October/November 2013

THE

a r a b i a n SPORT HORSE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Nationals

SPORT HORSE © THE ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

THE

a r a b i a n

a r a b i a n SPORT HORSE

an

entice design

SPORT HORSE

M AG AZ INE

CONTENTS 20 driven An Amateur and Her Homebreds Flourish

publication

entice-design.com

32 why racing is my sport of choice

by Ron Hevener

Publisher Cassandra Ingles

34 tally ho!

Arabians in the Hunt Field

38 battle of the breeds A True Test of Versatility

Editor Peggy Ingles Advertising (410) 823-5579

Cover Story

62 zhar Not Your Average Show Horse Story

Website TheArabianSportHorse.com

42 2013 sport horse nationals

72 Dark prankster

by Maurine Webb

78 eventing star Purebred Arabian “Sienna”

Email

info@thearabiansporthorse.com

84 from the ground up

By Laine Sklar

Submissions & Story Ideas Welcomed!

6

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.

No reproduction without written permission.

Bits and Pieces

28

Conformation Clinic

SHN Sportsmanship Awards

66

Silk Roads Legacy

14 JR/YR Dressage Champs

74

It’s Never Too Late

17

Going Gold

76

Dressage with Linda Zang

18

Biomechanics

88

Classifieds

26

A Wild Ride

89

Service Listings

13

4

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

FOR SALE

October/November 2013

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces

Ability & Kristin Hardin Class. They are pictured here with a 4th place from the previous week in the NAL Pony Jumper 1.05m class at the KY Summer ClasPoeme D’Amour & Misti Cassar

sic. “Tiger” is owned by Kaitlin Miller-Roberts, who took him to the Championships and won Team Gold in 2011 and Team Silver

HUNTER & JUMPER NEWS

in 2010 in addition to winning the Jumper Style Award both years.

French-bred Anglo Arabian POEME D’AMOUR DE BUISSY

Nine-year-old Bailey Lones showed her Arabian mare HEARTS

(39.44%) and his owner/rider Misti Cassar won both of the 1.40m

ADRIFT (Lasodo+// x Al Thameena) at a Tennessee H/J Assoc open

Jumpers at the Blenheim Summer Classic Horse Show in Septem-

show recently. This adorable pair were Reserve Champion in Short

ber. She and the gelding also competed against the nation’s elite

Stirrup and Equitation and also placed 2nd in the Pony Medal

jumper riders and horses at the Showpark All Seasons Summer

class. The mare’s sire, Lasodo+//, is a six-time National Champion,

Classic Horse Show. Misti and Poeme placed 5th in the $33,000

seven-time National Reserve Champion and eight-time National

Showpark Jumper Classic at 1.50m, less than 4 seconds off from

Top Ten in Third Level up to Prix St. George Dressage. He suffered

the winner’s time in the 40 horse class.

a severe case of founder last year, but has miraculously recovered.

Next up for them was the Sacramento International Horse

He is 26.

Show and right away Poeme and Misti topped a 1.40m jumper

The bay Half-Arabian mare ABILITY (MHR Nobility x Nikita

class of 23 entries. The big Saturday night class at the show was

{KWPN}), owned by Gregg & Nancy Shafer and ridden by Kristin

the $54,500 Land Rover 1.60m Grand Prix in which they were the

Hardin, competed in the Gold Coast Horse Show Series at Los An-

1st and fastest of only 6 clear rounds and were on their way to a

geles Equestrian Center. In both 1.10m jumper classes Ability en-

clear second round when a funny distance resulted in a stop and

tered, she came out on top. She has been consistently winning at

fall for Misti. She is fine luckily and will be back in the tack soon.

open shows against all breeds for the past two years under Kristin.

They did finish in 6th place of 34 entries. (photo above by Denise

Additionally, she is a Canadian and US National Champion Jumper

Romani of DROM Photography at last year’s show)

at Arabian shows, including a win at Scottsdale in the Gambler’s

WELLEN GOLD LEAF, a crossbred pony out of the Welsh/Ara-

Choice.

bian mare Good As Gold (sired by Arabian AM Lord Elope) placed

A French-bred Anglo Arabian hailing from Canada has been

8th at the USEF National Pony Championships in the Green Large

campaigning in Europe this fall. Kara Chad’s mare OURA DE

Pony Hunter Model class out of 79 ponies! Good As Gold has pro-

ROUHET (37.94%) and Kara Chad placed 6th in the 2* in Vienna

duced several high quality show hunters.

on the Longines Global Champions Tour. Earlier in September,

Arabian Pony Jumper GAME ON, reg. as Paso Grande Beaux (El

they were 3rd and 10th at Lausanne. In June, 17-year-old Kara

Paso Grande x Libertys Charm), and his 10-year-old rider Alissa

and her mare won the Junior/Amateur 1.30m Welcome at Spruce

Brandt competed this week at the US Pony Jumper Champion-

Meadows National.

ships.

They placed 24th of 44 in the individual phase on a ex-

tremely tough course, and placed 6th in the Pony Jumper Farewell

October/November 2013

7

Dressage Foundation Photo

BITS and pieces (continued)

General Lee & Kathy Knappitsch

DRESSAGE NEWS

Raissa Chunko & Inch Pincher

One of the newest members of the Dressage Foundation’s

and Dressage Show, and hosted the National Championships for

Century Club is also the oldest horse on record to have partici-

Dressage Seat Equitation. Only the top 2 riders from each USDF

pated. Kathy Knappitsch and 35-year-old Anglo Arabian GENERAL

Region around the country were chosen to compete in the Finals.

LEE are from Fairview, Texas where Kathy owns a dressage facility.

Many riders borrowed local horses to compete on, due to long

General Lee, owned by Erica Elias, is a boarder and a semi-retired

distances and the elevation at Estes Park. Four of those horses

lesson horse there.

were Arabian-breds.

Erica got General Lee for her ninth birthday when he was just 6, and has boarded him at Kathy’s for 10 years. Kathy has taught countless riders on him, from age 4 on up. They say he has never

Raissa Chunko rode her Arabian INCH PINCHER (Virgule Al Maury x Saahira) to a 5th place in the 13 & Under Medal Finals.

Above photo is Mary Jo Hoepner’s Half-Arabian MILLENNIUMS

been lame, loves to be ridden and is a great teacher. Kathy herself is a lifelong horsewoman who trained and competed in Europe, including passing the instructor’s course for eventing at the Cadre Noir in Saumur.

TREASURE (Millennium LOA x La Treasure {ASB}) and his rider Jennifer Salinger placed 11th in the 14-18 Medal Finals. They were 8th in the Warm Up class.

Nate Asby, pictured above, who rides dressge wth one hand

Arabian gelding ALI RAMSES MAHAL (Ali Taj Mahal x Ali Ruh

because of mild cerebral palsy, won the Adult Amateur Training

Krizia) owned by Vicki Borelli and ridden by Megan Carpenter

Level Test 3 class on his purebred Arabian gelding TAYS BENAZIR

placed 12th in the 14-18 Medal Finals.

(Tayako Bask x My Dee Ruffles) at the USDF recognized open dres-

Half-Arabian FLASH ZAYRAFF (Viva Zayraff x Rambur Licorice

sage show at the Lake Oswego Hunt Club in Lake Oswego, OR.

Stick {Welsh}) owned by Jennifer Gage and ridden by Melanie

Their score was 68.8%, greater than 9 other non Arabian horses.

Doughty placed 8th in the 13 & Under Medal Final after an 11th

Estes Park, Colorado was the venue for the Paragon CDI***

in the Warm Up.

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces (continued)

RSA Talk Ofthe Street

Photo courtesy Prue Critchley

Photo courtesy Jacq Hollandsworth

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*Empres & DJ Cairns

September 7 – 8 at Kentucky Horse Park, the National Dres-

cow-y and feels as though his dressage background has been of

sage Pony Cup show was held. The show is open to all ponies,

great benefit. Over the weekend, Zee competed at a 2 day Ranch

with special awards for certain breeds, plus high point awards for

Roundup. He finished 6th out of 27, the only Arabian in a sea of

riders. The show offers classes from Introductory up to FEI Pony.

Quarter Horses, in the Reining With Cow class. First Zee did a rein-

Jacqueline Hollandsworth competed there on Arabian mare RSA

ing pattern, then a cow was released at the far end from its herd

TALK OFTHE STREET (TTT Omaran x Haap Nicole), owned & bred

and he had to keep it at that end. They are scored 50% on the cow

by Jacqueline Raysik. They won the Champion Arabian Award and

work, which he did very well.

Reserve Grand Champion Intro Level Adult Amateur. They also

The Polish stallion *EMPRES (Monogramm x Empressa) cre-

earned qualifying scores at Training Level for Regionals. Jacque-

ated quite a stir at Canadian Nationals last year when he was

line also competes with the mare in eventing, remarkable since

named National Champion Sport Horse Stallion at the age of 17.

she has only been under saddle less than a year.

This well-traveled bay was born in Poland at Michalow State Stud, was exported to the Netherlands in 2002, exported to Belgium in 2004, came to the US in 2007, and now resides with his owner Prue Crtichley in Manitoba since 2011. He earned an impressive Top 5 Colt title at the Polish National Show as a yearling, First Premium at the Dutch National Stallion Show and a Gold Certification in Belgium at his Stallion Licensing.

Empres has also been competing in Dressage, at both Open and Arabian shows. Just in August, he won 2 Canadian National Top 10s in Training & First Levels. More recently, Empres, ridden

Some horses, like people, specialize in one thing. Other horses

by D.J. Cairns, earned an amazing 86.46% to clinch the Training

can do it all. Arabians are known for their versatility but you must

Level Championship and went on the win Reserve Champion in

agree, this horse is special. Purebred gelding ZEE DE MAN (Zee

First Level at the Westman Fall Festival Dressage Show in Mani-

Impressive x Zee Bunny) is owned by Laura Hinson. Before she

toba.The judge commented that he was ‘a lovely elegant horse.’

bought him, Zee had started his career as a Reining horse, even

Half-Arabian FIRST CLASS IMAGE (Frohwind {Old} x Flash Ofan

earning a Top Ten at Youth Nationals in Reining 14-17. He did

Image), owned and ridden by Kathy Pittman, won their First Level-

some Trail and Walk-Trot as well. In 2011, he debuted at Pebble

Test 1 Class with a 69.655% at the Green Country Dressage Clas-

Beach in 3rd Level. He moved into Fourth and Prix St. Georges in

sic II Show. They were named High Score Arabian/AA/HA of the

2012, competing at mostly open shows very successfully. In 2012,

show! Kathleen also competes with him in Working Hunter and

Zee was USEF Horse of the Year in FEI Combined Amateur Dres-

has even done some Ranch Sorting with him.

sage.

Laine Sklar and her 6-year-old Half-Arabian PALADIN SF (Aul

This summer, Laura has sent him into the Competitive Cow

Magic+/ x Padua Go {Trak}) rode their first Third Level test at the

arena, which he took to like a duck to water. Laura says he is very

California Dressage Society’s San Diego Chapter Summer Show

October/November 2013

Photo courtesy Cindy Lang

Photo courtesy Laura Killian

BITS and pieces (continued)

Laura Killian & MS Spanish Legacy last weekend.

They won the Third – 1 class with a 64%, and

Katie Lang & FA Patriot 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES: 7th 70.9%

earned 2nd places in Third – 1 with a 61% and Third – 3 with

Katie Lang and Half-Arabian FA PATRIOT (Flurry of Ca-Lynn

a 64%. Laine has now earned all of the scores required for her

{Friesian} x La Sada Mega) rode in 3 classes against all breeds.

USDF Bronze Medal on this horse. Read our feature story on them

Their results were:

on page 84.

FEI Junior Individual 60.702% - 5th place

One purebred and 5 partbred Arabians represented their

FEI Junior Team Test 58.784%- 5th place

breed at the prestigious Dressage At Devon Horse Show. AL-

FEI Junior Freestyle 61.650% - 5th place

MARAH POWER REIGN (AM Double Dream x AM Lady Delane),

Heather Sanders and her Half-Arabian gelding CP MERCURY

owned by Debbie McCaffrey scored a 71% in the Arabian In-Hand.

BEY (AA Apollo x La Contessa De Rossa {ASB}) competed in Sep-

Judge Kristi Wysocki commented: ‘Elegant head and neck,’ ‘Clear

tember at the USDF and Rocky Mountain Dressage Society Region

rhythm, reaches with shoulder,’ ‘Steady tempo,’ ‘Relaxed’ and

5 Championships and came home with two tri-colors. They were

‘Well Mannered.’

Reserve Champion for USDF Amateur Grand Prix, with a 61.383%

In the Partbred Arabian In Hand, 1st place was HIDDEN TREASURE, reg. as GRACESHIDDENTREASURE (Ahmeetz x Illeana {ISH})

and Champion RMDS Amateur Grand Prix, with a score of 61.596!

Read our interview with Heather on page ?.

owned by Bianca Rosso with a score of 76.7%.

DRIVING NEWS

2nd place was MS SPANISH LEGACY (Saphiro {Lusitano} x Legacy of Ariston) owned by Laura Killian with a 73%.

Half-Arabian AELFLEAH MAGICOU (Cinemagical x Hanks Pata

In 3rd place was WINDSWEPT BOSTON BEAU (SH Boston Bean

Neil {QH}) competed in the American Driving Society-sanctioned

x Fleur D’Amour{Gr}) owned by Michelle Owens Reider scoring a

event at Longview Lake, Kansas City held Sept. 21 & 22, 2013.

72.6%.

“Kitty” and her owner, Edna Oakley, placed 2nd in the Single

And 4th was SHANAS ROMANCE (Soprano {Old} x Anoutofcyte Romance) owned by Laura Killian with a 70.6%.

Hidden Treasure also won the following against all breeds -

Pony Training Level Horse Driving Trials. Edna bought Kitty from her breeder Tamara Woodcock in November of 2009. Edna had taken up driving at age 53, then moved to Missouri at 59 where

ADULT AMATEUR HANDLER: 2nd 76%

she could keep her horses at home. She says she benefited from

DHSB MAIDEN MARES 4 & OLDER: 17th 67.9%

membership, lessons and clinics with driving clubs in Iowa and

USDF SUITABLE TO BECOME A DRESSAGE HORSE U/S – 5 YR OLDS:

now Missouri. Edna has done a limited number of combined driv-

9th

ing events (Skunk River HDT in Ames, Iowa and Longview Lake CDE

MATERIALE – 4 & 5 YEAR OLD MARES: 10th 72.3%

and HDT in Kansas City, MO) as well as some pleasure shows off

MS Spanish Legacy also competed in -

and on for about 7 years. On Oct. 10, Kitty and Edna will head to

IBERIAN: 3rd 74.4%

the National Drive in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the largest single

DHSB MAIDEN MARES 4 & OLDER: 13th 72.45%

gathering of recreational drivers in North America. It includes clin-

Shanas Romance won the following against all breeds JR/YR HANDLER: 4th 66.5%

ics, demos and other activities in the 100 acre Kentucky Horse Park.

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces (continued)

Gaby Stephens & Glenlords Mystique

EVENTING NEWS

Photo courtesy Tayor Blasey

Photo courtesy Cheryl Stephens

10

Taylor Blasey & Rock With Bach Beginner Novice division. In Junior Novice, Taylor Blasey and her

The Anglo-Arabian sired HALIMEY GO (Askar AA x Hamamelis

Anglo ROCK WITH BACH (Harriman {TB} x Family Star {AA}) placed

Go {Trak}) who is 29.91% Arabian, competed at Fair Hill Internat’l

10th. They were clear of any jumping faults, but went a teensy

August Horse Trials last weekend. The registered Trakehner stal-

bit too fast through cross country. The latter is a 2nd generation

lion is owned by a syndicate and is ridden by Michael Pollard, at

Anglo bred by Sharon Jackson.

whose Chatsworth Stud he stands. Halimey competed in Open

Lauren Kieffer’s Anglo Arabian VERMICULUS (Serazim x Wake

Preliminary, earning a 27 in Dressage, going double clear in Sta-

Me Gently {TB}) came back from a summer break to compete at

dium but added 3.6 time penalties in Cross Country to finish in

Five Points Horse Trials over the weekend. The six year old full

4th place overall.

brother to Lauren’s SNOOZE ALARM ran the Preliminary courses

Half-Arabian GLENLORD’S MYSTIQUE (Bridon Glenlord {RID} x

with his usual ease. Starting off with a dressage score of 28.70,

Mlladyoftheknight {Arabian}) and 16-year-old owner/rider Gaby

he stood in 4th place. After going double clear on cross country,

Stephens competed earlier this month at the USEA recognized

he moved up to 3rd overnight. An unfortunate rail in stadium put

Event at Sante Fe in the Training division. After dressage, Gaby

them in 3rd overall.

and her young mare were in 11th, then had a rail in the stadium.

Lauren had 4 other horses in the competition – Lucky Devil

But a flawless cross county course put the pair in 8th place overall.

was 3rd in Advanced, Landmark’s Monte Carlo & Meadowbrook’s

Gaby was also one of four Training Team members that won the

Scarlett were 3rd and 7th in Prelim and Landmark’s Monaco was

Team Competition.

4th in Training. Lauren bought Vermiculus as a youngster and has

The FEI European Eventing Championships (3*) were held last week in Malmö, Sweden. Sixty one horses from 14 countries vied

brought him along herself. They have completed 9 Prelim level competitions this year with 7 placing in the top 5.

for team and individual medals. There were 5 Anglo Arabians in

The lovely Arabian mare IN SINGLE (Wiking x Justonetime x

the competition and all but one completed. The Russian entry of

Brusally Orlen) who competes as “Sienna,” and her owner Mike

Igor Atrohov and INDIGO PYRENEEN (49.90%) were eliminated

Morris, competed last weekend at the Copper Meadows Horse Tri-

on cross country. The two Spanish bred Anglos, IBERON CP (22%)

als. They finished third in Open Novice Senior out of 24 entries.

with Carlos Diaz Fernandez and HITO CP (23.75%) with Albert

The pair had a dressage score of 33.5, went double clear in both

Hermoso Farras, finished in 20th and 38th places respectively.

cross country and show jumping to clinch their third placing. Mike

France’s PUNCH DE L’ESQUES (28.32%) and Karim Florent Lagh-

says it was “My best xc ever!” Mike bought Sienna off the track

ouag finished 29th, helping Team France win the Bronze Medal.

as an endurance prospect. He was new to horses, boarded with

Sweden’s JOHNNY CASH and Johan Lundin finished in 30th, with

Olympic eventer Hawley Bennett and got hooked on eventing.

Sweden’s team winning Silver. This pair finished 3rd in the 3* at

Hawley competed Sienna while Mike learned the ropes. Read our

Strzegom earlier this year.

feature on them on page 78.

At Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials, French-bred Anglo RESE-

At Marlborough Horse Trials, Half-Arabian PL IRISH THUNDER

DA DE FLEYRES (30.13%) and Sher Schwartz won their Senior

(PL Diamond Hill {ID} x PL Eladdins Lite) and owner/rider Rosa

October/November 2013

Liz Hall Photo

Photo courtesy of Joa Sigsbee

BITS and pieces (continued)

Katy Groesbeck & Oz The Tin Man Lehnig won the Training Horse division with just 1.6 time faults on cross country added to their dressage score for a total of 34.8. We previously published a story on this pair.

Half-Arabian PL IRISH PEARL (PL Diamond Hill {ID} x PL Shirley) with Glenda Player ran her first Novice here, finishing tenth. They had finished 3rd in Beginner Novice 2 weeks ago at The Maryland Horse Trials.

Joa Sigsbee & Kestrel dium to finish 16th.

Anglo Arabian ROCK WITH BACH and Taylor Blasey, after earning a 32.5 in dressage to hold 22nd place. They added just 2 time faults on cross to their dressage score, then rode a double clear in stadium to finish in 23rd of 41 in Junior Novice.

The Grand National eventing competitions held at the Haras de Jardy in France featured two Anglo Arabians on the podium.

The American Eventing Championships were held at the Texas

CATHER DE GAMEL (Quatar De Plape x Miss Mark De Gamel x

Rose Horse Park in Tyler and featured a bunch of Arabian-bred

Markus), 41.24%, and Maxime Livio lead the Grand National Pro

entries.

Elite Grand Prix division from start to finish. One of only 3 double

After the first day of dressage, Katy Groesbeck was leading the

clears on cross country and just one rail in stadium jumping kept

Advanced on her homebred Anglo Arabian OZ THE TIN MAN, with a

them on top. This pair is fresh off of a fabulous 3* win at Haras du

score of 27.7. But the huge and difficult cross country course, de-

Pin in August. Video from Haras Du Pin: ENCORE UNE MEDAILLE

signed by Capt. Mark Phillips, changed that. Katy and “Wort” were

(Veloce De Favi x Eneide x Quilling), 42.77%, and Didier Dhennin

going very well, until they missed a corner fence, thus incurring a

finished second in the Grand National Pro Elite division. In 9th

20 point penalty, causing them to drop to 11th. Katy has said it

after dressage, a double clear cross country (one of only 4) and a

was the toughest course they’d done and they really just made a

rail in stadium moved them up to a close second overall.

“green” mistake.

The unseasonably warm, dry weather in Virginia must have

Saturday’s rain postponed the division’s show jumping for a

agreed with Joa Sigsbee and her Half-Arabian IB KESTREL (Karne-

day. On Sunday’s show jumping round, Katy and Wort were one of

val {Trak} x Bella Gold). Joa and Kestrel won the Jr/YR Open Pre-

just 3 double clear rounds! The finished up in 10th place overall.

liminary division at the Morven Park Fall Horse Trials. They were

Half-Arabian GLENLORD’S MYSTIQUE and Gaby Stephens had

first after dressage with a 26.50, went clean on cross country with

a 39.6 in dressage to sit 21st, but had a mistake in striding through

3.20 time faults and one rail and 1 time fault in stadium, leading

a combination on cross country that resulted in a stop and ulti-

throughout.

mately time faults. A double clear stadium round put them into

Since our story on Joa was published in the August/Septem-

25th in the large Junior Training division. These two young com-

ber issue, she moved to Maryland with Kestrel to be a working stu-

petitors will only get better and better!

dent for Colleen Rutledge. After only a month there, Joa says that

In Sr. Beginner Novice Amateur, Sher Schwartz and Anglo RESEDA DE FLEYRES were in 10th after dressage, then had double clears on both cross and stadium to finish in 8th. Jacqueline Perez and Egyptian Arabian IBN SASHALI (Ali Bayfire x MB Sashalli) were 24th after dressage, also had double clears in both cross and sta-

they have made a bunch of changes and that Kestrel’s stadium jumping has improved immensely.

