for western pleasure, but for all disciplines. Building off the response above, one way to do this is to offer more prize money or other incentives for exhibitors. Perhaps some prize money for the non-Junior Horse categories? With record entries in the AWPA classes, why not build off that and offer prize money incentives for all exhibitors?

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

When I was a young girl, I cut out photos of Khemosabi from my Arabian Horse World magazines and pinned them to my bedroom wall. He was a favorite of mine because of his natural talent and his ability to pass on his talent to his offspring. My western pleasure mare is out of Monticello V - he is also one of my favorites, for many of the same reasons as Khemosabi. Both were/are known for their calm and gentle temperament, which they each passed/pass on to their offspring. Monticello V has Khemosabi in his bloodlines, so of course, I sought out a horse with both of these icons in their pedigree!

Morgan & Renee Pelzman

HOLLY HILL FARMS, LLC

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

We haven’t ridden many bosal horses, mostly because we take our time bringing horses along, so they’re usually in the bridle by the time we feel they’re really solid and ready to show. I wish younger horses didn’t get penalized for being shown in a snaffle. It’s been our experience that bosal horses don’t always transition as well to the bridle, but good snaffle bit horses almost always do.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? If I have to make a horse look like it’s a pleasure, we’re probably not going to own it or show it. A good western pleasure horse must be naturally soft-moving, quiet-minded and responsive but not over-reactive. You can’t make them be that way. Either they are, or they aren’t.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

Let Morgan warm them up. It’s one of the perquisites of motherhood and senior citizenship!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

Does the AWPA help with the breeding of top-quality WP horses? The nomination certainly adds to the sale value of a young horse, but at the end of the day, variables like talent, temperament and trainability affect just about everything else. Not everyone can afford to have their horse shown by the top western pleasure trainers and there aren’t enough of those trainers to go around anyway. There have always been great western pleasure horses and there will always be great ones. The AWPA is a marketing strategy. Yes, our young stallion GA Valor is nominated, along with however many other halterbred horses, but we just can’t say for certain that overall the program has made a significant impact on the quality of the horses. The program is still fairly young, so time will tell.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? That our purebreds need to be massive to perform well. A horse and its rider should look like they fit well together. Perhaps it is a trend, just like black horses are now, but a classic never goes out of style.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? There were/are so many nice horses out there past and present, but love the Fame VF sire line for the beauty, talent and exceptional temperament they bring to the table. Also MK Goldrush, who won many top awards. Rush was the real deal - slow-legged, slow-brained and like riding a couch!

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Bridle, because I want the control expected of a broke horse.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

Quiet mind, level relaxed neck, a tendency to be slow legged and never jumpy. It must be their natural desire to be this way or forget it.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Slow progression to a supple relaxed horse is what’s needed. Rushing the warmup rarely works out well.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Anything Harris.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. They are comfortable to wear all dang day. I prefer Luchesse.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? For me, it’s everything!

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

I have always had a passion for starting the babies, so I would have to say a bosal. I love getting a clean slate and building a strong rapport and trust with each horse. However, I do love the bridle horses as well. It is very rewarding to see the growth and maturing of horses with their amateur owners long-term.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

I like my horses to be happy and comfortable, I feel it shines through in their performance. I like ears forward, quiet tail, and free flowing movement. I listen to my horses and address any issues they may have that makes them act less than pleasurable.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

I like to do my homework before the warm up. If they need to be made a little sharp, or work on their energy level, I work on that beforehand. I want to leave the warm up as short and stress-free as possible.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

I feel the AWPA program has added substantial value and marketability of western horses for the breeders. It has also heightened the awareness and appreciation of the western discipline by adding much needed sheer entertainment for the people in the stands.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

The Arabian is by far the most beautiful western pleasure horse of any breed. I believe it is important to keep the focus on proper gaits and movement. The overall picture of a beautiful western horse is the softness and the cadence of his stride as much as it is hooked off the bridle. I feel it is important to not sacrifice one for the other, the whole picture needs to have proper balance.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I will never forget watching the beauty and grace of Clarisse PR and Gary Dearth riding to their U.S. National Reserve Championship Western Pleasure Jr. Horse win in 2008. It was a vision of elegance, softness, and ease that I will forever strive for.

Presently, I believe combining the power, balance, and substance of Khadraj NA with the trainability, length and shape of neck, and size of Sundance Kid V has elevated our breed standards to a new level.

Steven Scoggins

LONG MEADOW ARABIANS

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

It is always fun to watch the young horses grow in the bosal, but nothing beats a great bridle. The connection and precision that you can achieve with a good bridle horse can feel like the ride of a lifetime.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

The horse needs to be smooth gaited and a willing partner. It needs to look like the horse and rider could do it longer than the few minutes required in the class.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

A good warm up will vary between horses and riders, but the key is to put the horse and rider team in the best position to be successful in the ring. For some that may mean a quick warm up before they head to the in gate; for others it may require more time for the rider to get comfortable and work off any pre-show jitters.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. Any boots that feel broken in on day one.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? Monaco Jullyen V.

Laura Ramsey Blackburn

RANDY SULLIVAN TRAINING CENTER

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

This is a fantastic question! It depends on the horse. Necks that are a little too long or a little too short are easier to deal with in the bosal for me. The perfect neck and a really broke horse you can ride off your legs, bring on the bridle and all the drape that can come with it!

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

I find it’s good to think about the traits I must have. Relaxed seat, confidence in the preparation, a mindset of belief in the horse. The horse can move square off all four legs with impulsion and a pretty headset with a soft jaw; that helps but it’s really our job to trust they will be a pleasure, not second guess them or pick at them and try to softly correct or cover a bit when the bobbles pop up.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

I like a brief warm up as soon as possible in the horse’s career that it becomes realistic. I would prefer to get the horse loose but not ask for too much before I really want to ask for it all in the class. Keep it positive, don’t make the horse crabby. Think about what the goals for the class are and then work towards those attainable goals. Not every class needs to be a swing for the fences and the same goes for the warm up.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

I love the tooled hats out right now and think they add a fun new spin on the western look. I like Harris tack and the monogrammed headstalls they do. This feels like a high point in western fashion; so many fun looks and people embracing what they feel good in. I am here for that, and I am always here for all the sparkles.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

Extremely important. Winning is fun but winning money is really fun. Incentivizing competitions increases the value of the animals and makes breeding more financially feasible. The industry needs more quality babies hitting the ground every year from diverse breeding perspectives. Those babies need to be marketable, valuable and have earning potential. The AWPA is key to making that happen.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I love a great moving, beautiful mare with a lot of substance and a great neck like Vera Wang or PA Maya. The OG great for me was/is C A Hermoso.

Donna Clay Lubben

RANDY SULLIVAN TRAINING CENTER

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

As a former English rider, the bosal just makes sense to me. It’s a comfort zone I am used to. I feel balanced and more in sync.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride?

What traits must they have?

For me, smooth and true gaits are key. Chemistry between horse and rider. If you are lucky enough to have this, the rest will come.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

I rely on the expertise of my trainers. Each horse requires a different routine.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. My old Arita paddock boots. Have had them for years, just put new soles on them. Some things are hard to part with.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

Being relatively new to the Arabian breed I find the AWPA so exciting. The anticipation of it all is thrilling. I will say the Arabian community does this right.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

As I was learning about the breed and disciplines, I found myself attracted the Jerome line of horses. I have a bit of a sweet spot for them.

Laurie Heaton Ferry GARLANDS

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Both! We get to use two hands with the bosal, and I love the journey of starting with a young horse. But I have enjoyed the bridle horses too ... the feeling of riding so independently on a well-trained bridle horse is like nothing else!

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Keep things “soft” and fluid if you want it to look like a pleasure. The horse needs to be pretty, have great movement, have a shapely neck, and a happy attitude.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Staying focused on my horse and my ride ... not letting the others warming up get in my head!

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. Ariat paddock boots with elastic sides. No zipper, no laces. Comfy!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? It’s become a huge deal! Kudos to the founders! What a great program. Unfortunately, my horse is not in the program, and I almost didn’t buy him because of that.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? Boy, I’d sure like to see us get back to a true and fluid moving western horse. The stilted gaits have become too extreme and don’t look like a pleasure for the horse.

