Wonderful Women of World

Women have always had a deep passion for beautiful Arabian horses, leaving little doubt about their role in shaping the breed as we know it today.

For many years, Arabian Horse World has proudly featured the stories of some of the incredible women who have made the Arabian horse part of their lives. It’s our pleasure to once again share these women’s stories of devotion to the Arabian horse — they are, indeed, the “Wonderful Women of World.”

Ashlee Alfreds with Bahjet Aljassimya (FA El Rasheem x *Billy Jean BAPS), 2014 filly.

ASHLEE ALFREDS Santa Ynez, California “I began my journey with the Arabian horse when I was eight years old with the purchase of a young mare from Jody LaSalle,” says Ashlee Alfreds. “I can thank this mare for where

I am today. I did everything from showmanship, to hunter, jumper, dressage, and halter. I made my first breeding decision with her, and also found my love of pedigrees.

“I decided to devote my life to the Arabian horse and attended the University of Findlay where I majored in equine business management and minored in small business entrepreneurship. After graduation I traveled down to Michael Byatt Arabians in Texas. In the seven years there, not only did I learn a great deal and travel the country, but I also had the opportunity to travel overseas to Europe. I flew with horses that were being exported and also attended shows such as the world championships in Paris.

“From there I traveled to Minnesota, and worked for Bob and Janene Boggs at Midwest Station I for a year and a half.

Such a wonderful family and dedication to the breed they have! Their commitment to the horses and breeding is truly inspirational and I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful time I spent with them.

“I am currently working for Aljassimya in beautiful California. What an amazing group of people and horses! I love the vision for the farm and the dedication toward the betterment of the Arabian breed as a whole. I am so excited about my future here, and can’t wait to see where life takes me!”

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Women have always had a deep passion for beautiful Arabian horses, leaving little doubt about their role in shaping the breed as we know it today.

For many years, Arabian Horse World has proudly featured the stories of some of the incredible women who have made the Arabian horse part of their lives. It’s our pleasure to once again share these women’s stories of devotion to the Arabian horse — they are, indeed, the “Wonderful Women of World.”

Ashlee Alfreds with Bahjet Aljassimya (FA El Rasheem x *Billy Jean BAPS), 2014 filly.

ASHLEE ALFREDS Santa Ynez, California “I began my journey with the Arabian horse when I was eight years old with the purchase of a young mare from Jody LaSalle,” says Ashlee Alfreds. “I can thank this mare for where

I am today. I did everything from showmanship, to hunter, jumper, dressage, and halter. I made my first breeding decision with her, and also found my love of pedigrees.

“I decided to devote my life to the Arabian horse and attended the University of Findlay where I majored in equine business management and minored in small business entrepreneurship. After graduation I traveled down to Michael Byatt Arabians in Texas. In the seven years there, not only did I learn a great deal and travel the country, but I also had the opportunity to travel overseas to Europe. I flew with horses that were being exported and also attended shows such as the world championships in Paris.

“From there I traveled to Minnesota, and worked for Bob and Janene Boggs at Midwest Station I for a year and a half.

Such a wonderful family and dedication to the breed they have! Their commitment to the horses and breeding is truly inspirational and I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful time I spent with them.

“I am currently working for Aljassimya in beautiful California. What an amazing group of people and horses! I love the vision for the farm and the dedication toward the betterment of the Arabian breed as a whole. I am so excited about my future here, and can’t wait to see where life takes me!”

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Rodan LTD (Padrons Psyche x LV Fantine) with Sydney Dazzo up.

SYDNEY DAZZO Albuquerque, New Mexico PRISCILLA CLUFF Salt Lake City, Utah “I fell in love with Arabian horses at a young age,” says Priscilla Cluff. “Their beauty, loyalty, spirit, and kindness amaze me on a daily basis. I was fortunate enough to begin training for Gary Kehl at GRK Farms many years ago, and together, Gary and I have forged a great friendship. Every day as I go out to the barn, I marvel at my good fortune to train such special horses for such a great man. We have been lucky enough to sell our horses to new clients, and I enjoy seeing the horses I have raised and trained go on to compete successfully with amateurs and youth.

“The main challenge I see for women in the Arabian industry is the challenge of becoming a top professional handler for the in-hand classes. I do not see enough female trainers showing halter horses at the national shows. I think it is wonderful to see female trainers doing well in all performance divisions.

