Issuu

F E A T U R I N G

Sweira

VOLUME 48, NO. 1 $22.50

Aljassimya

Sired by Wotld Champion EKS Alihandro

2017 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP SUPREME GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY PRESENTED BY TED CARSON WWW.BELOVEDSFARM.COM Patricia M. Dempsey | Lady Lake, Florida | 352-430-3456

Design by: mickĂŠandoliver Photo by: Avalon Photography

The Arabian Breeders World Cup We were honoured to receive the breeders trophy at the Las Vegas World Cup with just five years of breeding. info@aljassimyafarm.com | www.aljassimyafarm.com Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Volume 48, No. 1

Design by: mickĂŠandoliver Photo: Nadeem El Arab by Mike Hartman

Photo: Misrah Aljassimya by Michelle Kelly Photo: Arwa Aljassimya by Avalon Photography

Thank you to all our team and supporters Four Champions, three Silver Champions and ten winners owned and bred by Aljassimya Farm, and one more Silver Champion! info@aljassimyafarm.com | www.aljassimyafarm.com Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Volume 48, No. 1

Issue 6 • Volume 48, No. 1 18

Cover Story: Aljassimya Farm by Theresa Cardamone

Fanaticaa—The Pearl Of Al Owaidah Arabian Stud by Beth Ellen Hunziker

The 2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup—Where Nations Unite And IntArah Dream Embryo Auction by Laurelle Anderson

Leaders Of The Times: Destinyed Valentino by Theresa Cardamone

A Jakarta: A Tribute by Theresa Cardamone

The West: Dreamers For The Arabian Horse by Evie Tubbs Sweeney

1ArabExp

Greg Knowles: Embracing The Future At The Top Of His Game by Theresa Cardamone

124

Breeding The Next Star: The Vision Behind Vicki Humphrey Training Center by Kara Larson

143

Following Traditions: Michael Whelihan, Born A Horseman by Beth Ellen Hunziker

163

In Memoriam

Comments From The Publisher

Faces & Places

122

Faces & Places

164

Let Us Introduce … Cat McKenna

166

Calendar Of Events

168

Looking Ahead

171

Index Of Advertisers

F E A T U R I N G

Sweira

VOLUME 48, NO. 1 $22.50

.com

Aljassimya

2017, Issue 6

ya fa r m

Contents

On The Cover:

Sweira Aljassimya (S.M.A. Magic One x Baraka MP), owned by Aljassimya Farm.

Ar abian Horse Times | 4 | Volume 48, No. 1

EAGER FOR ACTION AND HOT FOR THE GAME THE COMING ATTRACTION ... ~ The Eagles

Vegaz x River Dance NA

Comments From The Publisher Publisher Lara Ames Managing Editor Charlene Deyle Advertising Account Executive Tony Bergren Lesley Blain Contributing Editors Mary Kirkman Theresa Cardamone Contributing Writers Laurelle Anderson Beth Ellen Hunziker Kara Larson Evie Tubbs Sweeney Production Manager Jody Thompson Senior Designer Marketing Director Wayne Anderson Art Director IT Support Specialist Tony Ferguson Print & Web Design/Support Melissa Pasicznyk Sales Assistant Maria Burger 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. 1, June 2017, 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

Where It All Begins: Around The Country One thing I love about Arabian horses is our widespread and diverse history—not just around the world, but in our own countries. For me, that’s the United States. Those of us living in the U.S. have seen a variety of horses and programs just due to the size of our map. In the past, many experienced breeders created significantly different looks in their horses, and before the technology that allows us to keep up with each other so easily, that meant that trips to see those horses were voyages of discovery. People were excited to visit Arabian farms and shows a long way away to see the stallions and mares they heard about or to check out foals. In each part of the country, they encountered new traditions, new groups of people, and the exchange of knowledge was a huge part of the experience. When I was young, I saw that interest in my parents, who were breeders, but by the time I was old enough to become a serious breeder myself, some of that buzz was passing. Transported semen made it easier to patronize far-away stallions, and many people didn’t have time to travel or attend shows across the country. Few of us see firsthand what every region has to offer. If we’re lucky, we see a selection only at Scottsdale and the Nationals. We can’t go back in time, and I’m not saying we should. But while we view ourselves as countries and as a part of the global community, I hope we don’t forget the value of the local scene. The local scene may be the most important of all, because for most of us, it is where the fun began—where we met other Arabian enthusiasts, realized how much enjoyment the horses provided, and recruited new friends to share our passion. I have so many wonderful memories of shows that weren’t national-level that fit into weekends; that weren’t fancy, but were the best fun ever. This is not to say that Scottsdale and the Nationals aren’t very special because they are; they are the epitome of our aspirations. But you don’t start at the top. You start at the beginning, and the beginning is the grass roots. It’s where our education in the breed began. Beginning in April and carrying on through coming months, AHT is highlighting regions of the U.S. (geographical areas, not designated AHA regions), their history and contributions to the industry we have today. Sometimes, in order to best go forward, we need to look back. Look back at what every area, with its horses, owners, breeders, trainers and fans, has offered to what we love today. We want to celebrate our past and look to our future with renewed hope and determination.

Lara Ames Lara Ames Publisher

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A RARE COMBINATION OF BEAUTY AND MAJESTY FADI AL SHAQAB 2008 BAY STALLION

(BESSON CARL X ABHA MYRA)

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WADEE AL SHAQAB 2010 STALLION

(MARWAN AL SHAQAB X OFW MISHAAHL)

Ar abian Horse Times | 8 | Volume 48, No. 1

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Know That Your Horse

Feels Its Best

Innovative equine supplements created by a veterinarian

www.depaoloequineconcepts.com Ar abian Horse Times | 10 | Volume 48, No. 1

Setting Sun Stables

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Mario Zerlotti, Luciano Cury & Cindy McGown

“Devotion,” by Judy Nordquist

2019 DREAM JACKPOT

Thank you to all the dreamers who consigned & bid on the incredible collection of opportunities that made history! www.intArah.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 12 | Volume 48, No. 1

Photos by Avalon, Trace & Lisa Moffatt, and Lisa Abraham

A 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Ajman Moniscione x Luxemere Jizette EKS Alihandro x CR Jasmeenah Marwan Al Shaqab x Amety B Shanghai EA x Essence Of Marwan EA FA El Rasheem x Honeyâ€™s Delight RB RFI Farid x RD Marciena S.M.A. Magic One x Mattaharii RFI Farid x FT Havanna El Keav QR Marc x Falcons Lovenote BHF EKS Alihandro x DM Valencea Marwan Al Shaqab x Majalis Ever After NA x Rose Of Gazal APA Sultan Al Zobara x Amelia B RFI Farid x Gaishea Ajman Moniscione x Allamara MA JJ Bellagio x Duchess Of Marwan Kanz Albidayer x Khaleifa OFW Magic Wan x Amora B Marwan Al Shaqab x Jumeriah Rose SWF Zeus EA x Salymah EA S.M.A. Magic One x Jamaica NA Marwan Al Shaqab x RGA Kouress QR Marc x RH Triana AR Most Irresistible RFI Sophie Al Maktub

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$35,000 $200,000 $110,000 $70,000 $210,000 $85,000 $70,000 $65,000 $70,000 $85,000 $75,000 $35,000 $65,000 $67,500 $60,000 $70,000 $70,000 $40,000 $40,000 $55,000 $50,000 $100,000 $110,000 $35,000 $110,000

North Arabians Mindy Peters Orrion Farms Royal Arabians Aljassimya Farm Rae-Dawn Arabians Al-Sahrae Arabians Aria Prestige Partners Joanne Gunabalan Orrion Farms Royal Arabians Sam Peacemaker Albidayer Stud Joanne Gunabalan Haras Boa Vista Orrion Farms Haras Boa Vista Chelly Zerlotti Royal Arabians Carol & Stu Nierenberg Rohl Arabians Royal Arabians Haras Cruzeiro Orrion Farms Royal Arabians

Photos by Avalon, Trace & Lisa Moffatt, and Lisa Abraham

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COVER

STORY:

Aljassimya Farm

by Theresa Cardamone

ver the past decade, the Arabian

Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas has developed into one of the

most prestigious shows on the planet. It was

conceived by a group of horsemen to promote

and reward the efforts of those most dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Arabian horse—the breeders. The Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance then created the

AHBA Breeders Cup Award, to be presented to the entity whose homebred horses were

the most dominant at the annual World Cup. After only six years in operation and with

just five foal crops on the ground, the horses of Aljassimya Farm brought home the 2017

AHBA Breeders Cup Award for HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

To assemble a fine collection of any commodity requires knowledge, passion, the necessary funding, and a bit of luck. But to use that collection to create next generations which surpass the original foundation takes even more skill, intuition, and commitment. In an overwhelming showing, Sheikh Jassim proved to the Arabian horse industry that he is more than a collector when his eleven homebreds won four Gold and four Silver Championships and had two class wins and seven top tens. It was a mind-blowing achievement that included several victories in classes that required the proposed breeding match-ups be revealed and approved by the show committee before the foal was even conceived. One of the finest jewels in Sheikh Jassim’s collection is the WH Justice daughter RP Miss Surprise. She is the perfect example of the remarkable way he and Aljassimya manager Bart van Buggenhout have utilized their skills and knowledge when making breeding choices. Already the dam of 2016 World Gold Champion Junior Filly Mai Aljassimya, by FA El Rasheem, Miss Surprise produced all four of Aljassimya’s Gold Champions to the cover of three

Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Volume 48, No. 1

different stallions: Mounif Aljassimya, by Al Ayal AA (Auction Futurity Yearling Colt ATH); Mahienour Aljassimya, by Monther Al Nasser (Auction Futurity Two-Year-Old Filly ATH); and Maset Aljassimya (Legacy Yearling Filly ATH) and Misrah Aljassimya (Auction Futurity Two-Year-Old Colt ATH), both by Om El Bellissimo. As if that were not enough, Miss Surprise also produced Misseda Aljassimya, a top ten winner in the Arabian World Cup Yearling Filly Supreme Championship by Brandon Bey JCA. It was an unprecedented display of maternal dominance. No less impressive are Sheikh Jassimâ€™s Silver Champions. In addition to her title as Silver Champion Filly/Mare ATH, Sirt Al Jassimya (Monther Al Nasser x MG Saffire) was also an open class winner and top ten in the Arabian World Cup Senior Mare Supreme Championship. Juhaina Aljassimya (WH Justice x Toscana PGA) won the Arabian World Cup Junior Mare Silver Championship in a top ten field that included three of her stablemates: Mahienour Aljassimya, Jadhabah Aljassimya and Jenan Aljassimya. Arwa Aljassimya (Besson Carol x Athina El Jamaal) was named the Arabian World Cup Senior Mare Silver Supreme Champion in a fantastic final that included two other Aljassimya top ten winners, Aurora Aljassimya and the afore-mentioned Sirt; while Nadeem El Arab (WH Justice x Om El Euphoria) took home his World Cup Junior Stallion Silver Supreme Championship. With additional class wins by Thaminat Aljassimya (S.M.A.Magic One x Om El Soraya) and Misrah, and another top ten from Jaweesh Aljassimya (WH Justice x LR Valita), it becomes easy to see why Sheik Jassim and Aljassimya Farm earned the 2017 AHBA Breeders Cup Award. The Al Thani family was further honored when the 2017 AHBA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Sheikh Jassimâ€™s eldest brother, His Highness the Father Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, who founded Al Shaqab Stud 25 years ago. Along with two other brothers, HH Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalifa (Umm Qarn Stud) and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa (Al Shahania Stud), they have expanded on the vision of their father, the late and much-missed HH The Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, by creating some of the most successful stud farms in the world. The Al Thani family legacy now extends from the deserts of Qatar to the rolling hills of California.

2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup trophies won by Aljassimya horses.

Arwa Aljassimya, Silver Supreme Champion Senior Mare.

Aurora Aljassimya, Supreme Top Ten Senior Mare.

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AHBA Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

Maset Aljassimya, Gold Champion Legacy Yearling Filly ATH.

Misrah Aljassimya, Gold Champion Auction Futurity Two-Year-Old Colt ATH.

Nadeem El Arab, Silver Supreme Champion Junior Stallion.

Thaminat Aljassimya, Champion Junior Filly of 2016 and Supreme Top Ten Yearling Filly. â–

Ar abian Horse Times | 20 | Volume 48, No. 1

S COT TSDALE I NTERNATIONAL C HAMPION 8 & O VER S TALLION U.S. N ATIONAL R ESERVE C HAMPION S TALLION AAOTH

8-year-old Stallion Sweepstakes and Scottsdale Signature Nominated Sire

DA VINCI FM

Like us on facebook

GODDESS

M A RWA N

Standing at:

Owned by: Theresa Lungwitz

Cave Creek, Arizona • 480-707-7426 Ar abian Horse Times | 21 | Volume 48, No. 1

Cave Creek, Arizona • 480-395-0227 E-mail: mcginnistraining@yahoo.com

Sandro Pinha 480.226.0001 Gil Valdez 480.226.7357 Sally Townley 972.213.6831

www.ArabiansInternational.com www.ArabiansInternational.com Photos by Avalon Ar abian Horse Times | 22 | Volume 48, No. 1

ENZINO PCF (Enzo x Maria PCF by DA Valentino) Supreme Gold Champion Yearling Colt DIYANNAA (ZT Marwteyn x Diya Forx) Supreme Bronze Champion Junior Mare DOMINUS ARABCO (El Tino x Shavanna El Madan) Supreme Bronze Champion Junior Stallion AMIRA JF (S.M.A.Magic One x FS Dixie Rose) Supreme Gold Champion Mare/Filly ATH GRAND PROMISE NA (Grand Commandd x Promises Psy) Supreme Gold Champion Colt/Gelding ATH CARMEN MC (Grand Commandd x Madam Marwan WCF) Champion Arabian Junior Mare ATH ATICUS NA (Ever After NA x Margarita Psy) Supreme Silver Champion Auction 2-Year-Old Colt CADANCE PA (Cavalli x Donatella) Supreme Top 5 Senior Stallion EVENING SONG IA (Ever After NA x Cajun Spyce KBS) Supreme Top 10 Senior Mare PRETORIA AS NA (QR Marc x Felisha Valentine BHF) Supreme Top 10 Yearling Filly HAPPILY EVERAFTER LRA (Ever After NA x Ultimate Desire LRA) Supreme Top 10 Yearling Filly LULU MARAJJ (Marajj x Silhouette FF) Supreme Top 10 Yearling Filly BENICIO PCF (Psytanium x GP Beyonce by Botswana) Champion Yearling Colt Section A Top 5 Yearling Colt CAMEAA (El Nabila B x HED Caramba) Top 5 Two-Year-Old Filly RSHEDIAH ALKHASHAB (EKS Alihandro x Symphony Of Love) Top 5 Yearling Filly FARAH AL SHAMS (Van Gogh AM x Marjaana Al Shams) Top 5 Yearling Filly

Fanaticaa *

THE PEARL OF AL OWAIDAH AR ABIAN STUD

by BETH ELLEN H U NZIK ERÂ

The Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the most prestigious international show in North America. The level of competition rivals that of the most important shows

in Europe and the Middle East, with many highly acclaimed international champions vying for the highest honor: the title of Breeders World Cup Gold Supreme Champion. Â

Over the past 11 years, many European, Middle Eastern, and World Champions have

competed and won at the Arabian Breeders World Cup. However, in 2017, the world was introduced to a three-year-old filly unlike any they have seen before. She created history at the show and is destined to take her place among the legends of the breed as one of the most exquisite mares of all time. She is unforgettable; she is Fanaticaa.

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As the World Cup show began, the name everyone was whispering was Fanaticaa. Could she possibly be as exotic as they had heard, what they had seen on social media. The anticipation for Fanaticaa’s class was high, but no one was prepared for what happened next. When David Boggs walked into the arena leading what looked like a dream, the crowd was almost silent, and then they erupted into a roar of cheers and applause for the most exquisite Fanaticaa. All eyes were on her throughout her presentation. Her movement was graceful, yet powerful, her pose showcased her near flawless conformation, and her beauty captured the hearts of the crowd and the judges. She received seven scores of 20 points—the most of all females presented at the show—and she was awarded the highest score of the class, making her the clear winner. Her class was done, but Fanaticaa was not; she and David now set their sights on the championships ahead of them. The stakes were high, even in a city like Las Vegas, but David and his team were committed to bringing the beautiful Fanaticaa to her fullest potential and her ultimate victory. On Saturday, there was great excitement and hope at the Midwest stalls as they prepared Fanaticaa for her presentation in the championships. She was groomed to perfection; now it was all up to her. Once again, Fanaticaa entered the arena, accompanied by David Boggs, looking like a queen: regal, graceful, and poised for greatness. She showed beautifully; she was there to prove she deserved her crown and she would not be denied. As the judges moved from one contestant to the next, there was no question who was the crowd favorite, or the judge’s favorite. Fanaticaa was crowned the 2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup Gold Supreme Champion Junior Mare.

While the world watched Fanaticaa receive her title, covered in colorful ribbons and beautiful roses, there was one special person watching from afar with special interest, Sheikh Naif Fahad Al Owaidah of Al Owaidah Arabian Stud in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Only weeks before the Breeders World Cup, Sheikh Naif successfully secured a lease of the extraordinary Fanaticaa. Thus, his interest in her victory was deeply personal and meaningful. It was his greatest hope that Fanaticaa would receive the recognition she deserved and his hope was fulfilled. In fact, Fanaticaa made Arabian horse history as the only straight Egyptian mare to earn the title of Gold Supreme Champion, proving she is unlike any other mare—ever. Sheikh Naif Fahad Al Owaidah is the owner of Al Owaidah Development Company and Al Owaidah Arabian Stud. He is one of the most successful businessmen in all of Saudi Arabia. His business is his profession, but Arabian horses have been his passion since he was a child. Sheikh Naif is a wise and patient man. His first priority was making his business a success. He waited to pursue his love of horses and purchased his first Arabian in 2014. Sheikh Naif is interested in exceptional horses, unique horses unlike any others. Sheikh Naif ’s search began with a call to David Boggs. He told David he was in search of the extraordinary; he certainly chose the right man for the job. David’s encyclopedic knowledge of the breed from a global perspective is amazing and his photographic memory of horses is uncanny. Almost as soon as Sheikh Naif and David’s conversation ended, a certain filly came to David’s mind, a filly he had seen more than a year earlier. Even then, he believed she had the beauty to be an international show ring super star and the genetic potential to be an exceptional producer. Her name was Fanaticaa and he had to see her again.

A SPECTACULAR DEBUT AR ABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP GOLD SUPREME JUNIOR CHAMPION MARE HIGHEST SCORING HORSE OF THE SHOW FOR HEAD AND TYPE

Fanaticaa *

THE STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN WONDER

(Al Raheb AA x Faleenah El Masr)

PR ESENTED BY DAV ID BOGGS

David called Raymond Mazzei of Furioso Farms, the breeder and owner of Fanaticaa. Raymond Mazzei is a man well known around the world for his unrelenting passion for the Arabian horse. He has been a breeder and judge for over 30 years and according to Raymond, Fanaticaa is his greatest achievement. Fanaticaa is by Al Raheeb AA, bred by Ariela Arabians and owned by Muhsen Onallah. Raymond had leased the stallion for two years. Al Raheeb AA is sired by the immortal Laheeb, the great progenitor of many great straight Egyptian sons and daughters, as well as those he sired while on lease to the Polish State Studs in the late 1990s. Al Raheeb AA is out of The Vision HG, a mare with two lines to The Minstril through both her sire, Thee Desperado, and her dam, Belle Staar. Fanaticaa’s dam is the lovely Faleenah El Masr. Raymond Mazzei purchased her when she was just a yearling at the Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky. According to Raymond, Faleenah exuded quality, refinement, beauty, and potential. He was right. Faleenah has been an exceptional producer. When David made his journey to see Fanaticaa again, it was just weeks before the Breeders World Cup show. He fell in love with her all over again, and knew he had found that jewel Sheikh Naif had so desired. We recently caught up with David Boggs just as he was returning to Scottsdale, Arizona, from the Region 1 Championship show in Delmar, California, where he presented Fanaticaa to a Unanimous Gold Champion Mare title. Fanaticaa was once again awarded the highest scores for type and head with several scores of 20 from the judges. David shared the plans for Fanaticaa’s future with Sheikh Naif, under the care and guidance of Midwest Training Centre. Her win at Region 1 qualifies Fanaticaa for the 2017 U.S. Nationals. Perhaps in the future, she will make her European and Middle East debut and show at the top venues, such as Aachen and Paris. Like all great breeders, Sheikh Naif has a vision for the future of his Arabian stud and breeding program. The show ring is only one part of his vision, creating a world class breeding program is Sheikh Naif ’s long term goal. Fanaticaa will play a major role in advancing his program. Fanaticaa will be bred to some of the top sires of the world such as Magnum Psyche, QR Marc, and El Rasheem. She will also be bred to elite straight Egyptian stallions to maintain those important bloodlines. Sheikh Naif has recently hired Dr. Ayman Taher as the manager of Al Owaidah Arabian Stud. He entrusts his cherished Arabians to Dr Taher’s expert care because he believes Dr. Taher is the right man for the position. Dr. Taher is a unique young man with a lot of

experience and who has a global outlook that will bring the stud to the attention of the Arabian horse community as a leader. He will also be a key person in bringing the world-class mare Fanaticaa to the show rings of the world. Priceless jewels and sparkling gems have been desired throughout the history of the world. From ancient times, the pearl has been the jewel that symbolizes feminine purity, beauty, and grace. It is the most royal of gems and the gem favored by royalty. Fanaticaa is the epitome of beauty and grace, and she is now the pearl of Al Owaidah Arabian Stud. ■

Sheikh Naif Fahad Al Owaidah The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

W W W.MIDWESTAR ABIAN.COM David Boggs 612-328-8312 ~ david@midwestarabian.com Nate White 563-663-7383 ~ nate@midwestarabian.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 29 | Volume 48, No. 1

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Ar abian Horse Times | 31 | Volume 48, No. 1

Royal Emanuel (Edenc C x Emandoria)

Royal Visione (Da Vinci FM x Z Victoria)

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Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Volume 48, No. 1

ABWC LAS VEGAS BRONZE SUPREME CHAMPION SENIOR MARE AND CHAMPION MARE 6-8 YEARS OF AGE WITH RODOLFO GUZZO

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Ar abian Horse Times | 33 | Volume 48, No. 1

Ar abian Horse Times | 34 | Volume 48, No. 1

ABWC LAS VEGAS SILVER SUPREME CHAMPION YEARLING COLT WITH RODOLFO GUZZO

JJ BELLAGIO | DUCHESS OF MARWAN Owned by Empire Group Royal Arabians | Al-Sahrae Arabians Sandhu Arabians | Gemini Ranch

Ar abian Horse Times | 35 | Volume 48, No. 1

JJ Bellagio (Magnum Psyche x Joyeuse NY)

Duchess of Marwan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Amety B)

ABWC LAS VEGAS BRONZE SUPREME CHAMPION ATH MARE/FILLY WITH BRITTNEY HARDWICK Proudly Owned by Al-Sahrae Arabians, Australia Helen, Evan & Brittney Hardwick www.AlSahraeArabians.com.au

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Ar abian Horse Times | 36 | Volume 48, No. 1

ABWC LAS VEGAS BRONZE SUPREME CHAMPION YEARLING COLT WITH PAOLO CAPECCI

HARIRY AL SHAQAB | DM ENDLESS ROMANCE

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Represented by Guzzo Worldwide, LLC Rodolfo Guzzo | guzzoat@gmail.com | 480.361.6926 www.RoyalAndGuzzo.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 37 | Volume 48, No. 1

Enzino

PCF

(Enzo x Maria PCF, by DA Valentino)

2017 ArAbiAn breeders World Cup Gold ChAmpion YeArlinG Colt 2017 ArAbiAn breeders World Cup ChAmpion YeArlinG Colt noW oWned bY Al shAGAir stud 480-963-5222 pcfarabians@me.com

w w w. p c f a r a b i a n s . c o m Ar abian Horse Times | 38 | Volume 48, No. 1

(Psytanium x GP Beyonce, by Botswana) Bred by Green Pastures Arabians

2017 ArAbiAn breeders World Cup ChAmpion YeArlinG Colt 2017 sCottsdAle internAtionAl unAnimous Gold ChAmpion YeArlinG Colt 2017 sCottsdAle internAtionAl ChAmpion YeArlinG Colt (hiGhest sCorinG YeArlinG of the shoW)

w w w. p c f a r a b i a n s . c o m Ar abian Horse Times | 39 | Volume 48, No. 1

The 2017

Arabian Breeders World Cup Where Nations Unite

Stories by Laurelle Anderson, photos by Moffatt Photography & Design

n 2017, the Arabian Breeders World Cup (ABWC) returned to South Point Equestrian Complex in glamorous Las Vegas for the 11th consecutive year from April 12-15th. Once again, it provided a solid platform of stellar International competition for over 4,000 attendees, with a flowing agenda of festive activities to make it the most unifying celebration of the purebred Arabian horse, while drawing the highest in quality breeding stock available today. This is where the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Arabian horse breed, along with avid newcomers and devoted enthusiasts, all eagerly participate in this prestigious affair as they gather from all corners of the globe. Owners and breeders representing 36 states and 24 countries, brought 216 horses to be showcased in 34 halter division classes, including AHBA Legacy and Auction Futurity classes, and this year the prize money payouts topped $201,624! All this and more, over four action-packed days! The ABWC is a dynamic show that allows for new friendships to develop, old ones are reunited, experiences are shared, and passions are fueled while everyone anticipates how the days will unfold. Awards are given, winners crowned, and dreams are ignited! It is a whirlwind of enthusiasm with unstoppable excitement … AND, it’s completely contagious for those who are smitten! In true Las Vegas style, the official red carpet entrance provided a captivating visual display, leading attendees past magnificent artistry, official awards and notable vendors with garnished tables of treasured merchandise, before descending to the arena floor. Blue and white tables encompassed the show ring for the best viewing possible, with floodlights focused on center ring, shedding an inviting hue between two life-size Arabian horse bronze statues that perfectly exemplified the prestige of this show and highlighted where five internationally renowned judges would determine those individual horses deemed most worthy of the highest scores. Each day, the show represented a specific division of competition; first amateurs, then mares and fillies, followed by colts and stallions with the fourth and final day of Championships and Award ceremonies. By its own intentional design, the show wrapped up by late afternoon, thereby allowing for a variety of glitzy Las Vegas activities, or moments to relax with friends, sharing knowledge, and experiences and creating new ones to further bond within this unique global family. This year, there were two extraordinary events scheduled during the ABWC show for enthusiasts to attend. On Thursday evening, Wayne Newton’s Aramus Arabians extended a warm welcome for all to attend their Open House affair at his esteemed Casa de Shenandoah Ranch, and Friday evening was electrified by the highly anticipated IntArah Dream Embryo Auction. Both were exhilarating and have inspired new chapters within our Arabian community. As the final day dawned, owners, breeders and loyal enthusiasts gathered with eager anticipation to witness those exceptional horses that would be crowned Champions. Indeed, the final scores from the judging decisions gave way to exhilarating championship outcomes that will continue to shape the future of this proud breed. Also honored, were: the 2017 AHBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, founder of Al Shaqab and owner of Al Rayyan Farm; 2017 AHBA Handler of Excellence Award recipient Ted Carson; and AHBA Breeders Cup recipient, Aljassimya Farm.

