June/July 2014 by The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

THE

a r a b i a n SPORT HORSE JUNE/JULY 2014

GREY HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Young Riders

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

a r a b i a n

THE

a r a b i a n SPORT HORSE

SPORT HORSE CONTENTS

MAGAZINE

cover story

entice design

Young Riders

publication

On the cover: Madison Winters and Silver Shadow KW

entice-design.com

6 bits & pieces

Publisher Cassandra Ingles

news and current events

Editor Peggy Ingles

weg: getting there

world equestrian games Advertising (410) 823-5579

Website TheArabianSportHorse.com

biomechanics

Is it my horse or am I crooked?

info@thearabiansporthorse.com

A Story of heart

one tough endurance horse

Submissions & Story Ideas Welcomed!

reading reflections

No reproduction without written permission.

sport horse breeding system 9

Willis Foley

2014 Foal Photos

Century Club

Classifieds

Conformation Clinic

Service Listings

For the discerning breeder

June/July 2014

Gabriela

2002 Hanoverian Mare • 16.3 hands • Main Mare Book, Inspection Res. Champion Graf Top II x Faccionable - Matcho AA Elegant mover with 3 exceptional gaits, correct conformation, lovely temperament

Gabriela is an outstanding individual who “had it all” until her career was ended by a pasture accident Her damsire is the coveted Matcho AA - one of the few Anglo Arabian stallions accepted into the Hanoverian Stud Book Gabriela’s Half-Arabian daughter, Galamaya was Region 10 Champion SHIH and USDF All-Breeds Training Level Champion in her first season under saddle

Galamaya at 3 years

A wonderful broodmare for the serious Half-Arabian Sport Horse breeder - $10,000 firm Still time to breed for a 2015 foal!

For more information, contact Vickie Novak (708) 860-8002 or v.novak@att.net

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces

Barry Koster

Tamara Torti

Pam Hardin and GM Major Soho

Mondavi F and Jennifer Tobie

DRESSAGE NEWS Congratulations to Jennifer Tobie, who earned her USDF Gold Medal this weekend! Almost all of her scores were earned on Ara-

Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Para Dressage is fairly new in the US but is growing by leaps and bounds since the US team competed at their first World

bian-bred horses. Photo at top is Jennifer on her Half-Arabian MONDAVI F++++// (Feuertanzer {Trak} x MRR Suite Dreams) on whom she earned her

Equestrian Games in 2010. Para riders are classified according to their level of disability from Grade 1a (most disabled) to Grade IV. Pam is classified as a

last needed scores. Congratulations to Michelle Freeman who just earned her

Grade III and therefore rides a Second Level test.

USDF Bronze Medal on her Arabian LP SNICKERS+// (Pasos Perfec-

“Wrigley” as he’s known, was purchased in 2008 as a hunter

tion x LA Lali) with 3rd Level scores of 69% and 70%! See our

pleasure horse, but Pam’s trainer, Melanie Mitchell, took one look

story on Michelle in the Young Rider section of this issue.

at him and declared “dressage!” Pam had never ridden dressage,

Two Aul Magic offspring did their breed proud at the Del Mar

but Melanie told her she would have to learn!

National Horse Show. Laine Sklar & PALADIN SF earned Amateur

Pam took that challenge seriously, and learned to ride — really

High Point Third Level Champion and Marcy Blacker & AUL AMIRA

ride. Despite her physical disability, she has managed to earn her

won their First Level-2 class!

USDF Bronze Medal and is working on her Silver.

See photos and video here: http://ashm.co/news/?p=1906

Pam had qualified on a Hanoverian, Freemont, for the Cham-

Melissa Lund and her Arabian dressage superstar KS FADLS

pionships. But then, two weeks ago Pam and Wrigley earned a

PHOENIX (Fadl Attrak-Shun x LLA Latisha) are now pursuing Cow-

69.75% in their Freestyle and by doing that, won another golden

boy Mounted Shooting along with competing at Intermediare-1

ticket. At Gladstone, they tied for 5th with a 66.316% in the ParaDres-

& 2. Katie Lang and her Half-Arabian FA PATRIOT (Flurry Of Ca-Lynn

sage Grade III Team Test. The next day, Pam and Wrigley earned a

{Friesian} x La Sada Mega) are ranked 6th in the nation and will

64.949% and 5th place in the Individual test giving them the op-

be competing in the Junior Rider competition at the USEF Festival

portunity to ride in Freestyle. In Freestyle, they scored 66.333%

Of Champions next week in Gladstone. Their last two shows, they

to earn a 6th place finish.

have earned scores in the high 60s and low 70s! Eleven-year-old Casey Cairns rode Arabian stallion *EMPRES PASB (Monogramm x Empressa) to a win in Western Dressage-Intro 1 last weekend at the Icebreaker Show in Canada. ••• Arabian gelding GM MAJOR SOHO (Major Jamaal x Psyloette PA) and his owner/rider Pam Hardin earned an invitation to the Para Equestrian Dressage National Championships at the USET

Arabian owner Ashleigh Flores-Simmons rode warmblood Verite to Reserve Champion in her Team, Individual and Freesyle Tests.

June/July 2014

Emilie Rucci

Brant Gamma Photo

BITS and pieces

Prima Rose Bonaventura Postorivo & Just One Look

Lauren Kieffer & Vermiculus

HUNTER & JUMPER NEWS

EVENTING NEWS

Arabian-cross JUST ONE LOOK and owner/rider Prima Rose

The newly crowned USEF National 4* Eventing Champion Lau-

Bonaventura Postorivo placed 3rd yesterday in the $2,500 Pony

ren Kieffer competed her Anglo Arabian VERMICULUS (Serazim x

Jumpers at Devon Horse Show out of 18 entries. Prima Rose was

Wake Me Gently {TB}) at the MCTA Horse Trials, placing 2nd in

the youngest rider in the class. Can you imagine these two in a

Open Preliminary.

year? See a video of their rounds: http://youtu.be/dXRCiqkRxuw Half-Arabian mare ABILITY (MHR Nobility x Nikita {KWPN}) and Kristin Hardin made it 3 for 3 in 1.10m Jumpers at the Sonoma

Anglo Arabian HOUSTON and Daniel Clasing finished in 26th place at the Rolex 4* Day Event of 62 horses! You can see their show jumping round here: http://youtu.be/8JQYfVG0uQU

Horse Park Spring Classic, besting all in huge classes of up to 48 horses! ABILITY and Kristin followed that up with two wins in 1.10m Jumper classes at the Let’s Show Beach Party show at Brookside Equestrian Park. Anglo Arabian SHOW OF FAITH (Showkayce x Victoria {TB}), owned & ridden by 16-year-old Jillian Li, earned a blue and a few more ribbons in the .95m Modified Children’s Jumpers last week at the Sonoma Horse Park Spring Classic. Congrats Jillian! Eight-year-old Bailey Lones and her Arabian HEARTS ADRIFT (Lasodo x Al Thameena) won Reserve Champion Pony Hunter and Champion 14 & Under Equitation at Stonegate Farm’s ETHJA open show. Photo below.

Junior rider Egan Spoltore, photo above, and his Half-Arabian IRONSTONE AO (Ironman {Old} x DF China Doll) finished second in Training Level JTR at the May Daze Horse Trials. They finished on their dressage score of 35.5. Ironstone also made the selection for the World Cup Pentathlon show jumping section being held in Sarasota Florida. Ironstone was bred by Ancient Oaks Sport Horses.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces

Cocoa Vino and Kelly Felicijan

Gaby Stephens & Glenlord’s Mystique

Arabian cross IN FLIGHT N’ OUT OF SIGHT and young rider Jes-

Gaby Stephens and her Half Arabian GLENLORD’S MYSTIQUE

sica Ebzery are having a great spring, having placed 1st at Pine Top

completed their first CIC* at Greenwood Spring Horse Trials. This

in March and 2nd at King Oak Farm HT last week in Training level.

young rider and young horse have gone from Beginner Novice to

Half Arabian COCOA VINO (Sebaca x Trakehner) and owner

international 1* in just two years’ time! Read our feature story

Kelly Felicijan competed in their first Preliminary event at Stone

about them: http://bit.ly/17hvxTZ

Gate Farm in May. They won the dressage and finished in 4th place overall. Congrats to Kelly and breeder Wendy Gruskiewicz!

Gaby Stephens and GLENLORD’S MYSTIQUE were attempting their second CIC1* at Chattahoochee Hills when they had a tumble on cross country. They had a decent dressage test, sitting 14th, then went double clear in stadium to move up to 12th. Then, such as it is with horses, the unexpected happened – they had a fall on cross country. Here is Gaby’s description of what happened: “We were coming into the water complex; it was an A-B-C combination with a down bank being A, an up bank being B and a house two strides away being C. We had gotten down the down bank into the water and were approaching the up bank when we got to the base to take off and tripped going up the bank. “We were both falling to the ground and somehow Mystic managed to keep herself from falling and trampling me. She then proceeded to step over. I was afraid she was going to take off be-

Lisa Levine, above, and her Half-Arabian MADE YA LOOK (reg.

cause she had never heard my air vest deploy, but she didn’t.

as BW I SEE YOU {Black River Thor [Morgan] x BW Fantazi}) de-

“People started running toward me and yelling at me to stay

buted for 2014 at Twin Rivers this spring. They finished fourth in

on the ground because they thought the noise that my vest made

Open Training at this, their first event after an injury in 2013.

when it deployed was my skull and helmet making contact with

Lisa and MADE YA LOOK also lead Open Training at Woodside Horse Trials from start to finish in May.

the ground. I had to tell them to be careful, ‘She’s spooky, get me out from underneath her, but if she spooks she’ll step on me.’ “People came up to me the rest of the day and continually told me it looked like she was protecting me.” Now that’s a partnership! Both Gaby and Mystic came out of the experience sore but fine.

June/July 2014

Willis A. Foley, Jr. The Arabian horse community lost a life-long supporter on May 22, 2014. Willis Foley had served as a Director, Treasurer, Trustee of the Purebred Arabian Trust and most recently as Chair of the Registration Commission for the Arabian Horse Association. While changing the tire on a horse trailer with a friend, well off the road on Route 15 in Lycoming County, a tractor trailer hit him. In a self-less act of heroism, Willis pushed his friend out of the way to save his life. Willis was struck by the truck and died on the scene from the injuries he sustained. Willis Foley leaves a legacy of heroism. He was a Veteran who proudly served in Vietnam. He was a passionate supporter of the Arabian horse, serving on the Governance Committee of the Purebred Arabian Trust. He rescued dogs, horses...people. There was not a person on earth that didn’t feel as if they had known him forever from the their first introductions. He was in love with his beautiful wife, Karin. Together they built their farm, Solar Hill Sport Horses & Blind Squirrel Labradors. Willis devoted the majority of his life to horses through breeding and rescuing. Willis was an avid motor enthusiast who was interested in anything with an engine. He had many cars, motorcycles, and boats in his lifetime. Willis was predeceased by his father; Willis Ashley Foley

Sr. He is survived by his wife, Karin, and their wonderful array of horses, Chihuahuas and Labradors. He is also survived by his mother, Aline Foley; brother, Gary W. Foley; and sister-in-law, Marilyn W. Foley of Markham, VA. As well as his nieces, Mary-Elizabeth Roesch; her husband, Steve Roesch; and their children, Annemarie and Ryan Roesch of Gainesville, VA; And Lauren Kulczyk; her husband, Kyle Kulczyk; and their child, Aiden Kulczyk of Shadyside, OH. A Memorial Service will be held at Sudley United Methodist Church, 5308 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA on June 22, 2014 at two o’clock in the afternoon. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Willis’ honor to: Borrowed Freedom Equine Assisted Therapies and Activities, Inc., 2520 Vestal Parkway East PMB313, Vestal, NY 13850. Benefits will go towards an Active Duty Military Special Needs Child.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

: WEG B Y M A U R I N E WE BB PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUTTA CORP A frequent contributor, Maurine will be traveling to Normandy and reporting on the competition there.

N A M R NO

June/July 2014

GETTING T H E R E You and your horse have devoted

What is next for you and your horse?

cover expenses. The average cost for one

countless hours of practice sessions with

Most likely, you will book your airfare,

rider and two grooms is eight thousand

your trainer, four years of local, regional

hotel and rental car. The WEG Organiz-

dollars.

and national endurance qualifying com-

ing Committee will provide you with four

Now, what about your horse? He can-

petitions, and both of you made the US

nights of accommodationsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;any longer

not exactly make his own airline reserva-

Endurance Team and are going to the

stay you must pay for out of the two-thou-

tion and confirm a stall in Caen.

WEG! Congratulations!

sand-dollar grant provided by the USEF to

The USEF will provide you with trans-

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Pallet containers with three container stalls inside each.