11

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BITS and pieces (continued)

Rob Hess Photo

Photo courtesy Pam Dors

12

Czantiago

EF Meeko

INSPECTION NEWS

free, swinging movement. His 20-year-old dam, PR Brandywine,

Arabian mare PERFECT LOVE GWA (Night Runner GWA x Prom-

earned a spot in the RPSI Main Mare Book One. Both Brandy’s

ise EF), owned by Elaine Tolari, was inspected by the American Ha-

sire, Tar Comet and her maternal grandsire, *Ranald were cham-

noverian Society and received high enough scores to be accepted

pion English Pleasure horses. Rock N Rye is now branded RPSI/

into the Studbook, a huge accomplishment! She can now produce

Zweibrucker.

registered Hanoverian/Arabian foals.

One Anglo Arabian and one Half-Arabian foal were recently awarded Silver Premium status at Rheinland Pfalz-Saar Interna-

The Classical Spanish Arabian stallion CZANTIAGO (*Granizar x Pascion S) is attending this year’s 70 Day North American Stallion Performance Test at Silver Creek Farms in Oklahoma.

tional (RPSI) inspections. EF Meeko EF MEEKO (Goldmaker {TB}

Czantiago is owned and bred by the Stanley Ranch and was

x Katchina Doll – Desperado V), an Anglo Arabian colt bred and

approved by RPSI as Premium, and thus could be entered into

owned by Pam Dors of Evergreen Farm, was awarded Silver Pre-

their Stud Book 1 once he attains the performance requirements.

mium status, being only .5 points from a Gold rating. Con Te La

His dam Pascion S (*Esperanto x *Iberia) was rated First Premium

Piaffe CON TE LA PIAFFE (Piaff x Virag {Hungarian WB}) is a Half-

and accepted into RPSI Main Mare Book. The RPSI German Stud

Arabian filly bred and owned by Shayna Dolinger of Showbiz Farm.

Book Director Otto Schalter encouraged the Stanleys to enroll

This filly also earned Silver Premium. She is a full sister to Shayna’s

Czantiago in the performance testing. Stallions may also achieve

lovely Countess Of Piaff, who passed away as a 3 year old.

the performance requirement by competing to FEI level, which

Two Half-Arabian foals were recently inspected and approved by the Oldenburg Horse Society of Germany (GOV).

can take several years.

The stallions are assessed throughout on: Character, Consti-

RIVIERRA, sired by the Hanoverian Rosenthal and out of Ara-

tution, Temperament, Willingness to Work, Rideability, Athletic

bian mare Maraekar (Marwan Al Shaqab x Dakars Destinee), was

Ability, Gaits (walk, trot, canter), Free Jumping & Stadium Jumping

awarded Premium foal status. This colt is bred and owned by Dave

(scope, technique), Cross Country (canter, scope, technique)

& Susan McAdoo of Tobruk Farm. Rivierra’s dam is in the Oldenburg GOV Main Mare Book.

During the final testing, two test judges, two guest jumper riders and two guest dressage riders score each horse on Gaits (walk,

RACHEL ARABELA, also sired by Hanoverian Rosenthal and

trot, canter), Rideability, Free Jumping & Stadium Jumping (scope,

out of Arabian mare df China Doll (Enchanter Magic FHP x Ansa

technique) and Cross Country (canter, scope, technique). They are

Perfectdream), was also approved and registered. She is owned

scored on a scale of 1 (Very Bad) to 10 (Excellent).

and bred by Debra & AK Morgan of Ancient Oaks Sport Horses.

Rachel’s dam is also in the Oldenburg GOV Main Mare Book.

The test started September 29th and will end on December 7th.

PR ROCK N RYE, a 2013 colt by Hanoverian stallion Rosen-

Last year, a Shagya Arabian stallion, Nicolette’s Revelation AF,

thal out of purebred Arabian mare, PR Brandywine (Tar Comet x

completed the test. Purebred Arabian SGF Ahmour completed it

Rasera) attended the recent RPSI inspection at Solomon Farms

in 2009 and Arabian/Oldenburg Saint Sandro completed in 2010.

in SD. Owned and bred by the Stanleys of Prairie Rose Training Center, Rock N Rye earned Gold Premium for his elegant type and

October/November June/July 2013

Sportsmanship Award Winners of the 2013 Sport Horse National Championships

F

or the first time, competitors at Sport Horse Nationals had an award for Sportsmanship offered in three divisions: Carriage Driving, Hunter/Jumper and Dressage. These awards were sponsored by Karin and Willis Foley of Solar Hill Sport Horses in memory of their Arabian stallion Solaro S. Participants were asked to cast their votes for exhibitors they thought best demonstrated and exemplified the ideals of Sportsmanship, consistently, including but not limited to: Integrity, Good Character, Respect for themselves, their mount, fellow competitors as well as others, Demonstrates a positive attitude (grace) when faced with adversity, Promotion of the sport either in the saddle or on the ground, Fairness, Civility, Honesty and Respect for the Rules that govern our sport as well as judge’s decisions.

Here are the winners and some comments on each from voters.

Photo Donna Groseclose

DRESSAGE – Cody Chamberlain

• Cody is a well rounded and responsible young woman. I have had the pleasure of working with her … and have seen first hand her dedication, kindness, and support of the Arabian breed and everyone involved. From wishing everyone a good morning to wishing everyone a good ride, Cody is always there with a smile and a hug, for her horse and for those she competes with.

Sometimes it is hard to believe she is only 15. Cody is a wonderful example of the future of our breed and sport, and what we should all aspire to be.

• This young lady is dedicated, hardworking, determined and yet very humble.

She is a wonderful role model for our younger generation. She works really hard and has overcome much adversity in this past year.

• She keeps a positive attitude and exemplifies sportsmanship with those she comes in contact with throughout the show season.

CARRIAGE DRIVING – Amanda Compton • Amanda exemplifies the characteristics of a good sportsman.

She graciously wins and loses, encourages fellow competitors and always considers her horses before herself. Amanda’s initial Arabian

Sport Horse Nationals entry suffered an injury earlier this year and was unable to enter the show.

• Amanda does an excellent job promoting the Arabian breed.

She not only shows her horses in open driving competitions, but has done numerous demonstrations for 4-H and Pony Club members to promote the versatility of the Arabian Horse. Amanda has helped with judging team practices focused on the history of driving, rules of the sport and the ideal driving horse. She is a great representative of the Arabian breed, their versatile nature and the association as a whole.

• Drove with a smile on her face and had her young horse’s welfare foremost while respecting other competitors. Despite not placing in one category despite driving exceptionally well she was still smiling.

• Amanda is an excellent example of a hard working, dedicated horse owner, one that consistently puts her animals first. She is always pleasant, always willing to answer questions with a smile on her face and yet is extremely driven to do well. She has donated much of her free time to helping young people learn about horses.

The thing I really do admire is that her horses are primarily trained

by Amanda herself and are obviously trained the right way, by hard work and being well cared for by a knowledgeable owner.

HUNTER/JUMPER – Rachel Hynes • Rachel fell Thursday in her first jumping round when her horse spooked. She came back that night when they let her out of the hospital to hug the horse she was riding. She could’ve blamed him and said he was bad or it was totally his fault but she never did.

She loved on him and after a day of rest got back on and rode. She could have handled it totally different and I give her a lot of credit for being so positive about her boy.

• After a scary fall, Rachel came back, conquered any fear from the incident and never held a bad thought about her horse. Her philosophy of “Horses will be horses!” didn’t dampen her enthusiasm or cloud her excitement of being there. She finished what she started with a smile. That attitude sets a wonderful example for all competitors.

Due to the large number of worthy responses, it was decided that we award some Honorable Mentions of Good Sportsmanship to the following exhibitors. Thank you to all of the winners for being an inspiration!

HUNTER/JUMPER : Missy Snyder & Katie Wojcieszek DRESSAGE Madison Benicky & Sarah White CARRIAGE DRIVING : Wayne Gavitt

113

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

CDS T

Junior/young rider dressage championships

he California Dressage Society held their Junior/ Young Rider Dressage Championships at Starr Vaughn Equestrian Center in August.

Racheal Tuscher of Antelope, California com-

peted on her Arabian stallion LL DARKH IMAGE (BC Classic Image x Velvet Darkness) and his Half-Arabian daughter SG KAMILAH (x Canadian Tango {Pinto}). Rachael and the gorgeous black stallion were named Champion in the First Level 14 & Under. She finished in 3rd place on Kamilah in Training Level 14 & Under.

Cyd Curle and Anglo Arabian HAZEN (Silveyville’s Love {TB} x Fasach Banrion) were 2nd in the Freestyle Championship, 4th in Third Level and 2nd in the Third level warm up class. Cyd, 14, was competing against riders of all ages. Cyd recently showed Hazen

Photo by Sam Kwong

14

at the SNC/CDS Dressage In The Sierra Show, where they placed

Arabian KJ GERWAZY with Eva Larson

first in two Third Level Freestyles with 66% and 61.5%, a first in Third-2 with a 61.951% and third in Second-1 with a 63.143%!

The 27-year-old Arabian KJ GERWAZY (Karadjordje x Moonlight Hope) competed with 15-year-old Eva Larsen. Gerwazy is owned by Diane Plant and has only been ridden by Eva for a year.

Together, they placed 3rd in Dressage Seat Equitation 14-18, 8th in Training Level-Test 3 15-17, 10th in Training Level-Test 2 1517 and 11th in Warm Up; scoring in the mid-to high 60s in their tests. These were the largest classes of the show.

Eva and Gerwazy also won a trophy for being the oldest horse at the show. Gerwazy started out as an endurance horse, had several idle years before Diane’s trainer brought him to her place for use as a lesson horse. Diane met him and bought him in 2003. He was bred by Murrel Lacey.

Sophie Moss and her Half-Arabian JAMBOREE BOLERO (Jamboree Tuxedo x Jamboree Bonita {Arabian/SWB}) finished in 5th place in the First Level 19-21 Championship.

Congratulations to all of these talented youngsters.

October/November 2013

Photo by Bozena Hagen

15

Photo by Tamara Torti

Racheal Tuscher aboard Arabian LL DARKH IMAGE

Photo by Sam Kwong

Cyd Curle and Anglo Arabian HAZEN

Photo by Dorothee Moss

Photo by Bozena Hagen

Arabian KJ GERWAZY with Eva Larson

Sophie Moss and her Half-Arabian JAMBOREE BOLERO

Racheal Tuscher aboard Half-Arabian SG KAMILAH

16

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Going GOLD Heather Sanders is a 23-year-old USDF Gold Medalist, which she earned on her Half-Arabian gelding CP MERCURY BEY (AA Apollo Bey x La Contessa De Rossa {ASB}). Photographs by Kathleen Bryan.

Before Mercury, what was your experience with Arabian bred

bad! Mom made it very clear to me that I was not to be around

horses?

Mercury without her. After about 60 days, Mercury and I started

I was raised with Arabian horses with my Mother, Laurie. She

to become best buds. He began to gradually trust not only me

has a vast knowledge with the breed and wanted to share all of

but also the farrier and the vet. This was huge! I went back to the

their wonderful qualities with me. My Mom owned and showed

basics and gained his trust.

her purebred Spanish Arabian Filly that she had purchased before I was born. I started riding her on my own at five years old.

Can you describe your journey together up through the levels?

I had turned eight at my first schooling show in Training Level.

Our journey together has been priceless. We have always

Within a couple of years, we were Youth National Champions in

competed and qualified in the open shows against all of the fan-

both Training and First Levels. Later, my Mother had a couple of

cy imported warmbloods. As I grew into my upper teenage years,

purebred foals that she bred and I helped raise and break.

I thought I had to have a warmblood in order to be more competitive. Oh boy, did Mercury prove to me over and over that he could

What was his background before you got him?

do it! We carefully selected dressage trainers that were sensitive

My Mom’s girlfriend, Heidi Fredrick, bred Mercury. She had

to Mercury’s temperament. We competed through Fourth Level

a Saddlebred mare that had beautiful bloodlines but to this day

at Youth Nationals with many Championships. We were Arabian

has never been broke to ride. Mercury was a handful in many

Regional Champions in almost all levels. In 2010, we were Sport

ways. Once he was broke and shown in hunt seat classes, Heidi

Horse National Champion in Fourth Level, Prix St Georges and FEI

agreed that this discipline was not his forté. He was known to

High Point.

the locals as “crazy” and unmanageable, as he would throw his body around and “kick out” with the rider in a hunt seat class! A

17

www.yourhorses.ifp3.com/KathleenBryan

October/November 2013

What makes Mercury so good at dressage?

red ribbon was soon placed in his tail! When Mercury was five

Mercury is one of the smartest horses I have ever known. His

years old, Heidi needed to sell him but wasn’t having much luck

work ethic is flawless. There has never been one time where he

on any takers. My Mom and I saw potential in Mercury as a pros-

said, “I don’t feel like working today”. When he is learning some-

pect for dressage, but wanted a 45-day trial period. The timing

thing new, he keeps trying until he gets it. He loves to learn and

was good since Celita was not sound enough to continue up the

wants to be the very best at everything he does. From the mo-

levels. The locals were shocked that my Mom would even con-

ment we met Mercury as a yearling, we knew he had a busy brain

sider such a “crazy” and disobedient horse for her 13-year-old

and he needed to use it. His natural athletic ability is a true gift.

daughter! There were numerous times during this period that my

We often times call him “Gumby.”

Mom wanted to take him directly back to Heidi since he was so

Continued on page 83

18

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

BIOMECHANICS A Rider’s Story A Series by Lisa May

Forty years ago, Mary Wanless set out to discover what makes riders “talented.” With six books, multiple DVDs, and clinics worldwide, her “Ride With Your Mind”TM (RWYM) coaching method explains how any rider can learn to shape the horse’s athletic use of his body. 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.

I

first met Lisa May in the winter of

of the “mantrap” also resonated with me.

2012. A local instructor gave me

This was a good explanation for what I felt

Our second exercise had us facing

a present of a lesson with Lisa as

was going on with my left hip; it was not

each other as Lisa mirrored my stance. By

she was passing through Virginia Beach

engaged, resulting in a gap between my

watching Lisa, I was able to see my crook-

on her way home from Florida. Little did I

left seat bone and the left long muscle in

edness and reposition myself so that I

know at the time what a stroke of luck that

the horse’s back. When I could keep the

was standing squarely. The next exercise

would be. Fast-forward to fall 2012. My

seat bones engaged, it felt like the hollow

involved using two bathroom scales. With

friend, Christian, lives on the Outer Banks

of the horse’s “mantrap” disappeared, too.

one foot on each scale, I was able to see

isolated by geography and acts of Mother

Excited by what I read, I went on to read

how unevenly I was distributing my weight.

Nature. She works with her horse for long

Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind Essentials. I

These were really light-bulb moments for

stretches of time relying on books and her

decided to go online and see if Mary had

me. With Lisa mimicking my stance, I was

own intuition. Last fall, Christian was tell-

any clinics in the U.S. Then, I remembered

able to see how much more I stood to the

ing me about all she was gleaning from

my lesson with Lisa and that she is a certi-

left. The scales reinforced this fact by let-

reading the Mary Wanless books. To get

fied Ride With Your Mind instructor. I con-

ting me actually see and feel the differ-

me started, she was kind enough to send

tacted her and found myself driving over

ence when I squared myself up. My body

me a gift of Wanless’ Ride With Your Mind:

three hours to her at Idylwild Farm on New

is reinforcing this for me because my hip

an Illustrated Masterclass in Right Brain

Year’s Eve day—what a great start to the

Riding. It is funny to see how one event

New Year! One of my challenges with my

can lead to another, totally unexpected

own horse is precise steering. Lisa started

one.

me off with some unmounted work.

We all have challenges with our rid-

We began with exercises that shared

ing positions. For over a year, I have been

a common point. We walked side-by-side

struggling with my left hip. It felt like it

up and down the barn aisle while Lisa

was pulling back, as in not fully engaged.

gently challenged my balance from dif-

When I read Mary’s description of being

ferent angles. She also demonstrated and

plugged into the horse’s long back mus-

then asked me to try imitating how a horse

cles, it was like a light bulb went on for

walks. The purpose of the first exercise

me. I went to work feeling for the long

was to notice my instabilities at the walk

back muscles and worked on connect-

and then notice how a horse would be

ing my seat bones to them. The concept

unstable and subject to the greatest influ-

ence from the rider.

October/November 2013 will bother me when I put more weight on it. I am consciously trying to stand evenly.

When I catch myself leaning on my left leg, I will shift the weight to my right for contrast. The next thing to tackle was also reflected in the standing exercise: I stand with a slight twist to my torso.

During my mounted session, we put the unmounted principles into practice adding changes to seat and leg position.

I came away from my first lesson with Lisa with a lot to work on until our next session. I have especially focused on being aware of my weight distribution. I’m also rolling my thigh more inward on the saddle. Creating a mental image I can refer back to helps me a lot. My image is that of having more of the inner surface of my

plete reciting the list! Lisa suggested that

untacking, and I discovered that I had been

thigh in contact with the saddle. Lisa also

I create a short trigger list to use as a tool.

riding bitless! This totally underscored

mentioned narrowing my thighs. My men-

It shortened my check-in and also gave

that I was riding using the correct body

tal image is using my knee joint as a pivot.

Lisa words to quickly direct my attention

mechanics. What I am learning is filling in

Now my lower leg finally feels inde-

to some aspect of my position that needed

gaps I have in my riding. I am eagerly look-

attention or adjustment.

ing forward to my next lesson with Lisa.

pendent—a first for me. Also, while I am familiar with the concept of opening the

We worked on turning, using the

My friend from North Carolina, who gave

hip joint, I don’t think I ever truly expe-

analogy of an ice skater. Lisa guided me

me my first Ride With Your Mind book, will

rienced it before this new leg position

through using the angle of my hips and

join me for the trip and a lesson!

opened my hips.

the direction of my belly button to turn

Where I board, the winter footing has

the horse. I also pictured a weathervane

As athletes, we can use our own anato-

limited me to walking. It turns out that

or a helix or anything revolving on an axis.

my to communicate an optimum framework

walking can be perfect for doing work that

I find that there are usually several ways

for the horse’s movement. Find out more

requires concentration and focus—just

to visualize the concepts. Once I’m doing

about strategies for using the brain to com-

what working on the concepts I learned

something correctly, Lisa encouraged me

municate with horses through behavioral

during my lesson with Lisa required. In

to adopt whichever image works for me.

science and biomechanics at www.Mary-

February, I headed from Virginia Beach up

With figure-eights as our school figure,

Wanless.com and www.RideWithYourMin-

to Lisa’s for my second lesson.

we incorporated changes of direction. The

dUSA.com.

I was excited to try out the concepts

horse gave me roundness in his body and

Lisa May is an accredited RWYM coach

I’d been practicing on my own. My second

shaped himself to my intended figures in

working with Wanless since 1997. Also a

lesson was entirely mounted. We reviewed

response to very subtle signals—mostly

Professional Association of Therapeutic

the main points of our first lesson. Lisa

from my core—with little need to use my

Horsemanship International instructor, she

asked me to verbally go through the posi-

hands and legs.

travels for clinics from her home in Mary-

tion checklist I would run at the beginning

The most amazing thing to me was

of a ride. It took me two circles to com-

when the lesson was over. Lisa and I were

land www.IdylwildFarm.com.

19

Drive 20

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

y interest in competitive car-

M

English coachman and barn manager, Paul

riage driving was by chance

Maye, took a team of four horses galloping

and out of a need for a job

down a grassy slope, through a creek and

(any job) just after I graduated college.

up a hill with four people hanging onto the

I lucked into a live-in groom’s position

carriage! I was in awe, excited and scared

at Ayrshire Farm in Upperville, Virginia

all in the same moment.

owned by Cisco Systems co-founder,

During my nearly five years working

Sandy Lerner, working with her 50+ herd

at Ayrshire Farm, I learned that carriage

of Shire horses. At the time, I had no idea

driving takes a great amount of prepara-

who the owner was, but I immediately fell

tion, skill and attention to detail. I learned

in love with the beauty of the farm, the

how to put together singles, pairs, four-in-

elegant stables, the immaculate carriage

hands, tandems and unicorns. I learned

house and the colossal horses.

the history and traditions for the whips

Growing up, I had driven a few times

(drivers), grooms, horses and carriages

and thought, like several inexperienced in-

themselves. I learned safety is of the ut-

dividuals in the discipline, driving would be

most importance. I was taught that ac-

far easier than riding. You just sit and steer,

cidents most commonly happen due to

right? I was really in for an eye-opener, ap-

driver error. A horse that bolts and loses

parent from day one on my interview! The

its rider is not nearly as problematic as one that bolts with a carriage chasing behind it as it gallops back to the barn! Fortunately,

I learned that carriage driving takes a great amount of preparation, skill, and attention to detail.

I had excellent teachers and we never experienced any major mishaps. We never cut corners in training the young horses, always giving them a solid foundation before actually “putting to� the carriage.

en Louie Louie AA and Amanda

October/November 2013

An amateur and her homebreds flouRish

by Amanda Compton

21

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine In truth, the Shire yearlings were larger

young, homebred Arabian geldings for

than my adult Arabians!

And having a

driving. From the beginning it was appar-

Louie Louie is built like my idea of a

team of horses weighing four tons in front

ent, the younger of the two, Louie Louie

model Arabian – well balanced, nicely laid

of you demands great respect.

