Arabian Horse Times - Vol. 48 No. 3

Wadee Al Shaqab F E A T U R I N G

VOLUME 48, NO. 3 $22.50

Ever After NA x Margarita PSY

WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida | 352-430-3456

BELOVEDS ARCHANGEL

BELOVEDS BEHOLD

BELOVEDS MARC ONE

Beloved One NA+ x Magnums Angel JD+

Beloved One NA+ x Valori TRF+

Beloved One NA+ x Rohara MarcAlyssa

Beloved One NA+ x Magnums Angel JD+ 2017 Colt

Beloved One NA+ x Valori TRF+ 2017 Colt

Beloved One NA+ x Rohara MarcAlyssa 2017 Colt

REGION XV CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT REGION XV UNANIMOUS CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

PRESENTED BY TED CARSON Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Volume 48, No. 3

Janson photos

REGION XV UNANIMOUS CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY REGION XV UNANIMOUS CHAMPION YEARLING SWEEPSTAKES FILLY WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida | 352-430-3456 Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Volume 48, No. 3

Contents Issue 8 • Volume 48, No.3 10 Cover Story: Wadee Al Shaqab 12 16

Leaders Of The Times: Im The Real Deal+//—Building A Bright Reining Future

by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

18

by Theresa Cardamone

2South Central

4 South Central

The 2017 Egyptian Event—For The Love Of The Horse

4South Central

In the Spotlight: The Third Annual Arabian U.S. Open In Central Park Monticeto LN, Gordon Potts & Talia Lydick … A Real Tried And True Allegiance

by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

Arabian Horses of The South Central States, Past & Present

by Beth Ellen Hunziker

12South Central Not Just Another Lesson Program—Working Together To Attract Newcomers 14South Central Michael Byatt & Sheikh Hamad: A Perfect Pairing Rooted In Passion

10 Southeast

Wadee Al Shaqab F E A T U R I N G

VOLUME 48, NO. 3 $22.50

by Jeff Wallace

61

Stanley G. White & Family—It’s A Wonderful Life

by Mary Kirkman

2Southeast

HennesseyLand–Indeed, A Magical Kingdom

by Riyan Rivero

10Southeast

Arabians Of The Southeast

by Anne Stratton

20Southeast

2017 Region 12 Championships & Spotlight Futurity

25Southeast

Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other

by Mary Kirkman

33Southeast

Ted Carson: An American Classic

by Theresa Cardamone

153

by Jeff Wallace and Santiago Fornieles

160

The 54th Ohio Buckeye Sweepstakes

Three Ships, Six Stallions and How One Year Can Change History

6MN Breeders The 36th Minnesota Fall Fest—Preview

On The Cover:

192

Working Western—Arabian Horse Competition That Scores Big

200

In Memoriam

6

Comments From The Publisher

156

Reflections Of A Trainer

158

Faces & Places

202

Calendar Of Events

204

Looking Ahead

207

Index Of Advertisers

Wadee Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl), owned by Al Shaqab.

Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Volume 48, No. 3

Gone too soon, the leading son of the great Ali Jamaal, Jullyen el Jamaal, dominated the western pleasure division with his progeny at horse shows across the globe. Losing him at the relatively young age of 18 years old, was a tremendous loss, for not only Varian Arabians, but the entire industry.

With intentions to continue his contribution to the breed, Varian Arabians is releasing a limited amount of frozen semen to serious breeders.

Packages of three (3) straws of frozen semen are offered at the rate of $4,500.00 with the option of additional straws offered at $1,500.00 each.

There is no live foal guarantee; however, you may register unlimited foals from these original three (3) straws if the situation results.

See our website for full terms and conditions.

August 10, 1996 - September 2, 2014 Ali Jamaal x Jullye El Ludjin Photo by Stuart Vesty

Angela Alvarez, General Manager, 805.489.5802 1275 Corbett Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.VarianArabians.com

Angela Alvarez, General Manager, 805.489.5802 1275 Corbett Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 www.VarianArabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 5 | Volume 48, No. 3

Publisher Lara Ames Managing Editor Charlene Deyle Advertising Account Executive Tony Bergren Lesley Blain Contributing Editors Mary Kirkman Theresa Cardamone Contributing Writers Catherine Cole Ferandelli Riyan Rivero Evie Tubbs Sweeney Jeff Wallace Production Manager Jody Thompson Senior Designer Marketing Director Wayne Anderson Art Director IT Support Specialist Tony Ferguson Print & Web Design/Support Melissa Pasicznyk Sales Assistant Maria Burger Hannah Freitag AHT Abroad Representative Mieke Opsteyn Office Manager/ Accounts Payable Sara Thomas Accounts Receivable Deb Trebesch

© Copyright AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Articles or opinions published by the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times are not necessarily the expressed views of the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times.

AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content or manipulation of images that are provided by the advertiser.

ARABIAN HORSE TIMES (ISSN 0279-8125) Volume 48, No. 3, August 2017, is published monthly, except March and November, by AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, Minnesota 55352.

Periodical postage paid at Jordan, Minnesota 55352 and at additional entry offices. Single copies in U.S. and Canada $22.50. Subscription in U.S. $80 per year, $140 two years, $200 three years. Canada $130 one year, $250 two years, $340 three years, U.S. funds. Foreign Subscriptions: $190 one year, $320 two years, $380 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, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, MN 55352.

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

Printed in U.S.A. • POSTMASTER: Please send returns to Arabian Horse Times, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, MN 55352; and address changes to Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 15816, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5816.

Comments From The Publisher

The Importance Of Perspective Talk to participants in any horse breed today and you’ll hear variations on the same theme. We all worry that our horses are not popular enough in the modern world and we all search for new ways to grow. Those are legitimate concerns, but as I’ve been considering them, I’ve been struck by how much our perspective matters. We hear all the preaching of gloom, but I would argue that if we are to go forward into the future, we need to be honest with ourselves—not just about what isn’t working, but what is.

Take a clear look at our shows. They may not be as plentiful or well-attended as they once were, and we do have work to do there. But that’s not the whole story. First, what we may have lost in quantity has been found in quality; we have several great shows with sensational horses.

Also, at most competitions, there are some thriving, well populated classes. Almost without exception these are the amateur and youth events, which tells us that this is where much of the breed’s future lies.

We need to capitalize on that. In my opinion, our efforts need to focus on breeding and promoting. Breeding, because our community loves its Arabians, and we need to satisfy current demand as well as what we are able to attract in years to come. We can’t give up on producing horses, because without them we will have no future. And promotion, because we can’t talk just to each other. We have to reach out to people in the “outside world,” whether it be the general public or horse lovers in other breeds.

As I examine our strengths, I can’t help reminding myself that our future is what we make of it and so much depends on our attitude. The danger is that we feed off of negative statements.

We’ve discussed our problems for years, so let’s put more of our energy into solutions. Before we complain about the industry’s shortcomings, let’s ask ourselves, “What have I done to improve my breed?” Before we express one negative opinion, let’s all identify two encouraging facts first. Let’s make our perspective positive, and go from there.

Lara Ames Lara Ames Publisher

For subscription information, call 1-855-240-4637 (in the U.S.A.) or 952-492-3213 (for outside of the U.S.A.) Arabian Horse Times • P.O. Box 15816, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5816 • Tel: 952-492-3213 • Fax: 952-492-3228 1-800-AHTIMES • www.ahtimes.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Volume 48, No. 3

Gearing Up For U.S. Nationals!

RTA Edie Howell +// with

Adelita

Competing in: Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 ABS Hunter Pleasure Jackpot AAOTR Half-Arabian Ladies Side Saddle English

(Majesteit x Flame Dance)

Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Open with Sally Randle

Scottsdale Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AATR 40 & Over Scottsdale Reserve Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 36-54

Region 8 Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR and AATR Elite Region 8 Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Open

Region 8 Champion Half-Arabian Ladies Side Saddle English

& Cowboys Cocktail (Midnight Zepher JW x Bey La Bay)

Competing in: Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 36-54 and AAOTR Maturity Arabian Hunter Pleasure Jr. Horse with Sally Randle Region 8 Champion Arabian Hunter Pleasure Jr. Horse

Sally Randle • (951) 551-5861 30200 Magic Dog Circle Kiowa, Colorado 80117 www.randleperformancehorses.com

Region 8 Reserve Champion Arabian Hunter Pleasure AATR Elite Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Volume 48, No. 3

Steven Scoggins & Jeepers Kreepers

IMPULSEPHOTOGRAPHYMB.COM

Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Volume 48, No. 3

It Takes More Than Just Luck

To Achieve Success

Innovative equine supplements created by a veterinarian

SPONSOR Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | Volume 48, No. 3

Cover Story:

Wadee Al Shaqab

Wadee has captured Gold for the second time in Menton!

Now it is onto Paris to capture a second Gold, but this time as the World Gold Champion Stallion. With World Gold Champion sire Marwan Al Shaqab, grandsire Gazal Al Shaqab, and brother Kahil Al Shaqab, the title is only fitting. The wonderful world of Wadee continues to unfold beautifully!

Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Volume 48, No. 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | Volume 48, No. 3

The 2017 Egyptian Event FOR THE LOVE OF THE HORSE

Held June 7th-10th at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, it was with enormous pride that owners and breeders around the world gathered at the 2017 Egyptian Event to share as “Guardians of the Treasure.”

Only the finest straight Egyptian Halter and Performance horses in Hunter and Western competed for championship honors under the watchful eyes of esteemed judges from the U.S. Belgium, UAE and Australia. Youth activities were numerous, including grooming and photography clinics, a Watercolor project, stick horse competition, ice cream social & mocktail hour.

For the adults, highlights of the show were the EBC (Egyptian Breeder’s Challenge) Stallion Service Auction, Gala, Silent Auction, shopping and social barn parties open to all throughout the show. An “Amateur Owned, Trained, and Shown” Seminar and Demonstration, book signing of author Judith Forbis’ Ansata Hejazi–Born to Rule, and a lecture on the “The Journey” a timeline of events up to 1969 and the defining of the Straight Egyptian Arabian were also available and well attended.

Amongst the numerous award presentations, the Handler of Excellence honoree was Kimberly Doherty, and the Egyptian Event Highest Honors went to the breeders of Gold Champion Stallion Patriot LSA and Gold Champion Mare Wadad Zamani.

Photos by Don Stine, Riyan Rivero and Kimberly Cornelius.

Champion Straight Egyptian Sr. Stallion PATRIOT LSA (The Sequel RCA x Tammens Ana).

Owner/Breeder: Lone Star Arabians LLC.

Champion Straight Egyptian Sr. Mare WADAD ZAMANI (Laheeb x Zena Al Buraq). Owner Nayla Hayek, Breeder: Al Kasasi Osman.

Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Volume 48, No. 3

Champion Straight Egyptian Jr. Colt HANAYA LABID (Laheeb Al Nasser x ZT Assfasikha).

Owner/Breeder Nayla Hayek.

Champion Straight Egyptian Jr. Filly NAILLE DE BLOODSTONE (Etaya Sudan Amir x MB Pirouette).

Owner Orrion Farms LLC, Breeder: Christopher Clinkerbeard.

Ar abian Horse Times | 13 | Volume 48, No. 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | Volume 48, No. 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Volume 48, No. 3

leaders of the times:

Im The Real Deal+// Building A Bright Reining Future

by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

Im The Real Deal+// owner Audrey Zinke knows a thing or two about great Arabian reining horses, having owned both the legendary MHR Muscateal+ and his living legend son, Im The Real Deal+//, aka Barry. She remembers, “Barry’s sire Muscateal was the first purebred reining horse I ever saw to truly slide to a deep stop with his head down, and to spin with both ends down. He was incredibly balanced, and could spin like a top. He maneuvered his reining patterns in a Quarter Horse style, yet maintained all the ‘pretty’ we want to see in an Arabian horse. In my eyes he was perfect. And he was a gentle and kind horse, too.” Audrey continues, “When we bred Muscateal to the wonderful mare Kheyarraberribeyv, we produced Barry in 2001—the perfect living legacy to carry out all the greatness of Muscateal. Arabian reining was changing for the better, and he and trainer Crystal McNutt would be a big part of that!”

Audrey explains, “We all agreed that Barry’s show career would come first. He is so happy showing his stuff in the show pen and we absolutely love watching him, enjoying this amazing journey.” Indeed, with an astounding nine national titles, seven Scottsdale and 17 regional titles, Barry was clearly enjoying an unmatched career in the reining pen. Three times he was honored as Arabian Horse Times Readers’ Choice Purebred Working Western Horse Of the Year in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

With absolute dedication to the Arabian horse reining discipline, the Zinkes are now focusing on its future and Barry’s legacy. Audrey projects, “With our primary focus of Barry’s show career met, we began selective breeding, with his first foals arriving in 2015. We were primarily breeding to reining mares with successful show careers of their own, and to bloodlines that will complement his bloodlines. In this Ar abian Horse Times | 16 | Volume 48, No. 3

way, we hope to produce foals of exceptional beauty, quality, talent and disposition. In the foals we have seen so far, these traits have been obvious from the start. They have excellent conformation for reining, great dispositions and a lot of athletic ability. Barry himself received these gifts from his own sire, MHR Muscateal+, and we are happy to see these traits being passed down to another generation. As for his babies, I expect they will all be awesome reiners. While our primary concern has been to help the purebred classes grow in size and ability, we are also super excited about Barry‘s Half-Arab babies.”

Trainer Crystal McNutt agrees, “I continue to be in awe of Barry. He is now in his 12th year of showing, still loving it, and still healthy, strong and sound. With Barry’s show career in the books, we are starting to see the still very young Barry offspring. They’re only two years old, so we are just now doing the starting work we do with our youngsters. So far Barry’s babies are displaying his outstanding traits: excellent conformation for reining, great dispositions, and a whole lot of athletic ability. I can’t wait to witness their progress as they grow up!”

Audrey sees a bright future: “As long as Barry is happy, we will let him show. He brings a smile to our faces and many others when he displays his unparalleled talent. With such a lengthy show career, it continues to amaze us how Barry stays strong,

happy and healthy. He truly looks half his age whether standing in the cross ties, or going through his reining pattern paces. Anyone can walk up to Barry, love on him, talk to him, and feed him his favorite peanut butter cookies. Later this year, he will compete in his twelfth consecutive U.S. National Reining Championship!”

More Barry babies arrived in 2016 and 2017, and they all seem to display the unique Barry traits that have wowed us all. The Arabian Reining world eagerly awaits the show pen debut of the 2015 foal crop sired by the inimitable Im The Real Deal+//. n Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | Volume 48, No. 3

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

THE THIRD ANNUAL ARABIAN U.S. OPEN IN CENTRAL PARK

by Theresa Cardamone

Once a year, in the wee hours of morning—long before dawn breaks over The City That Never Sleeps—New Yorkers out for a quiet stroll in Central Park may come upon the unexpected sight of Arabian horses unloading from a string of vans just down the road from the famous Tavern on the Green. Drawn by their curiosity, they stop to watch the horses disembark, often feeling the touch of an inquisitive muzzle or taking the opportunity to stroke a sleek neck. For many, these are the first Arabian horses that they have ever seen, let alone touched.

Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Volume 48, No. 3

U.S. OPEN CENTRAL PARK PREVIEW

Therein lies the motivation for featuring the Arabian breed in the elite Rolex Central Park Horse Show, which is quickly becoming a “save the date” event on the NYC social calendar. Rimmed by glimmering skyscrapers, this event gives people unfamiliar with our breed the opportunity to see some of our finest horses in a setting guaranteed to make the pulse pound and the heart soar. Regardless of whether they are passersby or the well-heeled there to see and be seen, it is a venue pregnant with the promise of a new infusion of excitement for our industry. Through the efforts of the Arabian Horse Association and thanks to the generous and ongoing support of Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar and his Aljassimya Farm, day one of the horse show is restricted to purebred Arabians— the only breed to have an exclusive day in the Park.

Aside from the fairytale setting, there is another aspect of this show that is unique within the Arabian breed. It is the notion that every exhibitor is competing for the same side; the side of the Arabian horse. This is the only place where participation alone is the goal…the gorgeous awards earned by the champions notwithstanding. Whereas at a typical world-class Arabian show each training barn or breeding farm has its own stall displays, each of the 50 horses competing in NYC are valuable ambassadors for the breed in general, creating an almost-Olympian camaraderie.

“The exhibitors all stable together at the U.S. Equestrian Federation facility in Gladstone, New

Jersey,” states Michelle Kelly, one of the show organizers. “It’s a true team effort across the board.

They’re not setting up drapes in their own ‘area of truth’ as they normally would. They are stabled next to, across from, and around their fellow competitors; they are on this journey together. When they transport the horses to and from the Park, everyone is loading up together.”

According to Kelly, fostering fellowship within the breed is just as important as promoting the Arabian horse to a new audience. She surveyed previous participants to reveal a strong demand for teams that include both halter and performance horses and is enthusiastic about changes that will offer exhibitors the chance to compete for a $20,000 winner-takeall team challenge prize. The pot is double the size of 2016, when only halter horses were eligible to vie for a $10,000 prize. “A team of four horses can still be sponsored for $10,000,” she continues. “The only caveat is that each team must include at least one halter and one performance horse. Sometimes, it appears we are a divided community, this is a unique opportunity to show the world that we are not divided—we are very much a team of different barns and different divisions operating in synch.”

So, mark your calendar for September 20, 2017; book your f light, purchase your tickets…enter your horses!

Don’t miss the chance to experience Team Arabian Horse in the spotlight at the Rolex Arabian U.S. Open in Central Park. ■

Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Volume 48, No. 3

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about the effort and when you bring that effort every single day, that’s when transformation happens.

That’s how change happens.

MAKING CHANGE Cindy McGown & Mark Davis | Mesa, Scottsdale & Rio Verde, Arizona | info@RoyalArabians.com | 480.220.1108 Rodolfo Guzzo: Halter Trainer | rguzzo@royalarabians.com | 619.200.6464

Justin Cowden: Performance Trainer | jcowden@royalarabians.com | 775.901.3029 Travis Rice: Sales & Marketing | trice@royalarabians.com | 614.315.3682

Amanda Fraser: Breeding Manager | fraseraj85@gmail.com | 480-347-8955

www.royalarabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Volume 48, No. 3

START SPREADING THE NEWS ...

HL

SANCTION Returns!

Ready to compete for his 3rd Costume Championship at the Arabian U.S. Open Show in Central Park, NY. Thank you for the opportunity to join in the fun!

R USS & C ATHY V ECSEY • E ASTON , C ONNECTICUT 203-261-0525 • 203-414-1541 •

Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | Volume 48, No. 3

RJVECSEY @ OPTONLINE . NET

Horse photo: Chronicle of the Horse

Proudly owned by Dr. James Blevins & Kim Butler of Chesterfield, Virginia

Bucharest V x Allurience CG

Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Volume 48, No. 3

We fell in love with Arabian horses and all the magic they bring to us daily. Breeders from around the world and our next door neighbors alike, have found something perfect in our pastures. You can too.

We feel quality is for everyone to enjoy and follow the idea:

A HORSE FOR EVERY HOME

No matter what your involvement is in these wonderful horses, we invite you to share the experience.

The beauty and grandeur of the world’s purest breed of horse has been celebrated for centuries.

Bring your family to our farm and learn why.

George Z: 352.857.3384 George@hennesseyarabians.com

12780 NW 35th Street Ocala, Florida 34482

Frank Hennessey: 313.407.2070 Frank@hennesseyarabians.com

www . hennesseyarabians . com Ar abian Horse Times | 23 | Volume 48, No. 3

Sundance Kid V x Kharrea PGA | Proudly bred & owned by Frank & Sara Chisholm Multi-Program Nominated Sire | Timmonsville, South Caroliona | 843.346.5874 | www.PalmettoArabians.com Ar abian Horse Times | 24 | Volume 48, No. 3

The Heart Of SPECIAL

TEXAS

MONTICETO

F E AT U R E

LN

(Justify x JD Alllove Story)

ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE WITH GORDON POTTS

C.

JA RV I S

INSURANCE AGENCY INC.

Trained by: Gordon Potts | Burleson, Texas | 817-312-4017 WWW.THEBRASSRINGINC.COM Owned by: Talia Lydick | Fort Worth, Texas | 817-692-4821

He’s the Driving Force ...

SF SPECS SHOCWAVE X SF SWEET ELEGANCE

Owned by LA Flynn • Alpharetta, Georgia

Having a successful English breeding stallion takes dedication, support and the patience of a great owner.

DAVINCI REFLECTION WA

MAC SHOC WA

SF AFTERSHOC x The Davinci Code

SF AFTERSHOC x Mac Baske

DESPICABLE ME SF AFTERSHOC x Veghaz Showgirl

Owned by LA Flynn

CAPTIVATING SHOC WA

SHOC BROKER

SF AFTERSHOC x Captivating Style

SF AFTERSHOC x Only Girl In Town

Inquiries invited on young stock available.

AEPA Enrolled Sire • sfafterschoc@gmail.com Standing at Chase Harvill Training Centre 27109 South Creek Drive, Magnolia, Texas 77354 • 281-252-6228 • chtrncntr@aol.com Chase Harvill cell: 480-338-0865 • Breeding Manager, Mandy Harvill cell: 480-338-0863 WWW. C H A S E H A RV I L L .COM

Monticeto LN, Gordon Potts & Talia Lydick …

A REAL TRIED AND TRUE ALLEGIANCE

by Catherine Cole Ferandelli

Monticeto LN

Talia Lydick smiles, looking back over the years she has spent in the Arabian horse industry, “As a young girl growing up in Texas, I dreamed of having Arabian horses, but I didn’t have one until I was married and raising my children. The passion grew far beyond the furthest reaches I could ever imagine!”

Ar abian Horse Times | 2 |

south central arabians

A long-time client of the inimitable and ever versatile trainer, Gordon Potts, Talia has experienced just about all the disciplines the Arabian show pens offer. And now Talia is taking on all things western in a big way.

Talia laughs, “My big horse crush is my chestnut gelding Monticeto LN (Justify x JD Allove Story). He’s got that steady, flowing gait everyone loves in a great western pleasure horse. I actually bought him for myself, but turns out, he’s an Open horse for now! This year alone, Gordon has been reserve in his Open classes in Regions 9, 12 and 14.”

Talia’s horse shopping has been self-described as “stalking.” She chuckles when describing her relentless approach of searching for the right horses, “My method really pays off. I recently acquired the flashy black Half-Arabian mare HF Moon Dancing, by Lucky Sol Moon. She and Gordon took Region 9 Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse and Region 12 Champion. She is only 4, so we’ve two years to take on the U.S. Nationals Futurity competition. It’s very exciting!”

Boosted by Gordon’s children’s words of ‘you have the coolest horses!’, Talia set out on another buying quest to find an “Amateur reliable and horse crush worthy” working western horse. JD Savannah Dawn (Gangster Chic x BSF Delta Dawn), a bay Half-Arabian mare proved to be just the ticket. Facing steep competition at their first two shows (Region 9 and Region 14), Talia and ‘Savannah’ took on the ranching riding, coming home with top five prizes at both Regionals. Next stop for this pair is Canadian Nationals Ranch Riding, and Reining Open and ATR at the U.S. Nationals. In addition to Savannah, Talia has Hollywood Snapchat; a young Half-Arabian reiner Gordon has already shown to success, winning Region 9 Reserve Champion HalfArabian Open Reining Horse and Champion Half-Arabian Junior Reining Horse roses, and Khara Royalle, a western mare she purchased in March and who has already earned Region 12 Champion Arabian Western Pleasure Jr. Horse honors.

Talia explains, “I love taking on new challenges, with my horses and my businesses.

“Same as many of us, I started out with one Arabian mare. My show beginnings had me putting her in dressage training way back when.

We did well, winning prizes at local shows. Later, when I met Alan Morgan, I was introduced to the Spanish bloodlines, immediately falling in love with the great imported stallion *Nilo. One Arabian mare led to a breeding program showcasing *Nilo, in fact for a time, I leased him myself. Among others, I bred a great colt, Caramelo del Nilo, who later on became a national champion hunter and western pleasure horse.

Seeing my horses succeed in these different disciplines made me want to do more!” By then Alan (retired from showing) had referred Talia to the then up-and-coming Gordon Potts. Talia remembers, “Over the years I showed in about every discipline: dressage, show hack, hunter, western pleasure, you name it. I embraced the versatility of the Arabian horse and lived it through the horses I bred and bought over that time.

Ar abian Horse Times | 3 |

HF Moon Dancing

Khara Royalle Getting to know so many wonderful friends in the industry evolved into my marketing and selling for individuals and farms.”

Talia calls out two legendary operations, “My dear friend, Mary Trowbridge, called me one day and said you need to come out to Connecticut and help sell Mike’s horses. Mike was the impeccable breeder/film director, Mike Nichols. The experience made up two of the greatest years of my life. Double Diamond Ranch was another opportunity to market and sell top bloodstock when they disbursed.

There are many more, too many to name; all great people and horses.”

Around 2003, Talia took her horse business in another direction— marketing and selling equine farm and ranch properties in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. Talia elaborates, “I already had my insurance license with C. Jarvis Insurance, and experience selling among the best Arabian bloodstock. What could be a better addition than helping people acquire the perfect property to enjoy their dream of owning Arabian horses?”

Nowadays as a Realtor with Williams Trew Realty, a prominent Fort Worth firm, Talia enjoys “this wonderful way of doing all this together.” ■ south central arabians

Arabian Horses Of The South Central States PA S T & P R E S E N T

by Beth Ellen Hunziker

Americans are a unique mix of people. Although they come from many different backgrounds and cultures, they seem to share common traits, which can be influenced by where they live. Aspects of the region, such as climate and the land itself, shape the character of its people.

Ar Arabian abian Horse Horse Times Times || 44 || south south central central arabians arabians

THE SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

*Bint Maisa El Saghira

*Sakr+++ with Tom McNair

Katie Harvey with parents David and Marion Gardner and Thee Desperado.

TEXAS ____________________________________________

Much of the land in Texas is arid, hard, and desolate; it does not give up its resources easily. Yet, as unyielding and inhospitable as the terrain might be, you can still feel the deep love and pride Texans feel for their land. Perhaps the harsh conditions inspire the fierce, independent nature and maverick attitudes of Arabian horse breeders in Texas.

Two of the most influential early Texas breeders were Douglas and Margaret Marshall of Gleannloch Farms in Spring and later in Barksdale. The Marshalls acquired their first purebred Arabian *Moftakhar in 1951. Between 1962 and 1964, they imported 10 horses from the EAO, including the legendary *Bint Maisa El Saghira. As the first imported Egyptian mare to win at the U.S. Nationals, she still holds the record as the only mare to be named a top ten winner in halter, English pleasure and park. She was also the dam of the legendary stallions Shaikh Al Badi and Amaal, both sired by *Morafic. Also among that first importation was *Bint Nefisaa, the dam of the important sire, El Hilal, by *Ansata Ibn Halima. Then, in 1965, they imported 13 additional horses including the legendary *Morafic. Another important stallion, *Sakr, was imported in 1968, a multiple halter champion and

Ar abian Horse Times | 5 |

Ruminaja Ali

Judy Sirbasku with The Infidel.

three-time national champion in park and native costume; shown to many of his championships by trainer, Tom McNair. Very active members of the Arabian horse community, the Marshalls joined several other breeders of Egyptian Arabians and established The Pyramid Society in 1969. The Gleannloch Farms dynasty came to a close with their passing (Margaret in 1993 and Douglas in 2007), however, their contributions live on through every horse that traces back to their brilliant breeding program.

Arabian historian Jeff Wallace once worked for Jarrell McCracken of Bentwood Farm in Waco, home of the largest herd of Egyptian Arabians in the country in the mid-70s, including the prolific sire *Ibn Moniet El Nefous, along with David Gardner, Shawn Crews, Stanley White Jr. and Sarah Strobe. David went on to establish Gardner Bloodstock in China Springs, where he bred The Minstril and syndicated the great stallion Ruminaja Ali. Judy Sirbasku and Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. and Rock Creek Arabians in Waco, are two well known names in the world of straight Egyptian Arabians.

Judy’s late husband, Jim, introduced her to Arabians over 30 years ago. They owned the world famous Egyptian stallion Thee Desperado.

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Donoghue Arabians, owned by Gerald Donoghue in Goliad, was an important farm in the early days of Texas breeders. Donoghue was the breeder of Cass Ole, the star of the blockbuster film, “The Black Stallion,” Dr. Leo Cuello acquired Cass Ole in 1972 when he was just a 3-year-old colt. In addition to starring in a movie that inspired thousands of people to own an Arabian horse, Cass Ole has one of the longest and most prolific show careers of any Arabian horse with titles in halter and many performance divisions.

One of the most famous Arabian race horses of all time, Kontiki, once made his home in Texas. Purchased in 1971 by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kubela of Seguin, he was a racing legend. Named U.S. National Champion Racehorse and inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Kontiki established an unmatched dynasty in American racing bloodlines. Beaten only once, Kontiki was honored as the 59th entry in the prestigious list of “100 All Time Greatest Racehorses of the World Regardless of Breed,” by the Thoroughbred Jockey Club, along the likes of Man O’War, Native Dancer, Kelso, Secretariat and John Henry.

In the 1970s and ’80s, Texas was a paradise for Russian Arabian horses. Ford Arabians, owned by Kenneth Ford of Nacagdoches, imported the mares *Pristan,*Pikhta and *Pagon, as well as the stallion *Statistic and others.

In 1980, Ford became partners with Howard Kale, Jr. on the popular stallion *Ptersk. Joe Ogden of Circle

Pristan

O Arabians, in Georgetown, was another devotee of Russian Arabian horses. Many of us will remember his lovely mares Muscavaya and Musknitsa, a Canadian National Reserve Champion.

Dr. Phil and Dr. Dee Whittlesey of Zodiac Farm in Cedar Hill had horses as early as 1971. In the ’80s, the Whittleseys also became enamored with Russian horses. Over the years, Dr. Dee became an expert, even writing a book entitled, The Damlines of Tersk. With Howard Kale Jr., the Whittleseys became syndicate members of the imported stallions *Napitok and *Namet. Perhaps the most famous horse they bred was the superstar park horse and sire, Zodiac Matador.

In the late ’70s and throughout the ’80s, many farms in Texas were devoted to breeding Polish Arabians.

Snell Arabians in Horseshoe Bay, owned by Art and Joy Snell, featured the black *Bask son and multiple English pleasure champion Ariztotle. Weatherford Arabians of Richmond, had domestic and imported Polish Arabians, including *Piechur, later purchased

by Halsdon Stud and exported to England where he became a lead sire In the early 1980s, Paul and Dody Wood owned Colonial Wood in Arlington. They also owned, bred, and showed primarily Polish Arabians. In 1982, Paul Wood purchased the mare My Mudira for $410,000 at auction. She joined full-sisters Bask Melody and

Musknitsa

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Fire Melody

THE SOUTH CENTRAL STATES

Showkayce

Signifikaynce

Parys El Jamaal

Fire Melody. In 1992, Josh Quintus joined the Woods.

However, only five months later, they closed the farm.

In 2007, Josh and his wife, Jennifer, moved the business to Pilot Point, and kept the name Colonial Wood.

In the world of Arabian horses, the family of the late Stanley White, Sr. is held in very high esteem.

This legendary trainer and breeder inspired his son, Stanley White, Jr. to the life of a horseman. Stanley White, Jr. and his wife, Kathy, have owned and operated White Rock Farms, in Argyle since 1985.

They have campaigned countless national champions, including Mi-Tiffany and Baskabella. Stan Jr.’s talented son, Stanley White III, has taken up the reins of the family’s traditions and brought them into the new millennium. He also calls the Lone Star State home in Conroe.

Carol Steppe recently moved to Austin. Her 30 year program extends at least four generations through her stallions Showkayce, Its Sshow Time, Signifikaynce and Emphasis DDA. The world famous breeder of Day Dream Arabians’ latest foals surely will produce the next generation of champions and champion producers.