Container stalls loaded onto the plane.

portation for your horse, through the

tional certification that it either

your horse, as your horse is traveling at

Dutta Corporation, at an average cost of

was or was not vaccinated against

the owner’s risk. Policies are underwrit-

$20,000 to $25,000 per horse. This in-

West Nile Virus with an inactive

ten for the following: worldwide transit,

cludes both air and land.

vaccine.

12-month all risk mortality and colic sur-

First your horse must qualify for tem-

After the prerequisites have been

porary health papers for the European Un-

met, the reservations for the horse’s

Your horse will land at the Liege Air-

ion. This includes the following require-

flights begin. The horses will be shipped

port, located in Belgium, known as “The

ments:

in container-type stalls, usually three to

Flexport,” famous for its services tailored

1. A negative Coggins test is needed

a pallet. They will be flown on 747, 747-

to the needs of cargo operators and a real

within 90 days of shipment.

200, 747-400 and MD-11 aircraft. The

alternative to congested, restrictive and

2. A vaccination for EEE/WEE (East-

following airlines are the major carriers:

prohibitively high-cost large airports.

ern and Western Equine Encepha-

Polar Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Martin Air, El Al

litis) is needed less than 30 days

or Fed Ex.

but not more than 180 days prior

gery.

The horses will be met by representatives of the Gelissen Horse Transport

If you desire, one groom may accom-

Company. Then they will be unloaded and

pany your horse. They have equine flight

transferred to large transport vehicles,

3. Only for stallions: a negative test

attendants that will accompany your

similar in shape to giant RVs. They will

result for Equine Viral Arteritis

horse to assure its comfort, plenty of food

precede to the private stables in Sartilly,

(EVA) is needed within 21 days of

and water, and companionship to allevi-

France—a journey of 400 miles or approx-

export.

ate stress; all personnel are experienced

imately six hours.

to export.

4. All horses need to have a FEI

horsemen and women. The Endurance

Good luck to all the members of the

Passport, breed registry papers or

Team will fly with its own veterinarian on

US Endurance Team, especially on their

USEF papers, as well as a copy of

board.

one-day “marathon” of 160 km, held on

these documents attached to the health certificate. 5. Each horse must have an addi-

The Dutta Corporation will take care

August 28, 2014 on a course that includes

of all customs procedures. They recom-

a loop around the historic island of Mont

mend that you purchase insurance for

St. Michel at low tide.

June/July 2014

Cargo plane typically used.

The FEI World Equestrian Games or the WEG are the major international championships for equestrian sport. The games are held every four years halfway between the Summer Olympics and for a period of two weeks; in 2014 the dates are August 23 to September 7. This year the games will be held in Normandy, France; its headquarters in Caen located two hours northwest of Paris and is 9.3 miles inland from the English Channel. The finest athletes from over 60 nations will compete against each other in eight official FEI disciplines. • Jumping (September 2-7) D’Ornano Stadium

Gelissen Hore Transport Company vehicle in Belgium.

• Dressage (August 25-29) D’Ornano Stadium • Eventing (August 28-31) Le Pin National Stud • Driving (September 4-7) La Prairie Racecourse • Endurance (August 28) Bay of Mont St. Michel • Vaulting (September 2-5) Zenith • Reining (August 25-30) Caen Exhibition Center • Para-Dressage (August 25-29) La Prairie Racecourse

For more information go to: www.normandy2014.com On their way to the stables in Sartilly, France.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BIOMECHANICS A SERIES BY LISA MAY

“Is it my horse or am I crooked?” Forty years ago, Mary Wanless set out to discover what makes someone “talented.” Now with six books, multiple DVDs, and clinics worldwide, her “Ride With Your Mind”TM (RWYM) method of rider coaching explains how we can shape the horse’s athletic use of his body like talented riders do. Her pioneering work has seeped into that of many others who refer to “rider biomechanics.” Wanless’s strategies can be understood most clearly from the source.

All of us—horses, dogs and humans alike—have uneven hab-

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

its of body use that can be seen by the trained eye in our stance

The basics signs can be noticed in one or both directions, in

and the way we sit, walk or run. Most of us have noticed a dog

one or more gaits or when jumping: horses that tend to fall in or

trotting with his haunches out of alignment with his front end.

out, speed up, slow down or become irregular in striding; horses

We may notice unevenness in horses that have a preference for

that are hard to steer; horses that land from a fence preferring

cantering on one lead, turn more easily in one direction, reach

one lead and direction; those that struggle with two-track work.

less or farther with a particular leg, show irregularity in piaffe or passage steps or demonstrate more ease crossing legs in one

SOLUTIONS?

direction for lateral work. Less frequently, we notice unevenness

Our crookedness can be dramatically improved first by devel-

in ourselves: muscles or joints on one side of our body tire before

oping a stable lower body foundation. We can best use that sta-

the other side on a long walk up a steep hill; calf measurement

bility by ensuring that the way we use our legs to balance around

for boots reveal more muscle bulk in one leg; we favor one arm

the horse is the same on each side: both legs coming out of the

for picking up heavy equipment.

pelvis at the same angle; both feet and knee caps at the same level and pointing in identical directions; each thigh bone rotated

HOW CAN WE DISCOVER WHETHER WE ARE CROOKED?

to the same degree inward to drape around the horse; each thigh bearing the same amount of weight.

Take a new viewpoint. Once a vet, chiropractor or equine

The lower body is a fairly simple apparatus compared to our

body worker has ruled out physical pain or uneven development

trunk! The challenges of using the torso evenly are multiplied by

in the horse, consider another thought: all of the irregularities

the flexibility or tension in the muscles around our pelvis and

we are aware of in our horses are signs of crookedness we cannot

in the multitude of tiny vertebral joints and complex layers and

yet help them with, we contribute to or we actually created. The

combinations of muscles that contribute to stabilizing the trunk.

horse’s movement reveals to us our own patterns. A horse that is ridden by a crooked rider will repeatedly revert to crookedness despite equine health professionals’ best efforts.

MONICA’S STORY Monica’s primary concern was steering accuracy. As I watched

June/July 2014

Our seat and torso crookedness pose challenges for horses’ balance and movement.

Mary Wanless assisting a rider with improvements to pelvis and torso patterning at halt.

her ride, I saw that she had a subtle pattern of sitting slightly off to the left with her left foot lower. To compensate for that, her upper body mildly leaned and twisted right. She carried weight in her stirrups and lacked skills for stabilizing her spine. Visually she seemed to carry more weight in her left side where her seat bone and the foot were lower.

L SA

However, her horse turned more easily to the left—making it likely that Monica was pushing her left side off the horse with her stronger right side and primarily bearing weight on her right seat bone. In answer to my assessment questions she described the following: At a halt, 1) right foot heavier in stirrup; right seat-bone heavier and more “pointed” in saddle, 2) right thigh more snugged-in and more horizontal, 3) left seat bone further forward and further from the center of saddle. In the walk, 1) chin to right of mane and chest facing right in both directions and even more pronounced for each when traveling right, and 2) more contact with right hand which stayed drawn back closer to her body. In the trot and canter, she felt less stable when traveling left. As I systematically led her through this, Monica herself noticed it was significantly

Continued on page 27

Coming 7 year old CMK Arabian Gelding, 15 hands. Loads of potential! Domino has gone on several trail rides as well as doing arena work. He was started by a professional trainer. Domino is very athletic and would make an excellent endurance prospect but could also do dressage or jumping. He loads in a trailer easily and goes through water. He has four crosses to Abu Farwa. Domino has a nice temperament but is not a beginner’s horse. Sale Price $4900.00 Contact Patti Lopez via e-mail at srvrarab@aol.com or contact via phone at 541-771-2812.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Century Club The Century Club recognizes Dressage riders and horses whose combined age totals 100 years or more. Horse and rider perform a Dressage test of any level, at a Dressage show or event, and are scored by a Dressage judge or professional. Thank you to the Dressage Foundation for allowing us to reprint their Century Club riders’ stories. To find out more about The Century Club, visit www.dressagefoundation.org

John Weir Bel Rambo (Bo Alia x Mistaire) is a 1986 Arabian gelding that

Century Club ride, Bo had been retired for 11 years. However,

started his show career as an Arabian English Pleasure horse,

when he was cleaned up and the saddle placed on his back, he

but his career changed in 1991. At a Region 15 Arabian show, a

knew his job and was very happy to show everyone that the “old

dressage show was being held two rings over. The horses had a

man can still dance.”

natural way of going versus the animated way of going that was

John Weir rode cowboy style as an adolescent. After a 15-

developing in the Arabian English Pleasure Classes. Bo’s owner

year hiatus, he began again when his daughter, Debra, became

did not know anything about dressage and was intrigued with the

interested in horses and riding. He has had special interest in

classes and horses. After some research, Bo’s career was changed

eventing, dressage, and trail classes. He and his horse, The Windy

to dressage.

Dude, were Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Associa-

Bo competed to Third Level in regular dressage classes, and the Musical Freestyle was where he excelled. The highlight of

tion Champions at Training Level in eventing in 1991 and Reserve Champion Area IV USCTA the same year.

Bo’s career was when he starred in the Dancing with Horses Mu-

When his current eventing horse developed lameness in Jan-

sical Production at the 2002 USDF Symposium as the character

uary 2013, he thought he was retired from riding. However, the

“Rafiki.”

chance to take Bel Rambo into the Century Club brought him out

After this production, he was retired to the farm. Prior to this

of retirement with enthusiasm.

June/July 2014

Century Club

judy wagley Judy Wagley remembers riding her grandfather’s work horse,

cided to give up country life and move to town.

Dolly, back and forth from the barn pulling the fork to raise the

Judy’s second love is music. She was a choir member and so-

hay into the mow; she would have been about five years old. Her

loist in her own Methodist church, soloed from time to time in

course was set: life might be going on around her, but horses

other churches and even was a modestly paid soloist at the Jew-

were always in the back of her mind.

ish temple for 25 years. She is an early member of Masterworks

When she was about 10, her father, a small town funeral di-

Chorale—the civic chorus that has recently celebrated its 30th

rector, accepted a horse as partial payment on a bill, and Judy

year. She reentered the office work force that she had left to be

was a proud owner of a beautiful black mare named Nancy Bess.

at home with her children as office manager of the newly formed

Bess was stabled in a barn

chorus.

on the edge of town and

Tom decided to leave

Judy spent many days wan-

his 22-year position with a

dering through town and on

bank as VP and Investment

the nearby country roads,

Officer to form his own in-

an even at a local racetrack

vestment firm with a part-

on days when there was no

ner, and Judy managed that

activity. When Judy entered

office for 20 years until she

junior high school, she

retired and remained very

didn’t have time to ride and

busy with volunteer work

to care for Bess, so Bess was

and friends.

retired to a farm, and Judy’s

Casting about for ideas

life took another path.

to entertain her teenage

She met her husband,

granddaughter for a week-

Tom, at Ball State University, and they married and moved to San

long visit in the summer, she decided to try riding lessons. It

Francisco, then to Cleveland and eventually back to Muncie. By

was this contact with Whispering Pines Equitation Center that

that time they had a son and thought they would like country

opened the world of dressage to Judy. Her first horse there was

life, so they found 15 wooded acres just outside of town that had

a Haflinger mare, and in about a year Judy decided to look for a

a house and barn. Judy’s father once again thought she should

horse with more some dressage training and a better work ethic.

have some kind of horse and bought them a matched pair of sil-

Through friends, she heard of this grey Arab gelding that had

ver dapple Shetland ponies—a mother and daughter.

been abandoned at a stable by his owner and was now legally

It wasn’t long until Judy had bought another black mare, this

for sale by the stable. If he had papers, they were lost along with

one in-foal, and then their second son was born. They lived in the

the owner, but his willing spirit and smooth canter was just what

country 11 years with horses, ponies, rabbits, cats and pet chick-

Judy was looking for. She gave him the name of Sweet William to

ens. During this time, Judy spent more time feeding and cleaning

reflect his personality.

stalls than riding, and as the boys became more active they de-

Continued on page 27

HEART A STORY OF

BY BILLIE JO MORLEY & BOBBI WALKER

n July 21, 2013, at 4:21 in

Who could have dreamed that Ech-

In December of 2002, a young Arabian

the morning, 11-year-old

centric DPA would complete the tough-

stud colt came to live with Billie Jo “BJ” in

Echcentric DPA (aka Wil-

est 100-mile endurance ride, especially

Albany, Oregon. Echcentric DPA was bred

lie) carried Bobbi Walker

knowing of the devastating injury he had

by Kristi and Janel Hopp of Dellesta Park

across the Western States 100 endurance

to overcome. Those who have believed in

Arabians (EA Echstravagant x Magics Cha-

ride finish line, also known as the Tevis,

Echcentric DPA have never been disap-

risma). When BJ pulled open the trailer

in 50th place. Bobbi and Willie had been

pointed, and this is his story of heart from

doors, a big dark-eyed baby looked down

on the trail for 21 hours, 6 minutes at that

the eyes of Billie Jo Morley and Bobbi

at her and stepped into the center of her

time.

Walker.

heart.