“If I were to change anything for the betterment of the Arabian breed, it would be to loosen up slightly on the amateur rules, to allow more non-training work opportunities for amateurs, so those with limited incomes can afford to compete. I think we need to continue to include people from all incomes. I understand that these amateur rules are decided

by USEF, not AHA, so we do not have full control over these rules. I am really a fan of the new leveling program and I appreciate all AHA has done to implement this program. I just received my judge’s card and I appreciate the care that AHA takes to select judges.”

“My journey with the Arabian horse has been quite interesting,” says Sydney Dazzo. “At age 12, I experienced the Arabian horse for the first time at a week-long summer camp in Albuquerque. From there I started taking weekly lessons, and

by December my family had purchased our first Half-Arabian show horse. I started to learn and grow with him, yet he passed away right before I was about to compete in my first Youth Nationals the following summer. This was a devastating time for all involved, so my parents, my trainer, and I spent the entire week searching for a new horse. We ended the week purchasing two Half-Arabian saddleseat horses. From there our love for the Arabian horse has skyrocketed. It has become a passion for not only me but my family as well. We now own a variety of show horses that I compete with, and we have even gotten involved with breeding over the last few years, which I greatly enjoy.

Seeing the foals born, watching them grow up, and being able to show them is an amazing experience that I am lucky to have in my life. I plan to continue this journey with the Arabian horse hopefully for the rest of my life.” .

JENNIFER DHOMBRE Bagard, France “I am a 26-year-old French woman managing my own breeding farm,” says Jennifer Dhombre. “Kalliste Arabians is home to the National and European champion BS Specific (Sandstorm JC x Basara Saiyana M by Mel Nebli). I am the proud breeder of several international champions such as Mirwanah Kalliste by Marwan Al Shaqab, and promising

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Jennifer Dhombre and BS Specific (Sandstorm JC x Basara Saiyana M).

youngsters like my amazing colt Wortex Kalliste by Shanghai EA. “What motivates me is the desire to breed the ideal horse, keeping the inherent qualities of the Arabian, while looking for constant improvement by studying genetics as a way to identify the morphological, locomotor, and mental criteria that I would love to keep (or eliminate), and those I’d like to make appear. A beautiful horse must be functional — this is what I would like to convince people who breed for type or fashion only.

“Many breeders say they love their horses but never take care of them by themselves, and use their mares as intensive producers for profit. Moreover, too often the less functional and most typey horses are rewarded, or worse, the most afraid horse.

“High-level breeding and showing must involve serious professionals who respect horses. This is the international showcase of the breed: these are my ethics.”

EMMIE GRAAFLAND Santa Ynez, California

“As a five-year-old girl I started horseback-riding at a riding school near my home,” says Emmie Graafland. “I spent all my Saturdays there. Just five minutes from my parents’ house there is an Arabian breeding farm, Forelocks Arabians in the Netherlands. I started to groom horses and play with the foals when I was ten years old. For over 16 years I spent almost all my free time at this lovely breeding farm owned by the wonderful Kuijf family.

“Tom Oben was their handler for the shows and through him I got a job at Schoukens Training Center in Belgium. I left my job as a nurse, moved to Belgium, and made my dream come true working with Arabian horses full time. My time

Emmie Graafland with Shadeedah Aljassimya (Shael Dream Desert x Prisma de Lafon).

at STC was more than great, and I am very thankful to have learned from and worked with the STC team. While there I had the honor of working with CR Jasmeenah, my once-in-alifetime horse. It is because of her that I got the opportunity to start working for Aljassimya Farm. So now I am working with my once-in-a-lifetime horse again, and enjoying the beauties of California. It is a privilege to be part of the Aljassimya team.

During these last few years in the Arabian horse industry I have met some amazing people who did a lot for me. If it weren’t for them I would not be where I am today.”

ROXANN HART Orange Lake, Florida “I was introduced to horses in 1956, and bought my first Arabian in 1959. Like most horse-crazy girls, I fell in love with Arabians and always wanted to own one since I read Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion series.

“Based on the success with my first Arabian gelding, Gabrail (Phantom x Ralouma), my desire to become involved with Arabian horses continued to grow and evolved into Rohara Arabians.

“I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to turn passion for Arabian horses into my career, and have far surpassed any of the goals I initially dreamt of. Rohara Arabians is proud to have earned such accolades as: the 2010 USEF Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Cup Award; the 2008 Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman Association (APAHA) Breeder of the Year Award; and in 2003 I was named APHA Amateur Halter Horsewoman of the Year. Rohara Arabians has also won the

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Breeders’ Choice Award for Breeder of the Year … twice. None of this would have been possible without my husband Karl, and a stellar team, including John Rannenberg who has been with us for more than three decades.

