Arabian Horse Times - Vol. 48 No. 10 by Arabian Horse Times

VOLUME 48, NO. 10 $22.50

F E A T U R I N G

Destinyed Valentino

Bey Ambition x AP Sheez Sassy

WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida 352-430-3456

Are You Tired Of Lunging?

www.depaoloequineconcepts.com Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Volume 48, No. 10

ONE THIRD

of the horses tested with attitude problems are affected by nutritional imbalances.

IMPULSEPHOTOGRAPHYMB.COM

Horse Hair Analysis Laboratory Test | Consultation with a Veterinarian | Corrective Customized Supplement Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Volume 48, No. 10

Contents Issue 5 • Volume 48, No. 10 8

52 ENGLISH

VOLUME 48, NO. 10 $22.50

F E A T U R I N G

Destinyed Valentino

Cover Story: From The Al Jood Nebula Comes … Destinyed Valentino—A Supernova!

Leaders Of The Times: The Return Of The Champion Turismo RA

by Theresa Cardamone

Today’s Working Western Horse

by Christy Egan

Women Around The World … Cindy Clinton

2018 Rising Stars

2English

by Christy Egan

13English

by Theresa Cardamone

38English

by Mary Kirkman

52English

Today’s English Horse

151

by Sarah Jayne Johnson

170

AAHA 2018 Riverboat Parlay—The Horse Show That Is Out Of This World!

Comments From The Publisher

The Life Of A Leaderboard Celeb … Crystal McNutt

Let Us Introduce … Paul & Sabrina Glans

In The Eye … Judge, Leslie Connor

172

Let Us Introduce … Susan Chance

178

Calendar Of Events

181

Index Of Advertisers

Staying The Course … Eleanor’s Arabians And Hesa Zee+/ North Central Working Western Celebration Show … Five Years Old And Growing Strong!

English Cover Story: The Long-Awaited Arrival Of The First Foal Crop By Inception The Evolution Of Starline Arabians Mac Baske—A Heritage Of *Bask For The 21st Century

The Original Lowe Riders

On The Cover: DESTINYED VALENTINO (DA Valentino x Fabrices Destiny), owned by Al Jood Stud, Qatar.

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www.RoyalArabians.com Scottsdale, Mesa & Rio Verde, Arizona

LEADERS IN BREEDING, MARKETING, HALTER & PERFORMANCE Royal Arabians | Cindy McGown & Mark Davis, Owners | 480.361.6926 | info@RoyalArabians.com Rodolfo Guzzo, Halter Trainer rguzzo@royalarabians.com | Justin Cowden, Performance Trainer jcowden@royalarabians.com Travis Rice, Sales & Marketing trice@royalarabians.com | Amanda Fraser, Breeding Manager fraseraj85@gmail.com Pictured from top to bottom, Royal Arabiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stallions: Halyr Meia Lua, Royal Maestro and Royal Asad

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Publisher Lara Ames Managing Editor Charlene Deyle Advertising Account Executives Tony Bergren Lesley Blain Mazur Sales Associate Rebecca Fulkerson-West Contributing Editors Mary Kirkman Theresa Cardamone Contributing Writers Christy Egan Sarah Jayne Johnson Production Manager Jody Thompson Art Director/ IT Support Specialist Anthony Ferguson Print & Web Design Wayne Anderson Melissa Pasicznyk Show Operations/ Media Support Specialist Meaghan Estes Sales Assistant Hannah Freitag AHT Abroad Representative Mieke Opsteyn Office Manager/ Accounts Payable Sara Thomas Accounts Receivable Deb Trebesch

© Copyright AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Articles or opinions published by the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times are not necessarily the expressed views of the AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times. AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content or manipulation of images that are provided by the advertiser. ARABIAN HORSE TIMES (ISSN 0279-8125) Volume 48, No. 10, May 2018, is published monthly, except March and November, by AHT, Inc. dba Arabian Horse Times, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, Minnesota 55352. Periodical postage paid at Jordan, Minnesota 55352 and at additional entry offices. Single copies in U.S. and Canada $22.50. Subscription in U.S. $80 per year, $140 two years, $200 three years. Canada $130 one year, $250 two years, $340 three years, U.S. funds. Foreign Subscriptions: $190 one year, $320 two years, $380 three years, payable in advance, U.S. funds. Sorry, no refunds on subscription orders. For subscription and change of address, please send old address as printed on last label. Please allow four to six weeks for your first subscription to be shipped. Occasionally ARABIAN HORSE TIMES makes its mailing list available to other organizations. If you prefer not to receive these mailings, please write to ARABIAN HORSE TIMES, Editorial Offices, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, MN 55352. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographic materials. Printed in U.S.A. • POSTMASTER: Please send returns to Arabian Horse Times, 20276 Delaware Avenue, Jordan, MN 55352; and address changes to Arabian Horse Times, P.O. Box 15816, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5816. For subscription information, call 1-855-240-4637 (in the U.S.A.) or 952-492-3213 (for outside of the U.S.A.) Arabian Horse Times • P.O. Box 15816, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5816 • Tel: 952-492-3213 • Fax: 952-492-3228 1-800-AHTIMES • www.ahtimes.com

Comments From The Publisher

Introducing The World To Arabian Horses Any time of the year is a good time to think about sharing the Arabian horse experience, but I have to admit that in the Spring, when I begin to see the foals arriving, I think about it even more. It’s impossible not to want others to see how wonderful our horses are. That’s why last December, when I was looking for ways to “give back” to the industry that has given me so much, I was considering ways to introduce more people to our industry. To me, exposure is the best method, and although it’s been hard, I have had to accept that my favorite activity, enjoying the show ring, doesn’t interest some people. Add to that, in many areas it’s not easy to find a barn or operation that offers trail riding, another popular venue. So, how do we reach the casual horse enthusiasts—potential new owners—in today’s public? In person, the Arabian horse will touch your heart, so for step one, my thought was that we should show that happening (never mind what they’re doing; just think horses and people together). If we can interest people visually, perhaps they will take the next logical step, which is to meet our horses up-close-and-personal. To help make that happen, I partnered with the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund and started the publication Envision. Our first goal was to promote the Arabian horse by portraying all the different disciplines they do, but as you may have seen in our earliest editions, we included plenty of other examples of Arabian horse achievements in their daily lives with humans. The initial response we have received has been phenomenal—what I hoped for, but never expected to happen this quickly. Now, every time I go somewhere (every place from my dentist’s office to another horse farm), I try to bring copies of Envision with me, and I leave them out for others to enjoy. “Outreach” is the name of the game, and it can happen anywhere. Are you ready to spread the word of what the rest of the world is missing? Reach out today and see how you can get an Envision in your hands to share with people you love.

Lara Ames Lara Ames Publisher Ar abian Horse Times | 6 | Volume 48, No. 10

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Leaders Of The Times:

The Return Of The Champion

TURISMO RA by Theresa Cardamone

TURISMO RA

Turismo RA is unfamiliar with the word defeat or the feeling of being defeated. A regional champion as a yearling and a 2-year-old, he extended that streak when he was named the 2016 Region 16 Champion Stallion. Thus qualified, Turismo moved on to the national level, where he captured both the Canadian and United States National Champion Futurity Colt honors for Merrilee Lyonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Silver Stag Arabians. Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Volume 48, No. 10

Given the following year off in order to start his breeding career, Turismo RA (Trussardi x Marlene Dietrich, by Marwan Al Shaqab) returned to the show arena at the recent Scottsdale All-Arabian Show, picking up exactly where he had left off. The largest, and arguably, the most prestigious Arabian horse show in the world, the victory at Scottsdale is often a springboard to the title of U.S. National Champion Stallion. That, in a nutshell, was the game plan for Turismo, and he did not disappoint. True to his unblemished record, he was named the 2018 Scottsdale Champion Stallion, with David Boggs on the lead. Merrilee is grateful for the loving care that Turismo has received throughout his life, which she feels is a huge factor in his success. Bred in America by Rojo Arabians, Turismo RA has been expertly conditioned, promoted and cared for by Cathy Vincent and her capable assistant Alayna Mala at Adandy Farm for most of his show career. A change of setting to Midwest Training Centre’s Scottsdale facility to prepare for the 2018 show season did not seem to bother Turismo at all.

title with David. As for the future? “I’ve always said that we must follow Turismo’s lead,” Merrilee offers. “If he needs a year off, he’ll get it, but I don’t think his showing days will be over immediately after Nationals. I don’t want him to get tired of it, but we don’t want him to get bored either. We want to maintain his bright attitude.” With the beautiful way that he moves, there is a lot of interest in Turismo from performance breeders as well as the international halter community. Merrilee concurs with their assessment. “You could ride this horse, without a doubt,” she says emphatically. “He can trot with all four corners under him, neck in the right place, head in the right place…but right now we are concentrating on halter.”

“He is very happy doing halter,” says Merrilee. “He loves that ring and he loves that crowd. He’s perfect as a show horse. He doesn’t waste his energy, but when that gate opens, he is ready to go out there and wow them! David did a beautiful job with him. Those two looked at each other and said, ‘Yes, you’re the one,’ and it was a pleasure to see them together in the class.”

Halter and fatherhood. Getting foals on the ground is also a primary focus. “He’s got a foal at Cathy’s that is now about three weeks old and he looks just like Turismo,” Merrilee reports. “That is what people want…to see Turismo come through in the foals. This is a tall, bay colt who has it all. He is just wonderful. He is not a complete reproduction because you can see some of the mare’s finest qualities. This colt has everything you’re looking for…bay, high-headed, short-backed. We look forward to seeing how he and the other Turismo foals grow up.”

With the Scottsdale championship secured, plans are to continue on to Tulsa and an opportunity to claim the National Champion Stallion

It should come as no surprise that, if Turismo has anything to say about it, they will grow up to be champions. n

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WORKING WESTERN This style highlights the agility and willingness of horses to be guided by their riders, demonstrating difficult movements necessary in working cattle. The rider controls each maneuver of quick spins, straight sliding stops and lead changes. They exhibit smoothness, finesse, quickness, attitude and authority.

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Richard Ames AMES REINING HORSES JORDAN, MN Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? I think it is the least political of all classes, so the playing field is fair. It is also exciting and challenging to one, especially to explain to a complete outsider what they are looking or judging for. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. We breed a lot of reining horses. Our main goal is to sell them. We have sold them as Futurity horses, but they have gone on with amateurs and youth showing them in reining, ranch riding and trail. What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? Prize money and scholarships are a huge part of it and show the general outsider that they should want to be a part of this. What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? Our goal is to breed pretty, athletic horses, that can compete. We are doing this in the purebred and Half-Arabian divisions. We breed 5-10 a year, watch them grow up, break them out, show them in their futurity years and market them to sell for their maturity years.

Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? Eleanor Hamilton; she has done an outstanding job breeding horses and has a lot of love and passion for her horses and the discipline. Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. We try to not overshow them; keep them happy, healthy and sound.

Ashlye Daniel FARM AFFILIATION: BEIN PERFORMANCE HORSES & OWNER OF SAULVANCE, LLC SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus and why? I focus on four working western disciplines: trail, reining, ranch riding and western dressage. Each is complementary to the other in many ways, such as in upward and downward gait and speed transitions. I enjoy the challenge each discipline entails, and that there is always something new to learn and always room for improvement. Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? Because it’s really fun and exciting! The varying patterns that must be executed during a competition keep it interesting for both the rider and horse as a team. The judging and working western scoring is straight-forward, with the score-cards providing great feedback as to which areas to improve. I find the working western amateurs to be very supportive of each other, regardless of barn affiliation, and it is fun to “hurry up and wait” with fellow amateur competitors for your “go”. Additionally, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on super-fancy outfits. A western looking button-down shirt, hat, and chaps is all you need.

Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. A working western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting as a futurity horse and moving up, because they don’t overuse their joints and their minds stay fresh. An example would be that a performance horse is usually lunged, then ridden, using the same group of muscles tendons and ligaments repetitively. A working western horse may use their joints and body more aggressively, however, not as repetitively.

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What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? More public outreach to introduce the Arabian horse to “non-horse” people, having “no-bling” and academy classes at more shows, and having more entry-level shows that are geared towards both competition and seminars/education from working western experts.

ages and levels, her desire to challenge each rider and horse to be the best they can be, her genuine concern and care for all of the horses and riders at Bein Performance Horses, and her tireless advocating of the Arabian horse—it’s inspiring. I admire her integrity; she always puts the well-being of the horse and rider first.

What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? My main goal is for all of my horses to be happy and healthy and enjoy their job(s). Towards this end, my trainer, Jessica Bein, makes sure that all horses have a varied schedule, train across disciplines so as to not get bored or burnt-out, have regular turnout time, and Sunday off as a day of rest. I give each of my horses a lot of one-on-one TLC as it helps strengthen the bond between horse and rider and keeps them and me happy!

Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. The horses’ training schedule is varied so they do not get bored. The horses are not over-shown or over-trained. Twylite Zone, for example is excellent across working five western disciplines, but we go for quality of rides over quantity and will choose what events to enter him in, according to the schedule and arena proximity to the show barn. The horses get up to two weeks off after a show. We utilize chiropractors, acupuncture, massage and “theraplating” as needed, especially during shows, to ensure the horses are comfortable.

Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? My trainer, Jessica Bein, for her passion and enthusiasm for teaching students of all

Being rather new to the industry, I am always willing to show, as it is exciting and fun! Outside of riding, I go to the gym and take Pilates, as it aids in my posture, endurance, strength and stamina.

Catherine Cole Ferandelli FARM AFFILIATION: CLIENT, MCNUTT PERFORMANCE HORSES SCOTTSDALE, AZ Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus and why? Reining horses. The excitement that draws one into this discipline is multi-faceted. For example, one can watch their futurity prospect show from the sidelines, while also competing in many amateur divisions broken down by show experience as well as age group. Reining always seems to beacon on-going, new goals—an enticement to we adrenalin seekers! Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? The variety. Trail classes involve creative patterns that are detailed and precise and ranch riding is a great show entry venue with the class stressing low key riding attire and a simpler pattern taking in the entire arena. Ranch riding also brings together all the working western disciplines as it gives rider and horse another style of competition. Reining is definitely technical, with twelve patterns established via the NRHA. All these disciplines rely on a calm, well trained horse and a well partnered rider. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. To have success at working western (particularly reining), the horses have to be started fairly young with plenty of hands-on ground work evolving to plenty of time in the saddle. Trainers spend a great deal of time starting young horses, educating them to be calm, light in the bridle and highly responsive to leg pressure and rider movement. As working western horses mature, this early training bodes well to their future in Derby and amateur competitions. Consistent work keeps these horses strong and healthy. It’s not unusual for horses well into their teens and beyond to remain sound and happy doing their job in the working western show pen.

What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? Create venues that draw in a new audience, whether young or old, horse savvy or new, to the equine world. The working western classes, particularly ranch riding, offer a great entry to show competition, be it a local community show or Scottsdale (no qualifications necessary to enter)! I love seeing any show competition that publicizes to the greater community; Scottsdale does such a stellar job with that. A focus on charity(s) brings in good will and community engagement too. Simple friendliness and hospitality at the event go far to welcoming new folks. Cool prizes such as belt buckles, tack and such, add a lot as well. What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? This is the fun part of working western; in my case, reining. Goal setting is ever evolving. My Half-Arabian gelding has been a national champion in the open reining and is now focused on my showing him in amateur reining. He is also starting in ranch riding and loves it. Our futurity purebred mare is only four;

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she has another year in the futurity reining. Once older, she will show in the amateur reining and ranch riding. Their training makes these goals kind of a natural evolution and creates bright futures. Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? Of course, Crystal McNutt is on top of the list for me. She works so hard and has an amazing equine intuition. It’s no wonder how horses perform for her; she creates an incredible partnership with them. Many trail horse trainers are admirable horsemen (and women): Michael Damianos, Jill Mitchell, Lou Roper and Sterling Bradley to name a few.

Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. I must defer to Crystal in terms of keeping our horses happy. Though reining competitions involve a specific pattern, schooling is varied. Reining involves lots of circles, these circles (and run downs) are mixed up while schooling. Making the schooling ride unpredictable keeps the horse attentive and on their toes. As for myself, yoga, riding my horses, watching Crystal, her assistants and other amateurs ride at the barn creates motivation, realization and inevitably higher goal setting. It’s learning by example—it’s all good.

Eleanor Hamilton ELEANOR’S ARABIANS ROGERS, MINNESOTA Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus? We specialize in the versatile Working Western purebred and HalfArabian horse. We have reiners, cutting horses and pleasure horses suitable for open, amateur and youth competition. They combine the best of athletic talent, temperament and work ethic that the Arabian horse has to offer. This versatility reflects my upbringing and heritage. I was born on a working cattle ranch in the Sand Hills region of Nebraska. Everything we did, we did with horses. I grew up riding working cow horses to get to school and to work cattle and horses. Back before tractors, I used to bring in the Remuda at noon to change out the working horses, bareback on my horse at a gallop. I was about 8 or 10 when I started. Later, when I lived in Minnesota and there was the opportunity to get horses back into my life, my trainer Rod Matthiesen got me involved with reining horses. Gary Ferguson continued that relationship and it was Lance Scheffel who brought cutting and working cow horses back to my attention. Why do you think the Working Western Division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? Its hard work and real work, but it’s so darned exciting! It takes a very good rider and a well-trained horse to succeed in big-time reining but most importantly, it’s fun and challenging. It helps that it’s relatively easy to understand, so people can sit and judge along with the judges pretty quickly, but the fine points of the maneuvers can be difficult to perfect. The judging is based on points and half-points; plus and minus. Opinions and politics play a lesser role than in other “main arena” competition, and that has great appeal for many people in our industry. They want to be judged fairly and there’s simply a better chance of that in this special equine sport. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. We start with basic training and then go on to some very deep and difficult athletic endeavors. Not every horse will have the maturity—mentally or physically—to deal with Futurity competition. Quarter Horses generally mature physically faster than Arabians, but the Quarter Horse and the Arabian horse business is riddled with sad stories of young, beautiful and talented horses

broken down en route to the big futurities. The wise owner and trainer evaluates each individual horse and trains it according to its unique ability and capacity. We start very early at Eleanor’s with young horses well handled by our breeding manager, Mark Coombs. Then, they are brought along by our experienced, longtime in-house trainer, Rod Matthiesen. Sometimes we keep them at home for reining and pleasure, and sometimes they go on to Pam Rose, Lance Scheffel and Gary Ferguson for reining, pleasure, cutting and working cow horse finishing. Good trainers make good decisions, based on the horse. Horses bred to do their job, brought along carefully and patiently, last well past maturity and have long, happy careers. What are the top goals for your Working Western horses? How are you executing them? There are a lot of important traits that make up a great working horse. They need strength, stamina, and the body type and mind to do the work. Of course, I make no bones about the fact that my number one breeding criteria is temperament. My ideal is a horse that is solid, kind, and willing, with a real work ethic. My personal horses must go anywhere and do everything and consequently, my horses work with riders of every level, from the smallest children to the oldest adults. Their desire and quality make them world class western show horses. Our goals are multiple: breed Arabians and Half-Arabians that can show and win, breed horses that are great for pros, amateurs and kids, and create a good, sound horse that can live a long, productive life and make somebody, somewhere a great partner.

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Tim Williams and Cindy Hildebrand ROUND BARN RANCH BURLINGTON, KANSAS Which working western discipline is your primary focus and why? Reining. We like the precision, the challenge, and the beauty and grace of the event, but since 2017, have started putting equal emphasis on the cow horse events. Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? With the advent of ranch riding on the national level, we see the working western division growing. Ranch Ridrng, reining and trail are events that many amateurs can work on at home without a trainer full time. The cow horse classes are a little more difficult for the average amateur due to access to cattle, but it has been our experience that most amateurs enjoy the challenges that the working western events bring. Describe how a working western horse can have a multi-faceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. One of the things that we strive to do with our horses is to help them have a long, successful and happy career. The emphasis needs to be on a strong foundation, soundness and great attitudes. When coupled with a genetic propensity towards specific events, most working western horses can successfully transition from futurity to aged event horses, as well as open to amateur horses. We try to send at least one horse as a yearling to Sport Horse Nationals to have halter added to their resume which we consider an entry level to a multifaceted career with reining as the foundation and any inclinations of the individual horse leading them towards other events. What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more working western entries to its competitions? By continuing to add popular classes like ranch riding, growing the trail classes and listening to the membership and exhibitors. Horse showing is not cheap as we all know, so adding Breeders Sweepstakes classes or payback classes can’t help but add to the allure. By placing more emphasis on purebred futurities and making the reining futurities more equal in payout will help grow the purebred reining population. The one-day format is great for the average exhibitor; less expensive, more relaxed venues, and having strictly working western shows is good for the show barns that specialize in those classes. What are the top goals for your Working Western horses? How are you executing them? We want to contribute pretty, athletic horses to the working western events. Our emphasis is on purebred Arabians and will continue to be so. We are using our stallion EAF Hesa Wizard to allow people of any income level the opportunity to breed to a sound, sane, attractive horse with excellent bloodlines and proven talent. Like any breeder, we would like to make more money either in the breeding shed or the show ring. Over the last two years we have been working at getting mares bred that are from a variety of disciplines. Our emphasis has shifted to breeding and providing people with the similar opportunities that we have been blessed with. We are strong supporters of the Breeders Sweepstakes program and encourage

everyone who breeds to our horse to nominate their foals. We strive to have horses in the reining futurity and last year we broke quite successfully into cattle events. We plan on continuing exhibiting in the different futurities and aged events in both reining and cow horse classes. When our horses are done with futurities, then we get to have fun on them ourselves! It is always our goal to have well broke futurity horses go on to successful amateur careers. Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? First and foremost, would be Eleanor Hamilton. Eleanor not only bred our stallion Oz, but she has provided such a great example of a savvy horsewoman and breeder and is a nice person with the best intentions for the breed. She has been a mentor and a role model. She is so willing to not only support monetarily some of the competitions, but to help new breeders like us get a foot hold. She is a class act. The other person who has guided us a great deal on our journey towards versatility with our working western horses is Don Ulmer. Both Don and Kamber are a wealth of information, especially about the working western foundation bloodlines. Their daughter, Elise Ulmer, has done a phenomenal job training and showing, and we are excited to have her starting one of our next futurity prospects as well. Lastly, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Ken Eppers, reining trainer of Oz. He has much knowledge about training young horses to become great futurity and amateur horses. We were his first Arabian customers and he took our 2-year-old and made him into the champion he is today. Ken and Nancy treat Oz and us like family. Our Arkansas friends of which there are way too many to list, Gary and Tami Ferguson, Margaret Lucas, Lori Conway, Kelly Alcorn and Karlan Downing are just a few that we have been blessed with knowing on our journey. Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. Our horses thrive on routine. Our show horses stay with trainers we respect not only for their training, but their horsemanship. We make sure our broodmares and foals have regular veterinary and farrier maintenance and we allow them to be babies. No serious training is done until they go to the trainers. At home they are just part of the group of horses. We feel that providing different venues and events help them stay fresh. Many of our older, more seasoned reiners are borrowed for lessons, do trail courses and even go look at cows when the opportunity arises. We have provided horses for judging contests, and to youth riders looking for a step up. The main thing is to have fun! When you are showing with a group of riders with similar goals, it makes it that much more fun to do. We believe that if you are having fun and working/riding with people you enjoy, your horses know, and they have fun, too.

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Crystal McNutt

MCNUTT PERFORMANCE HORSES SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus and why? The reining horse is my focus; I’ve been riding them since I was 4 years old, and I’m surrounded by the best in the world. I love the cow horse, but it is hard to keep the cattle. Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? They get to ride a lot. It is not an easy sport, so you have to ride a lot, and all riding levels are represented, which I think helps the breed. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multifaceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. Since 90% of the horses I train are owned by amateurs, it is all about the journey from a yearling or 2-yearold; building them to do stuff with and giving them a job. What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? We need to bring in more trainers and stock; we are limited on our availability. What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? Every horse will have a different goal; it all depends on them and their owner.

Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? So many people have helped me along the way, especially John Slack (helped me learn to show) and Brett Stone. Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. I’m really fair with my horses. To raise the bar, you need to ride them but make them happy and healthy in the process, both mentally and physically. They are our athletes and we shouldn’t over show them. You want them to enjoy what they are doing and the same goes for me.

Nan Walden RANCHO SONADO AMADO, AZ & SOLVANG, CA Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus and why? We show in Western Trail, Working Cow Horse, Herd Work, Western Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Riding. Many of our horses can do several of these disciplines, but we let the horses tell us what they enjoy and excel at. All our horses are athletic, but they are intelligent too, and need variety in their routine. At home, we use all our horses (even our sport horse or hunters) to push cows. It broadens their minds and gives them confidence. We ride them out on trails as well. Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? Too many people think of Arabians as unsuitable for ranch work or trail riding. When people who have had Quarter Horses, paints or other breeds see how smart and willing Arabians and Half-Arabians are, they get enthusiastic about showing them. Folks who already appreciate Arabians realize it is fun to go over obstacles or cut or chase a cow. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multifaceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. Our best example is our own first bred

and trained western trail 2-time national reserve champion futurity and Jr. horse, who has also won national championship titles in open western and English trail. He is an in-hand Sport Horse winner too, because he is pretty and athletic. You can put a beginner or child on him; he loves to ride out on the trails. What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? We need to show more Arabians in open shows and demonstrate what they can do. Some of our judges and trainers who show both

Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Volume 48, No. 10

Arabians/Half-Arabians and Quarter Horses or Paints, need to write articles in multi-breed publications like Western Horseman and Horse and Rider, and layman publications like Cowboys and Indians. What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? To keep our horses happy, healthy and fit. And to show non-Arab lovers and young people that these intelligent horses can be raised and trained with natural horsemanship and excel in any discipline. Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? We have

had wonderful experiences with Gary Ferguson, Jill Mitchell, Crystal McNutt, Trish Nelson, Kirsten Prutch, Andy Camacho, Courtney Spicer and Amanda Borduin. They all work really hard and don’t take shortcuts. We are grateful that they put the horses ahead of winning or anything else, as do we. Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. They get turned out seven days a week. They get to ride out on trails and push cows. They don’t just go around in circles all day. We are so sorry for horses that are not turned out, lest they lose a shoe or get a bump. That is like putting a horse in solitary confinement.

