Cor
TRAINED BY RAMIREZ TRAINING CENTER
Rene Ramirez, owner & trainer
Phoenix, Arizona
& Elsa
J. JENSEN
THE HORSE OF A LIFETIME
For most lovers of the Arabian breed, that passion was sparked by a connection with a particular horse. No matter how long ago we each met our catalyst into this industry, nobody ever forgets the horse that started it all. Nearly 10 years ago, Corona PE+// launched Jen Smith and Elsa Jensen of Keystone Equestrian into the Arabian and saddle seat world. At almost 18 years old, “Cliff” continues to maintain a star-studded career that Jen and Elsa are endlessly grateful to have been a part of. Jen has ridden since she was a child, first on hunter/jumpers and then as an adult on dressage-trained Warmbloods. Jen shared the sport with her daughter Elsa, who began riding hunter/jumpers at a young age. Jen was familiar with Arabians, as she had begun breeding Arabian/Warmblood crosses as dressage prospects, but she couldn’t help her fascination with the saddle seat-bred Arabians. While still riding her Irish Sport Horse and earning her United States Dressage Federation Bronze Medal, she began taking lessons in saddle seat with Julie Daniel. In 2015, Jen decided it was time to take the leap and purchase her first saddle seat horse, with some specific goals in mind.
BY NIKA OSUNA
Elsa Jensen and Corona PE+//
“We were just looking for something I could learn on at home, that my husband Rick could manage for me and that I’d show locally,” Jen remembers. Up until that point, Jen had only ridden purebred Arabians, but the power and movement that Cliff’s Dutch Harness Horse dam had passed on to him captured her.
“What I love about Cliff is that the movement is so effortless for him,” she says. “He is thrilling to ride.”
Cliff was the horse dreams are made of from the start for Jen. After purchasing him in October, she decided to enter him in the 2016 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show for fun. Although she was just hoping for good rides, Jen’s expectations were exceeded when she and Cliff topped the Half-Arabian Country English AATR Select qualifier, and later claimed the Champion roses.
“My first class with him was in the Wendell; it can get buzzy in there for horses,” explains Jen. “Cliff was strong and I was half petrified and half thrilled. I almost scratched it; I wasn’t sure I was ready to go in that gate. It was a
tough class. When they announced us as the winners I just started bawling. In my victory pass photos you can see the tears. Then we won the Championship later in the week. It was so addictive — to push yourself and not be sure if you could do it, and then be successful. I loved it!”
Over the years, Cliff became a trusted partner for Jen. During the off season at home, she could trail ride him on a loose rein, and then ask him to step things up in the show ring and know that he would eagerly oblige. That trust was well and truly proven when Elsa expressed interest in trying saddle seat as a walk-trotter, and Jen and Rick decided to put her up on Cliff. Already a confident young rider, Elsa was nothing but excited to try the big-going gelding.
“I wasn’t nervous,” she remembers. “If my mom trusted him, then I trusted him.” It took several years for Elsa and Cliff to learn each other, but by the time she entered the 14-and-under ranks, she had developed the seat and strength to ride him as he needed.
Jen and Corona PE+// at Scottsdale 2024.
Corona PE+// is greeted by his fan club.
Elsa and Corona PE+// at Youth Nationals 2023.
“Cliff just made it so much fun,” Elsa says. “He wasn’t nervous ever, just excited to go in big English or Costume classes. His energy is contagious. He made me feel like I could ride any class.”
Cliff and Elsa found their niche in the Mounted Native Costume division. It is here where his power and Elsa’s confidence truly shine. Donning his now-iconic teal and silver garb, the Afires Heir son seems to climb through the air at the canter, his movement only getting bigger as the class goes on. Even as a 14-and-under rider, Elsa always looked right at home when Cliff powered down the rail at a hand gallop. This division has given her some of her favorite memories with her gelding, too.
“Our 2022 Youth Nationals unanimous costume win is something I’ll never forget,” she recounts. “I had lined up in the tunnel before the class. I didn’t really intend to be the first one in, but that’s how it worked out. Someone walking by said to me, ‘First in, last out?’ I was like, ‘What?’ And then because we won, we did end up being the last out of the ring! Since then, I have tried to be first in whenever I can. I love being proud of the horse I have to present to the judges.”
For Jen, who already loved sharing this sport with her daughter, sharing this special horse is the icing on the cake.
