Arabian Horse World’s Newcomers Guide 2016

ARABIAN HORSE WORLD PRESENTS

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RD ARABELLA AND RD MARCIEA BEY WITH SHIRLEY AND MURRAY POPPLEWELL RAE-DAWN ARABIANS CANADA AND ARIZONA

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he m agi c o f t h e

Arabian

mare

Ceilki

(EF Kingston x *Celna)

and her 2015 colt

H E L IO S SF by international champion Emerald J

Sara & Laurence Bagg Scarab Farm, Inc. Arabian Horses & Export Quality Alfalfa Hay sararb@centurytel.net 541-723-2017 · 541-891-1747 BAGG PHOTO

▪ SEPTEMBER ▪ WORLD 2014 HORSE WORLD GUIDE 2 ▪ ARABIAN 2 ▪ NEWCOMERS

Kissed Inthe Mist Hesa Zee+/ x Artymusme by *Muscat 2011 PB Bay Mare Sired by the late, great Hesa Zee+/. This

mare is a full sister to multi-National Champion Reining, Art By Hesa and Top Ten Reiner, Cruisin On The River.

Contact Rod Matthiesen 763.428.2082

EAF Lets Dance

Hesa Zee+/ x Little Santana Pep, AQHA 2012 HA Black-Bay Mare Hesa Zee+/ and Peppy San

Badger is a Gold Cross at Eleanor’s. Lets Dance is a full sibling to Heza My Daddy+, 4-time U.S. Nat’l Top Ten Reining Jr Horse/Futurity. Big-boned, athletic. Well-started, with a good work ethic!

Contact Gary Ferguson 903.348.2700

EAF Hesa Golden San Hesa Zee+/ x Rosalita San, AQHA 2012 HA Flashy Golden Palomino Gelding

Reining Royalty. Fabulous Golden Palomino gelding. Solid gold prospect!

Sire is the best son of the Leading, All-Time Arabian Working Western Sire, Xenophonn. Dam is an own daughter of Peppy San Badger out of a Docs Hickory mare.

Contact Hoyt and Pam Rose 715.641.0354

EAF Sheza All Star Hesa Zee+/ x Dun It In Starlight, AQHA 2010 HA Golden Palomino Mare Sired by Leading Arabian

Reining Futurity Sire, Hesa Zee+/ out of a Colonel Freckles daughter out of a Sugar Bars mare.

Contact Gary Ferguson 903.348.2700

Eternaly Tuf N Chexy

Tuf N Busy x Eternal Tuf Bonanza 2004 Buckskin Mare AQHA

Broodmare. Sells in foal to Hesa Zee+/ for April foal

Peppy Poco Nada

Peppy San Badger x Barmaid Boon 1994 Bay Mare AQHA

Broodmare. Sells with Hesa Zee+/ breeding for 2017

Sheza Royal Payne

Hesa Zee+/ x AM Starting Bell 2005 PB Bay Mare

Sells with breeding to an Eleanor’s stallion for 2017 Contact Mark Coombs 763.360.6410

We have our best ever group of yearlings to three-year-olds!

A wonderful variety of colors.

Reining prospects sired by ~ Conquistador Whiz, Whizkey-N-Diamonds, CG Colonel Jac, Lil Joe Cash, Crown Musc+ Little Sorrel Peppy and Hesa Zee+/ Contact Mark Coombs 763.360.6410

Left: Hesa Zee+/ Right: EAF Hesa Golden San

Eleanor Hamilton, Owner Rod Matthiesen, Trainer Mark Coombs, Breeding Manager

763.767.1381 1.800.328.9923

www.EleanorsArabianFarm.com 3 b NEWCOMERS GUIDE b WORLD

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elcome to Arabian Horse World’s Newcomers Guide, filled with stories to inspire horse lovers to get involved with the breed and discover why only an Arabian will do.

What better place to distribute the guide than the Scottsdale Show, where some

300,000 visitors are expected? They’ll have the chance to watch over 2,000 Arabians competing in every discipline under the sun — how could they not fall in love with the breed?

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We are grateful to our advertisers who helped make this guide possible, and hope you all enjoy the journey through these pages as we share the magic of the Arabian horse.

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Know the Arabian: The Essence of the Breed

A R A B I A N

From AHW’s archives, the late Gladys Brown Edwards describes the essence of the breed — famed for his endurance, beauty, and so much more.

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Conquering Fear Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway,

by Lisa Thompson

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The Versatile Breed The Arabian is Well Known for Being Multi-Talented,

by Cindy Reich and Gary Dearth

22

For the Horse: A Guide to Owning Your Own Arabian Horse

by Cindy Reich

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Lady Gaga and “Operation White Pony” A special delivery was made to Lady Gaga’s front door just before Christmas, by Jim Lowe

32

Stud Farm Diaries: Basic Tips for First-Time Horse Owners

by Cindy Reich

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Newcomers Guide Index Resources Contact one of these Arabian horse organizations to learn more about what the breed can do.

The 2006 stallion Bey Ambition (Regal Actor JP x Bey Shahs Lady by Bey Shah), owned by Rae-Dawn Arabians, Arizona and Canada, is the sire of our two Newcomers Guide cover foals.

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Know the Arabian Horse The Essence of the Breed by Gladys Brown

A R A B I A N

H O R S E

Edwards

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he Arab is the oldest of all equine purebreds and was the ancestor of all modern light breeds. He is also, somewhat contradictory though it may seem, widely renowned as the most beautiful, as well as the toughest and most enduring of horses.

It is true that the Arabian is beautiful with his distinctive, proudly carried head and high-carried tail, his inherent pride and elegance, and his glowing satin-coated quality. All this combines to more than beauty; it is the essence of the breed. With it goes that magic thing called charisma, a quality of enchantment that gathers disciples of all ages and of all walks of life. This has been the talent of the Arab from earliest times. It is even more evident now.

The equally famed endurance of the breed goes beyond stamina alone — at least in the sense of “bottom” in a long race. It includes the ability to exist in the climatic extremes of the desert; to live on little and poor-quality forage or on camel’s milk when feed was totally unavailable; to subsist on little water, itself often brackish or contaminated, or again resort to camel’s milk when there was no

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occasion for comment and admiration. The phenomenon is that the stylishness, and especially the high-arched tail-carriage, should persist through so many millennia, through countless breed-crossings, and through centuries of use as a war-horse, where style would have been the least of the requirements. This was, however, a feature highly valued by the Bedouin — not the total style, as such, but the high tail-carriage. It must have been considered proof of antiquity of origin. Certainly, the later imports of Persian times bore no resemblance whatever to the proto-Arabian, whether as to tail-carriage or over-all quality, class, or temperament. The Bedouins of many tribes so admired this feature that the tail of the newborn foal would be pushed up over his croup and massaged intermittently for several days. This practice has been continued into this century, as Prince Mohammed Ali of Egypt in 1935 wrote of it as being a contemporary thing; so did the Blunts fifty years earlier. This would indicate that the Arabs were among the first to add a little artful improvement where nature might not have been cooperative enough.

The distinctive traits or characteristics of the Arab have been inherited in varying degrees by many of their descendants.

Sometimes a feature is copied artificially, as in the case of the high tail-carriage. The pride, the speed, the stamina, and the fire of the Arabian, all have contributed to, and in most instances, been amplified by his specialist offspring.

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potable water at all. Topping off all this, he was able to partake in raids and wars, showing plenty of speed as well as endurance, under almost intolerable conditions. This was the furnace that forged the Arab, and these qualities persist today despite infinitely better living and “using” conditions in the Western world.

The charm of the Arab is so great that it attracts the attention of a larger percentage of would-be horse owners than does any other, especially those who have had no more association with a horse than an occasional nose-patting confrontation at a roadside corral. The well-known docility of the Arabian accounts for this, along with the irresistible appeal of their gazelle-like foals.

The kind temperament of the Arabian is believed to be due to the breed’s long association with man — not in the usual sense of subjugation, but rather as a companion. Very often, each mare, foal, and stallion was individually cared-for, hand-fed, and even housed in a tent at times. In short, they were often members of the family. This has been the case for at least 1,500 years, possibly a couple of centuries longer, and adds up to a long period of close companionship.

The privations undergone by generations of desert horses brought about that “dryness” or clean-cut quality which is so admired. Every bone of the head is well-chiseled and veins are prominent; the neck is light and fine at the throat, and the tendons of the legs are sharply defined. A bulky, gross horse could not survive long in the desert, nor could one with coarse or heavy bone. At least they apparently did not persist long enough to perpetuate the kind.

While the desert may have given its horses their toughness and ethereal qualities, it did not give them their original type.