Sarah Paripovich

SARAH PARIPOVICH TRAINING

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? I prefer bridal horses. There is definitely an art in giving the appearance of an effortless ride while in actuality, there are so many components to riding on a drape. Arabian horses are hot blooded animals and aren’t naturally slow and low. To be able to teach them this, and then do it essentially no handed, is really quite amazing!

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

The horse needs to respect boundaries, but not fear them. Fear of the rider, bit, or spur leads to jerky movement. I like the picture to flow. The horse needs to move forward, with fluid motion.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

Don’t ride your class in the warm up! I made this mistake once, and the judge said that to me in the line up. I will never forget it!

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Not really an obsession, but I do have to clean my own show tack.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? It’s been an amazing addition to the breed! It promotes marketability for young horses and encourages people to breed.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

Before I ever started showing Arabians, my parents would go down to Scottsdale for the last weekend. If Bob Hart was showing Rohara Moonstorm, I would insist that my dad video him schooling and showing. I couldn’t get over how easy it looked for this horse! Bob probably thought my dad was a creepy stalker, but I will never forget watching the videos, wishing I could make a horse look like that.

Tommy Garland

GARLANDS

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

First thing is the overall happiness of the horse. If they are enjoying their job, moving forward and flowing through the gaits, they will look relaxed and expressive through their ears—that is what makes it look like a pleasure to ride. My dad always told me if he stood 15 feet off the rail with his back turned, he shouldn’t hear the horse lope by; softness is key. So many believe a draped rein means softness; to me it’s about quality of movement and confidence in what is expected of the horse in order to move lightly through what is being asked of them.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

Both, in fact. I have used Harris saddles since 1994, when I got my first light colored saddle and won my first Region 12 open western class in it. I swear by this brand and the quality is incredibly consistent. I’ve never sat in a Harris saddle I didn’t like. As for clothing, I’m know for my wild shirts in the western ring; almost all of them are Robert Graham. These shirts really have helped me put a stamp on my brand as a western trainer. Everyone looks for my wild shirts, to the point when I wear a solid shirt, I get questioned about the absence of my wild designs. To me that’s just part of the fun as a trainer, I get a new shirt for each horse and when that horse retires or moves from my program, I almost always retire the shirt as well.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots.

I have a lot of different boots but my favorite are the pair I inherited from my dad when he passed away. I don’t know what brand they are, and they aren’t anything special to look at, but they hold a lot of meaning for me. I remember not knowing if they’d fit and then how good it felt when I put them on and they fit like a glove. I don’t wear them often but when I do, I can feel my dad’s presence.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

I think it is a great program and it definitely brings attention to the young western horses. I do think the nomination process is a bit confusing and expensive so many people don’t take advantage of the program because they don’t want the hassle of figuring out how to properly nominate their foals. As a result, a lot of good horses miss out on the opportunity to show in this class.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

I really think the drape, especially for amateurs, has been very detrimental to our breed. There are only a select group of horses and amateurs that can truly ride well on a drape. If we could just have a light contact, we would open our western division back up to more amateurs for ones that aren’t confident riding on a drape or can’t afford one of the small percentages of horses that are talented enough to ride on a drape well. It would be beneficial for our horses as well. We wouldn’t have to lunge so much, and more horses would be showable and marketable if they could just get a little help from some light contact. In my opinion, many of these horses would move better as well if they weren’t expected to go around with no contact at all.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

To me, as a junior horse, SF Georgia really changed the game with how soft and elegant she was in the bosal. She’s a beautiful mare that really exemplified what a well-trained bosal horse could be like. As far as an open horse, I’m biased but Holdin Aces; incredibly trainable, soft moving and always willing to do his job. He enjoyed his work as much as I did and that made it easy to teach him. Everything a trainer could ever ask for, that horse was willing to give me.

Jacqui Reed

SHAMROCK FARMS LLC

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

Being a part of the growth that happens with bosal horses is very rewarding. They change so much from the beginning of their 3-year-old year to the end of their 5-year-old year. It’s fun when they begin to understand what their job is and want to do it right.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

It’s truly dependent on each horse and rider combo. For me, I don’t like a very long warm up. I prefer to have my trainer get my horse going well, then I’ll get on and briefly do each gait both ways, then I like to go in. I hate standing around in the middle waiting. I also appreciate positive coaching from my trainer as I am going into the arena.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

Both. For tack, saddle pads are such a fun way to have a personal expression of style. I have way too many saddle pads stacked up in my house from when I showed Ranch Riding. There’s just a never-ending choice of color combos you need! For clothing, the obsession with boots is a real problem.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots.

I can’t choose a favorite pair, but I do love the brand Tin Haul. The different designs they create for the soles are so fun! I have several pair, and while they may not be the most comfortable boots I have, they do allow me to express my personality and are often conversation starters.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA has been an incredible organization to be a part of. We work hard to promote the stallions enrolled each year, and make sure the classes are must-see events at the shows. This promotion has really encouraged breeders of all sizes to choose participating stallions and nominate their in-utero mares. Over 300 mare nominations have been submitted for the past five years. With people breeding specifically to produce winning western horses, the quality of ALL the entries is very high.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I always enjoyed watching Monaco Jullyen V show. You could tell he enjoyed his job and he made it look so incredibly easy. Monaco, Joe and Leslie all made it look like it was a true pleasure out in the arena.

Western

TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS • AMATEURS

Katie Russell

MICHAEL DAMIANOS PERFORMANCE HORSES

If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges? Ranch Riding has exploded over the last couple years-across many breeds. I watched some of the classes and saw how much fun people were having and thought I’d like to try it too. The riders and horses are all having a great time. I’m having a blast learning a new discipline!

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division?

A willing, good-minded and great moving horse. A ranch horse should do their job efficiently, with a willing relaxed/happy attitude. A nice forward moving horse is paramount, too. Soft, with ears up and enjoying the ride.

If you know your horse struggles with a particular maneuver/element in a pattern, how do you correct it?

Practice. Repeat. Practice!

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class? Enough time to warm up, staying relaxed and listening to your trainer.

Michael Damianos

MICHAEL DAMIANOS PERFORMANCE HORSES

If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges?

No division requires a larger variety of talents by the horse than the ranch division. If you are enamored by a beautiful, charismatic, athletic, responsive, graceful, brave, mentally focused, stalwart horse - then riding a ranch horse is your passion. The beauty of the patterns is that collectively the maneuvers offer something for every talent of a ranch horse. One way to prepare is to actually do ranch work with your horse. If you want to stand out in the pattern, you need to ride a horse that is fit and looks up to the challenge of ranch work. I believe it is better to look good or very good at every maneuver than excellent at a few. That way you display the versatility of your horse and appear confident. That requires promptness without looking rushed or pushed. The rider also needs to be spatially aware in the show pen in order to lay down an effective and attractive presentation.

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division?

Preparation and experience. In order for a horse or a ride to be great, they both have to develop a muscle memory, just like professional athletes. The right moves and actions must be reflexive to achieve excellence. That requires frequent, but not overwhelming preparation. Secondly, the cruelest, but most effective teacher is experience. No horse or rider ever got good staying home. It requires an inventory of experiences in the show ring to become good. Will Rogers said, “Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.” Truer words were never spoken.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class?

Before you swing a leg over a horse, know your pattern inside and out. Even then there will be days of mental lapse. Look at the arena and plan your pattern out. When you mount up, understand your horse needs to loosen up before competition just like you do. Picture your run in your head and repeat mentally to yourself what you need to do at each part of the pattern. Walk the pattern if you find it helpful. Remember, your goal is to be the best you can be. Never consider what you have to do to beat your competitor. Watch one or two runs before you, but not more. Watching too much just clouds your judgement. Never try something new you saw someone else do. Wait until you get home. Finally, never get in a fight with your horse before the class. Horses are incredibly perceptive and if you have angst or are stressed, your performance will be impaired.

If given the chance to be in a scene of any western TV show, who would your character be and who would you share the screen with?

I’d be some kind of horse whisperer. I would share the screen with my wife, Dawn. I couldn’t find a better leading lady than the one I already have!

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

For me, TR Despret For Achic+// (Desperado V x Smart Chic Olena daughter) was like no other. He was a national champion in English and western trail more than once. He could win the reining and the ranch riding and work a cow as well as anyone. He had the best characteristics of both the Arabian and the Quarter Horse. He was great in the arena and he was great doing ranch work. He was handsome in western tack and very photogenic. I miss him every day.