“Elsa and I are really close,” she emphasizes. “I love being a show mom, and this horse has my whole heart, so the combination of them together is everything for me.”
Cliff has had an illustrious career over the last decade, with 15 National Top Ten ribbons earned across the divisions, six Reserve National Championships, and a National Champion title. Those seven rose garlands were all won in Mounted Native Costume. In addition to his national awards, Cliff has brought home six sets of Champion and Reserve Champion Scottsdale roses and has been named National Horseman Arabian’s Half-Arabian Mounted Native Costume Champion for three years consecutively since 2022. As Cliff enters his late teen years, Jen and Elsa cherish each trip they take into the show ring with him. Looking to the 2025 show season, both women reflect on the gift that Cliff has been to their family. Since 2020, Elsa has partnered with 14 horses across the saddle seat and hunter Equitation and Pleasure divisions. She attributes her confidence and ability to the start that Cliff gave her.
“Cliff has been in my life longer than any other horse,” Elsa says. “Being so comfortable with him has made me a confident rider in general — and winning classes with a horse that is my best friend is doubly rewarding.”
Cliff’s impact is now multigenerational. Jen has expanded her program from dressage to a main-ring focus, which she attributes to Cliff. Since 2020, they have produced six Half-Arabian foals, and that’s just the beginning. Thanks to Cliff, both mother and daughter dove head-first into the world of Arabian saddle seat and have no plans of turning back.
The horses who help introduce newcomers to the Arabian show world are some of the industry’s most important assets. Corona PE+// has taken his family to unimaginable heights and given them a love for the sport that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, he has given a mother and daughter an invaluable opportunity to bond, and developed a young girl into a confident, capable horsewoman.
Jen summarizes it best: “I hope everyone who loves to show ends up with a horse like this at some point in their journey. He is the best partner. He has defined what it is to show horses for us.”
Elsa and Corona PE+// with Rick and Jen Smith.
IN APPRECIATION OF THE COUNTLESS HOURS, LESSONS LEARNED & MEMORABLE MOMENTS THAT MADE 2024 SPECIAL!
DALE!
Thank you for an incredible show season! Your hard work, dedication and passion for our horses never goes unnoticed, and we’re so grateful for everything you do to help us succeed. Your tireless efforts, both in and out of the arena, mean so much to us, and it’s been a privilege to be part of such a supportive and talented team.
Thank you for pushing us to be our best, and for caring for our horses like they’re your own.
HERE’S TO THE MEMORIES WE’VE MADE THIS SEASON, AND MANY MORE TO COME!
LOVE, KELLY, FERNANDA, VERN, JORDAN AND DOLOROSA ARABIANS, MARY AND KEN, KIM, DONNA, MINDY, AND AMY
ELIZABETH MARIE EQUESTRIAN CENTER 12302 N 93rd St, Scottsdale, Arizona (440) 212-5778 | Arabian1203@gmail.com
Th k You,
ELIZABETH MARIE DESARLE!
From all your friends, fans and clients at Elizabeth Marie Equestrian Center, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all that you do.
Your unwavering dedication, tireless hard work, and unmatched passion make you more than a trainer—you are an inspiration. Through your leadership, our riders and horses thrive, reaching new heights of skill, confidence, and connection.
Your love for our amazing Arabian horses shines through in every lesson, every ride, and every moment spent in the arena. You don’t just teach; you empower, guiding us with patience, precision and heart.
Elizabeth, your commitment to excellence and your ability to bring out the best in every horse and rider are what make our equestrian family so special.
Thank you for being the driving force behind our success and for making Elizabeth Marie Equestrian Center a place where dreams come to life.
WITH ALL OUR APPRECIATION, YOUR EQUESTRIAN FAMILY
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U.S. NATIONALS
OCTOBER 18-26, 2024
EXPO SQUARE PAVILION TULSA, OKLAHOMA
2024’s U.S. Nationals proved eventful in the best way, with classes packed full of the best talent the Arabian breed has to offer. AHA started the celebration out right by hosting a welcome party that was complemented by a photo booth and desserts courtesy of Bennett Fine Jewelry. They continued keeping energy and engagement up outside of the ring by hosting “Coffee Talk” interviews with showgoers sponsored by various coffee shops, which added some extra fun to the long days of competition. Richfield Video’s second year filming events was also very well-received, and they got to capture some incredible moments.