Long before there was a people known as “the Aribi,” the ancestral Arabian horse was abundant in the Near East and was the war horse of all the nations and city-states in that area. Early Egyptian art shows that the horses first known in that section of the world were identical in head-style and tail-carriage to Arabian horses of today. Other art of the period shows chariot teams with these same characteristics. The only major difference is the type of head. A couple of tile drawings in Egypt show weedy, immature-appearing horses with dished faces, and so do some Hittite carvings of nearly a millennium later. The majority of the tomb paintings and sculptures show horses with oblong, rather than triangular heads. Skulls of horses of this period found in Egypt bear out the evidence of the artists. In fact, most of the desert-breeds of that era had rather plain heads, and when a typey one is seen in art, it is an

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Ear Forelock Forehead Eye Nose Nostril Muzzle Lower Lip Chin Chin groove Branches of the jaw Jaw, or jowl Occipital crest Poll Crest Neck Throatlatch (mitbah) Jugular groove Point of shoulder Breast Shoulder Upper arm Forearm Knee Cannon Fetlock joint Pastern Coronet Hoof Withers Back Ribs Elbow Brisket Belly Flank Coupling Loin Point of hip Croup Point of croup Dock Thigh Stifle Point of buttock Buttock Gaskin Hock Suspensory ligament Trapezium Chestnut, or callosity Flexor tendon

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In today’s well-populated horse world, especially in its show segment, nearly all niches were well and adequately filled before the Arabian horse, as a recognized breed with fully accredited registry and sufficient numbers with which to compete, came on the horse-show scene. True, it had always “been around,” but more as a novelty, and a high-priced one at that.

Accordingly, there were no performance classes for Arabs; there were no races open to them, nor much of anything else. But one of these “or else” affairs was a forte of the Arabian horse, and that was endurance rides. In these, they soon took the majority of honors — starting with the Official U.S. Army Endurance rides.

This continues today with various trail rides, as well as longer endurance affairs.

With no other field open to the Arab, he was forced to compete in his own shows — the now well-established all-Arabian events, with large entries and many types of classes. It is this versatility as a breed, along with its beauty and glamour, not to mention its temperament, that attracts people to it in ever-increasing numbers. Quite

important in its over-all appeal is the range of sizes within the breed, from little over 13 hands to close to sixteen.

While, admittedly, the two extremes are rare, the breed nevertheless can supply mounts for the short and the tall, and in its smaller version, for children who can “grow into” the larger sizes. It is the ideal family horse for those families who prefer a goodly dash of equine style and beauty, along with amiable versatility.

The Arabian is not a color breed, so markings and color are not all that important, except that the body spot has been discriminated against in the judging rules — though recently modified and accordingly, has been considered “unclean” by novices. Some the more naive — unfamiliar with the breed’s tradition of plentiful markings — have considered it a “sign of admixture.”

Instead, it is more likely a sign of the breed’s antiquity. In the first place, the reason for this “anti-white” clause was to discourage production of pintos in the breed, and after decades of teaching that “Arabians are never parti-color,” it is embarrassing to admit that they are.

The beautiful head, so typical

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vertebrae, the rest the much-vaunted five. In comparison, assorted other types of horses, especially Thoroughbred and Morgan, occasionally had only five. The Arabian, however, is more often inclined to have only seventeen rather than eighteen pairs of ribs, and nearly always has two less caudal (tail) vertebrae. The short dock, compared to that of other horses, is clearly evident in Arabians, made more obvious by its high carriage.

It may be that the shorter length causes the higher carriage.

The croup of the Arabian is more level than in most breeds, but not necessarily dead level. However, it does appear to be when the horse moves out, lifting his tail as soon as he starts forward, and accordingly, also lifting the first sections of the flexible caudal vertebrae. A steep croup cannot effect the lifting of the tailhead. On this type, a dead tail looks best; a well-carried tail rather ridiculous.

Much has already been said about the Arabian’s tailcarriage. Except when attentively interested in something, the Arabian does not “carry” his tail.

But the minute he moves ahead, it is lifted so that at the walk or trot, it is carried in a high “fountain” arch, but flagged at the gallop. When showing-off with a strutting trot, the horse often rolls his tail over his croup, or else just flags it. Even the youngest foals show this. There are degrees of “high” carriage, of course. The ideal is the afore stated arch, well above croup level. Others are barely above that level, but all in all, the tail is carried well away from the body.

An Arabian should have all three breed-character points to be considered typey, but he can get by with only two — any two — and still do well in halter competition if he is also well-conformed. “Head-hunters” may be content with a horse having a beautiful head, but otherwise faulty; practical horsemen are not so easily pleased. The public expects a horse to stand up to its work, and one that is “all type and no horse,” simply will not fill the bill. Type is placed ahead of conformation in judging, but it should be fifty-fifty, or else correct conformation should be considered part of type, itself.

The choice of one’s horse ofttimes reflects circumstance as well as the aspiration and dreams of the horseman.

But, there are few who have seen the Arabian in full stride, or beheld the depth of his dark eye, who could deny that they have fleetingly sensed the swaying palms of the oasis, and briefly heard the eternal sigh of lonely desert winds. Is it just imagination, or is there something more to this remarkable animal who openly displays his affinity for man?

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of show-quality Arabians, is not necessarily typical of the desert-breeds, either now or in the past. It is instead patterned after artists’ impressions of the Arabian head. Even a plain-headed horse looks typically Arabian when he is fired up, nostrils flared, and eyes popping. One thing not mentioned in the standard is “dryness,” without which a head cannot be breedy, and in which the head is clean-cut with bone structure sharply defined, and the veins distinct.

The fetish of shortness of face can be overdone, especially as such a head can also be meaty — the opposite of “dry.”

Many of the most beautiful heads are not especially short, but of course, they are not noticeably long either. It is noted that the faces of the best performance horses are rarely short, nor do they have an exaggerated dish. This may indicate a need for some length in air passages, as well as room in sinus cavities, for maximum efficiency.

Or perhaps, this is only because few of the pretty-headed ones are worked hard enough to enable him to disprove the foregoing impression. Whatever its degree of dish or length of foreface, the typical Arabian head is unique, with its ethereal beauty, its expression of superequine intelligence and of combined fire and sociability.

The Arabian is by reputation, if not always by fact, quite short-backed, and this is presumed to account for his undeniable weight-carrying ability. The claim is often made that all Arabian horses have five lumbar (loin) vertebrae, while all other horses have six. Despite that “all” claim however, nearly threefourths of the Arabian (purebred) skeletons counted had six lumbar

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GO

Conquering Fear

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“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” by lisa Thompson

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— John Wayne

could feel the horse’s big heart pounding away under the stirrup leathers. His head was high, his ears perked and every muscle in his body taut as a piano string. Petting his neck, I cooed to him, doing my best to calm his nerves.

Commotion V (H Mobility H x Calalilly V), four years old and regally bred, is an Arabian gelding from Varian Arabians in Arroyo Grande, California, and was bred to be a trotting horse. His bloodline builds horses that carry their heads high and stride out in a stunning extended high-stepping trot.

Horses like this rarely see much of the great outdoors. I was looking for a babysitter for my gelding, a big solid guy who can’t stand being alone. Also, I love a little bit of a challenge. I was leaving in three days to the mountains of Idaho for the summer. Riding him today in the arena, it seemed I could almost hear an electric buzzing and snapping of what was going on inside his head, like a high power line overhead.

“What do you think?” Sheila asked, her eyes looking for any sign of doubt from me.

I paused a second and said, “I think he’ll do okay… I’m not afraid of him.”

Let’s pause a minute … was I? Fear. We are all born with it. There is a darned good reason for it and if we did not have that natural instinct, we probably would not survive to adulthood. That goes for you and me, as well as for the horse.

It was true, I was not afraid of Commotion. There was not a mean bone in his body. He was jumpy and tight, but not wanting to hurt me, just wanting to protect himself. But to be totally honest, I was well aware of the possibilities of getting dumped. I decided that instead of fear, I would choose to respect his sense of self-preservation, and to keep myself alert to what was going on all around him as well as what was going on in his mind. So, off we went to the jagged mountains of Idaho.

Our first ride out, I had Roy, my husband’s horse that Commotion V had made the trip from California with, and another seasoned gelding for support. We drove out to an easy ride north of town. Just as we were about ready to mount up, in drove an SUV with a couple of hikers and their dogs.

Commotion was on high alert. Even though he had been worked over obstacles in the arena, like poles, a bridge, a bouncing ball, and a tarp at Varian Arabians, the first time out in the big world outside can be really scary for a youngster. I had to calm myself as well, because if I felt afraid, he would feel it and it would make him more afraid, very much like when you are dealing with a frightened child. I gave him time to look the

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Facing page and left: First day of water schooling, at the headwaters of the Salmon River. below: Looking at Hyndeman Peak on the way up to Pioneer Cabin

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it took over an hour. I had to figure some new way for this to make sense to him. Horses cannot judge the depth of water, and so it makes sense that he didn’t want to drown himself. I had to figure out a way for him to understand that he could trust me.

All night I thought this over and came up with a plan.

A couple of days later, we went up to the headwaters of the Salmon River where there was plenty of water in all sizes. We found a place where the water was shallow and wide. I thought of how a mare would teach her baby to get through water. I asked my husband, on Roy, to keep moving, no stopping.

They walked through the water and Commotion stopped at the water’s edge. No way was he going in there. We kept Roy moving, circling around, quietly coming back and around Commotion’s behind, past him and back through the water.

They circled a number of times, keeping the energy flowing.

We never let Roy stop and stand still. I did nothing other than keep Commotion facing the water, until I could feel that he wanted to go. Then the slightest tap of my leg and he braved right up and followed across. Success! Best of all, it was his idea.