Gary Ferguson SLIDE TO WIN

If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges?

The ranch riding has for our barn, given the reiners another way to compete. It allows us to take our horses into the arena at a slower and not as intense pattern and helps keep them fresh in the reining pen. Ranch riding puts great emphasis on the transitions, and a horse has to be well trained to make their transitions smooth and effortless.

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division?

On the horse side of things, a horse must be relaxed and be able to put together multiple steps on que. Ranch riding and ranch rail require a good moving horse with good balance and natural headset.

If you know your horse struggles with a particular maneuver/element in a pattern, how do you correct it?

Generally, if a horse is struggling with a specific maneuver, it is not the maneuver itself, but about something missing from your training element. I will go back to whatever body part or training segment to fix what is occurring in that maneuver.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class?

For me I do not practice the pattern. I will practice the individual transitions and get my horse reacting to my ques and body.

How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding?

We are supporting the AWWA with donating breedings for the auction as well as trying to help grow the working western arena. It would be great to see more Arabian enthusiasts breeding this direction.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

We call Arkys Smart Leo Lad (The Arkangel x Smart Leo Lady) THE GOAT. This horse has won National titles for several years now in the Open, Non-Pro, Youth and even outside the AHA in the NRHA. He to us is what we would like to close for our next group of babies.

Connie Schmidt Walling ROCK HILL LAND AND LIVESTOCK

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? Good sportsmanship and work ethic.

What trends are worth investing in and which ones don’t you like? The working western disciplines are very important, especially for the amateur rider. Amateurs want an enjoyable place to show their horse. Exorbitant clothing and tack aren’t needed or encouraged. A willing equine partner that is well trained and capable of performing within the designated discipline is what matters most. I have never liked breeding for extreme heads and necks with no regard for soundness, athleticism, and attitude. A successful working horse needs to be trainable, stand up to use, and be able to breathe with large nostrils. It would be great if the show sponsors could offer some clinics at the shows to expose more exhibitors to this fun aspect of Arabians.

How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding?

I feel the AWWA is important when making breeding decisions. I Lifetime nominated E Zee Slider+// because I felt he could make a valuable contribution to the breed. Working western horses need to be physically sound, with a quiet, willing mind in order to be competitive. AQHA has been breeding specific lines of horses that excel in working western disciplines for quite some time. I think the Arabian breed needs to do likewise.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

Some past horses that stand out are Xenophonn, Authenticity, Hesa Zee+/, Khemander Khody + and Rontezza. For present day horses, I am partial to my own horse, E Zee Slider+//. He has multiple national championships and top tens in four different working western disciplines. I also think highly of TA Mozart and Nobles Top Gun.

Kola J: Cementing His Legacy

by THERESA CARDAMONE

Two-time U.S. National Champion Kola J is a fifth-generation product of Larry Jerome’s hugely successful Jerland Farms breeding program. From the first foal crop of Jerland-bred super-sire Khaja J, and out of the MCA Magnum Gold daughter Jer-Koko, Kola J’s pedigree is packed with national champions, primarily from the western pleasure and halter divisions.

In his first four seasons in the show ring, Kola J earned the U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure titles as a Junior Horse (2019) and in the Open division (2020), as well as the Reserve Champion Western Pleasure title at the 2020 Mid Summer Nationals. Additionally, Kola was the 2019 Scottsdale Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse and the 2020 Scottsdale Western Pleasure Champion, and he has three regional titles to boot. Currently in training with Stanley White III, Kola J will be defending his 2022 Region 14 Western Pleasure championship before heading to Tulsa this fall to compete for his second open U.S. National Western Pleasure title.

As exciting as it will be to see Kola in the show ring again, owner/breeder Larry Jerome is even more thrilled with the quality of the foals that he is producing. “Kola J has some pretty incredible offspring, the oldest of which are coming into their futurity year in 2024,” Larry explains. “They are with some great horsemen. Stanley White has a colt, Prosekko J, that I think is the reincarnation of Kola. Jody Strand has SAS Keon, who he is very high on. And JT Keller has Koda J, who was the Region 10 Champion Yearling Colt last year. And there are more. The foals are fantastic.”

Jody Strand saw Kola win in Scottsdale and approached Stanley White for a close-up view in the schooling ring. “I loved the horse in the show ring, he’s a head-turner; but when I saw him up close, I became a huge fan,” Jody enthuses. “He is incredibly strong behind, so when he lopes, he expends no effort whatsoever. It’s easy for him, and that’s the kind of horse I want to breed. We are all trying to breed horses that make us look smart, and I think Kola is doing that!”

Jody chose to breed his mare Sweet Melody B to Kola J. “Melody was a Scottsdale champion and two-time U.S. Reserve National Champion in western pleasure, and we thought she would be a good cross for him,” Jody continues. “We got this colt, SAS Keon, who I think is the real deal. Keon measured 15.2 hands a month before he turned two and may be the biggest 2-year-old I’ve ever had on the place. He carries his size well and loves to lope everywhere he goes. And I love that in a western prospect. He is growing up, and we’ll start working with him in November, after the Nationals. I really couldn’t be happier with him.”

Stanley is equally high on the Kola son, Prosekko J, who is owned by Lara Koch and Larry Jerome. “He is a gorgeous colt with an incredible mind,” he says. “Typical of Kola, he is easy to get along with and we have high hopes for him. He is still young, and we aren’t doing much with him now except having him wear tack; the rest will come later. His dam is a two-time National Champion western horse, so he is bred for the job. Kola J is one of the most trainable, athletic western horses I have ever had the pleasure to work with!”

It is a cinch that Prosekko J, SAS Keon, Koda J, and the other outstanding foals from his first crops will continue in the footsteps of their sire, Kola J. Meanwhile, Kola will be adding to the legacy of his pedigree, bringing additional honors to Larry and Jerland Farms.

by Augusta Hammock

e i n XII, Futurity & Classic g p an Championships

Community. Camaraderie. Collaboration. When dedicated breed enthusiasts are asked what they love about the Arabian horse world, these three words are commonly stated with swiftness and passion. e esteemed Region XII Championships, where the warm Florida sun dances on the porcelain sands of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, is where this togetherness, shared sense of purpose, and vigorous teamwork can be found. First time attendees and lifetime exhibitors are welcomed all the same, and new friendships are in bloom around every corner. e globally renowned venue—a bucket list destination for countless horse lovers worldwide—stands peerless in terms of horse and human safety, professionalism, and pristine architectural beauty. It’s no wonder exhibitors nationwide are choosing to make the pilgrimage to the Sunshine State in pursuit of an unforgettable experience with their beloved Arabians.

e in-gates opened wide on Tuesday, May 2, setting multiple arenas abuzz, each one featuring a vast array of disciplines and classes. From Sport Horse to Performance, Ranch Riding to Halter (and beyond), there was something for everyone to enjoy. As the largest geographical region in America with many entries from beyond its borders, it follows that the level of competition at Region XII is among the ercest in the country today. Its reputation as a crucible for the nation’s best horses is well deserved, and titles earned here command respect.

is prestige is not happenstance, however. Such a monumental and rapidly evolving event requires equally monumental and adaptive e ort to oversee. Fortunately, Region XII has some of the brightest minds in the industry working hard behind the scenes. e committees striving to future-proof the show and its many parts are on a perpetual mission to establish new and bene cial opportunities while also honoring tradition. One such change was the inaugural Spotlight Stallion Showcase, a new feature of the always celebrated Spotlight Futurity Auction. is year, for the rst time, a select group of Spotlight-nominated stallions were presented in their own dedicated showcase several hours prior to the auction itself. is allowed bidders to view the horses up close as they nalized their decisions as to who they would raise their number for later that evening. is innovation was very well received, and the showcase is anticipated to continue in 2024.

e Spotlight Futurity Auction itself is considered by many to be the central social event of the show, and this year’s auction, elegantly themed “Gay Paree: An Evening in Paris,” set the standard for excellence yet again. On the ivory terrace of e Equestrian Hotel, phenomenal fun and fellowship were in abundance Wednesday night as bidders waved their numbers with enthusiasm for their stallions of choice. In keeping with Spotlight history, the level of quality and variety of nominated stallions was top tier. e highest selling lot was the coveted breeding to Dominic M, whose winning bid was $9,500, with other top lots being Ibn Farid and Elle Mustique at $7,500 each.