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*Besson Carol

WC Ali Gazal

A list of current residents showcase a ‘Whos Who’ of the Arabian industry; farms in existence for the last three decades to recent newcomers, include: Chase Harvill Training Centre, Magnolia; Debut Arabians, Combine; Freewill Farm, Mansfield; J.T. Keller Performance Horses, Grandview; Kim Morgan Arabians, Pilot Point; Michael Byatt Arabians, New Ulm; Oak Haven Arabians, Lindale; Sage Performance Horses, Collinsville; Stella Bella Arabians, Aubrey; Tamar Arabians, Weatherford; The Brass Ring, Burleson, and Western Cross Arabians and Pintos, Fort Worth.

OKLAHOMA

____________________________________________

Breeders in Oklahoma have played a very important role in the development of the Arabian horse. The Oklahoma Arabian Horse Club, established in 1956, held the first club-sponsored show in 1960.

They hosted the U.S. National Arabian Horse Championships in Oklahoma City in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972, and in Tulsa since 2008. Oklahoma City also shares the distinction of holding Youth Nationals from 1993-2000 and since 2016.

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One of the earliest Arabian horse breeders in Oklahoma was Katharyn Simpson of Vallejo Ranch, mother of Kathie Hart and today’s Vallejo III Ranch LLC, a fourth generation owner, breeder, and national championship winner. The family’s history goes back even further, with Kathie’s great grandfather, Herman Cornell, who had a cattle ranch in Kent, Tex., that also raised Arabian horses and included Bazy Tankersley as a customer. Katharyn in turn purchased a number of Arabians from Bazy, including AM Silversparrow, who she rode to the honor of being the first woman to win a U.S. National Championship in Open Western Pleasure in 1967.

In the mid 1970s and ’80s, there were many small, grassroots breeders in Oklahoma with great horses, including Ivan Rowe and his stallion Rabol. Rabol sired some amazing offspring, many with the “RO” prefix, which became synonymous with very high quality horses. Ernie Blanton and his daughter, Pam, were wonderful breeders and operated Blanton Arabians.

Pam bred the stallion Kamim, a beautiful and excellent sire. He produced Ibn Kamim and the beautiful mare Kamims Batik, who was Egyptian Event Supreme

Champion Mare. Gene and Mary Shirley had wonderful mares and bred them to Ansata’s Egyptian stallions. The Shirleys bred the stallion Shah El Shahir, who was exported to Brazil.

Today’s programs include Shaman Arabians, in Cromwell, breeder of multi-national champion Halter Stallion Pyro Thyme SA; two of Oklahoma’s finest, Clair and Margaret Larson, current owners of Pyro Thyme SA and one-time owners of the mares RD Fabreanna and Valori TRF among others; and Bob Hart, Jr. of Vallejo III, in Afton, who grew up with horses under the guidance of his father, Bob Hart, Sr. and his mother, “Mama Hart.”

MISSOURI

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Leslie Connor’s family owned Connor Arabians, in Joplin. Her father Jerry’s first registered Arabian, Bayawi, was purchased in 1952. One of Leslie’s first horses was the stallion Ibn Esperanzo, bred by Raymond Davis of Esperanzo Ranch in Reeds Spring.

Another important horse for Leslie was her mare Que Hama. Along with their small breeding operation, Leslie became an AHA judge in 1975, becoming one of the youngest people to ever receive their judge’s card, and has judged internationally.

Dr. and Mrs. Tom Atkinson of Anchor Hill Ranch, in Rogersville, were prominent breeders, using the straight Egyptian stallion Al Metrabbi. The earliest registered Arabian owned by the Atkinsons was the mare Laida, purchased in 1948. Over the course of 40 years and more, the Atkinsons bred or owned over 290 Arabian horses of extreme quality that became the cornerstones for breeding programs across the country.

The McCrea family has had a profound inf luence in the Arabian horse breed for more than 60 years, with Lois McCrea purchasing her first Arabian in 1955.

The McCrea children, James, Bob, Janice, and Bruce, and now their children, are mainstays in the Arabian industry as owners, breeders, exhibitors, judges and board members. Janice, who married Jerry Wight, fondly remembers when she and her mother hauled their mare Tanbina in 1974 to be bred to *Bask. The result was the stallion Bold Fire, who was syndicated in 1981. Later, Janice and Jerry moved to Republic, where they opened Mid-America Farms. Though most

Valori TRF

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Mamage

*Ansata Ibn Halima

of the family currently resides in Arizona now, Janice’s brother, Bruce, travelled the world for a time to manage Al Mohamadia Arabian Stud in Saudi Arabia, and has since returned to Oklahoma with his family.

Other small Arabian horse breeders have made big impacts. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Loy and Linda Davidson, of Focus Farms, in Union, bred some of the most beautiful Arabian horses in the country, including direct offspring of Ruminaja Ali, such as the stallion Focus Khemali. In 1990, the Davidsons were among the first to breed to Padrons Psyche, using their mare Focus Alianna to produce Focus Seneca. Purchased as a yearling by Halsdon Stud, she was later named British National Champion. This same pairing would later produce the extraordinary colt Focus Highlander for the Davidsons, and the filly Alia Psyche IA when Richard DeWalt purchased Focus Alianna. Alia Psyche went on to produce the multi-champion colt Harjeet MA by World Champion Stallion *Hariry Al Shaqab.

Today, Missouri continues to be a leader in breeding and training for the domestic and global Arabian markets, including ChriShan Park, Springfield; Clanton Performance Horses, Peculiar, and IIB Farms in Oronogo.

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ARKANSAS

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One of the most historically important breeding farms in the world is Ansata Arabian Stud, owned by Judith and Donald Forbis of Mena. Judi and Don first established their business in Chickasha, Okla., in 1958.

They spent 15 years in Chickasha, and then moved to Lufkin, Tex., where they continued to flourish.

Several years later, Don and Judi were driving through Arkansas and were enchanted with the natural beauty of the land where they planted roots in 1979. Over the course of the next 20 years and more, Ansata Arabian Stud reigned supreme in the world of Egyptian Arabian horses. After Don passed in 2008, Judi closed the Mena farm and sold most of the horses or placed them in the care of other breeders. She once again became an international traveler, writing, consulting, and living abroad. She eventually returned to her peaceful sanctuary in Mena, where she continues her work with The Pyramid Society and her writing, sharing knowledge, expertise, and most of all, a profound love for the Arabian horse.

Other breeders were drawn to the beauty of Mena as well, such as Walter Schimanski of Masada Arabians.

Walter and Judith Forbis were great friends who collaborated on the book The Royal Arabians of Egypt

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Barbara Lewis, of Baraka Arabians, lives in Cove.

Barbara is a fine artist who paints and sculpts, and has been a breeder of Egyptian Arabian horses since the 1980s. Joan Skeels and Sue Burnham, of Hope Farm, also in Cove, were breeders of Egyptian Arabians as well. They purchased the mare *Maymouna in 1990, who was imported from Egypt in 1978. She produced two fillies for them, both by their stallion Ansata Shah Zahir.

LOUISIANA

Millennium LOA

and the Stud of Henry B. Babson in 1976. By all accounts, it is one of the most important books written about the Arabian horse. Walter was such an influential man that The Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse offers a perpetual trophy in his name called The Drinkers of the Wind Award.

____________________________________________ Ken and Pat Guilbeaux of Keg Arabians in Broussard, first started acquiring horses in the very early 1970s.

In 1977, they bred their Tornado daughter, MDM Evangeline, to the newly imported Russian stallion, *Marsianin, owned in partnership with Howard Kale, Jr. They later imported the Russian colt, *Pattrone, acquiring and breeding a magnificent herd throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.

Today, Louisiana is home to Boisvert Farms LLC and Live Oak Arabians, both in Baton Rouge.

FA R M S O F T H E C E N T R A L S O U T H

Chase Harvill

CHASE HARVILL TRAINING CENTRE MAGNOLIA, TEXAS

What year did you get your first Arabian or HalfArabian? 1988.

What horse or event within the Southern states has influenced or had the most impact on your program?

SF Aftershoc in recent years has obviously had the biggest impact on my recent career. Not only is he amazing to be around, but his babies are too. They are beautifully conformed and a joy to train. I honestly have not had a difficult SF Aftershoc baby to train yet!

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southern states to the global Arabian horse industry? The southern states have always been a big influence on our industry.

There are many great breeders, trainers and amateurs that dominate on the national level in the show ring.

It’s nice to show and train in the south because the competition all year long is at such a high level.

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How has your program evolved since its inception?

My program has been very similar through the 19 years it has been around the Houston area, with the exception of better quality horses. We have always had a great mix of young horses, open horses, kids and amateurs in our barn. I do feel so lucky that over the years, people have trusted me with such good quality Arabians. Why would you want to be involved with any other breed?!

_____________________ Talia Lydick LYDICK ARABIANS FORT WORTH, TX

What year did you get your first Arabian or HalfArabian? 1976.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southern states to the global Arabian horse industry? I am a Texan! I was born in Ft. Worth and have lived here for most of my life. I love the Arabian horse and all of my friends that I have

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met through the years in the United States and all over the world. I have had great unique experiences–too many to name one. The Arabian horse is a connector for lasting friendships, athletic achievement and, of course, they are the most intelligent breed by far.

________________________ Stephanie Sage SAGE PERFORMANCE HORSES COLLINSVILLE, TX

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian?

1998.

What horse or event within the Southern states has inf luenced or had the most impact on your program? The Youth Nationals show in OKC has probably had the most impact on my program. I originally did not have any youth that were riding at the National level. After acquiring a few and taking them to this show, they were hooked. The kids have so much fun and definitely work hard. They strive to be better so they can set their goals on Youth Nationals each year.

How would you articulate the unique inf luence (past and/ or present) of the Southern states to the global Arabian horse industry? The southern part of the country has an amazing group of Arabian trainers. Not only are there a large number of trainers in this area, it is a very talentconcentrated region. The breeding and sales from the southern states gives our industry some wonderful horses to be able to own, train, and show.

How has your program evolved since its inception? I have not been out on my own for very long, but since the inception of Sage Performance Horses in the fall of 2013, my program has grown tremendously. Not only in size, but in the quality of horses and clients. I have a lot of young horses which I am really enjoying, and my number of youth riders has grown. My youth program is something I love the most about SPH. My kids have fun and are able to learn a lot about all aspects of riding and showing. They really have helped me grow as a trainer/instructor, as much as I help them, I think.

________________________ Lane Wooten DEBUT ARABIANS COMBINE, TX

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian?

1997.

What horse or event within the Southern states has influenced or had the most impact on your program? My first horse, Obey Shahdai, would have the most influence over my current program today, only because of where we purchased him from; Legacy Arabians. Legacy Arabians offered me a path to showing Arabian horses that I wouldn’t have otherwise had, and our current program is modeled after theirs. It’s all about letting people experience the Arabian horse for themselves; allowing them to fall in love without attaching a large price tag right off the bat.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southern states to the global Arabian horse industry? We have an abundance of “big barn” trainers in the southern states, putting almost every division within reach to the average person. Our area is also rich with other avenues to enjoy the Arabian horse, from trail riding, endurance, racing, showing, or just a pleasure horse. There’s a heavy concentration of all sorts of activities here for everyone to enjoy and experience an Arabian for themselves.

How has your program evolved since its inception? We had always planned to give people the opportunity to show an Arabian without having to purchase one first. We underestimated just how quickly this program would take off, and how fast we would grow. After the first year, we had to hire an additional lesson instructor to take part of the load.

Our show team needed a place to consistently practice showing, so we created NTECShows, an open/training show featuring Arabian specific classes, and that has been a huge success. ■

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Not Just Another Lesson Program W O R K I N G TO G E T H ER TO AT T R AC T N E W C O M ER S

Show Team rider Abigail Skidmore and Harvard OH.

Lesson student Aaliyah Pulgarin with the two horses that are the staple of our beginner program, Thunder Bey (provided by Joanne Crockett) and Athena Alea (provided by Oak Haven).

Assistant Instructor, Heather Williams, and Head Instructor, Trainer, and Show Team Manager Jennifer Buenrostro.

Show Team rider Hannah McReynolds and Loves To Dance+.

Show Team rider Darya Bagheri and Sunshine Flyer CC.

Lane Wooten, owner of Debut Arabians in Combine, Tex., has created a “tier based” lesson program, supported by local big farms and accredited by their school district, helping to bring the Arabian horse to 30-40 families a year, while pumping money into their local Class A shows. Lane Wooten shares, “I’ve seen a lot of complaints online recently, about the state of our industry. Specifically, declining numbers at shows and not getting ‘new comers’ into our industry. I preach this method

on Facebook to anyone who will listen, as it’s not incredibly hard to set up and it quickly becomes profitable and rewarding.

“We advertise with emphasis on mothers with kids who just want to ride a horse. They know nothing about showing or different breeds; they just want to ride a horse. They start in basic riding lessons with our assistant instructor, all on repurposed “starter” Arabian horses, and fall in love.

“They graduate to the head instructor, where they then join our show team. This allows the rider to start showing Arabians without having to purchase a horse.

“Big show barns provide us with horses that aren't going to make big time show status—the saddle seat horse with no trot, the older broodmare that isn’t producing well, the halter born horse with a long back, etc.

turn people on to the Arabian horse, and many of them go on to purchase Arabians of their own and continue their journey in the show world.

“We recently partnered with our local school district and will be heavily involved with Sunnyvale ISD next school year. These kids have an option to get early release from school and earn their PE credits by riding a certain number of hours at our farm.

“And we have been supported by so many amazing barns! From horses, to show clothes, to old tack, or just volunteering to judge our shows: Oak Haven, Rae-Dawn, JT Keller, Ross Tarkington, Joanne Crockett, Chrishan Park, Brass Ring, Center Ring Show Horses and more, have played a roll in the success of this program, and have helped us bring the Arabian horse to many families who would've never been exposed otherwise.

“Our students are started at a training show we started called, North Texas Equestrian Community Shows (NTECShows.com). This show is a one-day event that happens six times a year. We get around 80 horses at each show, and 40% of those are Arabians and HalfArabians. The big barns send their trainers and assistant trainers to judge our shows, so the show is Arabian based, and we avoid the ‘only the stock horses win’ stigma.

“I know there’s been a ‘little guy against the big barn’ undercurrent in our industry, but I’m not seeing that at all from where I stand. We couldn’t do any of this without the donations and volunteers these big barns provide.

“After doing those shows for six months to a year, our riders graduate to bigger shows. They compete in Class A shows in a variety of disciplines on our repurposed horses. All of their show tack and clothes are provided as well, at no cost, having been donated to us from the large barns. We bring money into our local Class A shows,

“By bringing in people who ‘just want to ride’ and turning them into Arabian loving show people—without requiring a $25k horse purchase right off the bat to play the game—I’ve personally found that by coming together, this is the best way to get new blood involved with the Arabian horse.” ■

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Thank You

FOR SUPPORTING OUR LESSON PROGR A M

We couldn't do it without all your help!

FROM

First and foremost, we would like to thank: Oak Haven Arabians Our entire program is built upon your generosity. We appreciate everything you've done, and continue to do, and we would not be successful without you! You are an absolute gift to the Arabian horse community.

For horses, tack, show judging and helping us with a successful program and show, many thanks to:

Blake, Genna & Jason Krohn, Cassie Banks & Lauren Grabski

Anne & J.T. Keller

Shirley & Murray Popplewell

J.T. Keller Performance Horses Rae-Dawn Arabians Joanne Crockett

Ross Tarkington

Joanne Crockett

Chrishan Park

Jason Krohn & Ross Tarkington

The Brass Ring and

Center Ring Show Horses Debut Arabians | Lane Wooten 214-334-3614

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Chris & Shan Wilson

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Sterling & Melissa Barter-Bradley

escher photo

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A Perfect Pairing Rooted In Passion

by JEFF WALLACE The two men met on the grounds of WestWorld in 1992. Both all-around horsemen. Both lovers of all creatures. Both dreamers in their own respects. One could also say that these two men represent a bridge—a most precious of bridges—to the great horsemen and wisdom of our past … one in America, tutored by the likes of Gene LaCroix and Bruce Howard; the other other in the desert homeland of the Arabian horse, tutored by local and heroic horsemen in Qatar.

No one would believe the cataclysmic changes our breed would soon realize when these “The only way to do great work is to love two men were introduced that what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, day in the dusty barn aisle of keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all Scottsdale. Their vision— matters of the heart, you’ll know when cast by the experiences and education of their pasts— you find it.” —Steve Jobs would not only gift the Arabian horse with new standards of excellence grounded in functional, true type; it would also exchange life-giving relational gifts back and forth to each other that would define life chapters of their own.

Both men, grounded in true passion for the Arabian horse since a young age, found their epic journeys colliding that very day.

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Sprinkled in and amongst one of the world’s most legendary groups of horses, you’ll find kangaroos, llamas, exotic birds, a wallaby, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats and Friesian horses.

You’ll find this sanctuary at the end of an unpaved, dirt road in New Ulm, Texas. On first glance, the dusty road appears an antithesis to the showplace it leads to. Yet Michael Byatt, one of the giants in today’s Arabian horse industry, loves it. And when one begins peeling back the layers of the person behind the showplace, it becomes quickly apparent that his complexities run deep, his wisdom and wit

Do what you love and love what you do.

bottomless, and his goals profound in their simplicity and confident, laser focus.

Through a lifetime with Arabian horses, Michael has reached the upper echelons of the industry in nearly every category imaginable: as a trainer of halter and performance at the highest levels, as a thoughtful breeder, an international ambassador and judge, a savvy sales agent, a knowledgeable and trusted consultant, a bold visionary, loving husband and father, and a dear and caring friend.

His personal journey is an inspirational one. Even at a young, formidable age, fame was never the goal for Michael Byatt. “I didn’t have any expectation,” he told the Houston Chronicle in a 2011 interview. “It was a process and a journey and an accident.”

He thoughtfully lives by the cliché, ‘Do what you love and love what you do.’ And, boy, does he do it well.

Michael grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His family had no interest in horses, but they were neighbors to breeder/owner Ethel Ortenburger. She saw a talent in the young 11-year-old boy, and invited him into her “Arabian horse family” … which meant work, a lot of work. Eight hours of work was exchanged for one delicious hour in the saddle every summer.

As Michael got older, his skills were readily apparent. He apprenticed in California, North Carolina and Florida after high school. But it was a big win at Scottsdale for the young 23-year-old star that took his career to a new level. Within weeks, he was flooded with calls from people all around the United States inviting him—begging him—to come give seminars so they could learn from the gifted young horseman.

Also of note, Michael was one of the first American-based halter trainers to categorically invest in the international Arabian horse community, a foresight that likely resulted from his exploding career as an international judge as well.

But there was one pivotal moment in Michael’s life story that not only changed his life, but also the Arabian breed as we know it. To fully appreciate it, we must also tell another story first.

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Pictured top to bottom: Michael and Ann Byatt with their Friesian, Wopke.

Sabiell (Nabiel+/ x AK El Sanaa) at the 1993 Egyptian Event.

Marwan Al Shaqab at the 2008 World Championships, Paris.

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Sheikh Hamad felt the breed was ready—indeed poised—for a new ideal, though he did not yet know what that looked like.

In his search for inspiration, Sheikh Hamad foresightedly decided to attend the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show for the first time. It was 1992.

“My earliest thoughts in life were about horses,” he would tell you. He remembers his first experience riding was “about 7 years old” and it was “Bedouin style” (i.e. bareback). Even as a young person in Doha where he grew up, he was passionately driven for the Arabian horse, demonstrating an uncharacteristic maturity for his age when most are only beginning stages of their life’s work. But he knew. There was no question. It was with the Arabian horse.

Like many of us who worked our way up the ranks in horses, Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani did his share of hard work in the barn to earn the respect and permission of the stable owners, particularly if he wanted to ride one of the famous horses. In fact, he was such an astute rider, that he says he developed his eye for conformation from the back of a horse … the curvature of the neck, correctness and balance from the movement he felt in his seat. He loved riding so much that he studied at the Federation to be a professional jockey, as was a common thing to do.

In his brief time learning English while studying at Cambridge, he also purchased a handful of Arabian racehorses in England. But he quickly found that his choices were more beautiful than they were fast. This was a pivotal moment for the young Sheikh Hamad. He realized his eye was for beauty rather than speed … a functional beauty that could redefine the standards of the Arabian horse.

Around that time in 1988, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, was looking to expand his family-owned and operated Al Shaqab Stud into a higher-profile organization. In a profoundly demonstrative action in his own right, he recognized the zest, passion and giftedness of Sheikh Hamad and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime: manage His Highness’ stud farm. Sheikh Hamad responded to the call. Soon, they were buying horses from Egypt and Europe, and racing them as was the common thing to do. But Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani soon found himself experiencing a similar key moment as his young protégé had … he found himself drawn to Arabian horses bred for beauty and type over speed.

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Anaza El Farid

Ruminaja Ali x Bint Deenaa

Kajora

Kaborr+++ x Edjora

The young 27-year-old Sheikh Hamad was stepping foot on the famed showgrounds of Earl Warren for the first time. He was hired to bring the family-owned and operated Al Shaqab Stud into a higher-profile organization.

It was a task Sheikh Hamad took seriously. His quest initially began in Egypt and Europe. But what he saw in those WestWorld arenas was a stark contrast to what he knew back home, one that ultimately would alter the course of his future.

The day that Michael and Sheikh Hamad met was fortuitous to say the least. In Michael’s barn, Sheikh Hamad saw stallions that were calm enough for children to feed sugar cubes to.

Here were the first pieces of possibility in strategy and planning for a generational breeding program that honored tradition while celebrating innovation.

And most of all, in Michael he saw the powerful outcomes of marketing Arabian horses.

A powerful alliance between the two men was formed during that Scottsdale show, one that encapsulated a common vision backed by fearless courage and a deep personal friendship.

One of Michael’s first major chess moves for Al Shaqab was a group of auspicious mares he had hand-selected in 1994 as foundation mares for its new breeding program. In the group was the incomparable Polish mare, and 1982 U.S. National Champion Mare Kajora. .

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Gazal Al Shaqab Anaza El Farid x Kajora

Gazal Al Shaqab

Anaza El Farid x Kajora

Prior to Kajora, Al Shaqab’s self-proclaimed “family breeding program” bred only straight Egyptians, as did most of the Middle East.

At the time, it only made sense. It made for a striking sight: large herds of grey mares in their desert homeland, with shrieks of stallions, also grey, from within the stallion barns.

But Michael was designing something new in his mind, something greater than what the world currently knew either in America or the Middle East. Bringing a Polish mare bred in America into the straight Egyptian beauty programs of the Middle East was a pivotal moment.

As history would have it, Kajora was open at the time of purchase … cycling, as a matter of fact. She needed to be bred quickly. Was it fate in that moment that altered the course of history, or brilliance? In either case, Michael, along with noted horsewoman Eileen Verdieck, advised Sheikh Hamad that the beautiful straight Egyptian stallion he admired, Anaza El Farid, would be the perfect choice for Kajora (this landmark decision would later set in stone the now-famous breeding choice of crossing Polish and Egyptian bloodlines).

The mating worked, producing Gazal Al Shaqab, the first major foal/show horse/stallion produced at Al Shaqab (and one of the first Qatar-bred bay Arabians, in contrast to their usual greys and blacks).

His silhouette was distinctive, yet shockingly stunning. His length of leg, back and neck were harmoniously balanced, with a lean athletic hip and shoulder, and a lusciously beautiful face.

That advice likely came from Michael’s rooted belief that an Arabian horse—be it halter or performance—be both beautiful and balanced. The silhouette of Gazal Al Shaqab became the new standard.

In short order, he solitarily altered the phenotype for the modern Arabian horse. He and his progeny started defining their empire in both the show ring and the breeding shed beginning with the 2001 World Championships, where Gazal Al Shaqab was named World Champion Stallion and his son, Marwan Al Shaqab, was named World Champion Colt. It was hard to believe that that was just the

Marwan Al Shaqab

Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame

beginning. A dynasty was in the throes of creation.

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south central arabians

Marwan Al Shaqab

Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame

Gazal Al Shaqab was singularly responsible for the new silhouette. However, Marwan Al Shaqab took his legacy to heights unseen. Unbelievably, Marwan was named the leading sire at the World Championships for an unprecedented five consecutive years between 2007 and 2012. His prominent sons, Khalil Al Shaqab, Hariry Al Shaqab and Wadee Al Shaqab, have created their own significant legacies on the world stage in recent years as well.

What’s more, while on lease to Poland, Gazal Al Shaqab sired some of the most beautiful mares ever produced at Janów Podlaski or Michalów State Stud, as evidenced by World Champions Pianissima and Emandoria. This achievement cannot be overstated, as these two famous state studs are unarguably considered amongst some of the finest breeding programs in the history of the Arabian breed. In the end, suffice it to say, Gazal Al Shaqab modernized the breeding programs within the state studs of Poland.

Gazal Al Shaqab … and now his son Marwan Al Shaqab, can be found in an astounding high percentage of Arabian pedigrees around the world today, and rank among the great Arabian horses of all time alongside such names as Nazeer, *Bask, and others.

Michael and Sheikh Hamad with Marwan Al Shaqab at the 2008 All Nations Cup, Aachen

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Hariry Al Shaqab

Marwan Al Shaqab x White Silkk

Because of his deep connection to Gazal, one will find Michael regularly celebratory of the success Gazal progeny are enjoying in every world arena, regardless of if he is at the end of the lead or not.

This is evidenced by a recent statement given by renowned and beloved judge, Peter Cameron, who remarked, “I always appreciated that [Michael] never complained about my judging if he wasn’t the winner. I also like that he doesn’t overshow.”

Just as Dr. Eugene LaCroix will be forever intertwined with *Bask, Sheila Varian with Bay El Bey, and Judi Forbis to *Ansata Ibn Halima, Michael Byatt will be intrinsically linked to that of the world of Gazal Al Shaqab, as will Sheikh Hamad.

And what of the contribution of the long line of horses in Michael’s Arabian horse journey … horses like Silfaun, the gelding Michael rode to a national championship in western pleasure in 1980 as a 22-year-old; the black *Aladdinn daughter Ddinnerka, Michael’s first Scottsdale halter champion; the multi-national English and driving champion, JA Rave Review … they most certainly are a demonstrative part of the Gazal legacy as well, as they each influenced Michael’s vision for what a beautiful Arabian horse can—and should— be. What’s more, each of those integral, provocative horses uniquely express the degree to which Michael was pledged to this breed from day one. And they led him to Gazal.

It is a beautiful example of staying true to the journey of life, and the great results that can happen if you only have the courage to dream it, do it, and then enjoy the ride.

Pictured top to bottom: Ddinnerka (Aladdinn x Blue Bierka) at The Scottsdale Horse Show.

JA Rave Review (Box Office x Bint Jabar) at the 1994 U.S. National Championships.

Silfaun (Silver Drift x Farnina) at the 1980 U.S. National Championships.

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Al Adeed Al Shaqab

Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah

Ar abian Horse Times | 28 |

south central arabians

In New Ulm, all the way across the world, sits an annex of Al Shaqab blood. While one living in New Ulm influences that in Doha, Qatar, one living in Doha, Qatar, influences that in New Ulm. The partnership of Michael Byatt and Sheikh Hamad led to the crowning of not one, but two World Champion stallions with Michael at the lead: Marwan Al Shaqab and Al Adeed Al Shaqab.

Sheikh Hamad is quick to share his feelings that America’s love for the world of Gazal has a tremendous amount to do with the success of the Gazal/Marwan legacy.

This personifies the global appeal of the Arabian horse, and just how universal it is today.

This worldly quality was poignantly evidenced at the 2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup, when H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, founder and owner of Al Shaqab, was deservedly honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the show. In a poignant moment, Sheikh Hamad stood to accept the award on His Highness’s behalf, Michael standing proudly next to him … two men who have both been recipients of His Highness’s great philanthropic efforts, especially Sheikh Hamad.

It was an unforgettable picture.

The team of Michael Byatt and Sheikh Hamad are now forming yet a new nucleus at Michael Byatt Arabians to carry this relationship forward.

The stallion barn heralds the likes of Hariry Al A quiet moment at home with Gazal Al Shaqab.

Shaqab, Kahil Al Shaqab and Fadi Al Shaqab, in addition to the three greats: Al Adeed Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab and Gazal Al

Shaqab. Three generations in the Gazal/Marwan Legacy stand in those stalls, representing historic proportions of some of the greatest semen available in the world.

Michael is such a true horseman, that the global blanketing from Marwan and Gazal has produced him a depth of eternal pride rooted not in ego, but in that which is found in the connection of a true and passionate horseman.

Ar abian Horse Times | 29 |

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Fadi Al Shaqab

Besson Carol x Abha Myra

Kahil Al Shaqab

Marwan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl

The professional success born out of Michael’s brilliant plan and Sheikh Hamad’s unconventional vision for Al Shaqab is unprecedented. And yet their personal friendship is perhaps the most inspiring.

These are two men that always have each other’s backs. Whether in the show ring, as friends, or in business, their genuine affection for who the other stands for is indestructible and constant.

They have shared laughs, travels, times of success and times of loss together, forever intertwined on this momentous journey. They are like two soldiers who have experienced a chapter of life so deeply together, that their bond is cemented in loyalty … to each other and to the Arabian horse. Like all good friends, when things get hard, they are there for each other.

In every way, the team of Michael Byatt and Al Shaqab illustrates success; in the eyes of the Arabian horse world, they are a pair united in a heritage far greater than themselves. The Gazal/Marwan Legacy would not have been realized to its fullest degree without the mutual partnership of Michael and Sheikh Hamad. And yet, success is not simply what one accomplishes in life; moreover, it’s about what he/she inspires others to do.

This story of partnership and leadership transcends Arabian horses. It exemplifies that we are better when we are together, to never settle for less than our passion. And it shows what can happen when people remain committed to what they love, have the courage to see it through, and end up changing the world.

Thank you, Michael and Sheikh Hamad, for showing us the way. S Ar abian Horse Times | 31 |

south central arabians

Wadee Al Shaqab

Marwan Al Shaqab x OFW Mishaahl Pictured 2010

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south central arabians

Al Adeed Al Shaqab

Ansata Halim Shah x Sundar Alisayyah

My relationship with Michael extends to more than 25 long years, which has witnessed friendship, trust and love for horses.

He is one of the people who stand for their opinion even if they lose everything defending the truth – I haven’t seen anyone else harming themselves and their success in order to protect the safety of the horses. He stands strongly for the well-being of the horses and not to cause any harm to it, nor to subject it to prohibited substances.

Michael is a person who believes in friendship and values it. This is what I experienced even during my illness. Many of my friends left me and didn’t even bother to ask, but Michael continued to ask and be truly concerned for me till today.

He loves horses and is sincere to his friends. We have met many times, and I experienced true friendship with him. I don’t consider our relationship as business – rather we are partners in horse love.

He is my friend and advisor, and I have achieved a lot of success with him, both in breeding and in shows.

I wish he and his family continued health and well-being. ~ Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani ~ Al Shaqab Stud

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Stanley G. White & Family It's A Wonderful Life

Four generations of Whites

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by Mary Kirkman

Now and then you meet someone whose personality and achievements are so distinct that you think, “Wow, they broke the mold when they made him.” That was Stanley G. White. Give him a horse to train—anything in halter, English, western, cutting, dressage and more—and he trained it, many to national championships. If you had a dog that needed a career, he could do that too—to the national level; his English setters and pointers collected titles and field trial trophies. At a time when children were introduced to horses by Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion and Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague, he was a cohort of Farley’s and well acquainted with Misty’s owners, the Beebe family of Chincoteague Island. His experience ran the gamut from wild ponies to world class Arabians.