Bobbi and Willie climbing the iconic Cougar Rock during the 2013 Tevis Cup.

June/July 2014

In the fall of 2004, Echcentric DPA was

ture to heal at Janel’s. He stayed there

help determine how to proceed. She was

injured in a trailer accident in Washington

until the age of four when BJ brought him

told to work him at liberty and to keep

State. H e severed his medial collateral lig-

back to Oregon. BJ was told that he might

him from running around on any hills. He

ament down low, and suffered from a se-

be able to do some trail riding, but more

stayed sound, so she then decided to

vere bone infection. He almost had to be

likely, he would be a pretty pasture pet.

start him under saddle. He took to it well;

put down. But through the careful atten-

Billie Jo really did not care; she just want-

he was all about going forward. Billie Jo

tion of Janel Hopp and her Vet, Dr. Hank

ed him to be with her.

would do arena work with him, and then

Oliver, the young horse’s life was saved. It was decided to turn him out to pas-

When BJ got him home to Oregon, she consulted with a couple of vets to

ride him down the road. He loved being out and was not afraid of anything.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Bobbi and Willie at the 2013 AERC National Championships.

Willie and Bobbi’s official Rider/Horse picture at the Tevis.

Through the end of his 4th year, she

Through the next couple of years, BJ

vis Cup 100-mile ride. Billie Jo and Kara

continued to do arena work and light trail

decided to show and trail ride Echcen-

were certain that Echcentric DPA had

work. T hrough all of this, he never showed

tric only. By the end of his 7th year, it was

what it took. But Bobbi was also looking

a lame step. Billie Jo felt a great deal of

evident that he hated arena work. At that

for a level-headed, reliable horse that she

hope that he could do more than being

point, BJ decided to send him down to her

could ride with her Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ridden lightly.

friend, Kara’s, place, and she would ride

Kara assured Bobbi that he had a good

him back on the endurance trek.

mind and was a horse that “a grandmoth-

During his 5th year she started riding him longer distances. BJ decided she

Kara did several 25 and 30-mile rides

would try endurance with him. BJ’s good

on him that season. He completed all of

So, at the age of eight, Echcentric DPA

friend, Kara Henry, rode him in that first

them! He showed such talent for endur-

came to live with Bobbi Walker in Helena,

endurance season. H e did three rides that

ance that BJ felt an endurance home was

Montana. Bobbi found the name Echcen-

year, two 25 milers and a 30-mile ride. He

the best fit for him. This is where Bobbi

tric a bit intimidating, so his barn name

completed all three with flying colors. In

Walker, his current owner, came into the

became Willie, a “good old boy’s name.”

his last ride that year, Bandit Springs in

picture, and Echcentric found the home

Central Oregon, BJ told Kara to go ahead

where his potential could be met.

and open him up and see how he could do. He rose to the occasion.

er could ride.”

Bobbi and Willie began conditioning for the Tevis but after three years found

In 2010, Bobbi Walker was looking for

it difficult to stay in condition given the

a horse capable of doing the difficult Te-

short riding season in Montana. So, in Feb-

June/July 2014 ruary of 2013, Bobbi said, “See you this summer!” to a very supportive and understanding husband and Willie said goodbye to his 20-acre pasture and leisurely winter life, and they took off for Southern California in a pickup truck, camper, and two-horse slant. During the winter of 2013, Bobbi and Willie conditioned on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and other wonderful trails in the Southern California area. They attended endurance rides, traveled to Northern California and practiced on the Tevis trail. When the date of the 2013 Tevis Cup arrived on July 20, Willie was in peak condition and was ready to run the Tevis! Those who had cared for him throughout his life were there as crew to take care of Willie during the Tevis: Billie Jo, who has loved Willie since he was a six-month-old colt, was there to groom him and trot him out for the vets; Kara, who initially conditioned Willie for endurance, was there to take care of his legs; Bobbi was there to share the trail with him and guide him down the trail. Bobbi’s Willie and BJ’s Echcentric DPA—once a badly injured twoCrossing the finish line at Tevis.

year-old with a questionable future—was now a great athlete and a majestic Tevis Cup finisher. After the Tevis Cup completion, Willie went on to place 25th in the 2013 AERC National Championship 100-mile ride at City of Rocks in Idaho. But Willie is not finished! Keep your eye open for him! He and Bobbi will be riding in the Mt. Adams 100-mile ride in Washington State in May 2014 and plan to compete in the Tevis once again on August 9, 2014, and Billie Jo will be there to crew for her beloved Echcentric DPA.

This year at the Bar H endurance ride.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Reading Reflections A Series By Dawn Jones-Low

Sport Horse Breeding System Books have always been important to me. As a child, I spent countless hours reading at home and at the public library. Growing up in the suburbs in a non-horsey family, books were also my main entryway to the world of horses and provided fuel for my dreams. Several decades into adulthood, books are still a treasure to me as they continue to inspire and inform all areas of my life –including riding and horsemanship. Often, looking a bit “outside the box” can suggest solutions

edness of the roots of all these breeds and the ways in which

to what initially seem to be formidable challenges. For those of

the lineages diverged in response to regional circumstances and

us striving to breed Arabians for sport horse ability, the project

changing market needs is fascinating. The author makes a com-

can seem like entering uncharted territory since both perfor-

pelling argument that sport ability is present in the gene pools

mance records and breeding data relating directly to sport disci-

of these US based breeds and is available to be tapped by sport

plines are fragmented and incomplete in comparison to what is

horse breeders. The concept of tapping into the gene pool by sys-

available to Warmblood breeders. Kathleen Hiney Kirsan’s book,

tematic selection over generations to strengthen the sport horse

North American Sport Horse Breeder reveals a few tools that can

capability that already exists in a population is applicable to Ara-

be used as part of building a strong breeding program.

bian sport horse breeders.

The book covers two intersecting topics in three sections

The second core topic of the book discusses strategies for

and is an expansion of content originally published as articles.

breeding sport horses with a particular focus on applying the

The first section of the book is focused on examining the largely

pedigree building concepts developed by the Thoroughbred

overlooked continuous history of breeding for sporting horses

master breeder, Federico Tesio, to sport horse breeding. Tesio’s

(racing under sad-

method of breeding for “pedigree power” is a tool to developing

dle, harness racing,

prepotency in breeding programs. Tesio’s system is both com-

and

hunting)

plex and nuanced, but the basic principles spring from patterns

that started in the

of linebreeding that he noticed in many of the top performers

colonial

and best producers. Linebreeding has long been understood to

times and how that

“fix” traits and establish pre-potency via increased homozygosity

breeding tradition is

in the gene pairs. Quite often when people think of linebreeding

directly tied to mod-

it is in regard to a single ancestor or perhaps a pair of ancestors.

fox

from

ern breeds like the

What Tesio tapped into with his system was that the best

Morgan, the Saddle-

linebreeding practices balanced individual ancestral ele-

bred, the American

ments via inclusion of male and female direct offspring of that

Thoroughbred,

the

line, included complementary lineages that were also pre-

Standardbred,

and

sent in sex-balanced representations, and were built in lay-

the Quarter Horse.

ers throughout the pedigree. He also identified the 4th -6th

The

generations of a pedigree as the “engine room” because pat-

interconnect-

June/July 2014 PIPILONGSTOCKINGS PHOTO

terns of linebreeding and complementary nicks present in

of creating, sustaining, and improving a breed suited for a par-

those generations showed a high correlation with the traits

ticular sport.” (pg. 3) The genesis of the term “sport horse” (a

expressed in the individual as well as predicting how that indi-

direct translation from the German “sportpferde”) is that the per-

vidual was likely to breed forward. Horses that lacked balanced

formance standards of the sport horse disciplines are what de-

thoughtful linebred “power” in the engine room sometimes

termine the classification as a “sport horse” not standards tied to

got lucky in the genetic draw and could be great performance

any particular breed so there are many different breed standards

horses, but they often failed to reliably pass on their talents.

that express sport horse ability. While European Warmbloods have risen to dominate the

Much of the content regarding analyzing pedigrees and creating

sport horse world, sport horse traits exist in many breeds – in-

the next generation of performance horses and breeding horses

cluding the Arabian. “An equine’s importance to the sport horse

by reinforcing and balancing lineages in pedigrees contain infor-

world is measured more on its ability in sport rather than the

mation and insights that can be of use to serious breeders of Ara-

brand or registry name it may or may not carry.” (pg 95) This

bian sport horses. “Whether you are using pure or mixed-bred

is a critically important point to understand. In the sport horse

sport horses as your breeding stock, you will achieve success if

world, riders are seeking mounts that have the physical and men-

you identify the superior sport horse bloodlines and concentrate

tal qualities that correlate with the ability to move up the levels

these. Over time bloodlines emerge that have the potency and

of a sport discipline. For the majority of these riders, breed is

proven ability for sport. Our premise here is that using those

not the primary criteria; they want a horse that is a good match

talented bloodlines in combination with the new statistically

for their personal goals in their preferred sport. If Arabian sport

proven breeding practices presented here will result in a great

horse breeders can reliably produce horses that possess the

competitor.” (pg 97)

athletic talent, long term soundness, and trainability that riders

Kirsan writes, “So then, what does sport horse breeding

desire then the demand for these horses will increase and bring

mean? A sport horse breed by definition must be a breed devel-

more people to appreciate the wonderful qualities that Arabians

oped by selection of traits for performance in a particular sport.

bring to the table.

So it follows that sport horse breeding must then be the process

Breeding is as much art as science, and there are many

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine strategies and tools that a breeders may utilize in the quest to

many different directions. In our programs we should concen-

produce better horses in each successive generation. For sport

trate on making each layer or generation of sport transmitters

horse breeding the first step is to identify sets of lineages that

solid before we move on; that way there will always be a lasting

produce the structural, performance, and temperament traits that

background strength or type that will carry through [to succes-

are desirable for high-level performance potential in the target

sive generations]. (pg 30)

sport horse discipline(s). “In order to increase our percentage of

“The Lesson for us: It is important to build up a background

successful, sound, and serviceable sport horses we should breed

potency in the best sport lines, with full sibling configurations

from stock that is suited to these sports, and construct well bal-

the most potent, as well as providing a focal genetic point for all

anced line-bred genotypes, building strength in proven transmit-

that power closer up. This is what the statistics have shown: it is

ters of sport talent. Then we will not only win more often, but we

only the great horses that have a closer refocusing of the great

will also be able to consistently produce a better and sound sport

power lines in the background. If the re-concentration of the

prospect.” (pg 144) Since performance records for Arabians as

background power lines does not occur then we find the potency

sport horses are fragmentary, current breeders of Arabian sport

fades, with each succeeding generation displaying less. Full-sib-

horses must supplement whatever performance records exist

lings, sex-balancing, complexity in the lines and the closer con-

with knowledge of the specific traits that are highly associated

duits of the concentration are needed; the design of the pedigree

with sport performance ability and which bloodlines tend to reli-

you create makes all the difference. Otherwise you will not see

ably produce those traits (perhaps family line “A” is particularly

the type in your foals. This is what the statistics have proven, and

good at producing big hocks and strong loins, sire “B” produces

this is what we need to implement in our programs to get the

offspring with good jumping form and plenty of scope, family line

results we want.” (pg 378)

“C” is known for correcting a narrow stance behind, etc.). Study is necessary to detect the patterns of association with traits and bloodline sources as well as combinations of blood-

To illustrate how to build a Tesio type pedigree, here’s a hypothetical cross that I may do in my own breeding program if the young stallion and the filly mature as I expect them to do:

lines that are complimentary. Which specific family lines a breeder selects initially will vary with their preferences, goals, and ability to access suitable breeding stock, but the key is to start with horses that already have pedigree

patterns

that

reflect systematic breeding choices for sport horse type traits over generations and then

“…we

should aim to consolidate a very few good sport bloodlines to serve as a base. If your foundation is strong you can build out generations from there in

Continued on page 26

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine © THE ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE

Continued from page 24 The resulting foal would trace to a daughter and son of Nai-

principles of Tesio’s pedigree power building model. As with any

bara Blaze Man, a stallion that produced offspring with strong

planned breeding, only time will tell if it works as hoped, but ex-

structure and balance and great minds, and a daughter and son

perience with close relatives of these two youngsters and with

of AF Vanitys Repeat who produced offspring with spectacular

other nicks of the component core lineages suggests some clarity

shoulders, elasticity, fluidity, and elegance. Naibara Blaze Man

of potential outcomes. The key is that because of the way breed-

is a close refocuser of multiple athletic branches of the *Raffles

ing choices have been made over several generations the most

bloodlines, and AF Vanitys Repeat is a close up representative

likely outcomes should possess strong sport horse traits within a

of Oran. *Raffles and Oran are two “power lines” further back in

predictable range of expression.

both pedigrees. In addition to those specific target lines there

Arabians have been transmitters of sport horse traits since

are complimentary lines to other transmitters of sport horse

the early development of the sport horse disciplines. There are

movement and athleticism.

multiple sources of sport horse traits across all Arabian bloodline

Successful use of a Tesio type breeding strategy goes far

groups which provide breeders with a rich selection of possibili-

beyond just repeating particular ancestors, it also includes con-

ties around which to build their individual breeding programs.

sideration of bringing in unrelated lineages that will reinforce

Kathleen Hiney Kirsan’s book, North American Sport Horse

or balance the concentrated bloodlines as needed. “Study and

Breeder offers insights into how to take those ancestral sources

experience has shown me that one of the best pedigree designs

and breed them forward to successfully preserve the most de-

you can develop will contain not only the key interaction with the

sirable qualities inherent in those lines by producing offspring

target bloodline, but also independent pedigree strength in the

that will not only exhibit those qualities, but continue to transmit

potential mate.“ (pg 163) The hypothetical cross in the example

them to their descendants.

above has not yet been done, but it adheres to the fundamental

June/July 2014

Biomechanics Continued from page 15 easier for her to advance her left pelvis: “I turn left without mak-

which is a plus. It takes the mystery out of why I couldn’t steer

ing her fall out but I make her fall out when I turn right.”

accurately!”