As the gavel fell on the nal lot, the auction had raised a total of nearly $155,000, paving the way for the next generation of Spotlight foals once more.

On Saturday, the eighth annual Region XII Classic Egyptian Championships commenced, hailing spectators and participants from around the world. Held in conjunction with the Region XII Championships, it is far more than a collection of classes for Straight Egyptian and Egyptian-bred horses: it’s become an internationally recognized gathering place for the guardians and keepers of these all-important bloodlines—bloodlines with deep-seated impact on the Arabian horse of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. is ourishing event provides a professional but genial atmosphere in which Egyptian lineage can shine, and the consistently high caliber of its entries is indicative of owners’ desire for a dedicated venue for their horses.

In lieu of trophies at the Classic Egyptian Championships, Grand Champion victors were presented with one-of-a-kind breast collars handmade in the style of traditional Bedouin tack. ese priceless awards have risen to fame among breeders and typify the organizing committee’s creative e orts to establish a premier event for Egyptian horses and the people who love them. e CEC’s rapid evolution exempli es the tremendous progress that’s possible when people work arm in arm, and plans for future expansions are already underway.

roughout the entirety of this year’s Region XII Championships, attendees enjoyed clear skies and hospitable temperatures, making for the perfect kick-o of the summer season. Plentiful choices for ne dining and award-winning local fare are both on-site and in bustling downtown Ocala, and endless options for o -site entertainment and recreation are within just a couple of hours away.

Here, community, camaraderie, and collaboration are king. It’s this mindset that’s laid the groundwork for what’s become the favorite regional show for many Arabian horse lovers across America. e Region XII Championships is a genuinely family-, newcomer-, and exhibitor-friendly event that o ers memories that will last a lifetime.

Champion Yearling Auction Colt AOTH PA MALBEC

(PA Phoenix Kid x PA Mirabella)

Ex: Michaiah Carson | O/B: J. Frank or Sara Chisholm

Champion Yearling Auction Filly AOTH DA FLIRTATIOUS (DA Jivago x DA Coquette)

Ex: Odell Williamson | O/B: Dolorosa Arabians Ltd

Champion Yearling Colt ATH MD SALIM

(Rhan Al Shahania x MD Alihandra)

Ex: Renae Mendel | O/B: Manuel Durini

Champion Yearling Filly ATH EVELIA

(Exxalt x Lavinia AF)

Ex: Michaiah Carson | O/B: J. or S. Collins, S. Smith and B. Carson

Champion 2-Year-Old Colt ATH GENERAL CS

(Exxalt x Geneva CS)

Ex: Michaiah Carson | O/B: J. or S. Collins and J. or S. Smith

Champion 2-Year-Old Filly ATH ENCHANTRESS TDF

(PA Phoenix Kid x Wish Granted TDF)

Ex: Kentley Dean | O/B: W. Kent Dean

Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding ATH MAXXIMUS DESSAMUS

(Exxalt x Irraadessa)

Ex: Michaiah Carson | O/B: Ann Riles and Nancy Janosik

Champion English Pleasure 3 & 4 Year Olds

NOMADIC VA

(Mamage x LBC Noble Spirit)

Ex: Tish Kondas | O/B: Victoria Arabians LLC

Champion English Pleasure Maturity 5 Year Olds ATR

MIZ MOBILITY VA

(H Mobility H x Miz Miranda V)

Ex: Michelle Watson | O/B: Victoria Arabians LLC

Champion Western Pleasure 3 & 4 Year Olds

PA MADELYN

(KM Bugatti x May Dancer V)

Ex: Joe Reser | O: Lisa Blackstone | B: J. Frank or Sara Chisholm

Champion Western Pleasure Maturity 5 Year Olds ATR

PA VENTURA KID

(Sundance Kid V x PA Vinchenza Always)

Ex/O: Jacqueline Reed | B: J. Frank or Sara Chisholm

Champion Hunter Pleasure 3 & 4 Year Olds

PA CADENCE ALWAYS

(Always A Jullyen V x Cassandra GA)

Ex: Caralyn Schroter | O: Debra Hines | B: J. Frank or Sara Chisholm

Champion Hunter Pleasure Maturity 5 Year Olds ATR

RGT BELLA SERA

(RGT Mozart x Bella Luce)

Ex/O: Loretta Deaton | B: Rick or Laura Gault

(Exxalt x Lavinia AF)

O/B: J. or S. Collins, S. Smith and B. Carson

Grand

World Class Mare/Stallion TF ROYAL EUPHORIA

(TF Royal Shahbaz x SH Heumoresque)

O/B: Allison Mehta

IMPRESSIVE

(Aria Impresario x Sofiya AA)

O: Colby and Raul Hernandez | B: Ariela Arabians

Grand

Straight Egyptian Mare/Stallion HADIYAT AHLAME

(Scapa x Maalis Breeze)

O: Virginia or Tom Harris | B: Stan or Shonda Thurman

Grand Champion Yearling Filly/Colt EVELIA

Champion

Grand Champion Egyptian Heritage Mare/Stallion ARIA

Champion

SIRES

OWNERS

BREEDERS

Photo Sponsor:

Photos by: Meaghan Estes | To view and purchase, www.ahtimes.com/photos

IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire | Proudly bred & owned by Maroon Fire Arabians www.AfireBeyV.com | For breeding information or progeny available contact Shea Stables, 810-329-6392 or Ashton Kiesner, 865-556-0412

by MARY KIRKMAN

It’s hard to describe Gail and Dave Liniger’s Maroon Fire breeding program, guided by Marty and Tim Shea, without writing what sounds like overthe-top hype. But the truth is that their combination of experience, history andskill has produced a dynasty in the English division. Its latest representative is the 10-year-old stallion Inception.

A son of IXL Noble Express, from the A re Bey V daughter Bonita A re, he sports a pedigree that is impeccable for the job. Show record? Four consecutive national championships without attracting anything less than a rst place vote: the 2017 AEPA $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity, followed by U.S. National Championships in English Pleasure Junior Horse (2018) and Park (2019 and 2020), showing with Joel Kiesner.

At the 2022 U.S. Nationals, the Inception son Bourbon Street SHF, showing with Andy Dearing, earned reserve in the English Pleasure Futurity—the same class in which In Quest, accompanied by Shan Wilson, was named 2022 U.S. National Top Ten. (One judge selected Bourbon Street as the champion, with In Quest reserve.)

And at Scottsdale this year, American Ambition said “Happy Birthday” to his Stachowski West trainer Jonathan Ramsay by winning the Half-Arabian Junior English Pleasure Championship.

Remarkably, Inception’s most valuable trait may lie beyond his get’s obvious ability: it’s his temperament, his intelligence and willingness to learn, and he’s passing it along. “He won four unanimous national championships for a reason,” Joel Kiesner notes, “and that’s because he trained well; you can’t do that and not train well. When a horse or his o spring wins over and over, it doesn’t just speak to their physical makeup; it generally means that they have a real brain and that they like their work. at is every bit as valuable as the physical makeup of the horse.”

“We have several Inception babies, but only one under saddle,” Vicki Humphrey says of Bourbon Street SHF. “ is talented colt, owned by Tom and Liz Moore and trained by Andy Dearing, is an absolute delight to have in the barn, and has been since day one. Andy says, ‘You know all the things you want in an English horse? He has them all!’ He has great hocks, a great amateur attitude, and is a very forward horse, willing to go to work every day—very ambitious and happy to perform. We’re looking forward to starting the next ones.”

e temperament is bred-in from two principal sources. It’s characteristic of the A re Bey V line, and in Inception’s case, there is the added in uence of Barbary, who was famous not only for his cooperative, interactive personality, but also his longevity.

e Inceptions can be misleading at rst, though, Tim Shea cautions. “ ey’re calm and quiet as they learn,” he says. “ ey learn to be bold, to have that show ring ‘sting’ as they mature. ey’re so accepting of training that they get more impressive as they go on. I worked Nobility and Noble Express before sending them on [to Gene LaCroix and Joel Kiesner], and those horses were hot and oversensitive. Inception is a departure from that. He’s his own thing, but he kept all the talent; he’s very strong behind, but he exes his hocks. ey were strong behind, but they didn’t ex as much as he did. He has that old-time exion in the hocks, and he’s siring it.”