As the summer progressed, so did Commotion. With each skinny trail and water crossing, he became less fearful, more

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dogs over and then trotted him around a few times until he linked back onto me. I petted his neck and when he was ready, I carefully swung up into the saddle. After a moment, down the road we went. In no time it was as if he turned his head and said to me, “You know, Lisa, this is not half bad.” He still was paying close attention to the big world but was enjoying the sights, the company, and the exercise. We just walked along for a couple of miles; I did not ask anything from him, just let him experience the joy of being outdoors. Little by little I took him out through the sage brush, up and down small hills a short distance from the other horses and then back.

We came to our first water crossing. I did my little routine of walking back and forth in front of the water, and then got right up behind Roy. Following him into the water, Commotion startled himself, and then he sort of bounced out the other side. I just laughed and petted his neck. I didn’t want anything to be a big deal. We rode up to the end of the canyon and turned around, and when we got back to the water crossing, it was a whole different story. I’ve ridden a number of young horses out and I have a number of ways to get them to go in, but none of them worked this time. I realized that when he went in the first time, it was purely accidental. Finally, I did get him across, but it was a huge leap, he was very afraid and

Top: Crossing Dip Creek, narrow, muddy and grassy

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bottom: Following Roy across the narrow bridges at Fox Creek.

confident, and trusting. We had plenty of water crossings, deep, shallow, wide, forceful. We crossed bridges large and small, we came across sheep, moose, sage grouse, mountain bikers and hikers. With every step, my mind was always on what he was experiencing; mentally holding his hand when he needed it. With each mile he became more trusting and less fearful. Our last ride of the summer, we met up with a few friends and their dog for a giant loop, riding up Hyndman trail and peaking out at Pioneer Cabin. It was a long, steep climb following switchbacks with no room for error. At the top, we tied the horses in the shade while we had our lunch. Soon we were heading down the Johnstone Creek trail, where the views about blow your hat off with their beauty. Halfway down, a coyote began yipping at us from across the narrow canyon. She shadowed us, getting closer and closer, her eyes on the dog.

Two of the horses became agitated and their riders got off, one to hold the dog’s collar. The trail was remarkably narrow and extremely steep, with downfall and slippery spots. Commotion kept his nose behind Roy and trusted that nothing bad could happen. He stayed very smooth through it all and soon, as the sun was getting low, we found ourselves at the trail’s end where the trailers were waiting.

Driving Commotion and Roy back to California, I wondered who learned more this summer, me or him? We both learned to rely on one another. Through my trusting him, he learned to trust me.

Within this trusting place, and as our minds learned to work in unison, we explored great heights and breathtaking beauty, building the courage to tackle obstacles with confidence. We also had a heck of a lot of fun. A month or so later, I visited Varian Arabians and went in to say hello to Commotion. Looking into his eye, he no longer looked like a baby, there was wisdom shining in those big brown eyes.

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THE EVENT OF 2016

SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN NIGHTS Hosted at Signature with special guests Stella Bella Arabians Friday, February 19th @ 4:30pm

Join us for a night of traditional Arabic hospitality and entertainment to celebrate global friendships and the Arabian horse.

www.signature-equine.com | whatsapp: +1 773-396-3829 | phone: +1 480-666-5536 | 42640 N 54th Street, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331 Signature - Muteb Saad & Montana Henke | Stella Bella - Ben & Michelle Bassichis

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The Arabian is well-known for being multi-talented by Cindy

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Reich and Gary Dearth

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he Arabian horse is no one-trick pony. While some breeds have endless classes of just one or two styles of riding, at the Scottsdale show there will be six arenas going for ten days with many different things happening in each arena. You can watch Arabians jumping in a gambler’s choice, where each fence is worth a certain number of points (the more difficult the higher the points) and the rider chooses the route based on the skill of the horse to win the most points. In another arena, an Arabian cutting horse is nose to nose with a cow — keeping it from joining the herd — although the cow has other ideas and will do its best to duck and dive and squirt past the horse back to the herd. If it can. In the indoor arena a class of twenty ten-year-old children are riding Arabian horses in a walk-trot class. Watch how carefully the horse takes care of the rider, gently responding to the command to jog or trot. In the Wendell Arena, English pleasure horses are trotting down the rail, ears forward, tails high, and knees touching the sky. The cheers and shouts of the crowd will show you the way to the class — it is loud, fast, and electrifying. In yet another arena, judges are carefully considering a class of stallions, evaluating their structure and elegance. The stallions are standing on tiptoe — radiating power and beauty at the same time. The Arabian is truly the most versatile of breeds, inviting you to watch and gaze in wonder at their beauty and athletic prowess.

WESTERN PLEASURE Imagine saddling up your beautiful Arabian partner and heading out on the trail for a fine day of riding Western style. That is the image the judge is looking for in the western pleasure horse. The saddle, bridle, and all the appointments are western — from the rider’s cowboy hat to their chaps and boots.

However, this is a “show” western class. There may be a little bling, and the horses won’t be chasing any cows in this class. The horse should present a picture of a calm, willing, and beautiful mount that you could ride at a slow, easy pace down the trail. Watch for a deliberate walk, a smooth, balanced and easygoing jogtrot, an easy lope where the horse is moving forward, and in the open classes, a fast handgallop. For although these horses are “show” western performers, they should be capable of chasing down a steer — if they had to!

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ENGLISH PLEASURE In the days when horses were the main type of “vehicle” to get from place to place, style was very important. A high-stepping horse with head carried proudly and the Arabian’s natural high, flowing tail would have been a crowd-stopper. The Arabian English pleasure horse is ridden in a style known as Saddleseat, which differs greatly from the type of English riding done over fences or chasing foxes. This class is all about finesse, style, a high-stepping trot, and a horse who appears happy at its job, going with balance and cadence at all gaits.

HUNTER PLEASURE A hunter horse is above all things, obedient. When one is having to ride cross-country over fences in a group — often at a full-out gallop — having a horse that you can trust is vital. A hunter horse should be able to cover a lot of ground, so watch for a long, even trot and a canter, and hand-gallop that is balanced, controlled, but covers ground. While this is a “show” class and no hounds and foxes will be seen, the horse and rider should have a workmanlike appearance and appear capable of going crosscountry if necessary.

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The costume class was originally to show off the horse in regalia similar to what one would see on a Bedouin galloping over the sand dunes. Over the years there have been trends and styles ranging from very authentic to over-the-top Hollywood glitter and glamour. For the most part, the costumes have an authentic look to them, but have just a bit more “bling” and “eye appeal” than you would generally find in the desert. This is the only class where you will see the horses enter at a gallop and you will not see them trot. Get ready to see these horses not only gallop, but also hand-gallop, which is a slower more controlled gallop.

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COSTUME

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TRAIL A good trail horse should be able to negotiate a series of obstacles with precision, dexterity, and a calm demeanor.

Obstacles are set up to test the horse’s obedience, ability, and agility. Walking over poles is akin to stepping over downed logs on a trail. You might see a bridge, a mailbox, or other common objects that a horse may need to negotiate with a rider out on the trail. Horses that appear nervous, knock over, or displace obstacles will be penalized, but not necessarily eliminated. The horses are scored based on their precision and temperament while negotiating the obstacles.

REINING While western pleasure horses are “show” cowboys, the reining horses are the working-class performers. These athletes must do a series of maneuvers that mimic running after a cow, turning, and stopping it — all without a cow in the arena!

One of the most important aspects of the class is the horse’s obedience to the rider. The best horses are the ones that you cannot tell when the rider gives the horse a signal. It should be a partnership between horse and rider that is smooth and harmonious but also exciting and dynamic. Watching the horse go from a full-out run to slow lope without any visible cue is astonishing to see.

WORKING COW There is nothing more exciting and intense than watching a working cow horse running at full speed, racing past a cow and turning it against a fence to make it move back in the opposite direction, (to the herd, theoretically).

Working cow horses do with a cow what you might see a reining horse do without a cow in their pattern work.

They must stop, turn on a dime, and control the cow in a circle. A working cow horse must have to ability to control the cow in several different situations. The first maneuver is the “box,” where one cow is let into the arena and the horse and rider must show that they can control the movements of the cow at the end of the arena and not allow it to get past the horse. All a single cow in an arena wants to do is get away from the horse and find more cows. In cutting classes, there is a herd in the arena and the horse must separate one cow from the herd. In working cow horse, it is just one horse and one cow and it gets very exciting very quickly as horse and rider work to show the judges how efficiently they can control every movement of the cow.

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This class demonstrates skills needed on a working ranch to control a cow that is away from the herd. Whether the skills are rounding the cow up or pushing it back to the herd or to a pen, it is a class of skill, excitement, and speed.

LIBERTY Probably the most popular event at a show is the liberty class. It is a freestyle class set to music selected by the handler. The horse is taken into the ring and turned loose to show off for the audience. A great liberty horse is one that thinks highly of itself and uses the entire ring to full advantage. A strong, floating trot is beautiful to see and will cause scores to go higher. The horse should be enjoying itself, and should vary its gaits.

A horse that comes into the ring and says “Look at me” is the one that will likely be the winner.