Monica’s first steps toward greater symmetry were learning

• • •

to 1) rotate her thighs further inward— enabling her to bear more

So, yes, we are all crooked in some way, but since we live in

weight in her thighs than stirrups and 2) use her breathing and rib

these crooked “houses,” we rarely discover that our own crook-

cage to increase the muscle tone of her torso.

edness may be patterning that of our horses or contributing to

Over time, her crookedness became nearly invisible to my

the common crookedness we share with them. Just like a missing

eye but still affected her horse at times. I helped her reposition

filling can feel like a chasm, changing our physical pattern usu-

her pelvis and notice tiny differences in thighs and feet to correct

ally feels completely and bizarrely wrong! It takes help to assess

her foundation. Monica expressed, “My left seat bone now feels

and change the irregularities that feel like home in our bodies.

heavier than the right. It feels as if it’s on the right side of the saddle. I feel as if I’m tipping off the left side.” She named the new feelings: “twist left or lean left” to place equal weight in her left

We can use our own anatomy to communicate to the horse a

seat bone. She then encapsulated the changes into trigger words

streamlined framework for movement. Find out more about these

for the feeling: “heavy twisted tree” (high torso tone and equally

strategies for using the brain to communicate with horses through

weighted left seat bone) and “left spin” (emphasizing left thigh

behavioral science and biomechanics! There’s a wealth of informa-

inward rotation). I then positioned her body into the complete

tion at www.Mary-Wanless.com including coaches worldwide—with

opposite extreme of the old error. The great contrast she felt rid-

five in the USA at www.RideWithYourMindUSA.com and two in Can-

ing this extreme contortion gave her confidence as she returned

ada.

to the new placement (which now felt less exaggerated). “I have to imagine I’m riding just the left,” said Monica.

Lisa May, the first accredited US RWYM coach has been working with Wanless since 1997 and Horseman Mark Rashid since 2000

With the visual help of cone “landmarks” and my prompting

www.MarkRashid.com. Also a Professional Association of Thera-

with her chosen trigger words, Monica successfully helped her

peutic Horsemanship International instructor, she travels for clinics

horse stay straight and make accurate turns in both directions in

from her home in Maryland and assists riders anywhere by way of

all gaits. In her words, “Well, I can’t exactly say I’m glad the main

video critique. www.IdylwildFarm.com.

problem is me— but it does make it within my power to change,

Century Club Continued from page 17

Judy generally rides four days a week including her lesson

the riders at Whispering Pines and the infinite patience of the

day. Judy and Willie have ridden in two schooling shows up to

trainer/owner, Dena Robertson. It truly took a “village” through

Introductory 3 and are now working on Training Level 1, which

the years to get Judy and Willie into that ring on October 5 for

is very exciting. But the full picture includes the camaraderie of

their Century Ride.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

YOUNG RIDERS

June/July 2014

Pictured: Ale x Desiderio.

t h e N ex t G en

We know th at getting young people invo these comp lved with ho onents to rs e establish s a t a n early age an p o si tive outcom d giving the e s in every aspec m a posit tive experie of their chil nce can cre d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s li fe through ate a lifeleslong dedic sons learned ation. Ridin with horses. g horses can increase self-esteem The horse , develop industry de a good work pends upon the ethic, and im n e x t p g ro eneration ve character. to carry on th e proper h o rs emanship that w Trainers and ill ensure it parents can s future is utilize healthy and viable. Our Arabian

Lynn Kaufm

an photo.

Sport Horse s, while est ablishing themselves as a popular choice of mount, will require stro ng leadership to conti nue this gro wth. The followin g, in no pa rticular order, is just a small sa mpling of young rid ers who are showing great promis e of leading the Arabian-bred Sp ort Horse.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

N O S I MA D S R E WiNT r Shirley

By Heathe

“

graphy rse Photo

y Grey Ho | Photos b

I like riding difficult horses, ‘cause if you only ride easy horses, you won’t learn as much.

“

his statement, made when she

A photo of her in two-point over poles,

was only six years old, sums up

at the age of five, was featured in George

young Madison Winters’s life. She

Morris’s jumping clinic in Practical Horse-

has never shied away from a challenge

man magazine.

KW (Amigo), as well as the other Arabians at Amigo’s dressage barn. Proving her versatility, Madison would show ponies at the local hunter/jumper

and will never back down. Her determi-

Once Madison began entering walk-

shows while taking dressage lessons si-

nation is making her a formidable young

trot competitions, she was always in the

multaneously. In 2011, at the age of eight,

competitor in equestrian sport.

ribbons, often bringing home blues. She

Madison showed Rita Mason’s Grand Prix

Madison began riding Welsh ponies at

won the Sacramento Area Hunter/Jumper

Anglo-Arabian Mare, Athena+++// at sev-

the age of three, entering and winning her

Association Gold Award when she was

eral rated 3* shows, at Intro level, in the

first lead-line competition at three-and-a-

eight years old, be-

half. She went on to win the Sacramento

fore

moving

Horseman’s Association summer series

the

short

lead-line high point award that summer,

division.

as well as the summer after. She contin-

Madison thoroughly

ued to show lead-line for another three

loved jumping po-

years, although she was always disap-

nies,

pointed with judges who would award all

get enough of her

of the competitors blue ribbons. “I want

aunt’s Arabian geld-

to know how I did,” she would protest.

ing, Silver Shadow

she

into

stirrup Although

couldn’t

Maddie jumping Quicksilver Sassy Sienna at Starr Vaughn Equestrian in the short stirrups, age nine.

June/July 2014

Maddie, age eight, competing on Athena++++//.

10-and-under division. She ended up the AHA Region 3 Intro 10-and-under cham-

Xenya and Maddie at their first horse trials.

time showing Amigo.

same day. They both rose to the occasion,

The summer of 2013 brought another

coming in third and finishing with confi-

opportunity for Madison—the chance

dence and plenty of energy left. Xenya

In 2012, Madison got the opportunity

to finally have her own Arabian horse.

is a fantastic teacher for Madison, chal-

to ride and show Stanley Ranch-bred, Cay-

Stanley Ranch’s Xenya became Madison’s

lenging her just enough to keep her on

ennne, a beautiful Spanish Arabian mare.

pride and joy. Trained in jumping, dres-

her toes while remaining a steady, honest

Madison took Cayennne to the 2012

sage, and driving, Xenya embodies the

mount. Madison takes it all in stride, re-

Western States Horse Expo and rode her

versatility of the Arabian horse. Madi-

membering her revelation five years ago:

in the Arabian demonstration all three

son has taken Xenya’s versatility, and her

“I like riding difficult horses, ‘cause if you

days of the expo. Madison showed Cay-

own, to a whole new level by chasing her

only ride easy horses, you won’t learn as

ennne at the California Nevada Arabian

dream of becoming a 3-day eventer.

much.”

pion.

Sport Horse Association sport horse show,

Although Madison wants

scoring a 73.44% in Intro 10-and-under.

to show Xenya in both jump-

Madison maintained her title that year as

ing and dressage on the Ara-

the AHA Region 3 10-and-under cham-

bian show circuit, her true

pion.

passion has quickly become

In 2013, Madison showed her aunt’s

eventing. On May 4, 2014,

gelding, Amigo, in Sport Horse Under Sad-

Madison and Xenya, both 11

dle at the AHA Region 3 Championships.

years old, entered their first

Amigo, totally in love with Madison, per-

horse trials, which was a one-

formed beautifully, and the two were

day event.

quite the pair, scoring a Reserve Cham-

This means Madison and

pionship JTR and a Top 5 in the ATR class

Xenya had to show dressage,

(Madison was the only junior in the ATR

stadium jumping, and cross-

class). This was only Madison’s second

country jumping all in the

Amigo and Maddie, age eight. This photo was used for the cover of the book One Unicorn Wish.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

h t e b a z i l e s e v gr a

rly Graves

By Kimbe

lizabeth Graves, now 10 years old,

circuit—a ten-time National Champion

as the Washington International Horse

was born into a horse riding and

in sport horse and working hunter class-

Show.

showing family. As the story goes,

es. Her other aunt, Dr. Christine Smith, is

Elizabeth then moved up to her first

when her father saw the ultrasound and

a veterinarian and is always there to sup-

Arabian pony, Valentine of Fame, that

realized his first-born was to be a girl

port the horses in their veterinary needs.

she showed in local schooling shows and

he said, “Great, now I have to buy her a

Elizabeth’s grandparents own Bay-

a few main-ring walk-trot classes at Ara-

pony!” Elizabeth’s mom, Kimberly Graves,

view Farm, a 490-acre horse farm in Cape

bian shows. Then Elizabeth’s aunt, Alexis,

started riding at six years old, and Eliza-

Charles on the eastern shore of Virgin-

found an adorable yearling Half-Arabian

beth followed in her footsteps. Kimberly

ia. B ayview Farm is the base of operations

pony, NT Legacy’s Aiyana, that Elizabeth

grew up riding on the open hunter/jump-

for the horse riding and showing family

quickly named Daisy.

er circuit and now rides her Arabians and

who travels to about 25 A-rated shows

Daisy has turned into a dream horse

Half-Arabians on the Arabian circuit in

per year, including several Arabian Re-

for Elizabeth and continues to be her fa-

sport horse and working hunter classes.

gional Championships and Arabian Sport

vorite in the barn. Elizabeth was right

Horse Nationals.

there helping with Daisy’s early train-

Her aunt, Alexis Doughty, is a wellknown amateur rider on the Arabian show

Elizabeth got her first pony, a welsh-

ing—lunging and long-lining Daisy—right

cross named Lilly, for

up through backing her and starting to

her third birthday and

work in the round pen and eventually over

she has been riding ever

fences.

since. Lilly served as a

Elizabeth has done quite a bit of the

wonderful lead-line and

training herself under the watchful eye of

walk-trot pony for Eliza-

her aunt and mom. It has not always been

beth. Elizabeth and Lilly

an easy path—as many riders know green

showed in lead-line at

and green do not always equal blue—but

prestigious open hunt-

it has been a tremendous learning experi-

er/jumper shows such

ence for Elizabeth to bring along a green

Elizabeth and Lilly in lead-line.

June/July 2014

Elizabeth and Daisy.

pony. Elizabeth and Daisy have grown

Elizabeth at age 10 and Daisy at age

also champion in the Arabian working

into quite a pair in the Arabian show hunt-

five have accomplished quite a lot in their

hunter cross rails. Elizabeth and Daisy

er ring.

past two years of showing together. At

were Champion in the Half-Arabian pony

In 2013, Elizabeth was Reserve Grand

their first Sport Horse Nationals in 2013,

hunters at the same show. Elizabeth is

Champion 10-and-under of the Virginia

they earned a National Top Ten in Hunter

very much looking forward to showing her

Arabian Horse Association, and Daisy won

Hack Junior Horse and competed in the

ponies at both Arabian and open hunter

a 4 and 6 place in the USEF Regional

pony hunter division. Also in 2013, they

shows throughout the year.

awards for Half-Arabians in hunter hack

earned three Regional Championship,

Bayview Farm is planning on taking

and sport horse under saddle.

two Reserve Regional Championship and

their first trip to Arabian Youth Nationals

three Regional Top Five awards.

this year, and Daisy and Elizabeth will be

In addition to showing extensively on the Arabian circuit, Elizabeth and Daisy

In early 2014, Elizabeth’s family

competing in Hunter Hack, Equitation on

also showed in the Short Stirrup Equita-

bought a three-year-old purebred Arabi-

the Flat and Sport Horse classes. E lizabeth

tion and Short Stirrup Hunter Over Fences

an pony named Glamorouz VTC, nick-

is very excited to be competing in her first

division at the VHSA Associate open hunt-

named Izzy. Elizabeth competed Izzy at

Arabian Youth Nationals competition. For

er jumper shows and earned an 8 and 9

the NCAHA/ODAHA Arabian show in Ra-

the future, Elizabeth also has hopes of

placing out of 20 at the VHSA Short Stir-

leigh in April of 2014—their first show

qualifying in the pony hunter classes and

rup nine-and-under Championship show

together. There, they won 2nd out of six

competing her ponies at the Pony Finals

in Lexington, VA in November 2013.

horses in sport horse walk-trot and were

in Lexington, KY.

