From firsts to forever...
The trophies may shine today, but itâs the friendships forged that shine for a lifetime.
There is only one word that can aptly describe this yearâs Canadian National Championships for Joe Alberti and Chestnuthill Arabians: historic. In an industry so steeped in tradition, with a breed that holds such a pronounced place in history, that word can sometimes lose its weight over time. But what else can you call a show marked by so many firsts?
The first horse to win national titles in both sport horse and main ring performance classes. The first horse to be crowned National Champion in Arabian Stallion Performance Halter, Arabian Stallion AOTH, and Arabian Stallion Open. And, perhaps, the ultimate honor: the first horse ever to be named both National Champion Stallion and National Champion in a junior Hhrse performance class. Empire Al Shaqab++ garnered all these accolades in one national championship show.
Finding Empire was a moment of fate, yet success at these heights is no happy accident. It is a winning combination of vision, preparation, and execution. The journey began on New Yearâs Eve of 2023. That fall, Joe observed many of the best Arabian breeders either retiring or significantly curtailing their breeding programs, making it increasingly difficult to find and purchase a top prospect. Undaunted, the search continued for a 2-year-old studâknowing full well it would be a tall order. The stallion of his dreams needed a short back, a long, full hip, tightly coupled with a prominent wither; a soft, pleasing eye, fine muzzle, and tightly set ears; a horse whose neck, shoulder, and neck set would allow it to naturally bridle and showcase its conformation in halter. When Brooke Wood of Burkman Training Centre reached out to say she knew just the horse, Joe thought, âSure you do.â But fate showed up on that final day of 2023, as he found himself face-to-face with a young bay coltâ by the great Marwan Al Shaqab and out of Francescaaâthat far exceeded his expectations. This young stallion has continued to surpass expectations every day since. There is just something about himâhe seems to possess that elusive âitâ factor. Under saddle, Empire is the perfect representation of a hunter. What sets him apart is his willingness; day after day, he comes out of his stall ready to do whatever is asked of him. He enters the ring time and again with that same attitude, which makes him a favorite to work with at home. Beyond that, he has the intangibles that allowed a 4-year-old stallion to capture four national titles in a single national championship show. Chestnuthill Arabians brought 12 horses to Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, this past August. When their trailer made its turn toward home from the show grounds, they had won 14 National Championships, 12 Reserve National Championships, and an astounding 50 Top Six awards. It was an unprecedented Nationals for Joeâa monumental show that made so many dreams come true.
Empire Al Shaqab++ may have led the way with his history-making performances, but the entire Chestnuthill Arabians team rose to the occasion, showcasing both the versatility of the breed and their own talents. They entered the arena in everything from sport horse in-hand and under saddle, to main ring halter, performance halter, and hunter pleasure. On numerous occasions, they captured one of the top two spots, often being one of the last two horses to leave the ring.
Because both main ring and sport horse classes were showcased in the same arena, it provided the perfect opportunity to expose Empire to the show ring before the junior horse competition. In a foreshadowing of things to come, he collected his first set of roses when he was named Reserve Canadian National Champion SHUS Hunter Type.
Excitement for Chestnuthill continued when just moments later, Raegan Wallace won her first Canadian National Championship aboard Alexa Khan SSF (PA Kid Khan x Tamar Ebony Afterdark). This was also the mareâs first Canadian National Championship, who is proudly owned by Maddy and Jay Winer.
These victories set the stage for what would become a week of unprecedented successes and remarkable âfirstsâ for the entire Chestnuthill team.
With each passing class, it became harder for Chestnuthill Arabians to deny that something excptional was happening in Brandon, both in and out of the ring. Every client was genuinely invested in the otherâs success, flocking to the rail for every class in which the farm was competing. One by one, they celebrated as each of their dreams turned into reality.