AA (Gai Madrigal by Gai Parada x Maid of

back shoulder, strong hip and a lovely nat-

After I left my position at Ayrshire

Orleans by Lea Baron) was better suited

ural extension to his trot. His dapple grey

Farm to further pursue my equine dental

to the task. His full brother, Mardi Gras AA,

color stands out in a crowd. People have

business, I soon realized I missed carriage

wanted nothing to do with it! He was much

often asked me “What’s he crossed with?”

driving and all that driving competitions

happier trail riding. I had done everything

and their response to my answer has been

entail; the elegance of a beautiful horse

the same with both horses; taking my time

“There is no way he’s purebred. He’s too

and carriage with polished harness and

introducing them to harness, long reining,

quiet!” or “He’s bigger boned than most

gleaming brass, moving smartly and with

and working under saddle. When I asked

Arabians I’ve seen.” They’re further sur-

confidence all with subtle cues from the

my driving friends for advice, they simply

prised to learn not only do I compete and

driver’s hands. With the encouragement

replied, “He doesn’t want to do it. You can’t

train him myself, but I also bred him. Louie

from the life-long friendships I made at

force it or someone will get hurt.” So I con-

is the result of a goal I had written in my

Ayrshire Farm, I started training my two

centrated on the more willing dapple grey,

journal when I was 15 years old, thumbing

Louie Louie.

through page after page of Arabian horse magazines and studying pedigrees. I had simply stated “To breed and train my own Arabian horse and one day compete at Nationals.”

It takes hours to prepare the equipment for a driving show and every detail must be taken into consideration. First there is the horse to clip, bathe, groom and mane to braid (optional, but preferred by many judges). Second there is the harness to tend to clean, which includes polishing the hardware (brass metal in our turnout) and leather. The carriage must be spotless and contain the proper “appointments” and “spares” which can be examined by the judges at any time, most commonly during a turnout class. A driver must carry a whip; wear brown gloves and driving apron or lap robe (traditional attire to protect the whip’s clothes).

In 2008, I started competing Louie Photo by Sarah Hazard

22

Louie Louie AA and Amanda

Louie at driving events. We entered pleasure shows, arena driving trials (ADT’s), as well as a few combined driving events (CDE’s). He was Novice Horse Champion at his first ADS (American Driving Soci-

October/November 2013 ety) rated show at the Piedmont Pleasure

of competing my own homebred horse

show! She keeps talking about this dapple

Driving Show in Middleburg, VA. He won

at Arabian Sport Horse Nationals (SHN) a

grey driving horse named Louie Louie!”

Champion Single Horse at the Bonnie Blue

reality. In September 2011, we traveled to

The best equipment and carriages

National Show, the Jameswood Pleasure

Kentucky and competed against some of

does not make a driving horse. The horse

Driving Classic, and the Delmarva Driv-

the best Arabians and half-Arabians in the

has to enjoy what they are doing, be for-

ing Club Pleasure shows. Louie Louie was

country. The turnouts were immaculate!

ward-moving, confident and totally trust

23

Reserve Champion at the Susquehanna Valley Whips & Wheels and My Lady’s Manor Pleasure Driving Shows in PA. He was Reserve Champion Single Horse at his first FEI event, the Carriage Association’s Carriage Classic in Lexington, KY winning over two entries who had tried out for the World Equestrian Games. At the prestigious Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition in Pittsford, New York we placed second in reinsmanship and sixth in turnout out of eighteen entries. We competed at our first sanctioned Arabian show at East Coast Championships in 2011, winning champion in working, timed obstacles and reserve champion in pick your own route.

Photo by Sarah Hazard

Louie Louie continued to progress, typically winning Champion or Reserve at many of the shows, all in open competition against Morgans, Friesians and various warmbloods. We even won the coveted Concours d’Elegance at three different shows, an honor awarded to the turnout,

Louie Louie AA and Amanda

in the judge’s eye, that presents the most elegant impression throughout the day.

At the end of the week, I was pleased that

what the driver is asking of them. It is more

However, our favorite classes continued

Louie Louie brought home five Top Tens

apparent a horse enjoys their job during

to be timed obstacles, where you drive

in Turnout, Reinsmanship, Timed Obsta-

timed obstacles (cones, gambler’s choice,

against the clock, between sets of up to

cles, Gambler’s Choice and Pick Your Own

scurry or pick your own route) than in a

20 cones, with balls carefully balanced on

Route, placing no lower than fifth on the

rail class such as working, reinsmanship or

top. Dislodging an obstacle or ball off the

judge’s cards. My favorite memory from

turnout. In pleasure driving shows or train-

cone, results in a 5 second penalty. Your

SHN was not in the show ring, but driving

ing level CDE’s, cantering is not permitted.

horse can have no more than two canter

him back to the barns after a class. As we

Cantering is permitted in preliminary, in-

strides (gaining an advantage) or you are

passed a group of people, I said aloud to

termediate or advance level competitions.

penalized with an additional 5 seconds in

my horse “Walk-on Louie.” A gentleman

Increased speed increases the difficulty in

time for each break.

near us spoke out, “Is that Louie Louie?

driving a course and the horse must be fit,

He’s my daughter’s favorite horse at the

balanced and very responsive to the driv-

It was finally time to make my dream

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine er’s cues from the voice, reins and whip.

ing. This competition is special as it does

background in dressage and places high

Every June, the esteemed Upperville

not follow pleasure driving rules, and con-

emphasis on a horse moving correctly bal-

Horse Show takes place in Upperville, VA.

testants are permitted to canter or gallop

anced and engaging their hind end in or-

It is the country’s oldest, horse show, now

through the 20 pairs of cones. The goal is

der to be able to athletically maneuver for

in its 160th year and known for its elite

simple – fastest time wins!

any event. Despite only taking a handful

horses and equestrians. The $5000 Car-

Louie Louie and I had competed at

riage Driving Grand Prix is hosted by the

Upperville twice before, the first time win-

show prior to the televised Jumper Clas-

ning a fourth place and last year placing

The Upperville Carriage Driving Grand

sic and also includes working, reinsman-

second, just ten seconds behind interna-

Prix is held in a grassy ring, and this year’s

ship and Concours d’Elegance classes. It

tionally known driver and British native,

June weather brought on the usual thun-

attracts drivers from around the region,

Kate Shields. After last year’s competition,

derstorms so often seen that week, mak-

many of whom have competed on the U.S.

I worked up the nerve to ask Kate if she

ing the footing a little less than desirable.

Horse and Pony Teams and represented

would be willing to give a few lessons and

The single ponies and their drivers went

the country world-wide in combined driv-

she gracefully obliged. Kate has a solid

first. Just before Louie Louie and I were

of lessons, her experience and knowledge helped strengthen our performance.

© The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

24

Finale AA and Amanda, 2013 Reserve National Champions Scurry Obstacles

October/November 2013 called to go next, the turnout in the ring

Reserve National Champion in Scurry

tipped over while making a fast turn be-

Obstacles, and four Top Tens in carriage

In the crowd that Friday night at Sport

tween obstacles. Fortunately, neither pony

driving reinsmanship, turnout, pick your

Horse Nationals was my friend and men-

nor driver was injured, but it was a disturb-

own route and gambler’s choice obsta-

tor, Sandy Kaktins, who watched her stal-

ing reminder to be careful with excessive

cles. It was amazing winning my first Na-

lion’s last foal win his first National Cham-

speed.

tional Championship with my own horse, a

pionship. Also present was my friend Paul

We were the first turnout of the sin-

dream I had since I was a teenager and had

Maye, who hired me as a groom at my first

gle horses to go next. It took less than a

my first Arabian, a 1984 paternal brother

carriage driving job over a decade ago. It

minute, as Louie Louie and I galloped the

to Finale named Star Anthem (Gai Madrigal

was definitely a special moment for me to

entire course, with only one ball down. He

x Mashan).

have the people who helped shape my life

them.

really seemed to enjoy himself, ears for-

Finale AA’s story is unique and he is

present for the win. In the future, I hope to

ward, balanced and responsive, the best

truly a special horse, not only to me but

be able to compete Finale and Louie as a

cones course we had ever done. It was

to a few other people as well. Although he

pair or tandem… maybe even at SHN 2015!

tense watching the other competitors,

is a full sibling to both of my homebred

Nothing gives me more gratification

especially the accomplished driver Anna

geldings, Louie Louie AA and Mardi Gras

than seeing my young horses do well, after

Koopman and her Morgan who was ranked

AA (Gai Madrigal x Maid of Orleans), I had

all those years of dreaming about it when I

third in the US in Intermediate Single

sold his dam, Maid of Orleans, in 2004.

was a teenager. I proudly answer, “Yes, my

The new owners, Alex and David Ben-

horses are Arabians!” I take pleasure in all

course, Anna had one ball down, too, giv-

net bred her back to Gai Madrigal again,

the hard work, preparation and dedication

ing us both the same five-second penalty.

under the guidance of his owner Sandy

involved to put together a confident yet

When the official results were announced,

Kaktins of Star Arabians. Curious to see

elegant carriage driving horse and stylish

Louie Louie and I were only two seconds

the outcome, I visited Alex and David a

turnout. Driving is a sport that asks every-

faster, giving us the win for single horse!

few times at their farm in West Virginia.

thing of your horse, with the use of fewer

I was so proud of my horse and delighted

When I saw the yearling colt (MQI Freedom

aids and requires the utmost trust between

with our performance.

Quest aka Finale), I fell in love him. I gently

horse and driver. It’s also a history lesson,

This year’s Sport Horse Nationals was

asked if they would consider selling him,

taking you back to a time when it was a

a success for us! I had originally planned

to which they graciously declined. For the

necessity. And the added bonus? You get

to compete Louie, but a stifle injury in July

next year, I thought about that handsome

to wear pretty, smart-looking clothes and

unfortunately sidelined him for the rest of

colt and his potential as a sport horse,

sophisticated hats!

the year. Louie’s younger brother, Finale

knowing he was the last and

AA, is still green in the carriage with lim-

final offspring of both the sire

ited experience off the farm, so my origi-

and dam. Out of the blue the

nal plan had been to show him next year.

following summer, I received

With just two short months of preparation,

a phone call from Alex. She

Finale was heading to his first Sport Horse

explained that she had always

Nationals! We were able to squeeze in two

felt he was really mine, and

shows prior to SHN, and he surprised me

she knew he would reach his

with his willingness and trust even during

full potential with—they were

obstacle classes, which we had not yet had

giving him to me! “Finale” has

time to practice.

been by far the most generous gift I have ever received,

National Champion in Timed Obstacles,

and I am forever grateful to

© The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Horse last year. When she completed the

At SHN, I was overjoyed when we took

25

Finale AA

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine Levels that year. Alex and I made Top Ten in both rides! I was ecstatic. This was more

A

than I had ever hoped for. Being Top Ten

Wild

on an older horse that came out of the

RIDE

by Madeline Erce

pasture with a young rider was amazing.

Later that week, I was especially excited for a class that had been newly added that year - Sport Horse Under Saddle JTR. I knew it was a long shot, and the beginning of our week had already been unforgettable. I couldn’t hope for a win but I could hope for a great ride.

And a great ride it was. My brother had been carrying a lucky golden horseshoe around the show grounds. The announcer mentioned that just before he called our

I

n 2004, the day my mom and I

rated show that next summer. To our sur-

names for National Champion. I cried

moved our two horses to a new

prise, he won his first Training Level dres-

my way up to the presentation where

stable, the owner of the stable

sage class with a 76%! We

asked us, “Would you like to buy

couldn’t believe it.

a wild horse?” My mom and I laughed off

We headed to our first

the question, as I was a beginner rider at

Arabian Canadian Nation-

that time. Little did we know!

als in 2010. After a great

Fast-forward to a warm August night

Regional show, my family

about a year later, and we got a call from

and I were so excited to

the stable owner saying one of our horses

see how Canadian Nation-

was colicking. We rushed him to our lo-

als would go! We would be

cal veterinary hospital where he made

showing Training and First

it through surgery—but just barely. It

Level there. It was great

would be six months before I could ride

competing, but we didn’t

him again. Telling that to a 12-year-old

have our best rides. We

girl who lived and breathed showing was

came home with nothing.

obviously devastating.

Not a single Top Ten rib-

The wild horse was our only option. It

bon, and certainly not any

turned out that the wild horse wasn’t re-

roses. Were we way out of

ally so wild. He was an Arabian, JW Alex-

our league here? The only

andrite (Safire x Lucinda On Fire), and he

thing we could do was try

was a sweet horse who just needed some

again.

attention. I trained and broke him myself

We headed to Canadi-

because we knew there was something

an Nationals the next year,

special about him.

having no expectations.

We took him to our first Arabian A-

We rode First and Second

Photo by Jeff Janson

26

Victory pass after Second Level win, 2012

October/November 2013 the rose blanket that I had dreamt about

made Top Ten in every class—Third Level,

was placed around Alex’s neck. Alex and

Fourth Level, Show Hack

I galloped out of the ring and I cried and

and Showmanship. Alex

hugged him for the next three hours. That

was also Top Ten in the

was a moment I will never forget.

Showmanship 14-18 with

In 2012, we decided to make our third trip to Canadian Nationals. About a month

a great friend of mine, Karissa Held.

before we were due to leave, I was sched-

We also headed to our

uled to have surgery. The surgery was to

very first Sport Horse Na-

remove a lump in my thyroid that could

tionals this year. We came

cause problems as I grow older. It wasn’t

home with 3 Top Tens – in

great timing but I didn’t really have a

both Sport Horse Show

choice. I had the surgery and was resting

Hack Open and ATR, plus

for a few days afterwards.

one in A/HA/AA Fourth

Then I received a call I will never for-

Level Dressage ATR!

get. It was a call from the doctor’s office

This horse has given

saying that I had two types of cancer, and I

me more than I could ever

would need to schedule a second surgery

ask for. He makes me so

immediately. That is not news a 19-year-

happy. I plan to show him

old wants to hear.

Fourth Level and Prix St.

My mom and I cried a lot that day. The

Georges next year if every-

second surgery was scheduled about a

thing goes as planned. He

week-and-a-half before we left for Cana-

has taught me patience,

dian Nationals. I had a ton of support from

perseverance, and to never

my family and from a very special horse

give up on a dream.

Win shot, 2012

show friend of mine, Chari Madrigal. She came and visited me one evening in the hospital and showed me the meaning of a true friend.

The surgery was successful. Needless to say, between the surgery and the drive up there, I was exhausted when we arrived. I would be riding Second and Third Levels, but I knew Alex would take care of me. We left with an unbelievable National Championship in Second Level and Reserve National Championship in Third Level. My special boy had done it again. A horse I broke and trained myself was a Multi-National Champion! It was absolutely a dream come true.

This year at Canadian Nationals, we

Madeline Erce and Karissa Held both Top Ten in Showmanship AATH and JTH 14-18, 2013

27

28

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Conformation Clinic With Elaine Kerrigan, Judy Hedreen, and Peter Mileo

pasterns. If so, this broken angle and steep hoof angle may lead

Purebred #1

to soundness issues in the future. The withers are pronounced, but I would like to see them extend further into the back for a secure saddle fit. The back and loin connection appear good and with muscling should be strong. The gaskin is broad but the hock should be larger, extending more into the cannon. Overall, this is an attractive, useful-looking horse.

Peter Mileo: Pleasing expression. Neck shape is OK but could be longer and a bit finer through the throat. Shoulder appears to be straighter than ideal. Not much of a wither for saddle fit. Short back with a Elaine Kerrigan:

longer looking loin that runs uphill. Also appears to be a bit longer

Pleasant head and expression on a nicely developed neck show-

in the coupling. Hind end could be longer and deeper. Angula-

ing good length of its topline, though appears a little thick in the

tion of the Ilium is adequate but I don’t think this horse will get

throatlatch. Neck flows smoothly into withers that could extend

under itself with the shorter length from buttock to stifle. I’d like

further into the back for a better saddle position. Adequate slope

to see larger joints on a horse with this size body. Knees are flat

of shoulder to go with nice lengthy humerus. Loin, hindquarter

but small. Hocks appear smaller, too, though they do appear to

muscling and gaskin could show more development on a hip of

be low set.

good angles. Would like to see more bone of the lower legs and muscle development of the forearms and gaskins. Forelegs look tied in at the knee and appears to have a steep left front hoof in this photo. This fellow seems to be more developed in the forehand and needs to catch up with his hindquarters to enhance his sport horse career.

Purebred #2

Judy Hedreen: This rose grey has an attractive head with a lovely, soft eye. The throatlatch appears clean and meets a nicely shaped neck. The neck appears a little longer than ideal for a sport horse, placing

Elaine Kerrigan:

the horse on the forehand. The shoulder is long enough and

Very pretty, typy head and ears with alert expression. Topline of

could meet the humerus at a more open angle for greater elastic-

neck could be longer and withers could set further into the back,

ity and reach. The front leg could be longer and needs more bone

though they all tie in smoothly. Steep shoulder. Loin and hind-

to match the body. While a little difficult to see in this photo, the

quarters have good size and development, clearing possessing

angle of the front hooves do not appear to match the angle of the

the ability to have carrying power. However, the appearance of a

October/November 2013 rather straight angled hock and dropping fetlock on the weightbearing right hind leg is concerning for future soundness as a ca-

Half-Arabian #1

reer sport horse. Adequate leg bone all around, though the stance of toppling over the forehand and over-stretched left hind leg is not flattering for a sport horse presentation.

Judy Hedreen: This starburst grey has a beautiful head sitting on a well-shaped, well-set neck. The poll is a good length, which will help with flexion, collection and balance. The shoulder-humerus angle appears more open and should allow for greater reach. The front legs have

Elaine Kerrigan:

good bone, length and angles. With the open shoulder and slop-

Attractive head with attentive, calm expression set on a nicely

ing pasterns, this horse should give a comfortable ride. The wither

shaped neck tying into the withers and shoulders smoothly. Shoul-

has the height and definition for a good saddle position. It ex-

ders are a little steep in angle, though the humerus is of good

tends into a strong back with a very good loin flowing into a well-

length and angle to the shoulder. Withers tie well enough into the

developed hindquarter. The hip-buttock-stifle angle is correct

back for an acceptable saddle position and loin coupling is fairly

which should give a longer stride. Both the gaskin and hock look

smooth and developed for the ability of the nicely muscled and

broad and strong which, with the good hip, should make for good

angled hindquarters to carry with strength and power. Good bone

carrying power and collection. The hind pasterns are quite short

in the hind legs, however would like to have seen just a little more

and over-angled, detracting from this good hindquarter. Overall,

bone in the forelegs. It also appears that this horse might be a

this horse looks like a good sport horse prospect.

little back at the knees. Cannot comment on the hooves, but pastern angles appear appropriate. Lovely presentation of a compact,

Peter Mileo:

sturdy sport horse.

Pretty head and ears. Nice shape of neck. Shoulder angle is good but short going into a barely adequate wither, which is typical of

Judy Hedreen:

many Arabians. Short back and loin. Hindquarter could be long-

This bay has a lovely, harmonious look with a pretty, feminine

er, though the angle of the ilium is not as flat as many Arabians.

head and a soft eye. The clean throatlatch connects the head to

Horse appears to have an equilateral triangle in the hind end.

a very well shaped and neck. The poll could be slightly longer

Nice joints with flat knees and low-set hocks. Overall, a pleasing

to aid with flexibility. The shoulder is long enough but could be

picture, though I don’t like the stretched pose. It takes away from

more sloping. The humerus looks of good length in relation to the

the horse’s good features.

length of the shoulder, which may help with elasticity given the shoulder angle. The forearm looks long and strong, meeting a nice

Submit Your Horse Would you like to enter your horse into our free Conformation Clinic?

short cannon. Although hard to tell, I’d like to see more bone in the cannon. The wither is high but could extend further into the back.

In this photo, the L-S joint appears behind the point of hip. This connection may not provide sufficient strength from behind to lift the front-end nor allow for sufficient ability to collect, important

Please email your submission to: info@thearabiansporthorse.com Subject: Conformation Clinic Submissions will be featured at our discretion.

Photo credit must be provided.

for both jumping and dressage. A well-developed gaskin connects to a broad, strong hock that extends well into the cannon with has good bone. I cannot comment on the pasterns or hooves as they are in the grass. Overall, this horse looks like a good sport horse prospect.

29

30

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine Peter Mileo:

length of humerus. Withers extending well into the back, creating

This is my favorite horse of the 4 shown in this study—just a nice

a very nice saddle position. Short back with strong loin carrying

picture for a riding horse. Good balance, bone and overall the an-

into the ample hindquarters, though some may consider the croup

gles are good, though I’d like the shoulder to be slightly more laid

to be a bit flat, it appears to me a strong power feature with the

back. I’d also like a slightly smoother coupling. Other than those

loin connection and the hip angles. What can be seen of the legs

two points, this horse has nice, flat bone, low set hocks, short can-

shows adequate bone and maybe over angled in the hocks. Very

nons and good angles in the pasterns.

nice example of a sport horse that shows the balance of being capable to carry himself over fences or across the dressage court.

Judy Hedreen: This attractive bay was photographed from off the hip, which does not allow for a good look at the front end of the horse. He has a pretty head with a soft, intelligent eye. The throatlatch looks clean, and the poll long enough. The neck is of good length and shaped fairly well, but appears to be set on a little low. The shoul-

Half-Arabian #2

der is of good length but could be more sloping, which would create a better angle with the humerus, although the angle appears

Elaine Kerrigan:

adequate. This horse has a very good front leg, sitting well under

Though not particularly Arabian in type, the head is handsome

the front of the shoulder. It has a strong, long forearm set into a

and in proportion to the body. Good length and shape of neck,

short, strong cannon. The withers seem flat and should be more

tying smoothly into a nicely sloped shoulder with good angle and

pronounced for better saddle fit. The back appears short but has a strong connection through the loin. While a flat croup may allow for a long, flowing stride, in this case the flat croup affected the angles of the hip/croup resulting in the hind legs standing out behind. This, coupled with the over-angulation of the leg may prevent the horse from collecting well for upper level dressage or jumping. I cannot comment of the pasterns or hooves, as they are not visible. Overall, this is a nice horse and should do well in sport.