Brian Welman BRIAN WELMAN TRAINING CENTER HASTINGS, MINNESOTA Which Working Western discipline is your primary focus and why? Reining; it’s all I’ve ever done. Why do you think the Working Western division increasingly attracts amateur competitors? In reining, there’s better horses out there for them to buy and show now. Describe how a Working Western horse can have a multifaceted career starting with Futurity competition and onward as a mature show horse. After the futurity we have the maturity, then they go on to be amateur and youth horses, some still showing at 18 and 20 years old. What can the Arabian horse industry and organizations do to draw more Working Western entries to its competitions? Offer more futurities and maturities throughout the country and make it worthwhile to breed and raise them.

Within the Working Western discipline as a whole (Arabians plus other breeds), who do you most admire and why? Tim McQuay has done a lot for the NRHA and has stallions that cross well with Arabians; Gunner Dun it Again and it looks like Yellow Jersey will as well.

What are the top goals for your Working Western horse(s)? How are you executing them? To breed the best reiner we can to have a good product for trainers and amateurs to purchase and be successful with.

Share how you keep your show horses fresh and willing, as well as yourself. I don’t drill the moves every day with the show horses that are broke. I do a lot of different things to mix it up and keep them fresh. n

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2017 National Working Western Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth Nationals Working Western Champion and Reserve wins. Cutting, Reined Cow, Reining, Western Trail, Herd Work and Working Cow. Open/Amateur classes only.

OVERALL ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. RCC Dakota Dawn

4 championships

Round Barn Ranch

2. My Majec Moment

3 championships, 1 reserve

Silver Aspen Ranch

TA Glacier

3. Ima Smart One

4. Buckshot Dunit Again LJ Marshall

5. Twylite Zone

Whoa Dam It

6. Phoenix CA

4 championships 3 championships

2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 3 reserves

Elizabeth Dagnall Buckshot Farms

Steve or Linda Cohn Theresa Spencer Ashlye Daniel

Myranda or Athena North David or Jessica Bein

ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins

1. RCC Dakota Dawn

4 championships

Round Barn Ranch

2. My Majec Moment

3 championships, 1 reserve

Silver Aspen Ranch

TA Glacier

3. Phoenix CA

4 championships 3 reserves

Elizabeth Dagnall

David or Jessica Bein

4. Adessa SS 2 championships Connie Cole Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien EAF Hesa Wizard

Tsimmer Down Now

2 championships 2 championships

Round Barn Ranch Saulvance LLC

VG Tsatine 2 championships Wesley & Madelena Larkin

VLQ Friendly Fire

2 championships

Maria Danieli Krueger

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Ima Smart One

3 championships

Buckshot Farms

LJ Marshall

2 championships, 1 reserve

Theresa Spencer

2. Buckshot Dunit Again

3. Twylite Zone

Whoa Dam It

2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves

Steve or Linda Cohn Ashlye Daniel

Myranda or Athena North

4. Custom Gale 2 championships Joe Betten Dunminding Ps And Qs

2 championships

Jenna Neufeld

My Chics Revolver

2 championships

Megan Sitzman

KK Chics Patriot Sure Is A Whiz

TR Por Quixote

VT Smart Little Fire

2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

Marjorie Joy Carr Dennis or Sally Douglas Joe Betten

Saundra Drouhard

Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Volume 48, No. 10

OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winning get

by number of wins

2. HH Maxemus

2. D A Napitov

3. Al-Marah Matt Dillon

1. Hesa Zee 5 1. Hesa Zee 8 Khemander Kody

D A Napitov Khemonada

Nobles Top Gun

Rohara Moon Storm Scimaron

3. Al-Marah Matt Dillon HH Maxemus

2 2 2

2 2

6 5

4. Abidon

Kordelas

Scimaron

5. Desperado V

Khemander Kody

3 3

Nobles Top Gun 3

LEADING ARABIAN SIRES by number of Arabian winning get

by number of Arabian wins

1. Hesa Zee 4 1. D A Napitov 6 2. Khemander Kody

Hesa Zee

Khemander Kody

Kordelas

Nobles Top Gun

3. Desperado V

3. D A Napitov 2 2. Abidon 4 Khemonada

Scimaron

2 2

Scimaron Khemander Kody

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

1. Al-Marah Matt Dillon

HH Maxemus

Rohara Moon Storm

2 2 2

by number of Half-Arabian wins

1. Al-Marah Matt Dillon 2. HH Maxemus

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS

Top Ten included by points

1. Crystal McNutt

139

3. Jill Mitchell

2. Eddie Ralston

4. Jessica Bein 5. Jim Hitt

6. Shellee Kotera

7. Lance Scheffel

8. Elise Etzebeth

9. Gary Ferguson

Nobles Top Gun 3

97 68 65

64 62 60 55

10. Tyson Randle 52

Ar abian Horse Times | 23 | Volume 48, No. 10

5 4

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

1. Joe Betten 4 Buckshot Farms

2. Marjorie Joy Carr 2

Ashlye Daniel 2 Diane Dempsey

Saundra Drouhard

Eleanor Hamilton

Gary or Nancy Howard

Wesley and Madelena Larkin

Cotton McNutt

Avery Reed

Silver Aspen Ranch

Round Barn Ranch

Abbey Weiss 2

by number of horses

Diane Dempsey

Gary or Nancy Howard

Wesley and Madelena Larkin Round Barn Ranch

2 2 2 2 2

Vango Arabians 2

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

Traci Moseley 2

ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS 1. Buckshot Farms

1. Joe Betten 4 2. Buckshot Farms 2 Marjorie Joy Carr

Eleanor Hamilton

Saundra Drouhard

Abbey Weiss 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses

1. Eleanor Hamilton 7 2. Richard Ames 4 Buckshot Farms

Petroglyph Arabians

Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc.

3. Diane Dempsey 3 Kimberly Kirk Tillman

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

1. Eleanor Hamilton 4 2. Diane Dempsey 3

3. Buckshot Farms 2 Tracy Wynne Caruth 2 Tamara Hanby 2 Bazy Tankersley 2

1. Richard Ames 3 Eleanor Hamilton

2. Buckshot Farms

Kimberly Kirk Tillman Saundra Drouhard Linda Jacobs Dusty Morgan Petroglyph Arabians

Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc.

Ar abian Horse Times | 24 | Volume 48, No. 10

3 2 2 2 2 2

SINCERE THANKS to the APAHA for the Working Western Amateur of the Year nomination. ~ Nan Walden

Gary Ferguson on MacNificent RS (Maclintock V x Ravvens Skylark), black stallion, AWPA enrolled, 2017 Region 7 Western Pl Jr. Horse Champion.

CONGRATULATIONS, Jill Mitchell, on your U.S. National Championships aboard our own Agracie Girl V+++// (Sundance Kid V x Amazing Grace V) and Stars and Stripes SF+//, and your APAHA Working Western Trainer of the Year win!

CONGRATULATIONS to Gary Ferguson on your great success with Picante Jullyen V (Jullyen El Jamaal x Precious V) and MacNificent RS, as well as your APAHA nomination for Working Western Trainer of the Year!

Nan Walden on Multi-National Champion HA English and Western Trail Horse, Stars and Stripes SF+// (Allionces Knight x Starry Spumoni) and Multi-National Champion English and Western Trail and Sport Horse winner, Agracie Girl V+++//.

Dick Walden Ranch Riding on stallion Picante Jullyen V.

CONGRATULATIONS, Andy Camacho, and Cowgirl Jake RS (Jake Jamaal JCA x SC Chipawa Chinks), 2018 Scottsdale Reserve Champion Herd Work.

Jill on Duns Smokey Lady+// (Were Dun x Zerrette), HA National Champion Western Trail Horse.

Contact Nan Walden, Managing Owner Cell: 520.444.6260 Email: nswalden@greenvalleypecan.com Cheryl Schaefer, Office Manager 520.879.7420 Email: cschaefer@greenvalleypecan.com Jill on Chicago Chaps RS+/ (Jullyen El Jamaal x SC Chipawa Chinks, by Desperado V), National Champion Western Trail Horse.

Ar abian Horse Times | 25 | Volume 48, No. 10

Ar abian Horse Times | 27 | Volume 48, No. 10

RCC

Dakota Dawn+ (Abidon+ x Cantaliera, by Gondolier)

“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” –Zig Ziglar

2012 Chestnut Mare

The #1 Overall and Arabian Most Winningest National Working Western Winner of 2017

2017 U.S. National Champion Arabian Working Cow Junior Horse and Working Cow Futurity 2017 U.S. National Champion Arabian Cutting Junior Horse and Cutting Futurity 2017 U.S. National Top Ten Arabian Reining Junior Horse and Reining Futurity

+ (Hesa Zee+/ x RV Muscana)

2010 Chestnut Stallion • Stud fee $1,000

($250 non-refundable booking fee included) + collection and shipping fees Special consideration to Money or National-winning mares

Thank you to the mare owners who believe in booking to "Oz" Deb Crosby, TX ~ Debbie Drinko, OK Curt and Laura Steinke, NC Natasha VanGundy, KS ~ Rachel Wolfe, FL

2017 U.S. National Champion Arabian Reining Open and Reining Derby Open

LTE from all sources: $35,000+

Owned by Round Barn Ranch Tim Williams • Dr. Cindy Hildebrand (501) 231-1382 • Burlington, Kansas

Trainer: Elise Ulmer DeKalb, Texas • www.ranchodelsolarena.com Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | Volume 48, No. 10

Ken Eppers Performance Horses (254) 717-5035 • Krum, Texas

STAYING THE COURSE …

Eleanor’s Arabians and

HESA ZEE+/ by Christy Egan What does it take to make a successful Arabian horse breeding program? There are many answers to that question, but the most succinct is probably: a very, very long time. It takes years of dedication, study, critical evaluation, culling, trial and error, intuition, and the raw tenacity to stay the course. It helps tremendously if your program is built on the foundation of an older, good breeding program. That sort of “leg up” can escalate a breeder’s program ten or twenty years further down the road. When Eleanor Hamilton added Hesa Zee+/ to her program over 20 years ago, she added all of the success and talent of the original “Zee” as well, Hesa Zee’s sire, Xenophonn (Bolero++ x Farviews Kamal, by Guardsman). The foundation stallion for Miller Arabians, Red Bluff, California, Xenophonn was U.S. National Champion Cutting Horse (both Novice and Open) in 1979 and again in the Open in 1982. The leading Working Western sire for years, Xenophonn has many national champions and reserves in all working western disciplines, but especially in cutting. Hesa Zee+/ has been following in his father’s hoofprints as a sire of working western national winning horses since his first foal crop in 1994. Two of those first foals became Hesa Zee+/’s first two national winners.

Hesa Zee and Eleanor.

One was literally Hesa Zee+/’s first offspring, aptly named Hezas First. A bay mare, she was 1999 U.S. National Top Ten in the Reining Horse Futurity 5 & Under. The second was Hezas Kool, 1999 U.S. Reserve National Champion Working Cow Horse Amateur. Both national winners were out of Xenophonn daughters. At that point Eleanor Hamilton had already purchased several Xenophonn mares, but the national success undoubtedly inspired her to buy a few more. Over the ensuing years she has owned eight. Eventually, however, the Hesa Zee+/ cross with *Muscat daughters and daughters of the *Muscat son, Crown Musc+ have dominated his national’s list. Of Hesa Zee+/’s 36 purebred national winners, 13 of them are out of *Muscat or Crown Musc+ daughters, and the *Muscat daughter Artymusme accounts for five of those.

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EAF Hesa Little Whiz and Lance Scheffel.

Hesa Artfull Zee and Gary Ferguson.

Like any great coach, Eleanor Hamilton is the first to stand up and give credit for her program’s success to her “team”. Her four dedicated trainers and her manager are quick to return the compliment, both to Eleanor and to Hesa Zee+/. Rod Matthiesen, Eleanor’s in-house trainer has been with her the longest, “… at least 30 years,” and has been a voice in many of Eleanor’s breeding decisions over the years. “You need both a great horse and a great owner to make a great breeding program. There are two basic things that make Hesa Zee+/ bloodlines stand out in performance,” Rod notes. “First, Hesa Zee+/’s get are built to do the job. They enjoy what they do because they can do the work, soundly and efficiently. Secondly, they are quietminded and very trainable. Hesa Zee+/ had these characteristics in large amounts and he’s great at passing them on. Years ago, Arabian horse breeders bred their pretty halter horses to performance horses, thinking they would get a pretty performance horse. It just doesn’t work that way very often. The mindset you need for a great halter horse includes a high ‘flight response’ for that great, ready-to-spook, wide-eyed, ears-up look. That’s not what you want in a working western athlete. For the breeder’s part you need to put in time, thought and money. Eleanor has done all of that for many years and she has stuck to her guns about having a top working horse, a real ranch horse. I once read an article about the King Ranch where they talked about how everybody who rode their horses had a say in their breeding program. They listened to all the cowboys, the people who rode and handled those horses, day in and day out. Eleanor does that too. It makes a big difference.” Lance Scheffel has been riding working cow and cutting horses for Eleanor for five years. His success rate with them has been outstanding. During that time, he’s ridden numerous national and reserve national champions for her, including Built By Peppy, 2016 Half-Arabian Working Western Horse of the Year. At the 2017 U.S. Nationals, Lance rode EAF Hesa Little Whiz (Conquistador Whiz x Hezas Fire Fly, by Hesa Zee+/) to Reserve National Champion H/A

EAF Hesa Wizard+ and Ken Eppers.

Cutting Futurity and H/A Working Cow Futurity Top Ten; and Heza Rising Star (Hesa Zee+/ x Miss Eveningshade) to top ten in the Arabian Reining Intermediate, to name a few. “The Hesa Zee+/ offspring are trainable, no matter the discipline,” says Lance. “Some stallions sire open horses exclusively. The Hesa Zee+/ horses go from open competition to Non-Pro smoothly. Of course, this ability to shift gears and riders makes them easier to sell too! They all seem to be talented. He improves on the mares and brings the best of his pedigree to the breeding pen. I have two great, young horses by Hesa right now, a purebred 3-year-old colt named Zee Mighty Mouse out of a Xenophonn daughter that’s really good-minded. He’s been reining a little and started on cattle—very exciting. Then, I have a Half-Arabian Hesa 2-year-old gelding out of the Quarter Horse mare, Von More Time. EAF Hesa On Time is a natural; well-balanced and talented. He could do it all … reining, cutting, cows. The Hesa horses are not just reiners. Whether they are by Hesa Zee+/ or out of a Hesa Zee+/ daughter, physically and mentally, they can cross all the bridges.” Mark Coombs, Eleanor’s Arabians Breeding Manager, has been with the farm for 22 years and is adamant about the extreme importance of Hesa Zee+/ within Eleanor’s breeding program. “Just look at the success stories,” says Mark. “We’ve been breeding to some of the best Quarter Horse NRHA sires of the day over the past few years. And yet the great working western show horses from this farm have come from Hesa Zee+/, Hesa Zee+/ crossed with *Muscat and Crown Musc+, and Hesa Zee+/ and the Xenophonn daughters crossed with Colonel Jac and Little Sorrel Peppy. That’s classic, solid breeding on both sides of the pedigree. All of it is Eleanor’s primary breeding program. We have six Hesa Zee+/ babies on the ground so far this spring … Half-Arabians; a few purebreds. We have a good supply of Hesa Zee+/ frozen semen available to us and outside breeders. Hesa Zee+/ is the best-siring Xenophonn son, and to my mind, the best working western sire in the breed.”

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HESA ZEE+/ Hesa Zee+/ began his show career at five with a bang, winning the 1993 Scottsdale Reining Championship with his then owner, Russ Brown. He was shown extensively and successfully, winning a 1994 U.S. National Top Ten in Reining and the Canadian Reserve National Reining Championship in 1995. He had a career total of six national Top Ten awards in Reining, three in open and three in amateur. His first foals began arriving in 1994, and in 1995 he stepped off the trailer at Eleanor’s Arabians and took them both into history. Hesa Zee+/ has sired 36 national winners. Among them they have accumulated 154 national awards, including 120 national top tens and 34 national championships and reserves. Over 75% of these awards were in reining competition. Working cow horse and western pleasure classes in an even split accounted for 22%, with Trail, dressage and halter a very limited total of 3%. The purebred *Muscat daughter, Artymusme has produced five national winners with Hesa Zee+/, including Art By Hesa, a multi-national champion and reserve. Hesa Zee+/’s current leading national purebred offspring are: Heza Rising Star (x Miss Eveningshade, by Crown Musc+), Minding Ps And Qs (x Sarabask, by Serinask), Art By Hesa (x Artymusme, by *Muscat), Heza Fire Walker (x Fire Musc+, by Crown Musc+), EAF Hesa Wizard (x RV Muscana, by Crown Musc+), and Zee Fire Storm (x Fire Musc+, by Crown Musc+). Hesa Zee+/’s top HalfArabian national winning record is with the Quarter Horse mare, Miss Ka Cee Bar, dam of four national winners, including U.S. Reserve National Champion Sheza Dixie Chick+. Perhaps the most interesting point is that Hesa Zee+/’s top national winners are evenly divided between open, amateur and youth horses, some of them winning across the board over the years with riders of all ages and abilities. Trainer Rod Matthiesen seems to speak for all of the Hesa Zee+/ trainers, owners and fans when he talks about the summer show season to come. “Which is my favorite Hesa Zee+/ horse?” says Rod Matthiesen. “There have been so many. Right now though I am looking forward to this summer with a nice 4-year-old named EAF Hesa Comet (Hesa Zee+/ x AM Haleys Comet, by Al Marah Horatio+/). Pam Rose started him last year and thoroughly enjoyed working with him as well. I showed him in reining in March and he was really good. Did his job; no problem. He’s going to be my Junior Futurity horse this year.” It seems there are always good, new Hesa Zee+/ horses coming down the road. Hesa Zee+/ frozen semen is readily available. Inquiries can be directed to Breeding Manager Mark Coombs at Eleanor’s Arabians in Rogers, Minnesota, and all of the trainers referenced in this article have Hesa Zee+/ offspring available for sale.

Hesa Zee (Xenophonn x Somthing Special)

Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Volume 48, No. 10

Left: Heza Fire Walker and Justin Rose, Canada 2017. Center: Heza Fire Walker and Eleanor Hamilton, Canada 2014. Right: Heza My Daddy with Eleanor aboard.

Also looking at over 20 years of working with Eleanor’s horses is Pam Rose of the P & H Cattle Company. “We got our first Hesa horse, Zee The Gem, as a college graduation gift for my husband, Hoyt, from Eleanor,” says Pam. “‘Gem’ has a heart as big as the world. She made dreams come true for every member of my family and is now living the retirement she deserves. We have had the amazing opportunity to start many Hesa youngsters and all of them have big hearts and are a pleasure to train. We have been fortunate to have Heza Fire Walker, an animal that personifies the Hesa Zee+/ horse. This very tall gelding has no idea how big he is; he is pretty sure that he’s a lap dog. His personality is contagious, making people laugh every day and yet, he’s a perfect gentleman. His first year in the bridle he took Eleanor to top ten at the U.S. and Canadian Nationals in Western Pleasure 55 & Over, then our daughter, Madison, to Reserve National Champion at Youth Nationals in Walk/Trot and Equitation, and finally, our son, Justin, to Canadian National Champion in Western Walk/ Trot and Equitation. We work as a family on our farm and I never think twice about having my children handle the Hesa horses in any capacity.” Texas-based trainer Gary Ferguson has been working with Hesa Zee+/ horses for Eleanor for about eight years. “I find each generation of these horses just gets better,” Gary says. “They are careful thinkers and they don’t overreact. They are interested in what you are doing and inquisitive. They are capable and bred to do what they do. I believe that Hesa Zee+/ is a great sire—a particularly great broodmare sire—and a great show horse. Professionals, amateurs and youth ride these horses successfully. Right now, I am showing Kissed IntheMist, three-time National top ten, and looking forward to bringing back the Hesa Zee+/

Art By Hesa with Rod Powell, U.S. Nationals 2017. daughter, Lady Muscana, four-time National top ten reining, following her recent motherhood hiatus. Hesa Artfull Zee, 2017 U.S. National Top Ten Reining Junior Horse and Futurity 5 & Under, is a young Hesa Zee+/ son I am bringing along that I particularly enjoy. He’s a very good horse that wants to be a great one. Hesa Artfull Zee is what I imagine Hesa Zee+/ was like as a youngster. He travels well, follows me around and wants attention from me all the time. He’s inquisitive and always right at the front of his stall when I am getting ready to work saying, ‘Take me out first!’ This is a horse that wants to be somebody and I take him very seriously. One this good is a big responsibility for a trainer, challenging and very exciting. n

Ar abian Horse Times | 33 | Volume 48, No. 10

Ar abian Horse Times | 34 | Volume 48, No. 10

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North Central Working Western Celebration Show … Five Years Old and Growing Strong! by Christy Egan The North Central Working Western Celebration Show celebrates its fifth show anniversary in 2018 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin. At a time when horse shows of many breeds are struggling, this robust super show featuring Quarter Horses, Arabians and Half-Arabians, Appaloosas, Buckskins and Paints, Morgans, Palominos and POAs deserves applause and example status for its success story. Once a modest 3-day show, the 2018 NCWW Celebration will run from September 6th through the 16th and include an NRCHA Futurity, Derby and Bridle Spectacular, an NRHA Futurity & 7-Up Maturity, Open and Non-Pro, Ranch Horse Versatility Championships (American Ranch Horse Association approved) and a full roster of Ranch Horse classes for Palomino, Buckskin, Arabian, Half-Arabian and Morgan, as well as POAC and ApHC shows, AQHA, ApHC, AHA and APHA Cutting, and more. For prizes there are thousands of dollars, big, beautiful trophies, gorgeous belt buckles and trophy saddles. Founder and manager Sandy Woerle has her hands full, and to think it all started as an idea without much support. “When I first came up with a Working Western Celebration that would include several breeds, everybody said I was crazy,” Sandy laughs. “What a struggle it’s been to make this dream come true. Honestly, it wouldn’t have gone anywhere without the support of people like Eleanor Hamilton.” The show began as a collaborative for working western Arabians, Half-Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Paints and Appaloosas. Eleanor Hamilton, owner of Eleanor’s Arabian Farm in Minnesota, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Celebration show from the start, will be sponsoring an Arabian and Half-Arabian Futurity and Maturity again this year with $20,000 in added money. The farm’s great breeding sire Hesa Zee+/ was the 2017 Arabian Leading Working Western Sire. “The show reminds me of my childhood in the Nebraska Sandhills,” Eleanor admits. “We did everything with horses. The Celebration show is exciting, fun and makes me nostalgic for a time when horses were part of my every waking moment.” In general, the Celebration is popular with Midwest owners and trainers, especially Quarter Horse and Arabian western trainers. Recognizing that, AHA Regional Championship classes will be held at the Celebration for Region 10 on Sunday, September 9th in Western Riding and Ranch Riding, and for Region 11 in Reining, Cutting, Working Cow and Reined Cow Horse. The show drew exhibitors Dwight and Gigi Bull from Florida. “It’s a great show with good weather in a nice facility,” says Dwight. “You can show horses from 8 am to 8 pm and the prizes are out of this world. My wife and I won trophies, belt buckles and over $14,000!” A new addition sampler this year would include Jackpot Roping on Saturday, September 8th, with $5,000 added money and buckles for high earners. The roping counts as part of the Wisconsin Roping Association circuit. While each Breed Association holds its own approved show within the show, with full class rosters, the Celebration offers Supreme Championships open to all breeds in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, Halter and Ranch Horse. There is also a Walk/Trot Supreme in Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle. This short editorial cannot possibly cover the endless list of events gathered beneath the NCWW Celebration Show banner. The show has a western something for everyone, with endless classes for professional, amateur, youth and novice. Come join the competition; you won’t regret it! The Celebration show pre-entry deadline is August 27th. Entries are accepted up until the session before the class. For information, visit the Working Western Celebration website. n

Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Volume 48, No. 10

The Life Of A Leaderboard Celeb …

Crystal McNutt 1. Highlight of the 2017 show season … seeing

our youth kids doing well on young and fresh horses; particularly Jenna Neufeld’s Youth Nationals championship reining wins on Dunminding Ps and Qs.

2. The first thing I do when I get to the barn … drink a cup of coffee, check on everyone with my pet pig

following behind and get my first horse ready for the day. Before clients arrive, it is a super relaxing way to start the day.