Two great mares closed out their show careers at Tulsa this year. Emily Shippee showed the outstanding Heirs Noble Love to her final victory pass. They earned a unanimous win and standing ovation in their last class, the Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 19-49 Championship. This lovely bay, 15 years young, proved herself the best of the best one last time with her 12th National Championship title. Ames Divine and Lara Ames also finished strong, snapping up the tri-color in the Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 50-and-Over Championship. The Ames family guided their mare to nine National Championships and reserve titles in a comparatively short career, and Lara is excited to begin a breeding program with her homebred star.
Seven were pinned into the AHA Judges Hall of Fame this year, and the annual Youth Judging Contest awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes to the winners. Best of all, industry legend Judith Forbis celebrated her 90th birthday in center ring. Judith first imported three Egyptian yearlings in 1959 to create Ansata Arabian Stud. She has countless books, artworks, and articles to her name, and over the course of her seven-decade career can be thanked for revitalizing interest in the breed as well as literally rebuilding wardecimated populations of Arabians throughout the Middle East and Africa. Judith choosing to mark such a momentous birthday on the national stage was a highlight and honor for all.
Story by Haley Evans
Photos by Kelsey Polmanteer, Emma Chapman, and Jordan Pike
SHOW OFFICIALS
JUDGES
Mike Beethe, Greg Gallun, Isaac Taylor, Donnie Bullock, Steve Dady, Scott Brumfield, Lisa Corbin, John Lambert, Bruce McCrea, Bob Gordon, Terry Holmes, Lindsay Rinehart, Bruce Brates, Scott Brumfield, Deb Witty, Ben Balow, Kathy Callahan-Smith, Mark Guynn, Tanya Jenkins, Ann Judge, Terri Delbridge, Laura Doran, Tim Goggins, Tami Pacho-Douglas, Lorne Robertson
SHOW COMMISSION
Angela O’Neill, Dave Daugherty, Chuck Rickart, Allan Ehrlick, Mark Himmel, Sandra Woerie
SHOW SECRETARY
Marlene Kriegbaum
ANNOUNCERS
Dan Savage, Tuffy Owens, Juff Rutz, Scott Christmas
STEWARDS
Cheryl Tobey, Cricket Gates, Joan Shelton-Palelek, Carrie Olson, Jean Kraus, Patty Lebon, Kim Dickinson
PHOTOGRAPHER
Howard Schatzberg Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Richfield Video
FARRIER Bobby Waters
VETERINARIAN
Equine Athlete Veterinary Services
Top Left: Preston Keeter leads Lee Melchi’s MM Steel Magnolia out of the show ring. This lovely mare was named the Reserve National Champion in the Arabian Senior Mare Championship.
Bottom: Ted Carson coaxes Darrell Turner’s yearling colt Gattlin into place, one of many youngsters he presented to ribbons at U.S. Nationals.
Top-tier trainer Ashton Kiesner concludes one of her victory passes with an interview. She guided Joseph Kinnarney’s mare KT Lasting Love to the head of the class in the Arabian English Pleasure Junior National Championship. This pretty bay launched her career this spring and claimed her first win on the National stage. The U.S. Nationals was only the mare’s third show and an especially precious victory for Ashton, who also bred this young champion.
Top Left: Bella Tina PCF showcases her beautiful movement with Koy Moody on the lead.
Bottom Left: Christina Flinders and Heiristocat make a beautiful pair. “Auggie” and Christina earned several ribbons together in the Half-Arabian ranks during their last show together — the Kittredge family purchased this remarkable gelding soon after the show.
Top Right: Roberta Lembke steers Goblet Of Fire CCF+// through the out-gate. They shared two wonderful rides in Arabian English Pleasure.
& Michaela Hart
Reserve National Champion
PB Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure AATR 55-&-Over
Top 10
PB Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure AATR 19-49 with Ariel Stevens
Top 10
PB Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure with Jesse Saldana
Owned by Michaela Hart
Trained by Jesse Saldana Training Center
Colby Powell embraces the mighty Fixations Khash. Natalie Gaylord’s pinto has long been a fixture in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure ranks. Colby has worked with this gelding for years, and they saw great success in Tulsa this year. They seized another national title together, triumphing in the HalfArabian Western Pleasure Open Championship for the third time in a row. “Khash” garnered first-place finishes in every show he entered this year, including Scottsdale and Youth Nationals, and continues to help his riders shine.