LasVegas

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This extraordinary Breeders Cup show is truly a product of the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance and many dedicated show committee organizers who are constantly and diligently hard at work behind the scenes. We asked Show Manager Taryl O’Shea, who she would like to give a ‘shout-out-to’, in recognition of their unwavering support at this show. Taryl didn’t hesitate with her reply, “This year the ‘shout-out’ goes to our wonderful scoring team, Ron Harden, Riyan Rivero, Meagan and Ashley Katzakian. They did an amazing job and they worked hard to ensure there were no glitches. We extend a huge thank you to them.” Perhaps it was in the Opening Ceremony of that final day that lends insight to a simple soulful truth and best summarizes this Arabian horse competition. As the lights are slowly dimmed, silence consumes the arena and the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard present the colored flags as they march forward to center ring. Ron Armstrong’s vocals provide a heartfelt national anthem, followed by “We Are The World,” as this hallowed tune stretches across the arena to where several owners, breeders and participants begin to emerge with their flags, of all nations represented at this amazing show. It is impossible not to be moved by the significance of this ceremony, as emotion ripples over everyone in the arena—it is truly encompassing. As the show draws to a close, many will reflect on these moments of clarity—they may even remain unspoken. Yet, it was in those quietest moments that a much stronger theme seems to proclaim … “We are the world of the Arabian horse, and this, is our Celebration!”

Cup

2017

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Supreme Championships Senior Stallions

Senior Mares

Gold Champion FADI AL SHAQAB (Besson Carol x Abha Myra), with Michael Byatt for owner Al Shaqab - Member Qatar Foundation. Breeders: Harold & Dolly Orr.

Silver Champion LD PISTAL (Magnum Psyche x Halana), with David Boggs for owner Midwest Station II, Inc. Breeders: Allen & Marian Corrow.

Bronze Champion SIR CHARMED FF (SF Sir Real x Bremervale Charmed), with Rodolfo Guzzo for owner K or D Dertell & H or A Hardwick. Breeder: Future Farms.

Gold Champion GHAZALA AL SHAHANIA (Marwan Al Shaqab x Majalina), with Michael Byatt for owner Al Shahania Stud. Breeder: Al Shahania Stud.

Silver Champion ARWA ALJASSIMYA (Besson Carol x Athina El Jamaal), with Giacomo Capacci for owner/ breeder Aljassimya Farm.

Bronze Champion FT HAVANNA EL KEAV (HK Keav Power x Hillary VCM), with Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Cindy McGown & Mark Davis. Breeder: Flavia Maria Ramalho Torres.

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Supreme Championships Junior Stallions

Junior Mares

Gold Champion ROYAL ASAD (El Tino x Lumiar Ethna), with Rodolfo Guzzo for owners Cindy McGown & Mark Davis. Breeder: Michel Alberto Morelato.

Silver Champion NADEEM EL ARAB (WH justice x Om El Euphoria), with Giacomo Capacci for owner Aljassimya Farm. Breeder: Om El Arab International.

Bronze Champion DOMINUS ARABCO (El Tino x Shavanna El Madan), with Sandro Pinha for owners Pedro Gonzalez Toledo & Roxana Zambrano. Breeder: Sylvio Barbosa Neto.

Gold Champion FANATICAA (Al Raheb AA x Faleenah El Masr), with David Boggs for owner Owaidah Arabian Stud. Breeder: Raymond Mazzei.

Silver Champion JUHAINA ALJASSIMYA (WH Justice x Toscana PGA), with Giacomo Capacci for owner/breeder Aljassimya Farm.

World

Bronze Champion DIYANNAA (ZT Marwteyn x Diya Forx), with Sandro Pinha for owner/breeder Psynergy Enterprise Developments LLC.

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Supreme Championships Yearling Colts

Yearling Fillies

Gold Champion ENZINO PCF (Enzo x Maria PCF), with Sandro Pinha for owner/breeder Sam Peacemaker.

Silver Champion LUCIUS GA ( JJ Bellagio x Duchess Of Marwan), with Rodolfo Guzzo for owner The Empire Group. Breeder: Sally Bedeker.

Gold Champion OM EL ERODITE (EKS Alihandro x Om El Excella), with Ted Carson for owner Patricia Dempsey Trustee. Breeder: Om El Arab International.

Silver Champion KAREEMAH ALBIDAYER (Kanz Al Bidayer x Khaleifa), with Michael Byatt for owner/ breeder Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi.

Bronze Champion RD HARENAADO (Hariry Al Shaqab x DM Endless Romance), with Paolo Capecci for owner Bassam Al Saqran. Breeder: Murray & Shirley Popplewell.

Cup

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Bronze Champion SERANZA (Kanz Al Bidayer x Evening Serenade), with Austin Colangelo for owner Annelie Jonker. Breeder: Michael Byatt.

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2017

Dream Embryo Auction

rom its inception in November of 2011, in Brazil, where the first IntArah Dream Embryo Auction took place, to its relocation in 2015 to Las Vegas, where it perfectly complemented the prestigious and internationally acclaimed Arabian Breeders World Cup, this revolutionary concept first introduced by The IntArah Group, did not disappoint. Once again it proved to be not only a glamorous ‘must-attend’ auction, but the successful outcome made it clear that there was a certain demand for this type of Auction. ‘The Showroom’ at South Point Hotel played host to the 3rd 2017 Dream auction, where it capably provided an elegant affair with blazing visuals and another thrilling evening of outstanding results. The highest selling lot was an unborn foal out of Honey’s Delight RB sired by FA El Rasheem that sold for $210,000. With its results yet again matching that of the first auction in Brazil, by evenings end, IntArah had reached over $1.9 million in dream sales, making it clear that this exceptional auction, is not only a trend … it was paving a way for the future of the Arabian breed. Without question, the forward thinking IntArah Dream Embryo Auction directors and their unwavering commitment to quality offerings, seems to have rolled the Arabian community back to another era when auctions were filled with anticipation, and attendees prepared for an evening of thrills and excitement, knowing that the unpredictable might also unfold. It was an evening of familiar and enthusiastic faces, all wearing smiles of hope as they waited for the gavel to fall… ‘SOLD’! This, is where champagne wishes of Arabian horse dreams come true. Ar abian Horse Times | 46 | Volume 48, No. 1

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a B W C

Weekend

Seeing our stallion, Fadi Al Shaqab, presented by Michael Byatt so beautifully, and to also see so many of our friends and spectators appreciate this magnificent stallion was all very special to me. But most importantly, and perhaps even more precious to me, was the Lifetime Achievement Award being presented to His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, as he is the founder of Al Shaqab and the owner today, of Al Rayyan. The Arabian Breeders World Cup is a priority on our show list, as I have many friends in the U.S. that I always enjoy seeing in Las Vegas. Our stallions have been very successful in America, both as show horses and as great sires. The title that comes with winning this special show is globally respected, and I feel quite honored to stand in the winner’s circle with the horses of Al Shaqab. —Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, Managing Director of Al Shaqab and Al Rayyan Our World Cup show highlight was enjoying the Midwest amateurs win their awards and certainly the thrill of winning the Filly Supreme Championship for SH Naif with Fanaticaa. The World Cup is on our list for the opportunity to enjoy Las Vegas in a first class horse show setting. —David Boggs I had several “highlights” at the World Cup Show in Vegas—I can’t single one out. The honoring of Al Shaqab, winning the mare championship for the second year in a row with Al Shahania mares who happen to be 3/4 sisters, and winning with Fadi Al Shaqab, a horse that I bred. This show is a priority for me for the good competition and it being a fun show. —Michael Byatt The World Cup show in Vegas is one of the top two shows in our country; of course, we have to go! I was watching the Board of Directors’ sleeves rolled up and working there tails off making the show the success it is—hats off to them! Competing at this level is an honor for me for the owners and breeders that supply us with these great horses. I feel very blessed that each year we are able bring what it takes to win at this show. —Ted Carson My highlight for sure, was Royal Asad winning the Jr. Colt Championship—it was a very emotional day! And I always love Vegas! The atmosphere, the quality of horses, the way we can turn things around in the championship … I loved it all! I absolutely love Vegas! —Rodolfo Guzzo The IntArah Dream Embryo Auction was a highlight for me with CR Jasmeenah’s embryo right being sold to Mindy Peters and Aljassimya Farms purchase of the FA El Rasheem x Honey’s Delight RB embryo—it was very exciting! It’s going to be a long year of waiting for these foals to arrive for all of us! Lastly, another very special moment was being surprised by every one of my lifelong friends within the Arabian horse community singing Happy Birthday too me! It was such a beautiful moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life. —Robin Hopkinson One of the highlights for me is the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is always so interesting how people from around the world have dedicated their lives to these amazing horses, and I think we are unique from other shows, because we have the most amazing halter horses from around the world showing here at the Breeders Cup. You can’t beat that! The most gratifying aspect for me is the amazing team I have to work with. Everyone is great at their job, so the show just comes together. Even our board members pitch in and help make the show great! It’s that team work that makes the World Cup such a great show. —Phyllis LaMalfa, ABWC Executive Director 12 years ago, I changed the course of my breeding program from a focus on Polish Arabians, to explore the premium bloodlines of the straight Egyptian Arabian. What can I say? … It couldn’t possibly feel more gratifying to me, being the breeder of the unanimous ABWC Supreme Gold Champion Junior Mare Fanaticaa—an exceptional mare.” —Raymond Mazzei I loved seeing Royal Asad win the Jr. Stallion Championship, but I enjoyed the comradery that our group shared when Lucius went silver in the Yearling Colts. That was a great moment for all involved! This show is special from other shows in that it is fun! It is in a location that allows us to do other activities when we are free, and it has the best horses showing. As a spectator, it is a pleasure to get to see these beautiful animals. This show also appreciates all cultures and countries and demonstrates respect to all, as well as being short enough to not hinder my normal work and allows me to be fully engaged while I am there. The show management is fantastic and listens to the Arabian horse community. —Cindy McGown Ar abian Horse Times | 48 | Volume 48, No. 1

HigHLigHts… I think that the success of the 2017 Breeders World Cup show is multifaceted. It has become an internationally recognized show where owners and trainers bring their best, and this year was no exception. That alone, has people on the edge of their seats waiting to see who will win Supreme Champion! The fact that it is in America’s most exciting city certainly helps draw people from around the world. They come for the horse show, but because of the amazing schedule, it allows them time to explore the many wonderful restaurants, casinos and venues for entertainment. Wayne Newton’s Open House party for Arabian horse enthusiasts at his Casa de Shenandoah, and the IntArah Dream Embryo Auction were wonderful additions to the show this year. The success of the auction created a lot of excitement with embryo offerings that you won’t find anywhere else. The aspect that I love to see each year are the Supreme Champions and the high scores for the show. Each year the World Cup Supreme Champions go down in history as the best the breed has to offer. The high score awards for: Type, Head, Neck & Shoulder, Body & Topline, Feet & Legs, and Movement, are an up-close educational opportunity to learn and see what the judges are looking for and see. —Taryl O’Shea, ABWC Show Manager Our highlight would be when ouryearling colts were both named Champion in their classes, and that heightened anticipation for the finals as to who would possibly come out victorious. The quality of horses that compete here is our draw. It is also a show that has competitors, attendees and live feed viewers from around the world, making it a great way to exhibit our program in a world-stage setting. —Sam Peacemaker For me, there wasn’t just one highlight. The Las Vegas World Cup is an exciting way to showcase the Arabian horse breed from start to finish, and the show committee and board members deserve a big round of applause … in all regards. —Sandro Pinha There were a few great moments at the World Cup for me. Obviously, the Gold Championship with Royal Asad, but also the Silver win for the yearling colt Lucius GA for the Empire Group. I love that for them, it was an awesome win and they got to share it together. It makes for an amazing moment, lasting memories and strengthening friendships. Vegas is such an important show, because it’s unique. A one-of-a-kind show in North America that draws people from all over the world. I love that they don’t overdo championship titles. They make it something that has to be worked for and ultimately, that makes those individuals who are victorious, valued that much more. It’s amazing for the marketplace, plus it’s Vegas! —Travis Rice I have two highlights from the show this year. One would definitely be the success I had as an amateur! It was by far, my most successful day showing horses thus far. The other was winning the Amateur Handler of Excellence Award and getting Silver Champion ATH Mare at the same time. It was the first year for this award and it was a true honor! The World Cup show is one that I always have to attend every year. It is my favorite show to attend and one-of-a-kind in North America! I love the ambiance and energy, and it’s always wonderful to see all of the horses and people from all around the world! —Adam Rickart Truly, there was not just one highlight. The show was an overall compilation of one after the other, starting with winning three of the four auction futurity classes; all three produced by our cherished Miss Surprise. Adam Rickhart showed our horses with great success in the amateur, and Giacomo Capacci won plenty of classes in the open with a resulting three silver champions. In the mare championship, we had five of the 12 mares, four of them home-bred. I don’t think that in the history of the show, such has been accomplished before. In the end, winning the Breeders Cup was the best after just four years of breeding, and our 5th crop being born as we speak. It proves our dedication and vision, and provides the gentle pat on the back that we should continue doing what we are doing. Furthermore, selling our Lot 0 in the IntArah Auction to a close friend was also a highlight. All in all, our boss was happy, and our staff was tired, but rested and wrapped in a photo shoot. Life at the farm continues … it’s what I personally like best! —Bart Van Buggenhout The highlight of many during their week in Las Vegas was Thursday night with Mr. Las Vegas himself, at Casa de Shenandoah featuring a presentation with Aramus Arabians. From the entertainment to the shuttle service to and from the South Point Casino, everything was what you’d expect for a night out in Las Vegas with the Newton family. They thank everyone for their attendance and look forward to doing it again next year. —WN Group

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FACES & PLACES M r. L a s Ve g a s h i m s el f … Wayne Newton, extended a warm invitation to Arabian Breeders World Cup participants to attend an Open House event this year on Thursday evening, April 13th, at his enchanting ‘Casa de Shenandoah Ranch’ in the heart of Las Vegas. The recipient of the AHBA Lifetime Achievement Award for his profound contributions to the Arabian breed in 2007, it would be difficult to deny by all who attended this engaging affair, that this truly is a ‘magical place’, where the heart and soul of Wayne himself and the passions he is so willing to share, are undoubtedly etched throughout this 52-acre estate. It came as no surprise to anyone, that just beyond those famous golden gates, was a lavish display of some of the finest Arabian horses in the breed today, and truly an authentic host, in a setting that depicts the true measure of this man. n

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Event details by Laurelle Anderson, Photos by Moffatt Photography Ar abian Horse Times | 51 | Volume 48, No. 1

Leaders Of The Times:

Valentino

DESTINYED

by Theresa Cardamone

When two stars are drawn into each other’s field of gravity, they merge to create an event that is estimated to happen once every 100,000 years—a Supernova—which exactly describes Destinyed Valentino. Al Jood Stud of Qatar recently had the opportunity to add this outstanding son of 2010 Arabian Breeders World Cup Top Five Mare Fabrices Destiny and the genetic giant, DA Valentino, to its roster of stallions, and Destinyed Valentino, indeed, is one of a kind.

A 2014 Scottsdale champion, he drew the attention of Al Jood founder Mohamed Jaidah in large part because of his dam, the delicate grey Fabrices Destiny, a daughter of U.S. and Canadian National Champion Stallion WN Ultimate Star. She was out of Fabrice, an exquisite daughter of Polish National Champion Stallion Eukaliptus, by Bandos. Fabrices Destiny was lost to the world in a tragic accident that cut her life short, producing a total of only

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DESTINYED VALENTINO (DA Valentino x Fabrices Destiny)

four foals. Among them are Regional Reserve Champion Mare TT Rasheikah, by Rashid Van Ryad, and ABWC Reserve Champion 3-Year-Old Colt Montana Firenze, by Ajman Moniscione. “Montana was a step up from his sire—his dam brought a lot to the table in his creation,” Jaidah explains. “It was because Destinyed Valentino was out of Fabrices Destiny that I had to have this stallion!” Destinyed Valentino’s sire DA Valentino needs no introduction, being undefeated in a halter career that earned him an astonishing six National Champion Stallion titles as well as Scottsdale Supreme Champion honors. By the immortal Versace and out of the Padrons Psyche mare DA Love, Valentino was also lost far too soon, at the

age of eight. Fortunately for the world, he left behind innumerable fantastic progeny who have gone on to earn significant titles and produce exceptional offspring of their own. Mohamed Jaidah believes that Destinyed Valentino will be the perfect complement to the Al Jood purebred program and has high expectations for what he will produce. He is already the sire of multiple-Regional Champion Vvallor from the Echo Magnifficoo daughter Magnifficaa FA, and with his first foal crop for Al Jood due in 2018, the sky is the limit. With his storied pedigree and proven ability as a sire, Destinyed Valentino has everything that it takes to do his part in making Al Jood Stud a “Gateway to the Stars!” n

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M “ atoi and Lara Ames” OI L ON L I N EN, 30” X 34”

THANK YOU, DICK, FOR ASKING ME TO PAINT MATOI … It was an honor to create the oil painting of multi-National Champion Park and Driving Stallion, Matoi, ‘the little stallion that could,’ with Lara, the woman who loved him, in the saddle. A surprise between Dick, Lollie and I, until the painting was finished as a gift to their daughter; and Lara, I am so happy that you feel that Matoi will now be with you every day. Almost nothing is more gratifying, than to paint a portrait that will be cherished. Thank you, Ames Family, Lynn Lynn Maderich Signature Member of the American Academy of Equine Art Associate Member of the Society of Animal Artists 651-690-4359 | lynnmaderich@earthlink.net | www.lynnmaderich.com Ar abian Horse Times | 54 | Volume 48, No. 1

Bessey

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AMADO, ARIZONA FACILITY Kirsten Prutch, Resident Trainer 3155 W. Elephant Head Rd. Amado, AZ 85645

TWO FACILITIES IN AMADO, ARIZONA & SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA Nan Walden, managing owner barn: 520.398.8328 work: 520.879.7420 email: nswaldenÂ®greenvalleypecan.com

FIND YOUR DREAM HORSE ON OUR SALES LIST AT

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM REGION 7 CHAMPIONSHIPS MacNificeNt RS Champion Western Pleasure Jr. Horse with Gary Ferguson

RoMaNce V+ Champion Sport Horse Under Saddle with Kirsten Prutch & Res Ch Sport Horse Mare In-Hand ATH

MacNificeNt RS (Maclintock V x Ravvens Skylark)

ReNegade Mac V Res Champion Sport Horse Show Hack with Kirsten Prutch

REGION 7 CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE JR. HORSE WITH GARY FERGUSON

chicago chapS RS+/ Champion English Trail and English Trail ATR, Top 5 Western Trail AOTR

Black Stallion Bred & Owned by Dick & Nan Walden

picaNte JullyeN V Top 5 Reining with Gary Ferguson

BeNedito Bey SMa+++/ Res Ch Western ATR Trail Select

StaRR StRuckk lRa Top 5 Sport Horse In-Hand Open and ATH

StaRS aNd StRipeS Sf+// Champion HA English Trail, Res Ch HA English Trail AATR, Top 5 Western Trail AAOTR and Western Horsemanship AATR 50 & Over

duNS SMokey lady+/ Res Champion HA Western Trail ATR Select, Top 5 Western Horsemanship AATR 50 & over

SuNdaNciNâ€™ kid Top 5 HA Jr. Sport Horse Under Saddle & Sport Horse In-Hand

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HORSES EARNING MERIT AWARDS!

A TRIBUTE by THERESA CARDAMONE

As Aude Espourteille wandered through the barn at Petroglyph Arabians in Eagle Point, Ore.—on a mission to find a filly for her breeding program at Deor Farms—her attention was captured by one of the weanlings. Fresh from the pasture and slightly scruffy beneath the too-big sheet; there was something about the young horse that she could not resist. Never mind that it was the opposite sex of what she had been looking for. “He spoke to me,” Aude explains. “He said, ‘Don’t leave me here! Bring me home with you!’ and I promised him that I would. The same sort of thing happened when I first met Elkana at Lasma in Scottsdale. It was an instant connection, a permanent bond.” Aude’s partner, Tara Boresek, wasn’t too thrilled at the idea of purchasing another colt, but that changed as soon as he stepped off the trailer in Butte Falls. Tara was smitten, and so were the Deor Farms clients who were there to witness his arrival. “The fact that he just happened to be a Gainey-bred son of Jullyen Al Jamaal out of a Bey Shah daughter who was out of a full sister to Gai Parada didn’t hurt,” continues Aude. “We sold his first breeding package then and there, and continued to sell breedings like crazy.” The colt had not yet been registered, which gave Aude the opportunity to name him herself. “I wanted to call him Jakarta. Robin Gainey helped me with the paperwork and we considered using her farm prefix, but decided to go with A Jakarta instead.” Jakarta’s sire was Sheila Varian’s choice for incorporating the bloodlines of Ali Jamaal into her world-famous program. With his dam Gai Schara being a Bey Shah daughter, that formula for success was followed to create Jakarta with sterling results. Like most horses of similar breeding, he would develop slowly, not really achieving his full stature as a mature stallion until he was seven or eight. Nevertheless, Aude and Tara knew that they had something special. Just a few months after he arrived at Deor, Jakarta was shown by David Boggs at the Regionals.