3. And the last thing before I leave … is check to make sure everyone is good for the night.

4. A typical work day includes … there never being a typical day. Intended plans change all the time! With 90 head, we try to make sure everyone gets in for the week. 5. Favorite piece of tack … a snaffle and work saddle. 6. Show ring ritual … making sure we are competent in the show ring. If prepared, it shows in the product. 7. Perfect vacation … Hawaii. Relaxing … the beach … quiet. 8. Favorite show … Scottsdale. 9. Favorite class … Reining Futurities at Scottsdale. 10. Non-horse hobby … I’m a huge college football. Go University of Texas! 11. Favorite food … Mexican. 12. Favorite drink … coffee. 13. Song or jingle I can’t get out of my head … nothing at the moment. 14. Something people would be shocked to know about me … I was a really good golf player in high school.

Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | Volume 48, No. 10

Cindy and Buckeye

Ar abian Horse Times | 38 | Volume 48, No. 10

WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD Cindy Clinton

Breeding & Family

You come from a long history in the Arabian horse breed; how did your family get involved? My dad, Jim Clinton, was involved long before I became involved. He started in Arabians and went to Half-Arabians, which lead to him being the largest breeder of National Show Horses for quite a few years. Our family was involved from the beginning with NSH. You and your family have bred some amazing horses; do you have a few favorites? Of course! Islamorada and Banduke, both Bask sons, basically made the farm and sired the majority of the winning horses. I have to say, that the early National Show Horses, CA Equity, Steel The Thunder, CA Starstruck and Standing Ovation were some of my favorites with lots of stories to go along with their lives. Madamoiselle, however, will always be the most special. She is the mare who made it possible for me to be in the business on my own and introduced me to some wonderful friendships that will be with me for life. A few years ago, you made some major life changes and sold your farm. Can you share how this came about? As some of you know, as we get older, it gets harder. I was the only one working the farm the last eight years and it was getting to be too much in the winter. I was down to about 10-15 horses and all but a couple lived out on pasture, so show season was not too bad on the farm. The facility I had was my dad’s and Vicki’s at one time and had 80 stalls and a huge arena. It was getting to the point where I couldn’t keep up the maintenance on the buildings, so it was time. I listed it with a realtor and couldn’t stand people going in and out, so did not relist when

the contract was up. One day a young man came up to the door and asked if the was place for sale. I told him it depends. He turned out to be a realtor and asked if I would pay him commission if he sold it. I agreed if it sold within two days. And he did it! I decided it was meant to be, so then came the almost impossible task of leaving. It was very hard and I still miss it, but it was what needed to be done and I am doing just fine in the city. I was never seriously hurt at the farm and I am proof that God protects the innocent (rather, too dumb to know better), but within a year at my new house, I fell and broke my foot. I would never give up my time at the farm, and I am thankful to all who made it possible. What makes you most proud when you watch Lea and Jessica in the arena? Both girls are so talented. No doubt it is in their genes, and Lea being the oldest rose to the top quickly. She was smart and determined to be the best. She is also like that in real life. Jessica wasn’t as competitive when she was real young; she would show, do well and it was cool. She was just as happy riding thru the fields—she loved the horses and her art. Then one day Jessica decided it was time to show us what she had and she continues to amaze us. Lea can have her career, her home life and the horses whenever she wants. She hits the ring with that smile and you can’t help but smile watching her. She can fake it if she is having trouble, just like her mom. Both are very competitive, and confident. I used to get so upset with Vicki and the things she let those kids do when they were little, but that is what has made them who they are. These girls have worked very hard to be this competitive. As a trainer’s child, everyone thinks they have all the advantages, and they do some, but they are the ones who are last on the list for lessons, and last to

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get help with their horses. They have watched thousands of lessons and their mother train every day, so of course, that is an advantage, but they also gave up normal life as a teenager. Not that I feel that is a problem; it definitely did not hurt them. Jessica hits the ring and you can see how much she loves her horses, that she is having fun, is happy at what she is doing, and has that smile. She is very kind to her horses and is like me that we like our animals better than most people. Her ability to make it look effortless at times is one of her biggest assets. As you can see, I am bias and their biggest fan.

About You

What is the perfect day for you? Sitting at a show with friends, my dog Eli and watching friends and family exhibit great horses. Not too hot or raining, good DJ/announcer, and a golf cart. As you can see, I am very easily pleased and try to give everyone else what makes me happy! I almost forgot … and happy exhibitors! What is a typical day in your life? If not at a show, I do not get going before 10 am, but I am at my desk by eleven and start on whatever needs to be worked on. There are a couple of soaps I have watched forever and watch them every day if home (hint, don’t call between 12:30 and 2:00). I will usually work until at least seven, or if in the middle of something, until whenever. I don’t really have to answer to anyone except Eli, so I can have whatever schedule I want. What is the perfect vacation? Going to a show and not working. I look at Scottsdale as my vacation show; however, even when there, I am promoting horse shows! Away from horses, what do you enjoy doing? Shopping, my dog Eli and family. What is the first and last thing you do in a day? It’s very sad but check my phone.

Suzanne, Cindy, Dad, Linda, Lea and Jessica.

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WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD

National Show Horse Hall Of Fame

Horse Shows

How many horse shows have you run in your lifetime? I do about five or six each year and started doing OHAHA shows approximately 20 years ago. Being a people pleaser, what is your toughest obstacle in running horse shows? The schedule. I try to make sure there is always another class for someone to go in if they cannot make one of the classes. Example, if you cannot make your age group, then hopefully the next day there will be an ATR. I like an amateur to have the opportunity to go in three classes over a three day show if possible, or at least two, and I want to make sure the trainers have at least a couple options to show their open horses in because they all have more than one horse to show. It is not financially feasible for a trainer to only have classes for one open horse. What is your funniest show moment? At NSH Finals in the ribbon room one year, there was a bunch of us in there and for some reason, Robert Peebles was trying to get in and the door was locked. He kept saying, “I know you are in

there,” and we were hiding under tables. A long story and you had to be there! Do you have a blooper moment from a show? Not that I can think of that I can tell. On coming back to the U.S. National Show Commission after taking a few years leave, what is one thing you noticed that you were not aware of when looking in from the other side? That it hasn’t gotten any easier. Do you have one line or comment that you find yourself saying over and over at a show? “We don’t have time!” What is the best thing about running a show? When it is over, and the majority have a good time. It is so hard to make shows fun anymore and the deciding factor usually is what kind of an attitude your exhibitors have during the show. If they come in a bad mood, they are not going to be happy. It is up to each one to make things fun, so all you can do is try and make it so they enjoy themselves. n

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Let Us Introduce … Paul & Sabrina Glans How did you become involved with the Arabian horse and when? Paul: I attribute my equine introduction to my parents from early childhood. My dad struggled with polio as an infant but always found horses as a focus for he and I. My home town of Suffield, Connecticut, offered farm life, so we purchased a pony named Toby who we enjoyed driving around town in our pony cart made from scratch. Who was instrumental in introducing you to the Arabian breed? Paul: Aside from my late parents, who were pivotal in my relationship with horses, a treasured neighbor, Frank Bruno, was key in my journey. He saw the love my dad and I had for horses and shared with us a 3-year-old Arabian stallion, Count Francesco. Because of my dad’s disability, driving was our way of spending time with the horses together, my dad and I training him to drive ourselves. We often could be found heading to town to go to the hardware store in a horse drawn cart—cherished memories for sure. Also Bill Flood, who I met at horse shows while I was grooming for trainers over summers. We became friends early on, working together closely with many of the same trainers back east. Sabrina and I would credit Darcy and Bill Flood both, for their encouragement of us moving to Arizona later on. And as an early teen, my family chose to purchase a Saddlebred mare and soon after, bred her to the Arabian stallion Heritage

Paul and Sabrina at the 1979 Eastern States Exposition Horse Show, Agawam, Massachusetts.

Aiglon, owned by the Hayes family of Falcon Ridge Farm, Rocky Hill, CT. Much to our delight, this breeding brought us our first venture into the halter ring in 1983 with the fabulous National Show Horse Half-Arabian yearling The Madrigalian. Soon after, he was broke under saddle and sold by our cherished friends to this day, Peter Fenton and Janice Giles of Shelbyville, KY. It is always a highlight for Sabrina and I to see Peter announcing at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and this past year we enjoyed his company at the Nationals. The camaraderie we share from our many years of friendship is truly enjoyable to us. You seem to have a strong passion for the Arabian halter horse, and yet we see a lot of photos of you both trail riding. Where does your real passion with the Arabian breed lie? Paul: From the age of 12 and on, I started to embrace more horse shows. I would spend summers grooming for trainers in the Saddlebred/Hackney pony world. It was such a learning experience and provided a great opportunity to travel at a young age. I would say at this time, showing halter was definitely something I wanted to do and could see it remaining in my life for years to come. Sabrina: Paul and I met in high school in 1979 and married in 1986 (this year marks 32 years!). I had a hunter horse at age 9, showing in 4-H, followed by showing jumpers in our small show circuit in Connecticut. I, like Paul, was fortunate too, in that I always had the support of my parents regarding my love for horses. Paul and my parents, many times together, enjoyed the shows right along with us. Paul and I both often reflect on how fortunate we are that our parents were not only each other’s in-laws, but that we shared a special closeness with each other; blessed that our parents were each other’s friends for all these years. On a funny note, years back we showed against one another is the same 4-H horse shows as kids, only to discover it through childhood photos where we were both in center ring lined up together with each other’s parents there on the rail rooting us on. Our mutual love for horses to this day, is a steadfast part in the

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Sabrina and Paul Glans with Sirbreena WPE and her foal AzAdora, by Azraff.

fabric of lives as a whole. We were led to Arizona for vacations in the late 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and prior to moving, we would attend the Scottsdale Arabian horse show almost every year. With both of our careers intact, we moved here from Connecticut in 1993 to enjoy the horses and ranch living year-round. You have been lucky in tying your professional life with your love for the Arabian horse. When you ask someone in the horse industry from the West where they got their vehicle, 75% will say you. How many vehicles do you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold to someone in the Arabian industry? Paul: I started with Cadillac in 1985 out of college from the University of Connecticut. In reflection, my relationships with trainers and farms as a child, was a big factor in my success within the auto business. It is a blessing that I have been so fortunate to incorporate my business with my hobby for so many years. The loyalty in this industry is undeniable.

list. We have special friends from high school who remain there and that we always enjoy visiting with, as well as some special steadfast locals that we can always find as we venture around our home town reminiscing. If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? We would say that a main focus should be to continue introducing families to the Arabian horse to keep our industry flourishing with new people. It feels so right to share this special bond we have with the horses; it is really rewarding when a new person visits the show and then is immediately enamored and wants to come back for more. Describe a typical day. Work hard to play hard, and savor time at home.

What is the perfect day for you? The perfect day for us would be trail riding close by, enjoying the beautiful desert basically outside our front door here in Scottsdale.

We ultimately feel so fortunate for the enriched lives we lead through the horses, and we are grateful every day for the cherished ones we have met along the way.

What is the perfect vacation for you? Aside from our ranch, visiting our hometown roots in Suffield, CT, would be high on our

Paul & Sabrina Glans

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In The Eye … Judge, Leslie Connor Born in Joplin, Missouri, Leslie was raised with horses. Her father, Jerry Connor, was an avid Arabian horse enthusiast, and her involvement has been continuous since 1957, as an owner, breeder, trainer, exhibitor of many Class A, Regional, and National winners, or as a judge. Competing in halter classes, and in most of the performance disciplines in the Arabian division, she has won literally hundreds of trophies and ribbons. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas, and has won the United States Equestrian Federation Overall National High Score Award in the Arabian division (the King Saud Cup) twice, and the Reserve High Score Award once. She has also won numerous MAHA state high point awards, several USEF Zone High Score Awards, and the USEF National High Score Arabian Halter Gelding Award with a horse she bred, trained and showed. To date, Leslie has judged almost 300 approved and rated horse shows on five continents, in eleven different countries, over 50 of which were Regional, World, National or International Championships.

How many years have you held a license to officiate in the Arabian horse breed? I received my first card in the Arabian division of USEF (then AHSA) in 1975. So, that means I have been judging Arabian horses for forty-three years! Your judging expertise has taken you to shows all over the world; where were some of your favorite locations? I have been very fortunate to have had so many opportunities to judge outside the United States and Canada. To date, I have judged abroad in nine other countries on five different continents! Every single trip has provided many wonderful and unique experiences, and so it is difficult to choose favorites. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand were all fantastic locations, but I have also had very memorable trips to Brazil, Sweden, France, Belgium, England and The Netherlands, some as many as four separate times! Each country is unique, having its own beautiful cities, towns, flora and fauna! Plus, everywhere I have traveled, I have met countless numbers of lovely, wonderful people who have been exceedingly generous, gracious, and kind to me! I could elaborate on the friendships I have made that remain to this day, but I think the above sentence will have to suffice. I could write volumes about everything I have seen and done in each locale, as well as about the most important part of each trip, judging gorgeous horses! I am excited to be adding one more country this September! I have been invited to judge the Arabian National Championship Show in Namibia, and I am sure it will be another very memorable experience! What breeds do you hold judging cards in? I hold judge’s cards in ten different divisions. In addition to Arabians, I hold cards with USEF in the Andalusian (R), Friesian (R), and National Show Horse (R) divisions; the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, the American

2016 Victorian Classic, Tatura, Australia.

Miniature Horse Registry (R), American Shetland Pony Club, Modern (R), Classic (R), American Show Pony Registry (R), and the American Miniature Horse Association (Senior). How many times have you judged the Arabian U.S. Nationals? I have had this honor five times (four times in both halter and performance and one time for halter only).

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Leslie judging her first U.S. Nationals, Louisville, 1982.

Do you have a favorite show that you enjoy judging and why? Having judged almost 300 approved shows, 50 of which were Regional, National or World Championships, it is really difficult to name a favorite! Of course, I have always really enjoyed judging Nationals here in the U.S., but I also loved judging the Arabian Horse Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas and the Arabian U.S. Open at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in New York City! In the Arabian world, we have seen changes in various disciplines over the years. What are your thoughts on the Saddle Seat, Western and Hunter horse? Having begun showing Arabians as a child in the early 60s, I have been witness to an incredible evolution in our performance horses. The selective breeding for specific conformation traits in different divisions and the highly advanced and sophisticated techniques used in the training of these equine athletes have resulted in extraordinary levels of excellence. As with all progress and change, sometimes certain looks can become a little too extreme, but I think that those days of “pushing the envelope” have passed, and that we are now seeing the most beautifully presented Arabian horses ever!

Ibn Que Hama++ (*SX Conquistador++ x Que Hama++), a gelding Leslie bred, trained and showed.

2017 Arabian U.S. Open, Rolex Central Park Horse Show, New York City.

With Arabian in-hand breeding classes always a topic of discussion, what are your thoughts on the score card vs. comparative judging? Do you prefer one over the other? For many, many years, I only used the comparative system, and I felt quite comfortable with it, even in tying National Championship classes. In recent years, I have used the scoring system quite a bit, and have found it also to be a good method, because everyone can see exactly what I think about each part of the horse, plus its movement. But, since I believe that horses can possess qualities that cannot be completely quantified within the categories that are scored, I do like being able to judge the horses comparatively in the championships. I make mental notes of areas where a horse has faults, so as to not be “blown away” by a great presentation at the end of the show. But, call it “charisma”, the “look of eagles”, or some other attribute that makes a horse really special, I can also reward that when the horses are judged comparatively. What is your funniest judging moment? The funniest thing I can remember did not occur while I was judging but involved my interview for a magazine in Brazil after the first National show I judged there. Among other questions, I was asked to explain some of the characteristics I especially liked about the stallion I used for champion. Along with listing all his fine qualities, I said that I thought he possessed the aforementioned phrase, “the look of eagles”. I didn’t realize that that expression was not known in Brazil, and, when the article was published, my dear friend Maria Helena Vidal explained to me that when translated into Portuguese, it said, to my horror, that “I thought he had the appearance of a big bird!” Perhaps that is why it was many years before I was invited to judge their Nationals again! LOL!

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Have you ever had a “blooper” moment in judging? I suppose you could call this judging experience, also in Brazil, a “blooper”. The first time I judged there was at a show in Itopolis. Not being able to speak Portuguese, and in order to let the halter handlers know that I thought they were doing a very nice job showing, I thought I would give them the “OK” sign. Little did I know that making a circle with my thumb and forefinger was a very bad thing to do in Brazil! You should have seen the looks on some of their faces! My chaperones thought the whole thing was quite hilarious, but I was really embarrassed when I found out what I had done, even though it was a totally innocent mistake! What has been your favorite class to judge to date and why? Having judged literally thousands of classes, this is really difficult! I have been privileged to judge some of the most outstanding horses in the Arabian breed, including Kajora, *El Shaklan, Huckleberry Bey, *Abha Hamir, MHR Nobility, Aequus, Mamage, Allience, Khadraj NA, Fame Maker R and Rave VF. My list could go on and on, but I would like to mention one very special halter class, and two outstanding performance classes that have left indelible imprints on my heart and in my mind. The halter class was the Stallion final at the 1989 U.S. Arabian Nationals. That year, our great top ten included, among others, *Ali Jamaal, *Simeon Shai, Top Contender, Aladdinn Echo and Exceladdinn. I used *Ali Jamaal as my Champion, and though he did not win that year, he was named Champion the next year, which pleased me very much! But on that evening in 1989, with Bill Carrington’s stirring voice calling that class of formidable stallions to the ring; with their dramatic entrances through “smoke” onto the new green shavings, and with a huge crowd wildly cheering on their favorites, I had an incredible experience I shall never forget! Both of my favorite performance classes took place at the Canadian Nationals. The first, in 1984, was the Open Arabian Park Championship. My winner (and he did go Champion) was Zodiac Matador. I had never seen an Arabian horse move like he did, and

2013 South Africa, after judging the Gauteng Regional Championship Show.

Leslie with *Ali Jamaal, Lenita Perroy and Greg Gallun, right after he was named Champion Stallion at the 1990 Nationals (the year after she called him her winner).

Michael Whelihan showed him brilliantly! It was Matador’s first national championship, and I was so happy to be a part of it! My other favorite took place in 1992. It was the Half-Arabian Open English Pleasure Championship. Rich Doran showed the incredibly beautiful, Baskabella, and I was so enthralled with her performance that I could hardly take my eyes off her! Of course, I did judge and place all the other entries, but for me, she was perfection! She was named National Champion in that class, adding to her National Champion Half-Arabian Mare title she had won earlier in the show. What is your all-time favorite discipline to judge? In the performance division, my favorite discipline is English Pleasure, but I really do love judging halter classes, too! What advice would you give to someone who is considering getting their judges card? I would tell anyone considering obtaining a judge’s card that, although it may seem as if it is a long, arduous, expensive and daunting process, it will all be completely worth it in the end! What would you say to the person sitting in the stands complaining about the judges’ decision? Judging from the stands is VERY different from judging in center ring. I would encourage people who are not happy with the judging to attend an AHA Judges School to, first, gain a better understanding about the long and difficult process one goes through to obtain a card. They would also get to learn what is involved in tying all the different types of classes in the Arabian division. And, they would get to see how differently things can look from inside the ring, when you are down on the same level as the horses! It’s not as easy as it looks! n

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Rising Stars Of 2018... The Progression Of A Lifelong Journey

heir work day is both physically and mentally taxing, sometimes seven days a week, mostly double-digit hour workdays. They bide their time, listening, learning and striving in the ‘rear seat’ of the training operation in which they are a team member; the reward already part of the journey—the caring and training of the glorious, great-hearted Arabian horse.

What is it about this horse that catapults so many young riders from the youth/amateur show pen status to toiling days and nights, working as an assistant for the ‘star’ trainer or starting their own training operation? The spotlight and celebrity of the show pen often times takes the seat to a new role—that of the disciple. The key is to reach the top of the pinnacle, that of a top trainer, schooling and showing the best in the breed, but in the meantime, they’ll ‘cut their teeth’ on the challenging mounts in the barn. Still, learning and living through these challenges, getting results and always seeking to prove themselves is that beaconing beam which shines just to the fore, and the following rising star trainers share their journey.

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Jenna Ball

FARM AFFILIATION: Westridge Farms YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 18 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Hunter, Western and Country English Pleasure

By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? My love for Arabians first began at the age of ten, when my family built our farm in the year 2000. Arabians have always been in our family starting with my grandparents who originally developed their passion for the Arabian breed, who then passed it down to my mother, Valerie Sylla, who passed it to me. I can only hope that when it comes time to have children of my own, that they will share the same love that we all have for the Arabian horse. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? As a youth rider, I traveled to open shows with my mom and Gram. I would never trade the experiences we shared together for anything; they are moments I will cherish forever. As time went on, we moved into the Class A circuit which lead to Regionals and so forth. I grew up mainly showing western pleasure and then eventually moved into hunter pleasure as well. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? I knew by the time I was 13 years old that I wanted to be a horse trainer one day. Growing up on my family’s farm made that decision easy. Before school, after school, anytime I could get to the barn … I was there. Who were your mentors along the way? Once I graduated from high school, I was lucky enough to have the privilege to work under Tommy Garland, JT Keller, and Brett and Marji

Becker. I also feel very fortunate to have continued guidance from my peers in the business: Wendy Potts, Sally Randle, Gail Simpson and Tom Theisen, just to name a few. It’s a refreshing and motivating feeling to know that you have people in your corner. You never know when one of us is going to need help from the other. What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? As a professional, watching my amateurs reach their own personal goals definitely stands out for me, whether that be a national title or a blue ribbon at a class A show. Ninety percent of the clientele in our barn have started their journey as new members to the Arabian industry. That said, I view their success as a great achievement to our program. What are your future goals? My goals have been and will always be, to do my best by my horses and my clients. I strive to give my all in everything I do, and I believe that hard work, dedication, patience and honesty are key factors to being successful in this industry.

Cassie Banks

FARM AFFILIATION: Oak Haven Farms YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 20 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Hunter, Western, Saddle Seat By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I got my first Arabian when I was 7, and from then on, I was hooked! As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Hunter, western, specialty classes and trail. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? I loved teaching and training my own personal horses, so from an early age, I knew this is what I wanted to do! I love watching horses grow and learn, and I love to help riders and horses come together. Who were your mentors along the way? My biggest mentor would be Rick Gault; without him I wouldn’t be where I am! I’ve also learned a lot from Gordon Potts, JT Keller, Jason Krohn and Caralyn Schroter.

From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? Getting more people involved. What are your future goals? I want to help get as many people as I can involved in this industry and allow them to see what a great community it is. I also want to see my amateurs continue to succeed. There’s nothing more thrilling than watching them in the winner’s circle!

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Katelyn Carter

FREE REIN RANCH YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 10 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Western Pleasure and

Working Western

By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I began showing at the age of 10 on a horse named Rocket Man, owned by Samantha Morh and coached by Kim Seward. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Showmanship, halter, western and hunter pleasure, working hunters and trail. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? Training horses is the only thing that has ever been in my head. There was no other option for me. It comes from somewhere deep down inside, and regardless of where life takes me, that won’t change. Who were your mentors along the way? I truly believe the entire horse industry are my mentors; it takes a community to shape someone. I have to give special credit, however, to Carla Jackson, Shawna Sapergia and Bekki Yvon, for some extremely important building blocks in my development. I am currently still learning and being shaped and influenced by some incredible people in my life. What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? The day I won the Western Pleasure Junior Horse at Canadian Nationals on my little buckskin stallion. That was an incredible day and gave me the confidence to keep building and the drive to want to learn more and be better.

From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? I think the Arabian industry needs to focus more on the basics. We have an incredible amount of intelligence and power to work with in this breed, and we are not using it to its full potential.In my opinion, horses who are brought from the bottom up with a classical method of training—referring to the dressage and vaquero school of thought—before they are put into training for their specific discipline, last longer and have far fewer issues. This makes them both more valuable as open competitors and more reliable for amateur owners. What are your future goals? I plan to keep building and learning and see where it takes me. Education is the key to almost every problem, and the more we look into the anatomy of a horse, right down to the loading potential of a hoof, the more we can then understand the mind of a horse. I will always stay in the industry, but I predict my role will be constantly shifting as I learn.

Josie Gillespie

FARM AFFILIATION: Tamar Arabians Ltd. YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 20 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Hunter Pleasure By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I began my love for horses as soon as I could talk about them. I got my first pony when I was four and by the time I was seven, I had my first Arabian mare. She is what started it all!

As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I began showing at 8 years old in 13 & Under, because I never liked going slow! I competed in mainly hunter and western doing equitation and pleasure. When I aged out and started my 1417 career, I got a new, big Half-Arabian gelding and competed in saddle seat equation, UPHA challenge cup, country English pleasure and native costume. I was lucky enough to have an amazing trainer who supported me and let me try a little bit of everything, as I enjoyed doing some trail and dressage on the side with an occasional showmanship class!

Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? The Arabian horse is what made me want to become a professional. I have studied these animals for as long as I can remember; pouring myself into this industry, from learning about this fascinating animal’s history to trying different training methods to enhance my theory of how to get the most out of this majestic creature. This is something I have always wanted to do!