“Through the years I have strived to improve the Arabian horse, and my ability to promote the same. Most importantly, however, is having fun and being able to enjoy the magnificence of the Arabian horse.”

ornery as she was, and I had a lot of firsts with her. As soon as I was out of college I started collecting mares with which to start my breeding program. I have always admired the breeding programs of Om El Arab and Varian Arabians, so it is no surprise that my first group of broodmares were daughters of *Sanadik El Shaklan and Afire Bey V. “My journey with the Arabian horse took an unexpected and wonderful turn a few years ago with the arrival of the beautiful Ajman Moniscione son Montana Firenze. This beautiful young colt captured the attention of many, and through him I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. I made many lifelong friends because of Firenze. To me, this is the real beauty of the Arabian horse … how it can bring people together from all walks of life who might never have met otherwise. Owning and managing a stallion taught me so much, and after Firenze moved to Rohara Arabians last year, I felt that I was ready to take on something bigger. So, last October I packed up and moved to Scottsdale to start Signature Equine with my business partner Mr. Muteb Saad of Saudi Arabia. The vision of Signature Equine was to provide a top-notch international export service, shipping the best show and breeding horses to the Middle East and Europe. I never dreamed we would be this busy our first year! The best part of it all is living in Scottsdale and seeing my broodmares every day.

“On a personal level, I have been focusing on my own breeding program this last year. I sold all of my horses and purchased several champion-producing mares. For me, the breeding is the most magical part of the horse business, and I feel so lucky to have found the great mares I currently own.

The journey thus far has been absolutely incredible, and I am so looking forward to the next chapters.”

ROBIN HOPKINSON Santa Ynez, California

Montana Henke with *Mermaid FHP (Don El Chall x *Padrons Passionn).

MONTANA HENKE Cave Creek, Arizona “My story with the Arabian horse started over a decade ago with a Bask Clasix daughter I bought as a preteen with saved holiday money,” says Montana Henke. “I loved that mare,

“The Arabian horse entered my life at a very young age and has given me many tremendous experiences allowing me to work with some of the world’s greatest Arabian show horses, trainers, and breeders,” says Robin Hopkinson.

“Because of this great breed, I have been blessed in so many ways. Having the opportunity to have trained and/or shown many U.S. and Canadian National Champions, Scottsdale Champions, Regional Champions, and World Champions has been an honor and I am so thankful to the breeders, owners, and fellow trainers who have embraced my talents and felt I was worthy to work with such amazing Arabian horses.

“I believe in sharing knowledge with aspiring trainers who are the future of the Arabian horse industry, and am very proud

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Robin Hopkinson and Mujtahid Aljassimya (*Besson Carol x *RP Miss Surprise)

of the young men and women who have reached out to learn through my experience, as they develop their own techniques and spread their wings to become successful in their own careers.

“For the past three years I’ve worked for 100 Oaks Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, California, with the show horses bred

by Aljassimya Farm. It’s been an amazing experience that has allowed me to continue to work with world-class Arabian show horses that keep me on the go with international travels.

“My goals are to become an international judge and to continue to develop ways to promote our breed and educate those that can carry our breed into the future.”

M I C H E L L E K E L LY Santa Ynez, California “My first birthday present was a rocking horse and I am pretty sure I’ve been hooked ever since,” says Michelle Kelly.

“Books, posters, movies, going to the races, anywhere I could find a horse … but my first experience with Arabians was at Earl Warren Showgrounds. My parents took me to an Arabian horse show while we were visiting Santa Barbara, and watching from the very last row, I fell in love! From there I developed a bit of a pen-pal situation with Ruth Husband, who was always kind to a little girl whose parents were not going to buy her a horse; but she kept me well stocked with Khemosabi brochures and postcards. I am proud to say my National Champion Sport Horse Under Saddle and National Sport Horse Reserve Champion Mare winner, whom I bred, has Khemosabi in her pedigree. Reveries Kaiya (Showkayce x Kaiyouma by Kaiyoum

by Khemosabi) currently lives close to me in the Santa Ynez

Valley and will always be a part of my family.

“So we shouldn’t be looking for that instantaneous sale of our horses. Marketing is bits and pieces that fall together to make a path that will lead new customers to our beloved breed.

Falling in love with someone else’s Arabian is the best marketing tool … I am proof of that.