Elizabeth and Valentine.

Elizabeth and Izzy.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

a l ex o i r e d i s e d her incentive to rise to a challenge,” says Ricci.

“

The Desiderio family has working together

I love equitation because it is the basis for effective riding.

“

down to a science. Each child has a re-

have any pressure to go out and win the

markable work ethic, instilled by their

award, it just came along,” says Alex.

parents through example. “There are no

Alex’s specialty is the Equitation di-

shortcuts,” says Ricci. “Alex knows you

vision. “I love equitation because it is

only get out of something what you put

the basis for effective riding,“ says Alex.

into it.”

Considering that equitation is the most

Well, she must be practicing 24/7 be-

popular junior division at hunter shows,

cause Alex has a show record that any pro-

it is also the most competitive due to the

iven who her parents are, Al-

fessional would envy: 98 National titles,

challenging courses required. The Na-

exandria Desiderio was certain

which include 43 Champions and 14 Re-

tional finals draw hundreds of riders each

to have talent on a horse. Her

serve Champions. She won her first Youth

year and a placing in the top ten is a major

father Ricci grew up in an Arabian horse

National Championship in Equitation 13

accomplishment.

family, training and competing at a young

& Under in 2009.

age. Her mother Stephanie was a very

Juggling both the hunter and Arabian

Winning the AHA Youth High Point

shows can be challenging. In 2013, Alex

Award at the age of 15 in 2010, Alex

left Youth Nationals after winning all 3 of

Alex started riding at the age of two,

racked up her 522.5 points with the help

her Equitation classes for the 3rd year in a

when most kids are not even thinking

of three horses at 13 shows, including

row, and headed to the USEF Nat’l Junior

about sports. With two older brothers,

Youth Nationals and Sport Horse Nation-

Hunter Championships, where she won

Mike and Anthony, that were showing

als. She rode Simply Irrisistible+ (Ap-

the WIHS Equitation Classic out of 44 en-

horses, Alex needed little added motiva-

ple Hill Ahrah x Stardancer), TL Foolin

tries.

tion. If anything, they helped her become

Around+// (JA Baheem Sharaab x Irish),

While at Sport Horse Nationals that

resilient and determined. “Competing

and Oration (Dormane x Ortie) as usual

same year, Alex had to leave Virginia,

against her older brothers has only given

to an impressive number of wins. “I didn’t

missing one day of classes, to drive to

successful hunter rider.

Alex showing Ser Imanask.

35 DON STINE PHOTO

DON STINE PHOTO

June/July 2014

Alex on Hawaiian Magic at Canadian Nationals 2006.

Kentucky for a USEF regional equitation

they had previously imported, to a 9th

of her parents, as well as Andre Dignelli.

competition. There she won the equita-

place in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat

After attending West Morris Mendham

tion class out of 78 entries and placed 8th

Equitation Finals in Harrisburg out of a

High School for her freshman year, she

in the Maclay regionals.

whopping 229 entries.

transferred to Penn Foster Online High

An honor student, Alex trains with both

School. This allowed Alex to devote the

ÂŠ THE ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE

Last fall, Alex rode Lego, a warmblood

Alex competing Half-Arabian Artikulate at the 2013 Sport Horse Nationals.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Alex on LEGO at the Sussex County Show. Photo courtesy of the Desiderios.

Alex and Casanova competing at Old Salem Farm horse show. The Book LLC photo.

time necessary to both her riding and aca-

general and Arabians in particular for her

finesse,” says Alex. “I’m very fortunate to

demics. Now at 18, Alex is on the cusp of

success in her horse show career. “Riding

have had this background.”

adulthood. She recently signed with Texas

from a young age on these horses taught

A&M to compete on their Equestrian Team

me to ride more assertively and with more

and will pursue a Business de-

DON STINE PHOTO

gree there. “We are thrilled to have Alex join our Aggie family,” Associate Head Coach Linzy Woolf said. “Alex has really proven herself as a versatile rider with a competitive mindset through her experience riding and showing a wide variety of horses, which is why we feel she will excel in the NCEA format of riding. Her top-10 placing at the 2013 Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Finals, along with her other national championship accolades on the Arabian circuit indicate that she has a competitive spark and edge that will help push this team to another championship.” Alex credits her family’s involvement with horses in

Alex with one of her astounding 43 National Championships. Pictured on TL Foolin Around.

June/July 2014

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

w e r d & y l hol r e d a n h c s W

hen a devoted horsewoman has children, one of her dreams is to pass on her

horse-loving gene to her children. That makes Robin Schnader a very lucky woman, as both her daughter, Holly, and son, Drew, are very involved. Robin’s love for Arabian horses start-

ed when she was a teenager, “Since they are practically human and love communication without words.”

Holly and Floyd, 2013.

Drew and Khozmo, 2013.

Holly, 18, and Drew, 14, have lived their entire lives on their parents’ 30-

A friend suggested showing him at

showing their purebred Ames Arrogent to

acre farm called Cedar Valley Stables in

an Arabian show, so Holly learned how to

a State 4-H Championship in jumping in

Reinholds, PA. Holly rode in a papoose in

show in halter. Their first show, Holly and

addition to many East Coast Regional ti-

front of her mother on trails from the age

Courage placed first and were named Re-

tles. Then Darkcyde Of The Moon++++//,

of one year, mostly on Robin’s purebred

serve Champion. “That horse just took her

or “Floyd,” came into their lives.

mare TR Mikimoto.

in and did all she wanted,” recalls Robin.

The beautiful black Arabian/Friesian

When Holly was 7, Robin happened

When Holly learned to ride, and start-

gelding was only 6 when they bought

across a cute Arabian gelding at New Hol-

ed showing in Walk-Trot, Courage again

him, and Holly has learned so much from

land and bought him for a mere $500. So-

showed his heart when he would adjust

him. At first, Floyd liked to run off with her,

Bari Raxx, whom they call “Courage,” had

himself to help Holly maintain her bal-

letting his flight instinct rule. But as Holly

probably been abused at one time, he was

ance. He would maintain a frame and lis-

worked through his issues, they became

head shy and skittish, and preferred chil-

ten carefully to her cues. The Schnaders

a partnership, learning patience and the

dren to adults. After a lot of TLC, he came

still have him at their farm, where he is

meaning of truly communicating as one.

to trust Robin, but he adored Holly and

doing his job taking care of children.

would follow her everywhere.

Holly outgrew Courage quickly, next

They also had to work on getting him to actually achieve throughness, as his

June/July 2014

Drew and Ames Arrogent.

Holly and Courage.

prior training was counter-productive.

showed in showmanship, but it just wasn’t

to tune in to the “conversation” of riding.

Teaching him to go forward without

his cup of tea.

Last year, they rode in Intro C dressage,

touching his mouth was the key. It was

Then their mare Mikimoto had her foal

earning a Reserve Region 15 Champion-

uphill from there and they have gone on

by Klint Black and Drew was in love. He

ship in addition to Top 5s in Training Level

to win many regional and national titles in

and HS Khozmik Enkhanted+++// devel-

and Sport Horse Under Saddle.

sport horse and dressage classes.

oped an almost instant bond. They start-

“I’m a perfectionist,” said Drew. “Dres-

Last year, Holly went by herself to

ed competing together a few years ago in

sage is a fun sport and fits right in with

Youth Nationals, as neither her trainer

Walk Trot. Drew’s trainer Lauren Annett

that. I really like building on what I learn

nor Robin could accompany her. Despite

has helped the pair grow, teaching him

each ride and making that progress.” His

an injured knee, Holly and Floyd earned a Reserve National Champion in Training Level JOTR 14-18, missing the top placing by mere fractions of a point. “It was such an achievement to prove to myself that I could go to a show alone and still be successful,” says Holly. This year, Holly and Floyd have stepped up to Second Level dressage and are earning scores over 64% with open shows thrown in for practice. Drew loves animals deeply – not just horses, but anything on four legs. Historically, it is difficult to keep boys interested in horses past a certain age. They tend to dislike the fussiness and just want to have fun. Drew jumped Ames Arrogent for a while, then graduated to Mikimoto. He

Holly, age 7, and Courage.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Holly and Floyd at Region 15 Championships, 2013.

desire to please his trainer helped to get him motivated to practice as well.

“Learning

connect and achiev-

With Lauren’s help, Drew and Khozmo

ing the connection,

are now scoring in the 70s in Training

that is the winning,

Level and will move up to First Level next

not some ribbon or

year. “Drew totally ‘gets it’ with dres-

plaque - those will

sage,” says Robin. “It is so beautiful to see

come. Lauren instills

a horse and rider really connect like they

a work ethic that is

do.“

honest and full of

Holly graduates with honors from

integrity,”

explains

high school this year and will head to

Robin. “We would not

James Madison University on an ROTC

change anything for

scholarship to major in Intelligence Anal-

the world. She is like

ysis. Drew is working on earning his Eagle

family and has a true

ranking in the Boy Scouts, participates in

love for teaching the

FFA and Track and Field.

right way.”

Holly and Floyd, 2013.

June/July 2014

a l y a k n o s i lam

homas

By Beth T

While practicing without stirrups, she

into the show ring together with the

tumbled off in what appeared to be a sim-

normal highs and lows, but the highs are

ple fall—her very first. A few tears were

outnumbering the lows as they find their

shed, but she clambered back on and fin-

groove. Their chance to show is limited,

ished the ride. Her mom called me that

but Kayla has made the most of it and

evening to tell me that Kayla mentioned

earned championships in pony hunters,

her arm was really hurting, so they took

hunter hack, and equitation. One of the

her to the doctor to discover she actually

highlights for this rider was her very first

had a fracture. Of course, that involved

Sport Horse Nationals this past year where

ayla Lamison has been riding at

some rest, and Kayla was devastated that

the pair earned a well-deserved Top 10 in

Stone Hollow Sport Horses since

she couldn’t ride for a few weeks!

the 14.2-and-under working hunter.

she was eight and a complete be-

As Kayla’s skills grew, so did the height

Kayla will be graduating from West-

ginner. Typical of so many young girls, she

of Miranda, the rider of Kryptonite SC, an

mont Hilltop High School this June and

loved horses and wanted the chance to be

Arabian pony. Having now outgrown Kryp-

plans on attending the University of Pitts-

able to learn to ride. Right from the start,

tonite (“Red”), Miranda wanted someone

burgh at Johnstown as an engineering ma-

she was a hard worker and very brave—

to keep him in work, and Kayla was a

jor. Why did she choose this school? Yes, it

not bothered by the normal falls or hard

natural choice. Though they were a great

has an excellent engineering program, but

no-stirrup work that was asked of her.

match, Red tested his young rider time

it is also only six miles from Stone Hollow!

Throughout any kind of weather, she was

and again. They part-

there, and I had to tell her mom to keep

ed company on more

her at home when the temps dropped too

than one occasion, but

low for a kid to ride!

Kayla dusted herself

Kayla was able to learn very easily,

off and carried on. The

starting out right away with a beautiful

two grew together, and

leg that developed into a strong position

Kayla was able to bring

with soft and flexible hands. She loved

out the best in this

every horse in the barn and never com-

little guy. Now, they

plained if her ride of the day might have

have become quite the

been one of the more difficult ones.

team.

Still, as a walk-trotter, Kayla impressed

Red and Kayla have

me with her determination and gutsiness.

made several ventures

Kayla and Red.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

e l l i CA m reed int Youth o P h ig H HA

2013

s someone whom has never

15, just playing around with horses on a

working student, and despite being skep-

owned an Arabian horse, Camille

plantation where they lived on St. Thomas

tical, Cynthia took her on. But she wasn’t

Reed managed to quickly make a

and then again in at her current home in

going to make it easy. They worked out a

name for herself in the show world. This

Georgia. She really wanted to learn how

schedule whereby a few afternoons each

naturally talented 18 year old rose to

to jump, and found a local Arabian barn

week would earn Camiille a lesson.

the top of the Arabian Horse Association

that taught lessons.