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Who were your mentors along the way? At the age of eight, I started with Joyce Thomas as my instructor. She gave me a foundation that has been the backbone to my career; going above and beyond to teach me about the Arabian horse and this industry. I rode with her until after high school when I started a 6-year apprenticeship with Ron Copple. This is where my love for the industry blossomed. He gave me so much more than an education in training the Arabian horse, he also gave me opportunities that have gotten me where I am today. What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? I had this crazy dream of breeding the horse that I would win my first national championship on. In 2012, a huge bay colt was born, the first and only baby I have ever bred. In 2015 I took that bay Half-Arabian gelding that I bred, trained and own, to

U.S. Nationals in the hunter pleasure futurity. We had already had a phenomenal year with regional futurity wins, and he not only won a national championship, but my first U.S. National Championship! From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? I feel we could use a little more focus on our youth programs and getting more kids involved in the Arabian horse. These kids are the future of our breed! What are your future goals? To continue learning, to be better and better at what I do, to perfect the product I produce and to continue to promote the Arabian horse.

Nestor Gonzalez

FARM AFFILIATION: Lowe Show Horse Centre YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 13 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Western, Hunter and Show Hack

By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? 17 years old. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Open. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? I loved being around the people and the horses, so it was not a hard decision. Who were your mentors along the way? Cynthia Burkman. What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? When I won the Half- Arabian Futurity Hunter class at U.S. Nationals in 2013.

From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? I think there needs to be more people, especially kids. What are your future goals? I just want to keep training horses.

Lauren Grabski

FARM AFFILIATION: Oak Haven Farms YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 14 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: English and Hunter By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I had ridden horses since I was about 8, but I specifically got involved with the Arabian breed around the age of 12. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I primarily showed in saddle seat classes, but also did some hunter.

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Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? Actually, going to college helped me decide to be a horse trainer. I always wanted to train horses because I love it but wasn’t sure I could do it. The more I sat in class learning about other subjects, the harder time I had picturing myself having a career in a normal workplace. I couldn’t stand to be away from the barn for any length of time. That’s when I knew. Who were your mentors along the way? For me, Blake Krohn was a huge mentor. He taught me so much about horses and the art of riding. But the most valuable lesson he instilled in me was to have patience when training and that there is always more than one way to accomplish things. Of course, I also wouldn’t be where I am today without my loving fiancé, Jason Krohn. He is always supportive, but also honest. He never stops pushing me to be better. He is always there to offer encouragement or a new perspective.

U.S. Nationals as a youth rider and seeing Vegaz and Afires Heir have a work off in the Arabian English Open. I had never seen a work off before, and those two horses just made my heart skip a beat. I was so impressed with their willingness to keep working after already completing an entire class. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? Although it is just a personal preference, I would sure love to see our Arabian saddle seat horses start to be bred prettier. Our western horses have become so extremely pretty and typey, which often overlaps with the hunter division. I would like to see that transfer into the saddle seat division. What are your future goals? I would love to just keep growing my skills as a trainer. I think there is always something to be learned. The minute you stop learning is the minute you stop improving.

What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? One moment that I will never be able to forget was going to

Meg Daughton Gwyn

FARM AFFILIATION: Rick Gault Training YEARS IN INDUSTRY: My whole life; but professionally, 3 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Hunter, Saddle Seat and Western By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I was fortunate enough to grow up with Arabian horses. My family bred and owned them long before I came along. All of us children started out on ponies and then graduated to an Arabian as their first horse. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I showed in everything. Before I even started training professionally I liked to find horses that had potential in some way, shape or form, and figure out where it was best suited and happiest. This being said, I showed hunter, saddle seat, show hack, showmanship, equitation, costume, and even sport horse. I have always enjoyed taking a horse that, so to speak, didn’t fit, and finding a place where it can succeed. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? There really has never been a doubt in my mind that I wanted to become a professional. After my first regional top five on a friend’s purebred mare, I was hooked on the rated shows. From then on, I knew the level that I wanted to compete and succeed on. Many times when grooming horses at shows, I’d go and just sit and watch all the trainers work their horses; actually, I still do that. Who were your mentors along the way? Without a doubt, my mother and father have been huge supporters of my dreams and journey. Rob Bick and Caralyn Schroter gave me a great

foundation and a look into what it really takes to make this a profession. I could never repay them for allowing me to spend every school break at their farm learning what being a professional trainer is all about. But most importantly, Rick and Laura Gault have been the biggest and most influential mentors in my career. Not only have they allowed me to show some incredible horses, but they also had faith in me, even when I didn’t have any in myself. I could never stop thanking them for not only believing in me, but also pushing me to improve more and more with each ride. Without the opportunities they have given me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? Hands down, watching RGT Mercury Rising go national champion. It was one of those moments where everything came full circle. I watched a horse that Rick and Laura bred, and I broke as a 3-year-old and showed in the futurities, become a national champion. It is definitely the highlight of my career thus far.

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From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? This breed needs to give exhibitors more incentive to show. The new jackpot classes are a great way of doing this, but I feel the association could give more back to its members and exhibitors.

What are your future goals? I simply want to continue learning and improving my training abilities. If I can do this, the rest will fall into place. I want to be able to see passionate amateurs improve and reach their goals on horses that I have trained. I also want to bring new people into this breed to see it grow and succeed.

Alayna Mala

FARM AFFILIATION: Adandy Farm YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 17 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Saddle Seat and Hunter By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I started showing Arabians when I was 7 years old. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? English, country and hunter. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? Cathy Vincent believed in me when she first saw me ride as a little girl. From then on, she has given me every opportunity to put me on the path that I am on right today. Who were your mentors along the way? I have been fortunate to have the support of Cathy; she’s one of the best! What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? Winning my first National Championship … when hard work and dedication all comes together. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? Somehow and some way, we need to bring the halter horse back. We need to get back to the roots

of a beautiful Arabian horse at the Class A and regional level, whether it be with incentives or a committee that gets together to figure out what needs to be done. We also need to get back to judging halter horses as a whole, not just their heads. I truthfully believe that the English division is on the right path. We are thriving with so many great horses and trainers right now, it’s so great to see. What are your future goals? To continue to be successful and move forward. There is always something that can be learned each and every day to make our horses, clients and team successful.

Alex Peterson LUXE ARABIANS

YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 10 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Hunter, Western, Side Saddle By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I started riding at age 3; I wouldn’t get off my rocking horse and my father asked if I wanted to ride a real horse. The rest is history. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I so badly wanted a successful youth career, however, growing up, my family did not have the means to do so. I spent my youth riding anything I could get my hands on: western horses, hunter/ jumpers, rescue horses; it didn’t matter, I rode it. My last year as a youth rider I had saved up to go to Scottsdale with my mother; no trainer. I knew nothing about show clipping or pre-

working or ear plugs. I competed in halter, western and over fences. None of it was pretty, but I was so happy to be there, it didn’t matter.

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Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? I have always known I wanted to be a trainer; it sounds cliché, but it’s true. Growing up I would read books and watch videos and clinicians. Once I was old enough, I would go to shows and watch professionals in the warm up, then go back home and mock what I saw. No one in my family is a horse person, so I believe it is just a deep-rooted passion that I had to ride out, no pun intended. Who were your mentors along the way? There are many people in the industry I look up to: Wendy Potts, Liz Bentley, Lisa Powell, Marggie Rushlow, Michele Benton. Many of these people are like movie stars to me; I still get star struck. I am a shy person and put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself, so I get to the show to work my horses at 4 am because I am too intimidated to ride in a crowded schooling arena. The more I ask for help, the more I realize that everyone has started somewhere. Most recently, I’d have to thank Carolyn McDonald for her support, trust and guidance. She is someone I really look up to as both a person and horsewoman. I am also grateful for my parents;

they may not be horse people, but they have taught me so much and mentored me along the way of running a business. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? Let’s be honest, we all compete to do well. However, at the end of the day we are being judged by a panel of humans and riding an animal with a mind of its own. Sometimes I think the industry tends to lose sight of the fact that we all do this because we have a common interest in loving the Arabian breed. Let’s all be kind. What are your future goals? I constantly set goals for myself and for my business, Luxe Arabians. I have big goals, such as a national title, and other goals such as, clean rides at the next qualifier. I never dismiss any goal, as they are all important towards success or failure, but you learn from both!

Nicole Reed GHOST PINES FARM YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 12

By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? Many of my peers grew up having parents or grandparents who were breeders and/or trainers of Arabian horses, but for me, this wasn’t the case. My mother was a banker and my father owned an Italian bread bakery, so horses were not part of my upbringing. However, I was your typical “horse crazy” little girl and kept begging my parents for pony rides, lessons or anything pertaining to horses. They willingly obliged and thankfully noticed my passion regardless of me only being 10 years old. As the lessons progressed, so did my begging to one day own my own horse; that was how the deal was struck: straight A’s equaled my very own pony. Looking back on that deal and where it has lead me over the years, I think my parents would have most likely added in a few more requirements, making it a bit more challenging if not impossible for me to have gotten my wish. My straight A’s earned me a little grey Arabian mare by the name of HFS Carrousel and she pretty much launched me into the Arabian world that I call home today. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Everything and anything from showmanship to hunt seat equitation, saddle seat equitation, halter and sit-a-buck! I was your typical hungry, horse crazy kid and what better way to learn than to try and experience everything. It didn’t matter if I won the blue ribbon; not winning made me go home and practice harder. To this day, I am a big believer in continuous learning. Ride the different breeds, work with horses of all ages and levels, be brave enough to grab those opportunities that pass your way, and always be humble enough to learn from those seasoned and established trainers. When I visit other barns or sit on my horse

at a show in the main ring, I literally steal with my eyes and ears. There is always something new to be learned in helping further me in my horsemanship skills and that’s what it’s all about! Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? To me, this industry is dangerous, and I don’t mean of the physical kind that we subject our bodies to every day when working with horses. It’s dangerous because it is very seductive and glamorous to the young. The job of a horse trainer is pretty cool, right? You work outside, you’re basically a professional athlete, you travel for a living, and best of all, you get to work and ride horses every day! When I was contemplating going to college or accepting an assistant trainer position, my parents took control, squashed that dream, and demanded that I go to school instead. I’m very thankful to them now, but looking back, I think hateful would have summed up my feelings pretty accurately. College gave me the opportunity to really get to know myself without horses, and what I figured out was how much I genuinely loved and missed the lifestyle that horses offered.

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Being a true professional in this industry is loving the actual job of working with horses. The willingness to be at the barn all hours of the day and night, making sure your horses and clients are happy and successful in all their endeavors, the pressures of winning or losing that important class, paying the bills, managing your workers, sacrificing relationships or children, not getting those first or second-string horses, paying your dues for many, many years ... these are the true parts of the horse industry that aren’t visualized when wanting to become a young trainer, and I think this is why so many leave the industry. It’s not all about talent and shows, it’s about heart and strength, and being a little (or a lot) stupid in never giving up working for this lifestyle that, I think, is so very worth it. Who were your mentors along the way? My parents are, without a doubt, my biggest mentors. They believed in me, they were hard on me, and they never gave up on me. I genuinely could not have asked for two better role models than my mom and dad. I am also extremely fortunate to be a small part of this Arabian horse industry that, in and of itself, is pretty unbelievable. I have been to so many shows and have never been without a helping hand when in need. The level of talent that is exhibited from both the trainers and amateurs is so cool to watch, let alone be a part of. Lastly, I don’t know of a more qualified mentor than each and every horse that I have the privilege of having in my barn. Every day, these horses teach me how to be better; how to be more patient; how to be smarter or more creative. They are the foundation of our industry and the best mentors anyone can ask for.

What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? There is no one moment that stands out to me, but more a collection of people full of pride, much like our fellow Arabian horses. That is what stands out ... a shared camaraderie amongst fellow Arabian lovers, owners and breeders, regardless of age, discipline, region or struggle that is being faced. That willingness to come together in a time of need is something to be proud of and to love being a part of. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? I feel that that we need to be more proactive in getting the younger generation involved more than what is being seen today. Kids nowadays love their phones and computers. To see a horse, to pet its muzzle, to ride on its back … that is becoming a thing of the past and it’s sad. My husband and I recently opened our own barn geared towards Arabian show horses, but I am also promoting the lesson program at all costs, because I don’t want to see the “horse crazy kids” fade away. Those kids are what is going to help improve and save our Arabian breed. What are your future goals? I have many goals, some crazier than yesterday’s, but my biggest is to always keep remembering why I chose this lifestyle in the first place. It doesn’t matter how hard a day I have, the barn and the horses always ground me and help make me a much better, more sane person.

Laura Rodel

FARM AFFILIATION: Cedar Ridge Arabians YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 7 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Saddle Seat By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I got my first Arabian at age 13, and I’ve been hooked ever since. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I showed a purebred country horse. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? When I started to resent having to go to my job during the week and tried to hurry my day up to be able to go to the barn and ride. Also, being at shows and watching trainers work horses all night. Who were your mentors along the way? My trainer I rode for, Rae Ann Bartz. The rider I am today I owe to her. Also, John and Leah Golladay, for giving me the opportunity to work for them and Gene LaCriox, Tom Moore and Josh Shino, for all their guidance in helping me to become the trainer I am today.

What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? Watching my first open English class at U.S. Nationals. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? Getting more new people interested and involved in the industry. What are your future goals? To continue teaching my amateur and junior riders to ride and show at their best potential.

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Steven Scoggins

FARM AFFILIATION: Long Meadow Arabians YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 6 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? My family has always been very involved with the breed. My dad, Brian Scoggins, is an Arabian horse trainer and AHA judge; my Grandpa Scoggins was an equine veterinarian and Arabian breeder; my mom, Jane Dowler, trained for a number of years; and my grandparents, Jim and Jan Decker, were Arabian horse trainers and very active in the Arabian Horse Association. I guess you could say it runs deep in my blood. I can remember riding my first horse (an Arabian, of course), around 4 or 5 years old, and I was instantly hooked. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Western pleasure and reining. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? At the end of the day, it was the horses that brought me to this profession. After college I tried other career paths—everything from construction to sales (both of which come in handy as a horse trainer)—but I kept coming back to the horses.

Each day is different, and every horse and rider presents a new challenge and opportunity. Who were your mentors along the way? I’ve been fortunate to have had many great mentors along the way, however, I think Joe Reser has certainly had the most impact on the horse trainer that I am today. He is constantly challenging me to continually improve and he is one of the first people I call for advice.

Victoria Shaw

ASTORIA, LTD. EQUESTRIAN CENTER YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 15+ DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Sport Horse Divisions, Youth,

Young Horses

By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I was close to 10-11 years old when I made the move to a lesson program at a local Arabian breeding farm. Prior to that, I had a phenomenal foundation and horsemanship education riding and showing pony hunters starting at age 6. I became the owner of a purebred mare, Khlasszy Lady, shortly after that which began our 18+ year partnership. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? Everything. My mare, Khlasszy Lady, who I showed in everything from pony hunters to western pleasure, now at 27 years of age, does beginner lessons in my program. But the area that we shined in was equitation. She took me to my first regional championship and Youth Nationals in that division. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? I am a rarity. Neither of my parents have ever been involved, professional or amateur, in the horse show industry. When I became devoted to horses, my parents blindly trusted my passions and supported me whole-heartedly. But my main push to follow my dreams came from losing my father to pancreatic cancer at the age of 19. He taught me that it isn’t what you have when you leave this world behind you, but what impact you leave behind when you go. So, on May 8th, 2010, I graduated with three BS degrees (pre-law, equine studies, political science) Cum Laude from a full academic

scholarship and walked across that stage and straight into business as Astoria within 48 hours, and never looked back. Who were your mentors along the way? I am completely selffinanced, self-operated and self-owned, but recently I have been so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to continually work with some of the best minds in our business. Even though my parents couldn’t afford for me to have horses with trainers, they did teach me that hard work and determination will end in success. I started a “side-job” grooming, clipping and braiding for the likes of Ted Carson, Joel Kiesner, Joe and Michele Reser, and Greg Harris, just to name a few. Each one of these people has made an impact on my career and education, and for that I thank them dearly. Foremost being, Virginia Godwin, who has been a mentor on the rail and in life as well. She has taught me to embrace every version of success in this business, and that whether your journey is conventional or not, it is a celebration and it will be respected.

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What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? The moment that stands out the most for me is a personal one. After many national championships in-hand, I won my first set of roses in the saddle at Sport Horse Nationals in Arabian Show Hack Open. After 30 solid minutes of grueling rail work, what I achieved was a moment of validation for me as a professional in this industry; a deep breath of fresh air and a surge of emotions. This culminated into my most successful Nationals to date; six National Champions and four Top Tens. I still struggle to find the correct words to illustrate the feelings involved. Every time I watch my victory gallop, it brings a smile to my face. I waited years for that moment and I can’t wait to work for it to happen again. From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? I feel there are two main topics that are hindering our growth as a breed. First, the expense of being able to be competitive for new amateurs, and second, the expense of doing this professionally. As far as the first one is concerned, the initial expense to be competitive at the rated level is driving our “grassroots” demographic away. We must remember that these people are just as important to our industry as the big-time breeders are. It doesn’t take money to show support, passion and pride for this breed; simply love and dedication. For this reason alone, all of my lesson horses are retired Arabian show horses. I am teaching students from a young age how special these animals are and breaking stereotypes along the way. Secondly, it is expensive to get into this as a profession. It is so daunting, that I think between the dedication, discipline and

finances needed to create a training business, is discouraging young, talented riders from becoming trainers. To my knowledge, I am the only trainer, at my age, to own and operate my entire business and created it by myself from scratch. I have no family history of being in this business, and I have to work other “moonlighting” jobs— bartending, clipping, braiding, grooming for trainers nationwide—in order to have the finances to help my business grow. I regularly work anywhere from 80-90 hours a week and I couldn’t tell you the last time I took a day off. But it is worth it. Even though there is a lot of sweat and tears, I love what I do, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. What are your future goals? It is in my nature to just follow the path that life presents to me. I have no logical explanation for why I have the ability to do what I do as a profession except that I was born with talents that I discovered and then made the most out of them. I am very involved in my partner, Stephanie’s, non-profit marrying coffee production with humanitarian advancement. One day soon we hope to be roasting quality and sustainable coffee here in the U.S. As I continue to grow as a business, I would like to become more involved in judging and committees within the industry. I also have a passion for coaching youth riders and it’s so incredible to see the impact we can make in their lives. I am moving towards creating a non-profit organization dedicated towards using horses to instill growth and confidence in young women. As I continue to grow and learn, I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Josh Shino

FARM AFFILIATION: Stachowski Farm YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 21 DIVISIONS OF EXPERTISE: Saddle Seat and Hunter By what age did you become involved with Arabian horses? I have been involved my entire life; it is a family affair that began with my grandparents. As a youth/amateur rider/handler, what divisions did you show in? I showed in pretty much every discipline you can think of: English, show hack, costume, hunter, western, reining and halter. Is there something that helped you to make the decision to become a professional? Mostly my love for the Arabian horse. I couldn’t picture my life any other way than to spend every day with these amazing animals. Who were your mentors along the way? I have had many incredible mentors along the way, but first and foremost is my mom, Carolyn McDonald.

From your viewpoint, what aspect of the Arabian breed do you feel needs improvement? There are many aspects that we could improve on, but I think we need to change our showing system. There are too many regional shows and not enough Class A shows. Also, we need to figure out a way to make shows more enjoyable for people. For clients, horse shows are their vacation, so we need to make it as enjoyable, fun and relaxing as possible and all at the same time.

What moment in the Arabian horse industry stands out for you? Getting to work with amateur owners and seeing them ride and practice to achieve their goals.

What are your future goals? I just moved back home to Scottsdale, AZ, to start a satellite facility for Stachowski Farms, so my current goal is to create a business and clientele here to manage for my own. n

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2018 Rising Stars ...

Watch for Steven Scoggins with these exceptional young horses, and one that is already a star! Jo Money

DLC Sonyx

Linda & Dennis Clark 906 FM 407E| Argyle, TX 76226 LongMeadowArabian@verizon.net Steven Scoggins | 217-649-4807| sscoggins33@gmail.com

W W W . L O N G M E A D O WA R A B I A N S . O R G

Ever More NA

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Specializing in objective horsemanship for liberty, trick and bridle-less training for the pleasure, sport and working divisions. Custom instruction and clinics for colt starting and teaching techniques on the topics of liberty, collection, body control, reining, tricks, and problem solving

Katelyn Carter|Free Rein Ranch Cell : 780-940-2221 | Free-Rein-Ranch@outlook.com P.O. Box 1225, Lamont PO, AB T0B 2R0 www.Free-Rein-Ranch.com Ar abian Horse Times | 64 | Volume 48, No. 10

RGT Inthe Heir Tonite

National Top Ten Afires Heir x Showtime’s Shanghai Lilly

Archdale, North Carolina | www.RickGaultTraining.com Rick’s cell: (336) 471-8822 | Laura’s cell: (336) 558-7771

RGT Mercury Rising

Unanimous National Champion Afire Bey V x Styling Time

Meg is such an asset to our training and breeding programs. She is extremely talented, and her patient, kind demeanor towards both horses and people is undeniable. Meg has started and shown many of our superstars, including Unanimous National Champion, RGT Mercury Rising. Her success in open performance classes is proof of her talent as a trainer. Meg’s future shines bright and we are delighted to be on this journey with her! ~ Rick & Laura Gault RGT Cripes A Mighty

National Reserve Champion Afire Bey V x Styling Time

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E WOULD ACCOMPLISH MANY MORE THINGS IF WE DID NOT THINK OF THEM AS IMPOSSIBLE. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; VINCE LOMBARDI

LH Primadontta 3-time National Champion

AL Khassius Khlay 4-time National Champion

Work Hard. Dream Big.

Victoria Shaw | Owner & Trainer astoriaequestrian.com | (336) 469-1246

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The Ames Family | Dick, Lollie & Lara Ames Jordan, Minnesota | 952.492.2537

For Your Next Championship Ride Visit WWW.CEDARRIDGEARABIANS.COM

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ENGLISH PERFORMANCE

UN A N I MO U S 2 01 7 U.S. N A TI O N A L C H A MPI O N AEPA A R A B I A N H O R S E TI MES $100,000 A R A B I A N S A D D L E S EA T F U TU R I TY

IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire, by Afire Bey V

SCOTTSDALE UNANIMOUS CHAMPION COUNTRY PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JIM LOWE

Mamage (Zodiac Matador x CF Fire Magic by Ariston) | PSI Love U (Allience x Provocatiw by Pro-Fire)

ALL THE RIGHT PARTS F O R T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N Owned by Dr. Nancy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly | Amazing Horse Woman, LLC www.drnancyoreilly.com Standing at Lowe Show Horse Centre | Somis, California For breeding information, contact Jim Lowe 805.444.8583

English Cover Story:

The Long Awaited Arrival Of The First Foal Crop By Inception by Christy Egan

When Afire Bey V was five, his first foal arrived. By the time he was ten, offspring from his first three foal crops were competing at the national level and taking their first rose blanket victory laps in English competition. Within a few years, American Arabian breeders were fighting for spots on Afire Bey Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breeding calendar. His owner Dave Liniger pursued a simple, but dynamic strategy: develop a good breeding program based on proven stock and breed enough horses to have a relatively expedient answer regarding his siring abilities. Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | English â&#x20AC;˘ 2018

2018 filly (x Heirs Noble Love)

2018 colt (x Rumina Afire)

“Our first program came from a combination of Don DeLongpre’s cross between *Eter daughters and Barbary+++/,” Dave notes. “We crossed those mares with Afire Bey V. Each great horse brought a different set of assets to the table. With Afire Bey V we hit the homerun of a lifetime. His record is probably unsurpassable. It took us almost a decade to find IXL Noble Express+ as the stallion for our Afire Bey V daughters.” As it turned out, the next step was even more difficult. What do you do for an encore when you’ve owned the number one stallion in the Arabian breed for decades? As luck would have it, the answer appears to be personified in a 2013 blood-bay stallion named Inception. A son of national champion IXL Noble Express+ and out of the Afire Bey V daughter Bonita Afire, Inception’s tail-female is the great producing Barbary daughter, Bacharah, dam of nine national winners or producers of national winners. Last October at the 2017 U.S. National Championships, both the crowd and the judges were fixated on Inception’s debut appearance with trainer, Joel Kiesner. The unanimous winners of the prestigious AEPA $100,000 AHT Arabian Futurity, Inception’s appearance had breeders tracking down Tim and Marty Shea all over the Tulsa fairgrounds. “I could barely get through a meal,” laughs Marty. “They slammed the internet with accolades for Inception. We have 12 foals coming this spring from several Nutcrackers and we bred all of the Afire Bey V daughters, as well as any others that we thought compatible. It’s

been a great rollercoaster ride.” In addition, there were a large number of mares bred to the young stallion while he was in training at Joel Kiesner’s last spring and summer. It appears that Inception will have more foals on the ground in his first two years as a sire than either his sire, IXL Noble Express+ or his iconic grandsire, Afire Bey V. The first few have already arrived to great applause. These include a filly and a colt out of multi-National Champion and national winning producer, Rumina Afire+ and a spectacular filly out of 5-time U.S. National Champion, Heirs Noble Love. Is Dave Liniger nervous about so many “proof of sire” foals arriving in 2018? Not really. “He could be the one,” says Dave. “We’ve bred a great many good horses in the last 30 years and Inception is as good as it gets. I don’t think any horse since *Bask++ has gotten this kind of exposure. But, you know there’s only one way to find out. I’ve only seen photos and videos of the first babies, and they will have to grow up and have a chance at training and becoming successful show horses. I know that Inception has the heart and soul of a great horse; he’s got a classic Arabian temperament, all fire and show and trot in the ring, but then he will walk up to you and put his head down on your chest …” Dave and Gail Liniger will visit the babies in person in June. Joel and Inception are planning on the Buckeye in May and the U.S. Nationals in October. Proof, one way or another, is en route. n

Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | English • 2018

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Citationn (Afire Bey V x KAZ Baskteena) STANDING AT STUD

Afires Midnite Heir

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Proudly owned by: SILVER STAG ARABIANS LLC | Merrilee Lyons Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | English â&#x20AC;¢ 2018

Unanimous 2018 Scottsdale Champion Arabian Park

Conway Arabians Owned by: CONWAY ARABIANS Peter & Lori Conway | 507-202-4440 lori@conwayarabians.com | www.conwayarabians.com Ar abian Horse Times | 9 | English â&#x20AC;¢ 2018

This exciting, young stallion was perfectly named and is offered at stud for those who love an adrenaline rush! Sired by Multi-National Champion Vegaz, Life inthe Fazt Lane - AKA “Eddie” - shows off all the excitement his pedigree says he should. A product of the iconic names in trotting royalty, his blood boasts true and includes Apollopalooza, MHR Nobility, Afire Bey V and Mike Nichols’ favorite mare, Rio Rita NA. His first foals are now on the ground and we invite you to join us in what is definitely going to be a WILD RIDE!