He was also a character. Have a dinner party or a dull afternoon? He could light it up; his stories, told in a drawling Virginia accent that fell somewhere between downhome and elegant Tidewater, were legendary. They also were prolific. As his wife of 63 years, Kitty, once observed, “Stanley would open up in the morning and not stop until he went to sleep, and even then, he talked in his sleep.” And he was hilariously quirky. For some reason, he wasn’t crazy about telling his age (he was 80 when he died this past spring) or what his middle initial stood for (Grizzard, to rhyme with lizard). You can’t say that when we lost Stanley the lights went out, but they sure dimmed a little.

The White story has been told often over the years; longtime members of the Arabian community, especially those who lived through his heyday, probably can recite the basics easily. His professional life came in segments: Al-Marah, Lancer Arabians and Grandeur Arabians. Simple. But the story doesn’t end there, because his talent with horses didn’t stop with him; his sons Stan Jr. and Steve became successful Arabian horsemen, and now Stan III has proven that who knows, the best may be yet to come. (That doesn’t take into account the great-grandchildren, who may outdo them all.)

But it all started with Stanley.

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I n T he B e g i n n i n g : Wave rl y A n d Wi lli am

Stanley’s story opens in 1936, in Waverly, Va., when he was born the youngest of three children to Carl and Annie White. He didn’t know his father; in 1939, Carl died of heart trouble, leaving Annie, a teacher and later a librarian, to raise the kids on her own. They worked as well as went to school, and from the beginning, Stanley learned to do the best he could, no matter the job, a principle that remained with him for life.

For masculine influence, Stanley had his uncle, Franklin White, and William Peebles, the owner of the grocery store in neighboring Wakefield. More than anyone, it was Peebles who influenced the direction Stanley’s life would take, because he opened the door to horses. With William, Stanley attended the annual Chincoteague Island pony roundups, living the dream of being a cowboy that most children of the era had. That would become his start in the horse business.

“The first horse Stanley ever had was a Chincoteague pony named Doll Baby that my dad got him,” Robert Peebles, William’s son, remembers.

“The first Arabian horse he trained, I think, was mine, an Indraff son that I’d bought with money that I raised selling pigs and beagle dogs.”

Robert, now semi-retired as a horse show announcer and formerly head of the National Show Horse Registry, grew up considering Stanley his older brother. “I’m telling you, this is no lie: my father loved him like he loved me,” he smiles. That the feeling was mutual was evidenced when Stanley and his wife Kitty named their second son William Steven White.

As Robert recalls, Stanley worked at a gas station, a chemical company, and drove a truck, among other jobs. “But all during that period, in his spare time, he had a little barn close to him and he would train ponies and horses,” he says. “We would take horses up to the Virginia state

Stanley (right), on Sanuyan, with his earliest mentor, William Peebles, on Raftilla, c. 1958-59. Peebles was devoted to the whole White family, and early on recognized that Kitty was the quiet foundation for their success.

An early Stan Jr. memory: riding Robert Peebles’ pony, Trigger, in a Waverly parade at the age of 3. Before they started, William Peebles gave him a pack of gum, and stuffing every piece into his mouth, he rode the whole route looking like a chipmunk.

“It’s Peebles’ fault,” he mumbled (because that was all he could do) to his startled parents. Stanley was on Raftilla. fairgrounds and sleep in the back of a truck—it was grassroots, redneck all the way. He was so talented and he loved horses, anything that was a horse and ate grain.”

Long before he was 20, Stanley had made two commitments for life.

One was to horses and the other to a girl named Katherine Brown.

She was from Isle of Wight County and had just moved to town when he spotted her walking by the gas station where he worked, and as legend has it, he was smitten almost immediately. To his friends, he said, “That’s my girl,” and to her, “You’re going to be my wife.” They were wildly under age, so they dated for three years before eloping to South Carolina and marrying on Christmas Day, 1953. Their partnership was as much the story of their lives as their family and horses. As Kitty said after he died, right up until his last breath, “We were as much in love as ever.”

They took on the horse business together, starting from, as Robert Peebles remembers, “zip, zero, nada.” Then, around 1960, William Peebles asked Stanley to drive an Arabian mare he owned up to Bazy Tankersley’s Al-Marah Arabians, at the time located in Maryland, to be bred. That was Stanley’s first meeting with Tankersley, and the more she got to know him, the more often she offered him a job. He agonized over whether he was really qualified, but Kitty knew better.

In 1962, she told him they couldn’t just sit there in a little town. “This is your college education,” she said. “We’re going to go.”

“Stanley went to work for Mrs. T and put his shoulder to the grindstone,” Robert Peebles says. “An opportunity was afforded to them and they took it and ran with it.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 63 | Volume 48, No. 3

T he A l -M a ra h Ye a r s

For Stanley, Al-Marah was more than college. Its huge herd of horses offered all kinds of equine experience, as did working with Lee Bolles, another young trainer who was there at the time, and sometimes Harold Brite as well. On the medical front, Stephen Lange was the farm’s resident veterinarian, and he would sit long into the evening with Stanley, explaining medical conditions and procedures, and he allowed the young man with the thirst for knowledge to attend surgeries and help with autopsies. Mrs. Tankersley also encouraged him to travel and learn from other horsemen around the country, and there was also Al-Marah itself, an eye-opening window on a big, wide world.

“Mrs. T had what was like an equine zoo there and at the breeding facility in Barnesville,” Stan Jr. recalls. He was 7 when his family moved to the farm’s “home place” in Bethesda. “She had over 400 horses, including pairs of Przewalski’s horses, Tarpans, light horses from all over the world and every kind of draft horse there was. For two or three years while D.C. was redoing its zoo, they kept 40-some zebras. That was my childhood, watching that horse operation—you couldn’t have made this up, as far as imprinting a young kid who wanted to be like his dad.”

In a 1987 Arabian Horse Times article, writer Deb Bently noted, “Stanley claims he retired that year. He says he’s been doing what he wants ever since.”

The high-energy Stanley was in motion 24/seven. “After working Mrs. T’s stock all day, we had our own stallions to train,” Lee Bolles remembers. “Both were sired by Indraff and full brothers, Al-Marah Kontiki and Al-Marah Nautilus. These were two of the toughest horses foaled on that farm, and after the end of the day, we had to

Stanley’s friends: Captain William Heyer and Walter Farley. face them. If they didn’t have us on the ground, we had them on the ground. … Sorry, horse whisperers, but that’s the way it was in the ’60s.

Professor Beery’s School of Horsemanship was still very much in favor.”

Stan Jr., who wasn’t allowed in the barn during working hours but popped up there daily because he couldn’t stay away, remembers other evening activities as well. Stanley, Lee and Harold Brite would bring up cattle to practice cutting on, and often there were calves. “They’d put me on a calf and tie my feet together underneath it, and I’d ride until I got bucked off,” he says. “And you know, when you ride that way, you come off the hard way. I can remember the three of them sitting on the fence laughing at me.” (You can almost hear mothers screaming, “Are you crazy?” and Kitty White spoke words to that effect too. Stan Jr. observes that that’s one training technique he didn’t pass on to his son.)

But the guys became first class trainers there, and racked up sales and strong show records with Al-Marah horses. In 1967, Stanley insisted on taking a stallion and two mares to the U.S. Nationals, which was not usually on their calendar. Showing Count Bazy to the trophy in Stallions, he chalked up the farm’s first national championship, and added a U.S. Top Ten Mare title with Al-Marah Waltzing Matilda.

The Al-Marah days: Lee Bolles and Stanley, with Al-Marah Rud Balik in 1964. “We showed horses for many years on the east coast together,” Bolles says, “and Kitty and Donna took care of the children as needed. We both eventually moved on, but our families stayed close. We all miss Stanley.”

Al-Marah expanded other horizons as well. On an April night in 1964, after a long day that included a cutting demonstration for visiting dignitaries, Stanley found the dignitaries back on his doorstep. The group of riders from Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, in the U.S. for historic performances in New York and Washington, D.C., were fascinated with what he’d shown them earlier and wanted to know more. In minutes, he and Bolles were lending out western hats and chaps, flipping on the lights in the arena, and getting out horses. One friendship that Stanley began that night was with Ernst Bachinger, who would go on to become the head of the Spanish Riding School.

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Another pivotal relationship from those days was with author Walter Farley, whose daughter Pam boarded a horse at Al-Marah. In fact, the Farleys and the Whites became family friends; Walter became one of Stanley’s biggest advocates, a regular at White open houses and clinics for years, always a favorite with visitors, and a particular supporter of Steve White. Perhaps his greatest compliment to Stanley came when he wrote The Black Stallion and the Girl, his fictional tribute to Pam, who tragically died in a car accident in Europe. When the character Pam explains to Farley hero Alec Ramsay how she learned to ride and communicate with horses so well, she names Stanley White as one of two mentors.

Her other mentor was Captain William Heyer, the brilliant dressage master who also trained horses for Ringling Bros. circus. Through Walter, Stanley became acquainted with Heyer, and traveled to Florida to take lessons from him. With Heyer and Bachinger in his life, dressage became ever more present in his training routines.

By 1968, it was time for Stanley to move on. Mrs. Tankersley understood; her own needs were shifting. Count Bazy’s national win had been controversial, and although she had been assured by plenty of people that the title had been legitimately based on her stallion’s merits, the criticism had diminished her interest in show competition—and Stanley clearly had potential still to be realized.

When he received an offer from Don and Jeanne Ford, of Lancer Arabians in Brighton, Mich., she gave him her blessing.

L a nc er ’ s Eg yp t i a n Int ro du c t i o n

In its own way, Lancer was as productive for Stanley as Al-Marah had been. At Al-Marah, he had learned horsemanship and gotten a glimpse of an exciting world. From Don Ford, he would learn more about business. He wasn’t enthusiastic about their horses, but Ford was ready to redefine his program.

That project took off after a 1970 trip Stanley made on behalf of the Arabian Horse Registry, evaluating horses through Europe and the Middle East. (Memorably, the trip coincided with the Spanish Riding

*Asaad and Stanley, 1979 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure.

School’s 400th anniversary, the centerpiece of which was a stellar, but sold-out, performance. The Registry’s Ward Howland was flabbergasted when Stanley produced tickets, courtesy of Ernst Bachinger.)

The big news, however, was that Stanley came home so enthusiastic about the horses he’d seen in Egypt that Ford decided to focus the new Lancer Arabians on them. Over the next few years, much of which Stanley spent in the air between the U.S. and Cairo, Ford imported nearly 80 top Egyptian mares and stallions—so many that he rented DC-8 cargo jets to transport them. One was a copperchestnut 3-year-old named *Asadd, who arrived in the U.S. in 1973.

Stanley made *Asadd—and in some ways, *Asadd made Stanley (or at least, enhanced his reputation). That fall, the pair stormed the U.S. National Champion Stallion class, earning the title and defeating a standout group that included Buszmen (reserve), Bay-El-Bey, Dalul, El Hilal and others. Two years later, they added the U.S. National Championship in English Pleasure. By that time, the action in English pleasure was increasing; although halter horses still appeared in performance and could win, for one horse to top the national awards in two such disparate disciplines was a huge accomplishment—particularly an Egyptian Arabian, a type known more for its beauty than its fancy style trot. “*Asadd was my second national champion and my all-time favorite horse,” Stanley said in a 1983 Arabian Horse Times article by Christy Gibson [Egan]. “He was always full of fire, always willing to give more.

I still remember seeing him in Egypt for the first time when he was just 2 years old. He’s one of the greatest horses I’ve ever worked with.”

Stanley with *Asadd, Kitty and Steve.

The Lancer era also would lead to the Florida years for Stanley and Kitty. As Virginians, they were never crazy about Michigan’s cold winters, and when one of Stanley’s flights from Egypt stopped in Gainesville, he had a chance to look around. He had five words for

Ar abian Horse Times | 65 | Volume 48, No. 3

Kitty: “Pack your bags! We’re moving!” As it happened, Don Ford was in search of the sun too, so property was purchased and everything fell into place. But only three years later, Ford’s business sense warned him that the exploding Arabian market was not that safe (he was right, but a few years early). In 1980, Lancer dispersed. The timing was perfect, as Stanley and Kitty, assured of the help of their youngest son, Steve, were ready to set up shop on their own. Stanley G. White’s Grandeur Arabians was born.

Ho m e: G ra n deu r A ra bi a n s

“I’ve always loved the word ‘grandeur,’” Kitty reflects. “That’s how I think of everything; I want beautiful. I put in for the name, but someone else had it, so I made it Stanley G. White’s Grandeur Arabians.” They leased the Lancer facility (which Stanley had designed) while theirs was being built, and moved in right after the U.S. Nationals of 1982.

That summer, Stanley had led the domestic-bred Zarr-Hassan to the Canadian National Championship in Stallions, and then snared the reserve championship in Louisville. In a 1988 AHT story, Arlene Magid noted that at that time, “[Stanley] is the only trainer to ever show a national champion stallion in each of the last three decades (U.S. National Champion Stallion Count Bazy in 1967, U.S. National Champion Stallion *Asadd in 1975, and Canadian National Champion Stallion Zarr-Hassan in 1982).”

Amazingly, the Whites were having such a year that Zarr-Hassan’s red tri-color wasn’t the most memorable part of their show. Stan Jr., who had won the 1973 U.S. National Championship in Stock Seat Equitation and was now training for Bentwood Farm, had been knocking at the door in the open ranks. Nineteen-eighty-two was his breakthrough, as he won the U.S. National Championship for

Baskabella, 1993 Scottsdale Champion English Pleasure, with Stan Jr. Western Pleasure with Nazmon CW. But the over-the-top thrill for Kitty and her boys was that reserve was Paj Majaal, with Steve White up, and among the top ten was Stanley, on Naborrin. That may have been the proudest moment of her life. At the very least, it was one of her happiest, and for both Stan Jr. and Steve, it was only the beginning.

Stan Jr., who had gone on his own in 1975, had worked at Bevans Arabians in California, Antara in Michigan, and finally, in the early 1980s, was at Bentwood Farm in Waco, Tex. In 1985, he would found White Rock Farms, Inc., now in Argyle, Tex. Steve, meanwhile, was critical to Grandeur’s success. While Stan Jr. was cut more along the lines of his father—gregarious,

Nazmon CW with Stan Jr., 1982 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure

Taj Maj Aal with Steve White, 1982 U.S. National Reserve Champion Western Pleasure

Ar abian Horse Times | 66 | Volume 48, No. 3

WR Khover Paige, 2001 U.S. National Champion Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity, with Stan Jr. straightforward, sometimes damn-the-torpedoes—Steve was more likely to scope out a situation and plan an approach. Kitty observes that Steve had watched his brother’s encounters with Stanley’s discipline early in life, and decided to chart his own course without upsetting anyone. (He got the reputation of being “the quiet one,” which both he and Kitty maintained was not really true; silence was his only option, since Stanley did all the talking.) But all three of them were perfectionists with horses.

From the late 1980s on, although all of the Whites could train anything on four feet, they increasingly were typecast in the disciplines where they most strongly made their names. With Nazmon CW, Stan Jr. was identified with western, and he would live up to the billing, even though he loved riding English horses. When he had the opportunity, he won there too (for example, with Baskabella, Bravado Bey V and WR Khover Paige, all national or Scottsdale champion English horses).

Stanley and Steve, meanwhile, made occasional forays into western (Stanley was U.S. National Reserve Champion Western Pleasure with Our Cleopatra in 1983; in 1988, Steve was Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure with Cassarina and Junior Horse with Q R Tsolomon). But they knocked down English titles, especially in Half-Arabians and National Show Horses, like they couldn’t help themselves. “[My father] loved showing western horses,” Stan Jr. nods, “but his true love and passion was English.” With the stallion La Basque, Stanley had been named 1983 Canadian National Champion and U.S. Top Ten in English, and with Khat, was 1985 Canadian National Informal Combination Champion. At that show alone, Khat, who in his career also accounted for national reserve championships in pleasure driving and English pleasure, won an astounding seven national titles.

Stanley’s love of English Half-Arabians was fueled when longtime clients Winburn and Milly Shearouse asked Stanley to help

Top to bottom: Stanley, with his beloved stallion Khat; Steve, with Oh Henry and Hawaian Punch.

Ar abian Horse Times | 67 | Volume 48, No. 3

Steve with Makhsous. them start a Half-Arabian/National Show Horse breeding program.

Steve White was dispatched to Kentucky to buy Saddlebred mares for them and also for the Whites, so that from the 1980s on, they were not only riding and winning with the high-headed, high-trotting horses, they were breeding them as well. It was good business. “It was fun to see [Half-Arabian] babies,” Kitty says, “and National Show Horse had 2-year-old driving classes, so you could see them in the ring early.” Grandeur stallions Khat (Khemosabi x Tyami, by *Bask) and Premis (Promotion x Mudia, by *El Mudir) climbed the stallion ranks on the backs of those horses and others whose owners brought them to Stanley and Steve.

One of their top Half-Arabians at the time was the Shearouses’ Bette G (by Khat), who began with halter championships and moved on through driving and under saddle, scoring four national championships and four reserves in Half-Arabian competition alone.

Her NSH record was equally impressive.

Stanley and multi-national champion Bette G. Horse. Many won in Canada as well, and some years when he wasn’t winning, the horses were showing in amateur and winning there too.

As with his father and brother, Stan Jr. also liked Half-Arabians, and showed one of the best ever in western pleasure. Between 1988 and 1991, Spotsdale was a four-time national champion (five, counting an amateur tri-color with Stan’s wife, Kathy) and once reserve. Perhaps his English roots are showing, but he credits the “English” side of Spotsdale’s pedigree (her sire was a Saddlebred) for the mare’s extraordinary action. “I liked that cross and always have,” he says.

“They have more motion. I’m kind of old school; the rule book used to call for ground covering gaits, and when they ask for the hand gallop,

Although Steve would leave Grandeur in 1997 to pursue a career as a farrier, his contribution to the operation was indelible, and when he returned a few years later, it was almost like old times. “We couldn’t have had this business if we didn’t have him,” Kitty says. “I’ve never seen anyone work so hard.”

In the meantime, at White Rock Farms in Texas, Stan Jr. built a powerhouse record in western. The list of his top national champions in the division tells the story: U.S. National Western Pleasure Champions Quavado (1987), Mi-Tiffany (1990-91 and 1994), Amazing Fame V (2007), Citizen Fame (2009) and WC Laredo (2010); National Reserve Champions Madison (1989), Tamaraberri Bey V (1993), Santa Fe V (1997), and Amazing Fame (2001), who also was the 1999 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Junior

Stanley, with 2013 Region 12 Hall of Fame Award.

Ar abian Horse Times | 68 | Volume 48, No. 3

showing and turned to his grandfather for help. Nothing could have pleased Stanley more. “He gave me a crash course,” Stan III remembers.

A few years later, after he graduated from high school, he chose to train horses for a living, starting under his father. That didn’t mean showing right away; more often it meant training, but because Stan Jr.’s barn had so many standout western horses, Stan III learned quickly what “good/better/best” was. “I got the opportunity to work a lot of horses that I didn’t get to show,” he says. “The most significant western pleasure horse that I showed [at that time] was MCA Cypress; she was my break-out horse. We went U.S. National Reserve Champion in the Futurity [1998]. And if I’m not mistaken, I put the first ride in on Amazing Fame and Citizen Fame.”

Stan Jr. with national champion western pleasure open Mi-Tiffany.

After a decade, he spent a few months with J.T. Keller, and then accepted an offer from Long Meadow Arabians, where he remained

I like to look down and see those knees coming up. It’s a comfortable ride and you’re covering a lot of ground.”

As Steve and Stan White Jr. grew into their careers, they were sometimes asked if there had been a rivalry between them growing up or whether there was in maturity. Steve cited the schedules they’d known as teenaged free labor in their father’s barn. “We worked too hard to have time to be rivals,” he laughed in the 1988 AHT article.

Stan Jr. explains the rivalry that did exist, especially with his father, who had been so demanding in their childhood. “I loved it when he won and he loved when I won, but we were very competitive. When we went in the ring, we were there to beat everybody. I loved him before I went in the ring, I loved him when we were in the ring, and I loved him when we came out—but I was there to beat him.”

In the late 1980s, another White came on line, although at the time just as a junior rider. Stan III, Stan Jr.’s son, developed an interest in

Stan Jr., 2007 APAHA Western Pleasure Professional of the Year and Horseman of the Year, with his wife, Kathy. for another decade before setting up his own operation, White Oak Farm. His best-known horses to date have been Jeepers Kreepers, with whom he twice won the U.S. National Championship in HalfArabian Western Pleasure, and once reserve, among many other titles; the U.S. National Champion in Western Pleasure PA Lillith, who also won the Futurity; and MI Maria and Just Joe, both of whom were reserve in the Futurity.

Steve (right) with his son, Dane.

The line of successful White horsemen has run true. While Stanley and Steve’s careers were at their height before the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association began issuing its annual awards, Stan Jr. and Stan III both have been named Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year. Stan Jr. won in 1992, 1994 and 2007 (when he was also Horseman of the Year), and entered the Hall of Fame in 2011, the same year Stan III, whose first title came in 2001, was honored again.

Ar abian Horse Times | 69 | Volume 48, No. 3

MCA Cypress with Stan III.

T he Whi te World

The show ring was not the only life that the White family knew.

For one thing, Stanley revealed a unique ability to school English setters and pointers for field work. “He loved training, period,” Stan Jr. notes. “He loved teaching animals stuff.” Many of his dogs won championships and sold to top handlers.

And he never forgot the wild ponies of coastal Virginia. In 1987, the whole family—Stanley, Kitty, Stan Jr. and Steve and their wives and kids—went back for a roundup. Stanley became friends with the local horsemen and remained involved with the ponies for the rest of his life. He and Steve rode in the roundups, and he lent Arabian stallions to improve the inbred horses’ health and quality. On occasion, he also brought mares to Grandeur to give them a respite from Assateague Island’s harsh winters. For his contributions, the firemen of Chincoteague Island, who conduct the roundups, honored him with the title of “Saltwater Cowboy.”

He also gave back to the Arabian breed as a judge, officiating at shows and working with judging clinics. The Arabian community also gave back to him: he was one of two inaugural inductees into the Region 12 Hall of Fame in 2013, and in 2015, the Arabian Horse Association inducted him into its Judges Hall of Fame.

And in 2011, he and Kitty received the APAHA Lifetime Achievement Award—particularly important because as good as Stanley was with horses, he could not have done what he did without Kitty running the business, having his back as she always had.

Top to bottom: Stan Jr. with Citizen Fame, national champion western pleasure open; Stan III with national champion western pleasure open Jeepers Kreepers; Stanley’s 2011 APAHA Lifetime Achievement Award, with Kitty and Stan Jr.

“The reason we got along so well in business was that he worked with the horses in the barn all the time and I worked in the office,” she reports. “If he needed something, he told me about it and I got it. But we never competed.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 70 | Volume 48, No. 3

It didn’t hurt that she knew her way around him. When she determined that the farm needed a tractor-trailer, she called the suppliers, worked out what would be best for Stanley, and then had the salesman call him—so that in the end, Stanley thought he’d done the whole deal. He loved that rig and hauled horses to shows all over the country for Grandeur and for others. Customers always got more than they paid for when they shipped with him. One of the most memorable instances was when the grand old show horse Good Thunder colicked in a desolate area on the way to Canadian Nationals.

Only because Stanley, so thoroughly a horseman, pulled to the side of the road and raided his brain for daring, bygone techniques to get the stallion up and walking, did Good Thunder arrive alive at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinic. He would recover.

Grandeur 2005: Steve and his daughter, national champion Shanea, with Kitty and Stanley.

Inevitably, the first two generations of Whites would leave the show ring. Stanley’s health faltered in 2010, when he was diagnosed with the Parkinson’s that would claim his life, and Steve died in 2016.

In between, Stan Jr. injured his back and suffered a heart attack.

Reminiscent of his father’s ecumenical appreciation of horses, he had become fascinated with Clydesdales, owning 18 of them for a six-horse hitch, doing his own training and showing, and even their farrier work, which eventually led to the back problems. But they were animals, different and intriguing, and he followed his instinct, just as every White horseman had.

“If I can get rid of this back pain, I’ll be back to training in a heartbeat,” he promises. “I had no intention of slowing down or not being able to ride horses and go to horse shows—it’s all I’ve known and all I want to do. If you like your job, it’s never work, even though it’s hard work.” He smiles when he thinks of his father. “He fought till his last breath; he had no intentions of leaving this world. The last day he could speak, he was telling Mom he wanted to go home, he had to get the mares bred and cut the hay.”

The induction of Stanley G. White into AHA's Judges Hall of Fame: Stan Jr., Zachary and Stan III, with Judges Commissioner Stan Morey.

Stan Jr. and Stan III with White Rock’s Clydesdales hitch.

So far, the Whites have offered three generations of professional horsemen, but the story is not over. Both Stan Jr. and Stan III’s wives, Kathy and Holly, show and win at the national championship level, and all of the grandchildren ride. Whether or not anyone other than Stan III chooses to make it a career remains to be seen, but Stan Jr.’s daughter Kaitlin, now working on her Master’s in accounting, won championships at Youth Nationals, and Steve’s daughter Shanea was a national champion youth rider as well. Only his son Dane did not pursue equine competition; he shared a love of moto-cross with his father, and until an accident took Steve off the bikes, they were enthusiastic participants. Presently, there are two faces in the fourth generation (Zachary, 13, and Owen, 3). Owen will be growing up at Grandeur with Kitty, as Shanea and her husband, Chris, will move to the farm to be there for her. With any luck at all, the loss of Steve and Stanley does not signal the end of an era.

Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | Volume 48, No. 3

Grandeur Arabians; Kitty and Stanley White.

For Stan III, clearly it does not. “I enjoy being around the horses and I enjoy being part of the legacy that was in front of me,” he reflects.

“That’s probably the biggest reason I do this—the horses themselves.”

And then, sounding eerily like his father and grandfather, “I just enjoy them and I enjoy trying to teach them things.”

G o dsp e e d, S t a n ley

Currently, a special Stanley G. White Memorial Trophy is in the works for the U.S. National Championship in Western Pleasure.

“People have asked me why we’re doing the western when our whole dream was to breed English horses,” Kitty muses. “I mean, we got Saddlebreds to produce big-trotting English horses. But it was western where I usually saw [all my boys] together.

“No one gets to spend that much time with their kids when they grow up and leave home,” she continues. “But with the horses, we could all go to the shows. We’d all stable together, get our box seats together— be together.” And for many years, when she looked down the line-up in a western pleasure class, she would see her family, all with ribbons on their horses.

“My father was the reason why I’ve done what I’ve done in my life,” observes Stan Jr. “I’m just so thankful that he had that love of horses— and that William Peebles put in a good word with Bazy Tankersley.”

Late in Stanley’s illness, not long before his death, Robert Peebles traveled to Florida to see him. Their last meeting spoke volumes about who Stanley White was. “I said to him, ‘I owe you so much, I gotta thank you for everything you did.’ And Stanley said, ‘You don’t need to thank me for anything. I need to thank you and your dad for everything.’” Even now, Robert can’t recall it without a catch in his voice.

“It’s been a wonderful life,” Kitty White says. “I’ve loved every minute of it.” She smiles. “When we got married, his mom said, ‘I can’t do anything with him. You take him and train him.’ I said, ‘I can do that.’”

When Stanley died, she had one last duty. “He wanted to ride again,” she says. “When I could get the horse-drawn carriage for his funeral, it was the happiest thing. He was able to have his last ride.” n

Ar abian Horse Times | 72 | Volume 48, No. 3

Al-Marah

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Stanley White & Count Bazy++.

Stanley White was the kind of person that people just gravitated to.

He had that great smile; he had unlimited energy; he was amazingly strong and athletic; and he had the X factor … CHARISMA!!!!

I met Stanley at Al-Marah on River Road in Bethesda, Maryland.

It was around 1962. Stanley brought his young stallion Al-Marah Kontiki to the farm to get help from our legendary trainer, Harold Brite. Harold immediately talked my mother, Bazy Tankersley, into hiring him.

He became a role model and mentor. He taught me by example to have no excuses for not doing well; that to win, work longer and harder than anyone else; and to be honest and honorable. And, of course, what I came to call “Stanley-isms”. The first was his life-long motto, “The Harder I Work, The Luckier I Get!” The last came in our last talk. Stanley asked me about my young trainer.

“You’d love her. She thinks about going forward all the time,” I told him.

“That’s what I believe!” he said. “I tell everyone, no matter what, just keep going forward! They ask me, ‘What happens if the horse runs away?’

I tell them that’s not a problem! I can ride faster than any horse can run!”

Of that, there is no doubt.

Mark Miller

A l -M a r a h | C l e r m o n t , FL Ar abian Horse Times | 73 | Volume 48, No. 3

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Lancer Arabians

In the summer of 1967, my dad, Don Ford, hired Stanley White as manager and trainer of Lancer Arabians in Brighton, Michigan. This turned out to be a match made in heaven for both the Ford and White families.

Stanley’s ability to handle and train horses to the National Championship level combined with Dad’s business leadership, allowed Lancer Arabians to rise to national prominence almost immediately. When we decided to go exclusively with the straight Egyptian Arabians, Stanley’s ability to spot a National Champion caliber horse in an undernourished weanling (*Asadd - 2x National Champion) at the EAO in Cairo and 15 other mares, plus the stallion Sultann; then start a breeding and training program from scratch, was amazing.

Stanley also helped to put Lancer on the map with the many “clinics” he held in Michigan and later in Florida, where he took rogue unmanageable horses and in the span of two hours and in front of a thousand people, taught them to load and unload from a trailer, broke them to ride and had them doing a figure eight at a canter with a flying change of leads. Our whole family were very proud to know the Whites and the success we all had together.

Stanley taught me many things he used to handle horses and keep them under control. I am sure that he saved me from many injuries over the years in my veterinary practice. My dad and Stanley became the best of personal friends over the years, as did I. The Lord, indeed, threw away the mold when he created Stanley White. There will never be another one like him.

Rest in peace my friend. You are missed.

Jack Ford, DVM

J a c k F o r d , DVM | L a n c e r A r a b i a n s | O c a l a , FL Ar abian Horse Times | 74 | Volume 48, No. 3

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Lancer Arabians

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The first time I saw Stanley White, Sr. was when he came to speak with my dad, Don Ford, about training for Lancer Arabians. I might have been about age 11. For many years after that, Stanley, Kitty, Steve and Stan Jr., shared a lot of time with my family.

When I got a little older, I started traveling to the shows with Stanley and Kitty. We went all over the country together. It was quite a production (for the ranch hands) to get everything organized, including names, decorations, flowers, mulch, pedigrees, curtains and all those things designed to brand the stalls with Lancer Arabians (I am sure that Kitty made sure everything was just right). They treated me like a member of their family, and I was a very lucky girl to have Stanley teach me how to ride, groom and show at Halter, English Pleasure, Western, Costume and Park, and all the AOTR events.

And Stanley always made sure that I had a job, even if I was really too young to do much and we had ranch hands to help clean stalls, sweep the isles and groom the horses. I was always welcome to help in any way I was able. I remember helping to bale hay in the summers, riding on the hay trailer and thinking that I was a valuable hand!

Stanley also made me feel that my competition riding for Lancer was just as important as his. In a picture of me accepting a trophy at a show, Stanley is in the background, with a huge smile on his face, as proud as he could be. He put me through the paces and was there with me day after day, practicing in the afternoons after school. Sometimes practice was on a cold Michigan winter night in the covered arena, with frosted breath coming out of my mouth as well as the horse’s.

It was Stanley who found Copperking for me. He was my pride and joy. Under Stanley’s teaching, I won Top Ten English Pleasure AOTR in 1974 at Nationals. Years later, every time I went to visit Stanley and Kitty at their farm, Grandeur Arabians, he always asked me if I wanted to ride. Even though I didn’t get to see Stanley and Kitty as much as I would have liked as an adult, they were never far from my heart. I was the luckiest girl in the world to have him as a mentor, and later, as a friend.

Laura

Top: Laura with Copperking, Top Ten English Pleasure AOTR, 1974.