Youth rankings to cinch the High Point Championship for 2013. Camille started riding at the age of

Cynthia recalls, “I started right out

Camille quickly outgrew that place

making her body clip two horses in the

and migrated two years ago to Cynthia

first afternoon. I figured that would make

Cubbage’s farm. Camille asked to be a

or break her. The poor kid stayed up until 9 that night getting all the stripes out, and they actually looked darn good the next day! I just knew I wouldn’t see her again, but she showed back up with bells on.” Feeling guilty for the difficult start, Cynthia put Camille on a school horse to test her riding skills. Camille had only cantered a few times and had no idea how to get a horse on the bit. “By the end of the ride she was jumping small fences and had the old goat round,” said Cynthia. “She is a bit of a freak athletically; I haven’t heard of a sport she can’t do well.” Camille swiftly went on to ride all kinds of horses with tremendous skill and feel. According to Cynthia, she is equally adept with problem horses and green or made horses, helping to improve each of

Camille and Have Another, owned by Laura Gorden. Don Stine photo.

them. S he has also studied horse manage-

June/July 2014

Camille aboard Have Enough, owned by Traci Moss. Don Stine photo.

ment as well, taking home many of Cyn-

nered 3 Reserve National Championships,

“Riding is truly Camille’s passion and

thia’s books in addition to perfecting her

11 National Top Tens, 16 Regional Cham-

she loves the show ring more than any-

hands-on experience at the barn.

pions and 9 Reserves in 2013.

thing. I am looking forward to next year,

For these last two years, Camille has

Of all the sport horse classes, Camille

where she will be included professionally

been mostly competing on Tracy Lord’s

says she likes the hunters best. “It’s just

in my program here in Augusta, GA and Ai-

Arabian TL LONE STAR and Anglo Arabian

more thrilling,” she explains. “I do like

ken, SC,” says Cynthia.

NO DIPLOMACY, plus Laura Gordon’s Half

dressage too, because of all of the think-

Arabian HAVE ANOTHER and his full broth-

ing that goes into it.”

Camille is looking forward to being a trainer after being so inspired by Cyn-

er, Traci Moss’ HAVE ENOUGH. There are a

Plans for 2014 are to pursue High

thia’s help. “ My education with Cynthia

few others that she shows occasionally as

Point horse awards sticking to the same

has been amazing. She has taken me un-

show schedule as last year, including a

der her wing and gone out of her way to

well.

“

I just rode what they told me to ride, and it all just fell into place.

They didn’t set out to earn AHA’s Youth High Point, but Camille says, “I just

mentor me,” says Camille. “She has given me so much and I’m very lucky to have

“

found her.” As far as Arabians go, she’s happy to stick with them. “They’re so smart and can totally use that intelligence to help

trip to Youth and possibly Canadian Na-

you. I really love it when I get to that point

tionals.

in my partnership with a horse,” Camille

rode what they told me to ride, and it

After graduating from high school this

explains. “These horses have definitely

all just fell into place.” She attended 27

summer, Camille has decided that she

taught me the value of patience when

shows, which included 4 Regional shows

will put college on hold to concentrate on

working with them.”

and both Youth and Sport Horse National

training horses, feeling as though starting

Championships. Altogether, Camille gar-

now would give her an advantage.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

e l l i ca fa r m urtesy of

Photos co

Caille Farm

here’s a little oasis in Minnesota

fer beginner through FEI level lessons and

horses which they showed on the Arabian

that is turning out some terrific

training for riders of all ages.

circuit all over Minnesota, Wisconsin and

young dressage riders on their

predominantly

Arabian-bred

Barb bought her first Arabian in 1971,

the Dakotas.

horses.

an unhandled 9-month-old Half Arabian

Barb started training horses profes-

Caille Farm in Monticello is owned by

colt, which she broke, trained and showed

sionally after high school, working at Ara-

Terry and Barbara Whiteis, where they of-

herself. Her family bought a few more

bian farms such as Bentwood and Lasma. Later, a local reining trainer, Rod Mattheisen of Eleanor’s Arabians, agreed to teach her when the others wouldn’t due to fear of competition. The transition from that to dressage came easily to Barb. She even trained her rescued quarter horse up to PSG and to a number one ranking of his breed with USDF. Along the way, Barb learned to fox hunt, drive, event and whatever else a client needed. Although she worked with all types of horses, she still preferred the Arabians, training in Saddle Seat, Western, Hunt Seat and eventually dressage. Barb showed two stallions for Doug Peterson of Regent Arabians, earning a Canadian Reserve National Champion in Basic 3 Level Dressage with Regent Alabask. Barb also taught at a riding school for several years that used older, retired Ara-

Erin McCaffrey on Half-Arabian Strathspey (Derry), Reserve National Champions Fourth Level, 2011 Youth Nationals. Erin is now age 14.

bians as their lesson horses. When it was time to open her own place, Barb found

June/July 2014

Barb Anderson Whiteis with her young students. From right to left: Brenna O’Gara on Altan; Strathspey with Sophie Botzet and Erin McCaffrey; Melissa Lund on KS Fadls Phoenix; Barb Anderson Whiteis; American Warmblood Niamh with rider Anna Koch (I-1 level rider); and American Warmblood Callum with rider Mackenzie Kelly (4th level rider).

“

The kids learn that you ride what you wind up with, no matter what.

“

Half-Arabian Strathspey (Regent Alabask x Shangi Surprise {ASB}) and then 11-year-old Erin McCaffrey earned a Reserve National Championship at Fourth Level and a Top Ten at Third at the 2011 Youth Nationals. Barb says Strathspey will do anything for Erin, including one-tempi

herself attracting children, not adults,

move up a level, they say ‘Okay!’ and just

changes. Now 14, Erin and Strathspey are

which was just fine with her. With dres-

do it. Same with their parents, they just

competing at Third Level.

sage being a beginner-friendly discipline,

go along with it because no one has told

it was a natural for her and her students.

them they can’t.”

She acquired some older Arabians and

Ten-year-old Sophie Botzet owns and also rides Strathspey and will also com-

A few years ago, the Arabian dressage

pete at Third Level on her. Sophie regu-

shows in her area fizzled out, since that

lary schools two-tempi changes with the

The foremost reason Barb likes dres-

time Barb and her students have been

mare.

sage is that a rider doesn’t need a fancy

competing at open dressage shows for

horse to be competitive. “The kids learn

the most part.

bred a few more for that purpose.

Melissa Lund and her rescued Arabian KS Fadls Phoenix, whom we featured in a

that you ride what you wind up with, no

Half-Arabian Altan+ (Regent Alabask

previous issue, are currently competing

matter what. My students ride everything

x Capercaille {Hano/ASB}), bred by Barb

at Intermediare B and have earned their

on the place and they are better riders for

and owned and ridden by Brenna O’Gara,

USDF Bronze and Silver medals. Melissa

it.”

competed at Third Level last year and will

and Phoenix are also giving Cowboy

Her fondness for young riders is un-

be doing Fourth Level this year. Brenna

Mounted Shooting a try, and doing it well.

mistakable. “The great thing about kids is

started riding with Barb when she was

Melissa has been riding with Barb for 10

that when you tell them they are going to

just seven and recently turned 18.

years.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

34-year-old purebred Arabian schoolmaster Az-Gym and fouryear-old Kaille. Az-Gym has been the Training Level ride for many of Barb’s young riders. Az-Gym and rider Cara Kemnitz competed Training Level at the 1999 Youth Nationals.

Half-Arabian CSA Aribba with Hannah Thiesen aboard. Hannah was Aribba’s first owner. Hannah went on to become a Silver Medal, PSG-level rider and also competed on Half-Arab Strathspey (Derry). Hannah is now a senior at the University of Iowa.

Barb has two 11-year-olds, Jada Wickham andd Abbey Terpstra who are also competing on Half-Arabians now, Jada with her Chall We Dance (Magnum Chall HVP x Attache’s Miss Kitty {ASB}) and Abbey with her unregistered mare, Tina. Barb’s beloved schoolmaster, purebred gelding Az-Gym (Azrael x Babageym), who was many of her students’ first ride, just passed away last month at the ripe old age of 34. “Anyone could ride him,” says Barb, “From 4-year-olds on up.” Az-Gym even attended Youth Nationals in 1999, missing a Top Ten by mere tenths of a point. Some of their horses sell to other students within Barb’s barn, often more than once. CSA Aribba (RF Rambo {Pinto} x CSA Arianna) started out with now Bronze and Silver medalist Hannah Thiesen, and has since had several kids to teach the ropes to. Barb herself is currently showing I-1 and Freestyle on her own warmblood. She has been training with Mary Beth Williams for 20 years, and routinely takes what she learns back home to her students. When asked what is her secret to success is with so many young riders, Barb says, “We do a little bit of everything with our horses; trail riding, team sorting, Halloween and Christmas stuff. We have fun with our horses, just like you’re supposed to!”

Brenna O’Gara and Altan competing.

June/July 2014

ost agree that family is not just

of the students at their

an important thing—it’s eve-

farm.

rything. For Michelle Freeman,

helping work through

that couldn’t be more true, especially

his orneriness and fell

when it comes to her riding career.

in love, so they kept

Michelle is 20 and a student at South-

was

him, with Michelle and

ern Illinois University majoring in Public

the

Relations with a minor in Business. Her

him.

parents, Tom and Linda Freeman, own and

Michelle

BOBTARR.COM

e l l e h c i m n a m free

student

Snickers’

sharing

first

run Grand Paradise Ranch in Caseyville,

shows

IL. Linda had always been into Arabians,

well, even qualifying

so Michelle and her older sister Jessica

for Nationals, where

Fussner started out on them in leadline

he earned a Top Ten

before moving on to Western and Hunter

in First Level with Jes-

Pleasure. About 6 years ago, their focus

sica. The following year in 2011, Michelle

“I love everything about Arabians,”

changed to sport horse disciplines.

and Snickers went to Youth Nationals and

explains Michelle. “In dressage, they can

came home with a Reserve Champion in

go so far. They are flashier and they try

First Level.

so hard to do what you want. I find them

After Jessica came back home from attending two equine colleges, where

went

really

Michelle and LP Snickers.

she had specialized in dressage, she then

The sisters compete at Arabian and

took an internship at a nearby dressage

open shows, where their horses hold their

Michelle plans to continue in dressage

farm, StarWest. Michelle was the lucky re-

own against all breeds. They train with

with Arabians, “There is always something

cipient of all of that education as Jessica

StarWest trainers Martin Kuhn and Kate

to learn. You look back to last year and can

taught her everything she had learned.

Fleming-Kuhn once a month to keep their

clearly see how much you’ve improved. I

“It’s so nice to have my trainer be my sis-

educations moving forward.

just love having a hobby like this!” She

more exciting to ride also.”

ter,“ explains Michelle. “It was rough in

Michelle earned her USDF Bronze

and Snickers are riding Second and Third

the beginning, but she’s my biggest sup-

Medal in 2014, in their first year at Third

Level this year and will aim for Third and

porter and best critic. It’s fantastic!”

Level garnering the necessary scores in

Fourth next year.

Michelle’s equine partner is Arabian

their first two shows. “It felt really good

Michelle expresses her gratitude over

gelding LP Snickers (Pasos Perfection x

knowing that all of our hard work was

and over, “I’m so lucky to have this situa-

LA Lali) was purchased from a Craig’s List

worth it,” says Michelle. Their Third Level

tion, I wouldn’t be where I am today with-

ad in 2009, as a possible mount for one

median score is an impressive 66.192%.

out my family’s support.”

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

a s s y al t s i u q n r u T By Alyssa

Turnquist.

Turnquist. of Alyssa sy e rt u o Photos c

y name is Alyssa Turnquist, and I am eighteen years old. I am currently studying Animal Science

with an Equine Emphasis at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In spite of never owning my own horse, I chose this career path to have the opportunity to work with horses every day and someday purchase my own. I have loved horses for as long as I remember and I believe this passion

Left: Alyssa (age 11) with her first horse she got to show, LKS Tadara.

stems from my mother, Heidi Turnquist.

Right: Alyssa at Sport Horse Nationals 2013 with Al-Marah So Powerful.

She had Arabian horses growing up and passed her Breyer model horses onto me which really sparked my interest, and

his first mule before acquiring a few hors-

manship at the local 4-H and open horse

led me to read every horse book that I

esâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of them being part Arabian. It

shows. She was not the easiest horse to

could get my hands on. When I was about

was really unique to start our riding ca-

ride, but she took care of me in the show

seven years old, we moved from Madison,

reers together and we still ride together

ring and taught me a lot of valuable les-

Wisconsin to a more rural area just north

today.

sons. I showed her for five years and also

of there in Sun Prairie.

On my eleventh birthday, my neigh-

showed many other horses since then.

My new neighbors had Arabian horses

bors gave me the best present ever. They

I have had the opportunity to work

and I would spend a lot of time watching

offered to let me show the horse that I had

with numerous breeds, but the majority

them ride. One day they offered to let me

been riding for a few months. Her name

of the horses have been Arabians. There

ride and I began riding quite frequently

was LKS Tadara, and she was a beautiful

is just something about Arabians that I am

after that. At the same time, my grandpa

grey Arabian mare. I competed in western

especially drawn to. I love how versatile

just started getting into riding and bought

and hunt pleasure, equitation, and show-

they are and how they can be so flashy

June/July 2014

Alyssa with AM Capricious Star.

Alyssa & Al-Marah So Powerful.

and energetic, yet gentle and graceful.