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“We knew he wasn’t 100% ready, but it was enough to qualify him for the Nationals,” Aude elaborates. “David showed him to U.S. National top ten in the yearling colt class that year, and later led him to the Canadian National Reserve Champion Futurity Colt title as a 3-year-old.” Jakarta did a lot of winning, including teaming with Aude to capture the Amateur to Handle titles in Scottsdale as both a Junior and Senior stallion. Jakarta was a fiery horse, alive with a spirit that was complementary to his kind, generous nature. Aude remembers a few of his personal quirks, “He would spend hours chasing birds in his paddock,” she recalls, “and he had a friend bull that he shared a gate with that he loved to lick in the face whenever he could.” Meanwhile, Jakarta was busy in the breeding shed, covering mares for a wide variety of clients in addition to those of Deor Farms. He has been particularly successful when crossed with the daughters of Aicyng (Aikon x Porcelyn, by Bey Shah); Cartier (Bask x Elkana, by Aquinor); Magic Dream (Ali Jamaal x The Dreamspinner, by Aristo Kossak); and Magnum Psyche (Padrons Psyche x A Fancy Miracle, by Sasaki). Greg Knowles showed some of the first Jakarta babies as yearlings at Region 4 and did very well with them to become the Deor Farms “go-toguy.” Greg and Aude both grew up in the Pacific Northwest and have been friends since they were teenagers. “What I love about Greg is that while a lot of guys close themselves up and don’t show their feelings, he is real,”

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Tara Boresek and Aude Espourtille

A-Malaysia (A Jakarta x Estee Lauder, by Eminant)

A Jericho (A Jakarta x Destiny VF, by TF Psymreekhe) Aude confides. “In that way, he’s emotionally more like a woman, he feels things. He’s won and won with our horses and is a great friend. Greg can show our horses anytime!” One of the first Jakarta babies to do well was MSP Makada—out of a Magic Dream daughter—who Knowles showed to the Region 4 championship. He also exhibited Jakarta’s A-Malaysia to her unanimous Scottsdale International Junior Champion Filly title in 2011. David Boggs had the honor of handling the Jakarta son A Jericho to a string of impressive titles in 2013: Scottsdale Champion Signature Yearling Colt, Arabian Breeders World Cup (ABWC) Silver Supreme Champion Yearling Colt, ABWC Gold Champion Futurity Yearling Colt, and U.S. Reserve National Champion Yearling Colt. Out of the black Ventura Farms-bred mare Destiny VF, he has since become a very promising sire in his own right. A Jakarta offspring have been exported to countries throughout the world, where they will be continuing his legacy. He is already sire of a Reserve National Champion Yearling colt in Australia, and has

numerous young progeny in Brazil along with nearly a dozen daughters who now reside in Kuwait. Aude and Tara held on to one special mare from Jakarta, A Sumatra, who is out of the Cartier daughter Vision of Light. A Regional Champion, she is currently in foal to Kahil Al Shaqab for a highly anticipated next-generation addition to the Deor breeding program. Jakarta’s daughters are defining themselves as exceptional producers, as exemplified by Rohara Arabians’ DM Jacaranda by Trussardi and out of the A Jakarta daughter DM Jackie O. Roxann Hart has always been a strong believer in Jakarta, which led to his standing at her legendary facility in Florida. With several fine mares carrying his foals, the Rohara impact on Jakarta’s legacy will continue to grow. The pride in Aude’s voice is tempered with the sorrow that always comes with losing a great horse too soon. But although A Jakarta has passed on to another plane, through the miracle of modern veterinary science he will continue to sire champions into the foreseeable future. ■

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The get of

MSP Anjelo (ex SH Sh

VBF A Paradise (ex MSP Marashah)

A Jericho (ex Destiny VF)

C Joleyne (ex Parysia)

A Chanel (ML Cerra Rose)

Jakartas Jewel (ex Dyanah)

halia Bey)

MSP Makada (ex SA Dream Girl)

A Sumatra (ex Vision Of Light)

A-Malaysa (ex Estee Lauder)

In Loving Memory ... Aude & Tara DEOR FARMS ~ AUDE ESPOURTEILLE • ROYAL ARABIANS ~ TARA BORESEK TEL: 602-509-8228 OR 541-865-9302 • DEORFARMS1@AOL.COM ~ BUTTE FALLS, OREGON WWW.A-JAKARTA.COM

THE WEST Dreamers For The Arabian Horse The Beginning

Encapsulating the contributions of the West to the Arabian horse in America is about as easy as climbing Mt. Everest without ice picks. The big-dreaming, progress-minded ways of its passion-driven constituents were largely responsible for driving the market in sales and marketing in all divisions and bloodline preferences.

“If you can dream it, you can do it” —Walt Disney

But the story of the West surely started with the American industrialist giant in food manufacturing: Will Keith Kellogg. After pioneering the process of making flaked cereal in 1906 (prior to that, the well-off ate meat and eggs while the poor ate porridge), Kellogg invested his mind-boggling fortune in two things: His philanthropic foundation and Arabian horses. Kellogg’s longtime interest in Arabian horses prompted him to purchase 377 acres in Pomona, California in 1925 for $250,000 – equivalent to $3.5 million today – to establish an Arabian horse ranch. It became well known not only for its breeding program, but also for its entertainment factor. Each Sunday afternoon, the doors would open to the public for fantastic exhibitions and presentations of the horses, frequently visited by Hollywood celebrities. During this time, America was hopelessly in love with the glamour of the horse, particularly at the racetrack. In a post-Depression America, the horse represented a certain freedom that inspired all Americans. The East Coast and West Coast were the hotbeds for racing excitement, but the West had something the East didn’t: Hollywood. And Hollywood loved its horses. At the height of Hollywood’s obsession, Kellogg held Sunday afternoon exhibitions, and the celebrities’ bit. World War II prompted patriotic actions across the country. Kellogg donated the ranch to the U.S. Cavalry Remount as a depot for the war department. One of the most notable events of the army days was the acquisition of the Polish Arabian horses that were rescued from the Russians. Twenty-one Polish Arabians were brought to the ranch, including the famed *Witez II.

by EVIE TUBBS SWEENEY

The ranch saw a series of transfers after World War II, ultimately being donated by Kellogg himself to the state of California, requiring that the property be used for educational purposes, the herd of Arabian horses maintained, and the exhibitions would continue. (In fact, the exhibitions are still held—even to this day—at 2pm the first Sunday of each month). Ar abian Horse Times | 69 | Volume 48, No. 1

The W K Kellogg Institute

Fersyn, bred by the W K Kellogg Institute

This period also saw the first association of owners formed solely to promote and exhibit Arabians, the Arabian Horse Breeders Society of Southern California, at the end of the war, in Flintridge, Calif. (1944), which would later become the Arabian Horse Association of Southern California (according to Gladys Brown Edwards, in her War Horse to Show Horse, and one of the organizers). In the early 1950s, activity was brewing; to the north in Santa Ynez Valley and to the southeast in Scottsdale, that would decide new directions for the Arabian horse in America.

The New Destination: Scottsdale

Scottsdale was home to several notable industrial icons who loved the Arabian horse: Ed Tweed’s Brusally Arabians; Deedie Wrigley through her parents’ Wrigley Arabians, Ann McCormick’s McCormick Ranch, Tom Chauncey, and Bud and Lousie Adams. These and a few others horse owners from the Phoenix area got together at Tweed’s ranch in 1952 and launched the Arabian Horse Association. Three years later, the very first Scottsdale All-Arabian Horse Show was launched at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel with approximately 50 horses from 12 farms. It is now considered the “Super Bowl of the Arabian Horse World,” and is the largest Arabian horse show on the planet. Not surprisingly, the show launched the town of Scottsdale, Arizona as a mecca for Arabian horse activity, bringing in major programs such as Karho, Gainey Arabians, Tom Chauncey Arabians, Al-Marah Arabians (in nearby Tucson), as well as being the winter home of multiple others such as Kent Arabians, American Farms, Patterson Arabians, and eventually, myriad training farms migrating south to escape the brutal northern winters. Following the importation of *Bask in the 1960s, Lasma Arabians opened its Scottsdale location on Bell Road adjacent to the burgeoning showgrounds that sprang forth each winter to host the All-Arabian Show. This one event solidified Scottsdale as the cornerstone of the developing West, and created a new feature in Arabian horses never before considered: The marketplace. Today, the West continues to be a leader in breeding and training for the domestic and global Arabian markets, and Arizona remains one of

TW Forteyna (right) with two National Champion daughters

the most concentrated areas of farms, including: Arabian Expressions, Greg Knowles; Arabians International, Sandro Pinha; Culbreth Equine Training & Mgmt., Chris and Michele Culbreth; Gemini Acres Equine, Jim and Sally Bedeker; KRE Show Horses, Katherine and Tyler Elzig, a subsidiary of Green Acres Ranch, Inc., which was established in 1957 by Dr. Harold West, Katherine’s grandfather; Lisa Markley Arabians; Midwest Training Centre, David Boggs’ 2nd installation; Paul and Sabrina Glans; PCF Arabians, Sam Peacemaker; Rae-Dawn Arabians; Rancho Sonado LLC (also in Calif.), Dick and Nan Walden; Regency Cove Farms; Royal Arabians, Cindy McGown and Mark Davis with Rodolfo Guzzo of Guzzo Worldwide, LLC; Amurath Arabians, Athala Arabians, Daniel Training Center, Laurie Martin Show Horses, O’Neill Arabians, Pegasus Arabians, Beethe Arabians, Bein Performance Horses, Cari Thompson Training, Cedar Ridge Farm, Golden Ridge Farm, Jeffrey Wilms Training, McDonald Arabians, Stonewall Farm, Sahara Scottsdale, Crystal McNutt, Sandspur Ranch, Brookville Arabians, and more. Leaping forward 20 years to the 70s, Lasma expansion and vision would make an art form out of producing glitzy, glamorous public auctions, and become the home to several star-studded, recordbreaking affairs. This short-lived but dynamic era set forth Scottsdale’s continuing energy as a sales force and drove the Arabian horse market for several decades. Still today, Scottsdale sales activity is one of the foremost indicators of industry health, and the memory still lingers for the days that were, when prices went sky high and breeders were held back only by their imaginations.

California

Back to the foundational 1950s, one saw a convergence to yet another relatively unknown area on California’s central coast: Santa Ynez Valley. Gainey’s relocation of his Minnesota and Arizona herds to Santa Ynez fueled the flame for what would be one of the epicenters of the world for Arabian horses. If Scottsdale was the driver of sales, Santa Ynez was the driver of breeding. Within two decades of Gainey’s relocation to the area, every street in Santa Ynez had an Arabian horse in a backyard, or a major breeding farm just around the corner. The profound beauty of the valley, nestled between two coastal mountain ranges, lured visitors from around the world to its hallowed ground.

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Bey Shah

Star Of Ofir

El Hilal

Up the road in Arroyo Grande, Calif., a young Sheila Varian was just beginning to flex her muscle with Polish-crossed beauties dominating in both halter and performance. Her powerful generations of stallions starting with Bay-Abi would change the breed forever. California continued to be a hot spot of breeding and training farms with scores of devoted people, including: Blackhawk Valley Arabians; Coleal Farms, since 1964, Rhoda and Rhonda Coleal; Destiny Arabians, Kathryn Wickstrom; Enzo LTD, Dr. Philip Del Pozzo; Esperanza Arabians, Walt and Jeannette Lane; Glynnsong Farm, Patience Prine; Highland Pride Arabians, Keri and Sarah Esqueda; Harris Arabians, Scott and Michelle Harris; Illusion Arabians, Richard DeWalt; Jack Tone Ranch, Jerry and Kathleen Tone Hammer carry on Marjory and Jack’s legacy with Fadjur; Lowe Show Horse Centre, Jim Lowe; North Arabians, Robert and Dixie North; Phara Farm, Annette Weber; the Weinstein Family’s Psynergy Enterprise Developments, LLC; Rogers Arabian Stud, John Rogers; Valley Oak Arabians, Manny Vierra; Audrey Zinke, Beth Jupp and Nancy Risen.

Sey Cherie

Colorado

Colorado was home to a handful of the breed’s most important organizations at the time, including the Arabian Horse Registry of America (founded in 1908), the International Arabian Horse Association (founded in 1950), and the Arabian Horse Trust. At one point, all three entities were housed under one roof at the Arabian Horse Center in Westminster, a suburb of Denver. Today, the Arabian Horse Association (the merged identity of the Registry and IAHA) still resides in Aurora, Colorado. J. Perry Perkins, in the mid-70s, bred the champion stallion and sire The Chief Justice in Denver, out of Sey Cherie, who he purchased from Bob and Pat Mills’ in Santa Ynez. And just north of Denver in Fort Lupton, Colo., lay the sprawling, 600-head Arabian horse enterprise, Magness Arabians, a massive presence in the Arabian horse breeding world for show and race horses. So large was the program that it eventually split the herd in half and started a second operation in none other than Santa Ynez Valley. Also of significance, are Michele Pfeifer’s Shellbird, Inc. in Silt, and Dave and Gail Liniger of Maroon Fire Arabians.

Safire

Movers And Shakers

Around the same time in 1966, Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, entered the Arabian horse community in, where else? Las Vegas with Aramus Arabians. Newton, a lover of Arabian horses since childhood, was no newcomer to the importance of entertainment. And so he combined his two loves on the 52-acre ranch conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

Benraz Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | Volume 48, No. 1

Serafix and John Rogers

Bask

Muscat

Indian Genii

Back down in Arizona, but far away from the Scottsdale hub bub in quiet Tucson, was another influential owner who would become the largest breeder of Arabian horses on record. Ruth “Bazy” Tankersley called several states home during her lifetime, including Colorado, Illinois and Maryland. But her heart lay in Arizona. She and her husband ‘Tank’ moved there permanently in 1975, including her enormous Arabian horse breeding program. Ultimately, she operated two Arizona faciltiies: Her Al-Marah Arabian Farm in Tucson and the Hat Ranch in Flagstaff. The Hat Ranch was home to her young stock, allowing them to live free in an open range setting for two years before beginning training. It also served as the location for the famous annual “Think Tank” meetings for Arabian horse industry leaders to come together to improve industry dynamics and relationships through dialogue and brainstorming. Similarly, she also hosted ‘Straw Bale Forums,’ where the world’s political leaders, conservation pioneers and academics could meet and discuss major world issues, including rain forest conservation and alternative energy sources.

And, of course, we can’t forget the burgeoning scene in Washington, which alongside the states of Minnesota, California and Arizona, was the fourth “hub” of Arabian horse activity in the country. Its neighboring state of Oregon can claim similar status, particularly with the historical birth of Lester and Jennie Walton’s multi-champion stallion and champion producing Bey Shah, sire of over 1,100 get. And we haven’t even mentioned the more rural states of Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico … all of which offer their own historical contribution to the breed as we know it today, including: Cross U Bar Ranch (Wyo.), S. Watts Smyth; (Dazzo Equine LLC (N.M.), Sam, Vicki and Sydney Dazzo; Deor Farms (Ore.), Aude Espourteille and Tara Boresek; Diamond B Training (Ore.), Russ and Mary Jane Brown (S. Smyth Watts granddaughter); DST Arabians (Wash.), David and Tammy Corning and Sienna Snell; GRK Farms (Utah), Gary Kehl; Jade Creek Arabians (Ore.), Manny Lawrence; Midcrest Farm Arabians (Wash.), Stan and Preston Keeter; Orrion Farms (Wash.), Dolly and the late Harold Orr; Prestige Farms LLC (Ore.), Irwin Schimmel; R.O. Lervick Arabians Fadjur (Wash.), Roger and Linda Lervick; Rose City Arabians (Wash.), Joe and Kim Orr; Taylor Ranch (Utah), Rick and Paula Taylor; now run by their son Isaac and his wife Jessica Taylor; Travis Training Center (Utah), Travis Hansen, son of Wendall Hansen; Vantage Point Farm II, Ltd. (Wash.), Ron and Joan Palelek; Whelihan Arabian Farms LLC (Wash.), Mike Whelihan, and others. Khalil Gibran once said, “Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” Many of the Arabian breed’s most profound moments occurred in The West: Ronteza’s open competition win at the Cow Palace in San Francisco; the first Scottsdale show at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel; the important annual “Think Tanks” held just minutes from the Grand Canyon; the charismatic Dan Gainey leading a migration to the Valley of the Arabian Horse in Santa Ynez; the leadership confluence of associations in Denver; the Lasma Sales of historic proportion in Scottsdale… the list of influential contributions to this breed from the West are endless, as are the ways they’ve changed the breed as we know it today. It is the innate drive to dream, to progress, to create, and to improve that makes the West such a vital part of the story of the Arabian horse in America. May the West inspire us to never stop dreaming on behalf of the Arabian horse. Ar abian Horse Times | 72 | Volume 48, No. 1

Santa Ynez Valley “Riding on one of those tree-lined trails, or gazing up at the western skies, well, there’s no better way I know of to sort out a problem.” —Ronald Reagan

(Santa Ynez Valley resident)

ike a dream, the view is a panorama of biblical beauty—the mountains of Santa Ynez seem to blend the dramatic green scenes of Ireland and the romantic beauty of Italy, a place of, beauty attracts beauty. This place, this heaven on earth, a fitting castle for its royal resident, the Arabian horse.

The Santa Ynez Valley has intoxicated its visitors for decades, but has also managed to stay true to its rich agricultural and equine roots. Though it has been dubbed the Valley of the Arabian Horse, it is worth noting that it has been home to some of the top Quarter Horse, Miniature Horse, Andalusian, Paint, Icelandic, Friesian, hunter/ jumper, dressage and Thoroughbred racing programs in the world. Two Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductees—in addition to our breed’s hero, Sheila Varian, up the road in Arroyo Grande—call the Valley home. Several markets, restaurants, wineries, and even the Maverick Saloon (though no one advocates drinking and riding!) have hitching posts for patrons on horseback. It is a horse lover’s paradise celebrating the best of all breeds.

This is not more clearly demonstrated than at the four-way stop of Edison and Sagunto in Santa Ynez—the town itself is only three blocks by four blocks—where the four crosswalks connecting the block consist of the Horseshoe Hall of Fame. Actual shoes from more than 500 famous horses that established their influential careers in Santa Ynez Valley are embedded in the crosswalks, and have been covered by the New York Times, appeared on Huell Howser’s television program, and even have been visited by bus tours from out of state. But although it was (and is) home to many breeds of equine nobility, the Arabian horse is the heartbeat of its story.

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Horseshoe Hall of Fame

1950s & 60s In Santa Ynez: The Early Days

Small breeders Charles and Francis Eblen were technically the first Arabian horse breeders in Santa Ynez when they relocated from Bakersfield to the obscure Santa Ynez Valley in 1957, standing the grey stallion, Buna. The Davenport/Crabbet lined stallion produced only 33 progeny, but among the group were several national winners in both halter and performance. However, the notable pioneer who is credited for shining a light on this unknown piece of paradise and starting a movement was the progressive and forward-thinking Dan Gainey Sr. Gainey started his influential breeding program in Minnesota, then expanded to a second location in Scottsdale, and finally the third and final location in Santa Ynez in 1962. His sprawling ranch of profound beauty served to consolidate the horses—broodmares, foals and stallions—from the Gainey facilities in Minnesota and Arizona into one herd. The program was a hallmark farm in the Arabian horse industry and a foundation farm in the Santa Ynez Valley for another four decades, standing illustrious breeding stallions such as Ferzon, Gai Parada, Gai Argosy, Gai Monarch, and others. From the 1970s on, the farm was under the management of Dan J. Gainey.

“I can remember one of the first times I walked through the Gainey barns,” recalls Greg Gallún, internationally renowned halter trainer and owner of Gallún Farms in Santa Ynez. “Walking in that barn was like walking into the Sistine Chapel. It was like a religious experience. You knew you were somewhere really, really special and to give it full respect.” A man of great energy and enthusiasm, Gainey’s name encouraged several others to follow suit in short order and relocate to this new wondrous place. Within a few years, several small breeders

and three additional significant breeding programs moved their operations to Santa Ynez, marking the official beginning of what would be a massive series of transplants to create one of the most significant epicenters of the Arabian horse in the world. “The contributions of Dan J. Gainey and his family to our beloved breed are beyond enormous and recorded ad infinitum,” said Jeff Wallace, who in 1986 was the marketing director for Klee Arabians in Santa Ynez. Denise Borg, whose husband Charles Borg was the co-founder of the worldwide automotive parts-supplier giant BorgWarner, was one of the first significant programs to follow Gainey’s lead, relocating Four Winds Farm from the harsh winters of Wisconsin to Santa Ynez in 1963 (Four Winds Farm would later be purchased by Don Smith to become Royal Oaks Arabians). This move brought Ariston, the Comet son *Wiraz, and the famous Four Winds horses such as Four Winds Flag, to Santa Ynez, increasing the population of notable breeding stallions in the Valley. It was tough to match the charisma of Gainey, but Yale Freed was a close second. He and his wife, Evelyn, owned Brierwood Farm in Hidden Hills, Calif. But development was encroaching, ultimately forcing the Freeds to look for a new location more suitable to breeding Arabian horses. After a three-year search, they landed on Santa Ynez and promptly moved in 1965. “It was the obvious choice,” said Randy Freed, Yale’s son and now a prominent realtor in nearby Santa Barbara. “Dad chose Santa Ynez because it was centrally located, it was a great year-round climate for breeding horses, it was stunningly beautiful, and at the time, large plots of land were not only available, but relatively affordable as well.”

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Buna

Wiraz

The move brought yet another prominent National Champion stallion to the Valley: the handsome Polish son of Witez II, Bolero. The Freeds enthusiasm, not just for their stallion, but for the breed was contagious, ultimately leading them to success in both the show ring and on the race track. Freed was quick to volunteer his time and leadership, serving as chair of the Pacific Arabian Racing Committee and then president of the International Arabian Horse Association, where in 1975 he set up the Regional concept that was implemented in 1976.

Also of note was the burgeoning Arabian horse scene in neighboring San Luis Obispo County, just 40 miles north of Santa Ynez on Highway 101. A relatively young Sheila Varian was now considered a serious breeder and trainer after importing her three foundation mares from Poland in 1961, winning the World Reined Cow Horse Championships on her Arabian mare, Ronteza, later that year, and winning National Champion Stallion with BayAbi in 1962. The attention of Varian Arabians only created more interest in the Central Coast of California, and the two areas, Santa Ynez and San Luis Obispo, very much played off each other.

Andy and Betty Delamater moved Legacy Arabians here in 1966, with their Raffles-focused breeding program. Delameter was also a personal friend of Ronald Reagan, standing Reagan’s Andalusian stallion, and helping train Reagan’s riding horse, an Arabian named El Alamein. “People still largely came to see Gainey,” said Doug Dahmen, noted trainer, international judge, and longtime resident of Santa Ynez. “But everybody that came here and saw this Valley fell in love with it. It was becoming an epicenter with a handful of major breeders here at that point.” For perspective, the Thoroughbred industry in Santa Ynez was concurrently at its peak. Already home to a number of Kentucky Derby winners, including Flying Ebony, the famed Westerly Stud— which would become the home to hall of fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas—opened its doors in 1966 on Happy Canyon road in Santa Ynez. And on the other side of the Valley in Buellton this same year, the legendary Monty Roberts, who was then in Thoroughbred racing and would later become famous in the natural horsemanship movement, opened Flag Is Up Farm. The Santa Ynez Valley was beginning to burst at the seams in the world-class horse scene.

A few years later, Paul Hemming stopped over at Gainey Arabians as a waypoint on a long trip from Scottsdale to their home in Oregon. “Gainey told Hemming,” said Dahmen, “‘you need to move here. This is where you come if you want your horse [Raffon] to be seen.’ So Paul went home and told Carol, ‘We’re moving.’” The story of Hemming and Raffon is one for the ages. The Hemmings had four boys in a one-room house. Paul knew nothing about Arabian horses, but felt a connection he couldn’t shake to a five-month-old. The price tag on the colt was more than they could afford, but Paul felt deeply that this was meant to be. A deal was made a while later that included a promise from Paul to show the horse. “When the time came for us to honor our promise to Raffon’s breeder,” said Mark Hemming, Paul’s son, “we put plywood sides on our pickup truck and arrived at the shows alongside other breeders with fancy trailers. The ring steward had to show my dad how to lead our horse around the show ring and set him up. We had no clue how to show a horse. Some people felt sorry for us and tried to help; others laughed at us.”

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Bay-Abi and Ruth Husband’s Jurneeka would produce the leading sire of all time, Khemosabi.

Bolero

However, the laughing started to cease when Raffon began consistently winning against stiff competition, and the crowd became awed by this horse’s natural charisma … he showed himself. Then financial ruin struck the Hemming family, and pressure mounted to sell the stallion with offers coming daily. But the entire family collectively decided against it. This horse was not just a horse; he was part of their family, in a very “Black Stallion” sort of way. The following year, a friend offered to take Raffon to the U.S. Nationals, alongside their futurity filly, as the Hemmings could not afford to go on their own. In an unbelievable twist of fate against 53 other stallions, Raffon was named 1965 U.S. National Champion Stallion. So many breeding requests came in that they decided to move to Oregon and then ultimately Santa Ynez Valley to be in the epicenter of Arabian horse activity. Raffon is now considered one of the breed’s most influential sires, and is buried at Hemmings Arabians under a plaque that says “Precious memories endure forever.”

1970s In Santa Ynez: The Escalation

In 1971, prominent breeder Frisco Mari and his three daughters followed the yellow brick road to Santa Ynez. The Mari’s farm, Sol Del Villa, had enjoyed most of its success—notably through its stallion, Ferseyn—in La Puente, Calif. But similar to the Freeds, urban sprawl was beginning to intrude and they relocated to Santa Ynez, where the farm still resides under the watchful care of daughters Dorothy and Rose. Ferseyn is, of course, one of the Sires of Significance of the last century, and was inducted into the Arabian Horse Trust’s Hall of Fame in 1997. Also making the move was a son of Ferseyn named Amerigo, who when bred to Dr. Bert

That same year, Sol De Villa moved in, and another important individual as well, Don DeLongpre. The hallowed halls of DeLongpre saw the rise of English division greats such as *Enos, Reign On, New Market, Bucharest V, Afire Bey V, and of course, the one and only Barbary. DeLongpre not only trained, but also bred, some of the greatest English pleasure horses in the last half century. Ann Clausen, assistant trainer to Don DeLongpre in 1994, recalls his talents. “Even though he was a difficult personality at times, he was a true horseman. We had very few injury ailments. He never overschooled. We trail rode everything. It didn’t matter who a horse was or how much it was worth, it was treated like a horse, and stayed physically and mentally sound. Barbary showed until he was nearly twenty years old. And look at how long NDL Pericles lasted. It was a result of Don’s gifted abilities as a horseman.” One of DeLongpre’s mainstay clients was Dave and Gail Liniger, owners of Afire Bey V. Gail had some physical limitations due to injuries sustained in a plane crash that she miraculously survived. “When she would visit,” Clausen said, “Don would put Gail on a Barbary daughter and ponied her on trail rides to the river bed. Gail would ride a mare, and Don would ride Barbary. Even then, I knew how unusual that was. They were just how horses were supposed to be. He expected it, and they saw it through.” The Arabian horse business in the Valley was now hopping, and everyone knew it. In the fall of 1971, the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association was launched to provide an official

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Raffon presence on behalf of the burgeoning community, particularly for the throngs of visitors who were now frequenting the farms in pursuit of horses for sale or stallions at stud, representing nearly every bloodline type and all disciplines.