Middle: Laura and Copperking accepting a trophy while Don Ford and Stanley are seated in the stands.

Bottom: Rafsiza, 1971.

Laura Petrash | Lancer Arabians Ar abian Horse Times | 75 | Volume 48, No. 3

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S t a n Whi t e Sr . ... G r e at Hors e m an & Great Friend

Stan White Sr., Corky Sutton and Gary Ferguson, Judges at the 1997 Youth National Championships.

Good Friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget. “Judging Youth Nationals with Stanley, I got to know him very well. From that moment forward, we considered ourselves friends. I truly respected him as a horseman, gentleman and judge. There will never be another one like him.�

Gary Ferguson

G a ry

and

T a m i F e r g u s o n | G a ry F e r g u s o n P e r f o r m a n c e H o r s e s | S u l ph u r S p r i n g s , TX Ar abian Horse Times | 76 | Volume 48, No. 3

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S t a n W h i t e S r. ... On e of t he G r e at H orsemen

Stan White Sr. and Grandeurs Magic (a horse he and Miss Kitty bred from their Promotion son, Premis) in the warm-up at 2010 U.S. Nationals, Tulsa, in H/A Country English.

Stan White Sr. and Miss Kitty, and Stan White Jr. and Stan White III at the 2008 U.S. Nationals in Tulsa.

“Probably one of the greatest horsemen of my generation. His contributions to the Arabian breed have been monumental. A Legend.”

Eleanor Hamilton

E l e a n o r H a m i lt o n | E l e a n o r ’ s A r a b i a n s | R o g e r s , MN Ar abian Horse Times | 77 | Volume 48, No. 3

Influenced our Lives

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Stan Sr. had a profound influence on many of us, with his and Kitty’s openness, their honesty and their ability to make you feel a part of something bigger than ourselves. Stanley had the very unique ability to show you a possible different way of looking at every situation, whether it was training horses, working with people, or judging Arabian horses. And he learned these different ways through a life-long involvement with horses, starting in Virginia and eventually across our country.

A generous giver of his time and talents for the benefit of others, Stanley influenced many people in every area of interest that he touched, and most especially the Arabian horse world. His kindness and continued encouragement over the years to me and to Susan was very much appreciated, something that we will always remember and, quite frankly, what we have tried to pass on to others.

I think all of us who are here to honor Stanley and his family, are here with a profound respect and appreciation for what he has meant to the Arabian horse industry, the AHA, and the vast equine community as a whole. Stanley’s contributions as a trainer, breeder, and judge were in many ways pioneering during the early days of this industry. His own leadership in the way he presented horses, the positive way he interacted with everyone on and away from the show grounds, is something all of us could inspire to do.

I think what strikes me most of my remembrances of Stanley was how he showed horses. The way he taught his children to show and how he showed, really was the standard in most cases for several disciplines.

It is like he and his family were born to ride Arabians. I think we can all agree that the most endearing was that all of them–from his kids to grandkids–have a smile when they are on horses that can light up the ring. I was always amazed by Stanley, because most of the time, he was not on as good of horses as his children were riding, but yet, you would have thought he was on a national champion with the smile that he had.

How many of you can remember the hand gallop and the Whites all smiling, and the rest of us looking like we were left in the dirt?

I can remember when I became Commissioner, one of the first calls I got was from Stan Sr., and after he said “have you lost your mind?” he said, “I think they could not have made a better choice.” That meant a lot, because there were other conversations with him when I walked away thinking, why couldn’t I have done something that-a-way or seen something in that light? But still, always, always, he was encouraging to all; to the groom, to the guy who was picking up the trash on the fairgrounds, and to his fellow exhibitors who had a bad go. And I had plenty of them.

Stanley, I believe, left little pieces of himself with each of us. Whether it was the thought of him on horses, a training technique, judging situation, or just being encouraging, those pieces will be a part of us always, and that is a good thing.

Again, I appreciate the opportunity to honor this family and this man.

Stan and Susan Morey

H a l l m a r k F a r m s | E d m o n d , OK Ar abian Horse Times | 78 | Volume 48, No. 3

All in the Family— Forever

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Left: William Peebles on Raftilla and Stanley on Sanuyan.

Below: Stanley on Raftilla and Stan Jr. on Trigger.

Stanley White was in my life from before I can remember, and I’m serious when I say that my father loved him as much as he loved me. I couldn’t be more grateful, because that gave me the best older brother in the world.

I have hundreds of memories of Stanley, but one stands out because it showed, when all is said and done, who he really was. A lot of people forget where they came from, but no matter how big or successful Stanley got, he never stopped caring about the people who were lucky enough to be in his heart. When my father died unexpectedly in 1973, I was in Florida starting a career and my grief-stricken mother and sisters suddenly had 54 horses out in the pasture and no idea what to do with them. Stanley, without being asked, just quietly stepped in and marketed every single one.

Stanley was family. He was “all that and a bag of chips” to me, and he’ll stay with me until the day I die. I’ll love him, Kitty and the boys forever.

Robert Peebles

R o b e rt P e e b l e s | B l u f f t o n , SC Ar abian Horse Times | 79 | Volume 48, No. 3

Thank you, Stan and Kitt y...

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For eight years, I was blessed to train and show as part of the Stanley G. White Grandeur Arabians team. For most that means employment, but for me it was that and much more, I became part of the White family.

I learned from Stan the master himself, not only the art of horse training, but the meaning of what it takes to be successful in life. I showed many National Champions while at Stan and Kitty’s, but I relish each moment I had of being a part of their lives. Some can only dream of being a part of something special—I lived it with them.

Stan and Kitty were so proud of their breeding program that produced many English champions. I am honored to have been a part of this as well. Many people will walk in and out of our lives, but only true friends will leave a footprint in our heart.

Thank you, Stan and Kitty, you both have filled my heart and beyond. ~ Rich

R i c h W a l l e r | O c a l a , FL Ar abian Horse Times | 80 | Volume 48, No. 3

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A Great Friend & Supporter Of Schneiders

Since the late 60s, I shared many great memories with Stan and his family. Among my fondest, and scariest, was when Stan was looking to buy a new saddle at a Nationals in Oklahoma City. In a work arena, he tried it and liked the saddle. Then he said to me, “Stan, I want to see what it looks like in the ring. Get on, and ride it around.”

To say I was nervous getting on his national champion was an understatement. While he and other trainers on the rail shared a good laugh at my less than stellar performance, I did get the saddle sold.

Stan was so easy to work with. He helped us design and perfect numerous products. He had a great ability to communicate and was always willing to share his knowledge and values. This is certainly very evident in the continued success in every way of his children and grandchildren. We’ll miss you.

Sincerely, Stan Schneider

S ta n S c h n e i d e r | S c h n e i d e r s S a d d l e ry | C h a g r i n F a l l s , OH Ar abian Horse Times | 81 | Volume 48, No. 3

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The White Family … Great Accomplishments

Throughout my career in the Arabian horse industry, I have been privileged to know, not only great Arabian horses, but great Arabian breeders and trainers. I have always had a passion for genetics, and the pursuit of this has passed through several species of livestock for me.

I also have a passion for learning. I was brought up to believe by my parents, that every day was an opportunity, and you could always learn from everyone. I believe we learn by watching, listening and doing. Great horses have been bred by individuals that not only understand genetic principles, but I also understand that there must be a purpose for the horse they create. Great trainers also have the uncanny ability to motivate and control the mind, body, heart and athletic ability of these steeds. In my journey thru life, my involvement in the Arabian industry evolved; great horses and great people became more and more important in my life.

There is great genetics in the human world as well. At a young age, I developed a great admiration for a trainer by the name of Stanley White Sr. He trained and showed a straight Egyptian stallion by the name of *Asadd. This was something that was not supposed to be possible! He not only trained and showed him, but made *Asadd a U.S. National Champion in halter and English Pleasure!

I admired Stan’s ability as a horseman, but I additionally admired his devotion to his family and his beautiful wife, Kitty. Stan Sr. became a world class respected judge, trainer and breeder. He was a great teacher and role model to his children and grandchildren. I have had the privilege of knowing them and working with all three generations of the White family.

Khaja J with Stanley White III

One of my most memorable moments was the presentation of the AHA Hall of Fame Judge at the U.S. Nationals where three generations of Whites were there to accept this great award. The White family is not only incredibly talented, but also an outstanding example of great family values. They are truly role models to each of us.

The White name is synonymous with perfection. I am thankful to be able to call them my friends.

Larry Jerome

J e r l a n d F a r m s | B a r r o n , WI Ar abian Horse Times | 82 | Volume 48, No. 3

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Simply The Best—Stanley White

Stanley White was a legend. When he passed away, the news spread like a wave across the country, with trainers calling their friends just to talk about him.

That’s how much respect there was for him. He was small in size, but big in presence—you never overlooked Stanley. He was, simply, one of the greatest horsemen that has ever been.

There are certain people in your lifetime that you know right away are in a class by themselves, and Stanley was that for me. When I went to work for him at the beginning of my career, I knew he was a big deal, but I didn’t know how big a deal he really was. Did he have the best stock all the time? No, but that didn’t slow him down. He overcame all kinds of difficulties and won major national titles with some of those horses. That’s how good he was at training

On Assateague Island, Stanley Sr. driving and directing the swimming of the Chincoteague Ponies.

and how well he knew horses. I saw him in some very challenging circumstances (like, on the runway in Egypt trying to load a bunch of half-wild horses) that would have scared a normal person to death, but not Stanley. His talent kept us all from being killed that day. His horsemanship was second to none. None.

There was only one Stanley White. He had so much integrity and ability and charisma, and yet he was as real a person as you’ll ever meet. He was the best.

Jim Lowe

In 1972 Cairo at the Great Pyramids with, l-r: Don Ford, Harold Ray, Stanley White Sr., Steve White and Jim Lowe.

L o w e S h o w H o r s e C e n t r e | S o m i s , CA Ar abian Horse Times | 83 | Volume 48, No. 3

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Thank you everyone … for a lifetime of friendship, memories, traditions and love!

Stan’s and my journey with the Arabian breed began in 1962 training for Bazy Tankersley of Al Marah Arabians in Bethesda, Maryland, and continued for six special years. Stanley’s first National Champion Stallion was Count Bazy, who he showed for her in 1967. In 1968 our journey lead us to Don Ford’s Lancer Arabians in Brighton, Michigan, where Stan trained and showed among others, *Asadd, National Champion Stallion and English. When Lancer moved the farm to Reddick, Florida, in 1977, we built their new facility and continued to train and breed incredible horses.

In 1980 after the dispersal auction of Lancer Arabians, we opened and built our own training and breeding facility and Stanley G. White’s Grandeur Arabians was born.

Now 55 years later, we were fortunate to have owned, trained and bred hundreds of National Champion, Reserve and Top Ten Arabians and Half-Arabians, of which we are extremely proud. But best of all for us, is having all of you as our extended family. For us, family is not defined by blood, but by a mutual love—a love for all of you and the Arabian horse.

Thank you, for Stan’s past awards as twice APAHA Horseman of the Year, both Stan and I’s APAHA Lifetime Achievement Award, 2013 Region 12 Hall of Fame and AHA Hall of Fame Judge. I want you to know most of all, that the award that means the most to me is the love from each of you for Stan and my family, Stan Jr. and Steve, their spouses and four grand and two great grandchildren.

Stan was a great father, husband, leader, horseman, judge and friend to all, and a tireless worker. He knew that if you believe in something, believe also in the struggle to achieve it. And he did just that.

Stan’s infectious smile, his laughter, the twinkle in his eyes, and his kind heart, lifted everyone’s spirit and allowed us to believe in ourselves. Stan was the love of my life, always will be, and I miss him each day that passes.

The one possession closest to my heart is your love, memories and friendship for all these many, many years. I hope that your lives may be filled with years of love, passion and dedication for the Arabian horse as it was for Stan and I for 63 years.

Love and God bless you all, Kitty White

S ta n l e y W h i t e ’ s G r a n d e u r A r a b i a n s | C i t r a , FL Ar abian Horse Times | 84 | Volume 48, No. 3

In this issue:

The Land Frank Hennessey Built ...

See what’s happening today and why this Arabian Horse attraction is bringing everyone to Florida!

Very first foal sired by:

PRESENTED BY TED CARSON Beloved One NA+ × Rohara MarcAlyssa

National Champion

PRESENTED BY TED CARSON Vitorio TO × Rohara MarcAlyssa

WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida | 352-430-3456

Hennessey Arabians has captured the heart and wonder of nearly every person that has visited since its inception in 2007. Frank Hennessey’s dream of building a

‘heaven of horses’

has been realized, while the unexpected consequence of his effort has turned the 93-acre farm into a place that many now refer to as HennesseyLand, a magical kingdom for those who are inspired by their love of the horse.

Above: Farm manager George Z and the iconic grey mares of Hennessey Arabians.

Facing page: H Paipur H (Jaipur El Perseus x Paloma De Jamaal, by Soho Carol).

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arabians of the southeast

Hennessey Arabians is known as one of the top Arabian horse breeding farms in the Southeast Region, located in the heart of the “Horse Capital of the World™,” Ocala, Fla., which Ocala/Marion County officially named in 2007, a testament to the county’s unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the country. With a beautiful, mild climate all year long and soil rich with limestone calcium for strong bones, Ocala is home to more horses than anywhere else in the country.

The Hennessey breeding program was founded on the bloodlines of pure Polish and Polish-related halter horses, and has beautifully transformed into a program that offers a horse for every home and a home for every horse. In 2014, Frank acquired full ownership of the Regional and National winning English pleasure and park stallion, H Mobility H. A number of mares were purchased to produce top English pleasure offspring, as well as a few Saddlebreds to begin the Half-Arabian English division of Hennessey Arabians. Late in 2014, the Jaipur Initiative was formed for the double Ali Jamaal-bred stallion, Jaipur el Perseus. The foundation of the Hennessey herd was built on Polish bloodlines because conformation, structure and athleticism was of the utmost importance to Frank and Farm Manager and advisor, George Z. The introduction of other bloodlines such as Jaipur el Perseus into the program has created an enhancement of refinement and beauty to the Polish foundation. As a result of the quality Hennessey-bred foals sired by Jaipur, Hennessey Arabians has experienced tremendous growth in the international Arabian horse community.

Jaipur currently stands at Jadem Arabians in Belgium with Christine Jamar who has successfully sold multiple breedings and several high priced Jaipur el Perseus foals in Europe for Hennessey.

HennesseyLand–Indeed, A Magical Kingdom

by RIYAN RIVERO

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arabians of the southeast

2017 REGION XII CHAMPIONS H EMERSON H Spotlight Futurity Champion Auction Colt with Phillip Del Pozzo H RAFAEL H Futurity Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding with Katie Hendrickson Reserve Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding with Mike Wilson H AMOUR H Spotlight Futurity Champion Hunter Pleasure Maturity ATR and Top Five ATR with Alexandra Cona Top Five Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse with Peri Wilson H CAPTIVATION H Reserve Champion Western Pleasure AATR with Alexandra Cona H ALOUETTE H Spotlight Futurity Reserve Champion Yearling Filly with Rob Janecki H EMBITION H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly with Rob Janecki Top Five 2-Year-Old Filly with Mike Wilson H MOTIVITY H Spotlight Futurity Top Five English Pleasure with Mary Trowbridge H MOCCA H Spotlight Futurity Top Five Hunter Pleasure Maturity 5-Year-Old ATR with Jayme Martino H PISTAL H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Auction Yearling Colt with Katie Hendrickson H PATRICIA H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten 2-Year-Old Filly with Katie Hendrickson H ENTHRALL H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Auction Yearling Colt with Jacob Wilson Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Alexandra Cona

Pictured clockwise: H Rafael H (Jaipur El Perseus x CA Rufflesnlace), H Emerson H (AJ Thee Luca x H Entrique H), Jenny White from Wilson Training and Bloodstock, and H Alouette H (Jaipur El Perseus x H Allure H).

When asked what event in the Southeast has had the most impact on the farm, Frank responded, “The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, as is the Thanksgiving Show in Tampa. I have been particularly influenced by the camaraderie, support and respect for each others programs displayed by breeders and competitors at these shows. As the founder of the popular Weanling class at the Thanksgiving show that offers breeders an opportunity to showcase their foals with no pressure—no posing, and no hard stand up—I look forward to the show each year. Mike Wilson, Peri Wilson, and Mary Trowbridge have played valuable roles in the success of our horses at these events, including our title as the Spotlight Breeder of Distinction for three years in a row.” The Breeder of Distinction award is one that Frank refers to as the highest honor and recognition of the Hennessey program. Region 12 is the largest geographical region in the country. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses, while the Spotlight Futurity encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding stallion owners as well as breeders when they get involved in the program.

The ever-growing payouts, recognition of breeders, and quality stallions has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole.

H PAIPUR H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Filly with Katie Hendrickson H CIR LAWRENCE H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Katie Hendrickson H ABACUS H Spotlight Futurity Top Ten Yearling Colt with Amelia Hruban Ar abian Horse Times | 4 |

arabians of the southeast

In January of 2016, Hennessey Arabians stepped out of the box and held an online auction of some of their quality breeding stock.

Inspired by Frank’s mantra, “a horse for every home and a home for every horse,” the project was an effort to reach a market that is otherwise hard to conquer. What set the idea apart was, the horses were auctioned online without the use of traditional Arabian horse auction companies. There were no reserves set and the bulk of the horses offered were proven breeding stock and/or show horses. The team brainstormed about ways to break the traditional mindset that online auctions are for “throw away” horses that an owner or breeder found no value in. Frank is proud of every horse he breeds and strongly believes that each of them holds value to someone, be it a foundation to a future breeding program or a best friend to someone in need. His desire to reach others with his infectious love of the Arabian horse inspired the team to hold an online auction with quality horses available at affordable prices all over the world.

To date, they have held two very successful production auctions online and are preparing their third for August 10th–12th, 2017.

A few of the success stories from buyers of the online auctions include Rob Janecki and Joe Alberti, who purchased the beautiful daughter of Jaipur el Perseus, Mahadevi o in the first auction. She has since won two Regional Championships and placed 3rd at the U.S. Nationals. They bred her to Miracle of Marwan and were overwhelmed with joy over the exceptional filly she produced for them. Barbara Banoff bought a mare in the first auction and two more in the second. She told Frank she’d have bought more had she not been outbid on multiple other horses she had her eye on.

Barbara shared on Facebook, “… so far as I could tell, Hennessey Arabians doesn’t have any low quality horses!” There is nothing more satisfying to Frank and his team than to see Hennessey-bred horses excelling with their new owners.

Pictured top to bottom: H Entuition H (Bey Ambition x RD Enzarra) George Z and Pepesza (Eukaliptus x Pestka) Sashaa LHT (El Nabila B x Giovanna JM) and her foal by Equator PASB, H Sandor H.

American Saddlebred, Crystal Bay

H Mobility H (MHR Nobility x RY Fire Ghazi)

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arabians of the southeast

“Their experience is true love! These are the stories that need to be told.

A video game will not give you that special feeling. It is magical.”

~ Frank Hennessey

The entire team at Hennessey Arabians shares a common goal: to share the love of the Arabian horse across the globe. The powerful emotion that an Arabian horse calls to the surface of people from all walks of life remains a mystery to those who have not experienced it. Arabians speak to our hearts, nurture our souls and lovingly guide us through difficult situations.

During the 2013 Arabian Celebration Show in Kentucky, Kimberly Marie Jarvis, the Arabian Celebration Show Committee and Pat and Mary Trowbridge arranged a visit to the Home of the Innocents in Louisville, with Hennessey’s own, Miz Vogue VA. Home of The Innocents offers a safe haven for at-risk children; pediatric medical care; clinical treatment services and therapeutic loving foster and adoption services. When the organizers of the Home of the Innocents shared that some of the children would not be able to attend the show, the ACS took the show to them. It was an opportunity for these fantastic children to meet, touch and connect with an Arabian horse! The excitement in these childrens eyes when Miz Vogue dropped her head in their arms was astonishing. Everyone was moved to emotion beyond explanation as she made her way around the circle of children, one by one allowing each of them to touch and kiss her.

The expression in her eye was soft and kind as if she had a complete understanding for the hardships these children have faced and what it meant to them to be in her presence.

A few years ago, Frank invited a friend and his wife to visit the farm with their daughter Belle on her birthday weekend. Belle has Autism. On a routine tour of the farm, Frank pointed out a mare that would likely give birth some time in the night. Belle was eager to be awakened if it were in fact to happen. At three in the morning, Frank awakened the family to witness the birth. Belle watched with wonder as the universe presented her with this beautiful little miracle.

Thus began Belle’s love affair with the world of horses. As soon as she returned home, she asked if she could have one of her own. Months later, Frank thought of Belle after spending time with a 4-year-old Arabian gelding with one of the most loving personalities he’d ever come across. Belle’s parents accepted a generous gift of this kind, young gelding to Belle. His forever friend and companion, Belle refers to him as ‘Romeo’. Watching Belle and Romeo bond has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Frank’s life.

These stories only scrape the surface of endless emotional moments cherished by the Hennessey team.

Hennessey Arabians will be hosting seminars at the farm with the intent of sharing the history, lifestyle and passion of the Arabian horse, near the end of 2017. The goal will be to provide visitors with a unique glimpse at the lifestyle we so deeply enjoy and to introduce Arabian horses to the vast number of visitors that tour the farm located in the heart of the ‘Horse Capital of the World’. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

They say ‘time flies when you’re having fun’…

Frank’s dream of building this spectacular ‘haven for horses’, now lovingly referred to as HennesseyLand, has been in business for 10 years. 100 horses sold, countless lives touched, and an undeniable passion for the love of the horse has indeed, made Hennessey Arabians a most ‘magical kingdom’.

Pictured top to bottom: Miz Vogue VA (Triften x Miz Margeaux V) visits Home of the Innocents in Louisville, KY. Belle and H Nability H (El Nabila B x Walsa El Ludjin), aka “Romeo”, at Hennessey Arabians.

Hennessey Arabian, LLC 12780 NW 35th Street Ocala, Florida 34482 Farm: 352.629.4931 Fax: 352-629-0561 www.HennesseyArabians.com

Frank Hennessey – Owner Cell: 313.407.2070 Frank@HennesseyArabians.com George Z - Manager Cell: 352.857.3384 George@HennesseyArabians.com Riyan Rivero - Public Relations Cell: 480.650.0731 RiyanHA@me.com

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arabians of the southeast

Roharaour welcomes new arrivals

ROHARA MARCQUEE 2017 Colt

(QR Marc x Rohara Aida, by El Nabila B)

ROHARA ANDREA 2017 Filly (Montana Firenze x Kays Psylouette, by Padrons Psyche)

We invite you to visit and see the opportunities available.

ROHARA JUSTAMARAJJ 2017 Colt (Marajj x S Justatinkerbell, by Justafire DGL)

Rohara Arabians

KARL & ROXANN HART, OWNERS • JOHN RANNENBERG, TRAINER P.O. BOX 110, ORANGE LAKE, FLORIDA 32681 352.591.4661 • 352.266.6445, CELL • ROHARA@WINDSTREAM.NET

W W W . RO H A R A . C O M

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ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST

ARABIANS OF THE SOUTHEAST B

by Anne Stratton

efore there was Scottsdale, there was the Sunshine Circuit. “Destination horse showing� you would have called it, just as you think of Scottsdale now. You attend for the competition and the prestige, but you also go for the fun and the warm weather. As early as the 1930s, but abundantly in the 1950s and 1960s, Florida offered not one show like that, but as many as six or seven, depending on when some of them went in or out of business, and they attracted horses from all over the country.

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arabians of the southeast

The Sunshine Circuit wasn’t just for Arabians, longtime Southeastern horsemen caution; on the schedules also were Saddlebreds, Morgans, ponies, hunters, jumpers—you name it, it showed, and the good times were legendary. Memories reverberate of the Miami Show, a stylish society affair held at Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key Auditorium, and of Winter Haven at the famous Orange Dome (which, as might be expected, looked like an orange). And Clearwater, Gainesville, Delray, Orlando, and since 1933, the Tampa Bay Charity Show at the Yacht Club, where the old white clubhouse was surrounded by azaleas. They all had stories (like the night the ring lights went out in Gainesville, and Sports Illustrated—that’s right, the premier sports magazine in the country—reported that “only an owl with a judge’s license could have reached a proper decision”).

The Arabians were a small presence, true, but they grew—largely, many say, because of the exposure at shows like these, which attracted new enthusiasts. “Everybody came,” Rohara’s Roxann Hart says, “and when you have that much activity, you’ll see expansion. It spread the camaraderie and interest in the Arabian horse.”

By 1973, the Arabian scene in the Southeast had grown to the point that a group of horsemen led by Karl Hart proposed the regional system to the International Arabian Horse Association. In the new set-up, Region 12 became the largest geographical area in what is now AHA. There were not large populations of the breed in any one locality, but there were many overall, and owners already were used to driving long distances for big shows and meetings.

For most observers today, Region 12 is synonymous with the Southeast.

We’re casting a wider net, though, as we examine an area of the country: we include the seven states of 12 (Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi), and throw in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky too. West Virginia really may be a classic border state, but it’s not a stretch for Virginia and Kentucky, which traditionally have leaned south in their culture.

By anyone’s standard, the Southeast has played a noteworthy role in the Arabian breed. Let’s take a look.

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A. Keene Richards of Georgetown, Ky.

Its Place In History

Two names stand out in the early history of Arabians in the Southeast— in the 1850s, A. Keene Richards of Georgetown, Ky., and beginning in 1930, General J.M. Dickinson Jr., of Franklin, Tenn.

When the Arabian breed first arrived in the United States, it was probably to the Southeast simply because that’s where most of the better horse breeding went on in early times. In the 17th century, England had begun using “Oriental” stallions—a catchall term for the Arabians, Barbs and Turks of the Middle East—to improve bloodstock, and early American breeders sometimes purchased them from the English. A few horses also arrived as gifts to prominent people from foreign dignitaries (Thomas Jefferson was an early recipient). Whether or not any of these were pure Arabians is hard to prove, though, because the Ottoman sultans considered purebreds national treasures and forbid their export. Smuggling them was next to impossible, not to mention risky and fabulously expensive, so horses that came from the East typically were crosses—most of them good crosses, but still not pure by modern standards.

What is widely agreed is that the first verifiably purebred Arabians came to Kentucky when horseman A. Keene Richards studied the breed and traveled to Europe and the Middle East twice in search of the best horses. His first selections arrived in 1853 and second in 1855. arabians of the southeast

Karl and Roxann Hart.

Dickinson also is credited with opening relations with Polish horsemen; he visited there in 1934, when he made his first importation of horses, and also sold Antez to stand at stud in Poland. (Antez was remarkable; a standout show, race and endurance horse, he also was used in breeding and as the personal mount for both Dickinson and his teenaged daughter, Peggy.) The general went abroad again in 1937, when he wrote in his diary that he’d been impressed by the young stallion *Ofir, who, he felt, would become an important sire. A little ahead of his time, he also routinely sold horses internationally.

At home, Dickinson’s most influential stallions were Czubuthan (Polish), *Nasr (Egyptian) and Gulastra (domestic), and it is worth noting that Hallany Mistanny, whose name remains an asset in pedigrees today, was bred at Traveler’s Rest.

Top to bottom: General J.M. Dickinson Jr., Traveler’s Rest, in Franklin, Tenn.; Antez with W.K. Kellogg; Bazleyd.

Unfortunately, the Civil War put an end to his breeding experiment, which in any case involved using the Arabians on other breeds, not perpetuating their pure lines.

By the early 20th century, Arabians were not prominent in the Southeast—until 1930, when General J. M. Dickinson Jr. established one of the largest Arabian horse stud farms in the country at Traveler’s Rest, in Franklin, Tenn. Most of his foundation stock came from W.K. Kellogg and W.R. Brown, but also included individuals from other major breeders.

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Dickinson also promoted the breed. In 1933 and 1934, he persuaded the Tennessee State Fair to host a “National Arabian Horse Show,” for which Kellogg sent a team of horses that included Jadaan, star of the recent film “Son of the Sheikh,” to do a demonstration. That first year, Dickinson’s Bazleyd was National Champion Stallion, and the dam of *Raffles, *Rifala, was National Champion Mare. *Raffles, representing Roger Selby’s stud in Portsmouth, Ohio, was 1933 National Champion in Three-Gaited. In 1934, Bazleyd returned to claim the Five-Gaited Championship, while his son, Jagai, was the Champion Arabian Colt or Filly.

In 1946, Dickinson moved the operation to California, but it did not remain long on the West Coast. He and his daughter returned to Tennessee in 1948, where the stud was disbanded in 1949.

Under General Dickinson, who was an excellent horseman and breeder, Traveler’s Rest supplied quality individuals to the equine marketplace, whether buyers specified Arabians or not. But after World War II, as the number of Arabian enthusiasts grew in the Southeast and the country as a whole, Dickinson’s program was a resource for many newcomers starting their programs.

arabians of the southeast

The Modern Era

Let’s call “modern” from the late 1950s on, about the time that the Southeast was beginning to capitalize on its growing interest. By the 1960s, clubs were springing up to provide some framework for the growing breed. Florida’s Arabian Horse Association dates to the early 1950s, while Georgia’s started in 1965 and Virginia’s Old Dominion, 1970.

In time, more professional trainers appeared on the scene, but for years, that wasn’t the case. “Most of us were training our own horses and showing just one or two at a time,” Jean Blackstone recalled of the early 1960s in a July 2014 AHT article. “We were in awe of the trainers because there were so few of them. We were all keenly aware that there were very few Arabians, and we loved them dearly and fiercely promoted them.” In those days, Blackstone served as secretary of the Southeastern Arabian Horse Association; she is the mother of today’s Director of Region 12, Lisa Blackstone.

Florida boasted the most horses of any of the southeastern states. One of its leaders was Willis Flick, a Miami attorney and former military pilot, and one of the most respected men in the breed. He and his wife, Imogene (“Jimmie”), had Glenglade Arabians in Coral Gables. In the 1960s, they turned their attention to straight Egyptian bloodlines, and Willis became one of the founding members of the Pyramid Society.

Their top stallion was Ansata El Naseri.

Also in Coral Gables, banker Frank Smathers Jr., brother of longtime U.S. Senator George Smathers, founded Four Fillies Farm— appropriately named, as Frank had four daughters. He purchased two of his earliest mares, the Crabbet-bred *Silver Pearl and *Magic Ribbon, while on a trip to England, on occasion used Egyptian influences, and made an early importation from Poland as well. His daughter, Lura, remained in the business and while married to trainer Dale Bergh operated Dalur Arabians in the Ocala area.

Among others in south Florida at the time were Rafflingle Arabians, Diane Dodge (daughter of Ray Dodge, whose trophy company

Jean and daughter Lisa Blackstone.

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Willis and Imogene Flick. made the Oscars), and some horse people who were just starting out: Dodge’s cousin Roxann Ravlin (the future Roxann Hart) and trainer Liz Langford were teenagers at the time, but already involved.

Into the 1970s, central Florida grew as an equine enclave. DLK Ranch, Dr. Winburn and Milly Shearouse, John Evans, and later, Nodorama, Town and Country and many others were there. In 1981, Town and Country merged with Lasma, creating a far-flung operation that led the industry in the boom-and-bust 1980s.

Early in the ’80s, however, all remained well; Stanley White moved to the Ocala area with Lancer Arabians, but soon founded his own facility, Grandeur Arabians, and Rohara Arabians, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, moved north from Miami to Orange Lake. By that time, Rohara was making its name.

Stanley White with Don Ford’s Asadd. arabians of the southeast

also Shelton Rimer’s Bali Hai Arabians, in Greenville, S.C., which bred primarily Lewisfield-line horses. And in Greensboro, N.C., Sitting Rock Farms began with a Crabbet focus, purchasing the *Raffles son Sotep from the Lancer auction of 1973, but later introduced Spanish bloodlines.