“My own business, Michelle Kelly Images, allows me to experience the best of all of my passions: horses, events, marketing, and photography. My background of farm management at Paragon Arabians and my corporate marketing and event experience at Nordstrom set the tone for my own business. I am so fortunate that Arabian horses are at the center of both my professional and personal life.

“I am privileged to count the Arabian Foal Festival as one of my projects and work on behalf of the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association and produce the Arabian Foal Festival working alongside the show board, Bart Van Buggenhout, Greg Gallún, Henry Metz, Doug Dahmen, Kelly Elm, and Nancy Gallún, who tackles the role of show secretary.

The group wants to excite our current Arabian horse owner base with new ideas and concepts for our shows as well as showcase Arabians to a new audience at the community level. The Santa Ynez Futurity has been added to the mix where there is bigdollar prize money available for geldings as yearlings, two- , and three-year-olds. You can purchase a really well-bred gelding with the Futurity Right and then show at the Arabian Foal Festival where the focus is on amateurs showing their best friends. It’s a fantastic entry-level way into owning an Arabian horse. We are proud to count kids, teachers, real estate agents, and people who left the breed as new owners of these geldings.

“A common thread that unites all of the women featured is … we fell in love with Arabian horses. Our job as stewards of the breed is not to keep them a secret, consider yourself a part of the cheerleading squad for Arabian horses. Let’s show

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“It is so refreshing to have a life partner who supports your dreams and has the same passions. Together, we have a total of 110 years of horse knowledge between us, and we’ve been blessed to have been involved early on as syndicate owners of the great *Padron, and more recently the international champion *Dakar El Jamaal.

“There is really nothing wrong with our breed — it’s growing beautifully — it’s the general industry that needs to improve. If you can’t sell a horse, you can’t afford to breed them. People need to be realistic. We have stabilized at lower prices than prior years. Unfortunately, the expenses involved in breeding horses have gone up, so it’s more important than ever to be selective and smart in your breeding.”

JUDITH WAGNER PHOTO

them off at trail rides, open barn days, day camps, school field trips, Arabian horse shows, all-breed shows, positive social media, and the list goes on. Shout it from the rooftops, focus on the positive! That’s what I want to be a part of — sharing the excitement, history, beauty, passion, and lifestyle of our Arabian horses.”

Jeannette Lane with Hyland Heather (Highlander Bey x Padrons Doveely).

JEANNETTE LANE Riverside, California “My life has been one of great adventures and serious challenges, but the motivating force throughout has been a love of horses,” says Jeannette Lane. “I was born loving horses and though my mother grew up around trotters and certainly encouraged that passion, my love of the Arabian came from my sister. We jointly purchased our first Arabian with money we saved from shoveling snow and baby sitting as kids.

“I later supported my growing horse habit with a fashion modeling career, riding every chance I got, and eventually competed successfully with my own horses on the national level until a serious illness left me unable to ride competitively. A halter championship with a beautiful older mare inspired the dreams and goals I still pursue today.

“I want to breed smart, beautiful halter horses that are athletic enough to perform in other disciplines. Alongside my longtime Arabian horse breeder husband, Walt Lane, I work hard to achieve that goal.

Christine Lawson with Alada Baskin I (Alada Baskin x Gamarief).

CHRISTINE LAWSON Wildomar, California “I loved horses from the time I could speak, and it wasn’t long after that that I started asking my parents for a horse,” says Christine Lawson. “When I was about four years old I began angling for a horse for my tenth birthday. My parents and I came to a compromise that I could begin taking riding lessons instead. The trainer at the ranch close to our house was an Arabian trainer, and the rest, as they say, was history!

“I did get my wish for a horse when I was ten — in the form of a four-year-old Khemosabi daughter. She taught me so much about responsibility, gratitude, humility, and joy! I am blessed to be doing what I love and be making a life breeding and training horses in beautiful Southern California.

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EWA IMIELSKA-HEBDA PHOTO

“There are a lot of great things going on in our breed right now. I would love to find a way to see more participation at our local shows. I remember competing against 15 to 20 junior riders at our class A shows when I was a kid. Now you don’t see those numbers at most of our Regional shows. The Arabian community shows are a great way to get people excited and involved (or at least exposed) to our beloved Arabians!”

myself to what is dearest to me — journalism. We have visitors from dozens of countries and we try to help people understand the diversity and complexity of Polish breeding. The most interesting and most inspiring are always personal stories of individual people. I most enjoy those stories that show you can realize your dreams, have a bit of a positive craziness, and achieve successes thanks to those ‘quirky’ traits.”