Khemosabi

“The Valley Club had always done a great job in those early days of promoting itself as this Arabian hub,” Gallún said. “It felt like this mythical place. I remember driving by as a kid on Highway 101 and saying, ‘Santa Ynez is just right over there!’”

this time, including Le Dez, Mi Toska, Fire Devil and Safire. Pereira Arabians, owned by Bill and Sue Pereira, followed a year later and stood several horses including Mi Tosk and Khemosabi. Around the same time, Tom Lazor of Ginger Blue Arabians, moved to the Valley bringing the Polish imported stallion *Drzuba.

In 1972, another brick was placed in cementing Santa Ynez as the West Coast equivalent to Lexington, Ky. and Ocala, Fla. Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center opened its doors under founder Dr. Doug Herthel and his wife, Sue. It originated as a one-man enterprise its first year, limited to local calls. But in 1973, they began the construction of the original 5,000-square foot medical and surgical facility that now offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment options as well as cutting-edge technology and equipment. It is the undisputed equine veterinary leader on the West Coast.

“To me, the thing that is so cool about Santa Ynez is that in addition to the major breeding programs, there were dozens and dozens of small breeders who popped up, as well,” said Bob Sweeney, long-time Santa Ynez resident (and Detroit transplant) who is one of the breed’s leading marketing consultants and publisher of Arabian Horse Report. “You would drive down any street and find a son or daughter of a national champion in someone’s backyard, even those with only one or two horses.”

“Many of the high-dollar Arabian horse syndications in the 80s were created under the auspices that the horse being syndicated must stand within a certain proximity of Alamo Pintado as a safety factor,” said Dahmen. “Having Alamo Pintado in Santa Ynez brought an additional element of credibility to Santa Ynez.” The following several years brought a slew of breeders, ranging from small “mom-and-pop” breeders to major programs. Caravan Arabians, owned by Barbara Spring, came in 1972 and stood the *Bask son, Fire Wind. The beautiful Klee Arabians opened in 1973, standing Gazort and *Muzulmanin. Bethesda Arabians, owned by Marj Gallún (mother of Brad and Greg Gallún), followed in 1975, and over time stood significant stallions such as Strike, Ariston, Safire, *Padron, Ali Jamaal, AAF Kaset, and many others. Bob and Pat Mills bred several influential contributors to the breed during

“There was a cohesiveness to the community,” said Dahmen, “because of the simple fact that everybody here was confident in their own success. It was a collection of progressive, capable people. And it’s really still true to this day. It is a united group.”

1980s In Santa Ynez: The Peak

If the 70s saw a rise in momentum, the 80s saw the boom and ultimately, the slide as well.

Somerset Arabians, owned by Lee Romney (mother of Mitt Romney, 2012 Republican presidential nominee and former governor of Massachusetts), brought a serious straight Egyptian program to the Valley with *Sultann and Ruminaja Bahjat, a full brother to Ruminaja Ali. The farm’s original Spanish building and pastures can still be found at the corner of Baseline and Refugio Roads.

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Sultann

Barbary

By the way, Khemosabi had a friend at Lasma, *El Paso (whose barn name was “Tex”) the only other national champion stallion at Lasma West at the time besides Khemosabi.

1981 saw Don DeLongpre return to the Valley, now a partner with legendary Hollywood producer Mike Nichols. Though somewhat remote, the sprawling, awe-inspiring facility near Lake Cachuma off Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez would see legendary sales, glitz and glamour, and record-setting prices of horses and syndications—Barbary was syndicated that year for $2.5 million—that brought the Hollywood elite just three hours north to Santa Ynez Valley. “People loved the whole thing,” said Gallún, “the farm, the grandeur, the opulence of everything. Nichols-DeLongpre was a key to the energy of this Valley. It was an era where things in the business were evolving so quickly. The Lasma sales were huge, and the NDL sales only added to it.” It seemed only natural that Lasma would add a West Coast facility to their Kentucky and Scottsdale locations, particularly with some gentle pressure from Dr. Bert Husband. “When we were syndicating Khemo,” said B. Paul Husband, son of Dr. Bert Husband, “we made a deal with Lasma so Khemo could be a Lasma Star Stallion, and thus the Khemo get would have access to the Lasma auctions. Gene [LaCroix] asked my dad to stand Khemo in Scottsdale, and my dad said ‘No.’ He told me that it was too hot in Scottsdale in the summer and Khemosabi had done so much for him, that he could not send him to Scottsdale. So in 1982, Lasma strategically leased a barn right smack in the middle of the Thoroughbred farms on Happy Canyon Road (currently across from Aljassimya Farm’s 100 Oaks Ranch) to become Lasma West.

“Somehow, Khemo could get out of his stall,” said Husband. “Sherry Garner would often go into the barn in the mornings and find him out of his stall, across the barn aisle next to *El Paso’s stall. She said she thought Khemo was telling Tex Polish jokes. Khemo and Tex were actually friends.” The same year Lasma West opened, a firefighter-turned-haltertrainer from Spokane, Wash., moved to Santa Ynez, and would become one of the key components to the international movement of the Valley. Doug Dahmen had a small, yet thriving, training facility in Spokane at the time with his partner, Bruce Berg. However, the property they were leasing went up for sale, forcing them to look for another training facility. Berg, along with Heinz Merz, a client of Doug’s who would soon be sending Doug the noted European stallion *El Shaklan for his U.S. campaign, both felt tugged to Santa Ynez, but Dahmen wasn’t so sure. “I was a little apprehensive, because Santa Ynez was the epicenter of the breed,” said Dahmen, “and I was comfortable as a big fish in my small pond.” A nearby Thoroughbred facility became available for lease, and the three men went together to look at it. “On our drive there, I told them, ‘I need a sign from God,’” Dahmen said. “I wanted a sign for this move, because I figured it was God who orchestrated it anyway. We arrived to the Thoroughbred facility, and it was stunningly beautiful: chain-linked fence, black pavement, beautiful offices and lobby. We sat down and started

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talking to the guy who managed the facility. Out of the blue, he said, ‘If you’re really serious about the Arabian horse business, how come you’re not moving to Santa Ynez?’ Bruce and Heinz looked at me like ‘Is that enough?’ I said, ‘Ok, we’re moving to Santa Ynez.’” Dahmen and Berg moved to the Freeds Brierwood Arabians two months prior to *El Shaklan’s arrival. That first year, *El Shaklan bred an astounding 97 mares and the following year, over 100 mares. Seeing his success, cemented Heinz and Sigi Merz’s decision to open a U.S.-based Om El Arab facility, and they moved from Germany to Santa Ynez two years after *El Shaklan arrived. The 80s saw a convergence of new farms calling the Valley home: Bill and Christine Krauch’s Paragon Arabians, home of Shah Azim and later, Kaiyoum; Sharf Arabians owned by Marion Sharf; Shuler Et Al owned by Barbara Shuler; Providence Farm owned by Maria Murdock; Superstar Arabians owned by Marion Schlinger; King Horse Center owned by Jim and then-wife Dori Lowe; Windhorse Farm owned by Ron and Mila Hart; Fair Oak Farm owned by Nancy Eklund-Hunsicker; Bin Arabians owned by Joaquin Bin; Day Dream Arabians owned by Carol Steppe, and several others. “If you came to the Valley to look at horses,” said Sweeney, “it would take you multiple days to make the rounds. There were farms and high-caliber horses everywhere you turned.” Sweeping changes industry-wide were about to occur, however. In 1986, tax laws on limited horse partnerships that disallowed deductions on capital gains loss brought the boom to a sliding halt. Concurrently, the arrival of transported semen changed the way horses were bred, eliminating the need for broodmares to be shipped to the stallion for breeding. These two financial safety nets had now given way, and signaled the slow demise of the height of the business. Land prices increased. New farms came, but at a slowing pace over the next 10 years. Old farms slowly sold off, and were essentially the launching pad of the now bustling wine industry in Santa Ynez Valley as winemakers purchased 10-to-50-acre horse farms, converting pastures to vines, and barns to winemaking facilities. In fact, Gainey—perhaps sensing the new direction—planted 51 acres of grapes on the northern boundary of the Gainey Ranch in 1983. Today, it is fully converted to the Gainey Vineyard, complete with a public tasting room and private barrel room in the old Gainey barn.

Dan C. Gainey with Ferzon

Royal Oaks Arabian Center started in 1987, and housed an energetic breeding and training facility that covered all disciplines, brought in lots of traffic, and hosted lots of parties. At one point, Dick Adams, Steve Heathcott, Bill Melendez, Bill Porcher, Brian Murch and Wendy Griffith were all training at Royal Oaks at the same. “The significant thing Royal Oaks brought to the table was a prolonged energy after the peak,” said Sweeney, who stood his U.S. National Top Ten stallion Shaklan Bey at the farm from 1989 to 1992. As was in every equine epicenter, 2008 saw the lowest point in the horse business and Santa Ynez Valley felt it alongside everyone else. Many breeders and farms slipped away; a few stalwart ones remained.

But the tax laws didn’t stop all growth. Farms continued to move in, albeit at a slower pace. AYM Arroyo Arabians, still in existence today, opened in 1986 and stood the *Bask son Hask and National Champion Khaffire. The breeding giant Magness Arabians, owned by Sharon Magness, expanded its overflowing Colorado facility to a second farm in Santa Ynez, which housed over 300 head of horses and was a leader in both the show ring and on the race track, standing *Gondolier, Cable Cowboy, Pepi, Fire Alert and, of course, the great Monarch AH.

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Today In Santa Ynez: The Rebirth

It will likely never be the height felt in the 80s. However, there is a renewed vitality felt among the Arabian horse community in the Valley over the last few years. Several breeding programs of significance remain, such as Day Dream Arabians owned by Carol Steppe, who stands the Brazilian beauty *HI Hello Boy and the incomparable Fame VF son, Showkayce. Prominent straight Egyptian breeders Henry and Christie Metz of Silver Maple Farm relocated to Santa Ynez from Florida in 2002 and continue their breeding operation today on Edison Road, standing Ali Saroukh (one of the last breeding sons of Ruminaja Ali). Gallún Farms continues to stand a rousing stallion station and training program, and currently offers a powerhouse international stallion lineup that includes Ajman Moniscione and Eden C. And Evergreen Arabians, the stunning facility formerly owned by actors Kelly LeBrock and Steven Seagal, stands Saladins Allon and *Pershahn El Jamaal. Om El Arab still stands tall in the global Arabian market, standing Om El Bellissimo, Om El Al Azeem, Om El Benicio, Om El Beneditto, and Om El Sinon. Ayn Al Ajab, owned by Diane Brown, concentrates her breeding on Om El Arab lines. Tiffany Schmidt, former manager of Day Dream Arabians, opened Arabian Oaks in 2014 as a breeding and service operation for numerous owners nation-wide, and hosted the Arabian Foal Festival Show in Fall, 2016.

And, of course, Aljassimya Farm at 100 Oaks Ranch (who currently stands Equator, Ghazwan Aljassimya, Jalal Aljassimya, Monther Al Nasser and Sahm El Arab) has certainly invigorated not only this area, but the Arabian industry as whole. “Seeing things like Om El Erodite making history at Scottsdale,” said Gallún, “and watching Aljassimya come in and do their thing…” he pauses. “The mythical quality of this place is far from gone. The greatness that’s been around here is still going on today.” Time changes things. The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian horse scene is quieter now. The wine industry calls it one of the hottest wine regions in the world. And there are a few really ‘hip’ new restaurants. But other things haven’t because they are entrenched in the fabric of this piece of paradise; the exquisite panorama of the Santa Ynez mountains from Highway 154 that reminds you to drink in every delicious moment of this life; and the commitment to breeding some of the most beautiful Arabian horses in the world, even to this day. Because in God’s country, anything is possible.

Past Stallions That Have Lived In Santa Ynez Valley AAF Kaset Ali Jamaal Amerigo Allionce Ariston Barbary Bey Elation Bolero Buna Bucharest V C A Hermoso Cease Fire Chances Are Chutor Dakar El Jamaal

Druzba Eden C El Paso El Shaklan Emanor Enos Enzo Eter Fame VF Ferseyn Ferzon Fire Alert Fire Wind Four Winds Flag Gazort

Gai Argosy Gai Champion Gain Monarch Gai Parada Gdansk Ganges Gondolier Hey Hallelujah Jake Jamaal JCA Jullyen El Jamaal Khaffire Khemosabi Kool Fire LBA Lode Star Mi Tosk

Monarch AH Muzulmanin Om El Shahmaan Padron Raffon Reign On Ruminaja Bahjat Safire Sanadik El Shaklan Simeon Shai Shah Azim Shaklan Bey Strike Sultann Wiraz WH Justice

Evie Tubbs Sweeney is a 15-year marketing veteran in the Arabian horse industry who started her journalistic career as an intern with the Arabian Horse Times in 1998. She owns EvieInc Marketing Systems, managing the marketing syllabi of some of the world’s leading programs, and resides with her husband and son in Santa Ynez, California. Ar abian Horse Times | 80 | Volume 48, No. 1

Farms of the West DICK, LOLLIE & LARA AMES Cedar Ridge Arabians Scottsdale, AZ What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? We have been in the horse business for 45+ years. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? We have hosted numerous auctions and events at our Arizona farm. There is nothing like the Scottsdale All Arabian Show and everyone coming together. Our farm is located five minutes from the fairgrounds, so it has always worked well for us to host events. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? California at one time, was the leading state for Arabian horses and may still be today. There is nothing like the Santa Ynez Valley and Bell Road for Arabian horses—a lot of history and good times. They paved the way for so many people. How has your program evolved since its inception? We started with primarily Gainey-bred horses. Today, we breed for the versatile Arabian. We have horses that compete in the halter, English and reining divisions. We have on average, 35 foals a year.

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How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? I am originally from Minnesota, and I remember as a kid my parents would always head to Scottsdale in February. It was, and still is, so exciting! I really feel like all Arabian horse owners, from all over the world, come to Scottsdale to market and show their horses. Especially the halter horses.

NOFAL KAHOOK Nofal Kahook Arabians What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? Our first purchase was that of a son of *Magnum Chall HVP named Matrix LL. We purchased him on a visit to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2007 and it was the beginning of our entry into the world of Arabian horses.

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What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? We attended the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show for the very first time in 2017. It was an amazing experience for us. Our stallion, Nofal NK, was well represented in the show ring as three of his offspring were showing, and who all had great success.

AUDE ESPOURTEILLE Deor Farms Butte Falls, OR What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1963. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Elkana and all of the Region 4 Arabian horse shows.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1970.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? The West has had breeders who not only influenced the past, but continue to have influence today, including the Kales, LaCroixs, McCoys, Gainey Arabians, Canda Arabians, Varian Arabians, Jack Tone Ranch, Rogers Arabians, McKeel Arabians and Pattersons Arabians. I know I have missed many smaller breeders, but the West has bred and continues to breed, the soul of the Arabian horse world-wide!

What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your

How has your program evolved since its inception? We continue to strive, with past

•••••••••• LAURIE AMES-HUSBAND Scottsdale, AZ

mares and stallions, to breed more type— plus form to function—for performance.

program? I would say the Scottsdale show. Every year, I look forward to seeing all of the young horses being shown and what is out there that is for sale.

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How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? For us, the West has always been a recognizable hub for a very concentrated group of very high quality Arabian horse farms and trainers. With Scottsdale being at the center of that hub, it’s for sure, one of the top destinations when searching for horses, among other places around the United States. How has your program evolved since its inception? Our program has grown significantly since our first purchase back in 2005. We are now breeding our second generation, and our homebred horses are

Farms of the West showing not only in the Middle East, but in Europe also. Horses from our program are now starting to make a mark on the North American show and breeding industry as well. We’re very fortunate to live this Arabian horse lifestyle, which has introduced us to so many wonderful people who have become family. •••••••••• GARY KEHL GRK Farms Herriman, UT What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? I got my first Half-Arabian for three boys to share as teenagers. That was 28 years ago. He was named Rowdy by the first owner/breeder, and is now 30 years old; and yes, when we go riding, he still wants to be the first and lead the way. Then 17 years ago, I bred a chestnut purebred Arabian mare to a black/white tobiano Paint stallion and the result was a beautiful bay/ black/white Tobiano Half-Arabian filly named GK Alexus. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The local shows in Utah are great, but Region 8 has been a huge benefit in experience and growth for our program. Come to the West and we will share the love! How has your program evolved since its inception? GK Alexus was shown as a 4-year-old in Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse, and was top ten at Scottsdale in 2004; thus the love affair of showing horses began. Five years ago, I bought my first purebred halter mare at Michael Byatt’s farm and my love affair with the Arabian horse grew even stronger.

OFW Rihanna was top ten as a yearling and went on to reserve championships, both as a three and five-year-old. She is now producing beautiful babies. Since then, I have added five more beautiful mates with diverse breeding DNA, and the results have been amazing. In just five years, the babies we are breeding have gotten more beautiful and successful each year. My love affair has now become an obsession and we are having the time of our lives. See you at the next show and good luck in your own program! •••••••••• GREG KNOWLES Arabian Expressions Scottsdale, AZ What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? I walked into my first barn, as an apprentice in 1976. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? I spent most of my career in the Northwest, and for me, coming to Scottsdale each year kept me in business financially. Scottsdale always established the entire year, such as market trends, show trends and even training techniques. Scottsdale is and has always been the “perfect storm” for a great event. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? For years and years, the west has been a leader in the Arabian horse industry. Between California, with all those great breeders, the Northwest with the Kales, Waltons and Ron Palelek, the West has always been a major leader. Today, truly, there is no doubt that Scottsdale is the mecca of the Arabian horse world. Between October and

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thru March, almost every major horse and enthusiast comes to Scottsdale. How has your program evolved since its inception? I opened my doors to Arabian Expressions in 1979 and the industry since then, has changed a lot for me personally and for the Arabian horse business. Since then, I have owned the great stallion Magic Dream and become a nationally rated judge and successful halter trainer and marketer. Also, I have earned accolades as an auctioneer. AE has evolved from a local “mom and pop” store, to a world-wide player. The industry has become much more specialized, so we have had to adapt to that and have developed many profit centers to stay competitive at the same time. •••••••••• KAREN LINCOLN Affiliated with Arabian Expressions Scottsdale, AZ What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 11 years old. I had a Half-Arabian Pinto pony who bit, kicked and drug me to every valuable lesson in horsemanship possible, before moving on to a purebred at 14, then another at 16. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Our support of our clients programs, especially the Mitchells CME Arabian Equities outstanding mares. My favorite horse of all time is Padrons Psyche. You can’t deny the complete dynasty of superstar offspring who still make it in the show ring—it’s impressive.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? I think the industry needs people like me to come back in and be excited to own and share the Arabian horse with other new people. I have purchased three horses, all of them in the show ring; two my daughter rides and my halter horse OFW First Wan. Greg and I produced a dozen events a year at the farm that are specifically designed to target new people and introduce them to the Arabian horse. We can only sell to ourselves for so long. It’s a way to give back to the industry and I have a met a ton of very accomplished and interesting individuals. How has your program evolved since its inception? From a groom to 4-H, Saddle Club, and Zone show kid who has always loved the Arabian horse to a real horsewoman with an eye for a good horse. Giving Greg feedback day in and day out about certain horses and having open conversations on what we like or don’t like about current horses of the day has really helped me trust my own eye and opinion. I like them upright and out of that shoulder and very square; that is what I own. The fact that I own three viable and successful show horses in performance and halter in one of the most competitive regions of the West, feels like I have come a long way since I was a kid. My evolution is what I would hope for anyone coming back to their childhood love; success and accomplishment and fun, no matter how that looks.

THERESA LUNGWITZ Royal T Arabians Cave Creek, AZ

JOE AND KIM ORR Rose City Arabians Ridgefield, WA

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 2012.

What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1984.

What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The Scottsdale show in February is a fantastic event. The world’s most beautiful and athletic horses are showcased. It’s the event where you can enjoy every aspect of the Arabian horse.

What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Scottsdale, beyond a shadow of doubt. We won our first Scottsdale Championship in 1989 and that became the goal every year thereafter.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? What happens out west is heard around the world. Scottsdale is where you showcase your finest offspring. It’s where the stars are discovered. If you look back, you will find historically, some of the finest Arabian horses have originated from the west. From the days of Lasma and Kharho, Varian Arabians and horses such as Khemosabi and Fame VF to present, you can find the highest quality breeding and showing prospects here. Someday, we hope Royal T and Theresa Lungwitz will be included in the best of the best conversations. How has your program evolved since its inception? Our program has evolved from just a showing program to a breeding and showing program. Our foundation mare, CH Risqué, had two beautiful fillies for us by Baha AA and Kahil Al Shaqab. We now look to breed our mares to our stallions Royal T Phorte and our newcomer, Brontes FM. Brontes was recently named Scottsdale 8 & Over International Champion Stallion and his first offspring arrived this year. He blessed the world with four beautiful fillies and we look forward to his second foal crop next year. Ar abian Horse Times | 83 | Volume 48, No. 1

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? This is a tough question for us, as we took a long sabbatical away from breeding/showing. We stepped back into the industry to build our third Arabian facility just two years ago. I can, however, state the obvious—Bey Shah. How has your program evolved since its inception? At first (1984), we were involved in stock horse competition and focused only on pure Polish. Shortly after, we became enthralled with halter and breeding. We have evolved along with Poland, to admire and desire the length, type, movement and beautiful faces that only (in our opinion) cross breeding these lines can achieve. We want to focus on the beautiful faces without giving up any other attribute. We spent literally 2-4 hours a day on the internet studying the national and world halter champions (all age groups) for the last 10 years. We then studied their offspring and their dam/sire lines. We learned what was moving as far as sales worldwide and wanted to understand why. We also sought out some of the greatest mentors anyone could ask for to bounce ideas off of and ask tough questions, and got microscopically honest answers—we are extremely grateful to these people! We treated this like we

Farms of the West would any other business we own, but the truth is, this time we got back involved with these wonderful Arabians for the lifestyle if offers us, our friends and our family. Our granddaughter is addicted to these horses and watching her interact, alone fills our hearts with joy.

its size and prize money payout. It’s caused breeders to breed better and better horses and stimulates the market, particularly in Arizona. The Scottsdale show is the place where breeders in the West exhibit their foal crops and you can expect to compete against the best of the best.

There simply is nothing like choosing a dam/sire, the magical birth, and then building that special relationship. As a family we make all the decisions along the career path of these gorgeous and majestic animals and hopefully, they do their part to evolve this great breed/industry. We decided that this time, we were going to have the top 1% or the highest quality Arabians money can buy, to start our bloodstock. We love sharing our boutique ranch with visitors.

How has your program evolved since its inception? We like to think our program is ever evolving. As we learn our mares and how they produce, we make annual adjustments in the direction of producing extreme Arabian type and quality. But probably the most drastic change we made to our program happened about fifteen or so years ago. We sat down and made the decision to keep and breed only our horses that had the charisma, athleticism and style that we love. We sold all the rest that didn’t have those attributes. Since then, we’ve really stuck to that plan. One of the things we believe most gravitates us and people in general to the Arabian breed, is that charisma, snort and blow, and fluid motion that Arabians are so famous for. We wanted that to be a standard in our program.

•••••••••• SAM PEACEMAKER PCF Arabians Gilbert, AZ What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1993. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Certainly, the most influence on our program would be Padrons Psyche and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show. The show offers a variety of strongly competitive classes. Also, the show is held during an ideal time of year for marketing and sales, with the beautiful weather in Arizona and the starting of foaling season. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? Again, we would say the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show, because of

•••••••••• MICHELE PFEIFER Shellbird, Inc. Silt, CO What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1980s. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? If I were to choose only one, I would say Bey Shah+, being the final owner, as having had a huge impact on my breeding program and who will continue to impact myself and the horses of Shellbird, Inc. His blood can be found within almost all pedigrees here on the farm, including our Ar abian Horse Times | 84 | Volume 48, No. 1

2-year-old colt Reverent, who is looking to be a promising herd sire for us to carry on the Bey Shah+ legacy. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? The West is home to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse show which has proven to be the largest and most respected show in the world. Also, the influence that Lasma, Karho and others have played throughout the years, continues to have a large impact. It is rare to sit and not enjoy conversations with fellow Arabian horse people when a story about these times comes up. How has your program evolved since its inception? Since the 1980s, we have continued to adjust our breeding choices based on what each individual mare and/or stallion needs, to complement and improve themselves; not based upon what is in fashion at any given time. When making breeding choices, we make decisions on past failures and successes of each resulting foal. We find it important to not only look at the phenotype, but also always include the genotypical characteristics with each breeding choice. •••••••••• NANCY RISEN IIB Farms Oronogo, MO What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? About 35 years ago, purchased from Cal Poly Pomona! What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Probably the most significant was Khaberet PGA winning the 2012 U.S. National Western Pleasure Championship

with Liz Bentley. That was such a thrill to all of us, particularly since Liz only had Khaberet PGA in training for six months!

the strengths and weaknesses of each of my riders, so that I can better customize my program for the client and their own horse.