Peter Mileo: Pleasing expression in its face. The neck is planky and base heavy.

Shoulder angle is okay, but considering this is a Half Arabian, it has the least desirable riding wither of the four. Short back and loin.

The hind end surprises me considering this is a Half Arabian. The croup and ilium are far too level for this horse to engage the hind

email

end. I’m not sure what the cross is but I would like more angulation in the hind end for a riding horse. Adequate bone and hocks are set low. Rear legs may be behind plumb, which is probably due to the less than desirable angles of the hind end.

October/November 2013

About Elaine Kerrigan

About Judy Hedreen

About Peter Mileo

1970 saw the beginning of Kerrigan

Judy has been breeding sport horses

Peter Mileo has been breeding Arabian

Bloodstock, with the goal of producing Ara-

since 1981. She is the breeder of Far Star

horses since 1990. He started with Fadjur

bian sport horses. With that I pursued dres-

that represented the USEF and American

line horses and evolved toward CMK horses.

sage, endurance and a little jumping. With

Hanoverian Society (AHS) in the 2003

After several conversations with Sandy War-

a special interest in the bio-mechanics of

World Championships for Young Jumpers in

ren of Warren Park Stud hoping to breed a

horses and riders, I also have an extended

Belgium, ridden by Laura Kraut; Animation,

mare to Aulrab he discovered a coming 2

education as a large animal veterinary tech-

winner at Spruce Meadows and Champion

year old colt by the name of Magic Aulrab

nician and as a graduate of the USDF judges

at Indio; Agincourt, winner at Spruce Mead-

and purchased him. After a short show ca-

learner program. KB Omega Fahim++++//

ows and Champion at Indio under Hap

reer they started riding endurance where

is a stallion of my second generation. He

Hansen; and USDF Horses of the Year Ghita

Peter feels he learned about what makes

has achieved 4 USDF National Champion

and Coco Chanel.

a good horse. “Regardless of bloodline or

awards at FEI level dressage, and 4 AHA

Judy was a USEF ‘R’ dressage/sport

even breed a horse needs to have balance,

Sport Horse National Champion awards

horse breeding judge for 14 years, a mem-

well let down legs and solid legs and feet.”

at FEI level dressage. He has offspring that

ber of the USDF Sport Horse Committee for

Peter has studied many videos of horses

have also attained USDF and AHA Sport

10 years, and is a current member of the

under saddle and at liberty from Arabs,

Horse National Championship awards. KB

USHJA Breeder’s Committee. In 2007, Judy

Warmbloods and the great Standardbred

Omega Fahim++++// has been inspected

was appointed as a judge to the Hanoverian

mare Monimaker. This has given him a well

and approved for breeding purebred Shag-

Mare and Stallion Committee.

rounded knowledge of what a good athlete

ya-Arabians.

is and why.

31

Racing The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Why

32

Is My Sport of Choice

by Ron Hevener

M

any times I am asked

know what it takes to stay there.

thing was, all of Khamal’s get ever sent to

why I believe racing is

I manage a bloodline of Arabian sport

the best sport for Ara-

horses called The Selket Arabians. The

bian horses. Well, I could be timid and

line was started in the mid-1900s (sounds

Jim saw the future of Arabians as

make apologies for my interest in horse

like a long time ago) by the late James An-

successful sport horses and he encour-

racing… but that’s not my style. My style

dreson who passionately loved Arabian

aged Arabian horse owners to take the

is to be very direct about horse racing and

horses. Being well over six feet tall, Jim

sport horse movement seriously. In our

say, “No other sport has the business in-

required taller horses, so that’s what he

library, there is a Top Ten plaque honor-

frastructure, public support and financial

bred for. He also loved athletic ability and

ing the Furno Khamal son, Selket Mystery,

opportunity that horse racing does… and

beauty. Put these ingredients together,

awarded at the first Arabian Sport Horse

Arabians are legitimate racehorses.”

and you have a strain of beautiful, athletic

National show, and a H/A Furno Khamal

This means Arabians can do some-

Arabian horses that are taller than aver-

grandson named Selket Maxx Factor has

thing that most other breeds of horses

age. Looking at the herd and the foals, I

gone all the way to the top.

can never do: they can contribute finan-

would say he succeeded in

cially to the farms on which they are

his objective.

raised. They can help the people who care

Not many people in the

for them financially. In plain words, they

show world knew that Jim

can make a living and that’s a great thing.

also raced the Selket horses,

Am I saying other horse activities

starting over twenty years

aren’t sports? I’m certainly not. Although

ago when he found a hal-

I make a distinction between sports and

ter champion named Furno

hobbies, when you consider the amount

Khamal, the 16.2-Hand stal-

of money that can be earned in Futurities

lion from Europe that would

and Sweepstakes, the sport of showing

revolutionize his breeding

horses can be quite lucrative. Other horse

program. Khamal was at a

activities have a long way to go before

racing farm in Florida when

they reach the business, media and finan-

Jim first saw him, and Jim

cial levels of the show ring and the track.

would eventually race Kha-

Being active in both of them, I know how

mal’s get in Michigan and

much it takes to get in the game— and I

Delaware Park. The nice

the track became paycheck horses. And a paycheck horse is a pretty good thing.

Furno Khamal (16.2 H) Gold Medalist of the 100 Day Trial, Halter champion in Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France and the U.S. and a sire of racehorses.

October/November 2013 Jim Andreson died just as the

that in mind, and for the well-being

horse market was beginning to

of the horses, we closed the farm in

crash, and he left a herd of horses

Michigan where the horses had been

scattered over several farms in two

raised for so many years and moved

countries. It wasn’t easy taking an

them to bigger facilities and greener

inventory and sorting through pa-

pastures.

pers scattered all over the house.

To our surprise, we landed smack

It wasn’t easy gathering the horses

in the middle of racehorse country

together in one place to study them

with plenty of experienced help.

and get to know them. And it cer-

We had needed dependable, experi-

tainly wasn’t easy holding a herd of

enced help for a long time, and the

horses together while fighting off a

lack of it had been holding us back.

long list of creditors—some legiti-

Suddenly, we had riders, trails, big

mate and some not. Although the

fields and experienced workers from

Selket Louchiano “The Movie Star Horse” (Grandson of Furno Khaquality of the horses had never been the racetrack to break our horses mal) Michigan Futurity Supreme Sport Horse Champion (In Hand). better, there were very few foals national level Halter horse and star of the TV documentary “Fate of and do it right. We were back in the the Stallion!” viewed in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe. born during this time. In spite of Louchinao is our current herd sire at The Selket Arabians USA/Brazil. racing business, and our Arabian

that, progress was made, and those of us

who kept The Selket Arabians together

working to protect and develop the Selket

and safe against drought, escalating hay

Today, the Selket Arabians are bred,

Arabians were able to keep things going.

prices, and against a cruel Court judge or-

raised and trained on big, hilly pastures

Who were these people who helped

dering monthly cash payments on a dis-

with ponds and streams. They are ridden

one of the few breeding herds of Arabian

puted mortgage contract (before it was

on wooded trails and they have the year-

horses remaining in America? They were

even settled) that threatened the lives of

round space that Arabian horses were

a horse-loving accountant in Pennsylva-

the entire Selket Arabians herd.

meant to have. The other day, I watched

Sport Horses were the real thing.

nia, a horse breeder in Michigan, a race-

In 2012, it was decided that, for the

three young horses being ridden by a jock-

horse trainer in Michigan, horse breed-

herd to survive and prosper, the horses

ey for the first time. Realizing everything

ers in South Carolina and a famous horse

would have to go to work in any way

it took to bring the horses this far, I asked

breeder from Brazil. Those are the people

they could. Sales were drying up all over

Continued on page 83

the country. Feed costs were going through the roof, and a herd of our size requires a lot of it.

The show ring was going through some turmoil of its own, but we did have horses that could make it on the track. We didn’t know if they would be winners, but we knew they could earn something if they had a chance. With Selket Exkwizitt - National level Dressage champion.

Selket Mystery - Top Ten at the first National Arabian Sport Horse Show.

33

34

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

! o H y l l

a T

Arabians in the Hunt Field

A

by Rebekah Savage

rabian horses are proving their versatility and be-

er. Both mares are out of the same dam, Summit Sunrise, while

coming more popular within the equine world. As

Echo’s sire is Second Echo and Dancer’s sire is Tsultan’s Echo. The

their versatility becomes increasingly well known,

Gardiners bred the two mares with the intention of selling them,

the breed continues to build recognition within a variety of dis-

but when they were born, it was love at first sight, so they kept

ciplines. Arabians in the hunt field are an excellent example. Fol-

them.

low along below as we catch up with four riders and owners of Arabian horses in the hunt field.

When did each of you start riding?

I started trail riding in high school. Eventually, I got into

Q&A with Carmen Gardiner Husband and wife fox hunt riders Steve and Carmen Gardiner ride with Long Lake Hounds based out of Minnesota. The couple hunt on their Arabian mares Carmen Echo and Gdansk Danc-

eventing with my now 29-year-old Thoroughbred. Steve started riding seriously about eight years ago by taking lessons with Dick Kiesner.

October/November 2013

Steve Gardiner on Carmen Echo Were each of you seeking a horse for the hunt field, or just looking for an all around horse?

Carmen Gardiner on Gdansk Dancer How well suited are the horses for the hunt field?

Actually, we’ve gained a reputation as smaller horses for

I was hunting my Thoroughbred, so my husband wanted to

being able to mount easily in the field if need be and end up

also hunt, and we got Echo going. When I retired my old guy, I just

opening/closing gates, helping fallen riders, picking up dropped

grabbed Dancer out of the pasture since she didn’t really have a

equipment, etc. We have no problem keeping up. When I act as

job at that point. Last year, we also planned to hunt our retired

field master, I always check with my field at the checks to see how

show horse, Second Tsultan ++/, who is a western pleasure and

the pace was for the field members. I usually do the first line at a

western sidesaddle champion. He was great with the hounds, but

strong trot and was surprised to find out that, while I was trotting,

I learned that other horses can be reactive to a stallion and de-

many other horses had to canter to keep up. When we do have a

cided not to use him for that reason.

chance to open up, our mares can definitely keep up with the big boys!

How long have both of you hunted your horses?

Echo has been hunted eight years, Dancer seven.

What are some of your more memorable moments out on the hunt field with each of the horses?

What positions have both of the horses held while on the hunt field?

On one hunt, we had some guests from Missouri. The huntsman asked me to release the hounds from the trailer, so I just held

Dancer and I have been field master, whip, drag layer and ba-

Dancer by the reins. She just got behind me to avoid the deluge

bysitter. Steve and Echo have been field master and helped road

of seven couples of hounds but did not pull. On the first line, an-

hounds.

other member fell off, so I popped off Dancer, threw him back on his much larger horse (One, two threeee!) and finished that hunt

35

36

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine walking in with a guest whose horse was off. After the hunt, one of the guests from Missouri complimented Dancer. I just thanked him and grinned. Turns out, he was from the Master of Foxhounds Association there to observe our hunt. I was very glad that Dancer was able to showcase both her breed and our hunt.

For both of us, we love the long hunts in the fall after the crops are harvested and having a responsive horse under us who knows the game. The horses know what the music of the hounds means!

What advice would you give to a rider just starting on the hunt field?

Do some research! There are a lot of resources online, for example the Masters of the Foxhounds Association website. Ask if there is someone who can mentor you, and ask questions (at appropriate times). Each hunt does things a little differently, but safety and courtesy are always important.

Q&A with Daryl Buffenstein Daryl Buffenstein has certainly done his research. Buffenstein spends his weekdays behind a desk or in a courtroom. Outside of the barn, he is a successful immigration lawyer based out of

Daryl Buffenstein on Napoleon

Atlanta, Georgia. At the barn, Buffenstein owns four Arabians,

of about 20 riders. The first flight took off in front over a coop and

but mainly hunts Napoleon, a 21-year-old bay purebred Arabian

Napoleon tried to go with them. He swung around like a moth in a

gelding. Buffenstein and Napoleon have hunted together for over

lampshade. He ran backwards toward the jump. About a foot from

ten years and have created a partnership based upon mutual re-

the jump, I dropped the contact on the reins. He swung around on

spect between horse and rider.

one hoof and cleared the jump beautifully. When he jumps, it’s as if he picks up his landing gear. He’s very economical.

When did you start riding?

I started riding by herding cattle in Africa. My family had a farm near the border of Rhodesia. We herded cattle with a tough breed of pony. My dad raised Thoroughbreds for racing and I would ride those. I also had a 14.2-hand pony. She was an Arab

What positions have you and Napoleon held out on the hunt field?

Masters of the Hunt (one of), and also Field Master for First Flight.

cross. She was very spirited as an Arab. That’s when I really started to love Arabs.

What advice would you give to a rider just starting on the hunt field?

When did Napoleon come into your life? Was he welcome on the hunt field?

Start slowly and do not take a green horse hunting. Even if you are an experienced rider, don’t take a green horse hunting.

I got Napoleon at age six. People thought I would never hunt

Ride a horse that has done it all, no green on green. You should

him, they were sure he would never get over the coops. Napo-

talk to the master or field master, and be sure to be introduced

leon was 6 ½ or 7 when he started hunting. He hadn’t hunted

to a mentor. Copy what they’re doing. A new rider should always

much—he had only hill-topped some. We went out with a group

stay under their capabilities and ride in the second flight at least

October/November 2013 What hunt club do you ride with? What positions have you and

one or two times.

Rick held on the hunt field?

What is it like to fox hunt?

Fox hunting is a fabulous sport. It’s not about catching a fox or a coyote, it’s about watching the hounds work together. The fabu-

We ride with the Tennessee Valley Hunt Club. We have mostly been members in the field, but on occasion we have led the field.

Rick definitely prefers to be in front.

lous thing about hunting is that two hunts are never the same; the hounds are different, the territory is different—it’s never boring. It’s something I try to encourage others to do.

What is it like to ride on the hunt field?

Riding on the hunt field is exhilarating, spine-tingling and goose-bump generating.

Q&A with Judith Oltmann-Craw Judith Oltmann-Craw and her beloved gray Anglo-Arabian

What is your most memorable moment on the hunt field?

gelding, Ricadadad (Adad x Blue Driller {TB}), started their life to-

Rick is a fox hunting machine. We have jumped some crazy

gether after a series of events dashed with a twist of fate. “Rick,”

stuff. We love jumping ditches. He gives me confidence. One hunt

as he is fondly known, was being exported from the United States.

we came upon a downed tree. We were riding with a 17.2-hand

Before being shipped, he was quarantined in California to recov-

Hanoverian. We were the only two keeping up with the hounds

er from pneumonia. Once recovered, Craw’s sister, an endurance

when we came upon a downed tree. The huntswoman surveyed

rider, removed Rick from quarantine and started his training as an

the tree to pick a spot to jump it. There was a branch coming out

endurance horse. However, she quickly discovered that Rick was

towards the approach. I asked, “Should we remove it?” No, she

not suited for endurance due to his hot temperament. Craw, who

points her massive Hanoverian at it, and she breaks it with her

had just lost her fox hunting horse, was searching for a horse, and

shoulder. I decided to kick on and hold on. Rick sailed over it from

her sister was searching for a home for Rick. The rest, as they say,

about five strides back. I was just giddy afterwards.

is history.

What advice would you give to a new rider on the hunt field?

How long have you and Rick been fox hunting together?

We have fox hunted together for eight years. I got Rick in December, 2005. He is now 23 years old and we still hunt together.

Know your own skill and know your horse’s skill and temperament. Don’t try to fit a square peg in a round hole. If your ability and temperament are not suited, it’s dangerous.

For more information about what fox hunting is, where to fox hunt, the history of fox hunting and much more, visit Masters of Foxhounds Association and Foundation at www.mfha.org.

Judith Oltmann-Craw on Rick

Judith Oltmann-Craw on Rick

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Battle

PA Sebastion with rider Sarah Ingram

of the

Breeds A True Test of Versatility

T

he first week of September holds one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world, the Spruce Meadows Masters. Riders from around the world compete in some of the most exciting competitions that International show jumping has to offer, including the Atco Electric Six Bar, a Nations Cup tournament, and the CN International. In 1984, a secondary competition was formed to showcase different breeds and their versatility in show jumping as well as several other disciplines. With that, the Spruce Meadows Battle of the Breeds was formed.

Each breed representation can consist of up to four horses and compete as a team, with two horses per team, competing in the disciplines of Compulsory Skills, Jeopardy Jumping, Precision Driving, Barrel Racing and Trail. In the 2013 competition, 12 breeds—from Shetland Ponies to Gypsy Vanners—demonstrated their incredible talents and battled it out to determine which breed would come out on top as the most versatile breed in the world.

This year’s Team Arabian consisted of two Purebreds: PA Sebastion with rider Sarah Ingram and Adamas with driver Cindy Ho-

to pick a well-rounded team that can succeed in their designated areas enough to be competitive.

lyoak, one Anglo Arabian: MJ Jaguar with rider Brennan Kavanagh,

This year, Team Arabian was very successful. The primary goal,

and one Pintabian: BG Firefly with rider Katelyn Carter, with the

as Team Leader Carol would say, is to stay safe and always have

guidance of an amazing leader: Carol Kettlewell. Together, over

fun. Although the results of Compulsory Skills were slightly dis-

the course of five days, this team came together through last min-

appointing, the team came back with an excellent second place

ute corking, a rush cart repair and battling torrential downpours

in Jeopardy Jumping. The thrill of the week was, surprisingly, dur-

to accomplish a very successful show.

ing a horrendous downpour when the soaking-wet Katelyn Carter

Preparing for the Battle is just as difficult as competing. Due

and Sarah Ingram brought home a first place in the Trail obstacle

to the nature of the event, it’s difficult to find horses that are well-

course! Katelyn and Fire were the highlight of the spectators day,

schooled in enough of the disciplines to make a very competitive

putting in the fastest, highest point-earning round of the day.

team. Often you’ll find horses that fit in one or two of the events

Earning 700 points, Katelyn only had one person come somewhat

but are somewhat lacking in others. It can be quite a difficult task

close, at 650, with no one else breaking 570.

October/November 2013

Photo by Jessica Josephson

Photo by Hedi Klassen of Courier Equine Park

Photo by Jessica Josephson

39

Adamas with driver Cindy Holyoak Q&A with Riders Brennan Kavanagh and Sarah Ingram

BG Firefly with rider Katelyn Carter What was the toughest aspect?

Sarah: The hardest part of the Battle, for me, was going into

What was the most exciting part of the competition?

the Trail class. Not only was I absolutely soaked from being in the

Brennan: One of my favourite parts was after Jag had cleared

pouring rain, on my horse, for over two hours prior to going, but

the gambler fence and pushed Team Arabian to a strong position.

it was something that I had never shown in. I’m incredibly proud

Also, when Katelyn Carter amazed the crowd with her outstand-

of how well Sebastion did, but I had butterflies the whole time.

ing performance. Her horse Firefly managed to complete every obstacle but one, giving team Arabian another strong position with 700 points.

What is your favorite memory of this year’s battle?

Brennan and Sarah: One member of Team Saddlebred, Adrian Neufeld, was celebrating his 30th consecutive year competing, as

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

How do you feel about all of the other teams in the Battle?

Sarah: It’s amazing to be part of the Battle because of the people. Because we’re not part of the jumper competition, the

Photo by Jessica Josephson

Battle barn becomes very close. I’ve met some amazing people through this competition and keep in touch with most of them. I can’t even count the number of hugs I got as everyone was packing up and leaving!

What do you think Team Arabian’s chances are against the other breeds?

Brennan: I believe that Team Arabian has a chance of winning

Adrian Neufeld

the whole competition next year. If only we had done better in well as his successfully overcoming cancer. After Jeopardy Jump-

one of the other events, then Team Arabian may have had enough

ing, his daughter threw a party and invited all of the teams. It

points to take the lead! Next year, Team Arabian will be just that

was wonderful to be together with everyone, and celebrate all of

much stronger and more competitive. The other breeds are just

Adrian’s achievements. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

as strong, so you don’t know how you will do until you and your horse enter the ring.

What is your favorite part of showing at Spruce, especially during the Masters?

Q&A with Team Captain Carol Kettlewell

Brennan: Definitely that even after you show you can go and watch the professionals show 1.6M in the International ring.

Why do you think Arabians are the best breed for this competi-

Their horses have such power and strength you’re in awe when

tion?

they are doing their rounds.

MJ Jaguar with rider Brennan Kavanagh

Photo by Jessica Josephson

Arabians are ideal for Battle of the Breeds. They are intelli-

Photo by Jessica Josephson

40

PA Sebastion with rider Sarah Ingram

October/November 2013

41

Photo by Hedi Klassen of Courier Equine Park

atmosphere at Spruce Meadows—crowds, announcers, golf carts speeding about and so on. We look at videos and we also have some in-person tryouts for those who are close enough to attend.

What were your main duties as Captain?

As the non-riding team captain, my main duties are to provide an extra pair of hands when needed, to liaison with the tournament office and competitions management, to deal with any paperwork, to accompany the team to the warm up ring and competition ring, to keep score during the competition and strategize, and any other duties as required. After many years in the office at Spruce Meadows, I am excited to be out in the midst of the action.

Katelyn and Sarah with their Trail Class RIbbons

Maybe someday I’ll have a chance to ride on the team myself! gent and people-oriented, and because of that form great partnerships with their riders. They can be trained to do anything,

What’s next for Team Arabian, and what plans do you have for

and they will do it well.

next year?

Next year we would like to start our selection process earlier

What do you look for in a horse and rider team that would make

in the year—perhaps in March or April—and do more work to-

them an asset for the team?

gether as a team before September.