Emma Maxwell with Adawy (Borneo x Ashiqa).

EMMA MAXWELL London, England

Monika Luft and Brida Of Shanghai (Shanghai EA x Bajaderka).

MONIKA LUFT Poland “As publisher and editor-in-chief of polskiearaby.com (Polish Arabians) website, I focus most on journalism,” says Monika Luft. “We also have just a few Arabians but of the highest quality, and draw as much joy as we can from having contact with them. Sometimes we feel like managers of stars — we wonder what more could be done so that our horses will achieve the most. We plan their career within their, and our, capabilities. It includes a gambling factor, the arranging of intricate plans which get accomplished for better or worse.

Defeats are painful, but successes motivate us to take further actions. It is a very absorbing game. But we have shown that winning three classes at Białka Junior Spring Show or that achieving a prize similar to those achieved by state-bred horses is within reach of private breeders in Poland. Or — winning the Most Beautiful Baby Contest, with 146 participants from all over the world. The 2013 winner is pictured here — my homebred filly Brida Of Shanghai (Shanghai EA x Bajaderka).

“Besides caring for a couple of horses, I’d rather limit

“I was lucky to grow up with Arabian horses. My family bred Arabians for over 40 years resulting in several homebred world champions, some of which I showed to their titles,” says Emma Maxwell. “I am still the only female handler to have shown a World Champion Stallion (Rumak for Paolo Gucci in 1990), and I suspect the world has probably gotten less welcoming to female handlers than it was then. In fact, welcoming more young handlers of either gender into halter would be an improvement to that division!

“I also grew up with Arabians that did everything; riding, jumping, racing. I piloted our World Champion mare Atlantica round the racetrack once myself and we trained her from home.

Something that now seems archaic! This I find regrettable. A more specialized Arabian is not necessarily a better Arabian overall, and I still place great value on horses that look like Arabians and compete across a range of divisions. I have been a judge for 15 years, and appreciate a wide range of Arabians.

“Currently, I live in London and photograph Arabians as a profession. I am also fortunate in being the advertising manager for Aljassimya Farm, one of the most innovative and forwardthinking breeding operations in the world today.”

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Cindy McGown and Royal Emanuel (Eden C x *Emandoria)

CINDY MCGOWN Mesa, Arizona “We purchased our first mare, Sky Fire FM (El Bacchus x Perfectamente), in 1994 for my daughter Amanda, who was born with a deep passion for horses,” says Cindy McGown. “We quickly knew that the Arabian horse would be a large part of our lives. Since then we have acquired some of the finest Arabian mares and have focused on breeding the best of the Arabian horse. We have had the honor of breeding and owning Arabian Breeder World Cup Champions, U.S. National Champions, Scottsdale Champions, and many beautiful foals that are now competing successfully overseas. We look forward to the continued success and joy of the Arabian horse.”

CAT MCKENNA Phoenix, Arizona “I began riding on my friend’s pony as a child,” says Cat McKenna. “Eventually, my friend’s pony wasn’t enough and I convinced my parents to let me start taking lessons. Then, I convinced them to lease a horse for me to practice on between lessons. This was my first experience with an Arabian. It was a love affair with a patient and kind Half-Arabian/Half-Quarter Horse mare named Jasali. About a month into our lease her owners decided to sell her, so my purpose in life became to convince my parents to purchase my soul mate for me.

“I was 10 years old, and a little dramatic about the whole thing. I began being extra nice and willing to do my chores

quickly and without a fuss. That rapidly escalated to leaving Post-it notes that said, ‘Can we PLEASE buy Jasali?’ everywhere in the house. By ‘everywhere,’ I mean EVERYWHERE: my parents’ sock drawers, the shower, on the house phones, on the couches … I was DETERMINED! “And guess what? That little 10-year-old got her best friend! The next three-and-a-half years were spent at the barn.

If I wasn’t riding her (which I often did for hours at a time), I was grooming her or making her special treats. She and I were inseparable. I even started showing her, first in 4-H and then at local Arabian shows.

“Eventually the time came when I had to sell Jasali.

Although heartbroken at the idea of selling my precious friend, I am now able to look back and smile at the life she went on to live. She was promoted to caretaker for two young girls who showed her, loved her and cared for her until the day she passed away. I wish every horse a life like my friend Jasali’s.

“So that was my first experience with an Arabian and one of the best times of my life.

“As a professional in our Arabian horse community, I strive to be a good role model. Our community is mainly women. In this competitive environment it is essential that we remember there is a bigger goal than winning a blue ribbon or plaque.