MANNY VIERRA Valley Oak Arabians Brentwood, CA

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? There is now such ease in reaching global recognition everywhere.

How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? When I think of the Arabian horse culture in the West, the words that come to mind are new and exciting. I feel that on the East coast, and perhaps overseas, their traditions with show horses are a lot older than ours in the West, largely because those areas were settled long before the West was. When I think of horse shows in the West, I think of Scottsdale which always has new horses to be presented and glamorous sales and parties to attend. People from all over the country and the world attend the Scottsdale show, and I think that it gives everyone a renewed sense of excitement and a little extra spark for the coming year that they take home and add in to their already wonderful and time honored traditions.

Where did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? Hahn Arabians, Cupertino, Calif.

•••••••••• MCKENZIE TOBECK Tobeck Performance Horses LLC Eatonville, WA What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 2001. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? My horse Miss Pension has had an immense impact on not only my own learning and skills, but now, in making me a better teacher for my clients. I started showing her in the country pleasure division when I was in high school, and over the years we moved through English pleasure, pleasure driving and now English show hack. This time with her has taught me countless lessons about each division and about horsemanship in general. I apply the lessons that I have learned with her on my training horses every day. I have also started using her for a lot of lessons in my program, because I think it is important for people to learn to ride on a horse that gives you the right feel. She is so patient, and I have really seen how allowing people to learn and practice off of their horses gives them the preparation and confidence they need when they are on their own horse (who might be a little more excitable). Giving my clients lessons on Miss Pension helps me to understand

How has your program evolved since its inception? My program has really changed a lot since its start. I graduated college in March of 2016 and I began training that April. I spent most of my time breaking and riding our own horses, just hoping that by next year, I would have a few client horses to take to shows. Now, Tobeck Performance Horses has a fantastic group of clients and horses who all have a blast together at shows, exciting sale prospects we are bringing along, and a fun lesson program for kids on weekday evenings. My business has grown to more than I can imagine, and I am so thankful!

What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? Scottsdale, Ariz. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? I love the size and quality of the Scottsdale show, along with the quality and broad attendance from people around the world. How has your program evolved since its inception? I have a heavy influence of Polish-bred horses, as well as a nice group of straight Egyptian horses. •••••••••• NAN WALDEN Rancho Sonado Amado, AZ and Santa Ynez, CA What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? We purchased our first horse, Kay Pasa V, from Sheila Varian in 2003, and we did not go to Nationals to compete until 2006, when we won our first Reserve National Championship with SC Chipawa Chinks, a Desperado V daughter ridden by our daughter, Deb Walden Ralls. My first national championship was in 2010, the same year our young trainer, Amanda Borduin, was Reserve National Champion on the same horse, Agracie Girl V+++//. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? We have many exceptional horses,

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Farms of the West but in addition to SC Chipawa Chinks, our mare Agracie Girl V, a Sundance Kid V daughter, has set records in many disciplines. She is a 6-time National Champion in western and English trail, the first time it was offered at U.S. Nationals. She has won national titles in sport horse in-hand, and regional titles in sport horse under saddle and horsemanship. She is one of the highest mares in our breed in achievement points. What we especially love about her is what a kind and wonderful ambassador she has been for our breed. She has entertained 35,000 visitors at our annual Pecan Festival in November, and has been the “Black Stallion” in the literacy program at local schools. She is so careful with children and disabled people, she is the epitome of an Arabian mare. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? My husband, Dick, is privileged to participate in the oldest and most historic ride in the U.S., the Rancheros Visitadores, in Santa Barbara County every year for the last 15 years. Because we have a working cattle ranch in Amado, Arizona, all of our horses, including our show horses, are introduced to cattle. This year, our Half-Arabian Dun’s Smokey Lady—who is a granddaughter of Hollywood Dun It, the top reining stallion of all time—was the only Half-Arabian on the ride out of 1,000 horses. She was second in the Sr. (older rider) division of “One man one horse,” which means she excelled in the distance rides, and competitive classes, such as halter, western pleasure, trail, reining and team sorting. We tried her in team sorting when another horse went lame. She had never done it, and yet she finished 2nd with the winning team. That shows real try. How has your program evolved since its inception? Our credo when we started, and still is, “No gimmicks, no harsh

training methods, no drugs, no hobbles, no unfairness to the horse.” We have won more than our share, given our relatively small size, so we must be doing something right! Our website contains a quote from Antoine De Pluvinel, who was Equerry to the King of France in the 16th century, and which is our training philosophy, “You can never rely on a horse that is educated by fear. There will always be something he fears more than you. But when he trusts you, he will ask you what to do when he is afraid.” •••••••••• ANNETTE WEBER Phara Farm Wallace, CA What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? I got my first Arabian, Selmajor, in 1956. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? When I happened upon my first Arabian, Selmajor was just a yearling, and I bought him simply to be my riding horse; that was all I expected of him. But when I took him to a small show, I found that he did so well that I took him to larger shows, and by the time he was seven, he won Illinois Champion Stallion. At nine, he won one of the largest Arabian shows in the country, Champion Stallion of the Minnesota All Arabian in 1964. How would you articulate the unique influence (past and/or present) of the West to the global Arabian horse industry? When Selmajor became eligible to compete at the Nationals in Dallas, Tex., I took him there in 1963. It was there that I saw a yearling colt, Lewisfield Sun God, who was to me, the most classically beautiful Arabian I had ever seen. From that time on, my interest in breeding Arabian horses would Ar abian Horse Times | 86 | Volume 48, No. 1

revolve around him, and ever since, all have been from that breeding line and with ‘Sun’ in their names. How has your program evolved since its inception? Though Lewisfield Sun God was to me, the best and most classic of Arabians, he was not available for sale, so I found a nephew, Golden Pharao, who became an extremely popular show and breeding stallion. I also found two of the best daughters of L. Sun God, Sun God Heiress and Lewisfield Sunny. From these three, the Phara Arabians evolved; so many beauties over the years, from the stallions Burgundy Sun and The Sun Prince, and the mare Sun Rose Beauty. •••••••••• MICHAEL WHELIHAN Whelihan Arabian Farms Eatonville, WA What year did you get your first Arabian or Half-Arabian? 1971. What horse or event within the West has influenced or had the most impact on your program? The first Gene LaCroix Clinic held in Scottsdale, Ariz. How has your program evolved since its inception? The shift from training open horses into training and coaching amateur horses and riders. n

K hadraj NA x R A Kela, by Magnum Psyche Multiple Halter and Performance Titles Including

United States National Champion Western Pleasure Canadian Reserve National Champion Hunter Junior Horse Multiple Regional Titles

Thank You, Avonroy Arabians, FOR CHOOSING K H A BER ET PGA …

A BI A N H A L F -A R A S OL D A S D 3 DAY OL

W W W.K H A BE R ET PGA .COM Ar abian Horse Times | 87 | Volume 48, No. 1

Breeding champion Arabian horses for over 30 years, Manny Vierra has developed Valley Oak Arabians into an internationally acclaimed breeding farm. Retaining the classic Arabian look, while keeping a forward evolving vision is the practice and the commitment. Using the influence of the Polish State Studs and the very best enduring and contemporary straight Egyptian bloodlines to create a truly unique program, this thoughtful approach has allowed Valley Oak to produce horses of the highest quality and international appeal. A visit to Valley Oak Arabians offers a tour through the top bloodlines available worldwide and the opportunity to consider select stock available to the discriminating buyer. Please make an appointment with us today. Manny Vierra Mobile: +1.510.325.3974 Email: imannyv45@aol.com 25760 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, California USA 94513 www.ValleyOakArabians.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 88 | Volume 48, No. 1

Ar abian Horse Times | 89 | Volume 48, No. 1

Welcome to

ENOTRI EEA

(Shanghai EA x Enjoi E) 2013 Stallion Partnered with enzo worldwide and equus arabians

AJMANDA JMF

(Ajman Moniscione x Alada Khisses) 2011 Mare

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(Shanghai EA x La Academia Susiflor) 2015 Mare Partnered with enzo worldwide

RC MARVEL

(Marekk x Da Vie JMF) 2016 Colt

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Makes his debut in Show Hack, Native Costume & Equitation at Region 7 Championships with Sydney Dazzo.

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Ar abian Horse Times | 91 | Volume 48, No. 1

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Tobeck Performance Horses McKenzie Tobeck | 253-592-1237 Tobeckperformancehorses@outlook.com Ar abian Horse Times | 92 | Volume 48, No. 1

GregKnowles

Greg Knowles

e m br a c i n g t h e F u t u r e A t t h e T o p o f H i s G a m e by T H ER ESA CA R DA MON E

Rose of Gazal APA

hen Rose of Gazal APA was called out as the 2017 Scottsdale Arabian Classic Senior Champion Mare, she and trainer Greg Knowles embarked on a jubilant victory pass that was, for Knowles, over 40 years in the making. One of the few horsemen who have continued to thrive, year after year, in the top tier of the ever-changing Arabian horse business, he had won just about every major award in America, some of them many times over. Except for this one.

“Winning the Mare Championship at Scottsdale was amazing, I was overwhelmed. Since my first show in 1976, Scottsdale holds a special place for me, because I have made such a good living there, and I can even say it saved my career. The Mare title was the missing link,” Knowles relates. “I have no unrealized dreams now,” he continues. “I just want to be known for doing a pretty good, honest job, after a review of the body of my work. Winning this championship allowed me to touch all those bases.

Scottsdale is the greatest show on earth, the biggest, the most competitive, and the most prestigious. I have had many mares in the championships over the years, but I have either sold them before the class or didn’t win with them, so it was a great moment for everyone involved when we won.” By contrast, Rose of Gazal’s owners, Deb and John Mitchell, and their CME Arabian Equities, are relative newcomers with less than four years in the business—always under the guidance of Greg Knowles. John Mitchell explains that they are still realizing the rarity of their meteoric rise to the top, “We’ve really been helped to this lofty position; we are nothing but humbled by it,” says John. “Greg has been doing this for 35 or 40 years. About an hour after the class was finished, he came over to me and said, ‘John, do you realize, I’d won everything else except for the Mare Championship in Scottsdale?’ And, ‘There’s never been a Gazal Al Shaqab daughter win the Supreme

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Championship before Rose?’ We don’t have one scintilla of ‘look how good we are,’ because we do realize we’ve been very fortunate to have someone in Greg who will honestly advise us what moves to make. We bought Rose out of his barn. In fact, we had a second mare in the Supreme Championship, thanks to Greg—Taleed El Qardabiyah was second in her class at eleven years old. It was thrilling to have two mares in the finals.” Greg Knowles’ distinguished career as a halter trainer has been bookended by a similar type of client; the knowledgeable, studious, and passionate small breeders. Those characteristics are evident in many of his most successful clients. “Good breeders don’t chase markets,” Greg advises. “They analyze their horse, they learn very quickly what their horse could work with. In recent times, they’re not afraid to do a couple of embryo transfers per year so they can get answers more quickly. And they’re very disciplined with their culling; in how they evaluate the produce and how they pick the stallions. They’re committed to the success of it. It’s not typical. There are certain people that you jibe with, you f low with, and almost everything you do together is successful. Those people trust me, and when I recommend a horse, they trust and know that I have their best interest at heart. Also, I trust them; if I find a great one for them to buy, I know they will always let me take the process to fruition. And I’ve had other clients where I’ve tried my guts out to make things happen, but it just doesn’t seem to work. There’s something out in the universe that controls that, of which I have no understanding. We try just as hard for everybody, but sometimes it doesn’t work out the same.” The Mitchells have fewer than 10 horses and keep most of them at Knowles’ Arabian Expressions in Scottsdale. Nearly 20 years earlier, Greg was handling horses for another couple determined to make a mark with their handful of horses. The combination of Greg Knowles and the horses of Stephanie and Roger McMahon’s Running Horse Ranch propelled the small farm to glory with a string of national championships beginning with Greg’s presentation of their 2002 U.S. National Champion Amelia B, the first in a series of national champions out of their stellar producer Amety B. “We’ve had a lot of wonderful horses for the McMahons, and sold a lot of horses for them, and showed a lot of horses for them,” Greg expounds. “Not only has it been a great ride in a business relationship, they are special people that have meant a lot in my life.” (Interestingly, the McMahons and the Mitchells both have Jamaara FA as one of their most significant dam lines.)

Miss Escada

RD Shahara Bey, Amelia B, Ames Jasmine and S Justadream.

Amelia B’s crown was the middle tine of a glittering, five-prong tiara of national titles won by Greg Knowles and a seemingly endless supply of exemplary yearling fillies. Greg led the U.S. National Champion Yearling Breeders Sweepstakes Jackpot Filly an unprecedented four consecutive years (which no one else has done before or since, in any single halter division), with Miss Escada (2000), Ames Jasmine (2001), Amelia B (2002), IA Ana Vida (2003), and topping off the string with RHR Ggisele’s 2004 Reserve National Championship. “We all know there has to be Ar abian Horse Times | 3 | Ar abian Expressions

IA Ana Vida

a little teaspoon of luck in the formula as well,” Knowles postulates with humility. “I was blessed to have that crazy run; and with a lot of good fortune, the stars aligned and it just happened for me.” Greg was among the handful of trainers who broke ranks with the norm back in the 80s to pioneer the halter-only career. “It’s the story of the trail-blazers that started the ‘halter thing,’” Knowles confides. “We don’t ride. We market and we show halter. It created a style of horse, a marketing wing of the business…and to the detriment of the breed we created ‘f lippers’ instead of ‘breeders.’ And when the horses didn’t f lip, the people didn’t like it. And they left, and the guys from Brazil got into it. The technique got better and better, to stay competitive. Today’s halter trainers are so much more talented than the guys 30 years ago. The stuff we’re doing now is much more classical horse training and conditioning with a stimulus and a response, not that stuff that we used to do when we didn’t know what we were doing.” These days, the atmosphere at Arabian Expressions is comfortable and inviting. Visitors find it hard to believe they

are walking through a training barn. Greg is proud of the confidence shown by all the horses in his care. “It shouldn’t really be a surprise,” he says, “but guests will notice how happy the horses are. Halter trainers are often criticized as being tough on horses. But here, every horse walks up to the front of their stall to greet visitors. We spend a lot of time rubbing on them, loving them. We use classical conditioning and teach them that the cue for their attention is when the trainer steps in front of them. They are not confused, and are able to relax.” Time and time again, clients cite Greg’s blunt honesty and integrity as among his qualities that they value the most. Dick Ames has known Greg for a long time, and has entrusted him with his Cedar Ridge Arabians horses many times over the years. “When he’s telling you something,” Dick asserts, “that’s pretty much the way it is. Greg does a lot of charity work for the Arabian horse industry and sometimes people that do that don’t get the credit that they deserve. He’s shown horses for us and done an excellent job of it, but more importantly, Greg has been our auctioneer for the Minnesota Futurity program and he does great work. When there’s money to be raised for the Horsemen’s Distress Fund, he’s always there to help. I knew his

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dad, who was also a great person; they had a close relationship. Everybody was happy for Greg when he won the mare championship at Scottsdale, including all the other trainers. I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about Greg Knowles. Ever. What more can I say? It’s been an honor for me to know him.” Longtime client, Susan McDonald, concurs. Greg has helped McDonald build her entire program, beginning with securing her foundation mare, the Khemo daughter GAF Alysha, who was a full sister to GA Honisuckl Rose. At Greg’s suggestion, Alysha’s granddaughter has returned to Susan’s care, after being re-purchased from a foreign buyer. She will join her brother Midnight Magic, Susan’s jet-black, heart-horse gelding, in the pasture and out on the trails. “Greg is extremely honest,” she says. “He won’t take someone’s horse if it isn’t going to win. There are a lot of trainers who will tell you that you’ve got something when you don’t. Then a whole bunch of money later, you don’t end up with anything. When Greg does take the horse and says that something is going to happen, it happens. That’s the key right there. Apart from my long-term friendship with him, that’s why I would totally recommend him. He’ll tell you. It takes him less than 3 seconds—just one look—and he can tell if the horse ‘has it’ or not. It’s true. Greg won’t waste your money.” “I totally trust him,” Susan expounds. “I’m always on his team. After 25 years, it’s rare that you can maintain that kind of relationship. How many times have we seen new people put through the ringer; they get their life’s blood-money sucked out of them and they never want to see a horse again! It’s good to be able to have a positive, long-term relationship with a halter trainer. Greg’s not afraid to speak his mind, he’s honest. He’s continuing to re-invent himself. He’s able to branch out into auctioneering and other things. That’s a good, smart, businessman’s approach to change. And he is so funny and so loyal to his people (and expects that loyalty back in return); loyalty which is maintained as the years go on.” “I try to be completely honest with my clients with both good and bad news.” Greg explains. “I know some people think I’m a little abrupt, however it’s important that I tell my clients the complete truth. I might be guilty of calling a spade a shovel.” That honest approach is what secured his relationship with the Mitchells. “John called me about a mare someone was trying to sell him, and I was the only person who called him back! Then I invited him to an Arabian Expressions learning day where we put on a seminar all about the history and the business of the Arabian horse.” Knowles cultivates new clients by offering them enjoyable ways to learn more about this magnificent breed, hoping to secure an economic base for the future. “My business is in stocks and bonds, I’ve been doing market trading for about 45 years, I deal in the truth,” John Mitchell avers. “If the market is not good, you deal with that, otherwise

2013 AHT Readers’ Choice Awards, Judge of the Year

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established as a reputable marketer. “You wake up one day and realize, you’re a player,” Knowles exclaims. “I started as a grunt at Dr. Kale’s in Washington in 1976 and struggled for at least six or seven years trying to break in. It’s a bit like acting or anything else where you’re trying to get to the top; you don’t get there if you don’t get the right roles, or in this case, horses. And so, finally, I punched a couple through to some national titles and someone else in the horse business gave me another chance, until finally I got to the point where I was a major guy.” Karen Lincoln has loved Arabian horses since childhood, and got a job as a stall cleaner/groom at a breeding farm near her home as a teenager. When Greg Knowles came to the farm to look at a stallion to show under the banner of Arabian Expressions, which he had recently established with Lisa Pounder, Karen and he became casual friends. They saw each other occasionally at shows. Years passed, and Karen found herself living in the Scottsdale area. “I came on board at Arabian Expressions Scottsdale in 2015 to help Greg promote his farm, client care, seminars and auctions,” Karen states. “It was the perfect place to showcase my business strengths and indulge my love of the Arabian horse. Our dayto-day lives in the office is all horse talk—what, why, where, history, etc., but we are both UW grads from the NW, so the sports radio is always on in the office during Husky’s football season! The Senior Mare Championship win with Rose of Gazal was the missing piece in Greg's ‘Scottsdale Show Win Resume,’ and we got it! I think we are both still pinching ourselves. After the class, he said to John, Deb and me, ‘Enjoy this moment. I have waited my whole career to get this championship…’”

Magic Dream CAHR

you lose money. If I have a stock that’s not doing well, the truth is the truth. I always told Greg, ‘ just don’t lie to us.’ And he doesn’t. We’re playing at the highest level,” Mitchell continues. “I don’t know that you can get much better than Scottsdale, the Breeder Finals and the Las Vegas World Cup. That’s where we’re competing, and so far, so good. By any measure, we’ve done very, very well and though some of it is our decisionmaking—I can’t put a number on it—Greg Knowles has his fingerprints on everything that we have done. Blame him for any success we’ve had! Pretty much anything that happens to us is either his fault or to his credit! We love him, personally. He’s a nice guy, he’s a character, and we don’t do a thing without him.” One of the milestones of Greg Knowles’ career was the successful syndication of the Ali Jamaal son Magic Dream CAHR in the 1990s. All 40 shares were sold, a testament to the quality of the unproven young horse. That trust was borne out big-time the following year when all seven of the Magic Dream foals shown at Scottsdale earned top ten or better and some were sold for six figure prices. Before he knew it, Knowles was

Karen trusts Greg with her own horse OFW First Wan, a son of OFW Magic Wan out of a Padrons Psyche mare. “He really does care about the horses and is fair to them when teaching them to stand up,” she states. “I am proud to say that the horses like him. Horses will tell on you, and these horses all like Greg. My gelding is a perfect example of a horse that had all the parts, but needed a handler to give him the confidence. Greg was patient, kind, and fair to him—and nothing made me happier than to see this horse stand up and not be afraid. Greg and OFW First Wan recently won the Region 7 Open Gelding Championship in a very strong class." While some of his client base own all their horses independently, there are some with whom he has established lasting partnerships. Among them are Judy Sirbasku, owner of Arabians, Ltd., and Shawn Crews, her long-time manager. “I met Greg in Canada in 1990, and introduced him to Judy and her husband Jim at the Nationals that October,” says Shawn. “Greg and Jim hit it off immediately! Both had larger-than-life, outgoing personalities. Along with Judy, they talked for hours about the horse business in general and their passion for breeding

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extremely beautiful Arabians. That was the start of our longtime, special friendship with Greg and our informal coalition for the acceptance in the show ring of the typey Arabian horse.” In 2004, Greg helped Arabians Ltd. take home all four Supreme Championships at the Egyptian Event. Judy remembers the night well, “Greg showed Pimlico RCA for us,” Judy recalls. “When he brought home the roses with Pimmy, it was our first Event Supreme Champion Stallion title. It was a very memorable night! I call Greg my adopted son—and I mean that sincerely. We have been through a lot together and really do feel like family. Besides, among the many reasons I love working with Greg is we laugh so much! He has a boundless sense of humor.” As far as Judy is concerned, the apple didn’t fall very far from the tree when Greg was born. “Greg has so many talents, possibly better described as gifts,” Judy says. “I got to know his father quite well, and from our first meeting, I knew exactly where Greg’s personality came from. When Mr. Knowles’ health started to fail, Greg moved his father from Washington state to Scottsdale. He spent every spare moment with his dad. Actions speak louder than words, and his labor of love spoke volumes to me.” “Greg is the most outwardly honest person I know,” Shawn reports. “He will tell you exactly what he thinks about anything and everything. He will even tell people he does not know about anything and everything. The great thing about this personality trait of Greg’s is that in return, you can be totally honest with him right back. Makes for some pretty lively and loud conversations, but what a gift it is to have a friendship like that. It means much to me, to Judy, and to our combined staff. We make a hell of a team.” Shawn’s only frustration is that she couldn’t repeat any of the jokes she shares with Greg, but she couldn’t resist sending this cryptic message, so, just for Greg…’the card you received after I sublet stalls to you in Louisville,’ and ‘the on the rail with Pimlico at the Event story!’” Melonie Behan met Greg through Arabians Ltd., where she bought her first mares and bred her first foal. “Greg has a huge heart and is very passionate about what he does and about the horses,” she says. “He gets great joy and a thrill from his work, and he gives it back, you can see it on his face. He took our family under his wing and, along with Shawn, gave us guidance. As an international judge and top handler, Greg holds so much knowledge of the industry, he can guide you whether you are a seasoned owner or just getting into the business. Then, when he has your horse in his hand, you know that he is going to give the greatest care.