In Asheville, N.C., Margaret Shuey ran Sunny Acres, where George Ingle was the trainer. Her primary cross was *Raffles/*Roda, a classic mare bred in Egypt, imported by W.R. Brown, later acquired by J.M. Dickinson, and finally by Shuey. Shuey remained in Arabians until her death in the early 1990s, and it is not uncommon to see the “Sunny Acres” prefix in pedigrees today.

Emenee

Rohara Tsultress

“When I got in, there was so much excitement,” Roxann Hart recalls now. “I felt so ordinary, and so many people seemed so wise. When one of the first mares that I bought, Emenee, was Region 12 Reserve Champion Mare (I think it was the second regionals there ever was), I was so thrilled—I was just floored that I had a horse that could win like that. And the best part is, she was carrying Rohara Tsultress, who would be 1981 U.S. National Mare, at the time. Since that time, I can’t even begin to tell you how many regional [and national] champions we have shown for people, and our own horses have won in all divisions.”

Over the years, Rohara has owned or represented a parade of marquis stallions, among them Ivanhoe Tsultan; Bay-El-Bey (on lease from Varian Arabians); U.S. National Champion Stallions Exceladdinn and El Nabila B; Justafire DGL; JK Amadeus; Good Thunder; QR Marc— and while at Rohara, Justafire DGL, JK Amadeus and Ivanhoe Tsultan all sired U.S. National Champion Mares. Recently, Aria Impresario, A Jakarta and Montana Firenze have been writing the latest generation of the farm’s history. “This year John [Rannenberg, head trainer since 1985] had a great show in both halter and performance at Region 12,” Hart smiles.

Georgia too offered an array of Arabian farms. Before moving to California, Janice and Frank Rust’s Halali Farm was located in Evans, Ga. They had imported *El Mudir, *Egeria, *Fortunka and *Egreta from Poland, and in 1969, sold *El Mudir to Lasma. There, he was campaigned to the 1970 U.S. National Championship in Park and was *Bask’s stablemate at stud. Lasma’s Jerry Smola later came to Halali often to train horses, and it once was home to Harold Brite, who went on to train for Bazy Tankersley at Al Marah.

One of the best-known operations of the time, Curt Gwinn’s Dixieland Arabian Stud was in Eastover, S.C., and part of the reason for its fame was that Jim Fisher trained there. “Jim was probably one of the greatest ambassadors the breed has ever known,” says Martha Rattner, who worked for Fisher straight out of high school in the 1970s. “He was so charming, so free to help people—it was as natural to him as breathing. Everybody wanted to go to the show because Jim wanted to go to the show.”

At Dixieland, Fisher was a powerhouse, especially partnering some of the top horses in the 1970s, including High Hopes (three U.S. National Championships and two reserves in park, formal driving and formal combination); Angelo Storm (U.S. National Reserve Champion and Canadian National Champion Formal Combination); and Ibn Silver Ghost, 1976 U.S. National Champion in Pleasure Driving.

Rattner remembers Ibn Silver Ghost as one of the strongest, most resilient horses ever, and one of the best. “One of the first shows I went to with Jim was Richmond,” she says. “He got a second in English Pleasure with Ghost, and he borrowed a buggy from Dick Landmesser and said, ‘I’m going to drive him.’ I said, ‘Does he know how?’ Turns out he hadn’t driven him more than a couple of times since he was a 2-year-old! But he went in and won.”

There was another reason that show was important. “I can’t remember what class it was, but Jim dragged me to the ring and said, ‘I want you to see something.’ Nichols-DeLongpre was still in

Meanwhile, Jean Blackstone had Onyx Arabians in Athens, Ga., and Ann Stover headed a thriving show barn first in the Atlanta area and then near Newnan. And for a number of years, singer Kenny Rogers maintained a mostly Russian breeding program in Colbert, Ga. In the Carolinas, Edith Rosenberg’s Rose Araby Arabians, in Abbeville, S.C., was well-respected. Dick Landmesser was the trainer, and the lead sire was Aahdin, whose bloodlines were Crabbet and Babson. There was Ar abian Horse Times | 14 |

High Hopes arabians of the southeast

Top left, clockwise: Precious As Gold; Versace; a 2-year-old and yet to be realized Magnum Psyche; Ivanhoe Tsultan; ML Mostly Padron; Good Thunder; Odyssey SC and Justafire DGL. Connecticut then, and the horse he wanted me to see was Barbary. Jim said, ‘That’s going to be one of the greatest horses of all time.’ It was Barbary’s first show; he’s the one who beat Ghost in English pleasure.

And Ghost beat him in pleasure driving.”

Another important program in the area and nationwide was Lewisfield Arabians in Charlottesville, Va. It was founded in 1960, when owner James F. Lewis Jr. purchased 40 horses from Ben Hur Farm to begin his breeding program. Then he imported several individuals from Crabbet Park in England, as well as domesticallybred *Raseyn and *Raffles horses. His headline stallions were *Nizzam and *Touch Of Magic, both of whom crossed well with the Ben Hur lines to create the “Lewisfield look”—exceptionally pretty, with substantial bodies and athletic skills. The farm dispersed in 1973.

Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff ’s Cre-Run-bred 2009 Texas Yellow Rose G2, $40,000, 7 furlongs, Arabian 4-Year-Old Fillies winner, A Second Wind (Nivour de Cardonne x Wind Gypzi, by Starbask).

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“Lewisfield had some of the most well-bred horses available at the time,” remembers teacher, judge and steward Cecile Dunn. “They did a beautiful job, especially with performance horses.”

In Alabama, meanwhile, some of the major players were Russell Lee, Buddy Argo and Judge Clayton, and in Tennessee, Dr. Sam Harrison spearheaded the drive for Arabian racing. In Arabians from the early 1950s on, Harrison had several successful race horses, including *Dimrak and Samtyr. In the early 1980s, Lasma South (the old Town and Country) also jumped on the racing bandwagon, and as the decade advanced, Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff ’s Cre-Run in Doswell, Va., dedicated their breeding program to the track.

By the 1990s, many of the old breeders and farms were fading from the scene—but many faces follow them: Al-Marah Arabian Horses (Clermont, Fla.); Beloveds Farm (Lady Lakes, Fla.); Belvedere Farm LLC (Cedartown, Ga.); Burnt Hickory Arabians (Ga.); Chestnuthill Arabians (Ocala, Fla.); Christy Higman Training (Miami, Fla.); Colonial Downs Training Center (Reddick, Fla.); Cornerstone Ranch (Leeds, Ala.); Dale Brown Performance Horses (Rentz, Ga.); EAC Equine with Showtime Training Center (Newnan, Ga.); Gemini Ranch (Plant City, Fla.); Hennessey Arabian LLC (Ocala, Fla.); Honeysuckle Farm Arabians, LLC (Catharpin, Va.); Kiesner Training (Louisville, Tenn.); KM Stables (Fla.); L.A. Flynn (Alpharetta, Ga.); Magnum Arabians (Williston, Fla.); Maraba Arabians (Ocala, Fla.); Marino Arabians (Birmingham, Ala.); Palmetto Arabians (Timmonsville, S.C.); RBC Show Horses LLC (Smithfield, N.C.); Rhapsody in Blue Stables (Chatom, Ala.); Rick Gault Training LLC (Archdale, N.C.); Rojo Arabians (Port Orange, Fla.); Sichini Training (Ocala, Fla.); Smoky arabians of the southeast

Left to right: Afires Vision, Baskghazi, VJ Royal Heir and SF Aftershoc.

Mountain Park Arabians (Lenoir City, Tenn.); Southern Oaks Farm LLC ( Jupiter, Fla.); Ted Carson and Butler Farms (White Oak, N.C.); Tshampagne Arabians (Miami, Fla.); Vicki Humphrey Training Center (Canton, Ga.); Wilson Training Center (Sorrento, Fla.); Winter Sky Ranch (Maryville, Tenn.); and many more.

Milestones And Memories

The changes that came for Southeastern Arabians in the latter half of the 20th century were profound, especially on the show scene. In the early days, the big objective was just to get the horses into the all-breed shows, so that the public could see more of them. “Then when we got them [in], we would call everyone within a reasonable area to turn out,” recalled Jean Blackstone in the 2014 article. “Everyone would, and they’d fill the classes just to promote Arabians.”

Over the years, they became part of a scene that included all-Arabian events. Everyone remembers how the season traditionally closed in Florida at the Thanksgiving Show, where turkey dinner was served to the exhibitors, courtesy of the club.

Ann Stover with RRA PJ Mirad.

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Being the south, of course the Southeast story abounds with colorful characters. Toy and Tim Caldwell, of the Marshall Tucker Band, were Jim Fisher’s clients, so the band routinely played the Stone Mountain Classic’s not-to-miss exhibitor party. And then there was one owner who named his horses after famous Confederate soldiers, but reportedly wound up in prison for tax evasion (while he was around, though, he did his part to promote the breed).

On a more serious note, several historic concepts and events have come from the Southeast. One was the organization of the regional system.

“Class A shows were lots of fun,” explains longtime horsewoman and judge Ann Stover, “but if you were trying to get better and build a reputation, the regional system gave you a way to do that.”

Another landmark event, she adds, was locating the U.S. Nationals in Louisville, Ky., in 1976. “The show was losing money, and they brought it to Kentucky and made money every year,” she notes.

Stover herself was the source of some of the good ideas for the breed.

She was the first to lobby for a Youth Nationals, but was unable to sell it. Nancy Harvey and others shepherded the idea forward to resounding success. Stover, meanwhile, envisioned Region 12’s Youth Jamboree, which is aimed at the general public. Trainers provide instruction to attendees, and at the end, a horse show is held. “The kids that were attracted to this were the ones who couldn’t afford a trainer,” Stover says.

“We’ve had kids who had bridles on backwards or who had no clue what to do with a full bridle—and there were some horrendous western bits.

But they wanted to learn and it was available to them.” Each year, the Jamboree moves to a different location to maximize exposure.

When examining the Southeast’s contributions to the breed, it’s impossible to miss the competitive quality of its horses, owners, trainers and breeders. These days, leading horses and horsemen in all divisions of the main ring and the sport horse world alike call it home—and so does the Region 12 Spotlight, one of the most popular futurity programs in the industry. “We have such a great genepool in this area of the country,” Roxann Hart says. “If you can win at Region12, that’s your springboard to the national level.” arabians of the southeast

Farms of the Southeast JOE ALBERTI

Chestnuthill Arabians Ocala, FL

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1990.

What horse or event within the Southeast states has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Tampa Thanksgiving show and Region 12 are two of the best shows in the country.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast states to the global Arabian horse industry? The number of famed horses that have been born and bred in the Southeast states is too long to list. This area still has some of the most dedicated owners and breeders this industry has ever had.

How has your program evolved since its inception? My program has evolved for sure.

I started with a four-stall barn in northeast Pennsylvania, to now a 40-stall breeding and training farm in Ocala, FL. We are one of the most diverse farms, with national recognition in halter, hunter, English and country English pleasure. We also have regional wins in western, side saddle and park. We are a full service facility complete with a full breeding program and lab. I wouldn’t want to be in any other place than Ocala, FL.

TED CARSON

Ted Carson at Butler Farms Training Center White Oak, NC What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? I’m not really sure the exact date, but I purchased a young gelding for $750; a bargain, because it came with so many lessons of owning horses!

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 Spotlight is so important to our Southeast breeders. It’s a way they can showcase the horses they have bred with some payback in the form of prize money.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Region 12 continues to be one of the best shows in the country and many great horses have come from our breeders in this region.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Well, just like having children can overhaul your life, the same thing has happened to our business. We have gone from being a farm trying to make an impact on the East Coast of the U.S., to one of the leading farms in the world.

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arabians of the southeast

COLLEEN COOPER

EAC Equine, LLC Boston, MA

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1993.

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Region 12 is a favorite event of mine. The level of competition, the camaraderie, and the show itself have always been highlights every year.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? The Southeast has a plethora of breeders, trainers, and amateurs integral to the success and committed to the wellbeing of our industry. While EAC may be geographically remote, our horses remain in the Southeast because of the level of competition and the high-standards of breeding that are paramount to all who breed and compete in the region.

How has your program evolved since its inception? A lot! We have evolved from a one-horse recreational program to a full-blown breeding and showing corporation! If it hadn’t been for the support, friendship, and inspiration of our colleagues in the Southeast, I’m not sure we would have been as excited to embark on our new journey as EAC. We look forward to applying all we have learned from our Southeastern counterparts and enhancing our entire industry by breeding and showing remarkably talented Arabians and Half-Arabians.

Farms of the Southeast RICK AND LAURA GAULT

ROXANN HART

FRANK HENNESSEY

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1978.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? In 1959, the purebred Arabian Gabrail (Phantom x Ralouma). He went through junior high, high school and college with me.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? My first involvement with Arabian horses was in 2003 and was a part of a partnership that owned several horses.

My first individual ownership was in 2007 when I purchased three mares from Marsha Parkinson: Zorandze, Ekzotyka, by Goliat and Ekstazia, by Eukaliptus.

Rick Gault Training, LLC Archdale, NC

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? I would say Zimmeron PGN+/ and Afires Heir. Also the Region 12 and Region 15 Championship shows make a big impact for us.

Rohara Arabians Orange Lake, FL

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 show.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? The Southeast covers a large area of very influential Arabian horse farms all the way from Virginia to Florida. Some past and some present. Many of the greatest Arabians in history were bred and trained in this part of the country. Not only is the Southeast known for top notch halter horses, but also performance. A lot of the best Arabian horse trainers in the country are in this region. All of these factors present a fantastic influence in our industry.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? “Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act, and in that action are the seeds of new knowledge.”

– Albert Einstein. This quote is applicable to the Arabian horse industry. What has gone before is the foundation gene pool with which to go forward to make a true contribution. Rohara celebrates 50 years of privilege with the Arabian horse and other Arabian breeders, particularly in the Southeast.

How has your program evolved since its inception? In the beginning (the 80s), my family would pretty much breed any stallion to any mare as long as it was an Arabian. It didn’t take long to learn that doesn’t always work well. Through the years we have constantly been improving our quality, size, and athleticism in our breeding program.

We have been very fortunate in picking great crosses in the English, western, and hunter divisions. In the past 10 years, it is really paying off. Love seeing those RGT horses wearing roses! It is a lifetime dream to breed great Arabian horses.

How has your program evolved since its inception? The Rohara program is truly based on form to function. We, through the years, have tried to breed horses that are beautiful for the halter arena and athletic for the performance arena. Entering our 50th year is a time of continuing involvement with the Arabian horse and we look forward to our 2018 foals by QR Marc, Ever After NA, SM Azraff, A Jakarta and our own Pavorotto KA.

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arabians of the southeast

Hennessey Arabian, LLC Ocala, FL

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, as is the Thanksgiving Show in Tampa. I have been particularly influenced by the camaraderie, support and respect for each other’s programs displayed by breeders and competitors at the Region XII and Spotlight Futurity show. As the founder of the popular Weanling class at the Thanksgiving show that offers breeders an opportunity to showcase their foals with no pressure, no posing, and no hard stand up, I look forward to the show each year.

Mike and Peri Wilson, as well as Mary Trowbridge, have played valuable roles in the success of our horses at these events, including our title as the Spotlight Breeder of Distinction for three years in a row.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Region 12 is the largest geographical region in the country. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses. The Spotlight Futurity encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding stallion owners as well as breeders when they get involved in the program. The ever-growing payouts, recognition of breeders, and quality stallions has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole. I see Region XII as

a community that respects one another and works together for the betterment of the breed. Even the Thanksgiving show has a uniqueness about it that strengthens the community by its innovative ideas and progression to more and more improved programs.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Hennessey Arabians began primarily as breeders of pure Polish or Polish-related halter horses. In 2014, I acquired full ownership of the regional and national winning English pleasure and park stallion, H Mobility H. A number of mares were purchased to produce top English pleasure offspring, as well as a few Saddlebreds to begin the Half-Arabian English division of Hennessey Arabians. In 2013 the Jaipur Initiative was formed for the double Ali Jamaal bred stallion, Jaipur el Perseus. The foundation of the Hennessey herd was built on Polish bloodlines because conformation, structure and athleticism were of the utmost importance to me and my Farm Manager and advisor, George Z. The introduction of other bloodlines such as Jaipur el Perseus into the program has created an enhancement of refinement and beauty to our Polish foundation. As a result of the quality Hennessey-bred foals sired by Jaipur, Hennessey Arabians has experienced tremendous growth in the International Arabian horse community. Jaipur stands at Jadem Arabians in Belgium with Christine Jamar who has successfully sold multiple breedings and several high priced Jaipur el Perseus foals for Hennessey Arabians.

JONATHAN MEYERS Rhapsody in Blue Stables Chatom, AL

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? My parents have been trainers since the 1970s, so I don’t remember “not” having an Arabian, but, I got “my” first Arabian when I was about five years old in 2000. I showed “Sassy” (WDF Jonnita Doe) in showmanship, western and hunter pleasure.

I could tie her to my swing set while I played and she would sleep, and my mom used her in her therapeutic riding program. She was a great ambassador for Arabian horses.

What horse or event within the Southeast has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Region 12 Championships. There’s an incredibly high quality of trainers, horses and competitors that attend. Horses that win at Region 12 often go on to do well at the National level.

We are a strong region and that show always pushes us to improve our program’s training, our horsemanship, our instructing. It just makes us better every year.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the Southeast to the global Arabian horse industry? Some of the best Arabian and Half-Arabian horses come out of the Southeast. Magnum Psyche, Versace, Trussardi, Stival, KM Bugatti … all were born or stood here. Even Padron was here for a time. Sundance Kid V, one of the greatest performance sires of our time, stood here. And Palmetto Arabians, Hennessey, Rohara, Dolorosa and Beloveds Farm are all extraordinary breeding programs whose horses dominate the Arabian horse show ring. Some of the best breeders and leaders in our industry call the Southeast home.

Ted Carson, John Rannenberg, Vicki Humphrey, Jessica Clinton and Gabe DeSoto; Joel and Ashton Kiesner, Mike Wilson, Dale Brown, Rob Bick and Caralyn Schroter, are true horsemen.

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arabians of the southeast

Horses, trainers and competitors from the Region 12 states are recognized in most all the divisions at the major shows. They set the bar high for all others. The quality of competition combined with the creativity and proactivity of the Region’s membership has generated conversation and growth in other parts of the country. I believe Region 12 makes everyone in our industry better at what they do in the Arabian horse industry.

How has your program evolved since its inception? Measuring our program’s evolution is a hard question to answer because it’s constantly evolving. Every aspect of our program has improved from the thought processes and approach we take with our feeding program, to the way we groom, the way we train, the way we manage our staff and other resources. In each respect, we work every day with the intention of doing better than we did yesterday.

My parents have supported me, taught me, and provided some of the best breeding around for me to train and show. They have introduced me to great trainers and breeders who have helped me. They’ve made a lot of sacrifices for me to be here and to constantly be better. The gratitude I have for them is hard to put into words. I also have exceptional clients, like Charles and LeAnne Moseley, Joe and Georgia Vaughn, Susan Turner, Jordi Garner, and Connie and Sarah Roscoe, who have been clients of ours for over ten years. They are my extended family!

There wouldn’t have been any evolution of my program without my entire barn family and friends.

Since I started training professionally, the quality of my horses, training and show ring success have steadily improved. My circle of influence is always growing and some of the best trainers in the country have shared their time and knowledge with me. These have been, and will continue to be, invaluable friendships that help me grow as a horseman.

My program still has a lot of room to improve, but with the support of my family, clients and trainers, we will increasingly be a force to contend with! n

2017 Region 12 Championships & Spotlight Futurity

photos by Kelle King

O

nce everyone was settled in their accommodations, both people and horses, the Region 12 Championship and Spotlight Futurity’s first order of business was to invite all to enjoy hors d’oeuvres at their evening Welcome Party.

Celebrating their 40th year with its rich history of dedicated Arabian horse enthusiasts and known for being the largest region with quality competition, Region 12 is a popular destination to start the show season. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, May 5th-13th, the competition was as strong as ever with beautiful horses coming from all over to

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compete for the roses at this esteemed show, all under the watchful eye of respected judges: Donnie Bullock, Bruce McCrea and Ann Judge.

The pampering continued with coffee and donuts each morning, and later in the week, a Wine & Cheese Social, compliments of Markel. The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off was on Friday afternoon, providing numerous concoctions to sample and providing $1,000 in prize money to the winners from a blind tasting by local Perry officials. Educational Seminars and Free Clinics were also offered, Photography Tips from Scott Trees and Horse Health, something every one of us should

arabians of the southeast

REGION 12 & SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY

The Region XII Championships and Spotlight Futurity is a major event for the Hennessey program, particularly for its comradery, support and respect for each other. It creates an opportunity for breeders to compete against some of the world’s finest Arabian horses, and encourages all breeders to participate by rewarding them and the stallion owners when they get involved in the program. The ever-growing payouts and quality stock has made it a very important program for the Arabian community as a whole.

—FRANK HENNESSEY

want to aspire to. Of course, everyone’s shopping needs were met, with clothing, tack, art and much more available throughout the week.

On exhibit this year were three “Arabian Horses for Humanity” statues: the famous “Goldie” was there, as well as “Legend”, a dappled grey depicting the history of the Arabian horse, painted by Suzanne Ec onomoupolus, and an unpainted statue donated to the Spotlight Futurity for their auction. This project is modeled after the “CowParade” to promote the breed and introduce our fabulous horse to new enthusiasts.

Additional hits were again, the Egyptian halter classes that were added to the class schedule last

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year, as well as Ranch Riding this year. The Western Pleasure 3-4 Year Old Calcutta was well attended and very entertaining, with Hennessey Arabians taking the 1st Place prize of $4,400 for choosing the right pairing of Flois and Cindy Burrow’s PA Anson and Joe Reser; and the Exhibitors Party with open bar and free hors d’oeuvres on Saturday night, was met with high enthusiasm and energy, perhaps with the knowledge that this great show was at its end and was the last time to all gather together in celebration and enjoy each other’s company.

The Region 12 family lost several very important members this year. A video celebrating the lives of their lost loved ones going back a few years was played and left not one dry eye in the arena. In addition, the

arabians of the southeast

The Spotlight program is more than just a lucrative futurity, it has become a key place for my customers to showcase their breeding programs!

—MIKE WILSON

Region 12 this year was a “great family reunion”—everyone working together with horses, food, and entertainment, and just being together in work and play!

—PAT DEMPSEY

lives of Stanley White, Sr. and Halsey Murch were celebrated. On Friday night, Ms. Kitty was escorted into the arena where open western pleasure riders, all wearing white shirts, each presented her with a white rose, honoring Stanley’s inf luence on our Arabian family. A new annual Stanley White Sr. Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Purebred Open Western Pleasure class. On Saturday night, Beverly Murch and family were present as Halsey Murch was inducted into the Region 12 Hall of Fame, recognizing his many contributions to our region and

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our breed. Region 12 history runs deep and long; it was a memorable and meaningful night for all.

One of the main events of the show, the Spotlight Stallion Auction and Futurity-in its 11th year-was held Thursday evening. The Spotlight Stallion program where foals from breedings bought at the auction from over 80 top stallions from all over the world and are able to compete in future Spotlight classes throughout the show—both halter and performance—were met with prize money reaching almost $190,000 between 13

arabians of the southeast

REGION 12 & SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY

Region 12 is one of the best places to show horses! The facility is great, the show ring is electric, and the competition is fierce. Home of the Spotlight Stallion Auction and Spotlight Futurity, it is a great incentive program for breeders and showmen in the halter and performance divisions!

Very exciting!

—TISH KONDAS

classes. Now where are you going to find better odds than that? The auction itself is a fun night full of excitement and anticipation. Over $114,000 was raised with the highest bid going for Padron’s once-in-a-lifetime frozen semen. Its great success was due in part to all of the wonderful people who helped coordinate and manage the event, adding to the overall experience of the Region 12 horse show and making it a night to remember.

With each individual winner recorded in the annals of 2017 Region 12, this year’s Spotlight Sire was SF

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Veraz and Hennessey Arabians received the Breeder of Distinction Award.

Region 12’s goal to educate and entertain, all between the frenzy of showing top notch Arabians was made possible by the five-star sponsors and volunteers who unselfishly serve to provide the best experience for all who are there. Without them, the show could not exist. They are what sets the tone for the success of the show and gets everyone excited for the Arabian horse! ■

arabians of the southeast

RGT Breathin Afire (Afire Bey V x Styling Time) 2016 U.S. National Top Ten H/A Country English Pleasure & Country Pleasure Driving with Cathy Vincent

RGT The Boss (Afires Heir x Styling Time) 2016 U.S. & Canadian National Champion H/A English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Jason Krohn

RGT Mozart (Zimmeron PGN x Melody V) 2014 U.S. National Champion Western Pleasure Futurity with Rick Gault

RGT Mercury Rising (Afire Bey V x Styling Time) 2017 Region 12 Unanimous Champion H/A English Pleasure Jr. Horse with Joel Kiesner

Rick & Laura Gault | Archdale, NC | Cell: (336) 471-8822

UNDENIABLE

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by MARY KIRKMAN

He’s called Elvis, and he’s special.

Yes, of course, that’s what all horse owners say, especially when marketing, and it is rare sport watching the people around Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other try to restrain themselves when they are asked about him.

Inevitably, the accolades rise like smoke, and his friends really do try to slow it down, because they are genuine horse people and they know it sounds crazy. They know that no stallion is ever proven until his foals have arrived (and preferably, are wearing leather).

But it’s a little frustrating because they know that if you see him, he’ll convince you all on his own.

That’s been proven. In January, Tish Kondas rode Elvis—Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other—for the crowd at the All American Cup Stallion Service Auction, and the big-trotting stallion brought the house down. It’s also what they hear from visitors to both places he lives (at Singing Hills Stable, in Shelbyville, Ky., for most of the breeding season, and otherwise, at Showtime Training Center in Newnan, Ga.). He works most days, and railbirds are welcome to watch.

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2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Ames Patina

2017 Saddlebred Colt Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Stonecroft Ultraviolet

2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Premaghaza

They’re also hearing it about his foals. The oldest, Saddlebreds, are yearlings and some will be entering training in the fall.

This year, Half-Arabians began arriving at farms around the country—not just at Showtime, where Elvis’s owners keep mares, but at some powerhouse breeding operations like Shea Stables, Boisvert Farms, Cedar Ridge and more. One, a filly out of Ames Patina, was the co-high seller at the Buckeye Select Sale, earning a bid of $45,000 at just 3 months old.

beautiful Miss Moriarty. While Saddlebred bloodlines are often unfamiliar to many Arabian owners, some names resound even across breed lines, and Elvis’s heritage is packed with them: Callaway’s Blue Norther, World’s Grand Champion Will Shriver, CHCourageous Admiral, Worthy Son, Supreme Sultan and a lot more. The whole package emphasizes ability and gameness, and quite a few of his ancestors are reliably high quality producers.

The expectations for this young stallion don’t come out of nowhere; he has a stellar background. He is owned by EAC Equine LLC, another name for longtime Arabian owner and exhibitor Colleen Boylan Cooper, her husband Conor, and aunt Jeanne-Marie Boylan. Cooper has been a client of Showtime Training Center’s Tish Kondas for nearly 15 years, and as Kondas testifies, knows her way around a show ring (“You can put the hammer down on that girl and she’s going to produce,” she says). Elvis was bred by high profile Saddlebred trainer, breeder and judge Melinda Moore, who inherited her love of Saddlebreds from her parents, legendary trainers Tom and Donna Moore.

The combination already has been successful. Elvis’s full sister, Futurette, was named 2016 World’s Reserve Grand Champion in Fine Harness and World’s Champion Junior Fine Harness at the age of 5, in addition to several other top awards. When Moore was asked why she chose Wine Women And Song for Miss Moriarty, she replied, “I’d already had a full sister, so I knew it would work.”

However, it’s useful to begin with facts, starting with his pedigree. He’s by Wine Women And Song, who was sold to South Africa at the age of 4 (before any of his early foals could demonstrate their considerable ability), and out of the

At 5, Elvis’s show experience has been limited, due to beginning his breeding career. Even so, his record includes the World’s Reserve Championship in 3-Year-Old Fine Harness, which he scored in his competition debut. He is expected to return to the ring this fall, and the question is, continue in harness or go under saddle? He works well in both.

In the meantime, demand for his stud services has done nothing but rise: in his first season, he covered such Saddlebred mares

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as Christmas In New York, dam of the well-known sire Undulata’s Nutcracker, and World Grand Champion CHMother Mary. This year, Kalarama Farms and top trainer Matt Shiflet, among others, signed on. In Arabians, in addition to the Sheas, Boisvert, Cedar Ridge, and the respected farrier Stanley Orr, he lately has attracted Rooker Training Stable, Victoria Arabians, Kiesner Training Center and more.

2017 Saddlebred Colt Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x VHF Licorice Supreme

It’s not just the headline breeders that the EAC team and Kondas appreciate.

It’s the bloodlines they are offering. “Afires Heir’s full sister,” Tish marvels, “and daughters of Apollopalooza, Matoi, Afire Bey V, IXL Noble Express … the Dutch Harness mare, Ritida …” And others that play in those leagues. “It’s such an honor for us,” Colleen adds.

That’s what’s behind all the hoopla. But beyond the statistics is a story that offers another important perspective on Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other.

In the beginning, Colleen Cooper was not looking for a stallion. Tish Kondas was, but when she and her partner, Carla Schiltz, visited Arrowhead Farm in December 2013, they weren’t shopping for EAC Equine LLC, which then was just forming and was targeting Saddlebred mares to develop a Half-Arabian breeding strategy.

It was when Melinda Moore showed them a cocky chestnut yearling colt that everything changed. “I was, like, ‘What is that?’” Tish says. “I was dying, thinking, ‘This is the one.’” Then she thought of Colleen and EAC; he could fit into their future, and besides, in Tish’s words, “They’re great owners to work for.” It would be a win/win situation.

2017 H/A Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Afires Gold

When Colleen, Conor and Jeanne-Marie visited Arrowhead, they agreed. “Tish has a great eye—I’ve always trusted it—and I’ve been around long enough to know what I like,” Colleen says. “And I liked him.”

Significantly, while unexpected, the stallion also satisfied EAC’s long term goals, one of which was to promote interest in breeding, something they feel exciting foals can do. Colleen, who grew up in horses, has opened that door for her children as well, and Elvis is a big part of that commitment to the future for both her family and the industry as a whole.

She also wanted to show a little in the Saddlebred side of their program. “It isn’t that I want to give up Arabians,” she clarifies. “It’s that I just want to learn from another breed. I’d shown Half-Arabians, but I had never ridden Saddlebreds, and I wanted to see what I could learn in Saddlebreds that I could bring back to Arabians.”

It was all systems go. Melinda had started Elvis, and when he was ready, he was moved to Singing Hills, under the supervision of Gene and Annalize van der Walt. Gene has provided further training and, in connection with Tish and EAC, developed the stallion’s show career. Annalize, who directs the farm’s reproduction

The Black Swan • 2016 Saddlebred Filly Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Stonecroft Ultraviolet

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division—they handle nearly a dozen sires and foal out 80 to 100 babies annually— is responsible for Elvis’s breeding duties.

“In person, he’s breathtaking,” Tish observes. “He’s easily 16.2, and he’s so balanced— he’s a statuesque individual.”

“He’s so beautiful, he’ll hurt your eyes,” Gene says bluntly.

What has amazed everyone is the consistent standard of Elvis’s foals. “It doesn’t matter what you cross him on, what bloodlines, Saddlebred or Arabian, they’re all freaks,” Tish says. “I can honestly say I haven’t seen a bad one. They’re all colors, all different, but they all have quality—the same high-headedness, great posture, great attitudes.”

