Joao Carlos Silvestre de Souza
Michael Carpio
Ecuador, Jordan or his home country of Brazil, João Carlos can be found “in the trenches,” doing everything and anything to ensure the horse’s best entrance and presentation. “It is such an honor working here in the United States,” beams João Carlos. “I work with the world’s finest Arabian horses with Rodolfo. I truly love my work.”
Byatt—a consummate horseman. For six incredible years, I travelled the world with Byatt, showing amazing horses and associating with some of the greatest stallions: Marwan al Shaqab, Gazal al Shaqab and the straight Egyptian stallion Al Adeed al Shaqab.”
João Carlos’ enthusiasm is more than matched by Royal Arabians’ halter trainer Michael Carpio. Essential to the success of Royal Arabians and a vital part of the new association with Guzzo Worldwide, Michael began his adventure with Arabian horses when he was seven years old and living in Georgia. “Our neighbors had Half-Arabians and Crabbet bred horses,” he recalls. “I started out riding English pleasure and joined 4-H. By 10, I knew I wanted to show halter horses. I practiced on our family horses, pretending I knew what I was doing. I’m sure they thought I was a little— perhaps a lot more than—odd. But I loved it and odd or not, I was determined to turn those horses into show horses.” At age 14, Michael’s opportunity to work with “real Arabian show horses” came from Bob Fauls of Chapel Farms and Chris Anckersen. “Working with Bob and his horses was critical to my career,” admits Carpio. “Through Bob’s stallion Dakar El Jamaal, I met Michael
Prior to his arrival at Royal Arabians, Carpio worked with the talented trainer Andy Sellman. “His professionalism and attention to detail is remarkable,” shares Carpio. “Andy is a great friend and cares deeply about his horses.” During those rare moments when Michael is not on the end of a horse’s lead or walking away with a championship, he enjoys friends, football, soccer and his Rottweiler dog, Pharrah. When asked what piece of advice he might give, Carpio is quick to advise, “The horses come first—no matter what. The happiness and excitement they generate deserves no less than to be reciprocated by their caretakers and trainers.” Royal Arabians’ performance trainer Justin Cowden couldn’t agree more. Born and raised in Gardnerville, Nev., Justin’s family were prominent cattle ranchers. “My grandfather was an avid Arabian horse lover and breeder with mostly polish and *Bask-bred horses. As I small child, I can remember mares in his pastures sired
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