I’ve learned a lot about Sport Horse and I

but it all paid off when I received my first

They’re also very smart and demand a

really like that all of these horses have a

roses as champion in the Sport Horse In

partner who treats them with respect.

specific job or jobs and are not just pretty

Hand Mares JTH at Region X. I also showed

Watching them run around freely and toss

faces. They have beauty, brains and talent.

Al-Marah So Powerful (Sophie) in Dres-

their head and neck around with their tail

In the fall of 2013, I started my college

sage and Sport Horse Under Saddle and

streaming behind them never gets old.

career and tried out for the Intercollegi-

qualified for Sport Horse Nationals.

My introduction into the Sport Horse

ate Horse Show Association. Since I have

Although winning my class at region-

world did not come until last spring. The

been riding different horses my whole

als was awesome, it was still nothing com-

owner of a barn where I had been riding,

life, I thought I would be a great addition

pared to my first victory lap. I had always

Melanie Erce, called me up one day and

to the team.

watched the live stream for different Na-

told me that she had passed my name

After tryouts and an interview process,

tional shows and got chills down my back

onto the owners of a little grey Arabian

I found out the morning I left for Nation-

when I’d see people getting their ribbons

mare and that they might be in need of a

als that I had made the team. I was wait-

and taking off around the ring one last

rider. I was shocked that she had recom-

ing for my train and told the coach that I

time. As if making it to Nationals wasn’t a

mended me and tried not to get my hopes

would be gone for a week and a half while

big enough deal already, I had a chance to

up, but to just be happy to have been con-

I was competing. She then told me that

take a few laps myself when I made it all

sidered.

if I missed practice I could not be on the

the way to the finals in Sport Horse Under

I had always dreamed of showing at

team. I was disappointed, but I decided to

Saddle ATR. I can honestly say it was one

rated shows like some of my friends, but

keep my commitment and go to Nationals.

of the best feelings in the world.

never actually thought it would happen. A

I felt that I had made the right decision

couple weeks later, however, I received a

and it was also very worth it.

This season I plan to continue showing Capricious and Sophie as well as our

call from Tim Schaap and Jennifer Ham-

Last season I showed AM Capricious

newest addition to the show string – a

ilton from An Tearmann Arabian Sport

Star (Capricious) in Sport Horse Under

four-year-old mare named Al-Marah Dove

Horses. I went out to their farm to test ride

Saddle and Sport Horse In Hand. I was so

Star (Dove). I can’t wait to see where this

a horse, and the rest is history. Since then,

nervous for my first class at a “real” show,

season will take us!

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

y d o c n i a l r e b Ch a m By Kristen

CAROLINE MCCRACKEN PHOTO

Petzold

and natural riding ability. At the end of

those that know her will quickly tell you

that week, when she took a lesson on my

what a wonderful sportsman she is. She is

FEI horse HR PufNStuf++++//, I was again

always encouraging and cheering on her

blown away by her ability especially on

fellow competitors. If you are at a show

such a strong “professional’s” horse. She

where she is in attendance, you are guar-

was a breath of fresh air with her excite-

anteed to get a smile and some encour-

ment and desire to learn.

aging words if you cross paths with her.

In any sport, business, or trade, the fu-

Seeing this level of sportsmanship and

ture lies in the hands of the youth, the next

kindness in our youth is absolutely won-

generation. The importance of passing on

derful.

knowledge and skills to this next genera-

I’ve had the pleasure of getting closer

tion is critical. But even more critical than

with her as the years have gone on, from

Cody Chamberlain, 15, was one of the

this is having youth that are passionate,

seeing her at horse shows and getting to

winners of our 2013 SHN Sportsmanship

driven and dedicated to the sport. When

spend more time working with her on her

Awards. She has been riding Arabians since

I think of these qualities, the bright young

own horses and mine. She is such a well-

she was 6 years old.

talent that immediately comes to mind is

rounded focused young lady, so enthusi-

Cody. As with many of us who have start-

astic about the breed and the sport. It’s

f you were in attendance at the 2014

ed in horses, Cody has gained her experi-

not very often that you find a 15 year old

Region 12 Championships you may

ence from riding what horses she has the

with the drive and focus who knows what

have seen a tall elegant young rider

opportunity to ride. This has given her a

she wants to do with her career and how

bustling around the show grounds. For

chance to start unbroken babies, chal-

she wants to positively affect the breed

the first day or so, you probably didn’t see

lenging youngsters, and condition upper

and the sport. I feel blessed to have a

her off of a horse, riding a variety at many

level dressage horses and jumpers. The

student such as herself to work with. Not

different levels. This wouldn’t be the first

skills and riding ability that is required to

only is she talented, but she is such a joy

Regional Championships, or horse show

be a good catch rider are hard earned and

to be around. Getting to work with her

for that matter- for Cody Chamberlain.

require a lot of natural talent and time in

more just drove home what I already knew

the saddle, all of which Cody has in abun-

about Cody, that she is a bright young star

dance.

that is going to go far in the industry and

I first had the pleasure of working with Cody at the 2010 Region 12 show. I was impressed with her professional manner

Aside from Cody’s natural talent,

sport. She is kind, smart, hard working and

June/July 2014 KRISTEN PETZOLD PHOTO

LOGAN HEIMAN PHOTO

Cody and MAF The Watchman.

Cody showing Pannama Jack in Showmanship.

honest, and has handled some big things

the Champion HA/AA Sport Horse in Hand

that was such a highlight for me. Showing

with such grace and such a positive atti-

Yearling Filly at the East Coast Champion-

myself that I could ride such a fantastic

tude, that I find myself truly inspired by

ships with Cody at the lead. Cody says her

test, when I didn’t get much warm-up time

her.

plans for this talented filly are for her to

with Jack beforehand!” Cody also took

train her up the levels, with their sights

Pannama Jack to two Reserve Champion-

set on making it to FEI together.

ships in the HA Sport Horse Show Hack

She showed several of my horses at the 2013 Sport Horse Nationals and did an outstanding job. She was on some tal-

MAF The Watchman was with Cody

Open and ATR, both which she was ec-

ented “professional” horses and handled

for their first Regional Championships to-

static about because they were two of the

herself so very well. She brought home

gether this year at Region 12. While she

best show hack rides she had ever had.

5 Top Ten awards and every single one

has had him for some time, this was her

Her ride in the HA Sport Horse Show

she was as excited and tearful as the first.

first opportunity to take him to a Regional

hack Open came when Cody stepped in

What made me even happier to see was

Show, and they came home with many

for me when my horse fell with me in the

her excitement and joy before the results

successes, including Champion Arabian

warm up at Region 12- I was sent to the

came in. Even on the classes she didn’t

Working Hunter AOTR 2’9”, Champion

hospital with a severe concussion. When

place in, she was so excited and proud of

Arabian Regular Working Hunter 3’-3’3”,

I came back to the showground’s the next

her performance and the effort the horse

Champion Arabian Low Jumper, Cham-

day, Cody had put a wall of ribbons up,

she was riding put into it. It’s a wonder-

pion Arabian Jumper ATR, and Champion

stepping in and taking over my rides for

ful thing to see in the sport, a wonderful

Dressage Seat Equitation JTR, which was a

me and showing my horses to the best

thing to have for the future of our sport.

huge highlight for Cody.

of their ability, and making sure every-

Cody has spent much time riding a

When I spoke to Cody after the Region

thing was run smoothly and the horses

variety of horses, but also much time

12 show we discussed some of the big

were taken care off. There was no hesita-

developing and bringing along her own

highlights for her, aside from her numer-

tion; she handled the situation like a true

two horses; MAF The Watchman- a pure-

ous wins with her own horse, Cody was

horsewoman and friend. The future of the

bred Arabian Gelding, and MAF Sinclair’s

Champion Third Level ATR with Pannama

breed, the sport, the horse industry truly

Gold-a half Arabian filly. Cody has owned

Jack. However, it wasn’t the win that was a

does lie in the hands of our youth. With

Sinclair’s Gold since she was born, and

highlight for Cody, but as she said, “Riding

the passion and dedication of riders like

done all the training and handling of her

the final centerline on at the end of the

Cody, I very much believe the future of

on her own. In 2013 Sinclair’s Gold was

best third level test I have ever ridden,

our industry is in good hands.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

y e l e ke k r a l c By Keeley

Clark

We got there, and of course I headed

thought of the fact that he just bought his

straight for the horses. The colt was at

five-year-old daughter an 18-month-old

the fence—his dam couldn’t be bothered

stallion. When my stepdad Mark found

when she had perfectly good hay—and

out, he jumped right into action.

right away lowered his head to sniff me.

First, Mikey was gelded. Then, he

I was instantly in love. We went into the

went to a friend of my Dad’s to learn

pasture to see the mare and colt, and the

some manners until he was old enough to

entire time he was walking right behind

break. When Mike turned three, he went

me with his muzzle by my back.

to Arabian Nights, and basically Mark’s

My dad told me he was mine but that

only instruction to the people in charge

we couldn’t take him home today. He said

of training him was to train the living day-

his name was Khemos Centauri. H e was an

lights out of him. They did. Mike spent

very horse person has had “that

18-month-old half-Arabian, half-Quarter

about four years in the Arabian Nights

one horse.” If you ask any eques-

Horse stallion with Khemosabi blood-

show getting bullwhips cracked off his

trian what started it all—this crazy

lines, and I asked if we could just call him

back, getting guns shot off his back, car-

lifestyle—they’ll probably smile and then

“Mike.” (I was obsessed with Monsters,

rying flags—basically everything possible

tell you the name of a horse: the one re-

Inc., and when he looked at me I could

to bomb-proof him.

sponsible for their horse fever.

only see one of his eyes at a time. There-

The first time I rode him I was about

fore, I called him Mike, short for Mike Wa-

10. We took him to my dad’s house way

zowski.) It fitted him.

out in the country, where I spent the next

When I was five years old, my dad came to pick me up and said, “We’re going to see your birthday present.” It sounds a

When it came time to leave, he fol-

two years racing down dirt roads with my

little cliché, but I really do remember it

lowed me to the gate, and then when we

friends and trail riding. I can’t tell you how

like it was yesterday. We drove to a lit-

drove away. I kid you not, that colt ran the

many times that horse saved me… I was

tle town in North Florida to see a friend

fence with the truck. My dad had bought

a bit of a daredevil. He always took care

of my grandmother’s named Edna. Edna

him on the spot for $500. I don’t know if

of me, though. When I was 12, I decided

was in a bind because her mare had got-

he knew at the time that he had just got-

I wanted to jump, so we boarded him at

ten bred through a fence and had a colt.

ten the deal of a lifetime.

a stable in Orlando, and we learned. Mike

She couldn’t afford to keep both the mare and foal.

Now, my dad can definitely find his

is known to be a little lazy, but he toler-

way around a horse, but I don’t think he

ated jumping. We moved barns a couple

June/July 2014 LIZ CRAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Keeley aboard AM Heyyou Star++++// at Regionals 2014

of times, and by the end, we were jumping

challenge, and since I like a challenge, she

to be a dressage horse. Not everyone

2’6”-2’9” courses. We won a few ribbons,

was new my project.

necessarily expected he would excel in

but I wasn’t crazy into showing yet.

When I started competing, it was pret-

dressage, but I never thought anything of

When we got up to three feet, Mikey

ty much a learn-as-you-go, trial-and-error

it. He was just my Mikey, and I thought he

started showing his disapproval. After the

thing. Mark had been away from horse

could do anything.

second concussion, I decided that I wasn’t

shows for years, so by that time everything

Over the past few years, I’ve had an

really cut out for jumping and that I want-

was very different. When I finally got my

average of about five or six horses in my

ed to start doing dressage. I’d wanted to

feet under me on Surprise, we brought a

own show string (three of them my own)

do it for a while, but my parents thought

20-year-old gelding named Clemmy (the

doing everything from jumping, to rein-

I would find it boring. (I probably would

prince horse at Arabian Nights most of his

ing, to dressage. Each has done very well

have when I was younger. Remember

life and one of the horses I learned to ride

at the Regional and National level, but

what I said about daredevil?) However, I

on) and Mike into my show string. Those

Mike’s show record in particular is the one

wanted to do it, and I finally did.

were the three main horses that taught

I am most proud of.

Mark told me I could start doing dres-

me how to really ride.

Within the past four years, his show

sage on this mare at Arabian Nights, Al-Ma-

So, I had Surprise, the barely broke

record consists of eight Regional Cham-

rah Galen, nicknamed Surprise. She was

15-year-old broodmare that I basically

pionships, six Regional Reserve Champi-

a 15-year-old broodmare that they were

had to train by myself, Clemmy, the sea-

onships, multiple Regional Top 5’s, multi-

using as a drill horse in the show. Usu-

soned, old babysitter, and my boy Mike,

ple Scottsdale Championships (including

ally when people think of a 15-year-old

who was a stubborn and often lazy but

high point in both Training and First level

broodmare, they think of a nice, sweet,

gentle horse.

open), five National Top Tens, and three

gentle horse that would take care of you.