Tim also has high praise for Inception as a sire of Half-Arabians. “He’s the best we’ve ever had for that,” he says. “He keeps the Saddlebred look in topline, neck, movement and overall appearance, which is good, but leaves the Arabian type, especially through the head and attitude. We’ve been successful using several good stallions on our mares for Half-Arabians, but these Inceptions are a whole other level.”

is year, the next chapter of Inception’s story will begin to unfold. e headliners of the past year will all be back, and there will be new faces too. A pair of Half-Arabians the Sheas bred, In Deed SS (with Josh Shino) and Inspired SS (with Joel), are targeting the futurities, and there will be several more.

“Inception is a thoroughly good animal—and an imposing gure,” Joel re ects, “He’s a real horse.”

“Inception is a thoroughly good animal—and an imposing figure ...

Bourbon Street SHF (Inception x Merry Magni re)

2022 U.S. National Reserve Champion English Pleasure Futurity

Owned by Tom and Liz Moore. Trained by Andy Dearing

~ Joel Kiesner

He’s a real horse.”

American Ambition (Inception x Sweet ‘N Nutty)

2023 Scottsdale Champion H/A English Pleasure Jr. Horse

Owned by North By Northwest. Trained by Jonathan Ramsay

Proudly owned by Peter & Lori Conway

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...

MARCH 23, 2024

This sale will feature horses bred by Hagale Family Arabians and/or horses sired by their stallions. Limited outside consignments will also be available. Check out these samples of some of our youngsters that may be offered......

2023 PROSPECTS

PB Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x Best Of My Love

PB Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x Antebella Ames

PB Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x Ladie In Redd

HA Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x A Pleasant Surprize

HA Filly | SF Aftershoc+ x A Pleasant Surprize

HA Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x West Hollywood Excellence

HA Filly | Noble Braveheart x CSP Adriana

HA Filly | SF Aftershoc+ x You’re Golden

HA Colt | SF Destination Victry+ x A Pleasant Surprize

HA Colt | Undulata’s Nutcracker x CSP Adriana

HA Filly | SF Destination Victry+ x Ms. Bette Midler

HA TBD | HA Toskcan Sun+ x A Pleasant Surprize

PB TBD | HA Toskcan Sun+ x CSP Party Doll

PB TBD | ROL Divine Style+/ x Marion Ames

HA Colt | SF Destination Victry+ x West Hollywood Excellence

2022 PROSPECTS

PB Gelding | SF Aftershoc+ x SD Fheiry Tale

PB Colt | SF Aftershoc+ x Glitterotti BFV

PB Colt | Vegaz x LA Pistola

PB Filly | Inception x Glitterotti BFV

PB Colt | KW Micah x CSP Caribbean Afire

PB Filly | SF Aftershoc+ x Lady Stardust TA

PB Filly | Inception x Social Light

HA Filly | Fire And Goldd x El Baile

PB Filly | Vegaz x Templeton Rye

PB Filly | HA Toskcan Sun+ x Marion Ames

PB Filly | CSP Rolling Stone x Tainted Luv

PB Filly | SF Aftershoc+ x CSP Caribbean Afire

DMW Diamonds Nthe Sun | HA Toskcan Sun x DM Diamond Toi | PB Filly

HFA Party Time | SF Aftershoc+ x CSP Party Doll | PB Colt

2021 PROSPECTS

Dom Perrignon TA | SF Aftershoc+ x Ms. Bette Midler | HA Gelding

HFA Malachi | KW Micah x A Pleasant Surprize | HA Gelding Hot Shoc | SF Aftershoc+ x Phun Night | HA Gelding

Wonder Woman TA | SF Aftershoc+ x Bellatrix PF | PB Filly

For sale inquiries or more information contact Jen Wilson 602.616.6672

www.HagaleFamilyArabians.com

Follow @hagalefamilyarabians

ferrara photo

U.S. NATIONAL ENGLISH PLEASURE CHAMPION OPEN WITH JOEL KIESNER AAOTR 55 & OVER WITH DIANE FRANKLIN

Mamage x KW Sapphire, by Baske Afire Proudly owned by Franklin Farm, LLC

2022 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION AEPA $100,000 SADDLE SEAT FUTURITY 2021 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION ENGLISH PLEASURE FUTURITY

Prosuasion x Heirs Noble Love | Proudly bred & owned by Karlton & Mary Ann Jackson For select breeding opportunities with Prosuaded by Love, contact Ashton Kiesner 865-556-0412.

Huckleberry Bey

Afire Bey V

Afires Heir

Heirs Noble Love

Strawberry Banks Farm

has been training and breeding excellence in the English divisions since 1976.

StrawberryBanksFarm.com

info@strawberrybanksfarm.com

Brian Murch | Trainer 716.983.3099

Lance Lewis | Asst. Trainer 716.652.9346

OF EXCELLENCEgenerations

Barbara Chur | Owner

Arabian Horse Times 2022 National Saddle Seat Leaders

Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National English Champion and Reserve wins (AEPA, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes). Open and amateur/junior classes only

Based off AHA & Canada's National Championship Supplied Results at end of show

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

by number of wins

Owner

1. Daniels Diva 4 championships Amanda Stannard

2. Shocked N Bewildered 2 championships, 2 reserves Lisa Blackstone

3. Rizing Stock BF 3 championships Boisvert Farms LLC

4. I Love Luci 2 championships, 1 reserve Hagale Family Arabians LLC

Nobelistic CRF 2 championships, 1 reserve Katherine Nutter

Nutcracker King MA 2 championships, 1 reserve Katherine Bartlett Breneman/Channing Turner

Pumped Up Kix 2 championships, 1 reserve Bryce Mollard

5. Aftershocs Anzapollo 1 championship, 2 reserves White Rose Arabians LLC

Chmn Ofthe Board NNW1 championship, 2 reserves Wanda Leubner

Maximilano 1 championship, 2 reserves Bianca Massman

by number of wins

LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS

Owner

1. Daniels Diva 4 championships Amanda Stannard

2. Nobelistic CRF 2 championships, 1 reserve Katherine Nutter

3. Aftershocs Anzapollo 1 championship, 2 reserves White Rose Arabians LLC

Maximilano 1 championship, 2 reserves Bianca Massman

4. CP Manifesto 2 championships

Drops Of Jupiter VH 2 championships

Cathy or Sophie Yih

Vicki Humphrey

KW Micah 2 championships Franklin Farm LLC

Supreme Commander SMP2 championships

Wild Hearts CA 2 championships

Dean & Tracy Dowson

Lauren Lefton

5. HS Shes A Shocker 1 championship, 1 reserve Robert & Rebecca Nash

OH Dancing On Heir 1 championship, 1 reserve Lindsay O’Reilly French

OH Heir Brushed 1 championship, 1 reserve Shamrock Farms LLC

Rizing Heir BF 1 championship, 1 reserve Taryn Lundquist

SD Prince William 1 championship, 1 reserve Ilka Ferguson

by number of wins

LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS

Owner

1. Shocked N Bewildered 2 championships, 2 reserves Lisa Blackstone

2. Rizing Stock BF 3 championships

Boisvert Farms LLC

3. I Love Luci 2 championships, 1 reserve Hagale Family Arabians LLC

Nutcracker King MA 2 championships, 1 reserve Katherine Bartlett Breneman/Channing Turner

Pumped Up Kix 2 championships, 1 reserve Bryce Mollard

4. Chmn Ofthe Board NNW1 championship, 2 reserves Wanda Leubner

5. Tap Out 3 reserves

6. EMR On Broadway 2 championships

Extremely Fortunut 2 championships

Halsteads Romeo 2 championships

Hinged In Heaven 2 championships

Zodiac Amore 2 championships

On e Bit, Inc.

Sara Embury

Lisa Jo White

Brittany McKenzie

Lily or Stephanie Sandell

Ti any Smith-Henson

OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES

1.

2.

4.

5.

12

6.

7.

ARABIAN LEADING SIRES

by number of Half-Arabian winning getby number of wins 1.

7

LEADING OPEN TRAINERS

(Top

2022 National Saddle Seat Leaders, continued...

TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS • AMATEURS

“There is nothing more stunning than a saddle seat horse locked in frame, under itself, and rolling its legs through each stride.”