Vegaz x River Dance NA • $2,500 Introductory Stud Fee Multi-Program Nominated Sire • SCID, EVA, CA & LSF Clear Proudly owned by Amazing Horse Woman, LLC, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly • www.DrNancyOReilly.com For breeding information contact Chris Wilson 417-761-2031 • www.ChriShanPark.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 11 | English • 2018

The Evolution Of Starline Arabians by THERESA CARDAMONE

Laughter rang through the clear air as the horses carried their riders up the winding trail, huge eucalyptus trees lining the way. 27-year-old Barbarry Coast was doing all she could to keep up with her 16-year-old stablemate, Adams Fire. With 16 national championships, four national reserve championships, eight Scottsdale championships or reserves and 10 additional top ten honors between them, the titled pair of show horses were clearly enjoying their retirement. Almost as much as Lori Lawrence and her daughter Nicole, the women on their backs!

Lori, Nicole and Carey with 6-time National Champion SA Gisele after her 2017 U.S. National Championship in Country Pleasure Driving AOTD ~ 2017

Nicole, Lori and her husband Carey are dedicated, hands-on owners of Starline Arabians, qualities deeply appreciated by Joel Kiesner—their trainer for more than ten years. “They are really interested in every aspect of the horses,” he says, “From making breeding decisions to watching them grow up as babies in the pasture; then evaluating every stage of their development up until the horses come into the training barn. They are devoted to the care of their horses— always doing what the absolute best thing is for the horse, including retirement. Every one of their horses has retired at the top of their game, with 100% dignity.” It is very important to the Lawrence family that the horses who have brought them so much enjoyment and success in the show ring are retired while they are still sound and happy at their job. “I love Barbie (Barbarry Coast) like I can’t describe,” says Lori. “She takes a lot of pride in herself, still. And, every time Adam hits that trail, he’s like a fire-breathing dragon…in a good way! So, Barbie and I are always trying to keep up with Nicole and Adam. One day, he’s getting hotter and hotter and hotter, and keeps trotting higher and higher and higher, until it’s like they were taking their victory lap in Tulsa! It was one of the most joyful experiences of my life to see that horse at home, on the trail, with a little keg shoe and barefoot behind, breaking three inches past level, with Nicole smiling ear-to-ear.” “We can’t keep them all,” Lori laments. “We’ve sold quite a few excellent horses along the way that still have a lot of career in front of them. But some of them—like Adam, Barbie and Nabasken—have given so much, not only to us, but to the whole industry, that we feel they deserve a really incredible life here with us in Rancho Santa Fe. You can see them relax into it. The first month that Adam was here, he was pretty hot when we turned him out. Now, he just stands there, enjoying the sunshine. Their whole mode changes after a while, they get it. I wish we could do it with more, they deserve it.” (Nabasken Afire captured nine national champion titles for the Lawrences in both open and amateur English Pleasure.)

Kelle King

The staggering success of Lori and Nicole—on multiple horses over the course of years—is a testament to their dedication to the sport. Starline horses have accumulated over 50 United States, Canadian or Youth national championships and 29 reserves, as well as 19 Scottsdale championships—primarily in the amateur English pleasure and country English pleasure divisions. In fact, Lori Lawrence holds the distinction of being lauded on the “Hall of Fame” banner above the in-gate at the U.S. Nationals as one of the top-winning riders in the history of the breed—amateurs and professionals alike. Kelle King

Lori’s mom, Joan Eichen with Adams Fire at his retirement party ~ 2017

Keeping themselves ready to ride has been a tremendous asset that has tipped the balance in their favor more often than not when Lori and Nicole hit the show ring. The family is grateful to Joel Kiesner, who has partnered with them in creating such a formidable dynasty. “I have met very few people in my lifetime—and I am surrounded by professional horsemen—that have as much dedication and true passion for these horses and what we all do,” Kiesner explains. “I appreciate that so much because I have also devoted myself to horses. Lori and Nicole are riders who are dedicated to working really hard at it. They understand how to get there…it’s a triangle: them, the horses, and the trainers. They work on their riding at home every day, on those wonderful horses, on the trails—how nice would that be?! When they come here to Tennessee to ride their show horses, they’re ready.”

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~ Lori Lawrence

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Lori and Joel Kiesner with Multi-National Champion Nabasken Afire and Nicole ~ 2008 Multi-National Champion Carry On with Nicole ~ 2001

Multi-National Champion Barbarry Coast with Lori and Nicole ~ 2005

Joel Kiesner and Lori with Multi-National Champions CP Rock On, Adams Fire and Nabasken Afire ~ 2008

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“My background was getting on the back of any horse I could as an 8to 10-year-old child, galloping around, and staying on!” Lori recalls. “I developed a pretty good seat from all of that childhood running around. Nicole started riding real young and had more of a foundation with professional instructors. She spent a lot of time with me—we had horses just up the street then—and we would take off on the trails. I think it is underestimated what that does for your riding in the long run, just learning how to handle a horse and feel comfortable and confident. You get to know what they are really like, versus just going out and having them ready to get on and take lessons.”

Starline’s Chanel—the top-winning Whippet in AKC history

Lori credits the family’s deep involvement with world-class Whippet dogs for providing crucial experience that led to their equal success in the horse show ring and informed their future as top horse breeders. Likewise, her youth with horses gave her the tools she needed to be a top dog handler. “It’s interesting how they tie together,” Lori offers. “It’s been a symbiotic relationship for decades, it’s gone back and forth. People would ask how it was that I learned to show dogs so quickly. I showed halter horses a little bit, here and there, in my twenties, and that impacted my experience with showing the dogs. It all transferred over. Now, the dog breeding is transferring over into the breeding of the horses.” Since Starline is the breeder of over 100 AKC champions including Starline’s Chanel—the top-winning Whippet in AKC history—and have also bred the number one sire in the history of the Whippet breed, the mind boggles at the possibilities. “People are always so surprised when they want to come and see our ‘kennel,’” Lori chuckles. “We’ve never had a ‘kennel,’ we don’t even have crates…they are just our house dogs! The most we’ve ever had is eight at one time, and that’s really unusual. It’s usually around five or six; now we only have four as we aren’t really breeding actively anymore. They expect a really big operation, but it isn’t. It all just stemmed from one bitch that we started with.” Lori never had any ambition to be a horse breeder. “I just felt like it was too late-in-life to make a study of it and compete with people like the Sheas,” she explains. “I would rather just go and get a great baby by a top breeder like that. But Joel said to me one day—after we had SA Gisele and Noblemis—’You know, if you wanted to, you could do the same thing in horses that you did with dogs. You can be very successful breeders with just a couple of mares because you have two of the greatest IXL Noble Express mares in the country, and you should be breeding them!’” Keisner stands by that advice. “It’s a true statement that if you own mares like Noblemis and Gisele, you have an obligation to contribute to the breed,” he states emphatically. “And if you make horses, you have to sell some. It doesn’t go well otherwise.”

~ Lori Lawrence

“We don’t want to get big,” Lori continues. “We don’t have a ‘farm’… we have a four-stall barn but don’t foal any out, although we’ve raised a couple here. Nutorious was foaled out in Temecula, and then came home as soon as he was weaned. We didn’t breed SA Adriana, we bought her, but raised her here. I just don’t want to get too carried away with it and end up with a herd of horses. The whole philosophy was to breed the best to the best, stay very small, and try to produce only top, top quality, like we did with the dogs.” Ar abian Horse Times | 17 | English • 2018

Lori’s strategy is already paying off. The first two of Starline’s contemporary homebreds to hit the show ring were foaled in 2013 and they have risen immediately to the top of their class. SA Mistafire— the gelded son of Afire Bey V and Noblemis— earned a 2016 Top Ten in the English Pleasure Futurity before claiming the 2017 U.S. National Reserve Champion AEPA AHT $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity honors and the 2018 Scottsdale Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse title. He will undoubtedly continue to add to his coffers in future competitions. And then, there is Nutorious, the 2013 Half-Arabian son of the legendary mare Rumina Afire and the Saddlebred stallion, Undulata’s Nutcracker. Raised at Starline, he became the first homebred U.S. National Champion for the Lawrences when he captured the 2016 Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity title. Lori is thrilled to be preparing to show Nutorious herself this year. “I just started riding him a couple of weeks ago when I went back to practice,” she enthuses. “I can’t wait to show him!” If all goes well, the pair will compete at regionals and in the National Maturity.

National Reserve Champion SA Mistafire with John Golladay ~ 2017

National Champion Nutorious ~ 2016

As for the up-and-coming offspring of SA Gisele (IXL Noble Express x Rumina Afire), the winner of seven U.S. national championships and two reserves in country English pleasure and pleasure driving over the last seven years, “The first one that people will see is the 2014 Half-Arabian Nuttin But Chrome, by Nutcracker,” Lori informs. “He’s pretty special! He’ll be in the AEPA Half-Arabian English class with Joel. He is big-trotting and high-necked, with natural, natural ability. He’s a little different than anything we’ve had before, all the Ritida babies. He looks like Gisele. You can see her in every one of her babies. Even though he is chestnut with a big white blaze, you can still see his mother in his eyes and the way he uses himself. He has a great work ethic and we’re fairly optimistic that he will love to show, like his mother, because that’s the way he is. He’s a pretty exciting young horse.”

“Then, there’s KT Mahalo, Gisele’s 2015 daughter by Afires Heir,” adds Joel. “And she’s just going to be unbelievable.” Lori concurs. “I saw her in longlines about two weeks ago, and it was pretty off the charts! She looks a lot like Gisele, smooth, with beautiful type, and you can definitely see ‘Captain’ in her, too. She has such beautiful motion on all four corners; all Gisele’s babies trot on all four corners.” Joel emphatically states, “I think Gisele is going to be a great, great broodmare. She is an evolutionary step forward and is a platform from which the next evolutionary jump can be made.”

Multi-National Champion SA Gisele with Lori ~ 2017

Starline recently sold SA Nuttin Like Me, a black full sister to Nuttin But Chrome, to Russ and Tammy McElliott on the advice of their trainer, Ryan Strand. “We’re very excited about her,” Lori states. “They plan to show her eventually and also bought Debonheir DGL from us at Scottsdale, although he wasn’t technically ‘for sale.’” Debonheir was the 2015 U.S. National English Futurity Champion, with U.S. reserve championships in the 2016 Saddle Seat Futurity and 2017 English Pleasure AAOTR Maturity. “I also have a beautiful English colt for sale, same age as Mahalo, named SA Heir of Love (Afires Heir x SA Gisele),” states Lori. “I want people to know that I sell good babies.” And not only good babies, Starline has also recently sold two of their most treasured broodmares: SA Adriana (H Mobility H x Rumina Afire) and Noblemis (IXL Noble Express x Brassmis), the 2014 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure AAOTR 40+. ~ Joel Kiesner

“I just don’t want to get too big,” repeats Lori. “I sold Adriana and Noblemis, and this is the reason why: I have Gisele, I’ll never be selling Gisele, and we bought as a weanling Noble Blessing, the full sister to Inception (IXL Noble Express x Bonita Afire). He was the most talked-about English performance horse at the 2017 U.S. Nationals following his spectacular National Champion AEPA AHT $100,000 Saddle Seat Futurity win, with Starline Arabians’ homebred SA Mistafire earning the reserve championship. “If everything goes well, Noble Blessing will be showing in the Futurity at this year’s Nationals. She’s spectacular. I have a confirmed embryo from her and Afires Heir. I felt I didn’t need four breeding mares, at max I will need two great ones. This new filly is very, very, very special; very much like Inception.”

SA Shes A Bae (Afires Heir x SA Gisele) 2017 Chestnut Filly SA Nuttin Like Me (Undulata’s Nutcracker x SA Gisele) 2017 Black Filly SA Heir Kiss (Afires Heir x SA Adriana) 2017 Chestnut Filly

Joel appreciates the two 3-year-olds that Noblemis is leaving at Starline. “Mistique SA is a super high-quality, beautiful chestnut filly by Night Flight SA, with quality everywhere,” Joel states. “I’m sure she’ll make it to the Futurity this year. Noblemis also has KT Miss Royal, by VJ Royal Heir, who is really beautiful with great motion front and back—both of them have super-balanced motion.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | English • 2018

Multi-National Champion Eves Fire and Joel ~ 2018

Multi-National Champion Emperors Fire and Nicole ~ 2016

Starline is looking forward to the show careers of two young HalfArabian Afires Heir sons out of the phenomenal Dutch Harness Horse mare, Ritida. She is already the mother of Starline’s troika of champions by Afire Bey V: Adams Fire (2002), Eves Fire (2007), and Emperors Fire (2008). While Adam is now retired, Eve and Emperor bolstered their already-heavily-laden show records with 2018 Scottsdale championships in H/A English Pleasure Open with Joel (Eve) and H/A English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 with Nicole (Emperor). The trio of full siblings have earned 23 U.S., Canadian, or Youth national championships and nine reserves between them. Horse show enthusiasts are looking forward to the eventual show debuts of Reigning Heir (2016) and Imperiall Heir (2017). By all indications, the Kiesner/Starline team will continue to produce champions for years to come. “It’s been a great relationship, for sure,” Kiesner says. “Some of my greatest accomplishments have been on their horses and with them on their horses. Part of that is a good working strategy, everyone being able to understand each other.” Carey Lawrence agrees. “Joel is such a smart, sensitive, deep-thinking individual,” he says. “He teaches you and is able to explain things in such a way that you can understand it. If he doesn’t think you’re getting it, he will take it down a notch until you finally do. I just cannot imagine Starline with someone else.” Lori harbors the same excitement for her journey with her current horses as she had for her first win. “When it doesn’t feel that way, it will be time to step away,” she attests. “With Carey and Nicole so involved and it being a family thing, we definitely enjoy it on a much deeper level.”

Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | English • 2018

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Owned by: Lindsay O’Reilly French Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | English • 2018

Mac Baske

A Heritage Of *Bask For The 21st Century by Mary Kirkman The English pleasure mare Mac Baske was an overachiever. Looking back now, it’s fair to theorize that one reason she has continued to be relevant for nearly two decades is that when she was in the show ring, she was ahead of her time. And when she became a broodmare, she passed her abilities on. “As balanced a mover as she was, I don’t know if how much drive she had off her rear end was truly appreciated,” reflects Shawn Stachowski, the mare’s greatest supporter—human alter ego, actually, as well as Mac Baske’s partner in the amateur division. “And when you were riding her, where she could put her head was like a dream come true. It was unbelievable.”

In five years of competition, Mac Baske collected national titles in the English division ranging from top tens in pleasure driving to the Canadian National Championship in open (1999), picking up two U.S. National Reserve Championships along the way, one in English Pleasure Junior Horse (1995) and one in AAOTR 18-39 (2000). Her trainer, Jim Stachowski, was aboard for the open work, his wife Shawn for the amateur. Remarkably, Mac Baske’s greatest achievements may not have come in the show ring. Her first foal was 2005 U.S. National Champion in English Pleasure, Empress Of Bask, and among purebreds, her second was the

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Pictured left to right: Baskevich; Meridian and *Bask

stallion Baske Afire. Had she produced nothing more than Baske Afire, she would have been considered a success, as his perennial appearances in the high point sire lists at such shows as the U.S. Nationals and Scottsdale were enough to guarantee his dam a place in history.

Even all that wasn’t enough for Mac Baske; before her death at the age of 24 in 2015, she also produced a cadre of mares who are carrying her presence forward. If the Arabian breed had a Broodmare Hall of Fame, Mac Baske most assuredly would be in it. “Mac Baske was a very modern English pleasure horse for her time,” Jim Stachowski observed in a 2015 Arabian Horse Times retrospective.

Mac Baske - Jim Stachowski, was aboard for the open work, his wife Shawn for the amateur.

Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | English • 2018

Pictured left to right: Empress of Bask (Afire Bey V x Mac Baske); Baske Afire (Afire Bey V x Mac Baske; Princess of Baske (Baske Afire x Berry Fancee). “She looked like what her pedigree said—it was a classic old pedigree that represented a true, elegant, English pleasure horse—but her style and look were different from anybody else at that time.” That pedigree is arguably the key to Mac Baske’s overall contribution. The “Bask” in her name was not an accident and would play an integral role in her life. She was by the *Bask son Baskevich, and out of AH Meditation, who traced twice to the renowned stallion, through her sire, Meridian, and her dam, Algona, a daughter of the *Bask son Negatraz. Now, breeders specializing in English pleasure scour pedigrees for references to *Bask, and Mac Baske offers not only three, but another attribute as well: some of the names in her bloodlines are not often seen today, which has lent a unique aspect to what she represents. According to Jim, her sire, Baskevich, was “an incredible park horse … probably one of the best moving horses I’ve ever seen.” Her dam, AH Meditation, traced to the Polish sire *Dar, whose get, while not known for their refinement, consistently offered solid, balanced motion. The result, in Mac Baske, was a throwback to the *Bask era, but with elevated motion for modern tastes. She was reminiscent of the fabled *Bask daughters of the 1960s and ’70s, but by the time she emerged in the mid-1990s, those mares had largely disappeared from the scene, as had many of the old breeders who would recognize their value. Shawn and Jim Stachowski, however, had spent their lives in Arabians; they knew what they were looking at. “Growing up as a kid, *Bask was my idol,” recalls Shawn. “I thought he was an amazing athlete, and [in my mind] she totally resembled him. I don’t know what the halter people would say, but to me, she was beautiful. She had a classic look that I really loved.” Shawn got her first look at the mare who would become her all-time favorite when Mac Baske, then 3, was put in training with Jim by her breeder, James Baker, of Mansfield, Ohio. No one expected the mutual attraction that exploded when, on a bright spring day, the van pulled up to the training barn and Mac Baske was led down the ramp.

“I fell in love with her,” Shawn says. “I saw her walk in and I was stunned by her—her neck was arched, and she was blowing and snorting.” Although the mare would be sold to Double Diamond Ranch in 1996, she never left the Stachowski orbit; in 2000 they purchased her, and she remained with them for the rest of her life. Even before she left the show ring, Mac Baske’s breeding career had begun. In 1997, under Double Diamond’s ownership but on Jim’s advice, she was bred via embryo transfer to an exciting new sire on the English pleasure scene, Afire Bey V. In May of the following year, she produced the bay filly who would be named Empress Of Bask. Empress began her dam’s legacy. Sold to the Stachowskis in 2000 and then to Irwin Schimmel at Prestige Farms, she entered competition as a pleasure driving horse in June 2004 and swiftly reeled off a string of victories that led to the U.S. Nationals in October. There, she was the choice of the judges for the championships in both open and amateur. The following year, under saddle, she added the U.S. National Championship in English Pleasure. For new owners 6D Ranch Ltd., she would win several more titles, including two Youth National Championships and the U.S. National Reserve Championship in English Pleasure. Like her dam, Empress Of Bask was bred during her show career. Her first foal, the Half-Arabian Fox Appeal, was named a U.S. and Canadian National Champion in Pleasure Driving AAOTD, as well as twice a Youth National Reserve Champion. Among purebreds, Empress’s early sons, Emperor Of Anza and Espionage PF, both scored national titles, Emperor as a Canadian National Champion and Espionage as a Youth National Reserve Champion. Today her last foal, SD Graceland, continues to knock the top out of competition; over the last five years, he has notched national championships and reserves at the U.S., Canadian, and Youth Nationals, and in 2018, claimed the Scottsdale English Pleasure Championship AATR and the open Pleasure Driving Championship, showing with owner Lindsay O’Reilly French. After Empress Of Bask, the initial plan was to try Mac Baske with another stallion, but Shawn felt strongly that she should go back to Afire Bey V—

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Pictured right, top to bottom: Fox Appeal (Fox Creek x Empress of Bask); SD Graceland (Vegaz x Empress of Bask); Noble Dynasty PF (MHR Nobility x A Blessing); Tommy Bahama PF (Vegaz x A Blessing). which turned out to be prophetic, as the mare’s next purebred foal was Baske Afire. Baske Afire would enjoy three owners in his life: his breeder, Double Diamond Ranch, Joe Betten, and Barbara Chur of Strawberry Banks Farm, who in 2008 purchased him at auction for a record $2.8 million. At this writing, although he died prematurely in 2015, his progeny record lists 985 registered foals. He bred his first mare as a 2-year-old in 2001, and quickly commanded so much interest as a sire that his own show career was suspended (his earliest U.S. national champion came as a yearling from his initial crop). First his Half-Arabians and then his purebreds propelled him to near-permanent residence on the highpoint sire lists of the national shows and Scottsdale, routinely in both halter and performance. In the show ring, names like the purebred Princess Of Baske and Half-Arabian Carrie Bradshaw come to mind easily, among a host of others, and in the breeding ranks, he has left several stallion sons and countless mares to continue his contribution to the breed. There was more to come. In 2004, again from Afire Bey V, Mac Baske produced the filly A Blessing, who was purchased as a yearling by Irwin Shimmel. Crossed with MHR Nobility, A Blessing promptly offered Noble Dynasty PF, a multi-national titlist in park, as well as Tommy Bahama PF, national champion or reserve (or both) at the U.S. and Youth Nationals. And other A Blessing kids are just starting in training or are new in their show careers (“A Nutter Blessing will be a star,” Shawn Stachowski observes). Meanwhile, Mac Baske’s daughter Mac Nificence Afire notched a Buckeye Championship in English Pleasure before becoming a broodmare, where it appears that she will have her greatest impact. Her first foal, FS Mac Ximilion, just won the trophy at Scottsdale for Country English Pleasure Junior Horse 3and 4-Year-Olds, and his younger siblings already are attracting attention. For Shawn, Mac Nificence Afire has another attraction: some of her foals strongly resemble their granddam. There are others—overall, Mac Baske produced seven fillies and five colts—but the message is clear: she was not only an impressive show horse, but also consistently a producer of high quality Arabians who are reliable breeding horses as well. Factually, she was exceptional. And since some of her sons and daughters are just coming of age for show careers, the final chapters of her story are still in the future. What, in real terms, did she bring to the party? “She could trot sky high off of all four legs and put that tail up like you would not believe,” Shawn notes. “[To her foals], she brought the hocks and the motion and much better tail carriage.” That is not, of course, all there is to know about Mac Baske for those who knew her. On a personal level, she was characteristically a queen. “She never did really need any attention from people,” Shawn says. “She was more aloof, more ‘leave me alone, I’m good,’ not lovey-dovey. She didn’t need that in her life, but she was still a sweetheart and she loved her carrots.” That was how, in 2015, Shawn knew that there was something wrong with her mare. Her voice still chokes up when she remembers how Mac Baske softened, became more chummy, turned to humans for help. “I didn’t like seeing her that way, because I knew what a proud horse she was,” she recalls. They sought answers and eventually found a fractured coffin bone that had evaded detection on x-rays. The old champion was put down in November of that year. Mac Baske was ahead of her time, many horsemen have said, but perhaps it is more accurate to add that in being that, she also was a link to the best of the past, to the landmark stallion that still attracts breeders to a pedigree: *Bask. In Mac Baske, everything—the elegance, the balance, the headset, the drive of amazing hocks, the pedigree that continues through generations—came together. n Ar abian Horse Times | 41 | English • 2018

Leading Sire

Baske Afire

Breeding for English ... we believe in the importance of bloodlines At Strawberry Banks, we are committed to breeding top English horses. Our stallions and mares have pedigrees that carry the “who’s who” in producing winning performance horses. Including Baske Afire’s full sister, A Blessing, dam of multiple National champions..

Bay El Bey Huckleberry Bey Taffona Afire Bey V *Bask Autumn Fire Sparklingburgundy BASKE AFIRE *Bask Baskevich *Daalda Panama MAC BASKE Meridian AH Meditation Algona

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Rejoice Rejoice A Temptation x Rumina Afire, by Afire Bey V

2017 U.S. National Champion Country Pleasure Driving with Brian Murch 2016 & 2017 U.S. National Reserve Champion Country Pleasure Driving AAOTD with Barbara Chur

Enchanting Memories

Baske Afire x Emayzing Grace, by Hey Hallelujah

The next generation of Strawberry Banks Farm bred Arabians is proving the strength of our program. Combining the bloodlines of Baske Afire, A Temptation and Hey Hallelujah brings the beauty and athletic ability needed for today’s show ring. We invite you to come visit and experience the elegance at Strawberry Banks.