“Greg showed our first mare for us at the Egyptian Event, and took her to the championship, just as he had her father before her. We took our second mare out to Scottsdale, and she won reserve champion this year. To have him do that again was just incredible. I don’t turn over my passion, my love, into the hands of just anybody. He puts the love of the animal first. That’s admirable in any man and something you don’t see very often. He has played a definite role in everything that we’ve done. When we retired our show mare, he would still come over to the farm and love on her. I don’t know of any trainers or handlers that would do that. He is extremely committed to what he does. And we are just blessed and grateful that Greg is part of our family.” Warren Fertig is another longtime-satisfied customer who has kept horses with Knowles for decades. “Greg is quite a character, and getting to know him as we do has been an honour,” stated the Canadian. “His parents were great individuals as well, and we treasure the time we spent with them. Greg is a very knowledgeable horseman and ranks as one of the top trainers in our industry. He’s definitely an asset to the breed.” Warren is comfortable trusting Greg with decisions about the horses. “Greg had a filly at Arabian Expressions that he thought Jan and I would like,” Warren remembers. “We purchased the filly, no pictures and sight unseen. She was everything Greg said she was. As I respected Greg’s honesty and integrity, we did this solely on Greg’s word and based on the friendship that we had established over the years. Greg and I have done a fair number of deals where I didn’t get to see the horse first. He’s got a great eye for a horse, so when he thinks he’s got something that I might be interested in, I usually pay attention. We’ve travelled

Pimlico RCA Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Ar abian Expressions

would bring our industry so much if we could have someone like him announcing the Nationals…he’s just so multi-talented, that you sometimes must connect the dots back to the fact that he’s one of the finest trainers that has ever shown horses. He is just getting started. It will be so fun to see all his talents at work in the future.” together including several trips to Brazil, and on a few occasions, we have purchased horses in partnership. Thank you, Greg. ‘Acquaintances are many, friends are few.’” Greg has a lot of friends. And none is more enthused about his future than Carol Steppe. “I met Greg at least 25 years ago,” she states. “We make each other think. I always feel I have grown in his presence…I have something to think about when I leave. We agree to disagree, and that’s great. It’s the banter we enjoy; we are very comfortable with it. Although the trainer angle and the owner/breeder angle are different, we share a passion for the horses and the industry, including its problems and what things can be done to fix them. What are the solutions and the future?” Carol thinks that even though Greg has been showing horses for a long time, he has a more compelling future lined out for himself. “Success with the five consecutive national fillies and recent Scottsdale win are just the beginning of the story. He is such an important part of our industry; :experienced, entertaining, knowledgeable, and as an auctioneer and announcer, knows all the long-term players. He has brought so many new people into the industry, is always one of the smartest guys in the room, is an honored international judge, and has an incredible resume of show wins in our halter industry—in short, he’s irreplaceable! I think it

Greg Knowles has reached a new pinnacle in his career, and to hear him tell it, it is all downhill from there! “You work hard and keep going and try to make your living, until now, I’m 63 years old and I’m ready to hang up the cleats,” he says. “When you spend 40 years and your self-worth is earned by putting a number on your back and hearing people cheer for you, you start to ref lect; and it makes you sort of nervous and scared. But I know that I am not in the sweet spot of my career any more. I can still jump up and win a prize, but…” Greg’s voice trails off as he contemplates some of the other tools in his kit…ongoing marketing and international judging, event announcing, and most importantly, auctioneering. He intends to establish his own auction company with plans for at least three annual events in support of the Arabian industry. “What a life I have been able to live,” Knowles exclaims. “To meet movie stars, sports stars, captains of industry. I have judged shows and shown horses all over the world and I have met some amazing people, but; nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to spending my life with the Arabian horse. I wish everyone could have a career that made their love and passion their life’s work. I am truly blessed.” Equally blessed, are the people and horses who remain connected with Greg Knowles, facing a bright future together with a man at the top of his game. ■

Ar abian Expressions | Greg K nowles 602-363- 0 0 03 | Ka ren Lincoln 303-549-2221

9870 East Jena n Drive, Scot tsda le, Arizona 85260 w w w.

R A B I A N

X P R E S S ION S

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.com

Nefertiti

(Marwan Al Shaqab x Mag gie Mae PGA, by Magnum Psyche)

CANADIAN NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION F U T U R I T Y F I L LY

SCOTTSDALE & REGIONAL CHAMPION U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN Y E A R L I N G F I L LY

"Thank you Greg for the years of success we have enjoyed with the Arabian Horse under your leadership. We appreciate your honesty and value our friendship and your sense of humor." â€” WARREN AND JAN

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Rose of Gazal

APA

(Gazal Al Shaqab x Tiaraa Rose)

CHAMPION SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN CLASSIC SENIOR MARE CHAMPION SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN CLASSIC 4-YEAR-OLD MARE John and Debra Mitchel l CME Ar abian Equities

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Jazzla

CME

(Hariry Al Shaqab x Jazella FA, by Padrons Psyche)

2017 SCOTTSDALE TOP TEN

A R A B I A N C L A S S I C Y E A R L I N G F I L LY

AVA I L A B L E F O R P U R C H A S E Scot tsdale Signature Stallion Breeders Club Silver Sire U.S. Sweepstakes Futurities Nominated

“Greg, we thank you for your guidance and honest opinions, because without you, none of our success would be possible.” — LOVE, JOHN AND DEB

Taleed El Qardabiyah (Magnum Psyche x Jamaara FA)

2017 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION ARABIAN CLASSIC 8 & OLDER MARE

2010 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION B R E E D E R S C L A S S I C 5-Y E A R- O L D M A R E

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Lark

RCA

(Bellagio RCA x Star of Marajj)

2017 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION E G Y P T I A N H E R I TA G E C O LT 2017 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION E G Y P T I A N H E R I TA G E J U N I O R M A L E

2016 SCOTTSDALE UNANIMOUS CHAMPION

E G Y P T I A N H E R I TA G E C O LT

2016 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION

E G Y P T I A N H E R I TA G E J U N I O R M A L E

John and Debra Mitchel l CME Ar abian Equities

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Ally Nelson photo Ar abian Horse Times | 14 | Ar abian Expressions

A Friend

IS SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR PAST, BELIEVES IN YOUR FUTURE, AND ACCEPTS YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

Greg â€¦ From Judy, Shawn, Luis, all your friends at Arabians Ltd., Colthill Crescent and Amethyst Acres, we are proud of all of your accomplishments and grateful for everything you bring to the team! Together we have shared many memorable and exciting moments, and no doubt, there are numerous more in store! Thank you, Greg, for all you do that helps make ours, the most amazing team/family in the business!

Judy Sirbasku Ar abians LTD

Ar abian Horse Times | 15 | Ar abian Expressions

u o Y k n Tha Greg!

Ensemble

DDA

(Eden C x Angelina Showlee)

2010 ARABIAN BREEDERS WORLD CUP RESERVE CHAMPION FILLY

"Greg Knowles has an incredible resume of everything Arabian. I believe he will continue to play a huge role in the future of our industry using all of his skill sets. His very notable career as a halter trainer has given him the experience and knowledge for the long run. He has also been outstanding as a judge, announcer, marketer and auctioneer. Greg knows all the longterm owners and breeders worldwide, which gives him an excellent rapport with his audience. He has also developed an outstanding introduction program that has brought many new people into the industry. He is always one of the smartest guys in the room and with his many talents, Greg is for the future of the Arabian horse, simply put â€Ś irreplaceable!"

Bred by: Day Drea m Arabians, Inc.

â€” C AROL STEPPE

Owned by: His Majest y Moha mmed VI, K ing of Morocco

DAY DRE AM AR ABIANS, INC .

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Z Zahreena C

(Montana Firenze x C Fahleen)

2015 SCOTTSDALE GOLD CHAMPION E G Y P T I A N H E R I TAG E J U N I O R F I L L I E S

"Greg, thank you for your support and loyalty throughout 25 years of breeding and showing many great horses. We have had a multitude of proud moments and good times." â€” SUSAN MACDONALD

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OFW

First Wan

By 2-time National Champion OFW Magic Wan and out of OFW Annamae (Padrons Psyche)

REGION 8 UNANIMOUS CHAMPION S W E E P S T A K E S Y E A R L I N G C O L T REGION 7 CHAMPION G E L D I N G 3 Y E A R S A N D O V E R O P E N REGION 7 CHAMPION G E L D I N G 3 Y E A R S A N D O V E R A O T H AVAIL ABLE, QUALIFIED AND READY FOR THIS YE AR' S U. S. NATIONALS HALTER CHAMPIONSHIPS IN OPEN AND AMATEUR. T WO YE ARS UNDER SADDLE C AN GO HUNTER OR WESTERN.

"Greg, I have learned so much while working alongside you. Thank you for your candid, creative, direct delivery, keen eye and comedic timing of all my lessons at Arabian Expressions. I also can’t thank you enough for making my childhood dream a reality with OFW First Wan's championship win. Your next phase with the Arabian horse is important for all of us who love them, and you are gonna' knock it out of the park!” — K AREN LINCOLN Ar abian Horse Times | 18 | Ar abian Expressions

Lanaken

RCA

(Thee Desperado x Mishaals Kiss RCA, by Mishaal HP)

2017 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION I N T E R N AT I O N A L A R A B I A N B R E E D E R S C L A S S I C STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN SENIOR FEMALE CHAMPIONSHIP AND 3 & 4 YEAR OLD MARE

" Greg, after being introduced to you by Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd., we are so very blessed to have you share in our joy and love for the babies. Your passion and commitment to the horses, as well as their owners, is a great contribution to the Arabian industry. You have shown both of our mares to championship wins, and we are excited for our new addition to the family from your farm. Thank you, for being part of our dream!"

Trump

â€” MICHAEL AND MELONIE BEHAN SOUTHERN BELLE AR ABIANS

(Beijing BHF x Cinderella WC)

2016 ARABIAN NATIONAL BREEDER FINALS 1ST PLACE GELDING OPEN

Jamillas Belle RCA

(Pimlico RCA x Desperados Belle RCA, by Thee Desperado)

2013 EGYPTIAN EVENT GOLD JUNIOR CHAMPION FILLY

Contact: Shaw n Crews | Ar abians LTD | 800-973-14 45 Ar abian Horse Times | 19 | Ar abian Expressions

Thank you Greg!

It has been our pleasure to work with Greg Knowles on various events over the years. Greg is a first class horseman and individual. We are very proud of Greg and all he has accomplished. â€” LOVE, DICK , LOLLIE, AND L AR A AMES

www.

R A BI A N

XPR E SSIONS

. com

Mi Regalo Di Angelo (DA Valentino x HL Infactuation, by LF Fifth Avenue) 5/29/2010 Stallion

Owned by and Standing at:

0295 CR 262 Silt, Colorado 81652

Michele Pfeifer | 970.456.5177 | michele@Shellbird.com Chauncey Flemings | 303.718.0859 | chauncey@Shellbird.com Troy White | 805.350.8629 | troy@Shellbird.com

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The Ames Family Scottsdale, AZ & Jordan, MN | 952.492.2537 www.CedarRidgeArabians.com

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Fifth Generation Phara-Bred Stallion At Stud

hara arm www.pharafarm.com

209-763-5221 i pharafarmstallions@gmail.com Design: LauraZ.net

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Coming in August ...

Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders

Fall Festival Preview

Advertise your Stallions, Contenders, Sale Horses, Farms and Parties!

Photos by Avalon and AHTimes

Contact your AHT sales representative today! Tony Bergren • 231-286-6085 • tonyb@ahtimes.com - Lara Ames • 612-210-1592 • lara@ahtimes.com Wayne Anderson • 612-751-6897 • wayneand@ahtimes.com - Lesley Blain • 608-751-2069 • lesley.blain3@gmail.com

www.AHTimes.com • 952-492-3213 • 800-248-4637 Ar abian Horse Times | 121 | Volume 48, No. 1

FACES & PLACES T he A n nu a l A r a bi a n Bre e der s C elebr at ion Open Fa r m Tou r s … was held April 18 & 19 in the Santa Ynez Valley, conveniently scheduled for the week following the Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas. It was a unique way to join influential breeders from around the globe to discuss bloodlines, philosophies, and challenges. Some of the best Arabian breeding stock in the world was presented against the backdrop of beautiful rolling hills, farms, and vineyards of California. Farms included in the tour were Om El Arab and Arabian Oaks on Tuesday and Aljassimya Farm at 100 Oaks on Wednesday. Varian Arabians held a Hands-On Clinic over the following weekend in Arroyo Grande; a fantastic and long standing event following the celebration. n

➔➔ For latest news and events visit www.ahtimes.com Ar abian Horse Times | 122 | Volume 48, No. 1

Photos by: Darryl Larson, Michelle Kelly, Brandon Bessey and Emma Maxwell Ar abian Horse Times | 123 | Volume 48, No. 1

Breeding The Next Star: THE VISION BEHIND VICKI HUMPHREY TRAINING CENTER

by KARA LARSON

Vicki Humphrey didn’t always have a passion for breeding Arabian English horses. Her first love was training, and for most of her life, she was obsessed with it. “I’d lay in bed at night and think about it. I’d have a day off finally and I’d think, I just have to go out there and try this bit or that shoeing change.” Vicki adds, “I was beyond passionate, you know, I was fanatical. It didn’t matter if it was a bad horse or a good horse, it was just about how to make it the best horse.” Since having decided to act upon her passion and open Vicki Humphrey Training Center (VHTC) in 1989 just outside of Atlanta, Ga., her dogged obsession and dynamic drive have transformed a once modest vision into quite the success story. At present, Vicki’s daughter, Jessica and Jessica’s husband, Gabe DeSoto, are the head trainers of more than 100 horses at VHTC. With numbers like these, the young trainers lead busy, structured

lives full of lessons with kids and adults from all over the country, schooling sessions for boisterous, yet promising 3-year-olds, and a packed schedule of traveling to horse shows throughout the year. Jess has been training full time at VHTC since 2008. Being immersed in the horse world at a very young age, she always felt an innate, natural connection to horses. And today, her raw talent is still a big part of her training and instructing, though she credits a great deal of her knowledge and ability to Vicki’s guidance and direction. Reflecting on what she’s discovered in working with her mom over the past 9 years, she shares, “I grew up specifically learning from my mother—I didn’t go work or train with anybody else, which is what a lot of young people do. But I also didn’t ever think I was missing out, because with my mother, I feel like she’s done everything. I’ve learned so much from her over the years.”

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Gabe, who is originally from Tucson, Ariz., joined the VHTC team in 2012 after spending time working with Chris Culbreth in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Stachowski Farm in Mantua, Ohio. With an eye for detail, Gabe is able to correct the smallest issue through direct, effective communication with his amateurs. Beyond lessons, Gabe is also responsible for breaking most every 3-year-old at the farm—a task not suited for the weak at heart. Between Vicki, Jess, and Gabe, there’s no denying that each of them is a skilled equestrian, adding a skillset that enhances the vision behind Vicki Humphrey Training Center. On their working relationship, Vicki shares, “We do a really great job—all of us working together—because we’re brutally honest with each other. We’re not very nice at times, and I think we’re highly critical about how the horses look and how they’re performing.”

They’re serious about the proper and efficient training of every horse at the farm, and the end product they want to produce for the show ring. Yet, there came a point several years ago, as Vicki recalls, when she started having a difficult time finding horses to buy. She notes that there were breeders producing great horses, just not enough of them to go around. This hindrance spurred the impetus to begin a legitimate breeding program at Vicki Humphrey Training Center. At first, Vicki was hesitant to add the demanding job of breeder to her lengthy list of responsibilities. However, over the past few years, she’s been able to scale back on her training, graciously handing off the day-to-day training process to Jess and Gabe. Because of this allocation of duties, Vicki decided to go all in. And she had a lifetime of horse knowledge as a reference tool. Vicki’s breeding philosophy is simple. Basically, her aim is to breed to the best English horse she can, taking into account a few vital characteristics that best suit the types of horses Gabe and Jess like to work with. Vicki explains, “We breed the pedigrees that we like, but as far as the individual horses go, we’re fairly particular about their stretchy frame and their engaged hocks, and, of course, our number one consideration is attitude. We try to breed a really game attitude with a lot of sensibility and willingness.” A program built on a select group of proven mares, Vicki is confident that these principal mares play a significant role in the foals produced. She’s discerning about the stallion, of course, but in the mare, she puts substantial stock in their trainability and conformation. “So many people choose a stallion to improve their mare,” Vicki begins. “What we’ve tried to do is pick our favorite stallions and then buy or breed mares that will improve those stallions. So it’s a little bit different than what a lot of people do, but we’re confident that the mares have so much to do with the outcome.” Breeding sound horses that possess the ideal set of traits is just the beginning of the process for Vicki. In producing the horse she likes in both temperament and conformation, her choices correspond with the training styles of both Jess and Gabe, a duo whose complementary styles make them prime for partnership. In nearly 10 years as a professional, Jess is aware of her own evolution as a horsewoman and how it has influenced her individual training style. “I hate messy—I want my horses super consistent. I will take consistent over high and low any day. I’d rather a horse be a little lower in the bridle and completely consistent, than super high here and there, especially when it comes to amateur horses. A trainer can get it done, but for an amateur, it just has to be rock solid.”

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Jessica and Gabe DeSoto, riding National Champions, JK Heiristocracy and Carrie Bradshaw.

Ar abian Horse Times | 126 | Volume 48, No. 1

Vicki Humphrey and granddaugher Lizzy Dearing.

From her perspective, Jess knows that this is an amateur-driven industry and she’s understanding of what that means for her training goals. “Honestly, I’m going to a show with 30 horses and I’m showing two of them.” She adds, “Some of my amateurs ride once a month and I couldn’t even imagine that. If I go on vacation for five days and come back and get on a horse, I feel rusty. It helps me understand that the horses need to be super solid for their amateurs always. That’s my main goal.” With the amateur at the forefront of her training model, Jess believes that when it comes to the show ring, the horse that’s doing it naturally and happily is the horse that’s going to win. In her eyes, a horse that is forcefully pushed and ridden hard, just isn’t going to cut it anymore. She remembers, “Back when I was a kid, the old style of training, where the trainers would jerk and jive and hot dog those horses around and win—those days are long gone. Horse training has evolved so much. The bridle has to be perfect, they have to use their ears, they have to be perfectly square. It’s just so subtle now.”

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Gabe DeSoto riding three year old prospects: Below - No Strings Attached (Afire Bey V x Only Girl In Town) R - In A Nutshell VH (Baske Afire x Undulata’s Chick Chat)

These subtleties can be esoteric in nature and difficult to achieve time after time, and yet, with Jess and Gabe on board as head trainers, they are able to collaborate in a way that achieves exactly what they set out to accomplish. Without the boundaries of carving out specific roles or expectations for themselves in their partnership, Jess and Gabe rely on a cooperation that is more natural—a symbiotic approach to helping their horses reach their full potential. Gabe offers, “We both can fix each other’s problems very well. If she’s having trouble getting one to go forward or get up to the bridle, I can chime in and help her out. The best thing about us is, that we’re not overbearing about each other’s training—we help when it’s necessary or when it’s asked for.” He adds, “We both have separate ideas on how things should work, so I can get one to a certain point where I think it’s perfect and she can take it on to the next level or make it that much more perfect. We’re very easy together.” Jess echoes, “If he works some of my horses, I always think they look better, and if I ride some of his, he thinks they look better

with me. So I think it’s really good for us to work together, because we both bring something different to the table.” In this complementary training partnership, and with Vicki’s leadership at the source, Jess and Gabe take their horsemanship craft seriously, hoping to provide their amateurs consistency, fun, and success. Gabe explains, “What we really thrive on is people’s success. At the end of the day, we don’t remember our own success—we really remember the happiness of the owners. We love the fact that they show their appreciation for us. That’s really what we do all this for—it’s not the money—we really like to see our clients have fun and have success and take part in that journey.” Jess, too, finds value in the entire process of horse training. “You know how they say, ‘it’s not the destination; it’s the journey’?” She explains, “It really is about starting the horse, training them, watching them grow, putting them in the right direction, matching them with the amateur, and seeing that bond between them develop—that’s the most satisfying thing for me. I mean, I

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Below - 2015 gelding Sippin On Fire VH (Baske Afire x Undulata’s Chick Chat) R - 2015 filly Shell Shocked VH (SF Aftershoc x Only Girl In Town)

do like to win and that is satisfying, but at the end of the day, that’s not what I remember.” Taking into account the unique personality of every horse, how Jess and Gabe might change their methods to better suit the horse, and assessing what each horse’s potential could be, the entire process of training raises concerns and decisions that pop up early. There’s an inherent risk to it—an uncertainty that Vicki intends to lessen if she is breeding her own future training horses. “It takes a lot of the gamble out. To know from the beginning that this one is going to be hot and this one is going to be calm… like the Aftershoc babies, when you open the door, they come running up to you and get in your lap. It’s fun to be able to have the ability to predict what you’ve got. And when you’re breeding what you want, it’s a lot easier than having a horse come in and take 90 days to evaluate if they’re going to be what you want. With consistent breeding stock, you’re pretty sure you’ve already got it.” The predictability of Vicki’s breeding choices allows for an almost methodical consistency, while at the same time, her laid-back nature Ar abian Horse Times | 129 | Volume 48, No. 1

Jessica and 2017 colt (Baskghazi x Gloria X)

2017 colt (Baskghazi x The Phantom Lady)

2017 filly (Baskghazi x Only Girl In Town)

encourages patience in the process of determining each horse’s potential. Jess aligns with this viewpoint, respecting the fact that every horse is different and because of this, they will always have to take the time to learn their unique personality, disposition, their likes and dislikes, and then move on from there. “I don’t like to put them in a box and say, this is what you’re going to be and this is how we’re going to do it. I think that comes through in the show ring, because a happy horse is everything in the show ring. A horse can be soft and pretty and move nice, but if they’re not doing it happily, you can tell.” For Gabe, adding this booming breeding venture into an already successful operation has made the entire process even more fun. He feels honored to be such a big part of the complete vision, from breeding to breaking to showing to winning. “Vicki knows we’re going to be the ones training them and she wants us to enjoy training them,” Gabe shares. “So she really wants to include us in what stallions we want to breed to and it helps us help her, basically. It’s just a fun process to have a part in the breeding and you can be wrong or right, but at least you have the support of Vicki. Ultimately, we want to make her proud of her business and her horses.” Jess chimes in, equally grateful for the opportunity to train the horses her mom is carefully breeding. “That’s where we’re really lucky—having the breeding program behind the training program, because my mom’s breeding program in the last 5-6 years has done really well. We’re selling those horses in the barn and they’re going on to win with me and the amateur, and that’s really fun. My mom is breeding some of the best horses in the country right now and I’ve always preferred to train and show horses that I’ve done almost everything with, so it feels very natural.” 2017 colt (Baskghazi x Gloria X)

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2017 filly (HA Toskcan Sun x Undulata’s Chick Chat)

Jess and Gabe have learned a great deal about horses and themselves in working for and alongside Vicki. Her passion is unflinching and her abilities to coach, train, and breed horses come with almost 40 years of insight and experience. In the next generation at VHTC, Jess and Gabe happily soak in the wisdom and perspicacity of the woman who built this vision, adding their own ideas and talents into the successful, always evolving breeding and training process at Vicki Humphrey Training Center. ■

2017 filly (Baskghazi x I’m Miss New York)

2017 colt (Baske Afire x Only Girl In Town)

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Lizzy Dearing and ROL Firecracker.

2017 filly SF Aftershoc x Bothered And Bewildered)

ICKI

2 - T I M E U N A N I M O U S U . S . N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N

Girl On Fire

BRED E R PH

We are so grateful to be part of the VHTC family! We have been fortunate to have great success with horses bred and trained by Vicki, Jesse and Gabe. Thank you to VHTC for always going the extra mile and for breeding such incredible English performance horses! â€”Leslie and Andy Garvis

MAKING HER AMATEUR DEBUT IN 2017 WITH LESLIE GARVIS 2016 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION AEPA HALF-ARABIAN FUTURITY 2015 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE FUTURITY Baske Afire x Only Girl In Town

OWNED BY: LESLIE PALMER GARVIS

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ICKI

E R PH wonderful mare (and for making sure

Thanks so much, Vicki, for breeding this

Madge bought her)! Thank you, Jess, for the patience, training and roses (hopefully there will be more)! Thanks, Gabe, for always being a calming influence (via yelling at me from the rail), and thanks to the entire VHTC crew for your unmatched care of Shine On. She truly has become a bright part of our family. â€”Kennedy, Madge and Dennis Hester

2016 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE AAOTR MATURITY WITH KENNEDY HESTER 2016 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE OPEN JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO 2015 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO 2014 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION AEPA HALF-ARABIAN FUTURITY Baske Afire x Only Girl In Town

OWNED BY: DENNIS & MADGE HESTER

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BRED

Shine On

U . S . N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N

ICKI

BRED

U . S . N AT I O N A L R E S E RV E C H A M P I O N

E R PH

Miss Central ∏Park

We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Vicki, Jessica, and Gabe, for the many successes we have enjoyed over the past three years as clients at VHTC. We rode with Vicki when she first moved to Georgia and it’s been great rejoining the family again. Thank you so much for caring for, training, and selling us some amazing horses, like Miss Central Park (also bred by VHTC), Mr Mayhem and Blazn Jewel HPF. We are so excited to show them this year! —Laura and Penny Carrington

2016 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE FUTURITY WITH GABE DESOTO Baskghazi x I’m Miss New York

OWNED BY: PENNY & LAURA CARRINGTON

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U . S . N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N

MissKnowItAll Vicki, Jesse and Gabe, Hard working, dedicated and fun, are just a few words to describe you guys! You are all the best and we feel so fortunate to be a part of the Vicki Humphrey family!! Thank you for breeding and training Missknowitall!!!! Love you guys,

ICKI

John, Sharon, Laurie,

Ellen and Sophie

2014 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE FUTURITY 2015 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO 2017 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AATR 40 & OVER WITH OWNER LAURIE HUSBAND Baske Afire x Iâ€™m Miss New York

WHISPERING PINES

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BRED E R PH

ICKI

REGION 12 CHAMPION

BRED E R H P

Shoc Broker

I think I took my first horse to Vicki in 2003 or 2004. Her horses were happy and extremely beautiful. I’ve learned so much over the years, and I still feel the greatest joy with these wonderful horses. Thank you, Vicki. — Tracy, Dean and Roy Dowson

2016 U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN AEPA HALF-ARABIAN FUTURITY • TOP TEN HALF-ARABIAN JUNIOR HORSE MAKING HER DEBUT IN THE AMATEUR DIVISION, WINNING THE 2017 REGION 12 HALF-ARABIAN PARK AOTR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH TRACY DOWSON SF Aftershoc x Only Girl In Town

OWNED BY: TRACY DOWSON

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SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION

Flawless Ghazi Baskghazi x The Phantom Lady

ICKI

mixed with some serious FUN! We are very proud to be a part of VHTC and

appreciative of the many years of friendship. Thank you Vicki, Jesse and

BRED

Quality, dedication and commitment

E R PH

Gabe for everything you do. Your love of the horse and hard work does not go unnoticed. We are so excited about Blondie and Blake and look forward to cheering them on in the show ring. â€”Tom, Liz and Emme

2017 SCOTTSDALE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO

Aftermath SF Aftershoc x Only Girl In Town

OWNED BY: TOM & ELIZABETH MOORE

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INTRODUCING THE NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER DEBUTING IN 2017!