—Amanda Stannard

Lane Naymola & Tom Theisen

LANE EQUINE

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

1. Structure: it helps when conformation allows the horse to more easily perform his/her discipline.

2. Attitude: again, it helps, when a horse wants to learn and excel. Gene LaCroix once said, “that’ll be a great one if he wants to be.”

3. Suspension: generally, a horse with suspension hits the ground softly and has that extra spring in their step that is appealing. It’s not how high they trot, but how they trot high.

4. Quality: it’s that wow factor that draws attention to an individual.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it? All gaits should be true and easy to determine: a four-beat walk, two-beat trot, and a three-beat canter. At the trot specifically, it should be a clear on two, one two. If it isn’t, and there’s a skip in the stride, it is not cadenced and playing catch up.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Slow down, keep your cadence, and go for the horse who is willingly and effortlessly doing his job.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

It’s such an excellent program that gives the 4-year-olds a job in Tulsa! The prize money and general excitement of the class garners support from otherwise hesitant breeders.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

HA Toskcan Sun+ because his get are consistently easy to train and ooze quality, and SA Gisele. She is one of the most beautiful saddle seat mares of all time and seems to consistently produce top performance offspring.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? Again, it’s about slowing down and regaining balance. A dynamic performance is great, but oftentimes we override the second we hit the gate. It’s thrilling to watch a horse put on a brilliant yet effortless show, and you’ll have a happy and sound horse!

Amanda Stannard

TOMANEK FARMS

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Quality, brain, talent, and aesthetics.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it? I love the look of a bridled saddle seat horse. There is nothing more stunning than a saddle seat horse locked in frame, under itself, and rolling its legs through each stride.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Making sure a country English pleasure is not an English horse and English is not Park. I think placing horses that are moving in that type of motion takes away from the talent in that division.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding? As a Canadian, I can take it or leave it unless a program came to Canada’s Nationals.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

My mare because she is great minded, easy to train, and shows like her life depends on it, and Barcelona BF. I’ve loved his motion and his presence from the first time I saw him.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? Cost of youngsters and prospects. It takes away from people choosing to stay in the discipline.

Brooke Landon

LANDON EQUESTRIAN LLC

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

A great mindset, natural talent, trainability, and a good background like his/her parents succeeding in the show ring or in the breeding barn.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadenced motion consists of balanced and rhythmic strides, with no one-leggedness and fluid movement. It includes the hind leg coming up to drive the front end, which allows the horse to push forward in the show ring to show at their best potential. The neck should be held high and set back on the shoulder, which allows the horse to “lift” themselves up so that they look like they’re moving forward in an upwards frame. If I had to choose a horse who exemplifies this the most, in all honesty, I must choose my park horse mare Layla RTA. I had the ride of my life on her at Region 7 most recently, being our first park class together ever, and she showed me how a true English/park horse performs.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Definitely not holding grudges against exhibitors that then go on to affect their placing even if they had an excellent, 1st place quality ride, and making sure that judges truly know what an English horse looks like and being able to select these horses in a large class.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

The AEPA class allows breeders to put their horses in an arena that others can watch to see young open prospects perform. It encourages others to breed to hopefully win it, not only because it provides a big money prize, but the class itself puts the finest young prospects on display for all to see—products of top breeding programs. It should be kept at the nationals forever because of its impact on the breeding side of our industry.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Mamage and Cordoba BF. Mamage is the sire of many superstars including KW Micah, Malachi, and Isaiah, and he doesn’t have any lines to Huck. Cordoba is the dam of the incredible show horse and sire Barcelona BF. She also doesn’t have any Huck is her, but horses like Congac and Wisdom that make her stand out to me a lot more than most mares. The Matador and Wisdom would cross beautifully, I think. Disappointingly, both horses have gone to heaven in the last couple of years, but I think that the foal resulting from those two horses would’ve been something to change the industry.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

Less extreme shoeing; it doesn’t let the horse show their natural talent off, and in a way puts a “mask” on the horse which makes them look like someone they’re not. It would also be better for shoeing to be decreased a lot so that our partners can be more and live their lives as horses and not cooped up in stalls 24/7, only getting out when it’s time to work.

David Bandy

WILOMA PLANTATION

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

I could start with all the typical things most people would say: shape of neck, laid back shoulder, etc. I have learned over time that once you achieve these physical characteristics, there are two things that are essential to a great horse: trainability and attitude. I often hear from trainers how trainable our horses are and what a pleasure it is to train them. Smart horses are easy to train, and they train faster which makes them more marketable sooner. All great horses have a great attitude. It’s about what they think of themselves and what they think of you. Like a person, they will fill the room with their presence, and they will be brave in the show arena and go for it!

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it? If you want to know what a well-cadenced horse looks like, simply follow the great warmbloods in the dressage arena, and then you will understand. My Saddlebred friends keep asking me what is wrong with those Arabians’ rear ends. They say their front ends look good, but their rear ends look like they belong to an entirely different horse. You ask how important is it? It is so important, that many top owners of English pleasure horses are looking to other breeds to give them the great show and ride they are striving for. A recent Arabian horse that exemplifies balance is ROL Divine Style. That’s why we bred him to the full sister of WP Corporate Image who has those same great traits. We will see if he is a great breeding horse. WP Corporate Image has that same great frame and cadenced rear end, and he just oozes with attitude and charisma.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

You asked, so here we go. Quite frankly, I’m tired of watching the same bunch of senior judges consistently misjudging classes. The more AHA talks about the criteria for judging from the Judges School, it seems that these judges still continue to judge the same old way, which is all about that front end, and quite frankly, who is the trainer and who is the owner. These judges are very forgiving for major faults with certain individuals. How many times have we heard that if so-and-so was on that horse they would have won? We have many young judges coming up who have been well-trained and can help change the direction of the English horse in a positive direction. Show Managers and AHA need to step up!

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

Wiloma Plantation has, from the beginning, supported the AEPA with entries and breedings. This is an important class for breeders. In my mind, in the last several years, it has diminished. One reason for this is management just doesn’t seem to be fully organized in the running of the actual classes. Time is important and there is no excuse for delays, as well as mishaps by the announcer, etc. I don’t care how exciting the horses may be, drawn out judging and announcing mistakes just takes the excitement out of it all. Great horses, quick judging and crisp announcing in a timely manner can just leave one breathless.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Sire, no question, Bask. He changed the breed in all areas: English, western, hunt seat and halter. He did it breeding mares from diverse pedigrees. In my opinion, great sires after him either had him in their pedigree or were breeding his daughters, or both.

For the dam, the great Crabbet mare Serafina; the dam of Serafix, Silver Drift and the great Oran Van Crabbet. These stallions sired some of the very best broodmares that when bred to Bask, produced super great show horses.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

For me, it is about breeding English pleasure horses that look like an Arabian. A perfect example is the fabulous Anza Padron. You ask why, because breeders should take the lead in breeding true Arabians and judges should recognize their responsibility in rewarding the breeders for doing a good job.

Rachel Bandy Witt

WILOMA PLANTATION

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

There are a lot of factors to evaluate when looking at a young show prospect, but the four most crucial things I look for are impulsion, carriage, conformation and attitude.

#1: Impulsion – can the horse drop its rear end into an uphill frame and drive off its hocks?

#2: Carriage – while driving behind, can the horse lift off its front end and carry its frame in an English fashion easily on its own?

#3: Conformation – does the horse have a short, strong back combined with a well laid-back shoulder and straight clean legs?

#4: Attitude – does the horse have an intelligent, charismatic, and brave approach while showing off? A horse can have all the right parts, but if they mentally do not want to do the job, they won’t make a great show horse in the saddle seat ring.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

It’s not about how high a horse trots – it’s about how they trot. Cadenced motion starts with a horse’s hindquarters. It is the engine that creates the ideal English horse. When a horse can drop its hip and push off its hocks, it elevates its front end to lift up and back in its frame while also activating a lofty trot up front where the horse can pop its knees and open its forearms. Cadenced motion is also fluid, effortless, balanced and natural – not artificial. Every single step is precise and uniform with no hopping or skipping behind. A correct, cadenced horse is also a pleasure to ride, and at the end of the day, that’s the whole point of an ideal saddle seat horse.