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The halter class is where the actual structure or conformation of the horse is being judged. Characteristics that clearly identify an Arabian, such as a large, dark eye, a dished face, a short, strong back, long, level croup, and high-set tail are given preference. The horse must also show a desirable way of moving and should be proud and expressive. Handlers strive to get the horse to stand in a picture-perfect pose in the center of the arena for the judge’s attention. Stallions should be masculine and powerful, but well-mannered. Mares should be feminine and beautiful as well as showing the structure capable of producing foals.

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Arabians are actually the “original” racehorse! All Thoroughbred racehorses trace back to three “oriental” horses. They are the Byerley Turk, the Godolphin Arabian, and the Darley Arabian. Arabian racing has gained popularity around the world, and can be seen here in the U.S. at tracks from California to New York.

Everyone has experienced the thrill of watching horses running neck-andneck down the backstretch to the finish line. There is just nothing like it — and it is probably the most natural event for Arabian horses because they simply love to run. Arabian horses excel at longer races due to their supreme endurance. The same traits that make Arabian horses the best in the world at endurance racing make them exceptional distance horses on the track.

Distance Riding — Endurance and Competitive Trail

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While Arabian horses excel at many forms or riding and activities, no other breed of horse comes close to the Arabian’s prowess in endurance and competitive trail. Built lighter and leaner than other breeds of horses, the Arabian also possesses large nostrils and greater lung capacity. This coupled with their short back, dense bone and large hooves help make Arabian horses more durable for long distance riding.

The motto of distance riders is, “To finish is to win.” The two distance riding disciplines are endurance and competitive trail. Endurance is a lot like Nascar on horses. You race a loop through the woods with mandatory pit stops. At those pit stops veterinarians evaluate the horse’s fitness to continue.

After a predetermined rest period, you are allowed to continue if your horse passes its evaluation. It is a race and placing is determined solely on when you cross the finish line. Competitive trail is a judged trail ride where everybody starts with 100 points with deductions based on veterinary checks and several other elements. There is a set time frame to finish, in fact horses may not come in over or under. You and you horse must pace yourself. Typically the pace is about half as fast as an endurance ride.

SPORT HORSE Sport horse is a category or discipline, not a breed. Although you may see individual horses referred to as a “sporthorse,” a sporthorse can be any breed that competes in events such as dressage, jumping, hunter, and cross-country much like a “cow horse” can be a Quarter Horse, an Arabian, or some other breed, but is not a breed in and of itself.

Arabians do very well at sport horse disciplines due to their inherent agility and desire to please. In addition to having specific performance classes for the under saddle horses, Arabian sport horses have their own halter division as well. While they are judged on type and quality just like the regular Arabian halter horse, there is more emphasis placed on structural correctness, soundness, and movement desirable in a hunter/jumper-type horse and the ability to perform in the rigorous under saddle classes. If you are looking for a horse that is capable of going cross-country over jumps, or is capable of performing the precision maneuvers of dressage, you will want to spend time at the sport horse arena watching these incredibly athletic Arabians.

Dressage is a French word that translated into English means training. Dressage competitions exist at all levels from training up through the Olympic and World Equestrian Games. Arabian horses excel in all levels of dressage because of their athletic ability and their intelligent trainable attitudes. The more highly trained a dressage horse becomes the more difficult is to see the riders cues. As a horse competes through a series of tests, the rapport between horse and rider is clearly displayed while the horse performs equine gymnastics.

Arabian pleasure driving horses are shown in either two- or four-wheeled vehicles. They exhibit brilliance at the same time that they are safe and reliable. Many people enjoy showing Arabian horses in pleasure driving that may not ride or are inexperienced riders. Driving provides them with the ability to show their horse even though they may not have great riding skills. Now that we no longer rely on horses as the “engine” to transport or work for us, driving gives us the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of being behind a horse and experience their power.

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HORSE In the showring

A Guide To Owning Your Own Arabian

with Kim Morgan and Chris Culbreth

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wning your first horse can be a profoundly life-changing event. Entering into a new world of pedigrees, saddles, water troughs, surcingles, veterinarians, trainers, fetlocks, shows and more can be a bit daunting — and wonderful.

To help you navigate through the first steps of Arabian or Half-Arabian horse ownership, here is a brief guide on what to look for in purchasing your first horse, along with advice from two trainers who specialize in amateur owners — Kim Morgan of Pilot Point, Texas, and Chris Culbreth, Scottsdale, Arizona.

First, there are basics of conformation evaluation that are important for the novice to understand when looking at a horse. These basic concepts are important across the board — whether it is for a show or breeding or riding animal.

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ach month Arabian Horse World brings you examples of good horsemanship from horsemen and women around the world — tips and lessons that will enhance your life with your Arabian horse. In our eighth installment of this series, we talk with Kim Morgan and Chris Culbreth.

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Most people fall in love with Arabian horses because of their “look.” They are one of the most beautiful and exotic looking of all horse breeds. “Type” refers to the characteristics that make an Arabian horse recognizable as an Arabian. There are five characteristics that define Arabian type. They are: 1. A dished face with a large, dark expressive eye and a small muzzle. The head should be triangular in shape.

2. A short back. The Arabian was once said to have one less vertebrae in the back than other breeds, although that is not true of all Arabians.

3. An arched neck with a clean throatlatch.

4. A nearly level croup.

5. A high natural tail-set, carried gaily.

Another characteristic of the Arabian that is unique to the breed, although not a physical trait, is the close bond they have with their humans. They seem to be more personable than other breeds. From ancient times, the Arabian horse lived very closely

with the nomads of the desert as a part of the family and thus has evolved to be very people-oriented.

Balance Another important aspect to look for in a horse is balance. Without it, the horse will be at a disadvantage in many ways.

In the halter arena, a lack of balance will be penalized. Under saddle, a horse that is not balanced will not move as correctly as a horse that is balanced.

What is meant by “balance”? It means that the horse is put together in a harmonious fashion, with no part being excessively longer or shorter than it should be.

When looking at a horse from the side, you should be able to divide the horse into three equal parts. From the point of the shoulder to just behind the withers is the first part. From just behind the withers to the point of the hip is the second part. From the point of the hip to the point of the croup is the third part. All three parts should be more or less equal. Why? Let’s take the first part, for example.

If the horse has a straight, upright shoulder and a short forearm, the first section will be shorter than the second and third parts. A straight shoulder and short forearm cause the horse to hit the ground with more force and concussion. It lacks the flexibility and shock absorbing qualities that are found with a longer, more sloping shoulder and longer forearm. Not only does this excessive concussion make for a jolting and uncomfortable ride, the horse may be predisposed to problems in the front feet and legs from being too heavily unbalanced to the front end.

A lack of balance in the second section would be a long back and loin.

The back is the structure that carries the weight of the rider and the saddle. If you think of a suspension bridge, a short bridge between two pillars (front and hind

legs) is stronger than a long span. Also, the center of gravity of the horse changes with a longer back and loin, causing the hind end to play “catch-up” with the front end when the horse is moving.

Furthermore, a short back is one of the primary characteristics of the Arabian horse. A breeding horse that passed on a long back would be undesirable and a halter horse with a long back can be penalized in the showring.

Structure The easiest way to understand structure is to think of your horse as a building on four pillars (feet and legs).

There is a lot of weight sitting on top of the pillars. Although buildings do not move, your horse does. Therefore, those pillars are subject to a lot of force as they move the building over the ground. If your horse is a riding or performance horse, add the weight of the rider and saddle. How well the pillars support that building as it moves determines how far and how long that building can go.

Any failure of a pillar will result in a lame horse that cannot be ridden. When looking at a horse’s feet and legs, the cannon bones should be straight both front and rear. Any change in direction in the leg from the shoulder or hip to the

LLC Royal Flush (Orlando x Malenia), a 2004 half-Arabian Gelding owned by Kelli Bradley, and pictured winning the 2011 Scottsdale Show Hack Open Championship with Chris Culbreth. He was also National Champion in Native Costume Junior to ride and National Champion Show Hack Junior to ride. “Royal Flush was the perfect horse for his owner and junior rider, Kelli Bradley,” says Chris Culbreth. “Kelli was an extremely talented and assertive rider.

This horse complemented her riding style well. Finding a horse that is suitable for a rider and is capable of fulfilling a rider’s expectations is the ultimate goal. Fortunately, these attributes also made him a suitable open horse as well.” b NEWCOMERS b WORLD WORLD b GUIDE 23 b ARABIAN23HORSE JANUARY 2016

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Left to right: Mike Routledge; Patti Meier, who showed MM Zhivago to Canadian National Champion Stallion AOTH; Rogelio Arellano; Abby Routledge, who showed H Justintime H to Canadian National Top Ten Gelding AOTH; Kim Morgan; Dr Herb Meites, who showed WS Center Stage to Canadian National Champion Half-Arabian Mare AOTH; Karen Meites; and Hannah Harrison.

Trainer Kim Morgan says, “MM Zhivago (Eden C x MM La Bonita) is a great AOTH horse because he is very kind and safe for a stallion. And he is a very handsome, high quality individual from any angle.

“H Justintime H (Enzo × Trejor IA), is a very good AOTH horse because he is stunning and yet very manageable when showing. He is a quiet horse so he is good for a novice and he moves very well at any speed.