Strawberry Banks Farm Barbara Chur, owner ~ Brian Murch, trainer, cell: 716.983.3099 716.652.9346 ~ East Aurora, New York • info@strawberrybanksfarm.com

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English Elegance in Texas with Kellye Hill

MAZING GRACE SMP

(The Renaissance x Pretty Amazing) U.S. National Top Ten Country Select ATR Multi-Regional Champion Country English Pleasure Open and Amateur • Owned by Leticia Robinson Trained by Kellye Hill

Thank you, 6D Ranch, for allowing us to give Empress of Bask a forever home. “The sight of that mare did something to me. I’ve never been quite able to explain. She was more than tremendous strength, speed and beauty of motion. She set me dreaming.” —Unknown

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Congratulations! NOBLE SOLDIER

(IXL Noble Express+ x Sweet Summer Fire)

2017 OVER ALL AR ABIAN & HALF-AR ABIAN WINNINGEST NATIONAL ENGLISH HORSE

U.S. National Champion Arabian Park Open U.S. National Top Ten Arabian Park AAOTR U.S. National Top Ten Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39 Canadian National Champion Park Open Canadian National Champion Park AOTR Canadian National Reserve Champion English Pleasure AAOTR 19-39

K E V IN PRICE • 612-418-8401 • priceper formance@yahoo.com 19805 W. Lawnsdale Road, New Berlin, WI 53146 www.PricePerformanceHorses.com

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(Cizandro x Darona T) DUTCH HARNESS HORSE

2016 ADHHA Jr. Fine Harness National Champion 2017 ADHHA Amateur Fine Harness National Champion AEPA and Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated

Call Me Tango T 2017 Weanling American Dutch Harness Horse Open Futurity National Champion

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SF Belles N Whistles 2017 Half-Arabian Filly

2017 champion | rgt MERCURY RISING presented by | JOEL KIESNER

owned by | BRADLEY MARLOW & JOSEPH KINNARNEY

HA English Pleasure futurity

ENGLISH Be it English pleasure or park, this Arabian demonstrates animated, balanced motion with a desire to go forward with impulsion from the rear, expressed in long, lofty strides that eat up the arena beneath their feet as they flow over the ground.

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Lara Ames CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS JORDAN, MN

Scottsdale and very happy with it.

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have only had four saddles in my lifetime. For a long time, I rode in an Arabian Saddle Company Saddle but fell in love this winter when I rode in a Freedman saddle. I bought one at

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? They have been a huge part of our farm for a very long time. We feel this is the backbone of our industry.

Shannon Beethe BEETHE ARABIANS CAVE CREEK, AZ What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? By far, my saddle of choice is the Arabian Saddle Company Louisville Flat Seat. It sits you right down on a horse, is super comfortable and has great grip. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I am very excited to see the renewed push for riding programs! We created Scottsdale Equestrian Academy, Inc., which is mainly saddle seat based, a little over two years ago and are very

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I am not in favor of this. At our breeding farm, all of our horses, unless they are too immature, get started early in their 3-year-old year. By the time they are late in their fourth year, they are very broke and ready for an amateur, but not stressed. I respect my trainers feedback when deciding who is ready or not. Not all are going to show in the AEPA class and their 4-year-old year can be wasted. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would love to see us strip the horses in the final, as I think conformation should play a role. I would also like to see some divisions added throughout the year for amateur classes. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? English: Adams Afire; Country English: Rumina Afire; Park: Matoi.

proud of how it quickly is has grown! We have an incredible instructor, Paige Wagner, along with a fabulous string of lesson horses that have helped us grow our program very quickly. Our very first Academy rider was national champion at Youth Nationals her very first year showing, which was very exciting! It is very rewarding to witness so many of the new riders fall in love with our awesome Arabian horse! So, there is no question that our lesson program is a huge part of the ongoing success of Beethe Arabians. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? This is tricky because it seems to me, that the main reason for the age difference between saddle seat and western/hunter Maturity ages is due to the different bridle regulations for Junior Horses in those divisions. A saddle seat horse wears the same bridle in Junior Horse as it does in Open competition, whereas a Hunter and/or Western Junior Horse is (or has the option to) wear a different bridle than in Open competition. So, it makes sense to me with the difference in bridles.

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Peter & Lori Conway CONWAY ARABIANS CHATFIELD, MN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have a number of well-known brands in our tack room, but for me, the Freedman’s World Cup Super Grip is my favorite. The Freedman saddle is a work of art. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none. I love the secure and comfortable feel of where the saddle sits on the horse and how it positions me as a rider. It is almost so beautiful, I hate to use it for everyday riding, but I do! With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Unfortunately, at our farm we have neither the stall space, the time, or the people to have an outside or academy type lesson program. I really wish we did and could, but I have retired from that aspect of the horse industry and Jen only has time for the clients that have horses in training at the farm. One never

Lindsay O’Reilly French FARM AFFILIATION: OAK HAVEN FARMS TYLER, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I grew up riding in a Lillian Shively saddle because I was all about equitation, then grew into a Freedman; but now love the old Deep Seat from Arabian Saddle Co. which is no longer made. My trainer, Jason Krohn, has come up with a new style of saddle similar to the old deep seat that is my fave now!

knows though, as we live close to the Mayo Clinic which would provide many lesson students; maybe in the future we will pursue it. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I actually don’t have a problem with it. It takes longer to make a saddle seat horse, so having that additional year to prepare is a good thing in my opinion. If it went back to 4- and 5-year-olds, I feel like there would be fewer horses competing in the class, not more of them if the age was changed. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA board is very open to change and suggestions, and are looking forward to reading peoples comments on this question. The AEPA $100,000 Purebred and $50,000 Half-Arabian classes have spearheaded other divisions to get on board and that has been a positive boost for breeders, owners and trainers. It is a fun and exciting class that draws spectators to the ring! Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? English: Heirs Noble Love (PB), Revelation JF (H/A) and Adams Fire (H/A); Country: Romeo Afire (PB), Americanbeautie (H/A) and JM Marquis Spirit (H/A); Park: Apollopalooza (PB), COLTRANE! (PB) and SA Sophisticated Lady (H/A).

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Great lesson programs are very important to our industry. Luckily, I grew up riding with Libby Ferguson, and many successful, young English trainers and riders out there she started. A good foundation is important. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I am a believer that a horse does need a break. With that said, I showed in the Maturity when a 4-year-old could. We gave my horse the next year off and he matured, grew up, and then competed again in his 6-year-old year. As long as they are given a break (only competing two of the three possible years if it were 4 to 6-year-olds), I believe it would be ok. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? Countess Vanessa (park), Second Editions Debut (English), and James Brown (country); I’m biased. For purebreds, SD Graceland (English), and again, biased!

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Michelle Harris HARRIS ARABIANS TEMECULA, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s … it’s comfortable and fits well. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lessons are not a part of my farm, however, lessons are key to promoting the Arabian horse to the next generation of Arabian owners.

Katie Harvey FARM AFFILIATION: THE BRASS RING BURLESON, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I have just started riding in the Freedman’s Deep Seat Saddle and really like it a lot. I typically prefer a deeper seat English saddle. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs are an important tool to bring new folks into our breed and is something that is growing and must continue to do so. The academy programs in the Saddlebreds for example, are such a great tool to introduce not just young people, but adults as well, into their breed. I think that the Arabian community is continually increasing and improving its outreach to newcomers.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I don’t necessarily like the idea of changing the age for Maturity back to four, but we either have to change the Futurity age or offer another class for the 4-year-old country pleasure horse. The AEPA fills the gap for the 4-year-old English pleasure horse, but 4-year-old has no class at Nationals. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? It is one of my favorite classes to watch; I wouldn’t change it. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? HA Toskcan Sun, CF Jimmy Neutron, Moonlight Serenade, Nutcracker Sweet PF, A Thousand Stars, Expressly Bella, HA California Sage and Allience.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? This is a question that has a lot of opinions for sure! Personally, my thought is it should be open to 4-, 5- and 6-year-old horses and you can pick two years out of the three. Horses mature at different times. It should be the collective decision of the exhibitor and the trainer as to when that horse is ready to be shown by the amateur. By closing the Maturity division to 4-yearolds, it doesn’t eliminate them from competing in the age division and therefore requires them to qualify at local and regional competitions which places them at a disadvantage by competing with aged horses. I breed a few horses a year and I also enjoy buying young prospects. It’s hard to pull out the checkbook for a great 3-year-old when you know you won’t hit the ring with it until at least 24 months of being in training. I understand the intent of the rule, but I don’t believe that it has achieved the intended results. I believe the two out of three-year option would be the best of all worlds. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? No. I enjoy the individual patterns as well as the finals class. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? There are just too many, but being able to ride *Sakr when I was a kid was probably the greatest thrill ever!

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Chase Harvill CHASE HARVILL TRAINING CENTRE MAGNOLIA, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I really love two brands, Arabian Saddle Company and Freedman’s. My old reliable is an older model ASC saddle that is super soft and comfortable. I have ridden in it so much over the years, it has memory foamed to my legs and rear end! With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I currently do not have a true lesson program but am so thankful that trainers have started riding programs again. I have every intention of starting one myself in the future. Riding programs are the only way to get new riders into our breed these days!

4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think owners should be given the option to show their 4-year-old. Make it a 4 to 6-year-old class where the owner can only show them two of the three years. I have had 4-year-olds that would have been ready for their amateur to do the Maturity with. We always need to encourage our amateurs to show, especially if they are breeders as well. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? This class has been an amazing addition to U.S. Nationals. The only thing I would like to see changed is the horses unranked to the trainers, judges and public going into the final. By leaving the class unranked, it would create a little more excitement and drama for the final class. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? People probably are sick of me saying Gai Argosy, but I don’t care! In my mind, he was the greatest English horse because of his ability, beauty and competitive nature. Just like Gai Argosy, Bonfire ROF has withstood the test of time in the Arabian country and continues to dominate after a decade of showing. My favorite park horse of all time would have to be Allience. He was such a balanced, beautiful horse who was extremely exciting and consistent for many years.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a

Kellye Hill ARIANA FARMS BUDA, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I love Freedman’s. My personal saddle is my favorite, a Freedman Victory Pass; I believe it’s a 2000 model. It’s like a glove and has plenty of sentimental value. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We currently do not have a lesson program due to time and space constraints, however,

I believe lesson programs are vital to the growth of the industry. At a local level we are involved with facilitating and implementing an outreach plan through professional and community relationships. The intent is to engage local trainers with the interested public. Our goal is to create enthusiasm for the Arabian horse. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I believe the age restrictions should be the same across all disciplines. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would opt for stripping of the horses vs. the pattern, again seeking consistency across the disciplines while preserving the mental and physical soundness of our young athletes. Who are your all-time favorite English, Country English and Park horses? Midnight Jazz and Empress Of Bask.

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Vicki Humphrey VICKI HUMPHREY TRAINING CENTER CANTON, GA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? The Freedman World Cup is my favorite saddle to show in. It is flatter than the deep seat saddle and gives you freedom to put yourself anywhere you want to be, forward or back when needed. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? An Academy division in the Arabian show world is imperative for the survival of our performance world, not just my farm, but every performance-based farm in the business. It is a crucial part in the need to market outside our Arabian world. We have painted ourselves into a corner by our national show focus. There is nowhere to start, to introduce new riders to the breed. If we introuced an Academy division in every local Class A show, we would see a big increase in youth participation in a few years. This is not only an important move for our breed, but a wonderful alternative to

Joel Kiesner

the technology we compete with. The benefits of acquiring horsemanship skills, the self-esteem and confidence it builds, the social skills that develop and the camaraderie enjoyed by sharing the love of these horses is invaluable. The Academy classes, non-rated, can be designed according to the needs of each region. They require no R judge, horses can be any breed, and limited show attire is required, all which makes the division very affordable for beginners. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? As breeding has slowed, there is a need to support them The Maturity was a great marketing tool when it started. Now amateurs cannot show our English horse at four, and it basically adds a year of costs to either the seller or the buyer. It makes little sense to show these horses in the amateur division at four and then in the Maturity the next year. As we struggle to improve all aspects of our industry, limits are the last thing we need. Options are what we need. I would be in favor of a compromise of showing two years within the 4- to 6-yearold years. That would open options to horses not ready at four and horses shown open at four, but give amateur riders prepared and ready the option to show their horses at four. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would like to see the judging go back to the original specs of the class. I would like to see the panel receive the very excellent detailed description of the scoring system originally in place, and then include it in the final judging.

the great outdoors in general, beyond what they find on their computers and cell phones.

KIESNER TRAINING LOUISVILLE, TN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? The new Freedman’s deep seat, the Victory Pass DS. I absolutely love it, and everyone should have one. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We give a lot of lessons to people, no question; though we don’t have a program for the public. We should, and discuss it a lot, but we haven’t worked out the details. We hope to have something soon as a service to the horse industry and for our business; something that gets people exposed to horses and

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? Well, there’s been a lot of discussion, and there’s two sides to it. There are the people who want to show their 4-year-olds, and there’s some 4-year-olds and riders who are capable of that, but for most of horses, it’s probably not good. What I have seen with young horses is when they jump in too soon, they don’t reach their full potential and become the best show horse they could be. It’s also probably trickier for English to be ridden by amateurs at that age. I’m not saying there’s not a great deal of sophistication in western and hunter; they are highly trained. But things go wrong with English horses, such as rearing, spinning and running around in center ring, which you rarely see in hunter or western. With the limited number we have to be show horses, we need to do our best to manage their careers. Those are my feelings on it. I know there’s another side, but there you have it. Showing 3-year-olds in a snaffle and 4-year-olds in the AEPA is a natural progression. I’m just quite honestly more concerned about the horses than

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peoples’ wishes to get on them sooner. We need to protect the horses and their career. Horses can go on and have a long career. We aren’t cutting out years of showing in the maturity; they get two years and our horses get two years, but I’m talking about setting them back just 1one year. It’s well worth it and our horses are well worth it. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I think it must be going pretty well, because the western people created their own AWPA and the hunter folks developed the AHPA. So, we are thrilled; the best form of flattery is imitation. However, we are always looking for new

Jason Krohn

ideas to be better, so I’m anxious to hear what other people say. If anything, I wish it were more money and more classes; I’m very fond of it—it’s my favorite class of the whole show. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? There’s been so many great horses of the past and I’ve been lucky enough to ride some of them, but the thing that excites me the most, is looking to the future and what we might be able to ride this year, next year, or three years from now. That’s what I think about; I seldom think on the past.

comfort they need and gives myself and our professionals the close contact we need to be successful.

OAK HAVEN FARMS BULLARD, TX What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My favorite is a brand new saddle that we designed with Stan Schneider and Charles Pinnell from Schindler’s Tack. The Millennium Master Built by Joseph Sterling (England) has all the comfort and support of a traditional deep seat with the style of a lower rise seat. It fits my horses perfectly. This saddle gives my customers the support and

Jim Lowe LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE SOMIS, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman saddles are so close to the horse, you can feel anything, but unlike old saddles, its soft leather is like a couch. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Huge. We need new people, new breeders, more numbers, more avenues to bring in more

With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? During the transition to our new farm, we currently do not have a lesson program, but believe these types of programs are the foundation for introducing new people to the Arabian breed. Our goal is to have our lesson program running by the end of the year, so we can do our part by bringing new people to the Arabian horse community. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think it took a little getting used to at first, but from what I can see by waiting that extra year, those horses are stronger and more trained, making that class extremely competitive.

people. If you don’t have lessons, you’ll starve the program from not enough humans and people with strong lesson programs will thrive. If we don’t have lesson programs, this industry will not survive. Examples of strong programs are Select Show Horses, Cedar Ridge and Vicki Humphrey; they are thriving and are perfect examples of what we need. They have new people and barns with kids who show. It is of major importance to our industry. We need to push our lessons to the public, and if you are not pushing, you’re losing money. These kids’ parents pay for rehab or horse lessons; it is their choice. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? It’s like the NBA rule for one and done. Some are ready and some are not. It is a good rule, because most horses are not ready, but it shouldn’t be left for the division to decide, but that of the trainer. We trainers know some 4-year-old Half-Arabians who are intense, and lots can be wrecked. It should be at the trainer’s

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discretion but is a good rule to benefit the horse for one more year of training. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? They need more emphasis on quality of motion and presentation; not just on trot, but a horse that is beautiful in every aspect. It cannot be tied to the highest trotting horse. I feel sometimes the judging is forcing trot and forgetting

Brian Murch FARM AFFILIATION: STRAWBERRY BANKS FARM EAST AURORA, NY What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s World Cup Super Grip Saddle. It simply puts the rider in the best position on the horse and really improves your timing. Also, it fits the horse perfectly. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? For our farm not so much, but for the industry in general, it is crucial for the future. We need to do everything possible to cultivate new people with lesson programs, clinics, 4-H, etc. I also really like the Academy classes and think more should be offered.

Dr. Nancy O’Reilly FARM AFFILIATION: LOWE SHOW HORSE CENTRE SOMIS, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Arabian saddle high back. It’s so comfortable. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? It’s all learning. My trainer, Jim Lowe, takes lessons. When we stop

manners, bridle, quality of motion and carriage. It is an amazing class in general, but I have seen some who should’ve had higher places, despite not having the highest trot, but having everything else. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Kahtin Around (Park); Allionce and The Noblest (tied for English); and Affliction (Country).

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? My personal feelings are that most 4-year-old English horses are not mentally ready for most amateurs at that age. There are always exceptions, but for longevity, I feel it serves its purpose. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? Getting more breeders to take part. As a board member from its beginning, I’m proud of the horses we have seen compete and the money we have been able to give to its participants. It’s a fantastic program for breeders of both Arabian and Half-Arabian English and country horses. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I was fortunate to ride the great National Champion English Pleasure horses Hey Hallelujah and A Temptation. FF Summer Storm was another favorite. Rumina Afire was very special in the country division. The park horse Allience was very impressive and unique during his time in the ring. The winner of this year’s park class ridden by Kevin Price is also high on my list.

learning, it’s time to go. I would be. I’d be surprised if anyone would say, “No thanks, I have learned all I need.” Learning is a lifelong issue. Life is learning. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I really don’t know. Four-year-olds are babies either way. We need to give them all the TLC possible. It takes time for them to grow and become confident. Remember, horses can teach us so much and will be with us possibly 30 years. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I am partial to my own horses. Cookie and Deven are my favorite English, and Hennessy and Kappa and Cey Hey I am blessed to have in country.

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Kevin L. Price

big or small, it’s up to everybody to keep new blood coming into the Arabian breed.

PRICE PERFORMANCE HORSES NEW BERLIN, WI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I like to ride in the Arabian Saddle Co. saddles. They are comfortable, and the Buffalo leather is very grippy. They seem to fit the horses well. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs are extremely important to our farm. They keep new individuals coming into the industry and introduced to the Arabian breed. There are many farms that do not offer lesson programs and rely on other farms to bring people into the industry, which I think this is completely wrong. Whether

Shawn and Carmelle Rooker ROOKER TRAINING STABLE FENTON, MI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? An older Arabian Saddle Co. saddle and a new Freedman’s. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lessons are a huge part of our industry. Current clients riding their own horses, practicing on lesson horses, or new riders exploring equestrian sports, lessons and hands-on experiences are vital to our business and the horse community.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I think this is still a good thing. I think a lot of good horses get bad habits from putting amateurs on when the horse is still in its developmental stages, especially the saddle seat horses. I think there are a certain group of horses and amateurs that can handle it at 4 years old, but for the majority I think it is better to keep it the way it is. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? They should bring back at least 12 horses to the final! I don’t think it’s right to pick the top ten from the pattern; especially since it seems that it is unfair to the exhibitor that goes earlier in the draw. Let the pattern determine the 12 that come back and let the class decide the top ten. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I have had the opportunity to show some great horses so far in my career! But some of my favorites are Toi Slamtastic for English, Brass Glamor Shot for country and Noble Soldier for park.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I believe English horses that are ready to compete in the maturity as 4-yearolds should be able to. Not every horse matures and trains at the same rate, and it’s important to recognize which horses are mentally and physically ready to show. With that said, the English horses are no different than the hunt and western style horses, therefore, they should not be singled out as ineligible to compete in the Maturity divisions at 4-years-old. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA class is one of the biggest spectator draws of the show; quality of motion needs to be judged more importantly than level of motion, which it seems we have slowly ventured away from, in turn leading to less entries exhibiting and being entered in the class. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Currently, Heirs Noble Love and ROL Divine Style. From the past, an all-time favorite is Apollopalooza, and one of his sons, Gotta Wear Shades— brilliant, square moving, athletic show horses.

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Rae Paige Schwarz FARM AFFILIATION: QUARRY HILL FARM LAKEVILLE, CT What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? A Freedman World Cut Super Grip. It fits me and my horses well and it’s just a beautifully made saddle. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We have just started our lesson program, and we’re finding that people love coming here. It’s always good to get new people involved with Arabian horses.

Tim Shea SHEA STABLES ST. CLAIR, MI What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My Freedman saddle. The leather used has some grip to it, making it a lot easier to stay with the horse. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? They are the most important thing going on in the industry right now. If you look at the hunter/jumper industry, it dwarfs the Saddlebreds, Arabians and Morgans put together, and they all came in through a beginner lesson program. When you think about that and how big the lesson programs are, they’re just huge. Historically the Saddlebred industry has had many lesson programs too, many of their top riders came in through beginner lessons. The best chance of bringing new people into the industry is through a lesson program. When you bring someone in as a rider, they are a consumer. When you bring in a new breeder, they are a producer. We need more consumers than producers.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I understand why that rule is in effect, but I do think saddle seat horses with competent riders should be allowed to compete as 4-year-olds. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I love the AEPA class. It’s wonderful seeing young horses and seeing them individually, which obviously doesn’t happen in an ordinary class. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Of course, my favorite English horse is our stallion, QH Serengeti (Black Daniels x My Love Song, by Allience), and I loved him in the park class at Nationals last year.

I feel magazines in the industry need to get behind and feature barns that do lesson programs, and I think we need to have something like a lesson program nationals or even regionals. Maybe before the regular shows start. Something needs to be done to nurture the lesson programs; the Saddlebreds do it. People that do the lesson programs with some level of volume are making good money at it, and most people will stick with the breed or discipline that they start with, so Arabian and Half-Arabian lesson programs are important for our business. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I agree with this. Most horses are just getting situated and have a better chance if they aren’t over shown as a 4-year-old; it’s a lot to ask of an English horse. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? As a member on the Board of Directors, we are talking about changing the 6th-10th places to a Top Ten, with all getting the same prize money. First through 5th will get incremental prize money as they have been. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? My all-time favorite English horse is Heirs Noble Love; she is in a whole different category. But on a personal level, Hucklebey Berry who I trained and showed to two National Championships. Country English would be Lori Lawrence’s mare SA Gisele and my favorite Park horse is Apollopalooza.

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Jill Sherman

horse farms are far and few between in our area. You should be able to get revenue as an amateur instructor with some sort of limitations in place as nobody’s time is free!

SHERMAN RANCH PLEASANTON, CA What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s craftsmanship, quality and comfort are above standard, not to mention the attention to detail. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? This is a great question! Our ranch is in an area with an over abundance of opportunity to bring new people into the breed, and I feel there are restrictions in place which do not allow amateurs the opportunity to bring new people into the Arabian horse business. If you are a national caliber amateur rider, you darn sure should be able to teach kids the basics of horsemanship and riding. There should be something in place that lends amateurs the ability to give starter youth lessons. Some trainers do not want or have time to accommodate new riders, as it’s very time consuming, not to mention Arabian

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I actually agree with this, as I feel it can compromise the integrity of our horses; we rarely send our horses out before they are late 3-yearolds. With that said, there are some very gifted amateurs in our breed who are very capable of riding a young English prospect. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? No; this class is a favorite. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Expressamo has a heart of gold and is a homebred; there are toomany great country horses to list; and in park, Countess Vanessa and Majorca.

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Jim Stachowski STACHOWSKI FARM MANTUA, OH

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Twenty years ago, I had a favorite Barnsby saddle, but that wore out a long time ago. I now ride in a Freedman Super Grip saddle; it’s a great saddle. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs are not only extremely important to our farm, but they are critical to our industry. We need to continue being creative and bring new people into the industry, and lesson programs do just that, bringing horses to people in a fun, low stress environment. Once you get people to experience saddle seat horses by giving them a hands-on experience, they are hooked—there is nothing like it! One lesson grows into more lessons which leads to a horse purchase or lease, which may eventually lead to showing and/or breeding. It’s a great way to grow our industry. Youth programs are important, but we have to remember to focus on adult lesson programs as well.