For me, ROL Divine Style exemplifies cadenced motion at a high level in the show ring. We are very excited for the foal by him this year out of our full sister to WP Corporate Image.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

We need to step away from awarding extremes and focus on the overall picture. A horse with an extreme neck and high front-end motion that drags behind is not an ideal winner and should never be placed over an individual that is correctly cadenced and four-cornered. Extreme speed should also be penalized, especially at the strong trot. I would also like to see more focus on the canter in our saddle seat classes. So many big trotters do not have a big fluid canter, and I think sometimes we forget that each gait is supposed to be adjudicated equally. The winner should have the best overall performance in all gaits … not simply be the biggest trotter or the most “extreme.”

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

The AEPA has done a great job creating excitement around promoting breeding programs and showing young prospects. Additionally, it’s provided a fair playing field to young 4-year-olds who may not be quite experienced or strong enough to compete against 5-year-olds in the Junior Horse division. However, I do wish we still had the yearling in-hand AEPA class. It was a great opportunity for breeders to showcase and market their prospects sooner, and I would love for them to consider bringing it back.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Without question, my choice for sire has to be Bask. His influence was unparalleled in the show ring in multiple divisions. My choice for the ultimate dam would be RY Fire Ghazi. I love seeing her name show up in pedigrees (particularly in the dam line), not just because of her pedigree but also her consistency at producing high quality saddle seat horses.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

We need to get back to some fundamental breeding philosophies. Most importantly, we need to keep the breeding pool open by valuing and using some of the best old Crabbet, Polish and Egyptian bloodlines that are rapidly disappearing. Breeding should never be a popularity contest. It’s about finding the most correct individuals, being aware of what crosses historically complemented each other, and being brave enough to make that breeding decision. The great breeders of the past knew and adhered to this philosophy. One strategy we have at Wiloma Plantation is breeding solely for adding to our breeding stock, meaning that we aren’t necessarily breeding for a future show horse. Rather, we are designing an English pedigree to create a future mare or stallion that adds pedigree dimension, variety and value to our breeding program. Breeders should always be thinking about where their program can go 10 years out and beyond.

Joel Gangi

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Conformation, quality, athleticism, and attitude.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

I really don’t pay much attention to the front end until I have observed the hind end. Cadence at the trot is a true balanced in rhythm gait. A good example is a metronome in motion. The horse Sal Mineo was a prime example.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

I judge, so fads don’t play into my decisions. I look for a quality, and a well conformed horse that is athletic and enjoying his job.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

The sires Barcelona BF and GSF Rizing Son, and the dam Cordoba BF. They produce the quality of animal I prefer consistently.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? Horses need to exemplify fluidity and pleasure while performing.

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

1. Soft neck with hinges in the right places for easy bridling

2. Pedigree—a family of talent and equally as important, trainability

3. Length of front pasterns and hind cannon bones

4. The self-confidence and charisma that an individual possesses

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Candance is rhythm; a horse that trots in a 1, 2 rhythm equally in the front end as the hind end at the same time. The front end of some of today’s show horses is brilliant! But unfortunately, through modern training techniques and breeding of certain popular bloodlines, we have lost the hind end. The hind end is the motor—the propeller—and as these trends continue, I feel the longevity of our horses will suffer.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Overall, I think judges are judging to the best of their ability with what is being presented to them in the arena.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding? Very!

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Multi-Worlds Champion Saddlebred mare CH Katharine The Great and Thunder Struck LR! They are both such lovely, soft going horses. I feel the foal would be an ultimate saddle seat performer.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

To see buyers and trainers be less political and more appreciative of the best horse.

Lindsay Rinehart

TROTWOOD FARM, LLC

Jim Lowe

LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

1. Head and neck carriage

2. Quality of movement

3. Feet and tail carriage

4. Trainability

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadence is the horse’s motion, rhythm and balance and it’s as important as food and water is to humans. Multi-National Champion Malachi KW (sired by Mamage) best reflects nearly perfect cadence to me.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

We are seeing too much excessive speed in the saddle seat classes and it should be penalized. There should be a distinct change of gait between normal trot and strong trot. But what we are seeing these days is horses come into the class at full speed and it turns into a race. When horses are racing, they lose their form and cadence and it’s not pretty. Horses break their form and gait a lot when they are going too fast. So, I would like to see more judges penalizing excessive speed rather than rewarding it.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

The AEPA class is great for breeders who want to showcase their youngsters. There is a special excitement and enthusiasm for that class. Everyone wants to watch especially the horse trainers. We get to see what crosses are really excelling and what we have to look forward to.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Bask is my ultimate sire. Don’t have to explain myself. All of the very best English horses have Bask in their pedigree. The LaCroix’s accelerated the breed with him—he raised the bar. My ultimate mare was PSI Love U who passed away a few years ago. She has been a big part of my career the last 15 years. She was an Allience daughter out of Provocatiw, by Pro-Fire. She produced some great horses for us, including multi-National Champions Affliction and Vendettaa, and several other great foals. Her last foal, Mamba Mentality, sired by Mamage, is a rising star and one of my favorites right now.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

There are hardly any changes I would like to see in the saddle seat world. It’s so good right now. The competition is unbelievable and people are breeding for specifics. The breeders and the trainers that are involved are doing great things. I just hope I can last another 10 years so I can keep making a run at the King, Joel Kiesner, and all those up-and-coming young bloods.

The excitement I get riding a saddle seat horse is second to none. There’s nothing like showing an English horse, going up and down the middle like a parade horse. And you can be old as hell and still be competitive. There are quite a few of us in our 50’s and 60’s who still want to kick butt and take names. And the discipline specific horses that are being bred these days will keep us doing that right until the end.

Daniel Costa

ON THE BIT, INC.

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Quality - having a well bred horse.

Athletic Ability - ensuring that the horse is bred to do its job, and is able to physically perform.

Attitude - picking a horse with a good mind, one that has excellent trainability, and a willing personality.

Size - as I am a taller rider, I need a larger horse for suitability of horse and rider.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadenced motion is extremely important. To me it shows balance, timing, natural ability, and good training—crucial for the overall picture. Tap Out, in my opinion exemplifies this wonderfully.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Making sure that they are not placing English horses showing in country classes.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

It’s very important. It’s very competitive, and it keeps breeders and owners motivated to be their best.

Kayleigh Meyer

SIGNATURE OAK STABLES

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Powerful hind end, upright neck, length of stride, and show ring presence.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

HA Toskcan Sun - for his leading sire status in the saddle seat division, his beauty, and how he stamps his offspring with this same beauty, athletic ability, and attitude.

Undulata’s Paradise - a Saddlebred mare with an exceptional pedigree. We are excited for On The Bit, Inc.’s upcoming 2024 foal from these two.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? More saddle seat in this world; especially at the local level. Here in Northern California, there’s not many horses to compete with.

I think the hind end should be brought up most as that is where the cadence, balance, bridle, and front end motion is essentially created from. I think a truly special horse trots evenly off all four corners, so that cadenced motion is when a horse trots as hard up front as they are behind which is why I love working Bess Wishes.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

If an English horse can walk, it is shown in the country and commonly, will place higher than a true country horse that is not breaking over level every stride. I am not sure how sustainable that makes our country division; maybe we need to consider a classic country division.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

I think it is hugely important! The breeders and owners need a reason to campaign young horses, and I believe it is a very fun class to not only show in but also to watch. I think it is one of those classes that draws people into the breeding game. It also helps the industry sell young horses either prior to their 4-year-old year so they can compete in the class or after the horse shows in the class.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

HA Toskcan Sun for the trainability and type he puts on his babies, and Heirs Noble Love for her athleticism and presence.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? At some point I would hope that extreme motion and speed will be discouraged in the country division, as the lines between the classes are starting to blur. I think there needs to be a difference between how high they trot versus how they trot high.

Janell Voss

SELECT SHOW HORSES

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

I look for a willingness and quiet manner first. After that, good balanced action and steady head are important. Lastly, I want a pretty horse that catches the eye.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

When I watch my babies, I look first at their hind action. I want to see lots of flex in their hocks. I believe that with good hind action, you can work with the front to elevate and drive forward. An evenness in their motion is important. I want to see all four legs working together.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

I would like to see more done to distinguish between a country horse versus an English horse versus a park horse. It seems like people are taking English horses and putting them in country classes and winning. Many park horses are just English horses pushed a bit harder.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

I believe it is very important. It gives a place to go with 4-year-olds that otherwise would have to compete against 5-year-olds in Junior Horse. To sell good young horses, it is important to get them out and visible as soon as possible and some just aren’t ready as 3-year-olds.