Top Left: Nora Shaffer and Ballerina BF earned their third National Champion title in a row, acing the Half-Arabian English Pleasure challenge.
Top Right: CP Tiny Danzer was as alert in the show ring as she is during an interview. Brooke Leininger and her mare claimed the same prize for the second year, sweeping up the win in the ABS Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR Jackpot.
Bottom Right: Night Movess trots into the ring for the Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 Championship. He and Kristi Theede-Wintheiser left this class as the Reserve National Champions.
THE RENEE RODGERS FOUNDATION
BRINGING Life
OUT OF TRAGEDY
BY NIKA OSUNA
In December 2023, the Arabian horse world was shocked by the tragic passing of 42-year-old Renee Rodgers. In early October 2023, as she prepared to head to U.S. Nationals with her sister Gena, Renee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This discovery devastated the lives of Renee and her family, as she had no symptoms or reason to believe she might be ill.
Renee first became involved with Arabian horses at age 12, when she and Gena both fell in love with the breed. Later in life, Renee dedicated her professional life to the horses, finding joy in sharing the breed with her lesson students. A U.S. National, Scottsdale, and Regional Champion, Renee would do anything for her fellow horse people. “She’d give you the shirt off her back,” remembers Gena’s partner Rob Long.
Renee lived every minute of her life to the fullest, and her legacy is marked by her free spirit and kindness. In the wake of her passing, her family has honored this legacy by establishing the Renee Rodgers Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness and providing education about ovarian cancer, as well as encouraging women to get early-detection screenings.
As Rob explains, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and easily overlooked, earning this disease a reputation as a silent killer. Preventative screenings and early diagnosis are essential to treatment. The Renee Rodgers Foundation’s mission is to spread this awareness to the equine community Renee loved so dearly. At U.S. Nationals this year, banners with a link to information were placed around the show grounds in Tulsa, information about the foundation was included in the AWPA exhibitor bags, and the foundation sponsored a prize in the AWPA Arabian Futurity. All the more special, Gena showed Renee’s beloved KM Bugatti+++/ son, Luxemere Chryso RCA, in the Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 Jackpot in her memory. “In a way, Renee still got to be at Nationals this year,” says Rob.
At just under a year old, the Renee Rodgers foundation is just getting started. They hope to make an even larger impact at the 2025 Scottsdale Arabian Horse show. Plans are still in development, but the goal is to present all women at the show with a free voucher for a stand-up MRI scan. Renee will also be remembered in the Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 class at Scottsdale with a stunning memorial trophy, sculpted by Wendy Morris-Tank.
Those who loved Renee know how much it would mean to her for her story to make an impact on the health and lives of her fellow horsewomen. Her family and the team at the Renee Rodgers Foundation are carefully stewarding her legacy, ensuring that her memory lives on in the industry to which she devoted her life.
For more information on the Renee Rodgers foundation, please visit www.reneerodgersfoundation.com.
RENEE RODGERS FOUNDATION
Riding in her memory, building her legacy. Together, we persevere.
The Renee Rodgers Foundation has been established to promote early detection of ovarian cancer through education, awareness, and support. We strive to empower women with knowledge about the symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods associated with ovarian cancer, encouraging them to seek timely medical assistance. With a focus on prevention and early intervention, we aim to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease. Through collaborative efforts, advocacy, and research initiatives, we endeavor to create a world where ovarian cancer is detected at its earliest stages, resulting in improved prognosis and a reduced impact on women's lives.
www.reneerodgersfoundation.com | gena@reneerodgersfoundation.com
Aria Majesty knows how to present himself. The 2023 Arabian Stallion In-Hand AAOTH National Champion with Laura Koch, this mahogany bay returned to Tulsa with Andrew Sellman leading. By the royal Marwan Al Shaqab and out of a Bask++ descendant, he did his ancestors proud on the national stage. Andrew led Laura’s stallion to unanimous first-place honors in the Arabian In-Hand Senior Stallion Championship, their first victory in 2024.