When looking for a team member, the horse and rider need to be able to compete well in at least two events, and ideally be competent enough in a third event to serve as a backup in case of emergency. We look for a horse that has lots of competitive expe-

PA Sebastion with rider Sarah Ingram

Photo by Jessica Josephson

Photo by Hedi Klassen of Courier Equine Park

rience and the kind of temperament that won’t be rattled by the

BG Firefly

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Nation

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HO

nals

October/November 2013

ORSE T

his year’s 11th Annual Sport Horse National Championships came back to its original venue of Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia.

With 537 horses entered comprising 2,076 entries, the place

ish Steed) owned by Wayne & Gail Clem.

was hopping! There were two new Sport Horse Under Saddle

The largest Dressage class was HA/AA

classes for amateur owners added this year. Additionally, the

Training Level, won by ELIJAS TRUBADOUR MGF

Working Hunter 14.2 Hands & Under was made a National Cham-

(Trubadorsmadrigal x Sizzlin Scotch {PTHA}) and

pionship class after having been exhibition only for the past two

Pierce, out of 46 entries. The largest Hunter class was the Arabian

years. Jessica Grissom piloted her mother, Sally’s, Arabian MA-

Hunter Hack ATR with 26, won by Alexandria Desiderio and ORA-

JARRES FANNIYA (Nasrany x Moniets Majarre) to the Champion-

TION (Dormane x Ortie). Largest of the 8-class Carriage Driving

ship. In Carriage Driving, the Scurry Obstacle class was also a new

division was the 13 entries in the Reinsmanship, won by Arabian

addition, and the roses went home with Maren Pearson and her

VPF NITE REIGN (Royal Knightfyre x MAS Knight Wind) and Sonya

Arabian CA BACKDRAFT (Afire Bey V x Ambiance V).

Bickford.

New exhibition classes added for 2013 were Speed Jumpers,

The horse that was the most winning of the show was 5-year-

won by the McAllister family’s Arabian HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL (Allience x Pajarito Esprit) with Kristin Hardin and Intro Jumpers, won by Kristin Urban’s Arabian WELL MET (Ames Encounter x DBA Celebration). The Beginner Novice Combined Test ran each phase on different days, with Half-Arabian BEAUXCHAMP (Matisse {Old} x Kueen B) and Kerry Zemlicka taking the top prize.

The largest class of the show was Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle ATR with 59 entries, won by CCF INTEGRITI (Infiniti Z x Kaboran Senora) and owner Alice Draper. Second largest with 54 entries was the Arabian Sport Horse In Hand Geldings ATH class,

Tracy

With 537 horses entered comprising 2,076 entries, the place was hopping!

won by AM O PERICLES STYLE (Bremervale Andronicus x AM StylLEFT PHOTO: ARABIAN HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL, CHAMPION OPEN AND SPEED JUMPERS © THE ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE TOP PHOTO: HALF-ARABIAN CURZON, CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE II, RESERVE DRESSAGE GRAND PRIX © THE ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

2013 Supreme Champion Sport Horse, Have Enough © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

old Half-Arabian HAVE ENOUGH (Shugak x Have Faith {WB}),

RAH SWIFT and AUTUMN RHAPSODY (Autumn Séance x Per Rhap-

owned by Traci Moss and bred by Laura Gordon. Have Enough

sody) won 3 each; Half-Arabians HAVE ENOUGH and PIAFFS PRIDE

was named Supreme Champion Sport Horse, National Champion

(Piaff PASB x Elegant Lady {AWS}) also won 3 each. ORATION was

Sport Horse In Hand Geldings Open and ATH, Reserve Champion

also named the High Point Hunter/Jumper of the show by the

in Hunter Hack Jr. Horse, HA/AA Training Level Dressage Jr. Horse,

Arabian-Bred Hunter/Jumper Association.

HA/AA Sport Horse Under Saddle ATR and Top Ten in HA/AA Train-

The rider that accumulated the most National titles was Kris-

ing Level Dressage Open, Sport Horse Under Saddle Open and

tin Hardin, who rode 11 horses to 12 National Championships

Sport Horse Under Saddle Jr Horse!

and 7 Reserve National Championships!

Tied for second place was CCF INTEGRITI, with 4 National

High-score Arabian in dressage was a 78.9 earned by Caitlin

Championships and 3 Top Tens, and AL MARAH SWIFT (Al-Marah

Zech on her gelding AUTUMN RHAPSODY (Autumn Séance x Per

Quebec x Reen Al Fala), with 3 National Championships, 2 Re-

Rhapsody) in Arabian Training Level ATR.

serve National Championships and 2 Top Tens.

High score Half/Anglo-Arabian was a 78.71 earned by Heath-

The horses with the most National Championships were Ara-

er Rudd on her family’s homebred Anglo-Arabian KHEMOS KHOPI

bians ORATION and CCF INTEGRITI with 4 each. Arabians AL MA-

(Kharbon Khopi x Do Yourself Proud {TB}) in HA/AA First Level

Nationals

October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE AAOTR.

The two youngest riders were 9-year-olds Bailey Lones and

High score FEI was a 70.592 earned by Jessica Fussner on Thomas & Linda Freeman’s Half-Arabian IVE BEEN RIPPED (Shen-

Elizabeth Graves.

Please note that at press time AHA had not verified scores

nendoahs Pride {APHA} x Roscza Sadon) in A/HA/AA Prix St.

with us. If you have a correction, kindly let us know.

Georges Open.

Sport Horse Nationals stories continue on page 48.

“HAVE ENOUGH”

retired from breeding. Laura showed her in hunters and equita-

The horse at Sport Horse Nationals 2013 that won the most of any horse competing is the product of a very small breeding operation belonging to Laura Gordon of Aiken, South Carolina.

tion. Have Faith’s wonderful temperament made it a natural decision to breed her.

Both horses’ first national show—this year’s Sport Horse Nationals—was a huge success, with Eliot winning Supreme Cham-

Five-year-old Half-Arabian gelding Have Enough, or “Eliot” as

pion Sport Horse, plus 2 National Champions, 3 Reserve National

he is known, is currently owned by Traci Moss who received him

Champions and 3 Top Ten titles. Andrew brought home 7 Top Ten

last Christmas as a gift from her husband. Laura sold him with the

titles, shown mostly by Laura. Traci could not attend, so Eliot was

understanding that he would stay with her trainer, Cynthia Cub-

shown by four different people to his wins.

bage, and she had first right of refusal to buy Eliot back.

“This is one of the most wonderful things I’ve done in my

Eliot’s older full brother, Have Another, aka “Andrew,” has also

life. Watching the process of them growing up and developing

been very successful in the sport disciplines, being in the top ten

has been a real learning experience,” said Laura. “They both have

last year and again this year for AHA High Point Horse. Andrew

great minds, but I also give Cynthia a lot of credit for bringing

was also USEF Horse of the Year for Sport Horse.

these boys along.”

Eliot’s and Andrew’s sire is the recently deceased Arabian

Traci is an amateur, new to riding as an adult, but says, “ I can’t

Shugak (Lea Baron x SRF Lauramaar), a former Class A Champion

wait to grow my riding abilities and to bring Eliot along with lots

in several disciplines. Shugak has sired one other national re-

of help from my trainer. [During] one of the first moments after

serve champion previously.

I met Eliot, I loved the look in his eyes. I knew he was something

Their dam, Have Faith is a 16.3-hand Holsteiner/Hanoverian

special!”

mare that Laura has owned and shown since 1996 and has now

Cynthia Cubbage on Have Enough (left) and Laura Gordon on Have Another (right). Photo by Don Stine.

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SPORT HORSE

View more photos at:

Arabian Oration, winner of 4 National Championships and High Point Hunter/Jumper pictured with Michael Desiderio. Photo © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Arabian CCF Integriti, also winner of 4 National Championships, with owner Alice Draper. Photo © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

High score FEI (70.592) earned by Jessica Fussner on Thomas & Li man’s Half-Arabian IVE BEEN RIPPED in Prix St. Georges.

Nationals

October/November 2013

http://ashm.co/gallery.php

inda Free.

SPORT HORSE

Kristin Harden with two of her jumper entries, Hope Springs Eternal and EVG Alllon Dunit, Champion and Reserve in the A/HA/AA Speed Jumper class. Photo Š The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Champion of the Beginner Novice Combined Test, HalfArabian Beauxchamp and her owner Kerry Zemlicka.

Youngest competitor of the show was 9-year-old Bailey Lones and her Arabian mare Hearts Adrift.

Photo Š The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

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Nationals

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

Photo Š The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

48

SDF Entourage++++//

By Katie Wojcieszek

Under Saddle, Hunter Hack and Training Level Dressage. This year, we earned our Legion of Excellence and Legion of Masters Awards, the highest levels of the Arabian Achievement Awards!

Six years ago, I leased a mare from my friend in hopes of cre-

However, I knew I needed help with Marley when it came to

ating myself an athletic Half-Arabian that I could take up the lev-

jumping. I hadn’t ridden a working hunter since I was a teenager,

els in dressage. I chose to breed the Hanoverian mare, Chrysalis,

and it made me anxious to jump him without any direction.

to Arabian OKW Entrigue+++// because of his free-moving gaits and the wonderful temperament he passed along to his babies.

So, early this year I went to Kristin Hardin for lessons and jumping advice. I have always respected Kristin, love to watch

The result was a beautiful chestnut colt. He was a fantastic

her show, and knew that she would be a great match for us. She

mover and inherited his father’s uninhibited gaits. I was so excit-

loved Marley and was impressed with his natural jumping abil-

ed that I got a horse with potential to be an upper level dressage horse! However, as he grew up, it became apparent that he had other plans. Marley absolutely loves to jump. At a young age, he would jump the arena fence to come visit us when he was bored.

I started putting him through a jump chute, and he just excelled.

He would get really excited to go through the chute and always came right back to me wanting to do it again.

I broke and trained Marley myself using basic dressage concepts. I sent him through the jump chute regularly to fill his need to jump. I have successfully shown him Sport Horse In Hand,

Nationals

October/November 2013

Photo Š The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

ity. She suggested that we join her amazing group of horses and

tional Reserve Champion, and 4 National Top Tens (3 of which he

go to Virginia with them this year. In the months that followed, I

ranked 3rd in). I am so grateful for this once in a lifetime oppor-

took Marley to a couple shows with Kristin and continued to learn

tunity of travelling across the country with a horse that I created

from her. She was able to build my confidence about jumping and

and having him do so well!

helped me not to interfere with Marley’s natural talent.

Marley is 5 this year, so it was his last chance to show in the Jr. Horse classes at Nationals. I have always wanted to show on the East Coast and this seemed like the perfect time. My husband and family pulled together to support us with the costs involved in travelling to Virginia and we were able to enter the show.

Kristin hired a really great hauling company, and all the horses travelled well in the semi-truck. I was even able to ride along

Sport Horse Nationals stories continue on page 52.

SDF Entourage++++// Results: Champion HA Green Working Hunter with Kristin Hardin Champion HA Hunter Hack ATR

with them during the trip. We took 4 days to get to Virginia, which included a layover in Kentucky where we were able to do some sightseeing. It was an unforgettable trip across the country.

Once we arrived in Lexington, VA, all the horses settled in

Reserve Champion HA Working Hunter AAOTR Top Ten HA Sport Horse in Hand Geldings Open,

great. Marley schooled really well and looked fantastic. He loves

Top Ten HA Sport Horse under Saddle Jr. Horse,

to be at shows, and this was no exception. I am still overwhelmed

HA Hunter

at how well we did at Sport Horse Nationals! My home-bred-andraised horse took home two National Championships, one Na-

Top Ten Hack Jr. Horse, HA Working Hunter ATR

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SPORT HORSE

Sshaq++++//, National Champion Arabian Training Level AAOTR with rider Debbie Canaday. Owned by Debbie and Clayton Canaday.

Sofine Strait Man+, National Champion Arabian First Level Open with rider Kari Schmitt.

All photos are by The Arab View more photos at:

BR Dannys Secret+/, Reserve Champion HA/AA Second Level Open with rider Angelia Bean.

Autumn Rhapsody+//, high-score Arabian in dressage with ATR with Caitlin Zech. Autumn Rhapsody+// won a to

Nationals

October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE

bian Sport Horse Magazine http://ashm.co/gallery.php

AM Chance Command++++//, National Champion Arabian Second Level Open with rider Kassie Barteau.

h a 78.9 earned in Arabian Training Level otal of 3 National Championships.

51

Jennys Fahl Sunrise, National Champion A/HA/AA Dressage Grand Prix with rider Brandi Widmer.

Trifecta+/, National Champion A/HA/AA Fourth Level with rider Courtney Horst.

Nationals

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

Long in the Tooth

Trail with several riders, adults and juniors alike.

Arabian horses are known worldwide for many things, includ-

The next oldest horse, at 24, was Arabian gelding MOSHE O

ing their longevity. At this year’s Sport Horse National Champion-

ZEL (Bask-O-Zel x Magic Jull) owned and shown by Amanda En-

ships there were nine competitors age 20 and over.

drizzi. He was named Reserve Champion in First Level Dressage

The oldest, at 25, was the Arabian/Welsh mare MSF BLUEMOONSTAAR (SAF Ringo Staar x Victorious Damsel). Bred and

Amateur and earned a Top Ten in Second Level Amateur. Before 2013, he hadn’t shown since 2007!

owned by Deborah Reedy, Little Staar earned a Top 10 in Half

At 22, Arabian stallion BEYMOON ZELA (Bask-O-Zel x Mar Ab-

Arabian/Anglo Arabian Sport Horse Mares In Hand with Sydney

bie) is well known at the open dressage venues with owner/rider

Myers-Donegan out of 30 horses.

Samantha Hodgson. Competing at his first SHN, they earned a Re-

Sydney began riding Little Staar as a very young girl, compet-

serve Champion in Intermediare-2 and a Top Ten in Grand Prix.

ing in lead line. She was eager to go to SHN this year to complete

Nancy Ziegler’s 21-year-old Arabian CHA RUDYVALENTINE

her own Handler Of Excellence in addition to being at SHN one

(Chez x AHC Aba Shazie) gave everyone a run for their money

more time.

in Carriage Driving. They went home with 2 Reserve Championships in Gambler’s Choice and Pick Your Route and 3 Top Tens in

Photo © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Little Staar has previously earned National Championships in

Beymoon Zela ridden by Samantha Hodgson

The oldest horse at SHN , age 25, Arabian/Welsh mare MSF BLUEMOONSTAAR pictured with owner Deborah Reedy.

Photo © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

52

CHA Rudyvalentine and Nancy Ziegler

Nationals

October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE Ride & Drive, Scurry and Timed Obstacles. This versatile pair has

Arabian Training Level AAOTR with Aneesa Romans with a 67.1%,

competed in many disciplines and were US National Champion

just missing Reserve by 0.1%!

Jumper in 2002.

Arabian mare KHEMALOWA (Khemosabi x Empire Lass) and

Also 21, Arabian ZALEZHAR HALIMA (Zalezhar Ace x Valiants Sabata), owned by Missy Snyder, attended his first SHN this year,

her owner/breeder Lisa Robinson earned a Top Ten in Arabian Second Level ATR scoring 61.31%.

after having shown at just a handful of shows in his life. This

Arabian SAFARR (Safire x Ries SP Bouquet) earned his first na-

rescued cute black gelding earned 4 Top Ten titles in Working

tional title in 2005 and has accumulated 7 National Champion-

Hunter AAO, Hunter Hack AAO, Intro Jumpers and Equitation Over

ships at Third Level and above. At SHN, he and owner Suzanne

Obstacles. (See story on page 60.)

Sontag won a Top Ten in Open Third Level.

The four 20-year olds accounted for 5 National Top Tens, all

Half-Arabian PF LORD KAIVALIER (Kaivalier x Sofistigaitd Lady

in dressage. Arabian gelding *PARADOKS+/ (Djaz x Planeta) was

{NSH}) ridden by owner Cathy Gage, earned Top Tens in HA/AA

imported from Latvia to race in the U.S. in 1996. He was a stakes

Second Level ATR & AAOTR with scores of 60.774% and 59.333%

winner before retiring at age 7 and becoming a pleasure and

respectively.

show horse. At this, his first national show, he earned a Top Ten in

Sport Horse Nationals stories continue on the next page.

Safarr with Suzanne Sontag. Photo by Don Stine.

*Paradoks+/ ridden by Aneesa Romans. Photo by Tracy Kelsey.

Zalezhar Halima and Missy Snyder. Photo by Don Stine.

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Anglo-Arabian Awards Photographs by The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Owner First Level Dressage and Amateur Second Level Dressage, two Reserve National Championships in Amateur First Level Dressage and Amateur Sport Horse Show Hack and a Top Ten ti-

The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association recognized the most talented AngloArabians competing at Sport Horse National Championships again in 2013. NAAAHA has rewarded the top performers since 2007 by presenting the top five horses and riders with neck ribbons and the Supreme Champion with an embroidered dress sheet and trophy.

tle in Adult Amateur Owner Second Level Dressage, all ridden by Heather.

Eleven-year-old GALILEO+// (Alota Gator Bait x Beaus Star Ruler) owned by Ashley Wren of Billings, MT earned Reserve Supreme Champion honors thanks to winning five Top Ten titles in Open, Green and Amateur Working Hunter, Open Jumper and Open Hunter Hack. He was ridden to these titles by his owner and

by Ashley Doyle.

Top Five awards were earned by BEYOND THE SEAZ+/ (Al

At the 2013 Sport Horse National Championship Show, there were 26 Anglos competing for these Top Honors.

Marah Seazar x Glenna Bay), owned by Kristi & Denny Herbst of Farmington, MO and ridden by Kaylan Herbst. This horse earned a

The Supreme Champion was the 7-year-old gelding KHEMOS

National Championship in Adult Amateur Owner Hunter Hack and

KHOPI+++// (Kharbon Khopi x Do Yourself Proud) owned by John

three Top Ten titles in Open, Amateur and Adult Amateur Working

Albright & Heather Rudd of Winamac, IN and bred by John Al-

Hunter.

bright. He earned two National Championships in Adult Amateur

With a Reserve National Champion in Open Working Hunter

Khemos Khopi+++//, Supreme Champion Anglo-Arabian, National Champion HA/AA Second Level ATR and First Level AAOTR and high-score Half/Anglo-Arabian in dressage (78.71 ) with rider Heather Albright-Rudd.

Galileo+//, Rese

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October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE and 3 Top Ten titles in Adult Amateur Owner and Amateur Working Hunter, plus Amateur Sport Horse Geldings In Hand, nineyear-old gelding ONE MORE ROUND++++//Â (Al Jassur Laddin x Winifred) earned himself a place in our Top Five. He is owned, bred and shown by Bill and Alexis Doughty of Cape Charles, VA. Five-year-old mare AM TOKEN CHICK+++// (Bremervale Andronicus x Queen Christine) owned and bred by Jerry Hamilton of Tucson, AZ, was also named to the Top Five. She did so by earning two National Championships in Open and Amateur Sport Horse Mares In Hand and 2 Top Tens in Training Level Dressage Junior Horse and Sport Horse Under Saddle Junior Horse. She was shown by Jerry, Brooke Fuchs and Wendy Davis.

Beyond The Seaz+/, Top Five Anglo-Arabian

Anglo-Arabians accounted for a total of 5 National Championships, 6 Reserve National Championships and 42 Top Tens. Points awarded are weighted differently for upper and lower level classes.

NAAAHA (www.naaaha.com) is a non-profit organization offering awards, education and promotion of Anglo-Arabian breeders and owners in North America.Â

One More Round++++//, Top Five Anglo-Arabian

erve Supreme Champion Anglo-Arabian, with Ashley Wren AM Token Chick+++//, Top Five Anglo-Arabian

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Not An Easy Journey

Beating cancer and making it to Sport Horse Nationals.

by Susie Lones

but when we were there I asked the surgeon, “How soon can we do this? I have a horse show I am trying to make it to in September. Do you think I will make it?” He said, “I have a daughter and

After an ultrasound, a CT, MRI and a biopsy, the Oncologist

a sister in horses. I understand the addiction. You should be able

looked at us and said, “Well you have a neuroendocrine tumor

to make it.” Good enough for me. Let’s do this. I rode every night

on your pancreas, it’s pancreatic cancer. As a matter of fact, it’s

after work up until the day we left for me to have surgery.

the same kind Steve Jobs had.” I looked at him and said, in a

On June 14, 2013 as I went in for surgery, the nurse explained

nervous chuckle, “Yeah, he’s dead. Do you have anyone else you

all the things that would be attached to me when I woke up. I

can give me?” The oncologist said, “I used him because he didn’t

closed my eyes and said a prayer. The next thing I knew, I was

have surgery until it was too late. You can’t fool around with this;

awake in the ICU. I had a nearly 7-hour surgery to remove the

you need to have surgery as soon as possible.” My mind flashed

tumor. It was a small, malignant type, but they got it all and there

to my 9-year-old daughter, Bailey, my family, my friends and my

was no sign of it in surrounding lymph nodes or tissues. As I woke

animals. I looked over at my husband, Jimmy; his face was white…

up more—with my Dad and husband there—I thought, “Well

he hadn’t gotten past the words “pancreatic cancer.” Then, the

that’s not so bad.” I looked down at my abdomen and saw the

oncologist left the room, and the tears came. Both of us cried.

over-a-foot-long incision and thought, “It’s over, and I am fine.”

I couldn’t help but be terrified, and not much scares me. I am

Well, it wasn’t quite that easy. For the next four days, I thought I

tough, and I don’t even get the flu. But in December of 2012, my

was dying for sure! It hurt terribly! After nine days in the hospital,

left hand started hurting. I was exhausted, and then everything

they let us leave, but we had to stay in Baltimore for another 5

started hurting—my elbows, the backs of my knees, everything.

days before they would release me.

Pretty much anywhere there is a lymph node hurt. I was having a

My mom was unable to make the trip to Johns Hopkins, but

hard time keeping up with work and my barn chores. That’s when

she was anxiously waiting updates. My brother came for a few

I finally went to the doctor and all the testing began.

days, and I know I couldn’t have done so well and recovered so

My only bad habit was too much Diet Coke. How in the world did I come up with something so rare and bad? I will probably never know the answer to that.

quickly without the prayers and support from all my wonderful family and friends.