“WS Center Stage (AA Apollo Bey x Stage Fright), is the perfect AOTH horse because she is such an awesome example of what a HalfArabian should be. She is also a great mover who doesn’t have to go overly fast to display her athleticism. She is the best stand-up horse in the world. She knows her job and likes doing it.”

ground increases the forces going through the leg where it deviates. That is why horses that are bowlegged, or knockkneed or behind at the knee, for example, are penalized both as show and breeding animals. As the horse moves on legs with pronounced deviations, the chance for injury and/or lameness increases. The Arabian horse evolved as a horse that could cross long distances very efficiently.

That is still a hallmark of the breed. No matter whether you are going out for a pleasure ride or setting out on a longdistance event, structure is paramount when looking at a horse to buy.

It takes time to develop an “eye” for a horse. As a novice, it would be wise to align yourself with experienced mentors who can help you build knowledge.

“The first thing that the novice horse owner should do — even before purchasing their first horse is to begin to educate themselves,” says Kim Morgan, of Kim Morgan Arabians LLC in Pilot Point, Texas. Kim has been a breeder 24 b NEWCOMERS GUIDE b WORLD

and professional trainer in the Arabian industry for over 30 years and has won numerous National championships in both halter and performance. However, it is her special talent with amateur owners that has become her most admired gift.

Kim shared her wisdom for novice horse owners wanting to start a life with an Arabian horse.

“Prioritize what you want out of the experience,” says Kim. “Do you want to show? Breed? Both? Having your priorities in order will be the starting point for the direction you want to take.

For example, if your desire is to show, attend some shows and find out what it is all about. See what type of horse you like the most. Study those horses and their pedigrees. Talk to knowledgeable breeders and trainers.” When we asked Kim what the three most common mistakes first-time horse owners make, she replied, “Not taking the time to become educated. Secondly, failing to realize how much help they can get

from the Arabian Horse Association and what resources are available to them.

Finally, not enrolling their horses or their offspring in programs such as futurities, signature stallion programs, and other incentive programs. Even if they aren’t sure that showing is their primary focus, failing to have nominated horses can affect their marketability. Certainly if they do plan to show, the chance to make additional money if they do well is lost if they haven’t had their horse(s) nominated in the first place.

“How is the communication between staff and owners? How do they take care of the horses in their barn?

What is the quality of veterinary care? Do the clients appear to be happy and having fun? These are all things to think about if you plan on having your horse in a barn with a trainer.”

— Kim Morgan “Have a goal and then look for a trainer that can help you with that goal,” continues Kim. “Are you only interested in winning or do you want a trainer that can advance your knowledge and experience? Visit barns and talk to trainers. How is the communication between staff and owners? How do they take care of the horses in their barn?

What is the quality of veterinary care? Do the clients appear to be happy and having fun? These are all things to think about if you plan on having your horse in a barn with a trainer.

“Unquestionably, the biggest benefit of having an Arabian horse, no matter what you want to do with it,” says Kim, “is the relationship you will have with your horse. The camaraderie of other owners and breeders, the wealth of activities available — all these things make owning an Arabian a life-enriching experience.”

For those interested specifically in riding their horse, either for pleasure or to compete in shows, trainer Chris Culbreth of Scottsdale, Arizona, has made a very successful career in guiding amateur owners to their goals. Whether it is a National championship or just a higher level of horsemanship to enjoy owning and riding their horse, Chris’s reputation in teaching amateur riders is highly respected throughout the Arabian horse industry. Chris has guided his amateur riders to numerous National championships in a variety of ridden disciplines.

When asked what are the most common mistakes made by novice horse owners looking for a performance horse, Chris echoed several of the points made

by Kim Morgan. “Mistake number one is not doing your due diligence and understanding what you are getting into,” Chris said. “When someone buys a new car, it is common practice to study all of the options. Getting a new horse is no different. There are myriad variables that need to be considered. Another common mistake is not getting advice from the proper people necessary to make an informed decision. Too often we see new horse owners ending up with a horse that is completely inappropriate for their skill level or for what they wanted to do. Soliciting the advice from people who are involved in the activity you are looking to be a part of, is always a good idea.” Finally, Chris advised, “Don’t have unrealistic expectations. In order to achieve the goals that you have set for you and your horse, it is important to fully

understand what it will take to achieve your goal. First and foremost, you must have a horse that is capable of helping you reach that goal.”

“Talk to everybody.

Believe me, if you ask someone about their horse, they will be more than happy to tell you all about them.”

— Chris Culbreth When asked what advice he would give to a first-time performance/riding horse owner, Culbreth offered the following, “Do your homework. Getting involved with horses can be a highly rewarding and fun journey. Like any epic journey, to be successful, it is important to be properly prepared. If you are new to the world of horses, it is imperative to learn everything you can about them.

Explore different breeds, disciplines, and various equine-related associations. Many of these associations offer great learning opportunities for first-time horse owners.

Take advantage of these programs. A quick Internet search can reveal all sorts of hidden ways to learn. Visit farms and equine events. Talk to everybody. Believe me, if you ask someone about their horse, they will be more than happy to tell you all about it. If getting a show horse is your thing, visit competitions. Don’t just go to the main ring and see who’s winning, visit the stabling area and work areas and really get a feel for what it is all about.

“Once you have done your exploring and decided where you interests lie, educate yourself as thoroughly as possible in the breed and discipline that appeals to you most. Whether it’s trail riding or competing at the highest level, there are 25 b NEWCOMERS GUIDE b WORLD

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Ssinatra (Sshameless x DE Naztravia), 2001 Gelding owned by Kelsey McMahan, Prescott, Arizona, with rider, Gabby Greenberg (pictured winning her third consecutive Hunter Seat Equitation 14-17 Championship at the 2013 Scottsdale Arabian Show), and trainer Chris Culbreth, far left.

Chris Culbreth says, “Ssinatra has won National honors in hunter pleasure, sidesaddle, equitation and halter. His kind disposition and ability to take on multiple disciplines made him the perfect horse for his owner, Kelsey McMahan. Kelsey wanted a horse that could compete at the top level and also return home in the off-season to be a fun and friendly family horse. His sire, Sshameless, was the same way — having been U.S. National Reserve Champion in both halter and Amateur Western in the same year for owner, Lisa Shover, as well as being the perfect family horse.

Knowing a horse’s family history is another step in evaluating a horse’s suitability.”

lots of materials available on all things ‘horse’!” Chris offers a caution, as well — “beware the ‘expert,’ whose only goal is to sell you something before you feel comfortable taking the leap. You will get plenty of opinions. Everybody has one. Whether it is dogs, cats, or horses, the breed that any given person is involved in, is the ‘best.’ The fact is, the best breed or discipline for anyone is the one they most enjoy being involved with. Therefore, look for an experienced mentor in the breed and the discipline you are choosing.

“Keep your expectations realistic,” Chris continus. “Setting short range as well as long range goals can be valuable assets in achieving success. Write down your goals and come up with a plan to get where you want to go. Do a realistic cost analysis. Horses can vary in price from free to millions of dollars. That said, Arabian horses are much more affordable than many people think. Understand what the market is, and fully understand all of the related costs involved. Ask your mentors for a list of things that you will 26 b NEWCOMERS GUIDE b WORLD

need to consider for the specific breed/ discipline in which you are interested.

There are ways to lower expenses.

However, be realistic about these things as well. For example, you can build a corral in your backyard to house your new horse. This is about the least expensive way to go. However, remember, someone has to be there three times a day, every day, to feed, water, clean and check on the horse’s well-being. This is not negotiable.

It is mandatory. Horses cannot do these things on their own. Someone has to make sure the feed room is supplied. The farrier has to visit at least every six to eight weeks and the veterinarian has to take care of periodic vaccinations and other wellness matters. Things break. Water systems malfunction. Hay deliveries show up late, farriers call at the last minute to reschedule. Vets have emergencies that delay meeting you at a scheduled time.

You may opt to spend the extra money and board your horse at a suitable stable and have them take care of the day to day necessities, allowing you to spend your time riding and visiting with others who share your passion.”

A common thing that all trainers experience at one time or another is the novice horse owner who wants to purchase a young horse for a child and let them “grow up and learn together.”

I asked Chris what he would say to this type of question. In a word — “No.” A well-trained and seasoned horse can be as good a teacher to your child as their coach or trainer. An older, really experienced horse will actually help a student learn. Because your child’s safety is always paramount, it is important to have a horse that will minimize the odds of anyone getting hurt. Accidents can happen. That is a fact. However, selecting an experienced horse that has ‘seen and done it all’ will minimize the chances of an accident due to an inexperienced rider.

I have actually seen riders fall off and the well-trained, experienced horse purposely

stop and cautiously avoid stepping on their rider.

“Do not make the mistake of thinking that having a ‘finished’ horse will keep a student from learning. In fact, the wellseasoned horse will accelerate the learning curve by showing the inexperienced rider how things are supposed to feel. The well-broke horse will be more tolerant of a rider’s mistakes and will forgive much more quickly. Finished horses have a tendency to perform up to a rider’s level of expertise. As the rider progresses, the horse will respond in kind.”