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EAC Son Of Anarchy • 2016 H/A Gelding Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other x Nobles Diva

Will Shriver Callaways Blue Norther Royally Blue Wine Women And Song Courageous Admiral Feather Light Raines Cactus Flower

Miss Moriarty

Worthy Son For What Its Worth In Reality Miss Megabucks

Prosperity Profit Mias Time

Duke Of Man - 4-year-old Saddlebred Gelding Oh Man x Wonderland’s Duchess

WC Goddess Of War • 4-year-old Saddlebred Mare Carl Lynn x Phinal Heiress

She admits that that sounds outlandish, but everyone who sees many of the stallion’s foals agrees. “I’m beyond excited,” she laughs. “The first thing people say when they get here is ‘I want to see his babies.’ People slow down driving down the street when [the foals are] in the pasture.”

That quality was underlined when EAC First & Finest was judged 2016 World’s Reserve Champion Weanling from an in-hand class of 17.

Gene van der Walt cites Elvis’s pedigree to account for his success with such differing bloodlines (at least, in Saddlebreds). “He has a lot of that old Will Shriver blood in him,” he says, “but a lot of the old blood is so diversified that I believe you can breed him to about anything and not get in trouble. I’m not trying to sell you a breeding; that’s just the truth.”

And there is another factor in the Elvis mix, maybe the most important of all, they say. “His disposition is wonderful,” Gene notes. “As a stud, he’s great to be around. We’ve already worked around some of his weanlings and they seem to have really good minds and good thinking.”

“They are great thinkers,” Tish nods, “and they have tons of quality, which is what trainers want in their program.”

“He’s just a good soul,” Colleen reflects. “That’s 90 percent of it when you show, that you have someone who is game and trustworthy.”

It’s only the beginning of the story, but two words that come to mind for those who know Elvis are “timing” and “historic.” The great ones are rare, they observe—but when great ones occur, they offer what is needed in their breed at the right time. Arrowhead’s Unlike Any Other enjoys an opportunity to make an impact on not one, but two breeds.

One of the few who has seen this story unfold from day one is Melinda Moore, and she says that everything apparent today was there at the beginning, from the moment Miss Moriarty welcomed her son on May 10, 2012. Melinda has her own context—one which explains that although there is a reason for his impressive formal name, those who know him refer to him more familiarly. “Elvis Presley is and always was my favorite entertainer,” she explains. “He was unbelievable.

When the horse Elvis was born, he was absolutely breathtaking— spectacular—in every way; he justified being named after the King.

There was no way to fault him.”

“He really is a King in our eyes,” Colleen agrees, “and we will continue to ensure that he is treated and honored that way. We have a responsibility to him to do just that.” ■

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Wine Women And Song x Miss Moriarty • 2012 Saddlebred Stallion • AEPA Enrolled Sire Proudly owned by EAC EQUINE LLC • Colleen Cooper • 978-314-2347 • www.eacequine.com Presented by SHOWTIME TRAINING CENTER • Tish Kondas • 678-427-0595 • www.showtimetrainingcenter.net

AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

by THERESA CARDAMONE With the year only half gone, 2017 has already proven to be the pinnacle in the long and fruitful career of Ted Carson. Early in January, he was named the United States Equestrian Federation’s Halter Showman of the Year over other horsemen spanning 19 different breeds and specialties. It was a tremendous honor that was underlined the following month when he was awarded two prestigious titles by the Arabian Professional & Amateur Horseman’s Association—Halter Professional of the Year and the ultimate endorsement, Horseman of the Year. It is a rare occasion when a handler who exclusively shows halter is given the highest of all honors, which clearly illustrates the level of respect that Ted Carson has earned.

Legendary breeder and showman Dick Ames is generous in his praise of Ted Carson, “You mean Kit? His nickname is Kit,” Ames reports with a smile in his voice. “He showed our National Show Horses for us and did really well with them.

Ted & Brandi Carson

At the time, they were a hot item. That’s where Kit got his notoriety, through these horses that he was showing for Cedar Ridge. We were the first farm that he worked on and he was with us for a long time.” Ames has much more to say about Ted Carson’s work ethic and abilities, “He is a good man, has numerous exceptional skills, and works hard at what he does,” relates Ames.

“He has a special way with horses and a good eye for a good horse. He takes excellent care of them—the horses tell that story.” The alert, happy horses that fill Ted’s stalls are all the proof needed to validate Dick’s claim. Furthermore, Ames has a cryptic message

“What makes Ted so special? Most of all, my horses come home sound of Mind, Body and Spirit—they come back better than when they were sent to Ted. He has a sound program that takes into account the individual horse, a program that is founded in experience but flexible for the individual ‘horsenalities.’ He has an outstanding and experienced staff, is honest with his clients and looks after the clients’ best interests as well as their horses.” ~ Nancy Janosik, Better Way Farms

that he wants to include “in bold letters” for Ted, so here goes… “More than anything else, he really excels in the mud business. That’s M…U…D…mud. I’m not telling you what that means, but he’ll know.” Now, if only Ted will let the rest of us in on the secret!

From the heartland of America, Ted Carson eventually moved to the east coast where he set up shop at Dolorosa Arabians, continuing to hone his craft and adding to his growing reputation as a reputable trainer whose love for horses is his primary motivator. With his wife and partner Brandi teaming with him every step of the way, Ted has made a steady climb into the international spotlight of the Arabian industry.

Horses in his care have been awarded the highest titles offered in America. The clients that he has garnered over the course of more than thirty years have, for the most part, stuck with him and are part of his clientele today. Jim and Kimberly Butler-Blevins have had horses with Ted for years and they use a single word to describe their relationship with Ted and Brandi, family.

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Excalibur EA (Shanghai EA x Essence Of Marwan EA)

Na’mous Al Shahania (FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR)

“Al Azure Group salutes Ted & Brandi Carson and the remarkable team at Butler Farms. Your dedication to the breed is an inspiration and your passion is contagious. Yours is a great story and we are thrilled to be a part of it!”

~ Mary Anne Applegate, Al Azure Group, LLC

“We started our breeding business around 10 years ago and went down to visit Ted when we realized that he was located in North Carolina like us. Ted and the whole Butler team welcomed us with open arms. We still always feel as if we have walked into our family at his barn at the shows. Ted has helped us through the years with our breeding program and has taken our horses to the win many times. He is truly a great and kind trainer.”

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~ Chloe Cox, Sycamore Arabians

“Jim and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this extended family,” Kimberly explains. “Ted and Brandi go out of their way to make sure every client feels welcome in any activity they are having—no one feels excluded whether they have one horse, or ten.” The feeling of inclusion is a recurrent theme whenever Ted’s clients describe what keeps them coming to his barn. Inclusion and integrity, the trait singled out most often as his most exemplary. According to all who know him, Ted will give you the straight scoop if you ask him about a horse’s potential whether you like the answer or not. “Ted is going to tell you the truth about your horse, so be ready for an upfront answer,” Kimberly states. “We value that trait because we would rather know the truth than to put a lot of money into a horse that cannot make it in the show arena. He is kind to the horses he trains and sometimes the goal is not to win that time out, but to accomplish a secondary goal, such as

Many trainers can produce a win and a trophy, but there are only a few that know how to develop their clientele into a cohesive, supportive team. Frank articulates what it is about the stable atmosphere that kept him coming back for more. “Ted does a great job as a trainer, showman, and evaluator of horses, but Sara and my favorite aspect of our relationship is their hospitality: their effort and ability to make their stalls such a great environment to enjoy shows,” Frank enthuses. “We both enjoyed our shows with Ted and Brandi. There was always a great, friendly vibe at their stalls and all the clientele chipped in to make the environment fun and welcoming to everyone.”

As is often the case, one satisfied customer leads to another. The Chisholms were happy to recommend Ted to their friends Bill and Tracy Buglass, who were immediately taken by the congenial atmosphere

making me a better rider.”

at the barn and decided to put horses in training there. Their primary

When C.A. and Frances Butler welcomed Ted Carson to their Butler

also provided the fun. They wanted to have a good time with their horses,

Farms Arabians as a resident trainer twenty years ago, they took the first step on a journey of partnership that has done nothing but flourish over the decades. Frances Butler attributes much of their success to Ted, a

motivation was finding a trainer that not only provided the wins, but win or lose. “We trust them with our horses,” Bill states. “Ted and Brandi and their crew are knowledgeable, respectful, humble, great horse people, and they turn out a great product. They run a professional business,

man she considers as a son.

have only wonderful clients, and we always have a great time with them.

“Arriving at Butler Farms with only one horse, Ted hit the ground

horses, which we feel is the foundation for building our breed.”

They never act like they know it all. They care about the people and the

running,” says Frances. “He immediately reached out and started bringing in clients from all over the U.S. Many of those early clients are still friends and are still bringing horses to Ted. His work ethic was and is phenomenal; he is one of the hardest workers that I have ever me, he has never been afraid to get dirty and is actively involved in every aspect of horse and farm management. Ted’s most important attribute, however, is his integrity. He is a genuinely nice person with a strong moral compass and a great capacity to love: his family and friends, his work, and always the Arabian horse.”

Frank and Sara Chisholm also became acquainted with Ted when he established his permanent location at Butler Farms Training Center in North Carolina. When Frank was involved with a group developing the Spotlight Futurity program for Region 12, he relied on Ted to give him sound advice. That allowed Frank to note and appreciate the full scope of what he was capable of as an advisor and trainer.

“I really respect the way Ted shows his horses,” enthuses Frank.

“They are always well conditioned and move well with him leading them, and he gets good results. Ted also has an excellent eye for good horses. Some trainers do a good job in the ring, but don’t have the best eye when assessing them. Ted is really good at picking good horses and is someone his clients can always rely on to make sure that their money is well spent.”

Ted, Michaiah & Inman enjoying some quality, family time.

Ted and SF Veraz (Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA)

Creating a cultural climate that allows horses and people to flourish is a key element in Ted and Brandi’s success. Amy Caraway became a

Ted and Cory Byrne

believer in Ted four years ago when he evaluated her yearling colt who was going through an awkward phase in his development. Ted was able to see his potential and transform him into a horse who, according to Ted, would “only get better—this is a national champion.” Two years later, Ted led Amy’s horse to the United States National Champion Futurity Gelding title, for which she is forever grateful. “Ted works tirelessly to help his clients get a real shot at seeing their dreams come true, whether that client owns just one horse (like me) or a stable full of beautiful horses,” says Amy. “He and Brandi go above and beyond to foster a no-drama team and a family environment. They want everyone to feel included and important, and they surround themselves with honest, hard-working, and like-minded professionals on their staff.”

Amy’s voice as a small breeder/owner is important to the breed as a whole because she represents the vast majority of Arabian horse owners.

She recognizes the value of Ted and Brandi’s predilection to be active mentors to their clients, leading by example. They don’t simply promote breeding stallions to their clients, they breed their own mares to them as well, putting their money where their mouths are, sharing the risks and the rewards. Like many others, Amy also cites Ted’s honesty as a primary reason she chooses to trust him with her horse. ring, trainers were “falling over themselves” to have him in their barn.

“Ted will give you an honest opinion of your horse...he doesn’t just

“People offered to take him for free and pay his show expenses to bring

tell you what he thinks you want to hear,” she says. “That’s a strong

him back out,” she says. “But, I’ve only ever wanted what is best for

indicator to me that it’s not just about making money to Ted. He wants

Bugatti and there is nobody that I would entrust Bugatti to other than

to succeed, sure, but he really wants to see his clients succeed. The

Ted. So, I sold some stock, worked a lot of overtime and did whatever

ability to provide an honest evaluation, even when such honesty might

I had to do to make that happen. At the end of the day, not everybody

mean the loss of immediate revenues, is critical toward uplifting and

will be able to breed and campaign great horses. If it was easy, every-

improving the breed. Ted is a man of his word. If he commits to show

body would be doing it. Ted’s also a breeder, and he breeds for pretty,

your horse, you can count on it. As an owner who has to watch the

functional horses that can do both halter and performance. That’s the

budget carefully to participate at the higher levels, I know without

right thing to do for our breed. All of these horses that we see winning

question that being able to accurately predict what a show will cost,

halter classes as yearlings…how many do we see come back in the

being able to count on my trainer’s commitment to show my horse,

Scottsdale Signature classes under saddle? A big percentage of the

and knowing that my horse is well cared for at all times has played a

Bugatti foals come back. And when they’ve been with Ted, they come

huge role in my decision to remain active in the Arabian industry over

back in ring healthy and happy. Our biggest thing in Ted’s barn is, we

the past several years.”

have fun. We enjoy each other’s company, we cook, we laugh, and it’s just a great place to be. Sincerely. The horses are happy. I’ve never seen

When Kristi Waters was interested in bringing KM Bugatti—her U.S.

happier horses in my life, ever. These horses are living a good life…you

National Champion in halter and performance—back to the show

just have to experience the difference.”

“I have always appreciated the way Ted prepares and presents his horses. There is a connection with him and the horses he shows and it’s obvious. I appreciate this and his constant connection with what is going on in the market and in the show ring around the world. I can always call on Ted for advice on marketability and value in the worldwide marketplace—I find this critical as a small breeder and greatly appreciate the support and knowledge he and Brandi have provided over the years.”

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~ Joel Desmarteau, Markelle Arabians

ted carson

Ted and Patricia Dempsey at the 2017 Marquise Auction.

Pat Dempsey “experienced the difference” when she put her stallion, Canadian National Champion and U.S. Reserve National Champion Junior Stallion Beloved One NA, into the care of Ted Carson. Beau had a history of being fractious in the show ring, and Pat knew that it was important for him to be placed with someone who could win his confidence. He showed beautifully for Ted in the 2017 Scottsdale Classic, a huge achievement that didn’t go unnoticed by his grateful owner. “Beau went in like a gentleman,” Pat said with pride. “All of the other trainers were bowing to Ted. They knew that the horse was usually overstimulated, wouldn’t stand still, and couldn’t perform. Ted totally diffused him, he was a different horse out there.”

Pat also experienced the thrill of watching Ted show her homebred Beloved Gracious Lady to the high score of 394.5 in the 2016 U.S. National Arabian Yearling Filly Breeders Sweepstakes Championship after qualifying with a unanimous win as the Region 15 Champion Yearling Filly. Ted has earned Pat’s trust and confidence over and over again, a truth which was perfectly illustrated for the world at large in Scottsdale: • THE SCENE—inside the WestWorld International Arena, which was transformed into a select auction house with raised stage, spotlights, and elegant tables packed with the industry’s most affluent buyers and their associates.

• THE VANTAGE POINT—a bird eyes view from the “cheap seats,” a first-come-first-served balcony for light and sound operators and other interested non-buyers.

• THE MOMENT—the room erupts as Pat Dempsey sets a world record price for an Arabian yearling filly sold at auction, topping all other bidders and paying $1,550,000 for Om El Erodite.

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Ted and Om El Erodite (EKS Alihandro x Om El Excella)

The well-heeled crowd rose to its collective feet in appreciation of the unprecedented moment. At the same time, many of the top halter trainers were leaping from their seats as one, eager to give their personal congratulations to the unexpected buyer.

From above, it seemed as if Pat had exercised magnetic properties that drew potential handlers from all corners of the room! Each one would have been delighted to show the filly on her behalf.

But Pat knew that the only person she would trust with Erodite was already sitting quietly at her side.

“Ted has earned my trust over time and he is the only one who will be working with Erodite,” Pat says. “She’s at Butler Farms Training Center, where she lives between two of my other fillies.

Ted says she’s a happy horse, easy to work with and eager to learn. She’s learning how to be turned out. Before she was just in a stall—now she goes out with another of my fillies. Now, she can be a horse.”

Ted’s commitment to put the filly at ease and gain her trust has already paid off handsomely. Two months after the auction, Ted Carson showed Om El Erodite to the title of Gold Supreme Champion Yearling Filly at the prestigious Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas, qualifying for the World Championships in the process. Beloved Gracious Lady added the 2017 Region 15 Champion Junior Filly crown to her coffers—once again by unanimous verdict—with Ted on the lead.

Come November, Erodite and Gracie will head to Paris to take on the finest fillies in the world in the Arabian horse breed’s most significant halter competition at the Salon du Cheval. There, Ted Carson is likely to close out his finest year with more amazing achievements—World Championships with Om El Erodite and Beloved Gracious Lady. There couldn’t be a more fitting and well-deserved ending to such a magical year for Ted Carson, a true class-act, an American classic.

“Ted is an expert who already knew Shanghai’s babies very well, having worked successfully with Wortex’s three-quarter brother, Excalibur EA. Now I am even happier at that choice, as Ted is a real horseman and Wortex has been expressing his joy of life and amazing motion like he never did before, thanks to Ted’s work. This is what matters for me—much more than winning any championship with a feared horse—their happiness.

Thank you, Ted Carson and Team.” ~ Jennifer Dhombre, Kalliste Arabians

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ted carson

“Ted, we value your honesty, integrity, and your dedication to the Arabian breed.

But your commitment to your family is by far your best attribute. Jimmy and I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family. We wish you many great years ahead!� ~ Lisa Gaudio, Kyrie Arabians

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Ted with U.S. National and Las Vegas Gold Champion ML Mostly Padron at home on Bulter Farms.

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Ted & Brandi with their 2016 APAHA awards.

Horseman of the Year and Halter Trainer of the Year.

Ted Carson At Butler Farms

by FRANCES T. BUTLER Twenty years and counting! Even for me, it’s hard to believe that Ted Carson came to Butler Farms Arabians more than twenty years ago.

THE EARLY YEARS When he arrived in White Oak, N.C., Ted was quite young and actually looked even younger than his age. To this day, Ted is the only person that I know who actually wanted and waited impatiently, for gray hair. Looks, however, can be deceiving; Ted was already an established figure in the Arabian community, previously working at such prominent farms as Cedar Ridge and Dolorosa Arabians.

CA and I had followed Ted’s career in the show ring for several years and considered ourselves lucky to have someone of his caliber agree to become our trainer and farm manager. After twenty years, we still feel the same way.

Arriving at Butler Farms with only one horse, Ted hit the ground running. He immediately reached out and started bringing in clients from all over the United States.

Many of those early clients are still friends and are still bringing horses to Ted, including the owners of that very first horse.

For six months, my husband and I carefully scrutinized every move that Ted made; as business owners who had hired hundreds of people over the years, we recognized Ted’s abilities. Impressed with what we saw, we offered Ted a partnership; he accepted.

As partners, we sat down with Ted and worked out the expectations, the goals, and the philosophy which were to be the cornerstones of our new enterprise. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Ted Carson

Exquisite Lady BFA (sired by ML Mostly Padron) with her 2017 filly by Exxalt.

and Butler Farms Training Center over the ensuing years became synonymous.

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THE FORMATIVE YEARS As the years passed, Ted’s amazing qualities and talents became ever more apparent; Ted was not just a show ring diva. His work ethic was and is phenomenal, he is one of the hardest workers that I have ever met, he has never been afraid to get dirty, and is actively involved in every aspect of horse and farm management.

Like the Energizer Bunny, Ted is always on the move, always looking for ways to improve the training center, to improve and grow the Arabian breed that he loves, and to improve himself.

In one important area, Ted needed no improvement … he has always had a phenomenal ability to identify good horses. Om El Erodite, Exxalt, Alexxander, SF Veraz, MC Psynammon, Donatella, ML Mostly Padron, Excalibur EA, Triumphant Star, Celestina INZ, Geneva, Na Mous … these are just “the tip of the iceberg,” just a few of the stars developed

by Ted at Butler Farms Training Center.

Although every horse cannot be a star or national champion, Ted strives to help each horse reach its highest potential, whatever that level might be.

On a personal level, early in his stay at Butler Farms, Ted met the woman who was to be the love of his life and his soulmate—Brandi Smith, an accomplished horsewoman herself.

Naturally, the two met at a horse show.

Like the Butlers, Brandi knew what she wanted when she saw it. Even today, she jokes that Ted never had a chance.

In 2001, Ted and Brandi married and became partners in life and business. A daughter Michaiah was born in 2004, and a son Inman, several years later.

As his family and his reputation as a trainer grew, Ted somehow found the time to study for and become credentialed as a judge, judging prestigious shows in the United States and around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.

His work ethic and his success as a trainer and a businessman, while obviously Above: The excited “Team Exxalt” during his 2015 Scottsdale Gold Championship debut.

important, are not Ted’s most important attribute, however. That attribute would be his integrity. Ted is a genuinely nice person with a strong moral compass and a great capacity to love—his family and friends, his work, and always the Arabian horse.

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A born teacher, Ted is a man who has always been willing to share his love and knowledge of Arabian horses with those who reach out to him. Over the years, he has mentored and worked with young trainers and judges from both the U.S. and other countries, teaching them training techniques, the criteria and rules used for judging horses, and an appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of the Arabian breed.

Ted also routinely works with owners and clients to differentiate a great horse from a good horse or a good

Top to bottom: Ted at one of his many informative clinics at Butler Farms.

horse from a bad one. Ted’s goal and the goal of Butler

Las Vegas Gold Champion Elle Flamenca.

increase their ability to recognize the qualities which

Farms Training Center was and is, to promote Arabians

Butler Farms is the proud home of Ted Carson Training Center.

by nurturing both established and new owners of these special horses.

To further that goal, Ted gives seminars and individual tutorials; he does farm visits to advise and educate owners on how to manage their herds and how to evaluate the potential of individual horses for halter, performance or pleasure. He also assists owners and clients with breeding decisions. He advises all owners to find a comfort level in the number of horses owned and in their financial commitment.

He believes that a “happy/comfortable” owner will stay in the industry for the long term.

TODAY At this point in his life, Ted Carson is a successful man by any standards, a man at the top of his game. On a personal level, Ted is loved by his beautiful family, by his partners who consider him a second son, and by his many friends. As a businessman, his client base has expanded and is worldwide— his stalls are always full. As a horseman, Ted has earned respect as a breeder, a judge and a trainer.

Ted is widely recognized as one of the best halter trainers in the United States, not only by clients and admirers, but also by his peers. In addition to his numerous individual show awards, Ted has been named APAHA Halter Trainer of the Year and APAHA Horseman of the Year. He also received the USEF Norman Dunn Handler of the Year Award, an award which covers all breeds, not just Arabians.

Ted also finds the time to serve on a number of Regional and National committees and boards, including the Region XII Spotlight Futurity and the APAHA. He is always willing to assist in efforts which will promote Arabian horses.

Yet, when all is said and done, despite the accolades and honors, Ted Carson remains a man of inexhaustible energy, a man driven to reach new heights, a man still driven to promote and grow the Arabian breed that he has loved since he was a 14-year-old boy.

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Beloved One NA +

Ever After NA x Margarita PSY

NATIONAL CHAMPION

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Om El Erodite ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP GOLD SUPREME CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY with Ted Carson

Dear Ted and Brandi, Our Arabian Journey together is AWESOME, EXCITING, EDUCATIONAL and AWE INSPIRING! Love, Pat

BELOVED GRACIOUS LADY & BELOVEDS VIA LUNA 2016 Region 15 Champion & Reserve Champion Yearling FIllies with Ted Carson & Cory Brine

Patricia Dempsey Lady Lake, Florida www.Belovedsfarm.com

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Photo by Cory Byrne

Ted, for me, represents a man with unending drive and complete commitment. I fully believe what he loves most in this world, is his family & work to promote the Arabian horse .

Javan Schaller, Mankind Arabians 480.797.5046

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Exxalt

Excalibur EA x Vesperra by SF Veraz SCOTTSDALE GOLD CHAMPION Standing at Ted Carson Training Center

My wife Sybil and I were one of Ted Carson’s first clients at Butler Farms Training Center. We have remained clients for over twenty years. Ted has shown horses that we own or co-own to Championships at every level: Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Regionals, and Nationals. Some of those horses, like Exxalt, Elle Flamenca, and Geneva, have become well-known in the Arabian industry.

However, Ted has done much more than win ribbons for us; he has assisted and guided our breeding program. Over time, Ted has helped Collinswood Farm accumulate a group of mares that are exceptional, that have excelled in the show ring and in the breeding arena. Those mares are producing beautiful foals which have been sold overseas and here in the United States.

Obviously, we are delighted with Ted Carson and the many ways that he has supported and improved our program! Thank You, Ted Carson.

Jeff and Sybil Collins, Collinswood Farm Pembroke, North Carolina

2017 EXXALT FILLY out of a DA Valentino daughter.

Irraadessa

Ibn Raad x Shaahnana by Mishaal

Angelfyre

BWF

Apalo x Tareefa Jamaal by Dakar El Jamaal

Thank you for the Fun, Success and Love of the Horses!

Chuck & Nancy Janosik, Better Way Farm Carrollton, Georgia BetterwayFarms@gmail.com

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JamilaTF

2013 SE Grey Mare (Mishaal HP x Skyy)

2017 EGYPTIAN EVENT BRONZE CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

History will always be the judge.

But f irst it calls for Epic Performances.

2016 Egyptian Event Champion 3-Year-Old Futurity Filly 2016 Egyptian Event Unanimous Champion 3 & Over Mare AATH

Al Azure Group, LLC. salutes Ted & Brandi Carson and the remarkable team at Butler Farm. Your dedication to the breed is an inspiration and your passion contagious.

Yours is a great story and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

2016 East Coast Championships Reserve Champion Mare Champion Mare ATH 2017 Scottsdale International Arabian Breeders Classic Top 3 Straight Egyptian 3 & 4-Year-Old Mare 2017 Egyptian Event Bronze Champion Senior Mare Champion 3 & Over Mare AATH

The Applegate Family, Al Azure Group, LLC New Hope, Pennsylvania Ar abian Horse Times | 21 |

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EQ

Escalade

+//

Bucharest V x Allurience CG

MULTI-CHAMPION MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME AND SHOW HACK with Brooke Fuchs and Kim Butler

Integrity, honesty, and loyalty are traits my husband and I look for in a trainer.

Ted and Brandi exemplify all of these traits in their day to day life, whether it be with family or clients.

Jim and I are proud to be a part of the Ted Carson family!

Dr. James Blevins & Kim Butler Chesterfield, Virginia

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ted carson

Nazareth

CF

Eden C x MWF Najada

2017 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION & REGION 12 CHAMPION HUNTER PLEASURE JR. HORSE with Brooke Fuchs

2015 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION FUTURITY GELDING with Ted Carson

With hard work and steadfast determination, ride your dreams into reality. Saddle up each day with integrity and good company for your journey, and enjoy the ride!

Amy Caraway Salisbury, North Carolina

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For your consideration ...

Ted, Brandi and their crew, are knowledgeable, respectful, humble and great horse people. We trust them with our horses and always have fun with them and their clients.

McCarthy Photo

Bill & Tracy Buglass and the Erik Johnson Family Deerfield, Wisconsin

WGA

Real Grand

SF Sir Real x Gianna J, by Khadraj NA

REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY TOP TEN YEARLING COLT For sale information contact Bill or Tracy Buglass at 608.445.0925

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ted carson

Ted & Brandi, Every corner of our show horse experience with you, and your team, has been a delight. Your vision of our horses and the execution of their presentations have been nothing less than professional and complete. Our time with you is always enjoyable.

Frank & Sara Chisholm Timmonsville, South Carolina www.PalmettoArabians.com

PA

Phoenix Kid Sundance Kid V x Pamila

PA CATNISS (Baahir El Marwan x Cassandra GA) 2015 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Champion Yearling Filly with Kentley Dean

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Pallera

KM

KM Bugatti x Isabella De Jamaal

REGION 12 ABS TOP FIVE YEARLING FILLY

Ted and Brandi, You both are such amazing people whose friendship I greatly treasure. You define the words “first class” and are the most sincere, humble, kind and caring people I have ever met in the Arabian horse industry, as well as in my life. We are all very blessed to be a part of your outstanding team. It is more than just a “training/show” barn, you all are family who have great respect and support for each other. You are all part of the foundation that has helped build what we all share when we are together--“home”. Ted, your talent is like no other, as it comes from your heart ... your passion and sincere love for the horses. It shows every time you enter the ring or are just spending time with us around the stalls. Brandi, you and your entire family are so very special. You both mean the world to me and I am beyond grateful to have you in my life. After every show, we look forward to and count down the days until we can all be together again….sharing our passion, love, friendships, laughter, tears, and family time ... creating truly treasured memories with the most amazing thing in this world that brought us all together, the Arabian horse.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you all do every day, for being great friends who are like family and for being some of the most special, amazing and caring people I think the world of! ~ Kristi Kristi Waters, KM Stables, Inc Clearwater, Florida www.KMStables.com Ar abian Horse Times | 26 |

ted carson

SG

Brass Prince

Brass x Rose of USA

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION GELDING

Ted and Brandi, We are so happy with all that you have accomplished over the years.

We are very honored to say you started your professional career at Cedar Ridge.

We wish you both continued success in your future.

Love, Dick, Lollie and Lara

Jordan, Minnesota www.Cedar-Ridge.com

Up Your Brass Brass x Gem of a Doll

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A GELDING

Ames Lucky Affair Brass x Lady Gambler PM

MULTI-NATIONAL CHAMPION H/A MARE

Breeders Lisa Gaudio and Jimmy Kazanjian with “The Trinity of Miracles� 2017 Half-Arabians (Vitorio TO x Kyrie Elleison) Elle Vitorina, Epona Elleison, and Big Man In Town.

Ted, We value your honesty, integrity, and your dedication to the Arabian breed.

But your commitment to your family is by far your best attribute.

Jimmy and I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family.

We wish you many great years ahead!

Lisa Gaudio & Jimmy Kazanjian Kyrie Arabians Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Appalonia Dancer

PA

Sundance Kid V x Acappella V by Simeon Shai+ Multi-Champion in Mare Halter & Western Pleasure

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Elle Marin

Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA Bred by Markelle Arabians, LLC Now owned by Al Jood Stud, Qatar

Thank you, Ted and Brandi, for guiding these young mares from my small breeding program onto the world stage.

Joel Desmarteau, Markelle Arabians, LLC Atlanta, Georgia | 404.401.8141 www.MarkelleArabians.com

Elle F lamenca

Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA Bred by Markelle Arabians, LLC Now owned by Dubai Arabian Stud

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Thank You, Ted Carson, for the amazing adventure experienced in the U.S. for Kalliste Arabians, representing France & Europe!

Shanghai EA & Mirwanah Kallisté by Marwan Al Shaqab

2017 SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT 2016 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT 2016 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP SILVER SUPREME CHAMPION JUNIOR STALLION 2016 CENTRAL PARK HORSE SHOW ARABIAN U.S. OPEN SILVER CHAMPION JUNIOR STALLION

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ted carson

2015 EUROPEAN BREEDERS CUP GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING COLT 2015 DEAUVILLE ARABIANS CUP INTERNATIONAL GOLD CHAMPION, MOST BEAUTIFUL HEAD, BEST FRENCH HORSE 2015 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP TOP FIVE & CLASS WINNER, HIGH SCORING YEARLING COLT 2015 ALL NATIONS CUP BREEDERS CUP TOP FIVE (Only male selected for the Championship.

The others were fillies.)

2017 SCANDINAVIAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT (For Shgaïr Stud)

Now proudly leased by Shgaïr Stud Bred & Owned by Kalliste Arabians, Jennifer Dhombre kalliste.arabians@gmail.com www.Kalliste-Arabians-International.com

Frozen semen available in the U.S., please contact Ted Carson at 910.876.7332 | ted@tedcarson.com For breedings in Europe, please contact Christine Jamar at info@christine-jamar.be Ar abian Horse Times | 31 |

ted carson

SF

Baahir Jawhar

Baahir El Marwan x Jewel Of Marwan H

HEADING TO THE ARABIAN U.S. OPEN IN CENTRAL PARK! Al & Chloe Cox, Sycamore Arabians, LLC Edenton, North Carolina www.SycamoreArabians.com

Ted Carson ~ Trainer, Judge, Husband, Dad and Friend!