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I know a lot of amateurs want to be able to show their saddle seat horses as 4-year-olds in the Maturity class, but in my opinion, I believe it is best for the horses to wait until they are five and six. There may be some individuals that are ready at four, but I think it is best that they are all given the chance to mature without that added pressure. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I would eliminate the pattern portion of the class. I’m not sure that the results of the pattern really affect the final results. Let the youngsters be youngsters, have a brilliant performance the first time they hit the ring and not be over schooled to do a perfect pattern. I love the excitement of the rail portion of the class! Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? While there are many, many favorites that come to mind, I would have to say that my all-time favorite English horses would be Mac Baske (purebred) and Lady Ava Isabella (Half-Arabian), who was named after my daughter, Ava! A fun fact about her … she took both Ava and I to national championships—she really is a good mare. My all-time favorite country English horse would be multinational champion Mulberry, shown by my wife, Shawn. My favorite park horses would be Countess Vanessa, and of course, the very talented multi-national champion mare Sophisticated Lady.

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Peter STACHOWSKI Stachowski FARM MANTUA, OH

What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My favorite saddle is my Freedman Super Grip saddle; it is a really balanced saddle and puts you in the right spot on the horse. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? I believe saddle seat lesson programs are very important. While we have lessons for clients and more advanced riders here at the farm in Ohio, we support several Arabian farms in the area by referring beginners and very young children to their already established riding programs. We also support the local 4-H groups in the area by having them tour the facility and see hands-on what a training farm does daily. It is important to the industry that we all continue to offer programs to introduce new people to Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? The English Maturity classes at Nationals have become very competitive. It definitely highlights how great our amateur riders are in our breed. While I am not opposed to having 4-year-olds show in the Maturity class, I do believe that they aren’t really developed enough and may not have enough experience to compete against older horses. In my opinion, 5- and 6-yearolds are better suited to compete against each other. That way they don’t have to be over-trained to show at such an early age. There are exceptions to every statement, but I

believe there is a big difference in maturity level of a 4-yearold to that of a 5- and 6-year-old. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I’m not sure I would change anything about the class. If the class is large enough, the pattern is helpful to let you showcase a horse individually and then use the scores to narrow down the number of horses moving forward to the final. The final then becomes a very exciting class where there is room to really show off your horse. Although, if the class is small and everyone is moving forward, the pattern really doesn’t have the same value. The AEPA class is exciting and a great way to show off and market our youngsters. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? It is hard for me to narrow down my list to just a few all-time favorites, as I have ridden and watched a lot of very talented horses over the years. One of my favorite English horses is a mare that I rode to National Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse last year, GSF Malinah. She is a really special mare and it was a lot fun hearing everyone cheer for her in the ring! For a favorite country English horse, my pick would be JJ Montego Bey. He always gave you a great, honest ride or drive, and had the best “country” attitude around. I have multiple all-time favorite park horses. The first one, Sufis Fancy Free, is special to me as she was my first National Championship. Sufi was a great show horse! Another I had the pleasure of showing is Mattaroyale; she always went through that gate ready to show. Sophisticated Lady … enough can’t be said about her talent. She was exciting to watch but even more fun to ride! She just lit up when she went into the ring, always giving you 110%. And my favorite purebred park horse was Allience. He was exciting to ride and could work off his rear end like no other horse.

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Ryan Strand LIBERTY MEADOWS TRAINING CENTER BUCYRUS, KS What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? I ride in a 21” Arabian Saddle Company Saddle. I feel like it has a little bit more grip than some of the other saddles I have tried. We work a lot of young horses here and I hate when I am riding in a saddle that feels slippery. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Lesson programs, one way or another, are crucial to any farm. Most people that show horses at a high level almost certainly started through 4-H, FFA, Pony Club or a lesson program. At Liberty Meadows, we currently do not have a large riding lesson program. One of our goals for 2018 is to grow beginner level riding in our business. I think that if more farms do not start to incorporate lesson programs in their business, we are going to have a serious lack of new participants in our sport. We already have too few new participants in our breed. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I grew up in Iowa riding with my uncle, Jody Strand, and I think the western division is drastically different than the English division. I am fairly confident most western trainers would not want to be showing junior horses in hackamores with amateurs through their 6-year-old year. I think that it is difficult enough through their 5-year-old year, and those horses are usually ready for a bridle. As far as the saddle seat division is

concerned, I don’t really have a problem with the current rule, however, I have always thought that the saddle seat maturity should be open to 4-, 5- and 6-year- olds, and you can show your horse in any two consecutive years. People complain that they want to show their 4-year-olds, so go ahead; show your horse in its 4- and 5-year-old year, but not in its sixth year. Other people like that they can show their 6-year-old in the maturity, and that is fine too, show your horse in its 5- and 6-year-old years. This allows you to make your own decision on when you feel your horse is ready, or not ready for the maturity. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? More than anything, I wish the class was bigger in terms of number of horses. We just recently started showing horses in that class and I think it is exciting, it pays excellent prize money and is an extremely good marketing platform. The only thing I occasionally question is the pattern section of the class. It seems to me that the pattern is not really judged. What I mean by that is, I have seen extremely high level horses go in that class and barely complete the pattern with a ton of trouble, and in the same class I have seen horses with slightly less quality and potential complete the pattern perfectly and not advance when the higher quality horse advanced to the final, almost regardless of its performance in the pattern. I am fine with that, I think it is a class designed to showcase the potential and future possible success of a saddle seat horse, so that being said, why have a pattern with multiple facets if at the end of the day, how well you perform the pattern is not really that important? I am not sure that is the solution, but that is the one aspect of the class I find myself questioning. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I think it is hard to pit purebred Arabians against Half-Arabians, so here is my list: English - Afires Heir (PB) and Second Editions Debut (H/A); Park – Apollopalooza (PB) and SA Sophisticated Lady (H/A); and in Country, it’s pretty hard for me to make a call here. I think that it is a fantastic division in our breed and there have been tons of horses that are worthy of saying that they are one of the best.

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Jacque Thompson SMOKY MOUNTAIN PARK ARABIANS, LLC KNOXVILLE, TN What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? My current favorite is my Freedman’s Cut Back. It has a close feel of the horses back, sides and movements, as well as a “grippiness,” which allows me to feel secure in the saddle. When at home, I like to use a straight rein, often out of the martingale, plus a draw, to mimic a full bridle. That is kind of an old-fashioned set up, but one that, for me, makes sense and that takes advantage of the well-positioned D-rings on that saddle. With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Though Smoky Mountain Park Arabians, LLC, is primarily a breeding and sales facility, the lifeblood of our business are

Cathy Vincent

the lesson programs of our clients. Their success with our horses defines our future in the breed. At Smoky Mountain we are fortunate that quite a few horses by our stallions have gone in the ring, done their jobs, and won at the national level. It is thrilling that some of them, even at a young age, carried their owners to victory. It is not an exaggeration to say that the lesson programs which train the riders our horses carry to victory define Smoky Mountain Park Arabians’ future in the breed. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? The AEPA classes have certainly been a blessing to us at Smoky Mountain Park Arabians, LLC, and also to our breed. If I could change anything, however, it would be to increase participation in our class by winning the trust of exhibitors not currently active in the AEPA. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? Besides my own stallions, Baskghazi and The Renaissance and our mares like A Love Supreme, BaskGhazelle SMP and Baske Afire Revue SMP with their illustrious babies, like Supreme Sensation SMP, I would say Aequus, because he was showing when I was re-entering the Arabian horse show world at my first U.S. Nationals and I found him so inspiring to watch.

because, in the last six months, we have had a rash of interest in our area. Youth programs are the salt of our industry! It’s where we all began and is vital to the Arabian horse world!

ADANDY FARM GREENWOOD, DE What is your favorite saddle to ride in and why? Freedman’s Cutback. It gives me the ability to sit straight and evenly in the saddle. I have never had a purebred or HalfArabian that a Freedman does not fit. The best of the best, no doubt! With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? We are in the process of putting a youth lesson program together. Simply

What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? I like the fact that English Maturity horses have to be older, simply because they work harder! “A” plus on that for me. Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? Absolutely NOT! I’m a fan of the system and the way the class is run! I’ve been a supporter since the beginning! Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? There have been so many superstars, I just can’t list them all. We truly are blessed with talented Arabian show horses!

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Janell K. Voss

show them is in their age group class. That doesn’t seem fair to the horse or rider. Further evaluation and consideration of allowing 4-year-olds to show in Maturity English/country would be my recommendation.

FARM AFFILIATION: SELECT SHOW HORSES SHERIDAN, IN With a renewed push for lesson programs, there seems to be a strong following in the saddle seat division. How important are lesson programs to your farm? Although not directly involved in the academy program at Select Show Horses, I have seen the significant benefits it has produced for the barn. Most of the young riders showing with the barn today started in the lesson program. Every year, one or two kids graduate from academy to the Class A show ring, feeding our industry from the bottom up. I believe these types of programs are essential to our breed’s growth. What are your thoughts on the Maturity division at U.S. Nationals where a saddle seat horse cannot compete as a 4-year-old, but western and hunt can? The Maturity division is a great opportunity for an amateur to show a younger horse and not compete against the more experienced horses. Whether a 4-year-old English horse with an amateur is a good idea depends entirely on the horse and rider. Some horses are ready by that age and others aren’t. But for a 4-year-old, the only viable choice today for the amateur to

Would you change anything about the AEPA class? And if so, why? I think the AEPA is a very positive program for the young English horse. However, even though I understand it is not supposed to factor in, the more extreme trotting horses are most likely to win, whereas a well-mannered, nice moving horse with less action is scored lower. Although there are negative factors, splitting AEPA between English and country might give the developing country horse a good option as a 4-year-old. This separation might also increase the number of horses showing, since I believe many good country 4-year-olds are left in the barn at Nationals. Who are your all-time favorite, English, Country English and Park horses? I’ve only been back in the industry since 2012 after an almost 20 year break, so I don’t have a good answer here, but I would say in English, my favorite is Vegaz. One reason is that I own one of his sons who I dearly love. Vegaz not only has beautiful action, but also seems to pass on a good temperament as well. In country, I can’t really speak to a favorite because there are so many nice horses showing country these days. For park, I will date myself and vote for Orans Adagio. I can still remember watching Gene LaCroix ride him at Nationals.

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2017 National English Leaders Includes U.S., Canadian and Youth National English Champion and Reserve wins. AEPA Saddle Seat Futurity, English Pleasure, Country English, and Park Horse classes. Open and amateur/junior classes only.

OVERALL ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Noble Soldier

3 championships, 1 reserve

Teal Dowling

2. RC Iron Man

2 championships, 1 reserve

Debra Hines

SD Graceland

Toi Sensation CRF

3. Carrie Bradshaw

Steel Strike

4. Blazn Jewel HPF Bonfire ROF

DA Heatstroke Davinci Reflection WA Diva Afire

Glorys Chase RS

Goblet Of Fire CCF GSF Alejandro

Sal Mineo BF

Shes So Bad

3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships

2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

Lindsay O’Reilly French KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc. Vicki Humphrey Amber Tayler

Penny and Laura Carrington Alycia Boucher

Remington Monroe Equine LLC Kendyl Peters Arabians, Inc. North By Northwest LLC Rene Ramirez Hadley Ames Bill Castro

Boisvert Arabians LLC Conway Arabians, Inc.

ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins

1. Noble Soldier

3 championships, 1 reserve

Teal Dowling

2. RC Iron Man

2 championships, 1 reserve

Debra Hines

SD Graceland

Bonfire ROF

DA Heatstroke

Diva Afire

Glorys Chase RS Goblet Of Fire CCF

3. A Revelation BHA

DM Diamond Toi

Fire and Brass Heir Power PR

Prosuasion SA Kappuccino

Spirituall Gangster

Strickly Business

3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships 2 championships

1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve

Lindsay O’Reilly French Alycia Boucher

Remington Monroe Equine LLC North By Northwest LLC Rene Ramirez Hadley Ames

Bron and Geniene Scherer Dorothy Murray

William and Nancy Blankenship Ava Rasmussen

Laura and Nora Shaffer Pegasus Arabians

Mike and Kimberly Beethe Michael and Jenny Lau

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HALF-ARABIAN LEADING HORSES by number of wins Owner

1. Toi Sensation CRF

2 championships, 1 reserve

KGB Texas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc.

Steel Strike

1 championship, 2 reserves

Amber Tayler

2. Carrie Bradshaw

3. Blazn Jewel HPF

Davinci Reflection WA GSF Alejandro

Sal Mineo BF

Shes So Bad

4. Beaujoleis Blazn Spirit CSP Hot Dam

Girl on Fire Lord of Fire

RGT Thunder Road Rizing Stock BF Swing Town SF

Voodoo Ride SF

1 championship, 2 reserves

Vicki Humphrey

2 championships

Penny and Laura Carrington

2 championships

Kendyl Peters Arabians, Inc.

2 championships

Bill Castro

2 championships

Boisvert Arabians LLC

2 championships

Conway Arabians, Inc.

1 championship, 1 reserve

Peter Marsh

1 championship, 1 reserve

Jeanne Miller

1 championship, 1 reserve

Richard and Mackenzie Mullis

1 championship, 1 reserve

Leslie Palmer Garvis

1 championship, 1 reserve

Kathy and Emily Shippee

1 championship, 1 reserve

Jill Nelson

1 championship, 1 reserve

Boisvert Farms LLC

1 championship, 1 reserve

Tres Soles Arabians LLC

1 championship, 1 reserve

Grant Reser

OVERALL LEADING SIRES by number of winning get

by number of wins

1. Afire Bey V 23 1. Afire Bey V 29 2. Baske Afire 17 2. Baske Afire 21

3. Afires Heir 11 3. Afires Heir 16

4. IXL Noble Express

SF Specs Shocwave

6. SF Specs Shocwave

VCP Magnifire

8. VCP Magnifire

5. Apollopalooza 6 5. Apollopalooza 10 Mamage 6 7. Mamage 8

9. Matoi 6

LEADING ARABIAN SIRES

by number of Arabian winning get 1. Afire Bey V 15

by number of Arabian wins 1. Afire Bey V

1. Baske Afire

3. IXL Noble Express

3. Apollopalooza

2. Afires Heir

VCP Magnifire

4. Apollopalooza Mamage

SF Specs Shocwave

8 3 3 3

2. Afires Heir 4. Vegaz

5. Apollopalooza

SF Specs Shocwave

VCP Magnifire

by number of Half-Arabian winning get

by number of Half-Arabian wins

2. Afire Bey V

HF Mister Chips

SF Specs Shocwave

Mamage

3 3

1. Baske Afire

3. Apollopalooza

4. Mamage

SF Specs Shocwave

OVERALL LEADING OPEN TRAINERS Top Ten included by points

1. Jonathan Ramsay

3. Joel Gangi

2. James Stachowski

4. Jason Krohn

6. James Lowe

5. Joel Kiesner

7. Gabe DeSoto

8. Dalton Budd

55 51 43

Ar abian Horse Times | 70 | English â&#x20AC;¢ 2018

9. Peter Stachowski

Kevin Price

10. Tom Theisen

10 5 5

OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

1. Starline Arabians LLC

Remington Monroe Equine LLC

2. Amazing Horse Woman LLC

3. Boisvert Farms LLC

Penny and Laura Carrington Conway Arabians, Inc.

North By Northwest LLLC

4 3 3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS by number of horses

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING OWNERS

1. Starline Arabians LLC

Leslie Goryeb

2. Conway Arabians, Inc.

Kimberly Jarvis Kingswood Farms

Remington Monroe Equine LLC Cathy or Sophie Yih

2 2 2 2 2

by number of horses

1. Amazing Horse Woman LLC

2. Penny and Laura Carrington

Boisvert Farms LLC Bill Castro

North By Northwest LLC

Remington Monroe Equine LLC

3 2 2 2

OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses

Vicki Humphrey

Tom and Elizabeth Moore

R O Lervick Arabians

Rodney and Jacqueline Thompson

Live Oak Arabians, Inc.

1. Marty Shea

3. Boisvert Farms LLC

Prestige Farms LLC

Shawn Stachowski

2. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc. Nick and Juliet Carden

Lindsay Rinehart

4. Cedar Ridge Farm Laura Gault

HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS

by number of horses

2. Maroon Fire Arabians, Inc.

3. Nick and Juliet Carden

R O Lervick Arabians

4. Cedar Ridge Arabians Dolorosa Arabians Lindsay Rinehart

Rodney and Jacqueline Thompson

Trigger Arabians LLC

3 3 3 3

ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS 1. Marty Shea

8 6 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

1. Boisvert Farms LLC

Vicki Humphrey

2. Laura Gault

Live Oak Arabians, Inc.

Tom and Elizabeth Moore Marty Shea Shawn Stachowski

3. Richard Halstead

J R Bacon Drilling, Inc. and Whelihan Equine Enterprise, Inc. Prestige Farms LLC Lindsay Rinehart

Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | English â&#x20AC;¢ 2018

3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2

Richard Ames with SHF Encore & Toi Slamtastic CRF Laura Rodel with His Ownman CRF & Ames Imperator Hadley Ames with Ames Inspiration Jessica Clinton with Toi Fabulous CRF Josh Shino with Fire It Up CRF

The Ames Family | Dick, Lollie & Lara Ames Jordan, Minnesota | 952.492.2537

For Your Next English Champion Visit WWW.CEDARRIDGEARABIANS.COM

S MO KY MO U N TAI N PAR K B R E E D I N G

NGLISH ... FOR YOUTH, AMATEUR & OPEN

Baske Afire x RY Fire Ghazi

S U P R E M E S E N S AT I O N S M P Baskghazi x A Love Supreme Multi Youth National Winner with Falan Alpert

ESSENCE OF FIRE SMP The Renaissance x Escada SCA, by Afire Bey V with Katherine Bartlett CONTRATULATIONS NEW OWNER 2018 YOUTH RIDER BRITTIN EDWARD

ML Afire Dream x Fire Essense

Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated • Region 12 Spotlight Stallions Scottsdale Signature Stallions • WCAHA All Star Futurity • AEPA Enrolled Sires

Rod & Jacqueline Thompson For Information Call 865-816-2406

Lenoir City, TN www.SmokyMountainParkArabians.com

THE ORIGINAL LOWE RIDERS by SA R A H JAY NE JOH NSON

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hen a person thinks of Jim Lowe there are a few things that come to mind. First,

his sense of humor, especially with his

illegible Facebook posts. Second, is his ability to train all disciplines of horse. However, according to close friends and clients, the most common is the emphasis Lowe has on the importance of family.

Young Jim Lowe

Lowe has been riding Arabian horses since he was young. His first Arabian horse he won by winning an essay contest in a 4-H fair, which is ironic since he is notorious on Facebook for his horrid grammar and spelling. At sixteen years old, Lowe became a groom for Kent Caldwell, and after a while, started work at Stanley Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other stables where he mainly groomed, because no one would give him a chance. Lowe knew he had the talent to train horses, therefore he pushed himself to gain notice. In the 1980s Lowe moved to Florida to train at Day Arabians, and in 1985, won his

American Dressage

first national championship with Zannsibar in western pleasure. This win would be the start of Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy in the show ring. Aside from Equestrian accomplishments, Jim believes his greatest accomplishment is his family of four kids and his wife Shawn. Lowe met his wife while his face was taped up from a surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. Having permanent damage from surgery, some would think it would ruin someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence or chance, but not Jim Lowe. Lowe even joked the day he met Shawn they would be together. Since then, they moved to

Zannsibar 1985 National Champion Western Pleasure

California, married, and started their family, raising their four kids: Slayde, Diesel, Arista and Venzia.

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The face behind Amazing Horse Woman LLC, Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, does not think Lowe and Shawn could be any more perfect for one another. O’Reilly, who came to the barn in 2014, knew from the start she was walking into a family who could mean so much to so many different people. O’Reilly on the importance of Lowe and Shawn’s relationship, “Jim and Shawn met at a time when the stars lined up. Jim recovering from surgery. He said he looked awful, but this cute dark eyed Beauty saw the big hearted funny Jim. Jim and Shawn both came from only child

Allionce, 1997 U.S. National Champion Informal Combination.

families, and I think they truly missed not having brothers and sisters. So, having lots of kids were in the cards. Jim has told me many times. It’s the best thing he ever did becoming a father. He also said he would have more, but I think Shawn has other plans. They are beautiful children and each one is different and special. Of course, they are Jim’s and Shawn’s kids. This is what I call a win-win for the Lowe family.”

“Jim and Shawn Lowe are some of the kindest

Maestro D, 2007 U.S. National Champion Pleasure Driving.

people on this planet. There is just no explaining the adventures with Jim; there are many … from horses swimming off to who knows where, to fancy painted toe nails and dyed blonde hair. Not to mention the best Christmas cards ever, written by the amazing Shawn. From coast to coast, the Lowe family has always been there for us, and we will be there for them; they are a great family and are proud to call them our friends.” —Rob Bick Multi-Regional Champion and National Top Ten Sofa King Suite.

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Slayde, Diesel, Arista, Shawn and Venzia Lowe. Ar abian Horse Times | 154 | Volume 48, No. 10

Today the kids show their talents in all ways with unconditional support. The two oldest boys thrive in basketball with Lowe managing his work schedule around the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practice, tournaments and local games; and the two girls love to dance and shop; Arista is her own star with acting and modeling. Shawn manages the kids schedules while working on several online businesses. Clearly, Lowe and Shawn are the epitome of a power team. Shawn is talented beyond belief with a computer, compassionate for everyone, a superstar mother, and holds the house together. She also is the brains behind Lowe Show Horse Centre, making sure everything is in order. Jim trains and works with the clients, but they both share a compassion for people that is not seen every day, and a sense of humor that is second to none. Longtime client, former employee of Lowe Show Horse Centre and friend, Melanie Ronan has been with Lowe for over two decades and was there when Shawn and Jim first met. Ronan had a hard time trying to narrow down what she wanted to say about the Lowe Riders, but emphasized, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Individually, Jim and Shawn are hardworking entrepreneurs and together they have created a uniquely wonderful Arabian horse family business. From the day they met, it was destiny; Jim told me that day he was going to marry Shawn. They share a wicked sense of humor, compassion for those in need, and they make the very best kids! Being a part of their barn is like having a supportive and crazy extended family.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jim is someone who I could never say thank you to enough. For the past nine years he has been my trainer, friend and therapist. There are no words to describe how much Jim means to me as a coach and friend. Besides my mom, he has always been my number one supporter, even when I beat him in the arena or hit farther than him on the driving range! His family opened their home and it feels like I have a second pair of parents and four younger siblings. Being a part of the Lowe Rider family has shaped me into the person I am today, and Jim is a once-in-a-lifetime person who I will forever be thankful for. I hope everyone has their own Jim Lowe in their life. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sarah Jayne Johnson

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“I‘ve known Jim Lowe before he met Shawn, way back in our Michigan and Illinois days. He has always been one of the most talented and hardworking people I know. He and Shawn got married and together, they make an incredible team. Again, The family aspect for Lowe and his wife involves the whole barn. If you are a Lowe Rider, you are a part of the Lowe

dedication, talent and integrity … two of the finest people you will ever want in your life.”

family. There is so much love, they are a second family to call on. Whether a problem is horse related or not, the Lowe family is there for each and every one of their clients. The Lowes have an open-door mentality when it comes to their clients. Darcy Kamal has a 3-year-old daughter who believes the Lowe Kids are just her extended family, calling Slayde and Diesel “her boys” and Arista and Venzia “her girls.” Kamal explains how they spend most of their weekends and different holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving together. Kamal could not express how much love and care she and her family feel from the Lowe family. Lesley Wright Johnson, another Lowe’s client, spotlights the importance of love and loyalty the Lowes have, “My daughter, Sarah Jayne, underwent surgery in May 2017, and Jim and his two daughters came to visit her in the hospital that night. Jim has always been a second father to my daughter these past nine years and has done so much for her. They opened up their home when she couldn’t drive for long weekends to be at the barn, and when Sarah Jayne graduated high school, Jim was at the ceremony, even though there was a horse show he was supposed to be at. There are no words to describe how much the Lowes mean to us and, hopefully, vice versa. We are all one big family.”

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—Bob Battaglia

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“Most people don’t know of Jim’s philanthropy. They see him win continually and his positive attitude is contagious, but he gives amazingly! Even when he owes! Especially to others in the horse business. Someone on the street is not void to Jim’s kindness, financial or otherwise. He’s a child at heart, but a hard-working son-of-a-gun. He’ ll run circles around most and bring the best out of what he has to work with. He has put me up at the most famous hotels and we have eaten at the most famous restaurants. Yes, they left the light on for us and those ‘golden arches’ were a beacon in the night! A good man, a friend and a hero of mine! “Oh, and Shawn sat on the edge of the bed at a Motel 6 on, I believe, their third date, in the same room as Jim and I in Santa Barbara. She is not much of a drinker, but she asked for a bit of vodka that I had brought along. It was very much, a Jim Lowe situation, and she married him despite it all.” —John Powers

The family aspect of clients comes through on how much care and thought Lowe puts into each amateur. He wants his horses to win, however, the main point Shawn will emphasize, as well as his clients will attest to, is how Lowe works and trains his horses for the amateur to ride,

“I have been a horse trainer and training consultant for longer than is comfortable to admit, and

not just for himself to ride.

through all these years, I have never seen someone Lowe focuses on making an amateur the best they can be

so obsessed with horse training as my dear friend

and finding a horse to suit all their needs, making sure

Jim Lowe. And his obsession has paid dividends,

they can be as successful as possible with one another.

as his training gets better each year. I take my hat

When looking for horses for clients to purchase, Lowe

off to both, Jim and Shawn, for being talented and

has a process and does not look for the best horse to win

constantly learning and always seeking to improve!”

a class, but a horse that will help the amateur be the best

—Ray and Cindi LaCroix

they can be.