Finally, after 2 weeks we headed home to TN. Bailey, my

The Oncologist sent us to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD (we

daughter, had stayed home with our friends. She had been a

are from TN). The surgeon there wrote the text book on the Whip-

trooper. She and her best friend had horse camp the first week,

ple procedure—the extensive abdominal surgery used for pan-

so she was busy. When we called her, her voice would get shaky

creatic cancer. So, we went in May for a consultation. It’s crazy,

but she never cried. I sure did when we got off the phone though.

Nationals

October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE I couldn’t wait to see her. I couldn’t wait to see the horses either.

time off?” I responded, “Yes, I could have, but I wanted to ride my

I missed the barn and the farm and the horses. I cried because

horse and I felt guilty being out on leave and riding my horse. I

there were horses on the news when we were in the hotel in Bal-

didn’t want 20/20 or Dateline showing up at my house video tap-

timore (yes I was a little emotional and silly). I couldn’t wait to

ing me riding while out on leave from work.” It was funny, but I

get home!

am grateful for my wonderful job and didn’t want to be gone too

While I was recovering, Jimmy and Bailey did my normal barn

long.

chores. My friend helped clean stalls, too. Four weeks after sur-

After two more weeks of riding, I felt strong and good! I

gery, I thought I felt good enough to at least lunge my horse, Allie.

thought, “I can do this, I can make it to Sport Horse Nationals.”

I thought wrong. Apparently you use your abdominal muscles a

So, I sent in my entries. I will be showing 14 weeks after mas-

lot when you lunge. I lunged her for only a few minutes and spent

sive abdominal surgery. My first class will be a hunter class jump-

the next two days in horrible pain on the couch. So it was then

ing 3’ fences. With all of my abdominal muscles still recovering

that I thought, “There is no way I am going to make it to Sport

from being cut open, let’s hope Allie is good enough for both of

Horse Nationals.” I sent in Bailey’s entries on the Aug 5 deadline,

us! I am going with low expectations and just looking forward to

but I didn’t send mine. I was sad because I really wanted to show.

having fun. Really, I think I am more nervous and excited to see

After about 8 weeks, I started riding again. I am lucky that I

Bailey and her horse, Sunny, show!

have such a wonderful horse that I can just hop on her after not being ridden for 8 weeks. She never took a misstep; she just took

Editor’s Note: at Sport Horse Nationals, Susie and her mare, Illumi-

care of me. I just walked and sat on Allie at first, then added the

nada (Lasodo x Imbrie (SWB}), earned not one but 5 National Top

trot. On the day I cantered again on her, I almost cried. It felt

Tens: HA/AA Working Hunter AAOTR, Working Hunter ATR, Open

great and so free.

Hunter Hack, Equitation Not To Jump and Equitation Over Obstacles. Bailey and her pony, Hearts Adrift (Lasodo x Al Thameena),

only seven weeks after surgery, one of the doctors I call on said,

had a great ride in a huge Hunter Hack ATR class, but didn’t pin. She

“Why are you back at work so soon, couldn’t you have taken more

was, at age 9, one of the youngest competitors.

© The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

When I went back to work (I am a pharmaceutical sales rep.)

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Nationals

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

“Worth My Wait Ingold” An orphaned horse that beat the odds

So, Lorraine was bred back to Goldmine. They kept a close watch on her, and again all seemed normal. About a week before Lorraine’s due date, Chrystal noticed she was rubbing her tail and

When Chrystal Coffelt-Wood decided back in 2009 that she

sweating. The vet again said it was nothing to worry about. The

wanted a warmblood mare to breed to her Arabian stallion, True

next day, Lorraine’s abdomen looked distended, and when Chrys-

Blue Goldmine+++//, she never dreamed of the odyssey she had

tal took her pulse, it was 72. The vet came and assured Chrystal

started.

that Lorraine was not in labor, but experiencing a mild colic. They

Chrystal had owned her stallion since he was 3, showing him in dressage very successfully, including a 2009 National Championship in Training Level. She teaches riding at Grey Goose Farm.

treated her as such, yet the next morning the mare’s heart rate was even higher.

Chrystal immediately took Lorraine to the vet hospital where

Chrystal found a beautiful 17.2 hand Oldenburg mare named

they found abdominal wall tearing. After a few days of trying to

Lorraine in a nearby Pennsylvania town. Lorraine was sired by

manage the mare, the vets suggested she go to New Bolton Cent-

the famous 4* Oldenburg stallion Contucci, who was known for

er. The neonatal specialist, Dr. Jonathan Palmer, gave Lorraine IV

dressage talent. Chrystal bred Goldmine to Lorraine and settled

pain medication and closely monitored her.

in to wait 11 months for the result. The pregnancy appeared to

At the same time, Chrystal was scheduled to take some stu-

be going very well, but near the end, Chrystal felt something was

dents to a horse show out of town and did so only because she

wrong. Lorraine’s due date had passed, but their vet was not con-

knew Lorraine was in good hands. While there, Dr. Palmer in-

cerned. When Lorraine did go into labor, the foal got stuck and

formed Chrystal that Lorraine’s abdomen was tearing more and

died.

her intestines were starting to bulge through. He told her if he

Lorraine

True Blue Goldmine+++//. Photo by Suzanne.

Nationals

October/November 2013

SPORT HORSE induced labor, the foal would die but the mare would probably live. If they waited until the mare foaled on her own, the foal would probably live but the mare would die.

Chrystal told the vet to induce labor; she wanted to save Lorraine’s life. After anxiously awaiting news, Dr. Palmer called to tell her that Lorraine had a colt and they were both alive! He told her that if the colt lived through the first 72 hours, he would survive. They had taken drastic measures to get him out, breaking six ribs in the process. Lorraine was expected to make a full, albeit lengthy, recovery.

The next day, Dr. Palmer called Chrystal with the bad news that Lorraine had developed a high fever and her heart rate had soared to over 100. Because she was in pain with no end in sight, Chrystal made the difficult decision to put Lorraine to sleep.

Next came the task of finding a nurse mare for the colt, which they had named Gram. Despite the expense, Chrystal felt a nurse mare would give Gram the best chance at a normal and healthy life.

The first mare they leased would not bond with Gram at all.

They resumed the search and found another possibility. The second mare was thin and suffering from an infection, but antibiotics helped clear that up, thankfully, for she and Gram bonded. Even while nursing him, she gained weight on the lush grass and he grew up healthy and strong.

Chrystal’s friends and students generously held fundraisers to help cover the exorbitant expenses incurred during Gram’s first few months of life. But the story doesn’t end there.

Last month at Sport Horse Nationals, Gram, who’s registered name is Worth My Wait Ingold, showed in the Half-Arabian/Anglo Arabian Yearling Sport Horse In Hand Colts and Geldings class and earned himself a Reserve National Championship.

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Nationals

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

SPORT HORSE

Piaffs Pride, winner of 3 National Championships.

All photos are by The Arab View more photos at:

EB Charlamagne, National Champion HA/AA Sport Horse Show Hack and Third Level ATR with Caitlin Zech.

Caitlyn Saranchak rode her Arabian mare Angelica Bay to Championships in both Hunter Seat Equitation classes.

Curzon, Reserve Champion HA/AA Sport Horse Show Hack.

Nationals

October/November 2013

bian Sport Horse Magazine http://ashm.co/gallery.php

Al Marah Swift, winner of 3 National Championships.

6-year-old Arabian Luxemere Patrician+/, National Champion Hunter Hack AAOTR, Reserve Champion Hunter Hack ATR, Working Hunter AAOTR, and Green Working Hunter.

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SPORT HORSE

CA Backdraft, National Champion Carriage Driving Scurry Obstacle.

SWA Barberry Bey, National Champion Arabian Sport Horse Show Hack.

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Zhar

Not your typical show horse story.

BY MISSY SNYDER

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” -Emily Bronte

“You can ride that Arabian standing out there in that field with

familiar with the breed and had an immense love and apprecia-

the cows,” said the older country guy wearing overalls. “Nobody

tion for them. I remembered looking at her Arabian magazines

ever messes with him.” I stared out into a massive field and saw a

when I was 8 years old wondering what it must feel like to have

small dark gelding under a lone tree gently swishing flies. He was

someone place a garland of roses on your horse’s neck at a show.

near a herd of cows, and in the distance there were some paints

I loved those magazines.

and quarter horses. I had recently moved to a Midwest town and

I agreed to take a peek at this gelding in the cow field and

missed my horse on my parents’ farm back home in Georgia. After

went out to meet him. His name was Zalezhar Halima, or “Zhar.”

asking around, someone mentioned visiting this ranch to see if

He had big pretty eyes, was calm and SMALL. However, there was

anyone needed a horse exercised. I didn’t have much money but

something about him that was also just plain sad. His coat was

thought someone might need help, while giving me my horse fix.

dull and filthy and his mane was knotted. After inquiring about

Horses had been a part of my life ever since I could remem-

his story, it turned out his owner had purchased him as a young-

ber, and I was looking for a horse to give a little attention to

ster for fun because he had a lot of money and thought it would

and maybe trail ride and just have fun with. Coincidentally, my

be of great notoriety to “own an Arabian.” He said that, shortly

mother had an Arabian gelding for nearly 30 years, so I was very

after his owner bought him, he had a cowboy break him. He had

October/November 2013

Competing at Sport Horse Nationals, Spetember 2013, age 21

given up on training him when the cowboy informed him that

taught him how to jump logs in the woods, which he loved. His

“this horse is just too stupid and too lazy to cut cows.” So, he

confidence was growing, and we were really happy together.

became a pasture ornament.

After a few months, his owner came to me and stated he

His owner also had Clydesdales and was increasingly more

wanted to get rid of him. I was honest with him and told him I

interested in parades with them, so there sat Zhar. I didn’t have a

couldn’t afford to buy him. He then called me that Friday and told

thing to lose, so I started spending time with him. He was sweet

me he had booked him on a trailer to be taken to auction the

and simply loved the attention. He whinnied at me every time I

following morning. I panicked because I soon found out it was

drove up. Because his pasture was 2,500 acres, I had to drive my

a slaughter auction, and I simply could not believe it. I was even

Honda Accord out to find him each time and then pony him be-

told by someone who knew a kill buyer that he would “get a good

side the car back to the barn. He never thought a thing about it.

price since his muscle to bone ratio was good.” I was horrified!

He certainly didn’t fit the stereotype of a high-strung Arab.

I frantically scrambled, literally collecting coins in my car and

I eventually backed him and realized he didn’t know a thing

couch cushions. I had just started waiting tables at a restaurant

about my leg and hated being in the arena. So, we went out for

and put everything I could in an envelope and drove it to this

a trail ride. He immediately blossomed and seemed to love eve-

man’s house at 9 pm that night. I gave him the money and begged

ry second of our time out there. I rode nearly every day, and he

him to accept it, as I was terrified of Zhar’s fate if this didn’t work.

quickly became a different horse. He wasn’t depressed anymore

He finally agreed, and I had never felt so relieved in my life. He

and appeared to be thriving. His coat was shiny, and he was toned

wrote me a bill of sale and handed me his registration papers.

and fit. He was lightning fast across the fields, and I eventually

Wait, what? He was registered? I hadn’t even thought of that. It

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine At that time, I figured we would stop there, but I decided to take him to some Arabian shows. He did well, so I decided that the following year we would try to go to Regionals, which was just before Zhar’s 20th birthday. I thought how amazing it would feel to receive a pretty Top 5 ribbon but never dreamed it would happen. We not only received several top 5 ribbons, but a garland of championship roses, as well. Through happy tears as the woman placed his roses on his neck, I now knew what that feeling was that I pondered as a child, and it was unforgettable.

When we got home, I suddenly realized it was me who had Dec 1998, Age 6, The day after I rescued him, with his kitty friend who loved to keep warm on his back.

been holding us back. It wasn’t so long ago that I said to myself, “I

really didn’t matter to me at the time, though. He was now safe,

onship ribbon, we can’t go to Regionals and come home with any-

and that was all that was important.

thing… this horse has only been trained by me.” Well, I refused to

Then, I began to worry. I now owned this little Arab, and I had

can’t show Zhar, we cannot win a blue, we cannot win a champi-

hold us back anymore.

no plans to do anything like this. Plus, my dream horse was 16

He did a beautiful job at Regionals the following year, and

hands and trained, not 14 hands and all over the place. I decided

others encouraged us to consider Sport Horse Nationals. Keep in

to make the most of it and do my best. When I received a job offer

mind, if this little gelding were from a professional training barn,

back in Georgia six months later, I accepted it. It meant leaving

had many showing miles under his belt, was younger, and if I had

Zhar behind while I searched for a place for him. My friend looked

been working with a professional trainer most of my life, I would

after him for 3 months until I could finally have him shipped to

have felt more confident. I had many reservations about SHN, a

me. When he got off that trailer, I burst into tears and grabbed his

lot had to do with our lack of experience, but mostly due to trave-

neck tightly and just smelled him. I had forgotten how yummy he

ling to Virginia with my horse that is now 21 years old and the

smelled and didn’t realize how much I missed him.

stress on him.

For the next 12 years or so, we didn’t do much of anything

Then, there were a few who asked if I was planning to pull

other than trail rides, camping, and just having fun together. He

his mane or put shoes on him (which I have never done), to both

became best friends with my older horse, which made me very

I politely said, “No way.” I love his long mane, and all the farriers

happy. We kept up with the jumping since he loved it, and one

I have used have advised against shoeing him. So, after talking

day a fellow boarder said, “Dang girl, that horse can jump!” She

with my vet and friends, I decided to give the show a try. I had

asked me if I would like to go to a local show with her. I told her

no expectations, other than experiencing the show, being there

I had never thought about showing Zhar but decided it might be

among the greats, and taking it all in with my best friend—and

fun.

trying not to make a complete fool of myself in the process.

I hadn’t participated in a horse show since I was a kid and

Arriving in Virginia was incredibly intimidating for me. As an

tried to remember everything I was supposed to do. We ended up

elementary school teacher, money is very tight, and after look-

coming home with an armful of 2 place ribbons, and to say I was

ing around, part of me thought, “What in the world are you do-

surprised was an understatement. I then thought how exciting it

ing here?” We don’t have anything fancy—Zhar wasn’t purchased

would be if Zhar and I could win a blue ribbon someday. We kept

from a well-known trainer/breeder—and pretty much everything

at it and eventually got that blue and later a few championship

we have is pre-owned. It was tricky, but in the end, I forced myself

ribbons. We had fun participating in endurance, hunter pleasure,

to ignore my feelings and focus on my horse. I met some wonder-

dressage, cross-country, jumpers and combined training events.

ful, supportive people, who along with my family helped me to

Sometimes, I think there is nothing he cannot do. Actually, to be

feel more at home, which was great.

nd

honest, there is nothing he won’t try for me.

I had the most amazing time watching new friends show their

October/November 2013 way home from Virginia, my boy had his pretty mane blowing in the sunshine, and I looked out at the mountains and felt like the luckiest girl to have him—to experience this with him. I am so glad this SHN experience was with him and not another horse.

I guess the moral of my story is to believe in the impossible, never judge and never put limits on yourself. Great things really do come from true love.

I can only imagine the things we would have done if I had the courage to show Zhar years ago. But would I have done anything differently if I could have? Probably not. This is the way our story After Regionals, May 2013, age 21

was supposed to go. He has been with me through many ups and

pretty horses and win with them. I cheered and hugged them… I

downs in my life and remained rock solid and steady. He is my

was just so happy for them and overjoyed to be there to see it.

companion and my child. He consoled me when I lost my older

We began to show, and Zhar was eager and seemed ready to

horse. He patiently waits for me when I need space to breathe or

go, but I was nervous to say the least. Before I knew it, the results

takes me away when I need to escape. He is an old soul, the love

came in and I heard our number called for our first National Top

of my life, and he trusts me to try anything new.

Ten. I sat there stunned until someone finally said, “That’s you!”

Leave it to one little rescued Arabian gelding to teach me the

Two seconds after our photo was taken, I literally burst into tears

true meaning of having the cojones to go for a childhood dream.

and buried my face in his mane and told him how proud I was of

Truth be told, in the end, Zhar is the one who rescued me.

him. Around me I heard, “Aww she’s crying.” They just didn’t understand what this meant to me. I could not believe it. I will never

“Saving just one horse won’t change the world, but it will

be able to fully describe how that felt.

surely change the world of that one horse.” - unknown

By the end of the week, we had earned four National Top Tens in

Working

AAO,

Hunter

Hunter Hack

AAO, Intro Jumpers and Equitation Over Obstacles. Zhar, my little 14-hand barefoot gelding, and me, a girl who can pretty much count the number of riding lessons I have had the last few years on two hands. I am still in disbelief. It was certainly a dream come true on many levels.

As we made our

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Silk Roads Legacy A Story of Determination

I

BY CASSIE PHELPS d o not come from a wealthy family that can afford

on his mouth leaving him with his lip permanently stuck out on

made horses, ready to go and win at the upper levels.

his right side. He went to live in Manhattan, Kansas while Cara

They taught me if I wanted something I needed to work

was attending college at Kansas State University. There, he got to

for it, so in 2003 I bought my Arabian mare, Black Moons Molly

grow up and be a horse while she worked on training him. Legacy

(Nahr Raban x Mistanny El Aswad), knowing she was older and

came home during Cara’s final years of college, and I rode him

had only been a broodmare with little under saddle experience.

off and on.

I cleaned stalls at $1.00 a stall to work her off with her owner. In

In 2009, we made the decision to move barns so that the

2004, she had her last foal, a leggy copy of his sire with the same

horses would have a forty-acre pasture to run on, and they would

face, gorgeous golden bay with a small sabino spot.

be just minutes from my house. The horses seemed to have set-

Silk Roads Legacy was born on April Fools Day, befitting his

tled-in perfectly, and everything was great. My mom and I went

personality. He is a Half Arabian by Kopeli (Akhal-teke) and out

out there the day after moving, greeted by a horse owner’s worst

of Black Moons Molly. As was typical with Molly, she foaled in the

nightmare. Legacy was three-legged lame, barely able to give a

early evening. Legacy was the third and final cross between the

few steps. His head was down, and I could tell he was in signifi-

two. As luck would have it, my sister, Cara, fell in love with Legacy

cant pain.

and bought him, and he became a part of the family.

Immediately, we sprang into action. The vet, Cara and my dad

While Legacy was a foal, we learned about his funny quirks

were called, and we started to bring Legacy in. The trek from the

and his goofy personality. I was able to ride Molly, and while

pasture to the barn took several hours and eight people to assist

learning to ride, she took me to my D3 in the United States Pony

him. His right front leg was put in a manure bucket and filled with

Club. Cara was able to finish out her youth years on her Quarter

ice until our vet arrived. Our vet could not believe the damage; he

Horse before she graduated. When Legacy was a few months old,

felt around, found two severed tendons, and believed another to

he chewed on a gate latch enough that he got it stuck and caught

be badly strained. X-rays were taken from his hoof to his shoul-

October/November 2013

Legacy napping with his teddy bear at a horse show. der, and that’s when we found the real damage. A piece of Legacy’s radius had broken. The damage was so bad that we thought we would have to put him down.

Showing off in the snow. tive shoes and did flat work to build up the muscle he had lost.

2013 has been Legacy’s year to shine and really become a fantastic show horse. As Cara had decided to follow her dreams

The decision was made to splint-wrap him and wait; if he

to turn professional, it looked like he may have to sit out another

made it through any day it was a miracle. As Cara was away at col-

season. Wanting a change from showing the stock horses, I start-

lege, I was given the task of splint-wrapping his legs, and he was

ed riding him. We went to the St. Louis MAHA Show in March, and

put on stall rest for a minimum of eight months. For those eight

despite his protests to being out in the cold (ask him how much

months, his leg was splinted until the vet okayed him for hand

he loved the heated barns), we did extremely well with limited

walking. For those four months, Legend was hand-walked until he

jumping beforehand. In April, we found our rhythm, and Legacy

was cleared for turnout and light riding.

rocked it, winning half his classes!

The road to complete recovery has been long but worth it. In

Mid season, Cara and I noticed Legacy would swell through-

2011, Legacy was able to start into heavy work, including some

out his body after a heavy flat or jumping session. We went

jumping. In 2012, I took him to the Longview Horse Trials where

through our options and called Rhonda Martin out to give him a

he finished 9th after only schooling cross-country two weeks be-

massage and help with his saddle fitting. She worked her fingers

forehand! He did have a slight flare-up and was put into correc-

and taught us several stretches to help him work through any tension and soreness he might be feeling.

She helped us help him to lift the shoulder he had broken so he could regain even more muscle on that side. It is amazing how much of a difference the Fleeceworks pad and stretching has made on him. (Free walk is his absolute favorite Dressage move!)

Cara and I only have two jumps at home, and we both wanted Legacy to do his best and continue the success he was having, so we headed over to Julie Wolfert’s for some well-rounded, dressage-based jumping lessons. Julie would put us through her scary fences (Some scare me!), and we’d go home and find out that ground poles are indeed

Longview Horse Trials

our friends, not our foe.