We are in a position to make each other better, to help mold a new generation of young women, to give them confidence, to empower them, to show them how they can make a difference.

“I grew up giving lessons to the younger kids in my training barn and they in turn gave lessons to the next group of kids … this was just one simple step to help create leaders and strong, thoughtful youth. By helping one another we were able to truly celebrate each other’s wins and accomplishments.

“To this day, if I can offer guidance I am always willing to

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take the time. If we are kind and caring to each other in our little community, it has the potential to spread like wildfire.

That is my personal goal and a challenge that I try to tackle every day.”

Ally Nelson and *Petrus Carol (*Parys El Jamaal x Jur Jakleen), 1996 stallion.

Prince Valentino MWR (DA Valentino x Gypsy Dreame), 2010 bay stallion bred, raised, and owned by Lisa Moffatt.

L I S A M O F FAT T Malakoff, Texas “I have been involved with the Arabian horse ever since I can recall,” says Lisa Moffatt. “My journey started with my beautiful Keno by Amurath Bakonur — I worked an entire summer when I was 12 years old to earn him. Keno was with me on this journey for almost 32 years! He reinforced my love and devotion for the Arabian horse. I have lived and breathed the Arabian horse my entire life. It has always been my deepest passion. The Arabian breed has given me so much — it helped me raise my wonderful daughter Marissa, and it led me to the love of my life, Trace! My husband Trace and I share this passion and live on a lovely farm in Texas. We raise, show, and breed our own small but exclusive herd of Arabians. We strive to breed responsibly and selectively, to contribute only the best aspects of the Arabian breed.

“Moffatt Photography & Design was born in 2012 and was inspired by my love for photography. It allows me to capture the art, drama, and elegant beauty of the Arabian horse, and to share moments that can only be captured once to be treasured forever! What a gift to give back to the Arabian horse that has given me so much and a gift to share with the people who share that love of the Arabian horse!”

A L LY N E L S O N Scottsdale, Arizona “I met my first Arabian horse 19 years ago, and that moment is one that has shaped every important decision of my life,” says Ally Nelson. “From where I spent all my free time growing up, to the college I attended, and now the city where I reside. I remember sleeping in the barn aisle as a young child waiting for my mare to foal, posting without stirrups until I thought my legs would fall off, and spending hours grooming my horse the day before a horse show — all cherished memories. I look forward to many more moments with the Arabian horse.

“As the owner of a public relations company with the focus on social media in the Arabian community, I find myself so fortunate to be able to combine my passion and my career. Social media has become a powerful tool in marketing. Sharing the Arabian horse with the rest of the world throughout the many different social platforms gives me a unique opportunity to expose many people who may not be familiar with our horses to the Arabian magic!”

CONNIE COLE O’BRIEN Winnemucca, Nevada “My lifelong journey with the Arabian horse is a beautiful winding pathway,” says Connie Cole O’Brien.

“It began with my growing up riding and showing many Arabians. Those kind horses enabled me to learn every

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Connie with PA Marco (*Marwan Al Shaqab x

Cyeze The Day (Cytosk x MA Equity) with Tracy Oliver up.

Cassandra SS).

kind of horsemanship from western to English, jumping, and halter.

“Another passage began in 1982 when I was a head trainer at Wayne Newton’s Aramus Arabians. That is when I began to study pedigrees and horse breeding in earnest. During that time I showed horses for Dr. Jung of Karolinenhof in Europe. This opportunity allowed me to see and study many breeding programs around Europe.

I was also privileged to lead the Aachen All Nations Cup Gold Medal Mare Gual Hassika (Pepete x Adelfa), in 1985.

“In 1984, another door opened for me and I went to Sandspur Arabians. In 1987, great excitement came when John O’Brien acquired *Padron and I became involved with the great horse and also with the Tersk herd. A highlight of my life was riding and spending time with *Padron. He loved to be ridden and I will never forget being on his back and seeing those perfect ears at the end of his bowed neck.

“Traveling in Europe and the U.S. in those days allowed me to see many great horses, including Lodge Farm, Major and Mrs. Maxwell’s herd in the U.K., and Gestüt Gut Alemich, home of Kilimandscharo in Germany.

I earned an Arabian judge’s license in 1985 and have been judging for over 30 years.

“Having a family led me to retire from professional training. Currently I manage a group of breeding horses at our farm in Nevada and enjoy the reining discipline. I had the honor of judging the 2015 Arabian Breeders World Cup Show in Las Vegas, a highlight of my judging life.”