What are the benefits of horse ownership? “It is a proven fact that children who are competitive and involved in horses get in less trouble,” says Chris.

“To be competitive, a rider has to be patient, kind, and dedicated to succeed.

We all know the saying, ‘the idle mind is the Devil’s playground.’ There’s not much idle time around horses! A horse can be a great friend. The horse I had growing up was always there for me. I could have a bad day and he was always happy to see me. Sure, he knew I represented food and carrots. But the connection was much deeper than that.

“It is a proven fact that children who are competitive and involved in horses get in less trouble.”

— Chris Culbreth “Learning valuable life lessons is another part of being involved with horses,” continues Chris. “Horses come and they go. They get sick, they get well, they win and yes, they lose. They make mistakes and they forgive yours. Because of horses, I have traveled the world. I have met royalty and I have been treated like royalty. All because of horses.”

“Whether it be jumping, working cattle, being a fancy show horse or dominating the world of endurance racing, the Arabian has the ability to do it all.

Still at the end of the day, they can drop their head and be a gentle and kind friend to a child.”

— Cindy Reich What advice would Chris give a novice horse owner who is looking for a trainer for their performance horse? “I would suggest not purchasing a horse until you have selected who you want to work with. If you have selected the right trainer, they can be a valuable asset in helping you find the correct horse, whether it is one they have for sale or one from somewhere else. Purchasing a horse that they are currently working with can eliminate some of the risk involved in not knowing a horse’s full history. That said, do your due diligence on each and every horse.

“When it comes to selecting a trainer, talk to everybody. You will likely hear good and bad about every trainer.

You will need to sort out fact from fiction. Success in the showring is a good barometer of a trainer’s ability. However, look at the overall record and remember that good horsemanship always trumps ribbons. I would suggest visiting the farm at various times and just watching.

If someone is not comfortable with you hanging out and watching, move on. Get to know the other clients. Compatibility with the other clients will make your experience that much more fun.

“Interview your potential trainer.

Prepare a list of questions and things that are important to you and ask them.

If someone is not willing to visit with you about your goals and concerns, then perhaps that’s not the one for you.

A good rule of thumb for me when selecting any sort of service-oriented business is organization and cleanliness.

I truly believe that a person cannot be a disorganized mess in one aspect of their life but not the other. I am not interested in working with people who spend more time telling you what others do wrong, rather than telling you what they can do for you. I would want to work with someone who says what they are going to do and then does it.”

What makes an Arabian horse the first choice for a riding or performance show horse? For thousands of years, Arabian horses were the prized animals of the Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula. They were bred to live in the tents with the Bedouin families.

Then, at a moment’s notice to carry their masters to war. Because of this type of upbringing, Arabian horses have an innate ability to be calm and nurturing and kind with children, yet, able to rise to any occasion and be a proud and swift warhorse.

Arabian blood was used to create nearly every light breed of horse that exists today. They have been purposely bred to perform a multitude of roles within the equestrian community.

Whether it be jumping, working cattle, being a fancy show horse or dominating the world of endurance racing, the Arabian has the ability to do it all. Still at the end of the day, they can drop their head and be a gentle and kind friend to a child. That being said, it is important to select the right horse for the job. Not every horse is suitable for every role. Be educated and careful when selecting your horse of a lifetime and, “enjoy the ride.”

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SE VI

Lady Gaga

by Jim Lowe

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and “Operation White Pony”

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The Half-Arabian mare Bailey Ann (Tri-Ef iving just outside of Los Angeles for the past 13 years has brought some unusual situations into my life. It’s a lifestyle Kings Ransom x Amberabba). “Today on my doorstep was delivered a white angel with a diverse blend of people that is much different than from heaven,” said Lady Gaga, six-time what I was accustomed to growing up in Michigan. Some of the Grammy award-winning artist. “It felt like the old days of the record business people who have come through my barn have been Hollywood — she’s such a spiritual girl! I will ride movie producers, actors and actresses, reality show and and care for, and love her forever. I was commercial producers, musicians, professional athletes and big so surprised!” corporate brand owners. My ranch was once owned by Zsa Zsa Gabor and a neighboring property is the old Binglin Stable — once owned by Bing Crosby and Lindsay Howard and the home of Seabiscuit — so perhaps acquiring this farm with its Hollywood connections was a foreshadowing of things to come.

Just a week before this past Christmas, I got a call from a very good friend of mine. She has been a treasured friend for over 30 years so when she calls and asks for help, I’m happy to oblige. She is a “top dog” at one of the major record labels and also a “horse girl” which is how we came to know one another decades ago. She and her husband have bred and shown many notable Arabian and HalfArabian champions. Her call was somewhat typical. She was looking for a “white pony” and needed it delivered on December 22, which gave me five days to find, buy, and deliver. But there was something a little more notable about this request that I was not able to disclose — the white pony was a Christmas present for the six-time Grammy award-winning artist and Golden Globe-winning actress Lady Gaga.

The request came to my friend through Lady Gaga’s management team. Gaga had expressed her desire for a white pony and they set out to make this Christmas the most memorable and impressive one ever.

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“Sweet girl … what do you think of this melody?”

“Night my sweet girl.”

For the corporate executives at her record label, the challenge of finding a pony was equally impressive as most of them were not fluent in anything equine.

They browsed through Craigslist (yes, I cringed) and found a few options, but they had no guidelines for finding a suitable match for the megastar. It was at the corporate Christmas party that a team executive remembered that my friend had horse connections and asked her for some help. She then called me and, never being shy of a challenge, I was ready to work on “Operation: White Pony.”

I wrote a simple request on Facebook asking if anyone had a white pony that I could buy and deliver before Christmas. I got several leads and with great luck, a longtime client of mine, Deanna Scanlan from the Bay Area, had a white pony she was using in her

lesson program. Bailey Ann (Tri-Ef Kings Ransom x Amberabba) is a 16-year-old Half-Arabian mare and one of the prettiest and smallest HalfArabians I’ve ever seen. She looks like a small and refined purebred Arabian and would certainly pass the white pony test. I sent a photo to my friend, worked out the sale specifics, and had her on the trailer heading for Somis the night before her special delivery.

Also the night before, my wife Shawn was working with Gaga’s assistants on getting all of the details organized to make for a paramount presentation. A new red halter and lead, a big red bow with a large card attached, and a red bucket with grooming supplies. This was going to be Gaga’s first horse so we felt we should get her a few basic essentials before just showing up and handing her a horse.

I also felt that this project served a bigger purpose than just being a Christmas present for a celebrity. The morning of delivery day, I saddled up Bailey Ann and put my six-year-old daughter Venzia on her just to make sure she wasn’t going to do anything silly.

Venzia was glowing, smiling from ear to ear, and sitting up proud in the saddle as I led her around our property. Bailey Ann was the perfect size for her and I could see a confidence in Venzia that I hadn’t seen before. I have to confess, I wished I was giving the horse to my daughter. We untacked Bailey Ann, loaded her in the trailer, and headed for Malibu. When we arrived outside the gates of Gaga’s ocean-front property, we connected with her staff and made our final delivery plan. My eight-yearold daughter Arista hand-walked the mare just steps away from Gaga’s front

© LADY GAGA / INSTAGRAM

“I feel like I’ve known her my whole life and she wants to show me things.”

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Jim Lowe decided he better have a test ride before delivering the white pony to Lady Gaga in the morning. “I saddled up Bailey Ann and put my six-year-old daughter Venzia on her just to make sure she wasn’t going to do anything silly. She was perfect.”

door, accompanied by Shawn and my 11-year-old son Slayde.

I’m pretty sure when she opened the door, she thought she was being punked. There stood a little girl and a white pony adorned in red details. When Gaga read the note attached to the ribbon, it finally hit her that “Santa” had arrived with a very special gift. The surprise, excitement, and delight on her face was just like that of an entranced young child’s, even though she’s a 29-year-old superstar. She spent the rest of the day riding bareback and barefoot. News of her Christmas gift hit the world the next day after she posted a few images on social media.

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There was an internet explosion of questions and comments, likes, shares, tweets and it was at that moment that I felt I had contributed to something bigger than just finding and delivering a horse. Over the past 20 years, we (as a horse community) have seen a decline of the “white pony dream.” It has been replaced by the younger generation’s desires for phones, tablets, video games, computers ... anything to keep them sitting on the couch. They now use electronics and social media to feel connected to others while those of us from the older generations made our connections and friendships through the horse community.

When I was growing up, I was mesmerized by the book Black Beauty, and the TV shows with Roy Rogers and Trigger and Zorro and his horse Tornado. These figures helped to keep the white pony dream alive because they played a big part in developing my attraction to horses and my hunger to ride. But horse figures haven’t been seen much since the “Black Stallion” in 1979. The movies “Seabiscuit” and “Secretariat” were extraordinary stories and loved by viewers but they didn’t have the same allure because the racing industry rarely escalates a child’s desire to ride. With Lady Gaga’s new love interest and her social platforms that reach millions of people, I’m now hopeful that we might see a resurgence of the white pony dream. Those of us who are living it understand the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of horses, and I hope, with the debut of a little 16-year-old Half-Arabian mare now owned and loved by a highly influential celebrity, we will see a reignited passion for horses. This was not only good for the Arabian and HalfArabian industry but for the horse community as a whole.