2024 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION
PB WESTERN PL AAOTR MATURITY with Stacie Zurek
AWPA $100,000
PB WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY with Justin Cowden OWNED & BRED BY TRAINED BY
PA KID KHAN X JB GIRLS GONE WILD
STACIE ZUREK AND KHANRAD ZA
A STRONG Start
BY HALEY EVANS
Sometimes the smallest pebble starts a landslide. Stacie Zurek may never have become involved with horses if her mother hadn’t seen and loved a picture of an Arabian horse in a book as a schoolgirl. From a single picture, that was the breed Stacie’s mother decided she wanted, so Stacie and her siblings adopted that growing up. None of them could have dreamed that a picture in a book would someday lead to National roses.
Stacie grew up hearing all about where the local farms used to be, seeing her mother point out where she’d used to trail ride along what is now a freeway. Stacie and her siblings were actively involved in 4-H. When she was 11, Stacie got her first Arabian, a grey mare whom she showed in Michigan’s non-rated Arabian circuit. Stacie and friends from her 4-H group visited the National show in Louisville, Kentucky, which helped cement her desire to someday have a nationally competitive horse.
Stacie attended Michigan State University, where she was a member of their equestrian team. After graduation Stacie focused on getting her career in the business world started, but her passion for Arabian horses remained strong. She continued showing as much as she could, often boarding her horse locally and working and training them herself. After several successful years competing with her Arabian gelding in both the Hunter and Western divisions, Stacie knew she needed to start thinking about her next show-ring partner.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and have made a lot of friends and connections over the years,” Stacie says. “A very close friend of mine had a mare that I instantly fell in love with. She’s just the kindest, sweetest soul. I told my friend ‘Whenever you think you might want to sell her, I want first dibs.’”
In 2019, Stacie’s dream became reality, and she purchased the mare and bred her to PA Kid Khan. “I was 100 percent hoping for a national-level show horse,” Stacie recalls, “but also for a horse that has charisma and presence.”
She’d followed Sheila Varian’s and Larry Jerome’s example by watching every Western class she could, carrying her show program everywhere she went and noting which horses had “that extra little something.” Placing didn’t matter so much. “Maybe they had a mistake that got caught by the judges and didn’t make it through their class,” Stacie explains, “but I was always looking to see which ones I thought stood out and what
He’s a quick learner. I started doing a lot of his groundwork myself, and I don’t have a lot of experience starting young horses. He was a good student and allowed me to learn with him. He just took it all in stride and didn’t really get frazzled.”
-STACIE ZUREK
their pedigree was. When I was choosing a stallion, PA Kid Khan was starting to be really consistent with siring national-level horses that had that extra little something.”
Show-ring presence wasn’t the only factor in Stacie’s decision. She also considered her prospect’s progeny and the elements that sire consistently passed on “because, you know, I’ve got this great mare and she can only carry one foal, so I want to make sure that I’m putting my money into something that has got a really good chance of being successful and having that charisma, having that quality and having that national caliber. For me, [PA Kid Khan] was just over and over again producing horses that are right there at the top of the list.”
Her hopes were realized with the arrival of Khanrad ZA, who was a silver lining during a time of global uncertainty, arriving in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. “Khanrad” proved special from the start, with a huge personality. “He was really kind and friendly,” Stacie remembers. “Not afraid of people. And of his foal mates, was kind of the stinker — he wanted to push everybody else’s buttons and thought that he was kind of macho, but in a kind way.”
Stacie was involved in every step of her colt’s journey. “He’s a quick learner,” she states. “I started doing a lot of his groundwork myself, and I don’t have a lot of experience starting young horses. He was a good student and allowed me to learn with him. He just took it all in stride and didn’t really get frazzled.”
Last year, Stacie handed Khanrad over to Abe Cotton to begin his professional Western Pleasure training. He
debuted his career in March, stepping out for the first time at Ohio’s OHAHA show, and it seemed Stacie had indeed succeeded in producing a competitor with presence, who took everything from that first experience in stride, and a slow stride at that.
“Khanrad loves to go slow,” Stacie explains. “He has a long, ground-covering stride, but it’s in slow motion.”
At Region 13, Stacie got to team up with her horse and took the win in the 11-entry AAOTR 19-49 Championship, a huge feat for a junior horse with less than six months under saddle.
“It was a pretty deep class,” she explains. “For him as a 4-year-old to go in against that class, that group of horses, and then win it — that one really got me.” After Region 13 it was clear to Stacie that she had something special in Khanrad. They made the trip to Mid-Summer Nationals, came home with two Top Tens, and set their sights on U.S. Nationals.