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“Shawn is an incredibly talented ad designer. She created a masterpiece with our 3D Nationals ad with Rooker Training and my horse Gotta Wear Shades. The idea came from Stu Vesty, and between Stu and Shawn, it truly came to life on the pages! “Jim and Shawn truly are an admirable couple. They are hard workers and it shows in their results!” —Robin Porter

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“Oh my, what to say about Jim and Shawn Lowe … My experience with this amazing couple and family is, and has always been, laced with honesty, courage, faith and integrity. I consider both true friends, both personally and professionally.” —Caralyn Schroter

“Jim and Shawn Lowe are the kind of lights in a person’s life that always draw you back to them. They are compassionate beyond measure, and the passion they have for their family, friends, work and each other is something to be exemplified. Every memory I have with Jim and Shawn is one that brings a smile to my face, and I am so thankful for the huge role they have played in my life. They have helped make me the rider, and

“Jim Lowe has an incredible work ethic, acute attention to detail, and a God-given talent that

more importantly, the person that I am today. I love you, Lowes!” —Chloe Holmes

makes him among the best of the best in his field. However, more importantly are his kind heart and great family values. This is a hard balance to maintain, especially in the competitive Arabian industry, but he manages to do it and usually makes us laugh along the way.” —Terri Delbridge

Lowe’s style of training is just another aspect of his caring

by and ask his advice. And Jim is always there to give it!

demeanor. Always willing to help someone out, whether it

Watching Jim’s impact on his peers is a testament to both

is a current client, previous client, friend or other trainer, he

his skill and character.”

will give a helping hand to anyone in need. Lowe focuses on the journey and growth of his riders’ abilities Rochelle Holden, mother of Emily Holden who has

to bond with their horse, so they can be a team. This focus

been with Lowe for the past seven years, explains Lowe’s

is what makes the winning so much more special. Everyone

compassion and love for helping, “There are so many things

loves to win, but for Lowe, if there is no love and growing

to say about Jim, but what impresses me the most (besides

with your horse, it takes the fun out of it for the rider.

his mad skills), is the way that he treats people wherever he goes. Whether it be his clients (past and current), his

Some of Lowe’s clients’ top moments in the arena are

fellow trainers or someone in need of food and shelter, Jim

receiving top tens and top fives with difficult horses. Lowe’s

treats you with the same care and kindness. Jim is truly in

reputation for taking an okay horse and making it into a

his element in the warm-up ring where other trainers ride

great horse can be seen with some of his top horses.

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Holden’s experience with Lowe can attest to the making of

Some of the most genuine and hardworking people in

a great horse and rider. “The first time I met Jim, I handed

the industry, Lowe’s perseverance and drive to make his

him a 15-year-old, recently gelded English horse that I had

amateurs strong and successful show in their success with

just bought sight unseen for a few thousand dollars. I had

their horses.

no idea what saddle seat was, and likely how questionably appropriate this horse was for my local-showing 8-year-

Even this author had two difficult horses with Lowe.

old hunter riding daughter. Within three months, Jim

When I first began at Lowe Show Horse Centre, I was

truly made magic happen and turned my daughter and

looking for anything to ride. I was not a super strong

this horse into a beautiful team. Eight years, a few more

rider, but over the years Lowe has changed that. Never

horses and two Reserve National Championships later, I

having been to a Regional, Scottsdale or Nationals show,

can undoubtedly say that one of the best Arabian trainers

Lowe pulled out a 9-year-old purebred country horse

forever changed my daughter’s life.”

who had been to one show his entire life. In my first

“There is a treasure trove, of anecdotes to share about Jim Lowe. One could discuss Jim’s penchant for finding trouble in the relatively trouble-free environment of the Arabian horse show world. There was the time that he thought it was a good idea to use the air horn of his truck to prepare an English horse in the middle of the night at a major show competition; or hid a weekend of hanging out with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; maybe he was helping them school an unruly charge? Or perhaps the time he wore his “ formal” flip flops while judging. All vintage Jim Lowe. “But the truth about Jim Lowe is that he is one of the most successful Arabian horse trainers of his generation. For thirty plus years, Jim has been one of the most successful trainers in the world of the Arabian horse. One of the most remarkable things about Jim is his work ethic, his energy and his never-ending quest to improve his skills and raise his own standard. Jim’s success story is still developing and evolving at a time many trainers with his record of success would be content to coast. “To me, the most remarkable thing about Jim is what an amazing dad he is to the four kids that he and Shawn have. Barely out of emotional adolescence himself, Jim’s highest priority is his family. That’s not something I heard Jim say, it is what Jim does, every day. I don’t know that I have seen anyone, make the transition from needing a parent to being a parent so effectively. Jim is the dad that every kid deserves but few actually have. Of course, he can’t do that alone (thank you, Shawn), but the enthusiasm and commitment Jim brings to everything he does, has never been so well applied as it is to being a dad. Bravo Jim!” —Brad Gallún

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“I don’t think Jim and Shawn Lowe could be any more perfect. I came into their barn knowing from the start, I was walking into a family who could mean so much to so many different people.” —Dr. Nancy O’Reilly

AFFLICTION (Mamage x PSI Love U) 2018 Scottsdale Champion Arabian Country English Pleasure Junior Horse Owned by: Dr. Nancy O’Reilly | www.drnancyoreilly.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 165 | Volume 48, No. 10

year with Lowe and TJP Maximilian X (aka “Max”), he

for the better. He has always been a mentor to me and I

and I went undefeated until Youth Nationals, and won

know has the same effect on his other clients. No matter

Regionals and Scottsdale.

who you are, or how many horses you have, Jim always treats people equally. He is someone to go to for advice,

The next year I brought Major Applause GA (“Niles”), a

even if it does not always make sense; he is there to offer

Half-Arabian who was my everything, but had a bit of a

it. Lowe promotes getting the most out of life, not letting

temper problem and was not an easy horse to show. We

people stop or hold you down, and always be kind and

competed in a number of divisions and the most important

never give up. He took me from what he refers to as “a

ride of my life was my final ride with Niles at the 2016

dink” to a “horsewoman,” and I know I am one of many

Youth Nationals. We went top ten and I knew Jim had

clients who have been affected by this.

put everything he could in to make sure my horse and I had the perfect go, which we did. This last ride was so

Some people do not understand Lowe’s approach to

sentimental and all our hard work for the cleanest and most

training, however, his abilities and success can be measured

perfect ride made the six-year struggle worth every tear.

by his years of championships in the local, regional and national levels. And his sense of humor is what Shawn and

A testament to Jim’s goal of making his clients the best

he thrive on.

they can be showed in my second favorite Lowe moment, when Jim went reserve to me in the Half-Arabian Park

Shawn refers to Jim as a fifth kid sometimes since he is

class at Region 1 in 2016. He has changed my entire life

so goofy; his sense of humor apparent in his notorious

“What makes Jim and Shawn so special to me, should more be what isn’t special about them? Having started riding at Lowe Show Horse Centre when I was 14, we bought my first real Arabian show horse with Jim, CP Alchemy+ whom I still have today, and is lovingly sitting in my backyard. My mother and I moved about 10 minutes from the farm, and I spent all day, every day there; the Lowes becoming my family. Jim was like my dad, essentially raising me through my teenage years. I won my first National Championship with him on my hunter horse, PA Vaquero Kid+ (pictured). The Lowe family shaped who I am today, and I owe a lot of my successes in life to them. Actually, I owe all of my business success to Shawn. If not for her, and her pushing to make me think outside the box, Arabian Horse Exchange would not exist, and I would still be working a 15-hour day sales job. I can truly say that they changed the course of my life! “Both Jim and Shawn are just full of heart; they would do anything for anybody and they push and encourage you to be better. The selflessness of that, and how they have shaped other peoples’ lives is profound in so many ways. I am blessed to know them, and to be able to call them friends and family. They are incredibly special people.” —Lela Reynolds

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“Jim’s career along with mine launched at the same time many years ago. We were always extremely competitive with one another but were always the best of friends. Jim is the “King” of practical jokes! Through the years we have had many, many great times surprising each other. One year at Nationals in Louisville, my stall decorations had a Kentucky cupola theme. During the night (haha!) he turned it into a colorful Taco Bell drive-thru. There were many laughs that morning from everyone that strolled by our stalls! Another time he stole a cooler made especially for our National Champion English Pleasure stallion Hey Hallelujah. Shortly after it disappeared, an old reining horse proudly wearing the cooler was tied up at our stalls for all the world to see! My life showing horses has been so much more relaxing and fun with Jim around! Jim and Shawn as a couple are not only very talented in their careers, but more importantly, great and caring people, loving parents and people of faith. When we receive our yearly Christmas card that Shawn designs and writes, it is always a very special time for me and my family. The Murch family loves them all dearly!” —Brian Murch

“You guys are the best! Thanks for all that you do.” —Brie and Papa Rhazi

PAPA RHAZI (El Ghazi x Mama Jazz) Owned by: J. Miles Reiter and Brie Reiter Smith

Ar abian Horse Times | 167 | Volume 48, No. 10

Facebook posts. Lowe is also known among his friends for pulling pranks on other people’s stalls at shows. In 2014, he performed one of his more notorious pranks on Kevin Price at Canadian Nationals, decorating his stalls with different advertisements and signs from around the show. Kamal helped with the prank, by putting Lowe’s Haflinger horse, Megan BAH—who is too short to see over the door of the stall—in the grooming stall for Price “I have been in this industry for a long time, and

to come back and find.

all horse trainers I’ve associated with were pretty much similar … until I met Jim Lowe.

Lowe’s sense of humor is something that brings the barn

“From the time Jim showed up in Santa Ynez

driving his red Porsche, he’s been like a little kid in

a man’s body. He’s fun, goofy and a hard worker all

rolled into one; we hit it off immediately. I have lots

of Jim stories, but I’ d rather keep them to myself

(my kids might read this). One of the traits I like most about Jim is the tremendous love he has for

his wife, children and friends. He is one of a small

circle of friends I know I can call and get his help at a moment’s notice.

together and is second to none. Beth Jupp, client and owner of the stallion Mamage, never gets enough of his sense of humor. “Jim can come up with the most hilarious comments and loves to tease people, and we have been involved in some crazy pranks at shows (sorry, Kevin Price!). Once he even accidentally stole my car because he thought he was taking someone else’s car. Who does that? Only Jim Lowe. And I love it.” Lowe’s wittiness and smart mouth is nothing though,

“Most of my dealings with Shawn have been of a

photographer/designer nature and she has always

compared to the sarcastic queen, Shawn. Little did he know that he met his “sass” match when they first met.

been the utmost professional. We like to call her

There is never a dull moment at their home, always loving

to raise all those kids alone, and I consider Jim one

which undeniably makes being a Lowe Rider so rewarding.

Mother Superior for the roll she has to play trying of the kids.

I cherish our relationship as one of very few real close friendships in this thing we call life.

and laughing; something they share with their clients and

The Lowes have touched the hearts of countless people, changing lives and changing for the better, the mentality of the Arabian horse industry. They are both people everyone should meet and learn from, their positive

Thank you, Jim and Shawn.” —Mike Ferrara

influence affecting the everyday lives of all who come in contact with them. ■

Ar abian Horse Times | 168 | Volume 48, No. 10

“Jim Lowe goes beyond the training. He is recognized and respected in the industry, and he cares about what’s important to me and makes it happen. Jim created the opportunity for Mamage to carry the flag and take a bow at U.S. Nationals, and I will always treasure that moment.” —Beth Jupp

MAMAGE (Zodiac Matador x CF Fire Magic) Owned by: Beth & Peter Jupp www.mamage.com

Jim Lowe with Mamage and Shan Wilson at the 2010 U.S. Nationals. Ar abian Horse Times | 169 | Volume 48, No. 10

Alabama Arabian Horse Association’s

2018 Riverboat Parlay The Horse Show that is Out of This World

Held March 21-25, in Tunica, Mississippi, this year’s Alabama All Arabian Horse Show Four-Region Qualifier (Regions 9 & 12 and 14 & 15) was a huge success for all who attended. Hosted by the Alabama Arabian Horse Association (AAHA), this show goes above and beyond being an exhibitor friendly and fun show, to bring an overall and complete exciting horse show experience. A great facility, respected judges and true Southern hospitality came with custom-made garlands for the Region 12 qualifying championships, and a great class line-up for main ring, sport horse and dressage. With a fantastic Silent Auction and Dice Throwing Contest, Pizza Party, and Margarita Party, this was truly a horse show that was “out of this world!” A highlight of this year’s social activities was the Gatlin Brothers concert held at the host hotel, the Horseshoe Casino’s Bluesville! Free to all exhibitors, trainers, owners and show staff, food and fun was enjoyed by all. The Alabama AHA is grateful to all our sponsors who helped make this show the success that it was. Thank you … GOLD Sponsors: Dale Brown Performance Horses, Tara Carpio Arabians/Sapphire Arabians, Copperhill Arabians, Rhapsody In Blue Stables and Tucker Milling; and SILVER Sponsors: Martha Rattner, RBC Show Horses, Iron Horse Farm & Christine Johnston, Lisa Seger Insurance, Markel Insurance and Pagan Gilman, Heather Plott Sanders, Shamrock Farm & Carrie Fritz, Triple Crown Feed and Seminole Feed. The Alabama Arabian Horse Association also thanks all exhibitors, trainers and owners that supported the show. We are grateful to the multitude of volunteers it takes to put on a class A show, and we look forward to bringing you even more fun in 2019. Tom Chasteen, Show Manager | Charles Moseley, AAHA President | Molly McGraw, AAHA First Vice President

>> For latest news and events visit www.ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 170 | Volume 48, No. 10

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Let Us Introduce … Susan Chance How did you get involved with the Arabian horse? My cousin showed a *Bask son named Sprint, back in the 80s with Jim Lowe. Then she bought a horse named Maura Pask, who won in Informal Combination (a blast from the past class!) with Tim Shea. We loved following her and dreaming about having our own horse. My mom always loved horses but never got one as a child, so she followed her family’s lead and bought a little Half-Arabian mare for me on my 8th birthday. I started showing her in 4-H, then moved up to a better horse shortly after and began showing at Class A shows. Who was instrumental in keeping your interest in the Arabian industry? My mom. Not only did she buy me my first horse, but she then built a brand new training facility at our home in Indiana, where we hired a few different trainers over the years. Tom Theisen worked for us in Indiana, then made the move with us to Texas when we bought Venture Farms and relocated our business. Tom was my trainer for nine years, molding my love for Arabians. Where in the Arabian horse breed does your strongest interest lie? I have always been proud of my breeding program. I have been blessed over the years to acquire some great mares and produce many National Champions. There is no greater feeling than watching one of your babies win in the show ring, no matter who owns it. I love breeding and selling horses, then watching their new owners win a national championship on them. However, that feeling was topped once my girls started showing in walk/trot! Watching Jade win her first national championship in walk/trot country pleasure on Eye Candye, one of our own breeding, was the ultimate accomplishment as a breeder. If you could change one thing about the breed, what would it be and why? I wish we had a better lower-tomiddle market for our horses. It used to be that I could sell horses in the $15,000-$50,000 range all of time.

Now it seems like horses are either $75,000 and up, or you have to give them away on an online auction. I struggle marketing the mid-range horse. I don’t have the answers, but we used to advertise in magazines and get lots of interest. Now with the internet and Facebook, it has all changed. Marketing is a challenge. In remembering the past, what is one thing you wish you could bring back to the Arabian horse industry? I miss Freedom Hall. I miss the formal nights when women wore their fur coats. I miss the days when you had to sit on the upper level because the stands were so packed that you had to have box seats to sit below. I miss the times when they would come into the stands and interview the breeders of the horse that was named National Champion. I miss the classes being so big, that we had to make four or so cuts, then show in the FINAL top ten for champion and reserve. If you were to market the Arabian horse to the general public, where would it be and why? Well, it is no secret that it is expensive owning and showing an Arabian horse. In order to find people who can afford to have this hobby, we could target a market of people who can handle it financially ... private schools, country clubs, city guide magazines, airplane magazines, any kind of travel and leisure publications. What is your favorite event in the Arabian horse industry? I love the AHDF fundraiser classes that have taken place in the last several years. Witnessing the Parent/Youth Pro-Am class at Youth Nationals last year was one of the funniest classes I have ever watched. I love that we can give back, all of us who are blessed

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Susan and Eye Candye, 2016 Scottsdale SSS Arabian English Pleasure Maturity ATR Champions.

enough to financially have Arabian horses. I also love the Wine Walk at Scottsdale this year. What is one event you have not attended that you would like to? I would love to go to Paris one day and watch the World Championship. I have never been, but it just looks swank. What impact do you hope to have in the Arabian industry over the next 10 years? After suddenly and unexpectedly losing my daughter, Vail, a year ago, Chad and I started a foundation in her honor called Friends Of Vail. Last year we gave by random draw of all participants, several scholarships to our youth. We plan to continue to give to our youth, inspire learning, and promote and reward good sportsmanship. Most of all, I want to show people that I have a hope in Christ. I trust God’s plan and have never questioned it. Who do you respect the most in the Arabian horse industry and why? I grew up at Arabian horse shows. This industry is my family. Even if we don’t share the same trainers or show out of the same barn, we share a common love of the

Arabian horse and we also love each other. The Arabian industry has been there for me through the toughest times and through the best of times. I will always be grateful... n

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2018 THEME:

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Calendar Of Events REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 3-6, 2018, Region 17 Championships, Langley, British Columbia, Canada. www.region17.com May 7-12, 2018, Region 12 Championships, Perry, Georgia. www.aharegion12.com May 18-20, 2018, Region 1 Championships, Del Mar, California. www.aharegionone.org May 30-June 2, 2018, Region 9 Championships, Fort Worth, Texas. www.region9aha.org June 7-10, 2018, Region 8 Championships, Denver, Colorado. www.aharegion8.org June 12-17, 2018, Region 10 Championships, St. Paul, Minnesota. www.region10arabians.com June 16-23, 2018, Region 4 Championships, Nampa, Idaho. www.aharegioniv.com June 19-24, 2018, Region 2 Championships, Santa Barbara, California. www.ahareg2.org June 20-24, 2018, Region 13 Championships, Springfield, Ohio. www.aharegion13.com June 28-30, 2018, Region 6 Championships, Douglas, Wyoming. www.region6aha.com June 28-30, 2018, Region 18 Championship, London, Ontario, Canada. www.region18.on.ca June 28-July 1, 2018, Region 14 Championships, Lexington, Kentucky. www.aha14.com July 4-8, 2018, Region 11 Championships, Lake St. Louis, Missouri. www.aha11.com July 4-8, 2018, Region 15 Championships, Lexington, Virginia. www.region15aha.com July 6-11, 2018, Region 3 Championships, Rancho Murieta, California. www.arabianhorses3.org July 10-14, 2018, Region 5 Championships, Monroe, Washington. www.regionv.com July 11-14, 2018, Region 16 Championships, Syracuse, New York. www.region16.org

SHOWS

May 24-27, 2018, Ohio Buckeye Sweepstakes, Columbus, Ohio. www.buckeyesweepstakes.com August 29-September 1, 2018, Egyptian Event, Lexington, Kentucky. www.pyramidsociety.org September 13-15, 2018, NSH Finals, Springfield, Illinois. www.nshregistry.org September 26-29, 2018, Arabian National Breeder Finals, Scottsdale, Arizona. www.scottsdaleshow.com September 28-30, 2018, Minnesota Fall Festival, St. Paul, Minnesota. www.medallionstallion.com

NATIONAL EVENTS

www.arabianhorses.org

July 21-28, 2018, Youth Nationals, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. August 12-18, 2018, Canadian Nationals, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. September 19-23, 2018, Sport Horse Nationals, Nampa, Idaho. October 19-27, 2018, U.S. Nationals, Tulsa, Oklahoma. *Go to www.arabianessence.com or www.ecaho.org for international shows and information. Visit www.ahtimes.com for a calendar view of these dates and more. Calendar listings are subject to change; please confirm dates and locale before making your plans or reservations. E-mail notices to: charlened@ahtimes.com. *Due to the intrinsic nature of these shows, Arabian Horse Times cannot be held accountable for their validity.

www.ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 178 | Volume 48, No. 10

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Index Of Advertisers A

Adandy Farm............................................................................... 4-7English (80-83) AHT Boutique................................................................................................... 49, 50 Al Jood Stud.................................................................................................... FC, 8-9 Amazing Horsewoman LLC...........76, 1English (77), 10-11English (86, 87), 165 Arabian English Performance Association......................................28English (104) Ariana Farm.......................................................................................46English (122) Astoria Ltd............................................................................................................... 66

Markel Arabian Horse Insurance...................................................................... 35 Maroon Fire Arabians................................................................................ 75, 179 Munro, Kimberley........................................................................31English (107)

B Beethe Arabians.................................................................................30English (106) Beloveds Farm................................................................................................... IFC, 1 Brie Reiter...............................................................................................................167

C Carter, Katelyn......................................................................................................... 64 Cedar Ridge Arabians, Inc......................... 68, 69, 72English (148), 149, 182, IBC Chase Harvill Training Centre........................................................24English (100) Chrishan Park.......................................................................... 10-11English (86, 87) Conway Arabians.........................................................................8-9English (84, 85)

D Daniel, Ashlye................................................................................................... 26, 27 DePaolo Equine Concepts.................................................................................... 2, 3

E Eleanor’s Arabians..................................................................................................BC Equine Athlete Veterinary Services.................................................51English (127)

O Oak Haven Farms........................................................... 34-37English (110-113)

P Perfect Products........................................................................... 49English (125) Power Pusher......................................................................................................... 7 Prestige Farms LLC...................................................... 44-45English (120, 121) Price Performance Horses........................................................... 48English (124)

Q Quarry Hill Farm.........................................................................29English (105)

R R.O. Lervick Arabians..................................................................................... 179 Rancho Sonado................................................................................................... 25 Reed, Nicole........................................................................................................ 70 Rick Gault Training........................................................................................... 65 Rodel, Laura..................................................................................................68, 69 Rooker Training Stable................................................................31English (107) Round Barn Ranch............................................................................................. 29 Royal Arabians...................................................................................................... 5

HA Toskcan Sun, LLC........................................................... 22-23English (98, 99) Harris Arabians....................................................................... 22-23English (98, 99) Harris Leather and Silverworks.............................................................................. 28 Hegg, Mrs. Mickey................................................................................................179

SaulVance, LLC............................................................................................26, 27 Select Show Horses...........................................12English (88), 47English (123) Shaffer, Laura & Nora................................................................. 47English (123) Shaw, Victoria..................................................................................................... 66 Shea Stables....................................................................................................... 179 Sherman Ranch...............................................................26-27English (102, 103) Shorty’s Caboy Hatter........................................................................................ 34 Show Season, Inc..........................................................................25English (101) Silver Stag Arabians LLC............................................................... 7English (83) Smoky Mountain Park Arabians..................................................................... 150 Stachowski Farm, Inc............................22-23English (98, 99), 29English (105) Starline Arabians................................................................ 13-20English (89-96) Stormy Ridge Stable.................................................................... 50English (126) Strawberry Banks Farm..................................................42-43English (118, 119)

F Free Rein Ranch...................................................................................................... 64 French, Lindsay O’Reilly.................................................................. 37English (113) Frierson Atkinson...................................................................................................179

G Gillespie, Josie...........................................................................................................67 Gwyn, Meg Daughton.............................................................................................65

Johnson, Sarah Jayne & Lesley Wright.................................................................156 Jupp, Beth................................................................................................................169

Tamar Arabians, Ltd.......................................................................................... 67 The Brass Ring, Inc....................................................................... 21English (97) The Hat Lady................................................................................................... 179

kgbTexas Communications.................................................................21English (97)

Voss, Janell & William.................................................................. 12English (88)

Liberty Meadows................................................................. 32-33English (108, 109) Long Meadow Arabians...........................................................................................63 Lowe Show Horse Centre..............................................................156, 165, 167, 169 Luxe Arabians...........................................................................................................70

W Whispering Pines Arabians.........................................................................72, 73 Wilkins Livestock Insurers, Inc....................................................................... 179

Ar abian Horse Times | 181 | Volume 48, No. 10

Kordelas x Marieta

CONGRATULATIONS NEW OWNERS OF TA MOZART GET:

HEAVENZENT RA | TA Mozart x AM Heavenly Design | Mary Jo Henry HOTTIMEINMOTOWN RA | TA Mozart x Delicatta | Nancy Steffens

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THORN INMY SLIDE RA | TA Mozart x AM Thorny Rose | Carolyn Lesley

TINY TIMMOTHY RA | TA Mozart x Al-Marah Power Parade++ | Julie Madden

CONGRATULATIONS SCOTTSDALE WINNERS SIRED BY TA MOZART:

MOZARTS SYMPHONY | Champion Arabian Reining Jr. Horse | Owned by Wesley W Hiser FACETHEMUZIC RA | Reserve Arabian Reining Jr. Horse | Owned by Allison Mostowich

UP & COMING REINING STARS SIRED BY TA MOZART ALWAYS AVAILABLE, INQUIRIES WELCOME. Owned by Dick Ames | Ames Reining Horses For breeding inquiries contact Mike Brennan, Breeding Manager 612-202-6985 | www.CedarRidgeArabians.com

photo by Amanda Ubell