And if anything can start a movement to get people thinking about horses and the great outdoors again, it is, perhaps, our unusual situations with acquaintances in Hollywood.

Jim Lowe is a professional horse trainer and owner of Lowe Show Horse Centre and the Lowe Riders Riding Academy located in Somis, California.

Arabians — there’s no better ride!

Enchanted

RR

( * E c a h o x M a g i c s C h a r i s m a by M a g i c D r e a m CA H R )

National Top Tens in reining, working cow, and dressage

2016 Scottsdale Working Cow contender with Hank Oliver

Aulways Magic

++++//

(Aul Mag ic x Aur Silver Myst)

National Top Tens in Dressage, Sport Horse Show Hack, and In-Hand

2016 Scottsdale Dressage 2nd & 3rd Level ATR contender Arabians and Half-Arabians predisposed to excel in Dressage, In-Hand, Under Saddle and Reining C O N TA C T U S T O D AY F O R Y O U R F U T U R E C H A M P I O N !

Tracy Oliver • 509-948-2012 • 2912 Road 92, Pasco, WA 99301 tracy@sunhavensporthorses.com • www.sunhavensporthorses.com 31 ▪ NEWCOMERS GUIDE ▪ WORLD

SE VI

Stud Farm Diaries by Cindy Reich

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Basic Tips for First-Time Horse Owners

I

f you are a first-time or novice horse owner, congratulations! Welcome to the club. You have just joined a huge community of horse owners around the globe and you will find that this “horse” family is really smaller than you might think. While we love the Arabian horse, it doesn’t really matter. All breeds, all types — once you have a horse, you are undoubtedly hooked for life! While many of us grew up on horse farms, it doesn’t matter at what age you decide to join the club. In fact, in this increasingly urban society, many people are getting into horses for the first time as adults.

Where To Stay?

Some horse owners have their own property on which to keep their horse, while others keep theirs at a boarding stable or at a training barn. It all depends on your location, budget, and goals.

Boarding Come with rain, O loud Southwester!

To the Thawing Wind Bring the singer, bring the nester; Give the buried flower a dream; Make the settled snow-bank steam; Find the brown beneath the white; But whate’er you do to-night, Bathe my window, make it flow, Melt it as the ices go; Melt the glass and leave the sticks Like a hermit’s crucifix; Burst into my narrow stall; Swing the picture on the wall; Run the rattling pages o’er; Scatter poems on the floor; Turn the poet out of door.

— Robert Frost, “A Boy’s Will,” New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1915.

If you are only going to have one horse, boarding might be your best option. The cost involved in land, barn, etc., may be prohibitive for just one horse. Furthermore, horses are herd animals. It is really hard on a horse to be in a lifetime situation as a solitary individual. If you plan on keeping only one horse on a piece of land, consider a sheep, goat, cow, or some other animal to keep it company and lessen the anxiety of being a single animal.

If you are keeping your horse at a boarding or training stable, there are a number of things you want to check out in advance. Visit a number of facilities before making a firm decision. Ask for references. Talk to other horse owners in the area and veterinarians as well. What was the atmosphere like when you visited? Was it welcoming? Were you given useful information? You should be allowed to see the area where your horse will be kept. Are the stalls clean? Most farms do the stalls first thing in the morning, so if you visit in the late afternoon, the stalls will not be spotless.

However, there should not be several days worth of manure in the stall. There should be adequate bedding. Most boarding stables and training barns have their own staff to clean stalls and feed the horses for consistency. While some barns may allow the owner to clean and feed their own horse for a lower cost, you need to decide if you can be at the barn seven days a week to feed and clean up after your horse and if the savings balances the time involved.

Check the water source. I’ve found a telling indication of attention to detail is the horse’s water. Whether in a bucket or automatic, is it clean? Dirty waterers can adversely impact a horse’s health if they don’t drink enough, and on a poorly run facility, they are often cleaned intermittently. Often, the attitude of the horses will tell you a lot about a barn. Do the horses in stalls come up to the front of the stall when you walk up? Are the ears forward and the horse interested? Or does the horse stay 32 ▪ NEWCOMERS GUIDE ▪ WORLD

Horses can live outside perfectly well in a three-sided shed. While this is at the upper end of how fancy you can build a shed, any structure that protects the horse on three sides with a roof will work.

Stall floors can be dirt, gravel or even tarmac. If floor is cement, rubber mats should be used for cushion. Rubber mats on any stall floor will be beneficial to the horse’s comfort and will reduce the amount of bedding needed.

You don’t have to have a palatial farm to own a horse — simply a safe one. Whether you have two acres or 200, there are basic things that need to be in place to do it right.

Contrary to what people might say, your horse can live outside year-round as long as it has shelter from wind and wet if you live in a cold climate. My family raised Arabians in Colorado at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet and I have worked at farms as high as 10,000 feet above sea level.

Arabians are hardy horses, forged in an unforgiving desert climate, but they can handle the cold just as well. Therefore, as long as they have a shelter to get out of cold or hot sun as well as wet and wind, they are good. Everything from a basic threesided shelter to a barn to equal the Taj Mahal is up to you!

Most horse owners have some sort of a barn with box stalls. The standard size stall is generally 12´ x 12´ and should not be smaller than 10´ x 10´. Floors can be dirt, tarmac, or crushed rock. There should be good drainage in the stall.

Rubber mats can save money on bedding and provide a softer surface for the horse to stand and lie on. Horses should never stand on concrete unless there are mats on top to provide cushion. Ventilation is crucial to the horse’s respiratory health.

It should not be airtight, nor should it be as open as being outside. Horses are herd animals and get anxious if they cannot see other horses. Having some stalls with gaps in the boards or pipes between them so they can see other horses results in calmer horses. Windows on the outside wall of stalls can offer good ventilation as well as a way for your horse to see what is going on outside, keeping them occupied if in a stall for large amounts of time. You can build a custom barn or get a prefabricated barn. Either way offers lots of options in how to design your stalls.

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On Your Own Property

Shelter

N E W C O M E R S

at the back of the stall or pin its ears when someone walks by? Are any horses weaving in their stall or cribbing? Both behaviors are signs of discontent and insufficient time outside.

Ask what the routine is for horses to be in/out of stalls. Are there safe areas for turnout? How long do horses stay outside? What exercise options are available if you are not riding?

When you decide to board a horse, you also enter into a “social club” at the barn that many people enjoy. The chance to interact with others with the same passion and interests can be very rewarding. It also gives you more contact with people who may become helpful mentors if they have been boarding long-term. They have “been there, done that” and can smooth the path. Likewise, there may be some “know-it-alls” who will try to convince you of their expertise, but may in fact, be just as inexperienced as you are. You will have to learn to sort through the personalities, but lifelong friendships have blossomed in many boarding and training barns.

Are lessons available? If you are a novice rider, lessons from an experienced trainer will get you further than trying to figure it out on your own. Even if you take a short course of basic lessons, you will have a firmer foundation on which to proceed. If you are thinking of showing, lessons should be mandatory if you want to do well in the ring.

Top left: Windows provide ventilation for horses kept in stalls as well as providing them with mental stimulation.

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Bottom left: Horses should have a clean source of water at all times.

Top right: Loose wire is a trap for horse’s feet and legs. If you are going to use wire, it must be smooth (never barbed) and strung tightly so that the horse cannot get caught in the fence.

Water Horses can easily drink up to 10 gallons of water a day. Therefore, having a good, clean (and warm in winter) water source both inside and outside is essential.

Automatic waterers require less labor, but it can be hard to know if your horse is drinking or not. Water buckets are more labor intensive, but allow you to know exactly what your horse is drinking. Horses also require water when outside. Make sure that it cannot freeze in cold weather or if it does, that staff are present to keep ice broken and horses have access to it. Research has shown that horses drink less water if it is very, very cold. Therefore, a tank heater or an automatic water source with a heater is a good idea for outside horses in winter.

Fencing This is not the place to cut corners when you own a horse. You need to build the best and safest fencing that your budget will allow.

The money you save in vet bills will offset the cost of a good fence. You can use vinyl, wood, pipe, smooth wire or woven wire, but never, never use barbed wire. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of fencing but they must all have the same thing in common: the fence should be durable and safe. If you have a breeding program, think about how low your fence should be so foals don’t roll under. Also, using sheep or swine wire is not a good idea, as it is just the right size for horses to catch a hoof in the wire.

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Middle right: Pipe panels can be effective fencing for horses.

Bottom right: Tidy barn with tight woven-wire fencing and a top rail for visibility and strength of fencing.

Veterinarian Just like finding a doctor for yourself, you need to find a good veterinarian for your horse. If you are boarding, there will usually be a veterinary service that attends to the barn, but don’t feel that you must use the “farm” vet. You need to find a veterinarian that you trust and that you feel will be a good fit for you and your horse. Talk to other horse owners in the area, visit different veterinary practices and find out what they have to offer. Explain that you are a first-time owner and see if they are willing to explain what they do.