Beyond all of Stacie’s expectations at Tulsa, her young star earned reserve roses in the Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR Maturity Championship with Stacie in the saddle, and in the AWPA $100,000 Western Pleasure Futurity with Justin Cowden riding. The reality of having her first-ever homebred horse come home with two National titles is something that Stacie’s still processing. “It feels like the life accomplishment was achieved,” she admits, “something that you don’t actually think there’s ever a chance that it could happen. It was the most amazing feeling ever. And yeah, it was surreal.”
Khanrad is enjoying a little bit of downtime now after “a very busy 4-year-old year,” says Stacie, “because he’s still a horse and he gets to play once in a while too.” His show career with Stacie is just beginning, but she is also carefully considering breeding options. With a pedigree stacked with stars like Khemosabi++++//, Khadraj NA+++/, and Sundance Kid V, Stacie is excited to see what he will eventually produce.
This is just the beginning for Zurek Arabians’ breeding program, too. Stacie is carrying on with the same care she used in producing Khanrad. She aims to never have more than five mares at a time, ensuring that the stallion choice and breeding process are handled properly so the progeny can go on to be good show horses. Her thoughtful, wholistic approach already paid dividends, allowing Stacie to reach heights she’d never expected. She’s delighted with her flashy bay stallion, eager to shape his future in the show ring and breeding shed, and looking forward to everything that lies ahead.
Top Left: Brave New Love REH curiously takes in the show grounds with Kevin Price up for TKO Arabians. This filly, a daughter of Noble Braveheart and HNL Royal Hope, is brand-new to competition.
Top Right: Greg Harris helps Just Mac work through his paces prior to hitting the green shavings.
Bottom: Wendy Potts stands surrounded by her Whistlejacket Farm team, who have plenty of smiles to share.
PA Angelikka perfectly showcases the Arabian profile. Nicole Leverett rode her PA Kid Khan daughter to top honors in the Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 40-59 Championship.
Top Left: Siena Krueger beams after she and her delicate mare Genuinely Glam O picked up the Reserve National Champion roses in the Half-Arabian Reining AAOTR ranks.
Bottom Left: Sarah Jayne Johnson keeps a regal seat aboard her flaxen-maned Money Talks BF. They started working together last year and compete in Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure.
Top Right: A young fan hitches a ride with Theresa Schimmel-Spencer and her newly crowned National Champion LJ Marshall.
Nirvanas Heir makes a stately exit dripping with roses. This stallion’s owner and breeder Lindsay O’Reilly French presented him to great effect at Nationals; they took on the tough Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure division and trotted off with top honors. This Nutcracker’s Nirvana son finished first in the AAOTR 40-59 National Championship and took reserve in the ABS AAOTR Jackpot. Lindsay’s handsome bay has competed in this division since 2020 and he really shines when she is in the saddle. They consistently earn top ribbons when they work as a team, and Tulsa was no exception.
Top: The Harris Show Horses team celebrates a successful class. Robyn Olson and Bethany Wilson claimed the Champion and Reserve Champion slots in the Arabian Western Pleasure AATR Select National Championship.
Bottom Left: Gone Viral MCL, a lovely HalfArabian filly by Always A Jullyen V bred and owned by Michael and Christine Leverett, surverys the warm-up ring.
Bottom Right: It’s always exciting to see Nicole McCrae come down from Canada to show her string. She took KC Mclaren into the Half-Arabian Hunter ranks and gave a strong performance.
Despite a history of National wins, a stunned Chelsey Perez remains in joyous disbelief after her ride. Chelsey guided her treasured gelding Bluer Than Blue J+/ in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure ranks. Previously, they took Championship roses in 2022 and a reserve title in 2023. This year they echoed those results with a reserve tri-color in the ABS AAOTR Jackpot — sharing the winner’s circle with Gin J++//, another Larry Jerome-bred entry —and scored highest honors in the AAOTR 19-39 Championship.
Top Left: Soft-eyed Starrboy waits patiently for direction from Katie Rose Burr, who took him to a unanimous Championship win in Half-Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 19-49.
Bottom Left: Alexa Bromberg praises The Heiristocratt (“Hefe”) after a unanimous victory in the Half-Arabian English Pleasure ABS AAOTR Jackpot.