2016 APAHA HALTER TRAINER OF THE YEAR | 2016 APAHA HORSEMAN OF THE YEAR 2016 USEF NORMAN DUNN HANDLER OF THE YEAR

TED CARSON TRAINING AT BUTLER FARMS TRAINING CENTER, INC. 440 Devin Drive, White Oak, NC 28399 WWW.TEDCARSON.COM

Ted Carson 910.876.7332 Brandi Carson 910.876.7333 Cory Byrne • Brooke Fuchs

V ER SATILE - FUN - A FFOR DA BLE - HONEST BACK-TO -BA SICS TR A INER

Jonathan Meyer Training and showing successfully in HALTER, ENGLISH, WESTERN and HUNTER DIVISIONS.

One of the oldest and most successful Arabian & Half-Arabian horse programs in the Southeast​.

W W W.W I N N I N G A R A B I A N S .C O M R hapsody In Blue Stables - Chatom, A labama - 251-586 - 4882 - winningarabians@gmail.com

Three Ships, Six Stallions and How One Year Can Change History

by Jeff Wallace

and

Santi Fornieles

W

hen Christopher Columbus set off from Spain to seek an alternate route to the East Indies, he had no idea what his journey would entail or what he would find. He sailed through the Atlantic Ocean for more than two months, each day filled with uncertainly and expectations, until land was finally spotted on the morning of October 12, 1492. Columbus became the first known European to discover the Americas, instantly marking a date that would become infamous in history.

Centuries pass, and 503 years later, the Gregorian calendar reads 1995. The world has changed to a degree that would make it unrecognizable to Columbus. The journey that took him 70 days by ship, is now a matter of hours by plane, and the magical myth of the giant tortoise supporting the world, common to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, has been replaced by a belief in science and rational thinking. Modern societies no longer believe in such magic—but perhaps that is a mistake. Is magic still possible?

When it comes to breeding Arabian horses, most believe that nature and science are not enough, and success requires a big percentage of luck. So why not magic? Breeders can execute a cross that seems brilliant and produce the worst colt of the season. They can also repeat a combination that has produced a stunning champion, and yet follow this by a succession of mediocre foals. Perhaps it is the “magic” factor that is needed to create superstars, and just as 1492 became an infamous date, 1995 was a truly magical year that changed the history of the Arabian breed.

Every year there are a just a few colts born that will make a good stallion. Some years—even around the world—there is not a single one that will truly influence the breed. Yet in 1995, six stallions were born who would influence the breed for generations to come ...

Magnum Psyche, Versace, Al Adeed al Shaqab, ZT Shakfantasy, Gazal Al Shaqab and Falcon BHF. Only one look at any show catalogue at any Arabian horse competition in the world will demonstrate the profound influence of these stallions. Is there even one class without at least one descendent of these heroes of the breed competing? WH Justice (Magnum Psyche) and Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab) are probably the most prolific decendants of the marvelous generation of these 1995 stallions, as their offspring have achieved countless championships all over the globe. But the influence does not stop there.

Stival, JJ Señor Magnum, Magnum Chall HVP, DA Valentino, Da Vinci FM, Lawrence el Gazal, PA Gazsi, SF Veraz, Sultan Al Zobara, AB Magnum, Ames Charisma, CE Magnum, Magnum Forty Four, Justify, LC Prince Magnum, MCA Magnum Gold, JJ Bellagio and Van Gogh AM are just some of the other prominent stallions that carry the torch of the glorious 1995 generation through their sire line. It is also

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noteworthy that stallions like ZT Shakfantasy, Al Adeed al Shaqab and Falcon BHF are more influential through their daughters, who have produced champion after champion.

In the early ‘80s, Scottsdale classes were filled with many of the stallions that would become influential to the breed during the following decade. Bey Shah, Muscat, Padron and Ruminaja Ali all competed at that time and went on to become stellar sires. They were all undoubtedly “game changers” who, while they competed amongst themselves, were each bred in a different year. That is what makes 1995 truly unique. Imagine a show where Magnum Psyche, Gazal al Shaqab, Al Adeed al Shaqab, Versace, Falcon BHF and ZT Shakfantasy were all together in a single class. Any Arabian enthusiast would love to have been there to experience such an epic moment, yet fate never allowed it to happen. Even though some of these stallions did compete against each other, they were never all together in a single class. Who would have won is irrelevant, and although each of us would have a personal favorite, the results of such a class is ephemeral.

The true historic value of that fantasy class would be seen in the years to come.

If 1995 was a magical year, what happens when more than one of these illustrious sires meet in a single pedigree escalates the magic! One example is world champion producer FA El Rasheem. His sire, FA El Shawan, was a son of Marwan al Shaqab (Gazal al Shaqab) out of a daughter of ZT Shakfantasy, and his dam is by the great Versace, creating a pedigree that unites three of the 1995 generation. There is also Excalibur EA, who combines both WH Justice and Marwan al Shaqab. Another most impressive show horse of the last few years in the USA is DA Valentino, who was not only a son of Versace, but is also a grandson of Magnifficaa FA, who, coincidentally was also born in 1995. Another great Versace son, Da Vinci FM, is a pure result of 1995’s magic, since he is also by Versace out of the 1995-born Full Moon Astar. It is surely more than chance, when you study the pedigrees of other current champions like Van Gogh AM and Marajj, you find that, not only do they descend from the 1995 generation sires, but both their dams, Ynazya HCF and RGA Kouress were also born in 1995, as was Swete Dreams, the dam of World Champion QR Marc.

And if this wasn’t enough to convince you, there was even more magic in that year, when in 1995, the undisputed queen of the straight Egyptian ZT

Shakfantasy

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Gazal Al Shaqab

Versace

Magnum Psyche

Falcon

BHF

Arabian mares was born—the ethereal beauty RN Farida. She not only redefined classic type, but also perpetuated it when crossed to another 1995 hero, Al Adeed al Shaqab, resulting in the incomparable Naifah al Rayyan. The influence of Al Adeed in the straight Egyptian world is primarily through his daughters who have been consistent producers of straight Egyptian superstars like Qatar International and Egyptian Event USA Gold Champion Mare Rayyana al Aliya (out of Asrar al Rayyan) and Mashhoorah al Shaqab, World Champion Straight Egyptian Junior Filly 2016 and Best in Show.

Indeed, 1995 changed the Arabian breed forever. The legacy of that generation will be carried on throughout the next decades as their sons and grandsons continue to dominate in show rings around the world. Most exciting is that we still have not yet seen the limits of what this generation has given to the breed. No matter which is the next trend, no matter who is the next “big name,” there will always be a link to 1995. The stallions of this generation made us change the way we look at Arabian horses.

While we have discovered that the world is not held up by a giant tortoise, we must still believe in a bit of magic and await the next magical year that is sure to come in the world of Arabian horses. Because the magic of magic, is believing that it can happen again! n

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QA

Reflections

Of A Trainer

&

featuring

Alayna Mala

Are you a first generation horse person? How is your family involved? I am a first generation horse trainer in my family. We have owned horses since I was little. My family introduced me to riding when I was 4 and were involved when I was a youth and amateur rider.

Describe your introduction to the Arabian breed.

How did you get “hooked”? My introduction to the Arabian breed came when we had our horses with Jerome Parker. He sold us two Arabian mares. I got really hooked when I went to Adandy Farm when I was 9 years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a horse trainer and that Adandy Farm would be my forever home someday.

Why did you decide to become a professional? I decided to become a professional after two years of showing amateur. Cathy and I had many discussions about future opportunities as a professional. I cannot thank Cathy enough for her support every step of the way, and also our clients, for the amazing opportunities to show their talented horses.

If you weren’t training horses, or involved in the industry, where do you think life would have taken you? A tough question! I have lived and breathed horses for the last 15 years straight. I honestly don’t know where life would have taken me. I know that I love to work hard and I would have definitely not been cut out for a non-hands-on job.

How do you hope to shape the industry through your job? I feel as though at this point our industry is moving

forward in a very positive way. I think we just need to keep everything enjoyable for our owners, amateur and youth riders. Without them, none of us would be doing what we love.

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What about your job brings you the most satisfaction? There are so many things about my job that I love. Watching young horses grow up and turn into superstars; the support of our close group of clients who are like my family. It is always refreshing to know that you have a supportive group of people behind you.

What would you like to see improved in the Arabian horse world? I would like to see everyone in our breed unite together. For example, halter and performance trainers … we all need to join together. Everything has been so separate, and I know that I love a great halter horse just as much as a great English horse. We have all seen us show together in one arena at the national level before, and it can be done again if we all work together.

What has been your favorite show ring memory to date? I have several favorite show ring memories. I can say that a majority of my best rides and wins have been with talented babies sired by Gitar MF. At horse shows, I can’t live without … adrenaline. It is what keeps me going, because I don’t get much sleep! And it’s always an adrenaline rush to go through the gate. n

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FACES & PLACES Sher m a n R a nc h ’s Open Hou s e w a s host … to the 2017 AHA Breeders Forum in Pleasanton, Calif., on Saturday, May 27, 2017.

A spectacular day with wonderful weather and approximately 150 attendees joined in a celebration of the Arabian horse.

Mimosas and a baby parade started the day, followed by a horse presentation of young horses from yearlings up to 3 year olds, all bred by Sherman Ranch, and all examples of several decades of successful breeding.

Immediately after a lunch of sliders, tacos, crepes and a bountiful dessert bar, the Registration Commission of AHA consisting of nine people, and AHA President Nancy Harvey, were available to breeders and owners to discuss issues pertaining to Arabian and Half-Arabian breeding and registration. n

➔➔ For latest news and events visit www.ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 158 | Volume 48, No. 3

The Commission invites everyone to attend their next Breeders Forum at Shada, Inc., in Elk River, Minn. in early September.

Photos by: Kelly Kenneally and Debbie Fuentes Ar abian Horse Times | 159 | Volume 48, No. 3

The 54th Ohio Buckeye Sweepstakes We all know their motto … even if you have never been to or shown there—“Where National Champions Are Made.” It is a powerful statement, and is trusted as true, based on the continued attendance and success of this show every year.

Known for drawing a crowd of superior horses, the Ohio Buckeye Sweepstakes in Columbus, Ohio, is held during Memorial Day weekend, May 25-28. It is the largest Class A Arabian horse show behind Scottsdale, and evaluated by accredited judges.

This show isn’t about the payouts. It is about being seen and competing with the best of the best in the nation; the title of champion, reserve or top ten highly valued. It is amateur and youth deep with each class highly anticipated. To win here is to know that you can win anywhere.

This year’s winner of the Strawberry Banks Farm sponsored $20,000 Arabian English Performance Association (AEPA) Arabian Country Pleasure Maturity for amateurs was Ironn Maidenn, ridden by owner Linda McArthur-Conish. Bred by the Sheas with multi-National English Champion lines including Vegaz and Afires Heir, it is easy to understand why she won, but it wasn’t easy, as she faced competition all having Afire Bey V in their bloodlines.

There’s no better time to promote your sale horses as well. New this year was the Buckeye Online Auction. Long-time attendees and super fans of the Buckeye, Stachowski Farm hosted the auction through the duration of the show. Show manager Cindy Clinton shared, “When Ashley Roberts contacted me with the idea, I thought, okay let’s try it.

I had no idea how successful it would be and we are very excited about the possibilities of what we can do with a little more planning time.”

When all was said and done, 16 horses were sold for over $220,000.

The Buckeye is the place to be and be seen. If you’ve attended, you’ll be back next year. If you haven’t, it’s about time you started. n

Photos by Krystal Kelly

It is also a show about comradery. Famous for their Progressive Barn Party on Friday night, it brings the barn aisles alive with teems of attending spectators and exhibitors. “Eat your way around the barn” had everyone moving from one farm to the next, enjoying delicious food and each other’s company. The Buckeye show committee constantly strives to look for ways to make the show enjoyable for everyone, and with the help of creative sponsors and volunteers,

numerous shopping booths, and awards and prizes, it was nigh impossible to walk away with nothing.

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Photos by Krystal Kelly

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with Dick Ames

AMES INSPIRATION Buckeye Sweepstakes Champion Arabian Country English Pleasure AATR with Lara Ames SHF ENCORE Buckeye Sweepstakes 1st Place Arabian Pleasure Driving ATD with Dick Ames

GOBLET OF FIRE CCF Buckeye Sweepstakes Champion Arabian English Pleasure JTR, 1st Place Arabian English Pleasure 13 & Under with Hadley Ames ROHARA AMERICANLEGEND Buckeye Sweepstakes Top Eight HA Country English Pleasure JTR with Hadley Ames

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The Ames Family | Jordan, Minnesota 952.492.2537 | CedarRidgeArabians.com

with Lara Ames

with Hadley Ames

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is the proving ground for

National Champions of the past and present!

RGT BREATHIN AFIRE 2017 Buckeye Champion

Owned by: Silver Stag Arabians LLC

SHE BE A ROCKSTAR 2017 Buckeye Champion

Owned by: Greg Lymer & John Code

Adandy Farm - Greenwood, Delaware Cathy Vincent 302.236.6665 Alayna Mala 413.552.7716 Farm 302.349.5116 - adandyfarm@aol.com WWW.ADANDYFARM.COM Ar abian Horse Times | 164 | Volume 48, No. 3

Fall Festival

Exclusive, Exciting, Enduring S e p t e m b e r 29 - O c t o b e r 1, 2017 M i n n e sota S tat e F a i r g r ou n d s , S t . P au l , M i n n e sota

H ome of the M edallion S tallion P erformance A uction M aturity

The Ames Family Jordan, Minnesota

952.492.2537 CedarRidgeArabians.com

MARCO ALI QR Marc x Dar Fiero Biali

2017 REGION 10 CHAMPION Arabian 2-Year-Old Colt

Bred & Owned by: Andrew and Christine Steffens | W W W. AVA L ONCR ES T.COM

ALL INQUIRIES INVITED

Contact: SHADA, INC Jeff Schall - 612-308-8006 - JRShada@gmail.com | Jerry Schall - 612-865-9202 - JerryShada@gmail.com W W W. SH A DA I NC.COM

2017 MEDALLION STALLION Ar abian Horse Times | 2 |

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These are special times that surround an exceptional filly!

Finale

CHEER HER ON as she competes for the title of 2017 Champion MAHB Auction Filly.

2017 REGION 10 CH A MPION AR ABIAN SWEEPSTAKES FILLY 2017 JUNIOR CH A MPION FILLY

Owned by: HONEY TREE FAR M Richard and Peggy Selk honeytreefarm@att.net Contact: SHADA, INC Jeff Schall - 612-308-8006 - JRShada@gmail.com Jerry Schall - 612-865-9202 - JerryShada@gmail.com W W W. SH A DA I NC.COM Ar abian Horse Times | 3 |

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HT Khaja J x Porcelaina J

Multi-National Champion

*KAVALLE MI *Gazal Al Shaqab × Karess Owned by Joanne Gunabalan

Sire of Multi-National & International Champions

JUSTIFY

Magnum Psyche x S Justadream Owned by DST Arabians

Scottsdale Champion & U.S. National Reserve Champion

DELACROIXX

RD Dynamo x HED Caramba Owned by Barb Sink-Krusenstjerna

& Jay Krusenstjerna

Andrew & Angie Sellman River Falls, Wisconsin 54022 715.425.9001 | www.argentfarms.com

In Print • Online • In Touch

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in-depth editorial content from across the globe.

Contact us and take the first step to global recognition for you and your horses.

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The 36 th Annual

Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders

Fall Festival

Preview L

eading the way now for 35 years and still going strong …over $200,000 in prize money divided up between 36 halter and performance classes and “amateurs only” need apply … what better endorsement do you need? How about, it is the “First, Friendliest and Fairest”, three words that have rung true since its inception, and which continue to be the draw for many when they will again head to the 36th Minnesota Arabian Horse Association’s (MAHB) Fall Festival September 29-through October 1st. Held at the MN State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Halter, Western, Hunter and Saddle Seat classes are available with Jackpot Champion classes held for each discipline.

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It is also home to the original and longest running auction-based futurity. Bred by only the finest stallions in the industry, those who make this an annual event in their lives revel in why this show is aptly labeled a festival—a celebration of beautiful and top quality, talented Arabian horses ridden by expert horsemen and women, all sprinkled with the knowledge that everyone who comes is welcome to gather and share in their passion of the Arabian horse, especially at the annual and heavily attended Progressive Dinner and Medallion Stallion service auction on Saturday evening. It is one of the strongest in the industry with highly regarded stallions from all over the world; hence the ongoing theme of

“Exclusive, Exciting, Enduring” Of course, there’s more fun to be had. There’s plenty to keep you and yours busy with exciting events and lots of laughs; part of the thrill and reason for returning every year. And a generous dose of giving back never hurts, with a yearly $3,000 check given to a charity of choice.

With so much prize money available and 35 years of proven success under its belt, who wouldn’t want to join this elite group of like-minded people who believe in the same stallions as you do and put this show

at the top of their list. If you need any more convincing, just ask anyone well respected in the Arabian horse community who have participated and won at this prestigious event!

They’ll probably tell you every time...

Take a Chance, Have a Chance Win A Big Check!

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R.J. & G.L. Ames CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS Jordan, MN * 952-492-6590 Cedarridge@yahoo.com www.cedar-ridge.com Rick & Tammy Anderson SUMMERFIELD FARM, INC. Belvidere, IL * 815-547-4852 Summerfieldarabs@aol.com www.summerfieldfarminc.com Donald & Ann Benson PRAIRIE VIEW FARM Maple Plain, MN * 612-325-7293 prairieviewfarm@msn.com Glenn & Sue Brinkman BRINKMAN ARABIAN STABLES Pierre, SD * 605-224-0773 glennhuntz@aol.com Greg & Mary Brown BROWNS FOLLY ARABIAN HORSES Minnetonka, MN * 952-593-0489 BrownsFolly@aol.com www.BrownsFolly.com

Holly & Dave Connaker CONNAKER ARABIANS, LLC Brainerd, MN * 218-330-5759 holly@lakehome.com Peter & Lori Conway CONWAY ARABIANS, INC. Chatfield, MN * 507-867-2981 peter@conwayarabians.com www.conwayarabians.com David & Tammy Corning & Sienna Snell DST ARABIANS Olympia, WA * 360-866-8525 DSTArabians@msn.com www.dstarabians.com Muffet Eskra MAZZIAH LLC Olathe, KS *913-475-3180 mazziahllc@yahoo.com Jim & Penny Gute WEST LAWN FARM Faribault, MN * 507-451-7663 westlawnfarm@live.com www.westlawnfarm.com

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Eleanor Hamilton ELEANOR’S ARABIAN FARM Rogers, MN * 763-767-1381 h.hamilton@microcontrol.com www.eleanorsarabianfarm.com Donna Hentges GREYMOOR FARM Elko, MN * 952-461-3311 greymoor@visi.com www.first-cyte.com Larry & Shelley Jerome JERLAND FARM Barron, WI * 715-537-5413 larry@jerland.com www.jerland.com Suzette & JoAnn Johnson ISLAND FARM Lake Crystal, MN * 507-726-2174 June-Dec: suzettej@hickorytech.net Jan-May: sjohnson_54@msn.com Jeana Karlovich J.D.D.K. ARABIANS Peawaukee, WI * 262-547-3000 wiclasonln@aol.com

Kim McKimmy ARCHETYPE ARABIANS St. Michael, MN * 651-253-8673 kmckimmy@charter.net www.regentarabians.com Kim McKimmy REGENT ARABIANS Rogers, MN * 763-428-4975 kim.mckimmy@regentarabians.com www.regentarabians.com Tom Mensing OUTLAW EQUESTRIANS Scottsdale AZ * 612-860-4888 tommensing@gmail.com Darla & Steve Miles MILESTONE ARABIANS Basehor, KS * 816-769-7172 stevem@milesexcavating.com milestonearabians.com Deri & Karen Nordsving D & K ARABIANS Racine, MN * 507-378-2341 www.makhiavellika.com Rory & Sue O’Neill O’NEILL ARABIANS, LLC Cave Creek, AZ * 602-821-8220 www.oneillarabians.com

Jennifer Patterson Glenbrook, NV * 775-749-5974 pinecone223@aol.com Beth Proctor & Jack Collins WINDSONG RANCH Mankato, MN * 507-387-3869 windsongarabians@gmail.com Frank & Jody Puleo JADA ARABIANS Hugo, MN * 651-653-9369 frankpuleojr@yahoo.com www.jadaarabians.com Angela Rasmussen Glencoe, MN * 612-598-4129 angelarasmussen@yahoo.com Regan and Renae Rohl ROHL ARABIANS Fargo, ND * 701-781-0303 Regan.Rohl@mssb.com Ron & Judy Schmid PINE CREST ARABIANS Hayward, WI * 715-634-2626 pcarab@aol.com

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Danielle & Randy Shaw DESERT VISION ARABIANS Hortonville, WI * 920-750-3386 desertvisionsltd@gmail.com Ric & Cecilia Summers WIL-O-MAR ARABIANS Bonner Springs, KS * 816-365-3472 wilomararabians@gmail.com www.wil-o-mararabians.com Mark & Val Sylla WESTRIDGE FARMS River Falls, WI * 715-426-9640 vals@westridgefarms.com www.westridgefarms.com Debbie Treadwell ADVANTAGE ARABIANS Maple Lake, MN * 320-963-3677 debbietreadwell@mcnamaracompany.com Katja Wiedrich WIEDRICH ARABIANS Hager City, WI * 715-792-2956 katjawiedrich@yahoo.com Dean & Terri Wikel PEGASUS ARABIANS Berlin Heights, OH * 419-588-3000 sales@pegasusequestrian.com

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This year’s Auction to feature the World’s Greatest Arabian breeding Stallions.

Stay tuned for details...

For information, contact: John Diedrich • jcdiedrich@gmail.com • Mobile 507-461-1587 Greg Brown • mahbinc@aol.com • 612-760-1048

WWW.MEDALLIONSTALLION.COM Ar abian Horse Times | 12 |

mn breeders

Stallion owners earn 10% OF AUCTION PURSE won by their stallions’ progeny.

All MEDALLION STALLIONS are included in the LIVE AUCTION.

Our success has been built from our continued commitment to integrity, passion, and competitiveness.

The only all amateur futurity where breeders and owners can compete for over $200,000 in prize money in halter and performance.

FOUNDED IN 1979 WITH

For information, contact: John Diedrich jcdiedrich@gmail.com Mobile 1-507-461-1587

www.MedallionStallion.com

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Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders www.medallionstallion.com

- Stallion Service Auction Saturday September 30, 2017

Candeman

(Apollopalooza x Starkhana) 2006 Purebred Bay Stallion SCID, CA and LFS clear. AHA Breeders Sweepstakes and MN Medallion Stallion 2017 Region 10 Champion Arabian Pl. Driving 2015 and 2016 U.S. National Top Ten Park Horse AAOTR 2011 U.S. National Top Ten Arabian English Pleasure Jr. Horse This boy is an amazing powerhouse who shows what the Arabian is truly capable of. He is the son of the legendary Apollopalooza and out of champion Starkhana. He has fluid motion from the front to back end, and a sweet temperament that we never thought we would see in a stallion again. “Pal” came home for his first breeding season and cemented his relationship with the Kramer clan. He is easygoing and loving. Then it was time to start showing! He showed only twice before going to Nationals in 2011, winning both times. At Nationals he garnered Top Ten Jr. English horse. Not bad for a rookie!

Standing At: Red Tail Arabians • Michael & Renee Kramer Elk Mound, WI • 715-879-5832 • www.redtailarabians.com

Coltrane SS

(IXL Noble Express x Brassmis) 2012 Purebred Black Stallion AHA Breeders Sweepstakes, Scottsdale Signature, MN Medallion, Region 12 Spotlight and AEPA Enrolled Stallion.

Coltrane SS is sired by National Champion Park Horse IXL Noble Express and out of multi-national champion producing mare, Brassmis. Coltrane was selected to complement the Conway breeding program with his potential as a non-Huck-bred golden cross stallion.

Owned by: Conway Arabians • Chatfield, MN Standing At: Kiesner Training Louisville, TN • 865-984-5245 ashton@kiesnertraining.com

Exxalt

(Excalibur EA x Vesperra) 2014 Purebred Grey Stallion 2015 Scottsdale International Gold Jr. Champion Colt Exxalt is the latest star in a stellar line of champions, being sired by the 2014 European Triple Crown winner, Excalibur EA and out of Vesperra, sired by SF Veraz (by Gazal Al Shaqab).

Exxalt was the first son to show by Excalibur, presented at the 2015 Scottsdale All-Arabian Horse Show. Competing in the strong yearling colt classes in the International Section, Exxalt commanded and not only won, but went on to take the International Gold Yearling Male Championship.

Owned by: Collins, Butler, Smith Standing At: Ted Carson Training Center Ted Carson • BFTC Owner/Manager 910-876-7332 • ted@tedcarson.com Ar abian Horse Times | 14 |

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Dedicated to the Arabian Horse for over 45 years.

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IN TOUCH

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TODAY! Magazine + FREE Digital Edition + FREE 2018 Wall Calendar

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Eleanor Hamilton, Owner

Rogers, Minnesota

763.767.1381 1.800.328.9923

www.EleanorsArabianFarm.com

Eleanor Hamilton, Owner

Rogers, Minnesota

763.767.1381 1.800.328.9923

www.EleanorsArabianFarm.com

(Fame VF X RA Mystical Rose) (RA Aloha X Fascination J)

Jerland, Your Key to Success!

The Larry and Shelley Jerome Family :: 715.537.5413 www.jerland.com - 715.205.0357 - larry.jerome@jerland.com

Honoring the Caretakers who Honor our Horses...

ADVERTISING INCLUDES A CARETAKER PROFILE Now is the time to thank those individuals that help us make it to the winner’s circle without ever entering the show ring!

Lara Ames | 612.210.1592 | lara@ahtimes.com Tony Bergren | 231.286.6085 | tonyb@ahtimes.com Lesley Blain | 608.751.2069 | lesley.blain3@gmail.com Wayne Anderson | 612.751.6897 | wayneand@ahtimes.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 185 | Volume 48, No. 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 186 | Volume 48, No. 3

“SUPER”-Star Get by TA Mozart SWIFTKICKINTHEPANTZ RA | 2014 Purebred Chestnut Mare | Out of Al Marah Swift River THORN INMY SLIDE RA | 2014 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of AM Thorny Rose AMADEUS RA | 2014 Purebred Chestnut Gelding | Out of Al Marah Amelius HEAVENZENT RA | 2014 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of AM Heavenly Design MOZYONDOWN RA | 2014 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of Minding Ps And Qs MOZARTS BIG RED RA | 2014 Purebred Chestnut Gelding | Out of Jaborrs Lita MOZARTS ROSELITA RA | 2015 Purebred Grey Mare | Out of AM Thorny Rose DOUBLE MO SEVEN RA | 2015 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of Al Marah Swift River TINY TIMMOTHY RA | 2015 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of Al Marah Power Parade TRADER MOE RA | 2015 Purebred Bay Gelding | Out of AM Heavenly Design MY MELODY RA | 2015 Purebred Grey Mare | Out of Bint Myraa RA MILES DAVIS | 2015 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of Nspiring Jazz SECONDHANDSMOKE RA | 2015 Half-Arabian Chestnut Mare | Out of Cee N Gun Smoke HOTTIMEINMOTOWN RA | 2015 Half-Arabian Chestnut Gelding | Out of Delicatta THE GOLDEN CHILD RA | 2015 Half-Arabian Chestnut Mare | Out of Goldens Lil Sugar MY GREAT ESCAPE RA | 2015 Half-Arabian Dun Mare | Out of Ms Great Whiz MN GOLDEN RA | 2016 Half-Arabian Chestnut Gelding | Out of Goldens Lil Sugar MAGIC OF MOZART RA | 2016 Half-Arabian Chestnut Mare | Out of TRR Echos Of Dun It MOZARTS MR MAGOO RA | 2016 Half-Arabian Chestnut Colt | Out of Connie PURPLE REIN RA | 2016 Purebred Grey Gelding | Out of AM Starry Night MOZARTS SONATA RA | 2016 Purebred Grey Mare | Out of AM Thorny Rose SWEET SURRENDER RA | 2016 Purebred Bay Mare | Out of Al Marah Amelius PENDING | 2017 Purebred Grey Filly | Out of AM Thorny Rose PENDING | 2017 Purebred Chestnut Filly | Out of Minding Ps and Qs PENDING | 2017 Purebred Bay Filly | Out of Proper Etiquette RA PENDING | 2017 Half-Arabian Chestnut Filly | Out of Ms Great Whiz PENDING | 2017 Purebred Grey Colt | Out of Al Marah Swift River PENDING | 2017 Purebred Chestnut Filly | Out of Foxy Maxemus RA

Owned by Dick Ames For breeding inquiries contact Mike Brennan, Breeding Manager 612-202-6985 | www.CedarRidgeArabians.com Nspired By Mozart RA Champion 2017 Scottsdale Arabian Reining Futurity with Brian Welman

Ar abian Horse Times | 187 | Volume 48, No. 3

Lance Scheffel

Ar abian Horse Times | 188 | Volume 48, No. 3

We have horses perfect for Open, Amateur, and Youth riders from beginner to expert ... and the finest team of trainers and managers in the horse industry!

Pam Rose Gary Ferguson

Rod Matthiesen

Eleanor Hamilton, Owner Rod Matthiesen, Trainer

763.767.1381 1.800.328.9923

Mark Coombs, Breeding Manager

www.EleanorsArabianFarm.com Rogers, Minnesota, Ar abian Horse Times | 189 | Volume 48, No. 3

We believe in Versatility,Trainability and Solid Foundations. Here’s the proof ...

(Hesa Zee+/ x RV Muscana)

2010 Chestnut Stallion Standing at Stud Campaigning in 2017 in Open Reining with Ken Eppers, Eppers Performance Horses Our first ‘Oz’ baby is fantastic!

Meet Toto...

(EAF Hesa Wizard x Brenna’s BH 86)

Dakota Dawn

RCC

Accelerant

RBR

(Abidon+ x Cantaliera)

(TA Mozart x Fire Mistress)

2017 Scottsdale Champion Working Cow Junior Horse and Level 1 Arabian Reining Futurity Campaigning in Working Cow Horse, Herd Work, Ranch Riding and Reining with Elise Ulmer-Etzebeth, Rancho Del Sol

2016 Sport Horse National Reserve Champion Breeders Sweepstakes Yearling Colt/Gelding In training for U.S. National Reining Futurities with Ken Eppers, Eppers Performance Horses

Congratulations, Kristen Skavdahl, on your purchase of RBR Abiliera (Abidon+ x Cantaliera)!

Horses Available for Purchase at all times.

Owned by Round Barn Ranch Tim Williams • Dr. Cindy Hildebrand (501) 231-1382 • Burlington, Kansas

Ken Eppers Ken Eppers Performance Horses (254) 717-5035 • Krum, Texas Ar abian Horse Times | 191 | Volume 48, No. 3

Elise Ulmer-Etzebeth Rancho Del Sol, DeKalb, Texas

B

Working Western

Arabian Horse Competition That Scores Big

e it Working Cow, Reining patterns or navigating the maneuvers of a detailed Trial Horse course, Working Western classes continue to grow in size and ever more intense competition.

What is the appeal? Why are the Working Western disciplines drawing in new and experienced professional and amateur competitors by the scores?

First there is the distinct difference of competing for a tangible score based on firmly established

patterns. These patterns bring specific expectations to the horse and rider handling each and every

maneuver. Yes, the ‘main arena’ performance classes have rigid rules and regulations themselves. But the big difference is the specificity. One false move and you’re out … that is, you’ve scored a zero. The fact

that this scoring has horse and rider in the arena solo, yet partnering in a performance, also gives the feel of competing against oneself. Yes, the stakes are always high in any equine competition. Still, somehow

being out there on your own presents a unique feeling, a sort of closeness with your horse in completing a performance on pattern, within the ‘lines’ and in the proper sequence.