TRACY OLIVER Pasco, Washington “I was 11 years old when my Mom and Dad bought a HalfArabian filly by Fej Rad for me,” says Tracy Oliver. “I had her for 33 years. We knew nothing about horses. Thank goodness La-Sinda was sweet and loved interacting with kids.

“I joined 4-H and learned everything I could about horses.

I earned money baby-sitting and doing any odd job I could to buy feed for my horse, tack, and afford the occasional lesson.

My first trailer was a one-horse 1948 model complete with spoke wheels. I refurbished it as my FFA project. I went on to college and became a veterinary technician and worked at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in the Equine Surgery Department. I met Hank Oliver and we married after he graduated from veterinary college in 1980.

We opened our own veterinary clinic in 1982 and had our children soon after. Both the kids learned to ride on La-Sinda. I have owned many Arabians but have always admired the CMK Arabians. I now own and show Aulways Magic (Aul Magic x Aur Silver Myst) and compete in the sport horse division.

“I am an amateur and have been very fortunate to have had guidance and help from some fabulous people. Patience Prine-Carr has given me so many opportunities. Tony Jackson, my coach, has been wonderful. I have great friends at the shows: Nicole Rowley, Summer Chapman, Jennifer McCloud, I could go on. The Sport Horse division is open to all and everyone is extremely supportive of one another. At the 2014 Sport Horse Nationals, my horses came home with ten Top Tens!

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“I would like to breed and show a National Champion.

I have some beautiful purebreds and Half-Arabians that are National-caliber horses. This year I have three foals due. The first, a filly, is outstanding!

“If I could do one thing to contribute to the betterment of the Arabian breed I would showcase the versatility of the breed.

I have a gelding who went Top Ten at the U.S. Nationals in reining and working cow and the following year went Top Ten in training level dressage junior horse. The Arabian horse can do it all!”

“Breeders have been an undervalued resource for our industry. It is time for the breeders to step up, offer their knowledge and lead the direction and growth of our industry into the future, as they have the most knowledge in this area. As the trainers and owners begin to depend on the guidance and knowledge of the breeders, they will increase their own show and selling success because they can focus on their own talents.

Well-bred horses will then become readily available to be put in training and be marketed and ultimately sold. Specialize in one thing and success and growth are guaranteed for all!”

Kimmie Rivero and Mysha FF (Georgio AF x AP Sheez Sassy)

KIMMIE RIVERO Scottsdale, Arizona

Michele Pfeifer and Bey Shah (Bay El Bey x Star Of Ofir).

MICHELE PFEIFER Silt, Colorado “I truly believe we want only the best for our horses and the Arabian horse industry,” says Michele Pfeifer. “Keeping that in mind, we need to focus on our talents, strengths and specialize rather than dilute our abilities. Each of us has a special talent that we need to focus on to let our industry grow and succeed as a whole. It is better to be the master of one talent than be mediocre in many. As an example, the trainers need to condition, train, and market the Arabian horse because that is their strong suit; they do that every day. The owners need to show and enjoy their horses in many varied venues while supporting the growth and excitement of the industry. Last, but not least, the breeders need to breed the best horses they can for our diversified industry; strong in the knowledge that they have amassed through their many years of dedication and study.

“I grew up in Los Gatos, California,” says Kimmie Rivero.

“My first Arabian was a Christmas present from my parents when I was about seven years old … the Arabian came after I figured out how to catch and stay on my Shetland pony. I loved the Arabian from that day on. I’ve also had Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and a few other breeds, but my Arabians are the love of my life. There’s such a difference in how the Arabian connects with people. It really has been a wonderful journey with this breed.

“My mother used to train two Arabian stallions for extra college money. When my parents graduated, we moved to California and found the first Arabian farm — Lacey’s Arabians.

We bought our first Arabian from Mr. Lacey back in 1980. His name was Galaxy Tapada (GT). I wish I had been old enough to know about endurance; that horse could run for days! Fastforward to today — my husband (Ricardo Rivero, of Rivero International) trains for a living and together we also breed and show for our own pleasure. My only regret is that with our busy

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schedules I don’t get to ride enough for pleasure.

“Today, I get the most enjoyment from breeding and showing. My highest goal is breeding and showing a national or international champion. Fortunately, we get to travel to a number of places and see some amazing horses. Traveling the world truly has changed my perspective on how to breed for a global market. The quality of the horses nationally and internationally is so great. It’s a lofty goal, but I’ll die trying!”

as it led to my future positions as head trainer/manager and as a judge for AHA. “I am now the manager of 100 Oaks Ranch, home of the Aljassimya Farm Arabians in beautiful Santa Ynez, California.