Corry Key

SOUTHWIND ARABIANS/MY WAY RANCH

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Strong hind end with deep hip, long upright neck with laid back shoulder, clean throatlatch, and tractable personality.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadence implies a rhythmic motion, with a smoothness that creates an overall balanced ride, from front to back. This is extremely important in our saddle seat horses. To me, Royal Heir has always exemplified this.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

I would like to see more adherence to the class specs in the country English classes; more emphasis placed on manners; and “not how high they trot but how they trot high.” I think we have lost some of what this class was based on.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

It is extremely important. These are the horses that are the future sires/dams for the next generation of saddle seat horses.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

There is so much variability in genetics, I think it’s hard to pick just one combination. I’ve seen “a sure thing” produce a foal that didn’t meet our expectations, and I’ve seen it far exceed them. Breeding is a little bit of luck, a lot of study and a pinch of prayer. But some combinations seem to click every time, and those are the trends I like to follow.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

I would love to see more diversity in the pedigrees. The same stallions and daughters of stallions are used over and over, and we will eventually be in a corner, breeding-wise.

Dr. Nancy O’Reilly

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect? Temperament, strength, agility, and stature.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it? It’s very important and reveals the overall beauty of the horse.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Each judge is different and sees things individually as well. Hard to say or predict. The training of judges should be visited on a regular basis and reviewed to improve overall judges’ performance. Who judges each judge. Know the breed you are judging.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding? It gives us a benchmark. We all want to breed the best and most exciting next generation of show horses.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why? There are so many greats, and the space is too short.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why? More sponsors and more spectators. Fill the stands. Money classes bring everyone in.

Lara Ames

CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect? Arabian type, great shoulder, good feet, and straight tail.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadenced motion is super important. You want a horse that is cadenced on all four legs. It is also super important in country that it not be extreme. My mare Ames Divine is the best representative, in my opinion.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

Doing the gaits is important, but don’t go overboard on any gait. You’re going to kill the winners, and overwork them.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

It’s very important. Everyone wants to win prize money and play in the game.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

I am going to go old school here … Matoi and a Brass daughter. You get balance and ability to use their hind end with Matoi and Brass would add pretty.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

That the horse that is not cadenced and to fast in the arena is penalized. It is not pretty to watch.

Lori Conway

CONWAY ARABIANS, INC.

The price of saddle seat horses is increasing due to demand over supply of top show contenders. What are four things you look for in a young show-worthy prospect?

Young saddle seat horses are the most difficult to predict with absolute success as a top contender. Other divisions are easier, in my opinion, more black and white in the “what you see is what you get.”

We have had a ton of success buying youngsters, such as Coltrane, Noble Rendezvous and Afires Rejoice. All three are built and look totally different, yet all three exude the qualities I have listed below and have been unanimous national champions. What did we see that made us choose them?

1.) Eye Appeal - Overall balance and beauty

2.) Pedigree - On paper, they scream saddle seat division and we knew they would be worthy breeding animals after their show career was over

3.) Attitude - Which I measure with three tests on every horse we purchase: a.) Are they bold and confident in scary situations; b.) Are they “nice”, will they walk up to you and enjoy having you in their space, do they look forward to seeing you when you go in their stall. Mean, cowering or threatening horses are not welcome here; and c.) Are they willing to make an effort and want to put in the work. Without a good work ethic, you have nothing.

4. Conformation - Correct legs and feet are crucial for the longevity of the horse. Without short cannons and long forearms and low set hocks, there is no quality of motion to guarantee success. Also critical to have is a neck with a hinge that comes high out of a long, deep shoulder.

The front end of a saddle seat horse tends to be brought up most. What is cadenced motion to you, how important is it, and who currently exemplifies it?

Cadenced motion is a square diagonal trot and a canter that pushes squarely from the hind foot. It is important to us to see the hocks being under the horse, rather than out behind.

In our breeding program, certainly Coltrane exemplifies this, as well as most of our broodmares. We are excited to add Prosuasion to our farm as our “next step”. He too brings all the qualities listed above and has already proven himself as an incredible show horse and sire.

If you could change anything in the judging fads of a saddle seat horse, what would it be and why?

I would love to someday look at every saddle seat class and know precisely which class is in the ring. The country horses need to slow down and those that are going hard and lack cadence, or their hocks are dragging out behind them to get the motion in front should not be winning prizes. A great country horse is a beautiful thing, and the hot and overly energetic horses need to stay in the English and park divisions.

How important do you feel the AEPA class is for breeding?

The AEPA organization and the classes have been a game changer for the saddle seat division. The opportunity for breeders to see the best 4-year-olds in the country perform individually, has brought excitement and the ability to evaluate individual performances from different genetics.

Your ultimate saddle seat sire and dam … who are they and why?

Breeding is not an exact science, no matter how incredible the sire and dam are. Look at your own family members as a prime example.

The mares Brassmis, RY Fire Ghazi, Joleen WB and Heirs Noble Love have certainly made their mark in the Arabian breed. There are many stallions, past and present that are important, and have or are making their mark in the breed. Our favorites are Coltrane and Prosuasion, with a dash of El Ghazi.

One change you would like to see in the saddle seat world and why?

I think it is time to bring back Informal Combination (country pleasure horses) and formal combination (English and park horses).

These classes were not only entertaining, but they were also a great way to showcase our horses and could be a way for the amateur to drive and the professional to ride.

ROL

Proudly bred & owned by

8x U.S. National Champion & Reserve Champion

Divine Style+/ x Julietta Ames

REGION 10 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

June 7-10, 2023 | St. Paul, MN

Photos by Brianna Burnham

REGION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

June 15-17, 2023 | Santa Barbara, CA

Thank you to our Photo Sponsor

Photos by Ally Edwards & Bianca Massman

REGION 4 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

June 19-24, 2023 | Nampa, ID

Thank you to our Photo Sponsor

Scan

Photos by Christina Owens & Cecily Sotomayor

REGION 13 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

June 21-25, 2023 | Wilmington, OH

Thank you to our Photo Sponsor

Photos by Korrina Glenn & Erin Keegan

REGION 8 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Photos by Elizabeth Desarle

Hagale Family Arabians was the perfect place to wrap up the APAHA Summer Seminar Series.

e Hagales hosted the 2-day event at their exquisite farm in Rogersville, Missouri on June 30th & July 1st. Approximately 120 people attended the Friday evening open barn & happy hour, meeting SF A ershoc+ and a beautiful collection of 2023 foals.

Saturday’s educational activities started o with a light breakfast, followed by a detailed talk about preventative ulcer care, by resident vet, Dr. Jillian Paegelow, followed by enlighting training sessions that included instruction and demonstrations with trainers, Chris Wilson, Jim Lowe, Mitch Sperte and assistant trainer, Sarah Mullen. Topics ranged from starting young horses, to the nished show horse, and also included a segment on driving horses, followed by a wonderful outdoor presentation of multi-National Champion HA Toskcan Sun+.

Lunch was a delicious array of street tacos and nachos, followed by another superb presentation of the Hagale’s breeding results from this year.

e event ended with a positive discussion and Q&A panel that included clinicians Jim Lowe, Mitche Sperte, Chris Wilson and Dr. Jillian Paegelow, as well as Gayle Lampe, Jon Rannenberg, Stan Morey and Kayla Dill from Purina Performance Horses; all accomplished horsemen and/or judges that were at the farm as guests in attendance at the event.

e weekend was declared a success and full of enthusiasm for the Arabian horse, bringing together a group of newcomers introduced to the Arabian horse with those already in the community enjoying their passion in celebration of all that we can from one another.

Photos by Jaime Johnson

U.S. NATIONALS CONTENDERS/PREVIEW

U.S. NATIONALS PROFILES

OWNERS

BREEDERS

TRAINERS

AMATEURS

YEAR IN REVIEW

2023 PB Bay Filly • Sharif Al Zobair x RFI Sophie Almaktub Bred & owned by Cedar Ridge Arabians • www.Cedar-Ridge.com