Chestnuthill Arabians achieved a near sweep of the purebred amateur halter division, with multiple exhibitors capturing the coveted red roses across the board. In her first season showing halter, Kim Misco entered the Arabian Mares ATH with 3-year-old filly Nayane J (Khaja J x Miss Giovanna), who is owned by the Misco Family. They left as Reserve Canadian National Championsâan honor that Nayane J also earned in Open Mare Halter with Joe. Brandy Phillips and AA Haute Couture (Turismo RA x Chanel de Couture) were named Canadian National Champions in Arabian Geldings ATH, earning Brandy her first national championship. The gelding is proudly owned by Pamela Robichaud. Additionally, Rob Janecki expertly guided Empire Al Shaqab++ to unanimous Canadian National Championships in both Performance Halter Stallions and Arabian Stallions ATH. As the week rolled on, so did Chestnuthillâs victory passes. Rachael Wolfe, aboard SHF Top Stitch+/ (SF Aftershoc x Designerâs Touch), delivered a beautiful performance in Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure AOTR, earning the Canadian National Championshipâ Rachaelâs first national title. She then went on to win another championship in Arabian Hunter Pleasure AOTR, marking the first national championship for the mare Dripn N Diamonds (PA Kid Khan x RC Zendaya). Junior rider Evelyn Munchel, in her first class aboard Sugarhill Karamel (SF Aftershoc x Pleasantviewâs Eye Kandy), was named Reserve Canadian National Champion Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR for proud owner and breeder Betsy Kubiak of Sugar Hill Farms. Evelyn then captured her first national championship riding Finely Dun (Buckshot Dun It x JKF First Lady) in Half-Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle H/T JTR. Already a two-time Reserve National Champion in Sport Horse In-Hand H/T, Finely Dun is proudly owned by Renee Pelzman.
Last, but certainly not least, the stunning Im No Diva WRA+++// (Truse x Im Adiva Too ORA) and the newly purchased Tawny Kitaen PMA+/ (Marwan al Magnifficoo x TCR Shes Got Leggz), both Half-Arabians, won national championships in every class they entered with Joe and owner Maddy Winer sharing the lead. Between them, the two horses captured an impressive five Canadian National Championshipsâsome guided by Joe and others by Maddy, the âseasoned proâ of the Chestnuthill amateurs. Every one of Joeâs amateur exhibitors had won national roses by the close of the showâa feat he is most certainly proud of. âAfter 24 years of showing at the Nationals, the ribbons are just the icing on the cake. What matters most is how much we care about all our riders and handlers.â That spirit contributed to the one-for-all, all-for-one mentality that was evident throughout the entire show.
While his amateurs were firing on all cylinders, Joe approached his record-setting show one day at a time. Less than 24 hours after Robâs Performance Halter championship, Joe and Empire Al Shaqab++ trotted through the gate for the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse.
Despite the excitement of the week, Empire settled into the class like the consummate professional. âHe was elevated, balanced, and his transitions were seamlessâI couldnât have been more thrilled,â recalls Joe. The judges agreed, awarding Empire another Canadian National Championship. In true storybook fashion, Empireâs march toward history culminated on the final night of competition.
The young stallion stood quietly as the other entries in Open Stallion Halter made their way into the ring. When Joe signaled that it was showtime, Empire lifted his tail and entered with his telltale rolling trot.
As the youngest in the class, Empire and Joe waited while the rest of the field was presented. When the judges turned toward them, with nothing left to prove, the two left it all on the line. Unbothered by the excitement of the evening, Empire squarely set his feet at Joeâs direction and locked his eyes on his handler. As one of the judges stepped forward for a closer look, Joe recalls, âI asked Empire to reach a bit low, allowing them to inspect his face, eyes, and ears, and he stayed right there with me.â
Despite Empireâs success in the amateur halter, Joe still found himself holding his breath as they announced the Reserve National Champion. Then history was madeâan honor never before accomplished in the history of Canadaâs National Championship show. Another âfirstâ now belonged to Empire Al Shaqab++: Canadian National Champion Performance Halter, Stallion AOTH, Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse, and Stallion Open; the latter title a lifelong goal for any handler, but for Empire, says Joe, âmaking my dreams come true was all in a dayâs work.â
This yearâs Canadian Nationals brought the realization of so many dreams for the Chestnuthill Arabians teamâmany âfirstsâ to last forever. Their sights are now set on the U.S. National Championships, where new dreams await. The farm will arrive in Tulsa with 18 horses competing for the ultimate prize. Leading the charge once more will be Joe and Empire Al Shaqab++, entered in the exciting AHPA, a class seemingly tailor-made to showcase the young stallionâs versatility.
Speaking of tailor-made, Rob Janecki and Empire head to U.S. Nationals following a season in which they competed in the Arabian Stallions AOTH and Performance Halter at Scottsdale, Region 12, Region 15, 16, and Canadian Nationals. At every stop, the judges placed them at the top of their cards. The pair hope to add two more titles to their perfect season.
Regardless of how the cards may fall in Tulsa, Joe knows there is one thing that will never change: the unshakable camaraderie, unwavering support, and unforgettable moments shared by Chestnuthill Arabians. For this team, the ribbons are only part of the storyâthe bond they carry into every arena is what makes them truly unstoppable.
J 2x Canadian Reserve National Champion
U.S. AND CANADIAN FUTURITY FILLIES
JR MARES | AAOTH with Joe Alberti | Kim Misco
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