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

© The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

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Longview Horse Trials

Sport Horse Nationals

The hard work paid off, and the Region XI Championships

Our first class of the show was the HA/AA Green Working

went like a dream. Legacy packed me around to a Green Working

Hunter; Leg has not had a chance to jump truly hunter decorated

Hunter win, an Adult Amateur Equitation Over Fences win and a

jumps, so this was a new experience, and he marched over every-

Reserve in the Open Hunter Hack with three Top Fives, too! We

thing, packing me around to a Top Ten! Saturday, we got the won-

went to both the United States Pony Club Mega Rally and Mid-

derful experience of showing in the rain, making me very happy

west Championships, earning 8th in Dressage with 2nd in Show

for a cross-trained horse that also events as the puddles didn’t

Jumping at Mega and 6th in Dressage and 2nd in horse manage-

faze him one bit. He jumped beautifully, earning a fourth on one

ment at the Midwest Champs.

of the judge’s cards and earning us another Top Ten in the HA/AA

Legacy has come a long way—from a gangly baby to a horse

Hunter Hack AAOTR.

fighting to live to a successful and spoiled show horse. Every

Sunday, I thought our class would never come, and finally our

time I look back at how far we’ve come, it leaves me speechless.

last class of the show came around full of multiple National and

This season, we’ve become a team learning together and work-

Open Circuit champions. We had a train wreck of a warm up; both

ing things out, with our support team behind us from Cara, our

of us were tired, grumpy and ready to get home. Legacy has this

wonderful vet, Dr. Hertzog, Rhonda and her miracle fingers, our

thing of being naughty then pulling himself together and do-

farrier Jesse, and Julie for putting up with our awkwardness. It’s

ing really well in his classes, which thankfully he did! He flatted

just amazing that this little horse with a big personality has made

beautifully, and I got to sit back and enjoy the ride. He jumped

it from the edge to being ranked Top Ten in the nation. Legacy

great, earning another fourth on one of the judge’s cards and

keeps getting better with age and I look forward to everything

took home our last Top Ten in the HA/AA Hunter Hack ATR.

our future holds.

I could not be more pleased with my horse, my sister Cara

Silk Roads Legacy and I attended our first Arabian & Half Ara-

who coached me, and our cheering section both at the show and

bian Sport Horse Nationals this year. The quality of horses in all

back home! The pasture horse that was fighting to survive a few

of the classes was surreal. Legacy is small: coming from a pony

years ago is going to enjoy his vacation and get ready to play next

sized dam and a very large sire, he was stuck on the smaller side,

year. This little horse with a huge heart and the ability to over-

just barely over pony height. However, he makes up for it with

come anything has just started what we hope to be his continued

heart and stride.

successful career.

October/November 2013

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Madeleine Hoshizaki: A Journey from Old MacDonald to

Dark Pranks

by Maurine Webb

S

ince the age of three, while in

there!” Boy was she hooked! It became a

cinnati, Ohio where she met and married

nursery school, Madeleine Ho-

lifelong obsession.

her husband.

shizaki had to have the chil-

In San Pedro, California, Maddy be-

Maddy did not buy a horse until later,

dren’s book, Old MacDonald Had a Farm,

gan riding horses at the park and at dude

once she and her husband had moved to

and guess what? A horse was on the cover.

ranches during the summer. Whenever she

Michigan. She finally had the time and the

So began her love of horses and, in her

could, she rode an hour here and there, but

money, so she decided to take lessons. She

own words, “And steady downhill from

she just wanted to have her own horse and

half-leased a horse, which did not work

take lessons. Some of

out. Understandably, she really wanted

her friends had hors-

to have her own horse. A co-worker had a

es and competed in

friend who raised Arabians, and a meeting

hunter/jumper class-

was set. Maddy figured she could find out

es. She even suggest-

from an expert what was involved in own-

ed to her parents that

ing a horse, both in time and money need-

they

their

ed. She spent a weekend at the breeder’s

garage into a barn

farm near Kalamazoo and was fortunate

so she could have a

that the woman was very thorough, con-

horse. Their response

scientious and objective when helping her

was “What would we

decide on a horse.

...by this time, Maddy was having second thoughts about ever owning another horse.

convert

do with a horse in the

That Sunday night, Maddy came home

city and where would

and told her husband, “Honey, I bought a

we put our cars?” So,

horse!” The horse was an Arabian/Tennes-

she had to settle for a

see Walker, and he was a sweetheart. He

cat. Later, she and her

looked like a National Show Horse, with

family moved to Cin-

long legs and a long neck. Since the horse

October/November 2013

71

Dark Prankster and Maddy

Photo by Maurine Webb

ster was green-broke, they learned how to ride together. When Maddy’s instructor asked her what discipline she wanted to pursue, she replied hunters. The instructor suggested that she start with dressage, as it

Oldenburg. She bought him from a friend

As you can imagine, by this time, Mad-

teaches the rider to feel what the horse

of a friend and was railroaded into the

dy was having second thoughts about ever

is doing and helps develop a better seat

transaction. When the vet came to do the

owning another horse. She went for about

and leg. Although she learned a great deal

soundness check, he said, “He is the lazi-

a year without one but still just wanted a

from this horse, he was not competitive.

est horse that I have ever seen. If I were

nice horse that she could trail-ride. While

So Maddy sold this horse and bought a

you, I would not buy this horse; I can dis-

surfing the Internet, she found an Arabian/

more show-worthy Thoroughbred. “But, I

qualify him for you.” She replied, “I kind

Quarter Horse in Oregon. Beau turned out

was a terrible rider,” recalls Maddy. “It was

of feel that I have to buy this horse!” Well,

to be a sweetheart, her “rock,” and she still

a frustrating time.”

the horse did not like dressage, he did not

owns him today, although he is now 28

About this time, her family moved to

like trail riding, and he did not like people.

years old and retired. Beau did everything:

California with the Thoroughbred in tow.

He bit and bucked and was the nastiest

dressage, hunting and trail-riding. Beau

She could not find an instructor that she

horse she had ever met. He was stubborn

also led her to meeting her current trainer,

liked, so she decided to trail-ride instead

to the point of hurting himself.

Patience Prine-Carr.

of competing. He threw her several times

Maddy knew it was time to get rid of

Maddy and her friend were looking

(one time she had to have thirteen stitch-

him when one day, he bucked her off. As

for a trainer, and someone recommended

es) and then he stepped on and broke her

she lay on the ground, a little voice in her

Patience. Patience did dressage, hunters,

foot. Sadly, she eventually had to have him

head whispered, “Do not move your head!”

equitation and eventing, and she worked

put down due to his health.

Suddenly, the horse reared up, came down

particularly with Arabians.

and tried to put his hoof on her head. Time

happily taking hunter lessons, until one

to sell this one!

day Patience left her sweatshirt on the rail

The next horse she bought was the horse from hell! He looked like a small

Maddy was

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine of the ring fence. Beau went flappy, she

length—the time required for training and

getting him to canter, but eventually he

forced him to jump and he dumped her.

travel and the expense to buy and keep a

figured it out. Next, Maddy called Patience

Maddy landed on the arena fence, was dig-

horse of that caliber. In the end, her hus-

and asked her to come and look at the

ging dirt out of her ear for three days, and

band said to go for it!

horse. Patience’s response was, “He will

had a concussion to match the dent in her

Maddy decided to keep working rather

be a nice horse for training,” so she bought

helmet. Perhaps it was time to do some-

than retire in order to use her income for

him. So began, ten years ago, Maddy’s

thing less dangerous… dressage!! Patience

“The Horse.” Her search took six months.

journey with Dark Prankster, age 3.

suggested that she come to a show with

She was working at home one day, surfing

In the beginning, he was so clumsy he

her, and although Maddy had said that she

the Internet, and there on the screen was

would fall down in the pasture and on the

was through with competition, she had

an Arabian/Friesian gelding (she already

lunge line, always getting his legs tangled

a great time. It was then she decided to

loved Arabians and had fallen in love with

up. The poor horse could not tell where

compete on the Arabian show circuit.

Friesians after seeing the movie, “Lady-

his body parts were. and Maddy even

In the meantime, her husband was rid-

hawke”). The horse was stabled just north

thought to herself “What have I bought?”

ing Beau in small hunter classes, on trail

of Sacramento, so she called the owner

He was like a goofy kid. They took him to

rides and even in a 30-mile endurance

to find out if she could come and see the

the Scottsdale Horse Show and although

race. Since he was teaching Beau bad hab-

horse that day.

he did very well, he still needed to solidify

its, Maddy told him, “I think it’s time that

She liked the look of the horse, but he

his work ethic. Sometimes, it was a sheer

you get your own horse.” He replied that

wasn’t sure if he liked her and was very

battle of wills between Maddy and “Peet.”

he was not ready to buy his own horse, and

cautious. He had beautiful movement but

She would almost be in tears with the

instead suggested she get a new horse on

had been under saddle just a short time.

frustration. One day, Peet even turned his

which to compete. They discussed it at

When she rode him, she had difficulty in

head around and glared at her. On more than one occasion, Maddy had put him up for sale.

Then, suddenly, he began to improve.

He began to place well at the shows, and Patience said to Maddy, “I thought you had a nice competition horse, but now I think you have your diamond in the rough.” It was then that they decided to take him as far as he could go.

When I met Peet for the first time, I was immediately struck by his bright eyes, perky ears and wonderful disposition. He really likes people. I just wanted to reach out and hug him, so I did. The dark bay gelding, standing at sixteen hands, is a fabulous mix of Arabian energy and Frie-

Photo by Maurine Webb

72

Dark Prankster and Maddy

sian sweet temperament.

At the same time, he has become a great show horse. Maddy states that if you do not work him and leave him in the pasture, he becomes restless and starts bang-

October/November 2013

73

ing on his stall door when brought in, as if to say, “When are we going to practice for the next show? I’m waiting! Let’s go!”

Performing in the ring, he is all business, especially under the guidance of his trainer, Patience Prine-Carr. Patience says that he can be a bit lazy and you must always be in charge. Peet can be a real character and may pull some stunts if your attention strays, thus living up to his name. © The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

He is also very intelligent and beautiful, and he knows it. He has difficulty with lateral work, due to a lack of flexibility (a Friesian trait), therefore, he has some problems with half-passes. In his early years, he had a hard time distinguishing between a full gallop and a canter; this he grew out of as he became more aware of his body.

Every year, he has gotten better and better. Maddy has even jumped him and

Dark Prankster with Patience Prine-Carr during their victory lap as

taken him on trail-rides. When he retires,

National Champions in Intermediate I at the 2013 Arabian/Half-

after he has become proficient in Grand

Arabian Sport Horse National Championships in Lexington, VA.

Prix Level Dressage, Peet will be her trailhorse.

Dark Prankster’s Recent Titles 2013

2012

National Champion Intermediate I

National Champion Prix St. Georges

National Top Ten Sport Horse Show Hack Open

(FEI High Score)

National Top Ten Sport Horse Show Hack ATR

National Champion Fourth Level Dressage 70%

Region III Champion Intermediate I

National Champion Prix St. Georges ATR

Region II Champion Prix St. Georges Open

Reserve National Champion Show Hack ATR

Region II Champion Prix St. Georges ATR

Top Ten 4th Level ATR

Region II Champion 4th Level ATR Region II Champion Show Hack Region II Champion Show Hack ATR

74

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Jannike Gray

Growing into Arabs

Jannike Gray is a 19-year-old student at the University of Connecticut who trains with David Collins at Centerline Stables in Ossining, NY. How did you become interested in dres-

when my parents bought a farm and our

What Arabian-breds do you compete cur-

sage?

own horses, I became more focused on

rently?

My mother shares the same passion I

my position and flatwork, which started

I competed Angel last year, and this

have for horses. From before I can remem-

the basis of my dressage career. It wasn’t

year I have spent more time focusing on

ber, I was on the back of a horse. I started

until I turned 12 that I decided I really

her training so we haven’t been in the

riding in lessons at the age of four, and

wanted to move forward in this sport and

show ring. She has a heart of gold and is

I participated in small schooling shows

begin competing. I started at local school-

incredibly willing. In 2012, I competed

with cross-rails and equitation classes.

ing shows on one of the Friesians that my

her at the Lendon Gray Youth Dressage

My mother imported horses over from

mom owned, and a few years later we pur-

Festival at first level, where we won the

Germany (where she is from) when I was

chased my 2002 Quarter Horse-Arabian

class with a 73+% and ended up winning

about 6 or 7 years old, and that began my

palomino mare, My Blew Angel (Angel).

our whole division. In addition, we won

pursuit of dressage! Despite growing up

At that time, I began recognized competi-

Reserve Champion of the whole show

in a more hunter/equitation atmosphere,

tions.

with over 200 horses. Each year that I’ve

October/November 2013 brought her to that show, we have won Champion or Reserve Champion in our division! Angel and I have also won Region 8 (New England) Reserve Champion at Training Level a few years ago.

What is your history with Arabians?

Up until we purchased Angel, I had not had any experience with Arabians. My parents bought her when she was young, which gave us time to learn together. I started riding and working with her using Natural Horsemanship. I rode without a saddle and bridle, playing games and learning about our body language and communication together. I believe this is what made our bond so strong. After getting to know each other, I began to focus

the opportunity to ride Angel. She is my

an Arabian, riding my Arabian gave me

more and more on the dressage work.

biggest supporter and we are so lucky to

many skills to prepare me for this compe-

share this wonderful passion!

tition.

What do you consider your greatest ac-

What are your future plans?

Why do you like Arabians?

Although I haven’t worked with many Arabians, my horse has shown me how

complishment so far?

I am currently enrolled at the Univer-

wonderful this breed is to work with. She

My biggest accomplishment so far

sity of Connecticut in the school of busi-

is incredibly smart, willing to please, and

is qualifying and competing at the 2011

ness. I will continue to ride and learn as

gentle. Whether it is an 8-year-old on her

North American Junior Championships in

much as I can. I would like to continue

back, someone who is asking her to work

Lexington, Kentucky and winning a team

competing in dressage and look at this as

a bit harder, or an older rider looking to

bronze medal. Although this was not on

a lifelong journey of mine.

learn, she takes it in stride and takes care of whoever is on her back.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My trainer, David Collins, has been my biggest influence. Over the past year and a half, David has transformed my riding to a whole new level. His emphasis on a correct seat has taught me how to positively influence whatever horse I am riding. With Angel, this meant learning to sit steady and quiet in order for her to lift her back and swing forward. My mother is another huge influence in my life, as she gave me

75

76

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine In the fall of 1993, Nelson left Tilli at her parents’ farm and made the trek to Fulton, MO to attend college at William Woods University. There, she studied Equine Science and minored in Business Administration.

During Nelson’s senior semester, in the fall of 1996, Tilli joined her in Missouri.

During the semester, Nelson showed Tilli and dabbled in jumping her. With the help of a friend, Nelson also helped break Tilli to drive. At William Woods, Tilli continued to prove her versatility as an Arabian. During the same semester, the pair won a Missouri Arabian Western Pleasure class held on campus.

Despite Tilli’s versatility, Nelson had her sights set on Nationals. “I’ve always wanted to do jumpers there,” she said.

FX Chantilli Lace A Lifelong Horse

G

The only prior jumping experiences for Tilli were over natural obstacles in the Sports Park or poles set across cinder blocks.

by rebekah savage

After graduation, Nelson went to work for Kendrick Show Stable, a show stable

rumpy mare, energizer bunny,

through the trails at Bucks County Horse

that competed on the A-rated hunter/

Appytude, lifelong horse.

Park, a park close to Nelson’s hometown

jumper circuit in Hornell, NY. Tilli went

in Pennsylvania.

with her, and as Nelson says, “That’s when

FX Chantilli Lace can be

described in many different ways, but to

Their first show together was two

we really started our jumping career.”

longtime owner Rebecca Nelson, she is

years later, when Tilli was 5. Given Tilli’s

With guidance, Nelson started Tilli free

part of the family, grumpy mare attitude

build and slight ewe neck, she did not do

jumping and then moved up to 18” hunt-

and all.

well as a hunter pleasure horse.

ers.

“Tilli” is a 27 year old grey Half-Arabi-

“I had no clue what I was doing,” said

As they gained more mileage and

an out of Falkher el Sherif x April Serpriz

Nelson. “I had one lesson to canter. I was

moved up divisions, they competed at

(App.). Neither her age nor her smaller

literally riding by the seat of my pants.”

multiple local shows and continued to

14.1-hand stature has stopped her from

Prior to owning Tilli, Nelson had

compete at the indoor winter shows. The

competing with the “big boys” of the

started riding lessons at age 9. She con-

biggest show the pair went to was the Au-

jumping industry.

tinued with lessons until her parents gave

tumn Classic in Port Jervis, NY. There, the

Tilli and her pilot, Rebecca Nelson,

her two options: continue with lessons,

dynamic duo competed in the 3’3” Green

started their journey when Nelson was 14

or own her own horse. Naturally, Nelson

Jumpers.

years old. Tilli herself was a mere 3 years

chose to own her own horse and stopped

old. The pair started their days roaming

taking lessons.

“We competed against Olympic green horses,” reflected Nelson. “I remember

October/November 2013 seeing Beezie Madden, Margie Goldstein,

Overall, they finished third place with

After Tilli recovered, Nelson tried to

Nona Garson, Mark and Peter Leone and

four faults. The winner had a double-clear

re-breed her to continue Tilli’s legacy.

McClain Ward showing in the Open Green

round.

“After a lot of money and an emotional

Jumper class.”

After their trip to Nationals, Nelson

roller coaster, I decided it was not meant

Despite Tilli’s size and the noteworthy

decided to breed Tilli. In 2003, Tilli was

competition, the pair ended up fifth place

bred to Infidel’s Design from Mountain

Shortly after her decision, Nelson

with double-clear rounds. “There were

View Arabians in Madison, ME. Tilli was

found her next horse, a purebred Arabian

45-50 horses in a class,” said Nelson. “We

breed via Artificial Insemination (AI), but

suckling from Texas. Echo, her new horse,

seemed to catch everyone’s eye. People

she did not take the first time. After the

happened to also foal the same year

commented on my ‘cute pony.’”

second time using AI, she took.

Tilli’s colt did, leaving a fitting match for

to be,” she said.

In 1998, Tilli and Nelson competed

About a month out from foaling, Tilli

in the Region 16 Half-Arabian Jumpers.

started to bag up. Since she was a maid-

As time passed, Tilli continued to be

“There was only one other horse,” said

en mare and her amniotic fluid seemed

an all-around horse. She has taught les-

Nelson. “We got nothing because only

cloudy, Nelson decided to bring her to a

sons to countless students at Sunnybrook

the top 50% receive a Top 5 ribbon.” In

nearby vet clinic for foaling. Nelson, her-

Equestrian Center in Scarborough, ME,

1999, Nelson moved to Maine. There, she

self, was about five months pregnant and

which Nelson founded and continues to

kept her horses boarded and didn’t do

decided a trained staff was a safer option

run.

much with Tilli until 2001, when the pair

for Tilli’s first time giving birth.

Nelson.

In 2010, at age 24, Tilli was brought

competed in the Region 16 Half-Arabian

On May 9, 2004, Nelson received

out of semi-retirement to compete in a

Jumpers again. “It was little,” said Nelson.

a heart wrenching phone call from the

$1,000 Hunter Derby. Nelson and Tilli

“It was just her in the class.”

clinic.

In 2002, the duo made the trek from

had

Tilli foaled,

Maine to compete at the U. S. Arabian/

but her colt

Half-Arabian National Championships in

had to be put

Louisville, KY. “I loaded her up and off we

down imme-

went,” said Nelson. “I was never nervous

diately.

or scared for a show, until there. There

li’s colt had a

was money everywhere.”

birth defect

At that time, the Half-Arabian Open

Til-

in his intes-

Jumpers consisted of three rounds. Dur-

tine,

ing the first round, the pair had a clear

was a one-

round and the fastest time. Their second

in-a-million

round was also clear and the second-

chance

fastest time, and in their third round, they

happens al-

were second-to-last.

most at con-

“I rode aggressively,” Nelson reflect-

which

and

ception.

placed fourth against much younger

ed. “At the turn to the last fence, I took the

Nelson will never forget that fateful

horses, and horses much more suited for

longest distance ever. [Tilli] handled her-

day when her phone rang to tell her the

hunter classes. During the same show,

self and we hit the back rail. I was proud

best, but most awful news. “Going from

Nelson’s daughter Emilie Doane showed

she went because it was nearly impos-

the most excited feeling in the world,

Tilli in Walk/Trot poles.

sible. I kicked myself for years; I cost her

then getting kicked in the gut,” she said.

that.”

“This was my next show jumper.”

In 2013, Jenna Moore, a student from

Continued on page 82

77

78

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

EVENTING STAR

M

Photo by Captured Moment

Purebred Arabian “Sienna”

ike Morris had always liked horses, but never had

horse at the agent’s barn. I thought she looked pretty good from

the opportunity to ride growing up. The chance fi-

the ground, but when she put her in the round pen and asked her

nally came when he moved to the Temecula Valley

to trot, the whole world disappeared. I couldn’t even hear what

and, at age 47, met some endurance riders who invited him to

this woman was saying. I was in love.”

join them. He did a couple of rides on one of their extra horses,

Mike, a completely green rider who was on crutches recover-

and that was it; he was hooked! Within six months, he’d bought

ing from knee surgery to boot, bought this young, off-the-track

his first horse, Sienna, a 6-year-old Arabian mare off the track.

Arabian mare with the intent of doing endurance riding. He was

Registered as In Single, Sienna is a 15.2-H Wiking daughter

completely unprepared for what was to follow. “Maybe not the

(Wiking x Justonetime x Brusally Orlen). Bred in Kentucky, she

smartest thing for a green rider to do. She was even a bit afraid

raced for Darley Stables and had a short career of just six starts

of my crutches, so I had to put them down before I went into the

with one win to her credit. She was picked up as a claimer by lo-

paddock. But the bond developed almost instantly. It’s as if we

cal endurance rider Suzanne Malden who specialized in convert-

were both just waiting for the other to come along. It wasn’t long

ing ex-racehorses. Suzanne had too many horses at the time and

before she knew the sound of my truck and would whinny, run

resold Sienna before she knew what she had. Mike remembers

over and plant her head in my chest. It was a match made in

the day he first saw her, “I’d been shopping for a horse for a cou-

heaven,” recalled Mike.

ple of months with no success, until I went to see this ex-race-

The barn where they ended up was KingsWay Farm, the

October/November 2013

79

to set the stage. Within nine months she had her going training level, rarely finishing out of the top five. By this time, Hawley was really in love with her. Mike said, “The joke around the barn was that I wasn’t getting my horse back!”