Insurance

Feeding

As a new horse owner, you will enjoy shopping for all sorts of equipment for your horse. Grooming equipment should include hard and soft bristle brushes for the body, a hairbrush for the mane and tail, and a hoof pick for cleaning out the horse’s hooves.

Obviously a halter and lead rope are essential items as well. From these basics, the sky is the limit. There are as many gewgaws and baubles available as there are merchants to think them up. If you are going to be riding, saddles, bridles and bits are in your future. If you ride in multiple disciplines, (western, English) you will require specialized equipment for each type of riding. One advantage to a boarding stable is that you can often try out different types of tack on your horse before buying. Your trainer will also be a good adviser on what you and your horse require. If you are doing it on your own, educate yourself and make use of mentors!

You will need clothes as well. Breeches or riding pants, boots, safety helmet — all will make your riding more comfortable as well as safe.

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If your horse is at a training barn or boarding stable, feed is usually included in the board costs. Find out how many times a day the horses are fed (two to three times per day is normal). Grains and concentrates should be kept in a room that is inaccessible to horses if they get loose. Hay should be kept under cover and should be dry and of good quality.

If your horse is living in a pasture situation, it may still require additional feed, especially over the winter. Educate yourself on different feeds and feeding programs. You might want to discuss feeding programs with your veterinarian or a mentor if you are unsure of what is best for your horse.

Equipment

N E W C O M E R S

For all their size, horses can be surprisingly fragile.

If you have a substantial investment in your horse, you might want to consider mortality insurance.

There is also insurance for surgeries and medical expenses. Discuss this with your mentors and with insurance companies to decide if this is something you should have.

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Whether you show, breed, ride for pleasure, or just hang out with your horse, give thanks for the honor of getting to live with these magnificent beings.

Farrier Not familiar with this term? It used to be a French term for a blacksmith, or one who works with iron (ferrier) and Latin (ferrum) for iron.

This will become an important part of your horse’s life.

The old saying, “No foot, no horse,” did not happen by accident. Your horse will need its feet trimmed (much like your fingernails) every eight weeks or so, depending on use, terrain, etc. If you do a lot of riding, likely your horse will require shoes, and if you show, it definitely will. Foals start having their feet trimmed at one month of age, so this is a lifelong endeavor. There is a spongy pad on the bottom of the horse’s foot (frog) that helps to pump blood up the horse’s leg each time it hits the ground. Horses that live in unclean conditions can get an infection around this pad, which can be detrimental to the horse’s foot health. Regular attention from the farrier will insure your horse’s feet stay healthy and your horse stays sound.

Breeding Some people don’t ride their horses at all, but are interested in breeding foals for a dedicated program or for the marketplace. If you intend to breed, seek out help and information from experienced breeders. They already know the pitfalls of breeding and can be of immense help in avoiding common problems. If you are thinking of a stallion, it would be prudent to have your stallion with a trainer or experienced horseman. Even though Arabian stallions are more personable than most breeds, it is not generally recommended for a novice horse owner to start with a stallion.

Make Use of Resources The Arabian Horse Association has a great many resources for its members. As an Arabian horse owner, you will need to join the Association in order to register foals, compete in shows, and be eligible for incentive classes at AHA shows.

However, even if you are just a pleasure rider, there are ways to earn incentives and awards through AHA. 36 ▪ NEWCOMERS GUIDE ▪ WORLD

You can locate a “Discovery Farm” to visit and learn more about Arabians and you can also find a “Learn To Ride” barn to start your lessons.

There are also many educational programs and materials available through AHA. See their contact information on our “Resources” page N38.

If you have just started in the Arabian horse family, you might be attending the Scottsdale All Arabian show this month. It is the kickoff show of the year, and the largest show of the year as well. Many people saw their first Arabian horse and fell in love with Arabians at this show. Even if you are not interested in showing, consider attending a show at some point, just to see what it’s all about. There are many community shows throughout the year that are low key, a lot of fun, and a good place to start.

Whether you show, breed, ride for pleasure, or just hang out with your horse, give thanks for the honor of getting to live with these magnificent beings. And welcome to the family!

It takes one to know one!

Visiting Scottsdale soon? Schedule a private showing with Realtor Wendy Tinker and discover your dream equine property.

WENDY TINKER WITH HER ARABIAN STALLION, URBAN LEGEND ST

C o n t a c t We ndy Tinke r

L i c e n s e d R e a l to r ® — Hunt Re a l Es ta te ER A E q u i n e P r o p e r ty Sp e c i a l i s t 602-317-7110 37 ▪ NEWCOMERS GUIDE ▪ WORLD

MCKENNA PHOTO

Whether you are a pleasure rider looking for a small informal property, an avid horseman seeking a first-class equestrian center, or an owner ready to sell, Wendy will match you with the right property or buyer.

ZA SU

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Index of Advertisers Eleanor’s Arabian Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kalliste Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-IBC Linderman Stable & Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

H O R S E

Rae-Dawn Arabians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fc-1

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Rancho Las Potrancas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bc

Tinker, Wendy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Rancho Sonado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Scarab Farm arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Signature International Equine Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sun Haven Sport Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Resources Arabian Horse World Magazine The breed’s leading worldwide publication.

624 S. Main Street, Suite 201 Templeton, CA 93465 Phone: (805) 771-2300 or (800) 955-9423, toll free Fax : (805) 927-6522 Email: info@arabianhorseworld.com Website: www.arabianhorseworld.com

Arabian Horse Association (AHA) The official association of the Arabian breed.

10805 E. Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014 Phone: (303) 696-4500 Fax: (303) 696-4599 Website: www.arabianhorses.org

The Pyramid Society Dedicated to the art of breeding Egyptian Arabian horses.

4067 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 2 Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: (859) 231-0771 Fax: (859) 255-4810 Email: info@pyramidsociety.org Website: www.pyramidsociety.org

Arabian Western Pleasure Association (AWPA)

Arabian Horse Association of Arizona

Promote, encourage, and stimulate the breeding of quality Arabian and Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Horses.

102 Brandy Ct. Summerville, SC 29485 Phone: (843) 670-3036 Email: info@arabianwesternpleasure.com

The host of the Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Email: info@scottsdaleshow.com Phone: (480) 515-1500 Website: www.scottsdaleshow.com

Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance (AHBA)

The leader in developing and promoting the sport and pastime of endurance riding throughout the world.

P.O. Box 6027, Auburn, CA 95604 Phone: (866) 271-2372 or (530) 823-2260 Fax: (530) 823-7805 Email: aerc@foothill.net Website: www.aerc.org

Organizers of the Las Vegas World Cup Arabian Horse Show.

Website: www.arabianbreedersworldcup.com

Arabian Jockey Club Dedicated to the promotion and education of the Arabian racing industry in the United States.

10805 E. Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO 80014 Phone: (303) 696-4523 Fax: (303) 696-4599 Email: ajc@arabianracing.org Website: www.arabianracing.org

American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC)

Arabian Horse Owners Foundation

A non-profit Arabian horse association for Arabian horse owners.

Email: info@ahof.org Phone: (800) 892-0682 Website: www.arabianhorseowners.org

T h e N e w c o m e r s G u i d e i s d e s i g n e d a n d p r o d u c e d b y A r a b i a n H o r s e Wo r l d · 0 2 / 1 6 · © 2 0 1 6 A H W M e d i a G r o u p , L L C .

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National Champion Eternety (*Sharem El Sheikh x Tomboy) 1988 bay stallion

VISEL PHOTO

Om El Shattakhan (*CG Balih El Jamaal x Om El Shadina) 2000 grey stallion

Timbuktu LA (Eternety x Shervasta) 2006 grey stallion

LITTLE PHOTO

LITTLE PHOTO

Sharing our love of the Arabian

Om El Shahlimar (*Sanadik El Shaklan x Om El Shaina) 2007 grey stallion

Ice Gold Cadillac CLL (Fire An Ice x RA Mayan Gold) 2005 Palomino Half-Arabian stallion

Inquiries welcome on our foals by these stallions

Linderman Stable and Farms 5559 N. Yellowstone Hwy • Idaho Falls, Idaho 208-589-4314 • cathylin@ida.net 39 ▪ NEWCOMERS GUIDE ▪ WORLD

Mann O Fiq (El Sher-Mann x Cal O Cameo) 2000 grey stallion

Welcome to America to

The European Breeder’s Cup Gold Champion

¾ brother of triple crown winner Excalibur EA Out of one of the finest Marwan Al Shaqab’s daughters in the world

Imagined by : Jennifer Dhombre / Created by : Sylvain Albinet

One of the most typed young stallions today

Let’s meet him in Scottsdales at Ted Carson’s party

Breeder / owner : Jennifer Dhombre +33.619.153.773 / www.kalliste-arabians-international.com / kalliste.arabians@gmail.com

Standing at Butlers farms Training Center for the 2016 breeding season Breeding infos : Ted Carson : 910-876-7332 / ted@tedcarson.com

Rancho Las Potrancas

LAURELLE PHOTO

HARTMAN PHOTO

WHERE EXCELLENCE IS A FORETHOUGHT

Owned by:

Rancho Las Potrancas Felix Cantu 路 Mexico City 路 Mexico

U.S. Representative: Johnny Downing 480.200.7618 路 johnnyjoed@aol.com