Ar abian Horse Times | 192 | Volume 48, No. 3

Working Western

Working Western trainers and amateurs alike seem to delight in taking an equine prospect whether young or mature, and developing its mind to take on a series of maneuvers. In the Trail pen, a horse must trust its rider to take it over everything from poles to bridges to jumps, with lots of distracting foliage or other embellishments. Cow horses deal with a wily bovine and move it where it needs to go. Reining goes through the high and low ‘gears’ within a pattern with speed, spins and flash, yet all the while uncannily calm.

Ranch Pleasure competition classes (also known as Ranch Horse Riding), the common denominator to all things Working Western, have recently come onto the Arabian show scene. Gathering entries from all the Working Western disciplines, Ranch Pleasure gives pros and amateurs alike, a fresh style of showing their horse, executing a relaxed yet purposeful pattern, emulating riding on the ranch range.

Scoring by the judge starts every rider at 70 with pluses and minuses to score based on AHA rulebook specifics. In general, the purpose of Ranch Horse Riding is to reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse. The horse’s performance should simulate a horse working outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This class shows the horse’s ability to work at a forward, working speed while under control of the rider. Light contact should be rewarded and the horse shall not be shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements and the horse’s quality of movement are the primary considerations.

Ranch Pleasure is meant to be casual and relaxed. Per AHA, the patterns must include the walk, jog, and lope both directions; and the extended jog and extended lope going at least one direction; as well as

stops, and a back. Three or more options are included and can be: a side pass, turns of 360 degrees or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, jog, or lope over a pole(s) and/or log; or some combination of maneuvers that would be reasonable for a ranch horse to perform.

There’s no time limit in judging Ranch Pleasure. Another AHA quote states, the horse and rider will be scored on movement, which is ‘cadence and rhythm of gaits’, smoothness and consistency in performance, along with how they perform the optional maneuvers. Then the score sheets will be posted for the exhibitors’ benefit.

Attire is very basic, ‘fancy’ is discouraged on tack and attire.

For any Arabian horse Working Western mount and rider, Ranch Pleasure offers another option to exhibit a well-trained riding horse.

The Scottsdale 2017 debut was a huge success indicating a likely equally impressive Canadian Nationals debut for Ranch Horse Pleasure this year for Open and ATR, purebred and Half-Arabians.

It is no wonder the Arabian horse excels at all the Working Western disciplines given its intelligent nature, inclination to bond with a human partner, plus its amazing athleticism.

Breeders raise excellent young prospects and many a mature show horse changes careers to a Working Western discipline—creating a nice boost to our industry.

Finally, it’s simply beautiful to watch a great Working Western performance, and even more rewarding to achieve and execute a finely finessed performance ‘on pattern!’

The following pages highlight those in this unique dance with the Arabian horse and why they believe it will continue to grow.

Ar abian Horse Times | 193 | Volume 48, No. 3

Eleanor Hamilton ELEANOR’S ARABIAN FARM ROGERS, MN

How does the training of a working western horse differ from ‘main arena’ training? First of all, they are training for a very specific discipline. ‘Main Arena’ training is the basics polished to a fine shine. We start with the basics and then go on to some very deep and difficult athletic endeavors. Not to downplay the ‘main arena’ horses, everybody knows I thoroughly enjoy riding and showing western pleasure, but it’s sort of like comparing stadium track runners to Iron Man competitors. It’s a different type and a very different level of athletic ability and training intensity.

Why do you think increasing numbers of competitors are attracted to the working western show pen? It’s hard work and it’s real work. It takes a very good rider and a well-trained horse to succeed. Most of all, it is fun and challenging. Reining is a great sport. It’s relatively easy to understand but difficult to perfect. The judging is based on specific maneuvers, points and half-points. The opinions and politics play a lesser role than in other ‘main arena’ competition and that has great appeal for many people. They want to be judged fairly and there’s simply a better chance of that in this equine sport.

What drew you to the working western disciplines? I was born on a working cattle ranch in the Sand Hills region of Nebraska.

Everything we did, we did with horses. I grew up on working cow horses, working cattle. My sister and I rode on horses to school all eight years of grade school. Later, when I lived in Minnesota and there was the opportunity to get horses back in my life, my trainer Rod Matthiesen got me involved with reining horses. Gary Ferguson continued that relationship. It was fun and exciting and reminded me of my childhood. Lance Scheffel brought cutting back to my attention. I love working horses.

Share the traits you seek in a great working western prospect.

How and why can they result in a great show horse? There are a lot of important traits that make up a great working horse.

They need strength, stamina and the body type to do the work.

Of course, I make no bones about the fact that my number one character point is temperament. I need a horse that is solid, kind and willing, with a real work ethic. My horses have to go anywhere and do everything. My horses work with riders of every level, from the smallest children to the oldest adults. It makes them worldclass show horses for obvious reasons.

What is your top wish for the future of working western? Working western horses don’t need my best wishes. It’s one of the fastest growing, biggest equine sport in the world in the Quarter Horse business. There are three- and four-million dollar riders on that side of the creek. I would like to see the Arabian horse bred to its potential and competing at the highest levels. Once upon a time, the Arabian created the specialized horses of this world, and in most disciplines its best individuals could still be bred to compete with them.

How do you want to see working western disciplines featured within the Arabian horse show industry, including small shows all the way to national competitions? Recognition of the Arabian breed as a working western horse in all aspects.

Describe your working western operation and its specialties. We specialize in the versatile working western Arabian horse, both purebred and Half-Arabian. We have reiners, cutting horses and pleasure horses that are suitable for open, amateur and youth competition. They combine the best of athletic talent, temperament and work ethic that the Arabian horse has to offer.

Ar abian Horse Times | 194 | Volume 48, No. 3

Working Western

Tim Williams

and

Cindy Hildebrand

ROUND BARN RANCH BURLINGTON, KS

What drew you to the working western discipline(s)? We were very interested in the skill and excitement of reining. Not only did we want to exhibit in reining, we quickly found that taking a young horse through the training years, watching them develop and later compete, was (and is) very rewarding.

Share the traits you seek in a great working western prospect. How and why can they result in a great show horse? First and foremost is trainability. We look for bloodlines that have stood the test of time and proven to produce trainable, sound, sane individuals. Occasionally we will go to a more modern horse that has been very competitive, but that bloodline foundation has to be present. We love the “pretty” that the Arabian breed puts on the horses, but we also admire the grit that a few individuals demonstrate, no matter what the discipline. A great disposition helps with the trainability factor. We believe in letting the youngsters “choose” which way they want to go. We like them to enjoy and look forward to their job. By wisely breeding to older, proven bloodlines, that grit and trainability shows up with no effort.

How does the training of a working western horse differ from the ‘main arena’ training? We have had only a small amount of experience with the Main Ring disciplines. We think the same factors that play a role in the training of a great working western horse also play a big part in a main ring discipline. We think as small breeders/promoters who have to consider every dollar we spend as an investment, the right trainer is paramount no matter which discipline. We have been fortunate to be associated with great trainers who taught us … and our horses a great deal. In that respect, we find no difference between main ring and working western.

Why do you think increasing numbers of competitors are attracted to the working western show pen? It’s fun! It’s exciting! It’s challenging!

We think that more and more people who feel that they may not be able to have a trainer, cattle, etc., are being drawn to the trail and especially ranch riding. There is truly something for everyone.

What is your top wish for the future of working western? To grow, especially in the purebred divisions. It is very important to have great purebreds to produce the Half-Arabian contender. Along that line, we truly hope that at some point the payouts will be equal for the purebreds and Half-Arabians in the working western futurities. We have to entice people to breed purebred working western horses.

How do you want to see working western disciplines featured within the Arabian horse show industry, including small shows all

the way to national competitions? We think that adding more fun to the shows is the answer.

At the national level, we think pulling the main ring audience into the reining pen could entice people to come have fun and participate. The exhibition at nationals was a good start.

Honestly, the rate that trail and ranch riding are growing, we wonder if there won’t someday be a separate U.S. National Working Western Show like we have seen with Sport Horse.

Describe your working western operation and its specialties. Tim farms on his family farm, and I am a nurse practitioner for the VA, so horses are not a source of our income!

We are small breeders, typically 2-3 foals a year. We try to produce at least one Half-Arabian, but our prime concentration is on the purebreds. We are also diversifying. We have owned working western horses who have been or are currently successful in Sport Horse in-hand and under saddle, western pleasure, working cow, reining, and trail. Our goal is to keep producing versatile Arabians that will continue on past their show careers to produce great babies. We were extremely lucky to have bought our stallion, EAF Hesa Wizard (Oz) as a weanling from Eleanor Hamilton and watch him turn into the great reining horse that he has. Seeing his first babies this year represented a big part of our plan. We have exceptional mares from a variety of bloodlines and a small group of talented show horses in the hands of horsemen and women that we admire: Ken Eppers and Elise Ulmer-Etzebeth. We will continue to try and send at least one of our yearlings each year to Sport Horse Nationals to represent our program. We believe in supporting the breed, the Breeders Sweepstakes program and promoting the great aspects of the working western division.

Ar abian Horse Times | 195 | Volume 48, No. 3

Brian Welman

BRIAN WELMAN TRAINING CENTER HASTINGS, MN

Why do you think increasing numbers of competitors are attracted to the reining show pen? The payouts don’t hurt and people are realizing that reiners aren’t as hard to ride as maybe first thought.

Purebreds require a little more effort at times, but Half-Arabians are easier; similar to Quarter Horses. Even the Quarter Horse trainer is looking to cross with purebred Arabians to get Half-Arabians.

What is your top wish for the future of reining? To see more growth in the youth and amateur levels; more shows offering reining, and with sizeable payouts to make it worthwhile to own a reining horse. A good example is the North Central Working Western Horse Celebration Show in mid-September in Madison, WI, open to all breeds.

How do you want to see reining disciplines featured within the Arabian horse show industry, including small shows all the way to national competitions? To encourage interest, have it where reining is showcased in front of a bigger crowd, such as an Invitational on Finals night at any large Arabian show where the top five or so reiners with one run compete for prize money–it would be entertaining for the crowd as well as exciting for reiners. Having reiners available to show at sales or showings helps as well.

What drew you to the reining discipline? Out of high school, I went to a clinic run by a reining trainer which started my interest. I studied at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and then trained under Tim McQuay for five years.

Share the traits you seek in a great reining prospect. How and why can they result in a great show horse? I look at pedigrees to see if the sire and dam are reining producers and/or money winners themselves, both in Arabians and Quarter Horses who have crossed well with Arabians, such as Hollywood Dun it and Gunner. I prefer them to be both pretty and good-minded (most important), good bodied, with a strong hip, and bigger bones and feet. When you find what works, you keep breeding to it. A prime example is TA Mozart, whose babies are following in his footsteps as competitive reiners.

Describe your reining operation and its specialties. The bulk of my time is spent training non-pro riders (amateur clients from the rookie to more experienced) and youth, and the rest is spent with young and training horses (both Arabians and NRHA horses). When going to horse shows, I will take anywhere to 18-22 head.

How does the training of a reining horse differ from the ‘main arena’ training? A reining horse requires learning many maneuvers at a higher degree of difficulty with 360 degree turns, sliding stops, roll backs and more, all put together in a pattern. Cow horses have the factor of another animal involved. Reiners used to be the horse that didn’t work elsewhere, but now they are more specialized and bred specifically for their discipline.

Ar abian Horse Times | 196 | Volume 48, No. 3

Working Western

2016 National Working Western Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth Nationals Working Western Champion and Reserve wins.

Cutting, Reined Cow, Reining, Western Trail, Herd Work and Working Cow. Open/Amateur classes only.

A rabian & H alf-A rabian Leading Horses

by number of wins Owner Joyce or Colter Thomas 3 championships, 1 reserve 1. Tina Turnaround 2. Karamat 3 championships The Brass Ring, Inc. 3. Annie Get Yur Gun 2 championships, 1 reserve Doug or Kristi Stewart LD Tsunami 2 championships, 1 reserve KGB Texas Marketing 4. CC Rival 1 championship, 2 reserves Michelle Roberts SA Prietty Good 1 championship, 2 reserves Pamela or Madison Rose WA Midnight Marquis 1 championship, 2 reserves Thomas or Kay Wright 5. Destin To Win 3 reserves Tammy McDonald Nspiring For the Top 3 reserves Ingrid Bentzen

A rabian Leading Horses

by number of wins Owner 1. Karamat 3 championships The Brass Ring, Inc. 2. LD Tsunami 2 championships, 1 reserve KGB Texas Marketing 3. SA Prietty Good 1 championship, 2 reserves Pamela or Madison Rose WA Midnight Marquis 1 championship, 2 reserves Thomas or Kay Wright 4. Destin To Win 3 reserves Tammy McDonald Nspiring For the Top 3 reserves Ingrid Bentzen

H alf-A rabian Leading Horses

by number of wins Owner Joyce or Colter Thomas 1. Tina Turnaround 3 championships, 1 reserve 2. Annie Get Yur Gun 2 championships, 1 reserve Doug or Kristi Stewart 3. CC Rival 1 championship, 2 reserves Michelle Roberts 4. Destined To Shine 2 championships Gayle Pniak Dunit On Fyre RA 2 championships Vallejo III Ranch LLC Gold N Pearls 2 championships Nicole or Hannah Mimbs Hott Rockett 2 championships Laura Fox and David Smith Miss Maximus 2 championships Cotton McNutt Raffs Swiss Mocha 2 championships Mckenna Streed TR It Takes Grit 2 championships Kit Hall

Ar abian Horse Times | 197 | Volume 48, No. 3

Overall Leading Sires

by number of winning get

by number of wins

1. Kordelas 4 1. AM Good Oldboy 5 2. AM Good Oldboy 3 2. Alada Baskin 4 3 4 Rohara Moon Storm Kordelas

4 What It Takes 3 What It Takes 3. Alada Baskin 2 3. Broadway Tstar 3 Broadway Tstar 2 Faantastiko 3 Faantastiko 2 HH Maxemus 3 3 Hesa Zee 2 Marble Sumner Win 3 HH Maxemus 2 Midnight Magnum 3 Khemander Kody 2 Nobles Top Gun

3 Vaguely Noble 2 OH Kornerstone

Ptron 3

Rohara Moon Storm 3

A rabian Leading Sires

by number of Arabian winning get

by number of Arabian wins

1. AM Good Oldboy 3 1.

Kordelas 3 2.

2 2. Broadway Tstar

Khemander Kody 2 2 Rohara Moon Storm Vaguely Noble 2

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

AM Good Oldboy 5 3 Broadway Tstar Kordelas 3 3 Marble Sumner Win 3 Midnight Magnum 3 Nobles Top Gun OH Kornerstone 3 Ptron 3

by number of Half-Arabian wins

1. What It Takes 3 1. What It Takes 4 2. Faantastiko 2 2. Faantastiko 3

Ar abian Horse Times | 198 | Volume 48, No. 3

Working Western

Overall Leading Open Trainers

(Top Ten included) by points 1.

2.

3.

4.

Crystal McNutt 147 104 Eddie Ralston Jessica Bein 75 61 Michael Damianos John Dublin 61 5. LaRae Fletcher Powell 52 6. Lou Roper 51 Jeffrey Wilms 51 7. Jim Hitt 48 Jill Mitchell 48

H alf-A rabian Leading Owners by number of horses

1. Carol Roberts

3 Vallejo III Ranch LLC 3 2. Joe Betten 2 Marjorie Joy Carr 2 2 Catherine Ferandelli or Alexis Cole Eleanor Hamilton 2 Cotton McNutt 2

Overall Leading Breeders by number of horses

Overall Leading Owners by number of horses

1. Vallejo III Ranch LLC

4 3 2. Cotton McNutt Carol Roberts 3 3. Joe Betten 2 John Dwyatt Bull 2 Marjorie Joy Carr 2 Catherine Ferandelli or Alexis Cole 2 Deni Grissette 2 Eleanor Hamilton 2 Wesley Hiser 2 Wesley and Madelena Larkin 2 Susan Lee 2 Brianna and Drake Mullen 2 David or Shirley Thielman 2

A rabian Leading Owners by number of horses

1. John Dwyatt Bull

2 Deni Grissette 2 Wesley Hiser 2 Wesley and Madelena Larkin 2 Brianna and Drake Mullen 2

1. Richard Ames 7 2. Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc. 5 3. Toskhara Arabians LP 4 Eleanor Hamilton 4 4. Carol Roberts 3

A rabian Leading Breeders by number of horses

1. Toskhara Arabians LP 3 2 2. C & P Dabella/Steinberg/Urner Diane Dempsey 2 Katharyn Hart 2 Vango Arabians 2

H alf-A rabian Leading Breeders by number of horses

1. Richard Ames 6 2. Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc. 5 3. Eleanor Hamilton 3 Carol Roberts 3 4. Buckshot Farms 2 Julie Klug 2 Dusty Morgan 2 The Brass Ring, Inc. 2 Kimberly Kirk Tillman 2

Ar abian Horse Times | 199 | Volume 48, No. 3

In Memoriam

Merton Sartre (1938-2017)

“Loving brother and beloved friend,” Mr. Merton P. Sartre, 78, of Middlebury, Conn., passed away at his home on May 5, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. Merton was born in East Hampton on May 6, 1938, one of seven children to the late Merton H. and Lillian (Errico) Sartre. He was a graduate of East Hampton High School. Merton was an accomplished, award winning horse trainer and had worked for the Carpinella family for over 35 years. He was the recipient of the 2016 APAHA Lifetime Achievement Award and was a member of the Arabian Horse Association. He was, for all intents and purposes, a cowboy. He leaves his companion of many years, Kristie Steven; siblings, a host of extended family and friends, and many fellow trainers in the equine community.

A memorial gathering to celebrate and remember Merton’s life will be held on Saturday, May 20. Memorial contributions can be made in Merton’s memory to: Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund.

taf Pennant+ (1991-2017)

A silver grey stallion in the magnificent tradition of the Polish/Negativ-bred Arabian, TAF Pennant+ was bred by Dr. Jose Tovar, Texas. For most of his life, he was shown as a western pleasure open and amateur horse and in side saddle, winning his first Class A reserve championship in western pleasure at his very first show in 1998, and his first Class A championship in that division in 2005. He won a regional reserve championship in 2008 at Region 10 with his (then) brand new owner, Eleanor Hamilton. In 2009 and again in 2011, he and Eleanor took the Region 10 championship title in western pleasure AOTR, much to everyone’s delight. During his 14 years as a show horse, he claimed 15 championships and reserves.

“I credit ‘Pennant’ with inspiring my love for the western pleasure division,” says Eleanor.

He was always a delight to ride; always a perfect gentleman. In the show ring, with his silver coat and impeccable manners, he stood out among all of the other horses. It’s fortunate he was remarkably good at what he did, because you could not miss him once he jogged through the in-gate.”

A pure Polish stallion of the finest pedigree, TAF Pennant+ was sired by the Banat son Piechur, and out of the Bandos and Celebes granddaughter, Enna. He had multiple crosses to the legendary Negatiw and several to the magnificent Bandos. Although he was bred to be a fine breeding sire, sadly, he only left a few offspring, a regret Eleanor always mentioned when his name came up in conversation.

Foaled in April of 1991, TAF Pennant+ passed on May 24th, at the age of 26. Those who loved him, especially the amateur ladies who were fortunate enough to ride him in the show ring, found him the perfect dance partner, a silver-haired denizen of the old country.

He will always be remembered with fondness and a sigh, exactly what a gentleman of his caliber and breeding would have wished.

RGR Windanser+ (1993-2017)

Off to greener pastures, National Champion RGR Windanser (NV Elite x Summerr Lace, by Negatraz), leaves behind many memories. This one-of-a-kind Country English and Pleasure Driving phenomenon was loved by all who knew him, especially by his long-time owners and family, Dean, Mary Jo and Maureen Meier, Brookhill Arabians.

Ar abian Horse Times | 200 | Volume 48, No. 3

FEATURING 2017 Youth National Championship Editorial Coverage including

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Contact your sales representative today Lara Ames | 612.210.1592 | lara@ahtimes.com Tony Bergren | 231.286.6085 | tonyb@ahtimes.com Lesley Blain | 608.751.2069 | lesley.blain3@gmail.com Wayne Anderson | 612.751.6897 | wayneand@ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 201 | Volume 48, No. 3

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Calendar Of Events Calendar Of Events N ATIONAL EVENTS

July 5-9, 2017, Region 11 Championships, Lake St. Louis, Missouri. www.aha11.com HOWS July 5-9, 2017, Region 15 Championships, Lexington, Virginia.

September 14-16, 2017, NSH Finals, Springfield, Illinois. www.region15.com www.nshregistry.org July 6-9, 2017, Region 5 Championships, Monroe, Washington.

September 27-30, 2017, Arabian National Breeder Finals, www.regionv.com Scottsdale, Arizona. www.scottsdaleshow.com July 7-12, 2017, Region 3 Championships, Rancho Murieta, September 29-October 1, 2017, Minnesota Fall Festival, California. www.arabianhorses3.org St. Paul, Minnesota. www.medallionstallion.com July 12-15, 2017, Region 16 Championships, West Springfield, Massachusetts. www.region16.org NATIONAL EVENTS July 26-30, 2017, Region 17 Championships, Calgary, Alberta, www.arabianhorses.org Canada. www.region17.com

S

August 13-19, 2017, Canadian Nationals, Brandon, Manitoba, HOWS Canada.

September 5-10, 2017, Sport Horse Nationals, Raleigh, September 14-16, 2017, NSH Finals, Springfield, Illinois.

North Carolina. www.nshregistry.org October 20-28, 2017, U.S. Nationals, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

September 27-30, 2017, Arabian National Breeder Finals, Scottsdale, Arizona. www.scottsdaleshow.com September 29-October 1, 2017, Minnesota Fall Festival, St. Paul, Minnesota. www.medallionstallion.com

S

www.arabianhorses.org

EVENTS July 22-29, 2017, Youth Nationals, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

INTERNATIONAL August 13-19, 2017, Canadian November 24-26, 2017, Salon Nationals, du Cheval Brandon, World Championships, Manitoba, Canada.

Paris, France. en.salon-cheval.com September 5-10, 2017, Sport Horse Nationals, Raleigh, *Go toCarolina. www.arabianessence.com or www.ecaho.org for additional North international shows information.

October 20-28, 2017,and U.S. Nationals, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Visit www.ahtimes.com for a calendar view of these dates and more.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Calendar listings are subject to change; please confirm dates and locale November 24-26, 2017, Salon du Cheval World Championships, before making your plans or reservations. E-mail notices to: Paris, France. en.salon-cheval.com charlened@ahtimes.com. *Go www.ecaho.org for additional *Duetotowww.arabianessence.com the intrinsic nature of theseorshows, Arabian Horse Times international and information. cannot be heldshows accountable for their validity.

Visit www.ahtimes.com for a calendar view of these dates and more.

Calendar listings are subject to change; please confirm dates and locale before making your plans or reservations. E-mail notices to: charlened@ahtimes.com. *Due to the intrinsic nature of these shows, Arabian Horse Times cannot be held accountable for their validity.

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Ar abian Horse Times | 202 | Volume 48, No. 3

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Custom hats. Top hats, hunt caps and helmets.

Hat carriers: single and multiple.

Ultimate Show Apparel by Diane Olsen.

Frank Principe Silver Bits.

AHA Official Championship Jackets.

Champion Show Horse For Sale.

Visit me online: www.thehatlady.com E-mail: herhatness@aol.com

IrIsh Born & raIsed!

AND

Purebred Arabian Horses Young stock for sale - Reasonably priced Photo: Zygmunt (*Ganges x Zuzanna)

Mrs. Mickey Hegg Bordwin, Mountrath, Co. Laois, Ireland mickeyhegg@aol.com Cell: Cell: 353-87-3831800 353-87-6937634•• Home: Home:353-57-87-56435 353-57-87-56435

BREEDINGS

AND

HORSES FOR SALE

Owned by: Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc. Standing at: Shea Stables ~ 1925 Bartlett Rd., St. Clair, MI 48079

(810) 329-6392 ~ www.AfireBeyV.com

R.O. LERVICK ARABIANS Home of Cytosk+++ & Out Of Cyte Halter & Performance Horses For Sale Roger & Linda Lervick Dennis Wigren - Manager/Trainer P.O. Box 699 Stanwood, Washington 98292 360-652-0108 • 800-669-2745 E-mail: cytosk@whidbey.net Web site: www.rolervickarabians.com

Dream,Inspire,Create... with

We offer: Lowest Rates Immediate Coverage Loss of Use & Fertility Premium Financing

The Agency Where YOUR Needs Come FIRST! Our Business: Insurance

God's Business: Assurance - I John 5:13 830 G Street, Geneva, Nebraska 68361

Call Bob Wilkins

Step 1: Choose your statement: necklace, cuff, keychain.

Step 2: Create your statement Step 3: BLING Simply order online and we will be in contact with you about customizing to your needs.

Or find us at a show to design your own.

www.ahtboutique.com • info@ahtboutique.com • 952-492-4554 Ar abian Horse Times | 100 | Volume 46, No. 7

800-826-9441 bob@wilkinslivestock.com www.livestockinsurance.biz

Ar abian Horse Times | 203 | Volume 48, No. 3

Join theCelebration!

Ar abian Horse Times | 204 | Volume 48, No. 3

United States

NATIONALS

r e b m e t p e S n i g n i m o C

Advertise your CONTENDERS, FARMS, STALLIONS and SALE HORSES All OWNERS & TRAINERS included in editorial feature.

Every farm that has 6 pages or more will receive a DIGITAL FLIPBOOK of their ads and a social media link.

Contact your sales representative today!

Tony Bergren • 231-286-6085 • tonyb@ahtimes.com Lara Ames • 612-210-1592 • lara@ahtimes.com Wayne Anderson • 612-751-6897 • wayneand@ahtimes.com Lesley Blain • 608-751-2069 • lesley.blain3@gmail.com www.AHTimes.com • 952-492-3213 • 800-248-4637 Ar abian Horse Times | 205 | Volume 48, No. 3

2017 SCOTTSDALE FIRST PLACE ARABIAN HUNTER PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE 3&4 YEAR OLD 2017 REGION 4 UNANIMOUS CHAMPION ARABIAN HUNTER PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JUSTIN COWDEN

C O M P E T I N G A T US N A T I O N A L S IN ARABIAN HUNTER PLEASURE AAOTR M A T U R I T Y & AAOTR 19-39 WITH

AMANDA FRASER

ROYAL NORMANDY Escape Ibn Navarrone-D x Precious Jewell M

Cindy McGown & Mark Davis | Mesa, Scottsdale & Rio Verde, Arizona | info@RoyalArabians.com | 480.220.1108 Rodolfo Guzzo: Halter Trainer | rguzzo@royalarabians.com | 619.200.6464

Justin Cowden: Performance Trainer | jcowden@royalarabians.com | 775.901.3029 Travis Rice: Sales & Marketing | trice@royalarabians.com | 614.315.3682

Amanda Fraser: Breeding Manager | fraseraj85@gmail.com | 480-347-8955

www.royalarabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 206 | Volume 48, No. 3

Index Of Advertisers A

K

Adandy Farm.................................................................................................... 164

Kalliste Arabians........................................................30-31TedCarson (148, 149)

Al Azure Group, LLC........................................................... 21TedCarson (139)

KM Stables, Inc...................................................................... 26TedCarson (144)

AHT Boutique..................................................................................................203

Al Jood Stud.................................................................................................. 14, 15 Al Shaqab Stud..................................................................................................FC Alistar Arabians................................................................22, 22TedCarson (140)

Al-Marah Arabians............................................................................................ 73

Ames Reining Horses...............................................................................186, 187 Argent Farms....................................................................................... 4MN (170)

Avalon Crest Arabians........................................................................ 2MN (168)

B Beloveds Farm ...........IFC-3, 86, 1Southeast (87), 16-17TedCarson (134, 135)

Better Way Farm....................................................................20TedCarson (138)

Buglass, Tracy & Bill.............................................................. 24TedCarson (142) Butler Farms....................................................... 13-15TedCarson (131-133), 151

C Caraway, Amy......................................................................... 23TedCarson (141)

Ken Eppers Performance Horses..................................................................... 191 Kyrie Arabians........................................................................28TedCarson (146)

L Lancer Arabians............................................................................................ 74, 75

Lowe Show Horse Centre.................................................................................. 83

M Mankind Arabians..................................................................18TedCarson (136)

Markelle Arabians..................................................................29TedCarson (147)

Maroon Fire Arabians......................................................................................203 MN Breeders Fall Festival..............................................165, 8-13MN (174-179)

P Palmetto Arabians............................................................24, 25TedCarson (143)

Peebles, Robert................................................................................................... 79

R

Cedar Ridge Arabians, Inc.

R.O. Lervick Arabians.....................................................................................203

Chase Harvill Training Center....................................... 26, 1SouthCentral (27)

Randle Performance Horses................................................................................. 7

............................... 27TedCarson (145), 162, 163, 166, 1MN (167), 208, IBC

Rancho Del Sol................................................................................................. 191

Collinswood Farm..................................................................19TedCarson (137)

Rhapsody In Blue Stables................................................................................. 152

D Debut Arabians.....................................................................13SouthCentral (39)

DePaolo Equine Concepts...............................................................................8, 9

E EAC Equine, LLC.............................................................................8EAC (118) Eleanor’s Arabians...............................................77, 16MN (182), 183, 188, 189

F Flynn, LA......................................................................... 26, 1SouthCentral (27)

Frierson Atkinson.............................................................................................203

G Gary Ferguson Performance Horses................................................................. 76

H Hallmark Farms.................................................................................................. 78

Harris Leather and Silverworks....................................................................... 190 Hawk Haven Farms............................................................................................ 21 Hegg, Mrs. Mickey..........................................................................................203

Rick Gault Training................................................................. 24Southeast (110)

Rohara Arabians........................................................................... 9Southeast (95)

Round Barn Ranch........................................................................................... 191 Royal Arabians............................................................................................20, 206

S Sage Performance Horses................................................................................... 60

Schneiders Saddlery............................................................................................ 81 Shada, Inc..................................................................................2-3MN (168, 169)

Shea Stables.......................................................................................................203 Showtime Training Center................................................................8EAC (118)

Smoky Mountain Park Arabians..................................................................... BC Stanley White’s Grandeur Arabians.................................................................. 84

Sycamore Arabians, LLC.......................................................32TedCarson (150)

T Ted Carson Training........................................................................................ 151 The Brass Ring, Inc............................................................................................ 25 The Hat Lady...................................................................................................203

Hennessey Arabians.........................................................23, 85, 8Southeast (94)

V

Howell, Edie......................................................................................................... 7

W

Honey Tree Farm................................................................................. 3MN (169)

J Jerland Farms..............................................................................................82, 184

Johnson Family, Eric.............................................................. 24TedCarson (142)

Varian Arabians.................................................................................................... 5 Waller Training..................................................................................................80 Wilkins Livestock Insurers..............................................................................203

Ar abian Horse Times | 207 | Volume 48, No. 3

Dear John & Leah Beth, Working with you as part of the Cedar Ridge Family has been nothing but a pleasure throughout the years.

Sincerest thanks for your horsemanship, integrity and friendship...

WE HOPE YOUR LIVES CONTINUE TO BE RICH WITH

~Dick, Lollie and Lara

The Ames Family Jordan, Minnesota

952.492.2537 CedarRidgeArabians.com

.

D

Your

REAMS ON THE RAIL ...

CAN COME TRUE!

S S

HE WAS A SPECIAL BABY ...

AND WE HAVE MORE LIKE HIM!

UPREME

ENSATION

SMP

ASK ABOUT OUR MARE LEASE/PURCHASE PROGRAM

Experience the joy and emotion of raising your own foal.

Offering champion producing mares in foal to Baskghazi and The Renaissance.

Call for details

OFFERING TALENTED YOUNG PROSPECTS • FULL SIBLINGS TO NATIONAL WINNERS Rod & Jacque Thompson For Information Call 865-816-2406

Lenoir City, TN www.SmokyMountainParkArabians.com