When asked about Sienna, Hawley said, “I just adore this horse, she is the perfect package. I love, love riding her! Every single picture I have of me on her, I am smiling. She floats around, just a gorgeous mover and I feel like I can just gallop down to any jump on her.“ The following year, Mike felt he was ready to start eventing himself. But jumping into a sport like that with so little experience proved tougher than he imagined. After about a year of struggling with stops and run outs, trying to

Sienna’s win photo

cope with show nerves and generally not hav-

home base of two-time Olympic eventer Hawley Bennett. Mike

ing a lot of fun, he decided to pull out of eventing, and just do

thought it seemed like a good idea to get some dressage lessons

dressage for a year or two. This time was spent working on learn-

to help his endurance riding. With him being as green as he was,

ing to ride and developing his seat. Things started going quite

and Sienna knowing nothing but racing, Hawley agreed to get

well, with Mike consistently scoring in the mid to high 60’s and

her started. After just a few rides though, Hawley commented

ready to move up to first level. Then, in the spring of 2012, some

that Sienna was a pretty talented horse and asked Mike if he’d

health problems arose for Mike.

thought about eventing her. He had only recently seen his first

He had entries in at several shows when he developed a her-

3-Day Event and was in awe of the sport. “I can’t do that,” he said,

nia. The first show on the schedule was a Arabian show at Galway

to which Hawley replied that she would ride Sienna and until he

Downs, so he asked well-known Arab trainer and dressage rider

was ready to try it himself. “I remember asking her if she could

Katherine Rich-Elzig if she’d take the ride. She did and took first

do both endurance and eventing. Hawley said ‘sure’ but I think

place with a score of 70, even with having never ridden Sienna

all along she knew what Sienna was meant to be, and that was an event horse,” said Mike.

What followed was another revelation, and that was seeing just how good she looked doing dressage and jumping, especially with Hawley in the tack. Seeing her compete and do well was an unexpected joy. “Not only had I not considered showing, but I had never considered being an owner and watching someone else compete my horse. But I was like a proud father watching his little girl excel in sports or dance. I imagine I seemed a little Amy Myers Photo

silly to all the seasoned owners and competitors, but I was brimming over watching her go!” recalled Mike.

She proved to be not just a pretty face; she had real talent.

Hawley took first place the first time she showed her, beating 11 horses in beginner novice at Woodside Horse Park, which seemed

Mike and Sienna

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine before. “She really made an impression with Katherine and the

addition to the usual dressage and show jumping, cross-country

spectators that day. She’s such a head turner. With her big, floaty

day includes roads and tracks plus steeplechase before the horse

movement, people assumed she must be a Half or Anglo-Arab.

goes out onto the cross-country course. That makes it a bit more

Katherine told me she’s one in a million and made me promise to

of an endurance test than a normal 3-day event or horse trial.

show her more in the Arabian Sport Horse world,” said Mike. He

Sienna’s Arabian blood makes her supremely suited for that.”

did manage, with much physical discomfort, to show her in hand

This time around, Hawley and Sienna finished 2nd out of a field

that day, where she scored 9 and 9.5 on her movement for a total

of 38 horses, missing 1st by less than half a point. “This was a real

score of 82.

feather in her cap,” said Mike, “to finish so strong in open com-

Unfortunately, Mike’s health issues didn’t stop with the

petition against warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. I don’t wear it

hernia. The same week he had his hernia repaired, he was di-

on my sleeve that she’s an Arabian, but I love that she breaks the

agnosed with prostate cancer. So in July, he underwent robotic

stereotypes. In a sport where you don’t expect to see Arabians

surgery to successfully remove the tumor, but the rehab was to

at all, let alone being competitive, she’s a wonderful ambassa-

prove difficult. “I tried riding a couple of weeks after abdominal

dor for the breed. I’ve heard all the prejudicial statements, like

surgery, but my body said no,” he recalled. Mike had also been

Arabs can’t jump, or dressage is difficult for Arabs, etc. But she’s

training with dressage rider, trainer and judge Donna Weinberg

changed a lot of people’s minds and shown how tough, intelli-

who took over the rest of the show schedule for the local chapter

gent and versatile her breed can be.”

of the California Dressage Society. Together the pair received the

Fast-forward to this year. Mike, after two more elective

high point award at First Level with scores in the high 60’s and

surgeries to fix his carpal tunnel syndrome, was finally ready to

low 70’s.

ride. He picked up where he left off and things were going well

After that, Mike gave Sienna back to Hawley to enter the

again, but after only a month in the saddle, it was Sienna’s turn: a

Training Three Day at Galway Downs in November. She had com-

fractured splint bone that required surgery. “It was there during

peted at this level the year before, taking 3rd place out of 16 en-

the training 3-day, and she never complained. But by January, it

tries. “The T3D is always one of the most popular divisions,” said

hadn’t healed and was starting to grow behind to her suspensory,

Mike, “especially for up-and-coming horses, and the competition

so I decided to have it removed. The surgeon couldn’t believe

is tough. It’s one of the few remaining long-format events. So, in

she hadn’t been lame. Arabians are such tough horses, but it would have eventually caused damage, so I gave up my season with her to have it fixed,” said Mike.

At the same time, Mike wasn’t about to sit around when he was now ready to ride again. So he decided to lease some horses or pick up rides where he could. The first horse he leased was a 17.1-H Irish draft jumper. After two of months of riding “Lucas” in the jump arena, Mike asked Hawley if she knew Photo by Captured Moment

80

Mike and Sienna competing at Copper Meadows Horse Trials in September

of anything else he could lease or ride, and she graciously offered him her retired Olympic mount Livingstone, aka “Hank,” a 16.3-H OTTB. Mike said, “This was the silver lining to having Sienna off for a while. In that timeframe I rode

October/November 2013 ished in 3rd place out of 24 in the senior novice division. “That was so much fun and so gratifying. She’s a very talented horse, but not an easy horse for a beginner. Now, after a lot of struggling, a lot of frustration and a lot of hard work, I feel like I can finally take advantage of what she has to give,” Mike beamed.

Looking back, Mike has had some mixed feelings about the road he’s taken with Sienna, feeling guilty at times when he’s held her back. “She’s so talented, and Hawley has done amazingly well with her. I’ve been torn at times, about whether and when to have Hawley ride her and when to take her back for myself. She’d be much farther along, obviously, if it were just Hawley riding her. The T3D was easy for her and she’s been ready to

Mike and Sienna at a dressage show in September

take her prelim for quite a long time now. But at the end of the

about 10 different horses, finishing up with 4 months on Hank.

day, she’s my horse, and I’ve developed such a passion for this

I’d never ridden a school-master before, let alone a 4-star horse.

sport. I need to learn to do it myself. So we continue to trade

He’s a legend, and it was an honor to ride him. He also brought

off,” he said.

my confidence to a new level, capping off all the work I’d done over the previous two years.”

Sienna truly is a great ambassador for the breed. Mike said, “In a sport where one doesn’t expect to see many Arabians,

Mike made his return to eventing by showing Hank in June at

and where there’s even a bit of prejudice against them, she has

Copper Meadows at novice level, finishing in 5 place out of 18

changed a lot of people’s minds. First of all, she’s a real head

on a dressage score of 30.4. This set the stage for returning to

turner. She’s absolutely beautiful, with stunning movement, so

eventing on Sienna. “I used to get jealous of Hawley, in a way.

Continued on the next page.

th

She’d come off the cross-country course with

Sienna

grin-

ning, and say ‘She’s so much fun!’ or ‘She was perfect!’

I so

very much wanted to enjoy my own horse in that way,” said Mike. So with about 3 months to get her legged up, Mike entered Copper Meadows again in September. They scored a respectable 33.5 in dressage, and with double-clean

cross-

country

show

and

jumping rounds, fin-

Photo in the Arabian Horse Galleries at the Kentucky Horse Park of Sienna and Hawley Bennett

81

82

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine I’m always getting asked what breed she is. When she does well,

or maybe just a trail horse. There’s nothing wrong with either of

especially with a high-profile rider like Hawley in the tack, peo-

those things—in fact, her full sibling is No Repeat, who qualified

ple want to know about her. They’re generally stunned when I

with Becky Hart last year for the World Endurance Championships

tell them she’s a purebred Arabian.”

in Great Britain. But it’s her talent and aptitude for eventing that

As an additional feather in her cap, there’s an image of Hawley competing Sienna on permanent display in the Arabian Horse

makes her such a special horse and that’s what I will continue to focus on,” said Mike.

Galleries at the Kentucky Horse Park. When they built the ad-

However, that’s going to have to wait a bit. When Mike real-

dition to the museum in 2010, they asked Mike for an image to

ized Sienna needed surgery and that the rehab would take up

represent Arabians that event.

much of the season, he decided to get her in foal. “I was pretty

Finding this amazing horse has changed Mike’s life in many

set on an Anglo-Arabian. I want to take advantage of her move-

ways. “For me, buying Sienna was the most life changing deci-

ment, her intelligence and her stamina but add a little power and

sion I’ve ever made. I love her… more every day. She’s sweet,

size,” said Mike about his decision. Sienna was bred in June to a

beautiful and talented and has opened up a whole new world

16.3-hand Thoroughbred named Sea Accounts, the resulting foal

to me—a new sport, a new passion and a whole new lifestyle. I

is due next May.

didn’t grow up with horses; now I can’t imagine my life without them,” he said.

About his plans after she foals, Mike says, “I plan to give her more exposure and continue to have her break the stereotypes.

Mike admits it is total serendipity that Sienna is where she is.

In a discipline that demands it all—dressage, jumping and stam-

“The fact that I bought her and ended up at KingsWay with Haw-

ina—she more than holds her own against the other breeds. Oh,

ley is the reason that her talent was discovered. If anyone else

and did I mention she’s beautiful?!”

had bought her, she would have ended up as an endurance horse

FX Chantilli Lace - A Lifelong Horse Continued from page 77 continued to shine.

the horse will tell her when she’s ready to

Moore and Tilli were

be done. “She was in retirement, but she’s

Region 16 Equitation

not in any way, shape or form ready to re-

Over Fences Champi-

tire,” she said. “If she’s willing to keep go-

ons.

ing, she’ll keep going. She has chiroprac-

Now, Tilli continues to teach students

tic adjustments, supplements, and if she stays sound, she’ll keep jumping.”

how to ride and jump

Despite Tilli’s often-grumpy mare at-

during lessons and

titude, she is part of the family for Nelson.

summer camp. “She

“She is one of those lifelong horses, she’s

is truly an old scholar,

truly a family member,” she said. “Not a

she is not easy, but

day goes by that I don’t wish she was 15

if you get it right,

years younger.”

she goes well,” said

Tilli, despite not passing on her legacy

Nelson. “She’s a ‘sit

in an offspring, will continue her legacy

Sunnybrook Equestrian Center, competed

down, shut up and hold on’ kind of jump-

of teaching the students who ride her.

on Tilli in the hunter and equitation di-

er.”

Those who climb off her back will come

visions. The pair qualified for Region 16

Nelson plans on continuing to use Tilli

Championships, where Tilli, at age 27,

for lessons, despite her age. She believes

away with the experience of riding a true scholar.

October/November 2013

Going Gold

83

What are your future plans?

Continued from page 17

I will be retiring him from the FEI show ring and continue

What is his personality like?

to ride him more on the trails. I would also like for him to be a

And what a personality! He is very loving, energetic, curious and protective over me. He always has his ears perked forward

Schoolmaster for other riders to learn the correctness and lightness of what a dressage horse should feel like.

when he greets me and neighs across the barn when he hears my voice. When there are horses next to him and I walk up, he runs after them with his ears flat back and shows his teeth! I have taught him many things including to urinate before I ride him!

What else do you do with him? www.yourhorses.ifp3.com/KathleenBryan

He loves to go on trail rides.

What characteristics do Arabians bring to the table in this sport?

Intelligence, athleticism, enthusiasm, loyalty and beauty.

What is your greatest accomplishment together?

Our greatest accomplishment together was achieving all three USDF medals on the same horse for the past ten years.

Also, believing in one another.

Why Racing is My Sport of Choice Continued from page 33 myself “Can we do it?” Again, I looked at

thing. Other horse lovers were holding on,

licensed racehorse trainer. For more infor-

those three young horses so proud and

believing they could guide their horses

mation, please visit www.RonHevener.com

flashy in their racing saddles and bridles.

to better times. Throughout history—

So confident. So trusting. If I could be like

through world wars and turmoil of every

them—even half as much—I could see

kind—Arabian horses have always been

it through. It would take the kind of wis-

in a race to glory, and they’re good at it.

dom they don’t teach in school very much

In a way, they symbolize the very basic

these days. It would take friends who do

principles of a sport called horse racing:

more than hide behind the fickle plastic

setting a goal, giving it your all, and cross-

of Twitter and Facebook. It would take

ing the finish line.

real courage and heart to get where we had to go.

I looked again at those young horses

Taking a deep breath, I thought about all this and said to myself “OK… Let’s get on with the show!”

under saddle. I thought about the broodmares grazing steadily in the pasture

Mr. Hevener is the author of “Fate of the

and next year’s foals they were carrying

Stallion!” a family novel set in the word of

with such faith. I knew Arabian horse lov-

Arabian horseracing. His novels are availa-

ers on other farms were doing the same

ble everywhere eBooks are sold and he is a

84

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

FROM THE GROUND

A

BY LAINE SKLAR

t the beginning of 2008, I set

we all know, best-laid plans don’t always

youngsters, and we watched them move

out on a journey to find my

play out.

around in the turnout, evaluating their

dream horse—one I could bring

In November of 2008, I headed up to

temperaments, gaits and conformation.

up the levels and, hopefully, show Grand

a horse show in Scottsdale, AZ with my

Neither of the first two were exactly what

Prix one day. I was only a couple years

trainer, Jennifer Parker, of Agape Dres-

I was looking for, but then she brought out

out of law school, I did not have a whole

sage in Tucson, AZ. Since we were going

the third. Jennifer and I were immediate-

lot of money to spend, and I wanted to

to be in the Phoenix area, I decided to

ly taken by the way he eagerly trotted up

get the nicest horse I could for the money.

browse around and see if there were any

to us, stopped a few feet short and evalu-

Additionally, I had grown up riding prob-

young horses we could look at while we

ated us with a kind, but skeptical, eye. He

lem horses and had firmly decided that I

were there. I had looked at the website

was Paladin SF, a 2007 Trakehner gelding,

wanted to start a horse myself, from the

for Heather Buttrum’s Sovereign Farm

also registered Half-Arabian, by Aul Magic

ground up, so that I had no one to blame

in Buckeye, AZ when I started shopping,

/+ (ox) by Padua Go (Trak). Bright chest-

but myself for any training issues and

but Heather didn’t have any 2006 ba-

nut with three white socks and a blaze,

bumps along the road. So the search for

bies for sale at that

a high quality young horse began, and so

time.

did the emotional rollercoaster.

that point I’d been

However, at

I was looking for a gelding foaled in

looking for almost

2006, so that I would have time to build

a year, so a 2007

a relationship and a solid foundation of

baby seemed fea-

groundwork before I climbed on for the

sible. Heather had

first time. I traveled all over the western

three nice-looking

US looking at babies. I did vet checks on

2007 babies, so Jen

two purebred Hanoverians, both of whom

and I decided to

had hoof problems. I had spent a good

drive over when we

portion of my budget traveling and vet

finished our first

checking and was emotionally drained

day of showing.

from the experience. In the Fall of 2008, I

H e a t h e r

decided to throw in the towel for a while

brought

and rebuild my horse fund. However, as

first

out

the

couple

of PJ in 2008 as a yearling.

October/November 2013 he had the exact same markings as Jen-

schooled

nifer’s purebred Arabian who she trained

ning the triangle so

to Grand Prix and I had been riding while I

that I could take him

was horse shopping.

to the AHA shows and

him

run-

In case he hadn’t sold us on his sweet

show him in-hand to

expression, ideal breeding and none too

get him experience

coincidental markings, Paladin took a few

in the show ring prior

laps around us with his floating trot and

to starting him under

made sure to show off some nice over-

saddle. Then, I added

stride at the walk too. Jen and I knew that

in working him once

he was the one. We had a serious conver-

or twice a week in a

sation about the fact that he was barely

very large round pen,

15 hands and may not end up tall enough

teaching him to wear

for me in the long run. However, we’d de-

a surcingle and even-

cided he was nice enough and the price

tually a bridle. Once

was such that if I’d ended up starting him

he was comfortable

and having to sell him because he was too

wearing a bridle, I

small, I’d be able to do that and recoup

started long-lining him. By the time he

at me like “finally, I was wondering if you

much of what I had put in.

was two-and-one-half, he could trot big

were ever actually going to get on!”

PJ’s first ride.

The vet-check went smoothly, and I

circles and serpentines in the long-lines,

That July I took Peej to his first un-

brought Paladin SF (known around the

leg yield at the walk and trot and obey

der saddle show, an AHA show where we

barn as PJ or “Peej”) home November 10,

very subtle rein and voice commands, all

showed in Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under

2008 at just 18 months old. I look back at

with me running along behind him.

Saddle. He handled it like a pro. We won

the pictures of the scraggly youngster and

When

I

finally

wonder what the heck we were thinking.

climbed on Peej in

Then I look at the amazing horse and part-

the spring of 2010

ner Peej has blossomed into, and I know

there was no long-

that we were thinking right; he was going

line and no one hold-

to be one heck of a horse. Not only that,

ing his head; I just

he is nearly 17 hands, so that very serious

got on and with a lit-

conversation we had about him not being

tle gentle urging he

big enough is a running joke around the

walked

barn. Thank goodness for that, because I

the mounting block,

couldn’t bring myself to sell him in a mil-

did a couple laps

lion years.

around the round pen

away

from

I spent a year-and-a-half working with

at the walk, reversed

Peej on the ground. First, I took him on

nicely from my leg

daily hand-walks around the barn, up the

aids, walked a couple

dirt roads and through the nearby hills.

laps the other way

I taught him to yield to pressure from

and halted easily.

my hand on different parts of his body

praised him gener-

and respond to voice commands. I also

ously and he looked

I

85

86

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine bian show, all

horse. I work full-time as a government

with me in the

lawyer. I take one lesson per week. My

irons.

trainer gets on very infrequently.

and

Peej I

But,

made

I want to go up the levels with PJ more

our USDF Third

than I want anything else in this world. I

Level

make sacrifices every day so that we can

debut

in August of

achieve that goal.

2013 and re-

There is no such thing as being too

ceived a 61%

tired or too busy to get out to the barn.

and two 64%s

If that means waking up at 4:00 a.m. eve-

from three dif-

ry day so that I can get my two hours in

ferent judges,

with my horse before work, Town Council

placing

sec-

meetings and coming home to make din-

ond

two

ner, so be it. PJ “does dressage” four days

and

a week. We trail ride once or twice a week

our Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under Sad-

first in the third class, our first time show-

and incorporate cavaletti and hill work for

dle Junior Horse class and were Reserve

ing in California. I also earned my USDF

strengthening. At least one day a week

Champion in the championship class. I

Bronze Medal at that show.

Peej and I just hang out together. I groom

in

classes

had shown him in-hand at one schooling

However, as much as the ribbons and

him, let him bomb around in the turn out,

show and two AHA shows prior to that

accolades are fun and bring me immense

or hand graze him and we just be. I be-

show, trying to get him accustomed to the

pride, it is the relationship that PJ and I

lieve this balance brings trust and builds

show environment. It paid off dividends.

have developed over the years that brings

work ethic.

We went on to show in our first USDF

me such amazing fulfillment in my riding.

PJ knows he doesn’t have to work hard

shows at Training Level in the fall of 2010.

The feeling of partnership with a horse

every time he sees me coming. He whin-

PJ truly shines at the horse shows. He

that will truly do, or at least try to do, any-

nies at me every time I walk into the barn

is eager to please, but a bit high-strung.

thing you ask of him is immensely hum-

and comes to his stall door and sticks his

Because of our relationship, I can usually

bling and gratifying. I attribute this to

head in his halter. When we are out on the

channel that tension into positive energy

PJ’s wonderful

in the ring. We have steadily moved up the

temperament

levels, showing Training Level the 2010-

and the hours

11 show season, First Level in 2011-12

we spend to-

and Second Level in 2012-13. We have

gether

received only one score under 60% and

day.

each

more than 20 scores over 70% in the 50

I am an am-

classes in which we have competed so far.

ateur rider; be-

PJ has received USDF All-Breeds cham-

fore I bought

pionships, many state and local champi-

PJ, I had shown

onships and High Point ribbons, and we

through

won every USDF Second Level class in

ond Level and

which we competed in the 2012-2013

one show at

show season, including six Dover Medals

Third Level on

and open High Point at the Scottsdale Ara-

a

Sec-

borrowed

Scottsdale awards.

October/November 2013 trail and we need to push our way through a stand of trees to make our own path, I gently touch his sides and say aloud, “It’s okay Peej, you can do it” and you know what? He believes me, and he does it.

That transfers into the show ring, too.

Peej isn’t the most confident horse, but he takes my confidence and makes it his own. That only comes with time, love, respect and partnership. I am so blessed to have PJ in my life and to have gotten to travel this journey with him, from the ground up. God-willing, you will see us in the ring together doing my first Grand Prix before this wonderful journey comes to an end.

87

88

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

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October/November 2013

89

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Subject Headers created as needed. Not for Stallions or Horses for Sale.

FARMS ROZE ARABIANS • Angela White • Elizabethtown, PA • Breeders of Straight Egyptian Arabian Sport Horses Horses for Sale • Clinics • www.RozeArabians.com • RozeArabians@gmail.com • 717-585-0855 RIMROCK EQUESTRIAN CENTER, Ashley Wren, Billings, MT• Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation www.RimrockEquestrianCenter.com • rimrockequestrian@yahoo.com MYSTIC RANCH ARABIANS, Karen Ernst, Herald, CA • Breeders of Arabian Sport Horses www.MysticRanchArabians.com • mysticrch@softcom.net BLUE MOON FARM & TRAINING CENTER • Sophie H. Pirie Clifton • Training, Clinics, Instruction thru the FEI levels • Tryon, NC • sophie@montana.net