When I started showing Mike in dres-

Surprise was pretty much the opposite of

sage, I was at the age where I didn’t think

Right now, my show string consists of

that. She wasn’t crazy, but she a definite

of the fact that he wasn’t particularly built

four dressage horses: Khemos Centauri

National Championships.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine +// (Mikey), my gelding Al-Marah Silver

to the farm soon so I can start working

horse show without him, so it’s going to

Charm +/, AM HeyYou Star++++//, AM

with her every day. Then, in a few years

be difficult when he reaches his limit, but

Chance Command++++//, and a reining

she can make her dressage debut!

I don’t mind if he stays where he is for

horse named Al Marah Horatio +/.

My plans for the rest of the year are

the rest of his life, as long as he gets to

We started getting our feet wet in

pretty exciting. I’m going to Youth Nation-

open dressage competition this year,

als with my best friend in July, then Kas-

Without Mike, my life with horses

driving to Wellington for shows during

sie and I are going to France for a month

probably would’ve been very different.

the season. I only got to take Mikey and

to watch the World Equestrian Games

Out of all the horses I’ve ridden, Mike’s

Chance, but they both did very well for

and spend some time in Paris, and then

personality is probably the one that mine

me and were fairly successful. I got to do

we fly back just in time to meet up with

matches with the best, so when we get

my first musical freestyles and make my

Team Al-Marah for Sport Horse Nationals

into our groove, we can learn a lot in a

Fourth level debut. It was a great expe-

in Idaho. After that, we have open Dres-

short amount of time. We have so much

rience, and I’m sure everyone is getting

sage Regionals in October and hopefully

fun.

tired of me talking about Wellington and

open Nationals in November.

go with me.

The times I’ve had with Mike have al-

next season. To say I love it is an under-

Mike and I have had a lot of great ex-

ways been the most educational, versa-

statement. I think it was so wonderful for

periences together—including my first

tile, and adventurous times of my riding

me because, in a way, it’s a step in the di-

trip to Youth Nationals, where he escaped

career, and I think that’s because we have

rection of where I’ve always wanted to go,

from his stall and ran around the show

such a special connection and trust each

which brings us to Young Riders.

grounds like a wild stallion (I was morti-

other in new situations.

I am fortunate to have Kassie Barteau as my trainer. Our stepdads are very good

fied)—and every day I’m excited to get to the barn to see him.

Every little girl deserves to have a horse that she knows loves her as much

friends and go way back. She grew up in

This year, Mikey will stay at First and

as she loves him, and I can only hope

the dressage world and is the most win-

Second level. Next year, if he’s ready,

that those little girls can get one that’s as

ning Young Rider in dressage history, and

hopefully he can move up to Second and

amazing to them as Mikey is to me.

since my short-term goal is to win Young

Third. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a

Riders, I can’t think of anyone else I’d

LIZ CRAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

rather have showing me the ropes. I think we have a lot in common: we can both be pretty stubborn when it comes to our horses and what we believe in (I say that with a smile), and we get along very well. She lets me ask loads of questions all day long and follow her around like a puppy. She is a definite role model of mine, and I’m very happy to get to train with her. On the side, I have a yearling filly that my mare gave birth to last March— her first foal and mine. She is absolutely amazing, and every morning she meets me at the fence by my parking spot at my house to say good morning before I head to the farm. My plan for her is to bring her

Keeley and Mike at Regionals 2014

June/July 2014

Conformation With Elaine Kerrigan, Lynn McEnespy, and Peter Mileo

Purebred #1

Clinic

the point of the buttock. The legs are of good substance but the point of the hocks are slightly high and the pasterns quite short. In addition, it appears that she may be slightly back at the knee. This would affect the score from a hunter judge, but not so much from a dressage judge. This type of horse is why we also watch movement on the triangle to see if the conformation issues affect the gaits. Functionality is the most important characteristic in a sport horse.

Peter Mileo Pretty face, neck could be longer but does look like it has a clean throat and set well. Shoulder could be laid back a bit more but

Elaine Kerrigan

it isn’t too straight. Decent wither and length of back. I’d like to

Pleasant head. Nice length and shape of neck showing good de-

see a shorter, stronger loin. It also appears the coupling is also

velopment of the topline muscling attaching smoothly into the

long. Length of hindquarter is adequate. I’d like to see more

withers. Would like to see the withers extend a little more into

depth. F ront legs look good and feet seem to all match up with the

the back, which can affect saddle position. Forelegs set forward

pastern angles. I think from this photo her hind legs are over-bent

enough to help girth position. Good angle and length of shoulder

or slightly sickle hocked. I can’t imagine that this horse can stand

and humerus. Loin appears a little long though seems to be de-

plumb behind with the outside of the cannon bones falling plumb

veloping a fairly strong connection to the hindquarters. Good hip

to the point of the buttock..

angles with good length of Ilium and femur. Could be the photo, however, the hindquarters appear taller than the forehand. Ad-

Purebred #2

equate bone. Good pastern and hooves. Nicely developing sport horse.

Lynn McEnespy This horse has a very attractive head with a well-defined throatlatch and well-shaped neck smoothly attached to the shoulder. It is arguably a bit on the short side. The shoulder has good angle and muscle. The saddle position is good with well-defined withers that tie fairly smoothly into the back. In this horse, it appears that the croup is higher than the withers making a “downhill” appearance that is not ideal for sport horses. The loin area appears a bit

Elaine Kerrigan

long and weak and the croup quite short. The hindquarters appear

Pleasant head that could show a little more “dish” but is defi-

to be sufficient in size with a good length from point of the hip to

nitely Arabian enough for me. Neck is a little short and lacks

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine Half-Arabian #1

development of the topline. That, in turn, affects the connection to the withers, making that appear a little rough. Shoulders just a little steep, and I would like to see a more open angle to the humerus. Good withers that set well into the back. That, along with the long underline, make a good saddle and girth position. Loin and hindquarters are undeveloped and need more muscling. Adequate angle of Ilium and femur. Good bone, angles and hooves of the lower legs. This horse has the makings of a nice sport horse.

Lynn McEnespy

Elaine Kerrigan

This horse is obviously not at a show, and I presume being cri-

Pleasing head. Neck fairly well-shaped though a bit over-stretched

tiqued for potential or possibly breeding? The head is attractive

in the underline. Topline of neck places well at the withers. Shoul-

but the neck is set low, needs a rounder shape on top with a clean-

der a little bit steep and would like to see a bit more open angle

er throatlatch, and a bit longer poll. There is also a distinct dip in

to the humerus. Shoulder also shows a lot of muscle development,

front of the withers that goes with the low set neck. This generally

which may indicate overuse of forehand. Adequate placement of

means the horse will have trouble lifting the front end, and usu-

the withers for saddle position. Adequate development of the loin

ally goes with an upside down neck. The shoulder has good angle

connecting fairly well-developed hindquarters. Good angles and

and shape but from this picture appears a bit tied in at the elbow.

fairly good length of Ilium and femur. Hocks placed just a little

The withers are well shaped and smoothly connected to the back.

high. The photo shows the horse leaning over the forehand which

The loin is quite long and appears a bit weak with the croup quite

compromises the underline, making it appear shorter than ideal.

short and a bit high compared to the withers. The hindquarters are

It also makes the left front pastern angle to hoof almost “club-

a bit light compared to the front-end with the distance from the

by.” Overall, a compact, sturdy sport horse showing good type for

point of the hip to the point of the buttock a bit short. The hind-

hunter/jumper.

quarters are fairly well muscled, especially the gaskins. The legs are quite sturdy looking but for a sport horse, a bit on the short

Lynn McEnespy

side. The front pasterns are also a bit short.

This very attractive and well-prepared hunter presents a very good first impression for a sport horse. The head is quite attractive

Peter Mileo

with an alert, attentive expression. The neck is well-set-on and

Very pretty face and eye. Neck is short and not particularly well-

smooth into the shoulder and withers. Despite the stretched posi-

shaped as it looks “planky.” I’d like to see a more prominent with-

tion, it is clear the neck has good development on top with no dip

er. Front legs look good, cannons are short and feet look like they

in front of the withers. The shoulder has good angles and length

have a good angle with the pasterns. Back is adequate length—

of the humerous and is well muscled. The saddle position is good

not too long—but the loin is not very strong and the coupling

but could have a bit smoother connection to the back. The loin

looks lose. Hindquarter could be longer, but the angles look good

area also appears nicely muscled but the croup is a bit short. The

and there is good depth to the hind end. Rear leg alignment also

hindquarters are quite nice with a good distance from the point of

looks plumb.

the hip to the point of the buttock and a good length of femur—a good characteristic in both a hunter and dressage horse. The legs and feet appear to be of good substance and size. Overall, I would expect this horse to do quite well as a sport horse.

June/July 2014

Peter Mileo My immediate first impression is this is a nice horse. The shoulder is a bit straighter but the overall balance is good. Pleasing face and expression. The neck has adequate length and comes out of an adequate wither. Short back, strong loin and good coupling. Hindquarter has good length and depth. This is a nice three-circle horse. Front legs are well-aligned, with short cannons, and the rear legs also look to have good alignment with low-set hocks.

Half-Arabian #2

Submit Your Horse Would you like to enter your horse into our free Conformation Clinic? Please email your submission to: info@thearabiansporthorse.com Subject: Conformation Clinic Submissions will be featured at our discretion. Photo credit must be provided.

position is excellent and smoothly connected to the back. The loin and hindquarters are also quite good and of good size to match the front end. Of particular note is the smooth well-developed loin that is not too long, and the highest point is over the point of the hip. The hind legs, however, appear slightly straight and a bit open-angled, making them a bit out behind. The gaskins are a bit light and the point of the hock a bit high. This is also quite a nice sport horse type (with very popular coloring!), but the open angle behind may limit the reach of the hind leg a bit. The overall

Elaine Kerrigan

impression is of a very nice sport horse type with a particularly

Attractive head in the frontal view. Unable to see poll and throat-

good topline.

latch for evaluation. From what is visible, the neck shows good shape with rounding topline and flows very smoothly into the

Peter Mileo

withers. Good slope and length of shoulder and open angle of

I have a nice impression of this horse. G ood balance and a smooth

the humerus. Withers extend well into the back for good saddle

body. P retty face with a nice clean neck that is set well. S hort back

position. Well-developed strong loin to connect back to well-de-

and good loin and coupling. Good front legs with short cannons

veloped hindquarters. Good hip angles with good length of Ilium

and flat knees. Hind end looks to be of good length and ties in

and femur. Tibia is a good length in comparison to the cannon

nicely to the gaskins. R ear leg alignment looks good and they also

for good hock placement. Radius is a good length in comparison

look plumb with low set hocks.

to the cannon for good knee placement. Good bone and foreleg placed forward for good girth position. Can’t see the hooves and pastern angles appear appropriate. Overall, a very strong, balanced, smooth-bodied horse.

Lynn McEnespy This lovely pinto is also very nicely prepared and groomed. Straight on, the head looks quite attractive with well-set-on and well-shaped neck. The shoulder is slightly straight and a bit open in the angle. The point of the shoulder to the elbow is a bit upright but the shoulder is smooth with good muscling. The saddle

Congrat

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Colt (TS Black Tie Affair x Dancin N The Dark)

Siennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Midnight Star (Sea Accounts x In Single)

(Bremervale Andronicus x Bo Xana )

Filly (Mirage V x Rajima Black) (Bremervale Andronicus x AM Fancie Frisca)

(Bremervale Al-Mar

tulations!

June/July 2014

Filly (CA Dillon x Khandle in the Wind)

Colt (Rhocky Rhoad x Chantilly Daanteellaa)

e Andronicus x rah Seahonor)

Aamir (Aur Mystique x Trak/SWB) Union Commander (Admiral Harnly-Touch of Eden)

GA Eastwood (HG Esquire x L.A. Baltic Sunflower)

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Classifieds Dressage Saddle: 18â&#x20AC;? Amerigo Cervia Siena Pinerolo Excellent condition, like new! Very lightly used dressage saddle. 18â&#x20AC;?, deep seat, medium wide tree, normal length flaps. Retails for up to $5,500 plus tax, asking $4,500 obo. See Amerigo website for additional information (http://www.amerigo-saddles.com/index.php/en/siena-dressagesaddles). Stirrups and leathers not included. Shipping available at cost. Contact Cindi at 623-866-2780 or tackforsale@cox.net.

For sale: $2900 3 year old bay sporthorse registered arab. Under saddle for 3 months incredible mind and willingness. Natural headset. Goes in snaffle.15.2 Hand Bay gorgeous willing boy. Sporthorse, trail in the ring, sporthorse under saddle, hunter hack, hunter over fences, competitive trail in mountains, later endurance. Knows the halter triangle and out of trail, over water, over barriers, logs, opens gates. Horse of a lifetime for the whole family to enjoy. Please call 505-877-3341 or email scheherezadearabians@msn.com.

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June/July 2014

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