Top Right: Kellye Hill had a pair of half-siblings in the ribbons at Nationals, taking both Fabio SMP (pictured) and Bewitched SMP+ to the Top Ten.
To have the opportunity to present Zefyr those years in the Open was an honor and a privilege that I will never forget!
- JODY STRAND
STORY BY NIKA OSUNA
The close of yet another U.S. Nationals prompts us to pause and reflect on the great horses of the past who were instrumental in shaping the Arabian show divisions. Earlier this year, the Western ranks lost a legend in Zefyr+//, but his memory could be felt by everyone who watched the Open Arabian Western Pleasure final in the Ford Truck Arena, a stage where he once historically dominated. With longtime trainer and, later in life, owner Jody Strand, Zefyr+// made history as the first purebred to win this class three years in a row, from 2013 to 2015. To this day, that first win in 2013 remains a favorite memory of Jody’s.
“That was his first Open National Championship, that was my first Open National Championship; that was probably the coolest thing I’ve done in my career,” he expresses.
From nose to tail, on the ground and under saddle, Zefyr was the epitome of a Western horse. He was built for the job, with short cannon bones, a strong hind end, and the ideal Arabian neck and head carriage. With every gait fluid and effortless, he was mesmerizing in the ring and was a crowd favorite wherever he went.
But more than these physical traits, what set Zefyr apart was his disposition. “You could tell any kid to go down to his stall and throw a rope and a halter on Zefyr and he’d walk along like a black lab,” Jody remembers fondly. “To have the opportunity to present Zefyr those years in the Open was an honor and a privilege that I will never forget!”
Zefyr was a prolific sire, passing the very best of himself onto the next generation. He was as present at U.S. Nationals as ever this year through his offspring. He raised the bar for what an Open Western horse can and should be: well-built and exciting to watch with impeccable manners. The industry was blessed to know such a once-in-a-lifetime horse.
Rising Shoc and Daniel Weeks celebrate a strong reserve finish, one of two reserve tri-colors they netted during U.S. Nationals. This dynamic pair earned these results in both the Arabian Hunter Pleasure AATR Select Championship and AAOTR 40-59 Championship. Over the course of this show season, they also earned reserve honors in the ATR Championships at East Coast in Lexington, Virginia, and during Region 16. By SF Aftershoc+ and out of RAE Of Hope, Daniel owns this chestnut in partnership with Alice Spinella.
Deborah Kay Fuentes
SEPTEMBER 22, 1961 - NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Deborah K. Fuentes, beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, niece, friend, aunt, and wife, passed away in the arms of her family on November 16, 2024 in Aurora, Colorado. She was firstborn to her loving family on September 22, 1961 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Carolene Wass and the late Robert Wass. Debbie was born at 11:45 PM and was named by her father.
Debbie’s children were the most important people in her life, and she did everything in her power to ensure their happiness and care. Debbie was more than just a mother to her children however; she was a shoulder that everyone could rest their head upon knowing full well they were in her tender care. Any trials or tribulations that someone faced, Debbie was always there to listen and help, always putting herself second to ensure the happiness of those who needed it. Any family, friend, coworker, colleague, or simple stranger would agree there was no better person to have in one’s corner than Debbie.
Debbie Fuentes was more than just an inspiring woman, she was an icon whose reputation well preceded her. There was no such thing as a stranger to Debbie. She was an international star whose countless hours at the Arabian Horse Association landed her and the organization on the map. Rather than simply attending the numerous events and meetings held by the AHA, Debbie would create friends rather than colleagues. Armed with her camera, smile, charm, and conversation, Debbie moved mountains through words and kindness alone.
Debbie represented the pinnacle of selflessness, a saint in both patience and love to all of those lucky enough to know her. She was an ideal, someone whose care could only be dreamt of and who will be endlessly missed.
Debbie is survived by a host of family that includes her three adoring children: Ryan Blaine Fuentes; Shannon (Fuentes) Lee Cano; and Alexis Christine Fuentes; beloved grandchild, Dallas Weston Lee Cano; her husband, Jorge Fuentes, siblings Jimmy Wass and Rodney Wass; mother Carolene (Larson) Wass; as well as countless other loving family members and all of Denver, Colorado. Debbie was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wass and her father, Robert Wass.