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Shoc-A-Lat 2017 UNANIMOUS REGION 12 CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE OPEN WITH JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO FOR OWNER PAMELA HARRIS

It takes teamwork to achieve the desired goals and I thank the team at VHTC for helping me achieve mine. Thanks to all the team —Vicki, Jesse,Gabe, Kelsey, Kristen, Allie, Antonio, Amber and all the others, for all your hard work. — Pam

SF Specs Shocwave x Callaway’s Born To Fly

N AT I O N A L R E S E R V E C H A M P I O N

Whoz Who

Horal x IXL Saphire

2-TIME U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE OPEN WITH JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO 2016 NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION AAOTR 40 & OVER WITH PAM HARRIS

OWNED BY: PAMELA HARRIS

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N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N

Carrie Bradshaw

ICKI

2013 U.S. NATIONAL RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE FUTURITY WITH GABE DESOTO 2015 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION HALFARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AAOTR MATURITY

BRED

Baske Afire x Iâ€™m Miss New York

E R PH

2016 U.S. RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AAOTR JACKPOT WITH LEA DEARING

U . S . N AT I O N A L T O P T E N

Justafire Connection Hucks Connection V x Candlelightaffair

2017 Region 12 Reserve Champion English Pleasure AAOTR with Lea Dearing OFFERED FOR SALE

OWNED BY: VICKI HUMPHREY TRAINING CENTER

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U . S . N AT I O N A L T O P T E N

Moves Like VH Jagger

ICKI

Baske Afire x The Phantom Lady

2017 REGION 12 RESERVE CHAMPION HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AOTR 2016 U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE JR. HORSE 2016 U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN HALF-ARABIAN COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE AAOTR MATURITY 2015 U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN AEPA HALF-ARABIAN FUTURITY

OWNED BY: KEVIN MCBRIDE

VICKI HUMPHREY, JESSICA CLINTON DESOTO, GABE DESOTO CANTON, GEORGIA ~ 770.335.6194 ~ VHTC@VICKIHUMPHREY.COM WWW.VICKIHUMPHREYTRAININGCENTER.COM

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BRED E R PH

Worldwide Publication CELEBRATING THE ARABIAN HORSE

Join Us Around The Globe!

Subscribe Today!

www.ahtabroad.com www.facebook.com/ahtabroad Ar abian Horse Times | 141 | Volume 48, No. 1

ARE YOU SHOWING IN CENTRAL PARK? PROMOTE IN AUGUST

photos by Emma Maxwell

Contact your sales representative today! Tony Bergren • 231-286-6085 • tonyb@ahtimes.com Lara Ames • 612-210-1592 • lara@ahtimes.com Wayne Anderson • 612-751-6897 • wayneand@ahtimes.com Lesley Blain • 608-751-2069 • lesley.blain3@gmail.com www.AHTimes.com • 952-492-3213 • 800-248-4637 Ar abian Horse Times | 142 | Volume 48, No. 1

Generations of Horsemen: Left: Michael’s great, great grandfather, Patrick Whelihan. Right, top: Michael’s father, Austin Whelihan, as a young man. Right, bottom: The herd of horses Michael’s grandfather, Joseph Whelihan, brought from North Dakota to Canada.

The infinite blue sky and wide-open spaces of a Canadian ranch were the perfect place for a shy, young boy to begin his life. Surrounded by his family, with four generations of horsemen, he would honor the traditions they had established and become the fifth generation to follow in those footsteps. Using the lessons he learned from them, he would become an internationally successful competitor and even more important, a highly accomplished and universally respected horseman. Michael Austin Whelihan was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada on August 3rd, 1955. His parents, Patricia and Austin Whelihan, had four children: two daughters and two sons. However, Michael was the only one to inherit the love of horses. He shared that even as a young boy, he always felt most at ease in the company of animals. There was no need for words; he knew their thoughts and they knew his. Michael spent much of his youth exploring nature, riding his pony with his dog always by his side. There, in the midst of this unfettered freedom and childhood innocence, he developed a quiet form of communication with his companions that shaped his character and which continues even now.

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A true horseman is born; it seems the love and respect for animals is a part of their very being. Michael Whelihan was born into a family whose lives were intimately connected to horses and his own affinity would become profound. The Whelihan tradition of horsemanship can be traced directly to Michael’s great, great grandfather, Patrick Whelihan. He and his wife Anne Amelia were Irish immigrants. Patrick Whelihan was a successful businessman. In 1873, while on a three-month visit to Ireland, London, Paris, and Normandy, he purchased four Percheron draft horses and shipped them to Canada. It was reported they were the first of the breed to be imported to the country. The Percherons, and all horses, intrigued Patrick Whelihan’s son and Michael’s great grandfather, James Whelihan. Born in 1874, James had numerous, interesting and successful business ventures. At one time, he worked closely with the famous inventor Thomas Edison in developing rechargeable batteries. Among his businesses, James raised both cattle and horses; but the horses were his pride and joy. He passed his love of horses on to his son, Austin Joseph, grandfather to Michael.

Austin Joseph, Sr., who preferred to be called Joseph, continued the family’s tradition of raising cattle and horses, as well as other successful business endeavors. Michael remembers listening to his grandfather Joseph’s stories of his cowboy days, such as the time he bought 200 wild horses in North Dakota and brought them to Mortlatch, Saskatchewan where they were broke out to be sold or used for working cattle on the family’s ranch. The family tradition of horsemanship continued with Austin Joseph, Jr., Michael’s father. Austin Whelihan was a civil engineer by profession, but horses were always an integral part of his family’s life. When he was six, Michael’s family moved from Canada to Dillon, Montana, where his father worked as project manager on the Clark Canyon Dam. The family lived on a farm in the country and Michael spent as much time as possible outdoors. He was a bit of a wild child, riding his chestnut pony named Star over the rolling hills of Montana. The family lived there for seven years and then returned to Edmonton, Alberta where they settled permanently. Michael and his family showed their horses throughout the summer months at local, Class A shows in the Alberta and British Columbia show circuit, which included Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, etc. Although he was still very shy, showing horses was an activity where he truly excelled. It was obvious to all that Michael was talented. At only 14-years-old, he had already won his first English Pleasure Championship with a Half-Arabian he trained and showed, and he was just getting started. Michael’s father, Austin Whelihan, became friends with a neighbor named Bob Lindsey, who happened to own Arabian horses. At a local horse show, Mr. Lindsey introduced the Whelihan family to his friend, Dr. Howard Kale, Sr., of Kirkland, Washington, the breeder of his Arabian horses. Before long, Austin visited Dr. Kale’s farm and purchased the family’s first Arabian horse. About a year later, his

parents purchased Michael his first purebred Arabian; a chestnut mare named Sharmista. Michael was smitten. The Whelihans and the Kales became good friends, and when Michael was 17, he went to work for Dr. and Mrs. Kale for the summer. The day after he graduated from high school, Michael left for Washington to work for the Kales. That summer he turned 18, and he showed the incredible mare Fantasia Drift. It was a regular Class A show, with two special classes: one for National Champion Mare and one for National Champion Stallion. Michael showed Fantasia Drift in the English Pleasure Mares class and won, beating another excellent rider named Gene LaCroix. Two years later, Michael went to Scottsdale, Ariz., to attend a training seminar at Lasma, given by Gene and Raymond LaCroix. Michael recalls that the seminar was an epiphany for him. It was one of those pivotal moments that are life changing. From that day on, Michael followed the philosophy and practiced the techniques he learned at that seminar, and Gene LaCroix has been his mentor ever since. Michael

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FANTASIA DRIFT & Michael winning English Pleasure Mares.

ZODIAC MATADOR & Michael winning the Canadian National Park Horse Championship and a standing ovation.

returned to Edmonton to train and show horses out of his family’s farm. In 1981, Howard Kale, Jr. invited Michael to Scottsdale to train the great stallion *Muscat, and the Kale horses at Karho. Michael worked there for two show seasons and was getting *Muscat ready for his big debut as a park horse. The stallion was extremely talented and ready to show. Just before the event, Michael had to go to Canada for an important meeting. He planned to return to Arizona within a day or two at the most. However, due to visa issues, he could not return to the U.S., and had no choice but to remain in Canada. Michael was devastated, but not defeated. He went back to his family’s farm and opened his own training business: Whelihan Equine Enterprises.

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They say that in life, when one door closes, another opens and that statement soon came to fruition. In February of 1983, Michael went to the Scottsdale show where he met his friend and fellow trainer, Gordon Potts, who suggested they go see a *Bask colt he had heard about. Michael liked the look of the horse and thought he had potential. At the time, he had a gelding in training, owned by Bob Bradburn of Pinnacle Arabians, also from Edmonton. Bob was looking for a show horse and on Michael’s recommendation, he purchased the fancy chestnut four-year-old stallion. His name was Zodiac Matador. Michael’s initial impression of Matador was very positive. However, as he began to train the young stallion, he knew the horse was special. He was unlike any horse Michael had ever ridden before. He would have to rise to a new level of horsemanship to bring out the best in this incredibly gifted creature. Michael met the challenge and turned the promising young stallion into a mega-horse. Matador and Michael’s first Park Horse class was at the Whittier Lions Club Classic. They won, but unfortunately, Matador sustained a slight injury. A few weeks later, at the 1984 Scottsdale show, the pair was fifth in the Park Horse class. Three months later, Matador was healed and Michael took him to the Region V show. They won the Park Championship. Two months later, he showed Zodiac Matador to the title of Canadian National Champion Park Horse in a class of 22 top horses and riders. It was Michael’s first Park National Championship and the fulfillment of his personal goal to earn that title before his 30th birthday. Zodiac Matador became a show ring and breeding sensation. Michael stood the stallion at his farm in Edmonton. Michael truly loved Matador and wanted him to be a success. He also had a vested interest in the stallion. Throughout 1985, Michael rode and trained Matador. Shortly before the U.S. Nationals, he sold his interest in Matador to Bob Bradburn. The stallion was

shipped to Albuquerque, N.M. for the show, where he was ridden to the Park Horse Championship by Gene LaCroix. Divesting himself from Matador was very bittersweet; he truly was a one-of-a-kind horse. However, it allowed Michael to purchase his family’s farm and to establish Whelihan Equine Enterprises. Throughout the mid 1980s and 1990s, horses trained by Michael Whelihan dominated the high performance divisions of English, Driving and Park in North America. There seemed to be a steady stream of top horses, with great ones discovered along the way. Even with all this success, Michael was never the most highly publicized trainer, but he was one of the most respected horsemen among his peers and clients. After the victory laps were done, the ribbons and roses were hung; there were always more chores to do and more horses to work. Michael quietly went about his business of making champions. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment, but in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a shift in the world of Arabian performance competition. More owners wanted to ride and the amateur performance divisions started to grow at an incredible rate. Michael’s clients joined the movement, which created a need for him to expand his training services to accommodate this growing demand. Michael had always trained his horses for himself to ride in open competition. He had no idea how to train a horse for someone else. He credits Raymond LaCroix for solving this mystery. He told Michael he had to learn to gauge his riders first, and then find them a horse that suited their style and level of expertise. Essentially, he had to become a matchmaker. Once again, the LaCroix family had made a large impact on Michael’s life and helped him to succeed. It’s hard enough to ride a top English or Park horse, trying to explain it to someone else is even more difficult. However, the demand was so high for top amateur horses,

A Selection of ational Champions Trained & Shown by Michael Whelihan

CIGNAL

SUMMER ROSES

RHETT BUTLER

MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE

DANCEALOT

NYTE OF TEMPTATION

PENSION

PRIM N PROPER

PROUPORIE DDR

RED TAPE

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Michael knew including this service in his roster would ensure the continued success of his business. The amateur performance classes were, and still are, consistently among the largest and most competitive. Michael applied Raymond’s sound advice and he excelled. With each client’s success, he realized that in addition to creating great show horses, he was helping them fulfill their dreams, which made the victory even sweeter. There are many factors that contribute to success; natural talent and hard work are just two of them. Another factor is understanding your limits or your weaknesses. Acknowledging this and being open to learning something new, can catapult you to a higher level of expertise than you ever imagined. However, this takes personal insight, commitment to be your best, and a certain amount of humility. Michael is quick to give credit to those people from whom he has learned important lessons, whether they apply to life or to horses. Michael’s early ideas about training horses were truly inherent; they came from within him, from the understanding he gained and his close connection with each horse he rode and trained. His concepts were a continuation of his family’s tradition of horsemanship, which he learned from his father and grandfather. Michael also learned from other horsemen and women who were at the top of their profession, such as Gene and Raymond LaCroix, Gordon Potts, Jim and Peter Stachowski, Mary Trowbridge, and others. Michael said that sometimes these lessons were about more than just training techniques… From Gordon Potts, he learned about the grit it took to make it to the top. From Mary Trowbridge, he learned more about animal sense; Michael says she has a special gift. Most recently, from Greg Harris, whom he acknowledges has an abundance of sheer talent, Michael learned the importance of resilience. Every experience became a lesson he used to become the best professional trainer possible.

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During his years in Edmonton, Michael trained, showed, and bred Arabians and Half-Arabian horses. He also stood important stallions including the *Bask sons, DW Bonfire and Genuine, as well as noteworthy American Saddlebred stallions. Michael has had a lifelong fascination with Saddlebreds. When he was just six years old, his family went over to meet their new neighbors. They were Americans who had just moved to town and they had Saddlebreds. The man was riding one of his fancy, big trotting horses and as he talked to Michael’s father, the man reached down and swooped Michael up onto the saddle and took him for the ride of his life. That was it – he was hooked. When Michael was 18 years old and working for Dr. Kale, one of his duties was to groom the beautiful chestnut mare, Jewel Drift. Dr. Kale told Michael that if he did a really good job, and if the mare won her class at the big upcoming show, he would get a reward. Michael worked harder than ever to prepare Jewel Drift. They took her to the show and she was named Canadian National Champion Mare. Dr. Kale knew Michael loved Saddlebreds. The good doctor kept his word and gave him a trip to the Saddlebred World Championships, held at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds. Michael remembers the magical moment he walked into Freedom Hall. It was deja vu; he felt like he had been there before, he felt like he was home. Michael’s client, Bob Ruxer, owned the Arabian stallion DW Bonfire, as well as the Saddlebred stallion Supreme Sultan. When Michael sold DW Bonfire for Ruxer, he told Michael he would either pay him a commission on the sale, or he could come to his farm and have his pick of yearling Saddlebred fillies. Michael went to the farm and picked a filly that caught his eye. Ruxer was surprised, and a little dismayed, because Michael had picked one of the best fillies and her value far exceeded the commission. Still, Ruxer kept his word and gave Michael the

filly. Her name was Evening Dazzle. Michael raised and trained the filly. Eventually she became a World Champion 3-Gaited Mare. Michael owned and operated Whelihan Equine Enterprises in Edmonton, Alberta for 24 years. In 2005, he sold his farm and moved to Eatonville, Wash. to begin a new life, personally and professionally. He opened Whelihan Arabian Farms and resumed training, showing, breeding, and marketing Arabian and Half-Arabian performance horses. For more than 10 years, Michael, his family, and clients enjoyed a high level of success. Throughout his career of over 40 years, Michael has shown hundreds of national winners. However, the accomplishment he is most proud of was his role as a father and stepfather; watching special young women achieve their dreams. Still, as in every life, there were challenges along the way and life changing events. In 2016, Michael was at the Region IV show in Nampa, Idaho. After an excellent class, which he won, he felt ill. The following day, he felt worse and was taken to the hospital where he was immediately admitted. Within hours, Michael flat-lined twice. The doctors were able to revive him, but he remained unconscious for two weeks. Michaelâ€™s daughter, Carlyn, had flown in from her home in Edmonton, Alberta to be at her fatherâ€™s side. As he hovered between life and death, it was her voice, her prayers, and deep faith in God that finally encouraged him to awaken. After regaining consciousness, Michael was completely unaware of what had happened. He only knew he could not see or speak. However, he could hear. His close friends and clients, Irwin and Pam Schimmel, who had kept vigil at his bedside, explained everything that had happened. Slowly, over the next five weeks, Michael began his long journey to recovery. The hospital staff was incredibly kind and very curious about this unusual man who trained horses. They had never had so many

A Selection of hampions Trained by Michael Whelihan

BLAZIN FIRE

MATOI

MAFIER

FIRENELLA

BASKS LAST LOVE

LONDON LACE

TL HEARTSTOPPER

SF BEYOND THE GLORY

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CHARMED IM SURE

MAKING MEMORIES

JUMPING JACK FLASH BF

calls and visitors in the history of the hospital. They were not sure who he was, but they were certain he was someone special, and they were right. After eight weeks at the Nampa hospital, Michael was strong enough to return to Washington. A friend sent their private jet to fly him back home, where he was immediately placed in a rehabilitation hospital to recuperate. Never one to take things easy, Michael took the accelerated approach to his rehabilitation and was able to leave in just two weeks. However, life would not be the same… The trauma of the heart attack damaged his optic nerves, resulting in severely diminished sight, which obviously curtailed his ability to train and ride. Through all of the turmoil, Michael’s friends and family rallied to his aid. Meanwhile, for months, his clients had continued to work toward the goal of showing at the U.S. Nationals in the fall. It would have been very disappointing to give up their dreams. Fortunately, Gene LaCroix generously offered his assistance and came in to help them. In October, just four months after his health crisis, Michael was able to attend the U.S. National Championships with his clients, but he was not able to compete. To fill in for him, Michael hired a talented assistant, Yvonne Copple. He also sent a few horses to other trainers to prepare for the 2017 Scottsdale show, including Jim Stachowski and Jessica Clinton. As it turned out, the Scottsdale show was a bittersweet success. Michael had a very special Half-Arabian mare that he had raised and trained for owner Janet Thompson, and he had looked forward to showing her. However, that just wasn’t possible. Jessica finished and showed the mare to perfection. In fact, she and Blazn Jewel HPF were the Scottsdale Half-Arabian English Pleasure Champions. Michael was there to cheer them on and at the outgate to congratulate them. After the excitement of the show, he returned to Washington to contemplate and plan his future.

Although Michael has experienced very serious changes in his life, the fundamentals, those things that truly make life worth living, remain. Thankfully, he still has his talents, his values, friends, clients, and most important, family. Michael’s daughter, Carlyn, has been a very important person in his life for the past 30 years. Some of the fondest memories he has of her were when she was still a little girl. At dusk, they would watch the horses in the pastures. He said she had an incredible eye for horses and that she could recognize each of them by their silhouettes even in the moonlight. Carlyn grew up with the Whelihan traditions, inheriting their love of horses. Michael describes her as a horse girl from the get-go and who learned to ride early and learned to ride well. Carlyn became a very accomplished equestrienne with multiple national championship titles to her credit. At the 2017 Scottsdale show, she was third in her class on a horse she personally trained. Michael says he is proud of Carlyn’s success in the show ring, and even more so as a wife to her husband, Grant, and the mother of their two children, Austin and Abigail. Carlyn and her family truly are the light of Michael’s life and the inspiration for the future. Of course, Michael’s future plans will also include horses. His health concerns have become the catalyst for changing his daily role of trainer, coach, and showman. His expertise in consulting for breeding, evaluation, selection, and training have always been in high demand and will now move to the forefront and become the focus for his future. Following five generations of tradition, Michael Whelihan was born a horseman. The spirit of the creature is a part of him, a part of his life, a part of his very heart and soul, and it will remain there all the days of his life. The next chapter of Michael’s life is yet to be written, but he has faith it will be every bit as fulfilling and exciting – perhaps even more.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their unconditional love and support. I would like to thank my friends who laughed with me in the good times and were there through the tough times. And to my clients, thank you for believing in me, for entrusting your horses to me, and for supporting my endeavors. There are not adequate words to express my gratitude to you all – but thank you.” ~ Michael Whelihan

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Jeweled Spirit

Carlyn & Michael Inheiritance WAF

Michael & Team Whelihan

Pension

Patricia & Austin Whelihan

Michael & Lizzie

Carlyn & Grant

Making Memories

Irwin & Mia Schimmel with Michael and the Prestige Champions

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Mike, You have never just worn the trainer hat for the Schimmel Family. Our relationship goes far beyond ribbons and roses. Together we share 35 years of memories, both in the ring and out, that we will cherish forever. Yes, there have been great horses. None more amazing than Dancealot, the Half-Arabian gelding by Zodiac Matador that you introduced to us in the fall of 1994. From there, the sky was the limit as you, Theresa, and Mia all won multiple National Championships in English Pleasure and Park. Dancealot commanded the ring and you did a fabulous job training, showing, and coaching the girls to their wins. Along the way, something more happened. You and Irwin formed a bond that strengthened both men. You could talk about most anything, from family to training. And your mutual appreciation for harness horses lead to some exciting times in the training barn discovering the next great prospect! As a mentor, you shaped our girls’ show careers. Conversely, no one was more pleased for you when your daughter, Carlyn, was born, or prouder yet when she won her first national title, walked down the aisle, or had her first baby, than honorary grandparents Irwin and Pam. Talking with you about pedigrees, we discovered you have an encyclopedic knowledge of both the Arabian and Saddlebred lines. At the dawn of the half Arabian/half Saddlebred, your knowledge helped shaped the future of the Prestige Farms breeding program and still influences it to this day. There is just something unique about a friendship that endures all that life casts your way. Thank you, Mike, for all the great horses and advice. Most of all, thank you for being you – an important part of the Schimmel/Prestige Farms family. God Bless you, and here’s to the many great years ahead that we will share. The Irwin Schimmel Family – Prestige Farms, LLC

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ANCEALOT Multi-National Champion with Michael Whelihan

Multi-National Champion DANCEALOT & Mia Schimmel

Multi-National Champion DANCEALOT & Theresa Schimmel

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2017 SCOTTSDALE HALF-ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE CHAMPION

Jewel

BLAZN

HPF

Congratulations to Penny Carrington on the purchase of this great horse. Thank you to Mike and Jessica for your excellence in training and showing Jewel so beautifully. Janet & Richard Thompson, Horsepower Farms, LLC

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Michael Whelihan & Janet Thompson

Dear Mike, In 1998, I became involved in the competitive “arena” of the Arabian horse world. I was eager to learn and soak up as much information as I could. As the years went by, I always studied the other riders and took particular notice of the trainers. I observed how they treated their horses, and how they interacted with their amateur riders. You stood out in my mind, because of your gentle ways with riders and horses; training both for excellence, while maintaining a soft-spoken demeanor. Your theory was that if it all goes bad, we’ll just go have a piece of chocolate cake and try again the next day. You are so admired and respected by your colleagues. When a problem arose that they were having difficulty solving, many times I overheard you on the phone trying to help them. They came to you, now after 45 years of training, because they felt confident that you could offer constructive guidance. In 2007, being so impressed by you and your work ethic, I moved my horses to you. After Youth Nationals that year, you called and asked me to come up for some lessons and not to forget my show clothes. Oh my!! Was my only thought. You gave me the chance of a horse lover’s dream. Standing in your arena, here came your assistant with Prim N Proper in hand. I had never been given the opportunity to ride her. Of course, my nerves were rattled, but the obvious thing to me was that you had complete confidence in me, which in turn gave me a little of my own. After three lessons, we packed up Prim along with my show clothes and headed to a Class A show in Langley, BC. Our mission was to qualify her for the amateur division at U.S. Nationals. Mission accomplished!! To wile the time away between classes, right on the show grounds, we found a nine-hole putting golf course. I’m pretty certain, you walloped me each game, but what fun I had. Not only were you my trainer, but now a friendship was beginning. At U.S. Nationals that year, in the finals, I made a mistake during the last trot and came out with a Top Ten. We initiated your game plan and went and had a piece of chocolate cake. We couldn’t do it again the next day, but we did do it the next year when I was U.S. National Reserve Champion. For the last ten years, you have made my time “in the saddle” a precious one. You’ve encouraged me, supported me, and solidified our friendship. Your guidance has been insurmountable. The Arabian community came out in full force last year at U.S. Nationals to show their love, support and appreciation for all that you have done for the industry, and their regards for a very special person. At Scottsdale this year, the accolades continued. When the announcer called you into center ring to introduce you, he wanted everyone to know that you are one of the best. Mike, you are one in a million. I have treasured our time together, our commiserations over the phone, and will continue to take delight whenever we see one another, wherever we may meet. Here’s to my one in a million friend. Love, Janet