It has been a great journey from my childhood days on a dust mop ‘horse.’”

Debra Schliem pictured with Aljassimya Farm’s 2015 filly out of WN Star Infinity sired by SMA Magic One.

Sigi Siller with her grandson Luca.

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DEBRA SCHLIEM Santa Ynez, California

SIGI SILLER Santa Ynez, California

“My story is an example of one door closing and another opening …” says Debra Schliem.

“From the time I was six years old, my single mother somehow supported an unregistered gelding for me. She wasn’t interested in horses, but wore down after watching me gallop my pretend horse, a dust mop, around the neighborhood.

“When I was 16, it was time for me to help support this horse, so I got a job at the local tack shop. However, I needed transportation to get to work and ended up selling my horse to buy a car. My plan was not working out so well at this point.

“At the tack shop I became reacquainted with an Arabian trainer from whom I had taken a few lessons. She had an indoor arena so I asked her if I could come in the evenings to help her groom and exercise the horses. Her ‘yes’ was the tipping point for me.

“A few months into this arrangement I was invited to show one of the Arabians I had been exercising in a junior exhibitor class! Soon, I was riding several beautiful Arabians in shows all over the country and officially became the assistant trainer. It was hard work for little money, but it was worth every minute

“As a teenager, my father sent me for a month-long apprenticeship to the famous State Stud in Marbach, Germany,” says Sigi Siller. “There I learned to ride and take care of mostly Warmblood horses. Marbach also has an Arabian breeding herd and I was allowed to groom the stallions daily. I fell in love with their gentle ways and ethereal beauty. My favorite horse in Marbach was Hadban Enzahi, a stallion that has had a profound impact on breeding programs around the world, including Om El Arab’s. It was in Marbach that I met my first husband.

Together, as novice horse lovers, we embarked on a horsebuying journey that would make history. We went to Spain, Egypt, and Poland and bought the foundation stock of Om El Arab. Forty-six years later Om El Arab is still breeding horses that are descendants of this original group of horses, mainly those in the Estopa and Shaker El Masri family but also from another mare named Niharra, bought in Spain.

“My highest goal is to continue my passion of breeding horses that are sought after by breeders and are successful around the world for many years to come.”

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Jacque Thompson and A Love Supreme (Apaladin x Sweetanticipation)

April Visel with Joeth Knight Fire (TO Knight x GMA Tahitian Fire)

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JACQUE THOMPSON Lenoir City, Tennessee

APRIL VISEL Costa Rica

“As a lifelong lover of the Arabian breed, I was thrilled when the opportunity arose several years ago for my husband Rod and me to purchase a beautiful farm in the Smoky Mountains along with top quality breeding stock,” says Jacque Thompson. “We are proud to have developed our small hobby farm into a nationally recognized breeding and show barn.

We couldn’t have accomplished this without many wonderful people who helped us develop our dream into reality.

“I am thankful to be a part of the Arabian horse industry and I feel tremendous pride of ownership when I look over the farm and realize the quality of the Arabian horses born and bred here. Our passion for promoting the Arabian breed and desire to open markets for Arabian breeders worldwide has led us to prepare to launch ArabianHorse.com, a website designed as a comprehensive guide to Arabian horses on a global scale. Rod and I are excited about what the future holds.

With the new website, our outstanding breeding program, and exciting new plans for the future, we feel the sky is the limit for our farm.”

“I was riding horses at four years of age … owned my first Arabian at age 14, and was infatuated with Arabians since I was 13 years old,” says April Visel. “I own two Arabian geldings and one Arabian/Welsh pony, all of which I ride for pure enjoyment. We have currently relocated all three horses, two cats, and a grand piano to Costa Rica and love every second of it!

“Since that epic moment when I realized Arabian horses would not only fill my dreams and bedroom walls, but also provide my means of living through photography … I have felt that all I ever wanted was to convey to others the same emotional impact that I received from them through childhood.

“This breed is exceptional and unique. I photograph other breeds often, but the Arabians enjoy it, they interact with people and give something back freely. They LOVE to admire and to be admired.

“My aim is to convey that amazing quality to others in a way that they, too, are enamored, just like the rest of us!

“I’m forever indebted to the Arabian horse and community for supporting my desire to do this for a living … it’s a true gift I do not take lightly.”

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