Information provided by Olinger Funeral - Highland
Top Left: Caelen Caspers enjoyed a well-earned break from law school with her family at Rooker Training Stable. Aside from multiple Top Tens, Caelen helped her barn bring their first 3-year-old to the green shavings.
Bottom Left: CP Metropolis stands prettily for Nicole Larson, who is delighted by her newest ribbon. Nicole and her new mount topped the Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR qualifier and returned for reserve in the Championship.
Top Right: AFA Gianelli exemplifies the beauty of his breed as he demonstrates a rear. Phil and Tannis Boissonnault’s colt debuted this year and garnered top rankings at Scottsdale, Region 16, and U.S. Nationals.
Michelle Pease-Paulsen smiles aboard her lovely mare, SS A Noble Star. “Sansa” and Michelle are the 2024 Open Competition Award winners; they also claimed the prize in the ABS Half-Arabian Reining AAOTR Jackpot.
Top Left: Lauren Adamek Gibbons and Captivating Shoc WA dazzled in the HalfArabian Mounted Native Costume AAOTR Championship, where they took top honors. The gelding later earned reserve in the English Show Hack Championship with John Rannenberg.
Top Right: Ali Brady praises Platinum Perfection after a winning trip into the show ring. They earned the judges’ call in the Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Championship. Owner Ashley Reimer-Carpio took her mare around the ring in the Half-Arabian Performance Halter Mare AOTH Championship and seized a tri-color as well.
Bottom Right: A laughing Isabella Heath sits in the irons of Up For Allday PF, the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Futurity National Champions.
Jim Lowe receives the APAHA Trainer Challenge Cup. This honor was first awarded in 2019 to the winning trainer in each of 13 futurity classes and is given annually to honor trainers introducing youngsters to the Performance, Halter and Working Western disciplines. Jim has been professionally training since 1978 and has been an “R” judge for nearly as long, so it comes as no surprise that he earned this trophy. This year, he guided Conspiracy OHS to the unanimous Arabian English Pleasure Futurity tri-color for the Jupp family.
Top: TA Orly++++// deserves every one of his many accolades. Danny Saldana, Michaela Hart, and Ariel Stevens took turns riding this quintessential Western gelding in different Ranch Rail classes, each to great results.
Bottom Left: Nirvanas Afire CRF+ and Sarah Esqueda conclude an enchanting ride. Sarah took this gelding to Top Ten finishes in Half-Arabian English Show Hack and Arabian Gelding In-Hand AAOTH.
Bottom Right: Rene Ramirez guided Socks It To Him through his first horse show. They earned reserve in the Arabian Country English Pleasure Futurity Championship, this chestnut’s first-ever competition and only class for the week.
Kayleigh Meyer kept a full schedule in Tulsa. She rode multiple horses this year and landed in the winner’s circle as the Reserve National Champion in Half-Arabian English Pleasure aboard Bess Wishes. Rob and Elizabeth Haar’s mare, an HA Toskcan Sun+ daughter, was in good hands with Kayleigh for the reserve tri-color. Kayleigh and Elizabeth both rode this chestnut to victory in Scottsdale earlier this year, teaming up to guide the mare to her best season thus far.
Top Left: Sheryl Yochum leads MC Jaspoure++/, a National Champion in both the U.S. and Canada, back to the barn. They aced the Arabian Hunter Pleasure AAOTR 60-andOver Championship.
Top Right: KW Micah keeps taking victory laps in Tulsa. Diane Franklin steered him to the head of the field in the Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 50-and-Over National Championship.
Bottom: BSF Gitter Dun+// halts for Ally Hubbard, who gives him plenty of love. Ally and the gelding were named National Champions in Hunter Seat Equitation ATR and brought the ribbon back to the Culbreth Equine Training banner.
The always-stellar Sophie Yih celebrates yet another triumph in her incredible career. After graduating from the junior exhibitor ranks, she’s continued to gain ribbon after ribbon and demonstrated her expertise once more at U.S. Nationals. She had her longtime string of champions in perfect form and rode into the winner’s circle in both Arabian and Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure and English Show Hack, as well as in Arabian Ladies Side Saddle. CP Manifesto+//, Heiritage TRGR+/, A Thousand Stars+//, and CF Bella Luna+ continue to show to their very best in the ring thanks to their bond with Sophie.
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Wishing our customers warmth, love and joy this holiday season.
The National Horseman Staff