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“We moved our horses under Mike’s training early in 2010. We met with him first to discuss our goals and objectives and to better understand his program and training philosophy. We left with such a feeling of trust and respect for his expertise that we made the decision to join his program immediately, and that trust and respect has continued to grow through the years we’ve worked with him. While he is a most talented horseman, Mike has so many qualities that make him a very special person beyond that – he is sincere, loyal, reliable, hard-working yet humorous, and he has tremendous integrity. But what stands out most about Mike is that he truly cares – about his family, friends, clients, and of course, the horses. It is nothing short of amazing that he has continued to run his training business in spite of the personal hardships he has recently endured. Mike’s tutelage and advice have been key to our acquisition/training of high quality horses, development of show ring skills, and the establishment of our breeding program at Scion Arabians, LLC. We appreciate him greatly and are thankful for all he has done for us. We join many others in celebrating his accomplishments and we look forward to his future contributions as a master horseman.” Deborah & Eric Haug, Scion Arabians, LLC

Ferrara Photo

SCION ARABIANS SHOW HORSES: BLAZN STAR (Pension x Jeweled Spirit by Dixie Jewel) 2007 Half-Arabian Bay Gelding

HIGH SPIRITS DEH (Black Daniels x Jeweled Spirit by Dixie Jewel) 2011 Half-Arabian Bay Mare

JUMPING JACK FLASH BF (MHR Nobility x Movie Maker by Talent Town) 2006 Half-Arabian Chestnut Gelding

SHOWGIRL SKF (Vegaz x Starr Llight by Reign On) 2008 Purebred Chestnut Mare

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SCION ARABIANS BREEDING HORSES:

SV STARLITE

SHOWGIRL SKF

HEIRABASKA

SAGESSE DEH

DEFINED BENEFIT DEH (by Pension) 2013 Bay Colt

SHOWGUN DEH (by Pension) 2013 Bay Colt

HEIRATOSKCA DEH (by HA Toskcan Sun) 2015 Bay Filly

2017 FILLY (by Afires Heir) Born March 28th

ASTRAL HEIR DEH (by Afires Heir) 2015 Black Colt

PENSIONS GUARANTY DEH (by Pension) 2013 Bay Colt

AMERICAN HEIR DEH (by Afires Heir) 2015 Bay Colt

EMPRESS HEIR DEH (by Afires Heir) 2015 Bay Filly

2017 COLT (by HA Toskcan Sun) Born March 2nd

2017 FOAL (by HA Toskcan Sun) Due in July

TOSKCAN SUNLITE DEH (by HA Toskcan Sun) 2016 Bay Filly

2017 FILLY (by Afires Heir) Born March 16th

(offspring listed below) (Aploz x Firelite DGL by Duel) 2001 Bay Mare

(offspring listed below) (Vegaz x Starr Llight by Reign On) 2008 Chestnut Mare

(offspring listed below) (Pension x Cinzia by Wisdom) 2006 Bay Mare

(offspring listed below) (Pension x Cinzia by Wisdom) 2010 Bay Mare

2017 FOAL (by HA Toskcan Sun) Due in May

HEIRATOSKCA DEH

EMPRESS HEIR DEH

DEFINED BENEFIT DEH

Little Photo

AMERICAN AMERICAN HEIR HEIR DEH DEH

ASTRAL HEIR DEH

PENSIONS GUARANTY DEH

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TOSKCAN SUNLITE DEH

Glory

BEYOND THE SEVEN TIMES NATIONAL CHAMPION

2000 Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure

Dear Mike,

You’ve been a horse trainer for 40 plus years. Thankfully, I’ve had the great pleasure of having you as my trainer for the last seven or so. During these years, you’ve taught me so much about riding; how a horse should feel light and move forward easily, and more. As each amateur does, I always listen for your approval or words of encouragement as I go by you in the ring. I quickly learned, I usually couldn’t hear you! If you are laughing hard, that means you are very worried or nervous. No words come out, you just giggle! It took me a while to figure that one out! Together, we managed to get me around the show ring, with some very nice accomplishments, and we formed a friendship that I will always cherish. When your business dynamics changed, and you were on your own, you trusted me to help you get the new business going. I loved getting everything ready for the shows. When you had the heart attack at the Region 4 show, the entire Whelihan Team, became frozen in time, waiting for you to recover. You gave us such a scare, all we could do was pray. Eventually, our prayers were answered, and you were back. Your impaired vision was a major obstacle in daily life, and in your work as a horse trainer. Together, with the help of many people, we continued the work of Whelihan Show Horses and finished out the show season at U.S. Nationals. I was honored to accompany you to the show and got to see firsthand the reactions from all your friends throughout the U.S. and Canada who were waiting to see Mike Whelihan! The support you received confirmed the outpouring of respect, love, and friendship, and the desire to help, felt by so many of our fellow Arabian horsemen. Thank you for teaching me to ride, thank you for trusting me with your business, thank you for being my very dear friend, and thank you for being you… Gail Leavitt SF BEYOND THE GLORY IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Please contact Michael Whelihan: 360-951-7089 or Gail Leavitt: gmleavitt@msn.com

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T HA

OSKCAN SUN

is a Zodiac Matador grandson and a product of the Whelihan training and breeding program. This multiple National Champion, trained and shown by Jim Stachowski, and owned by Michelle Harris, stands at Stachowski Farms.

ZODIAC MATADOR & Michael Whelihan

Mike Whelihan grew up alongside us in the Arabian horse show world. We reflect back to the early years when we first met Mike. That was when he was working at Karho in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mike was one of the first Arabian trainers we got to know. We watched him work horses and knew we liked his style of training. He was very methodical and consistent; he was known for taking his time to train his horses the right way. Mike has shown some really great horses over the years like Zodiac Matador and Pension, to name just two. Mike is the definition of a true professional; always easy to work with, honest, and truly dedicated to training horses for his clients. We both have great respect for Mike as an Arabian breeder, owner, judge, and trainer. We are happy to be included in this tribute to him and to recognize Mike for his exceptional contributions to our Arabian horse industry. Jim & Peter Stachowski & families Stachowski Farms

HA TOSKCAN SUN & Jim Stachowski

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PURE POPPY with Michael, Wayne & Donna McArthur I have been a client and become a friend of Mike for 30 plus years... during all that time, we have never had a cross word... I respected his thoughts and opinions, and he respected my neophyte thoughts... made me feel good... I think in a previous life Mike WAS an Arabian horse... he thinks like one... reacts like one... anticipates like one... he knows the individual actions and reactions of EVERY horse he rides... The horses ALWAYS come first... clients may want to be where the action is on the show grounds, but that may not be the case... Mike will choose to stable where it is... cooler, warmer, less wind, quieter, or where there are no lights left on all night! Mike is an English Pleasure fanatic... I remember when Country English Pleasure started and Mike wasn't sure he wanted to show in that division... we went on to win a U.S. National Reserve Championship in Freedom Hall with a horse that Mike bred named Pure Poppy... my husband and I were there that night and I have to say it was a thrilling moment for us all... I actually saw him show Western Pleasure... ONCE! He pulled an old, rumpled trash bag out of the dressing room and proceeded to extract an equally rumpled, old, dusty, black western hat out of it! Results... I don't recall... In his personal life, Mike is very guarded.....not in a bad way at all... he is humble and honest... when he is not looking after your horse, and has time, he is really quite funny and a bit of a tease... I know Mikeâ€™s family, both of his parents are proud and supportive of him... he absolutely is besotted by his grandchildren and is going to make grandson, Austin, the next Tiger... The thirty plus years I have been in "Arabs" have completed my life... I was lucky I found my passion... many "Arab" people feel the same way... I found my passion and Mike to help me along the way... Karma...by the way... wouldn't that be a great name for a horse... Karma! I better phone Mike to start looking ... Thank you and best wishes always... Donna & Wayne McArthur High Point Farm

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We always saw Michael as not only a trainer, but as a breeder, indeed a breed-improvement contributor, of significance. It would be impossible to count the number of English horses that reached the show ring because of Michael, or won national championships that were not shown by him or his immediate clients. We believe Zodiac Matador achieved historic impact on the breed because of Michaelâ€™s firm belief in those bloodlines. An excellent teacher and communicator, Michael always had, and articulated in his own highly-effective way, a plan for each horse, rider, lesson, or show class. He understood that the related bills needed to be paid. We fondly remember a class at the Buckeye when, after a long hiatus from driving classes, Michael brilliantly showed one of our mares to a unanimous pleasure driving championship. This led to future driving championships for us, as well as his other clients. A high point was Carol and Michael selecting RB Secret Toi from a big herd of horses at twenty five below zero. Thank you, Michael, for many successes of various types and many fond memories. Carol Dorin & Mark Dorin

RB SECRET TOI & Carol Dorin

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Dear Mike, Our breed is so lucky to have your talent. When we think of the definition of a true horseman, you fit the description perfectly. We wish you all the best and we are truly honored to call you our friend. Love, Dick, Lollie & Lara Ames Cedar Ridge Arabians

In Memoriam Charles R. Knowles (1925–2017)

Charles passed peacefully on April 14, 2017 in Scottsdale. He is survived by three sons, Ronald, Harvey and Gregory; grandchildren and great grandchildren. His wife of over 60 years, Trudy, passed in 2008. Charles loved his family and especially loved the time he spent with all the breeders and trainers at Arabian horse shows. He will be missed by all.

Stanley White Sr. (1936-2017)

Stanley G. White (80) of Citra, Florida, and owner of Stanley G. White’s Grandeur Arabians in partnership with his beloved wife, Kitty, entered into his eternal rest Monday morning, April 3, 2017. Stanley was born in Waverly, Virginia in 1936 to E. Carl Sr. and Annie. He married his high school sweetheart Kitty in 1953, and together they built a family dynasty of horse trainers and exhibitors through their sons Stan Jr., and Steve. Stanley rose to be a giant in the training, breeding, and showing of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses, winning numerous National and Regional championships throughout the United States and Canada. Stanley brought joy and pride to the hundreds of owners who entrusted him with their prize Arabians. He began his professional training career under the employment of the late Arabian legend, Bazy Tankersley in 1962. In 1968 he moved his family to Michigan for his newfound position as trainer/manager of Don Ford’s Lancer Arabians. In 1980, Stanley and Kitty founded their own facility, Stanley G. White’s Grandeur Arabians. Under those majestic oaks just south of Citra, Stanley and Kitty continued to breed, train and show Arabian champions until the recent passing of their partner and son, Steve in 2016. A world renowned horseman, Stanley trained in dressage with the famed Captain Heyer, and also taught Arabian horse judging. Through his conduct of countless clinics, he helped establish the AHA judging school and its foundation. Stanley was inducted into the Region 12 Hall of Fame in 2013, and The Arabian Horse Association Judges Hall of Fame in 2015. Together with Kitty, they received the APAHA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He was a tireless giver of his time and talents for the benefit of others. A self-made man and incomparable friend and mentor to hundreds, Stanley’s greatest love and dedication was reserved and delivered to his beloved wife Kitty, their sons Steve and Stanley Jr., and extended family. Fittingly, a horse drawn carriage carried Stanley to his final resting place. Contributions can be made in Stanley’s memory to the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund.

Minni Moons Star (1986-2017)

During a storied horse shopping trip in California, Chris Wilson and Lyric Laughlin stumbled upon a talented Half-Arabian English prospect, when looking for a purebred gelding for an inexperienced rider. Despite having a “tough” reputation, and not really being what they were looking for, they brought “Mooney” home to Iowa. It was there, at Chris and Lyric’s training operation, that “Mooney” began to reach his full potential. In 1994 he garnered a Canadian Reserve National Championship in Half-Arabian Pleasure Driving; the first national tri-color for Ridgemont. In 1996, he earned Champion Half-Arabian Open English at U.S. Nationals. In 1997, he was purchased by Jeff and Sandy Boyd, for their daughter, Leah Beth to show (& Sandy was his biggest fan). A lot of Mooney’s “toughness” was out by then, but it was still questionable whether Leah Beth, who was in 13 & under at the time, would be able to get Mooney around the ring successfully. In 1998 at Scottsdale, their first show together, they defied the odds and won the Half-Arabian English 17 & Under; it was the beginning of a perfect partnership. They went on that year to win the English 13 & Under at Youth Nationals, and from there, won an additional 6 National Championships and Reserves in Half-Arabian English, Park and Pleasure Driving. They ended their show ring partnership in 2004, in Louisville at U.S. Nationals, going reserve in the Park AAOTR when Mooney was 18. He had so much heart, he loved to work, he loved to show. He would trot through fire if his rider asked him to. He was retired after that class, and remained at ChriShan Park where he was cared for until his death in March of 2017. He is buried in the outdoor arena, next to Second Editions Debut. He was a great show horse, with an even greater personality. He was a snuggler, he loved powdered donuts, and he will be remembered in the highest regard, for all that he gave over the years, by those that knew and loved him. n Ar abian Horse Times | 163 | Volume 48, No. 1

Ar abian Horse Times | 164 | Volume 48, No. 1

Let Us IntrodUce … cat McKenna How did you get involved with the Arabian horse? Through a 4-H group. I met a really wonderful trainer, Deb Nelson, who had an amazing Half-Arabian I could take lessons on. I later purchased this mare and continued to show in 4-H until the Arabian horse show bug bit me. Who was instrumental in keeping your interest in the Arabian industry? Honestly, my interest was kept not by any one individual, but many–both two legged and four legged. The Arabian horse industry is a wonderful community to grow up in and as I aged, my friendships and relationships expanded around the globe. But at the end of the day, it’s showing up at the barn and getting a loud, loving nicker from my horse that keeps me passionate about the Arabian horse. Where in the Arabian horse breed does your strongest interest lie? I have ridden a lot of disciplines over the years, from hunter pleasure and dressage, to reining. I really enjoy just about any great performance horse. All of the different disciplines take so much talent, it’s hard to choose just one. But I really love the feel of an outstanding hunter horse. The ground-covering stride, the powerful movement, and the classic elegance really speak to me. If you could change one thing about the breed, what would it be and why? I would love to see our geldings embraced again. I truly believe they are the cornerstone to our industry’s success. If you were to market the Arabian horse to the general public, where would it be and why? I would start in the 4-H, local community, promoting small schooling shows and lesson programs. I really believe that the horse-obsessed youth of today are the future of our breed. We need to support more programs that make our breed accessible to them. What is your favorite event in the Arabian horse industry? This is a TOUGH question! There are so many wonderful events in our Arabian horse community. I really love introducing people to the Arabian horse, so if pushed, I’d have to say the Arabhorse Farm Tours (although I could be biased because Scott and I started it

when I worked for ArabHorse, and I ran it for almost six years). It’s one of the only events that brings spectators and the general public intimately close to the Arabian horse. It also allows us to make new relationships and share our enthusiasm with people who might not have ever seen an Arabian before. I have made many friends from these events, many of whom actually went on to purchase their first Arabian. What is one event you have not attended that you would like to? Another tough question! There are so many incredible events all over the world I’d like to attend. Top on my list currently, is probably the All-Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany. This show always attracts the absolute cream of the crop in breeding stock and the show staff have worked to make the atmosphere truly impressive and captivating. A big party with friends and breeders I admire and the best halter horses Europe has to offer—sounds like a very good time. What impact do you hope to have in the Arabian industry over the next 10 years? I hope to introduce more people to our breed and create more opportunities for newcomers to get involved. I also hope to help many breeders, trainers, and owners develop a sustainable marketing identity without breaking the bank. The promotional opportunities within our community can be overwhelming and sometimes challenging for the newcomer to navigate. I truly enjoy working with newcomers to help develop a plan that will ensure they get the best exposure for their investment. Who do you respect the most in the Arabian horse industry and why? There are so many incredible people in our community who have done extraordinary things for our breed, it is very difficult to list just one. My dear friend, Taryl O’Shea, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Show is one. From running the largest Arabian horse show in the world and getting 300,000+ spectators introduced to our beautiful horses to reaching out to the local community through trail rides and youth activities, she is constantly thinking about how to best serve our Arabian horse breed. I very much look up to her, not only for her accomplishments, but her ability to infect others with her enthusiasm. n

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Calendar Of Events REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 31-June 3, 2017, Region 9 Championships, Fort Worth, Texas. www.region9aha.org June 8-10, 2017, Region 8 Championships, Denver, Colorado. www.aharegion8.org June 13-18, 2017, Region 10 Championships, St. Paul, Minnesota. www.region10arabians.com June 19-24, 2017, Region 4 Championships, Nampa, Idaho. www.aharegioniv.com June 20-25, 2017, Region 2 Championships, Santa Barbara, California. www.ahareg2.org June 21-25, 2017, Region 13 Championships, Springfield, Ohio. www.region13.net June 28-July 2, 2017, Region 14 Championships, Lexington, Kentucky. www.aha14.com June 29-July 1, 2017, Region 6 Championships, Douglas, Wyoming. www.aharegion6.com June 29-July 1, 2017, Region 18 Championship, London, Ontario, Canada. www.region18.on.ca July 5-9, 2017, Region 11 Championships, Lake St. Louis, Missouri. www.aha11.com July 5-9, 2017, Region 15 Championships, Lexington, Virginia. www.region15.com July 6-9, 2017, Region 5 Championships, Monroe, Washington. www.regionv.com July 7-12, 2017, Region 3 Championships, Rancho Murieta, California. www.arabianhorses3.org July 12-15, 2017, Region 16 Championships, West Springfield, Massachusetts. www.region16.org July 26-30, 2017, Region 17 Championships, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. www.region17.com

NATIONAL EVENTS

www.arabianhorses.org

July 22-29, 2017, Youth Nationals, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. August 13-19, 2017, Canadian Nationals, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. September 5-10, 2017, Sport Horse Nationals, Raleigh, North Carolina. October 20-28, 2017, U.S. Nationals, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

November 24-26, 2017, Salon du Cheval World Championships, Paris, France. en.salon-cheval.com *Go to www.arabianessence.com or www.ecaho.org for additional 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.

CORRECTION

On page 43 of the English feature in the May issue, Vol 47, No. 10, Equine Athlete Veterinary Servicesâ€™ name was incorrectly typed.

SHOWS

June 5-10, 2017, Egyptian Event, Lexington, Kentucky. www.pyramidsociety.org September 14-16, 2017, NSH Finals, Springfield, Illinois. www.nshregistry.org September 27-30, 2017, Arabian National Breeder Finals, Scottsdale, Arizona. www.scottsdaleshow.com September 29-October 1, 2017, Minnesota Fall Festival, St. Paul, Minnesota. www.medallionstallion.com

Ar abian Horse Times | 166 | Volume 48, No. 1

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Ar abian Horse Times | 167 | Volume 48, No. 1

Back By Popular Demand!

JULY 2017

2017 YOUTH NATIONALS

YEARBOOK

YOUTH NATIONALS PREVIEW ...

2017 THEME

2 017 T H E M E

Vintage

Y O U R WA Y

Vintage Your Way!

Contact your sales representative today!

Visit with AHT at these events!

THE SOUTHEAST ...

Take a trip into the past, present and future of Southeastern Breeders, Trainers, Owners and their Horses.

Preview

2 016 C A N A D I A N N AT I O N A L S by Ashley Lauren Toye

2017 CANADIAN NATIONALS PREVIEW ... It’s Worth the Trip!

It is time to bring out and wave the white flag with the red maple leaf. Affectionately known as “The Royal Red,” Canadian Nationals is next on the schedule, taking place August 14-21, in Brandon, Manitoba. The second largest city in Manitoba with a population of around 50,000, Brandon is again putting out the welcome mat for our Arabian exhibitors. The Keystone Centre is home to Canadian Nationals and offers a hotel, pub, restaurants, stabling and show rings all under one roof. The Show Commission has worked with the facility staff at the Keystone Centre to increase the size of the Westoba

WORKING WESTERN ... Today’s Leading Horses, Trainers, Owners and Breeders.

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE TODAY

Tony Bergren | 231-286-6085 | tonyb@ahtimes.com Lara Ames | 612-210-1592 | lara@ahtimes.com Wayne Anderson | 612-751-6897 | wayneand@ahtimes.com Lesley Blain | 608-751-2069 | lesley.blain3@gmail.com www.AHTimes.com | 952-492-3213 | 800-248-4637 Ar abian Horse Times | 168 | Volume 48, No. 1

Ring to 91x200 ft.; welcome news to sport horse, dressage, hunter/jumper, western horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, reining and trail exhibitors. Canadian Nationals especially caters to both youth and amateur exhibitors. Youth riders enjoy a full complement of classes from the youngest walk/ trotters to our oldest youth riders, and adult amateurs enjoy entering both the Amateur Owner and Amateur to Ride classes in each division. The amateur reining exhibitors have their usual AOTR purebred and Half-Arabian class plus a levelled class (Non Pro:

Ar abian Horse Times | 176 | Volume 47, No. 2

Experience the Arabian Horse in New York!

MINNESOTA BREEDERS FALL FESTIVAL PREVIEW...

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YOUTH NATIONALS SHOW COVERAGE ... A look at the industryâ€™s future.

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ARABIAN U.S. OPEN CENTRAL PARK PREVIEW...

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Ar abian Horse Times | 170 | Volume 48, No. 1

Index Of Advertisers IIB Farms ........................................................................................................... 87

A AHT Boutique................................................................................................. 167

K Kiesner Training .......................................................................................... 16, 17

Kinnarney, Dr. Joseph ................................................................................. 16, 17

Al Owaidah Arabian Stud .......................................................................... 24-28

Al Shaqab ..........................................................................................................7-9

Lincoln, Karen ....................................................................................18AE (110)

Al Saqran Stud................................................................................................... 37

Leavitt, Gail ..................................................................................................... 158

Aljassimya Farm............................................................................... FC, 2, 3, BC

Al-Sahrae Arabians ........................................................................................... 36 Amazing Horse Woman LLC............................................................................ 5

Arabians International................................................................. 22, 23, 117-120

Arabians Ltd. ...................................................14-15AE (106, 107), 19AE (111)

B Beloveds Farm .............................................................................................IFC, 1

MacDonald, Susan .............................................................................17AE (109)

Maderich, Lynn ................................................................................................. 54

Marlow, Bradley........................................................................................... 16, 17

Maroon Fire Arabians ..................................................................................... 167

McBride, Kevin................................................................................................ 140 Midwest ....................................................................................................... 24-28

Moore, Tom & Elizabeth................................................................................ 137

Carrington, Penny & Laura ............................................................................134

Chrishan Park Arabians ...................................................................................... 5

Cedar Ridge Arabians ..............................20AE (112), 114, 115, 162, 172, IBC

CME Arabian Equities .........................................................10-13AE (102-105)

D Darby Farm ...............................................................................................117-120 Day Dream Arabians, Inc. .................................................................16AE (108)

Dazzo Equine LLC........................................................................................... 91 Deor Farms................................................................................................... 65-68 DePaolo Equine Concepts .......................................................................... 10, 11

Dorin, Mark & Carol ...................................................................................... 161

Dowson, Tracy ................................................................................................. 136

E Empire Group ..............................................................................................34, 35

Nofal Kahook Arabians ...............................................................................56, 57 Pat McGinnis Arabians..................................................................................... 21 PCF Arabians ..............................................................................................38, 39 Phara Farm ....................................................................................................... 116

Prestige Farms LLC ................................................................................152, 153

Psynergy Partners, The ............................................................................117-120

R R.O. Lervick Arabians .................................................................................... 167 Rancho Sonado ............................................................................................58, 59

Risen, Nancy & Bob.......................................................................................... 87 Rose City Arabians ............................................................................................ 90 Royal T Arabians ................................................................................... 21, 29-37

Fertig, Warren & Jan ............................................................................9AE (101)

Frierson Atkinson ............................................................................................ 167

G Garvis, Leslie Palmer ...................................................................................... 132

GRK Farms ..................................................................................................60, 61

H Haras Cruzeiros ................................................................................................. 33

Harris, Pamela ................................................................................................. 138

Scion Arabians .........................................................................................156, 157

Shea Stables ...................................................................................................... 167 Shellbird, Incorporated.................................................................................... 113 Southern Belle Arabians..................................................................... 19AE (111) Stachowski Farm, Inc. ............................................................................... 91, 159

T The Hat Lady .................................................................................................. 167

Tobeck Performance Horses ............................................................................. 92

Hegg, Mrs. Mickey ......................................................................................... 167

High Point Farm.............................................................................................. 160

Varian Arabians ................................................................................................. 55

Hester, Dennis & Madge ................................................................................ 133

Valley Oak Arabians ....................................................................................88, 89

Horsepower Farms LLC .........................................................................154, 155

Vicki Humphrey Training Center .................................................................. 139

IntArah 2017 Dream Embryo Auction.......................................................12-15

Whispering Pines ............................................................................................ 135

Wilkins Livestock Insurers, Inc...................................................................... 167

Ar abian Horse Times | 171 | Volume 48, No. 1

The Ames Family Jordan, Minnesota | 952.492.2537 www.CedarRidgeArabians.com

Best of Luck and Safe Travels to all those “On the Road” in 2017! ~ Dick, Lollie & Lara

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