Sired by Monaco Jullyen V
(Khadillac PGA x PF Kool Elise)
Trained by
Proudly owned by Dan & Suzanne Acevedo
2023 REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE FUTURITY WITH JOE RESER
(KM Bugatti+++/ x May Dancer V, by Sundance Kid V) Proudly owned by Lisa Blackstone Trained by Joe Reser of Shamrock Farms Michele Reser, 574.527.7090
Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Western 2023
Sundance Kid Vx PA Vinchenza Always Proudly owned by Jacqui Reed Trained by Joe Reser of Shamrock Farms Michele Reser, 574.527.7090
REGION 12 RESERVE CHAMPION ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE JUNIOR HORSE WITH JOE RESER REGION 12 SPOTLIGHT FUTURITY CHAMPION WESTERN PLEASURE MATURITY WITH JACQUI REED
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by CAITLIN PIGOTT
They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. But sisters Leslie
In 2022, Milliondollarbaby SF (“Money”) was named National
Doran Sommer and Carrie Doran Fritz feel like they are living a story
Champion in the Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity with Shamrock
that busts that myth. The introduction of their now 4-year-old Monaco
Farms’ trainer Joe Reser. Money (x Im Bringin Sexy Back) is Monaco’s
Jullyen V son Milliondollarbaby SF, to the show arena last year presented
first foal, so having him go national champion at his first national
the possibility he will follow in his legendary father’s footsteps—or hoof-
performance was beyond their wildest dreams.
prints—in more ways than one. “We were just happy to have a Monaco baby in the ring,” Fritz remembered “I still feel Monaco’s absence at every horse show,” Sommer said about
about the day she hugged someone so hard she broke a rib. “I don’t think
the stallion who passed in November 2021. “But I find moments of joy to get
I have ever cheered that loud. Money has huge shoes to fill. We want him
me through. Last year’s U.S. Nationals was full of those joyful moments.”
to be great, but we also want to have realistic expectations.”
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That victory also meant something extra special for Reser. October 2017 was the first time he found himself in the winner’s circle of the Arabian Western Pleasure Open, aboard Monaco, and he came full circle in 2022 aboard Money doing the same thing in the Futurity. Bringing Reser to a “first” national championship is not the only thing this father and son have in common. According to Fritz and Sommer, Money has the same work ethic, goofy personality, and attitude as his father. “The people around Monaco could see his beauty,” Fritz says as she looked off her back porch at Monaco babies playing in a pasture, “but, those of us close to him got to experience his wonderful attitude. Money is just like him in so many ways.”
Melania SF Monaco Jullyen V x Candy Girl V
When asked about their priorities in breeding western horses, the two agree that the aforementioned attitude is most important. They have looked for that, along with other specific physical qualities in the mares they purchase to carry
Monica SF Monaco Jullyen V x Candy Girl V
on Monaco’s pedigree.
Macallan SF Monaco Jullyen V x Candy Girl V
make on the western division. At last year’s U.S. Nationals, they were the listed
Milliondollarbaby SF is not the only mark that Shamrock Farms continues to breeders of three national champions, and owners of two. They will not be selling any of the remaining Monaco Jullyen V straws, but the duo breeds to a variety of other stallions. They are dedicated to producing quality Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses. “With Monaco, we are just trying to make Sheila Varian proud,” Sommer shared in reference to Monaco’s breeder. “We have a lot of gratitude to both her and to Monaco. We want Monaco’s legacy to continue, while still having it feel special and rare.” When talking about Money, Fritz and Sommer are simultaneously nostalgic and excited for the future. While Monaco will always be part of the conversation, which means there will always be some sadness, Sommer’s demeanor shifts when she quietly realizes they can have “Monaco forever” through Money and his other babies. Shamrock Farms will celebrate their fifth U.S. Nationals as their own freestanding training facility this coming fall, and though a lot has changed in those five years, loving their horses as they do their own family, remains a constant.
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Innovative Equine Supplements | Created By A Veterinarian | DePaoloEquineConcepts.com Ar abian Horse Times | 7 | Western 2023
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Emerald J x Mystic Rose BHF
Proudly owned by Laurie & Bill Ferry Multi-Program Nominated Sire Contact Tommy Garland 804.241.1717
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Sired by SF Veraz (Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA) Out of PA Appalonia Dancer (Sundance Kid V x Acappella V) Lisa Gaudio & James Kazanjian 2020 & 2022 U.S. National Halter Breeder Of The Year Multi-Program Nominated Sire, CA, LFS & SCID Clear Contact Tommy Garland 804.241.1717 www.KyrieArabians.com
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InValor there is hope...
Standing at Colonial Downs Training Center Reddick, FL • (334) 790-4189 Owned by Morgan and Renee Pelzman
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Gazal Al Shaqab x Veronica GA AWPA Enrolled Sire Region 12 Spotlight Stallion
Full sibling National Champions WC Khanfidential & WC Khanspiracy (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)
Miss Friendship, “Pepsi,” with Brandi Burroughs
National Reserve Champion WC Legally Blonde (Psytation EA x CT Pina Colada
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Left: I Am A Dun Diva with WC Khanfidential Below: Cindy Beck with WC Khanspiracy
by CAITLIN PIGOTT Life-long equestrian Cindy Beck’s love for breeding horses began in 1981 when she traded a used two-horse trailer for the HalfArabian buckskin filly Miss Friendship (“Pepsi”). Her daughter, Brandi Burroughs, was a young girl at the time, developing the same love for horses her mom had. Decades later this mother and daughter are still enjoying horses together. Beck has bred 44 horses, with an affinity to colored horses. That inspired her program’s name, Winning Colors. One of the most special moments she and Burroughs have in common is winning national championships on horses with the WC initials ahead of their names. “There is no other feeling like it,” Burroughs shared with a smile. “Hearing your name called as the winner is the culmination of years of planning and love.” Beck finds a lot of pride in her small operation and says that her mares are the most important part. “My advice for people is to find the best mare you can,” Beck says. Then pick a horse with a pedigree and conformation who complements her.” Her first mare Pepsi had seven foals who earned eight national championships, and nine reserves. And the Quarter Horse mare I Am A Dun Diva (“Dee Dee”), who Beck purchased in 2010, has proven to be just as impactful on Winning Colors’ reputation.
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Soon after purchasing Dee Dee, Beck had a pivotal conversation with Caralyn Schroter who told her about the up-and-coming breeding stallion PA Kid Khan. His first foal out of Dee Dee resulted in national champion WC Khanspiracy. Since then, this crossing has been replicated six times, resulting in five national championships, and seven reserve national championships. There was always something special about WC Khanspiracy (“Jumbo”) for Beck. “He is my heart horse,” she said about him whom she bought back in 2020 from a previous owner she sold him to. “Jumbo was my first national championship,” Beck reflected on their 2022 Oklahoma
Multi-National Champion WC Just Imagine+// (Le Fire x Miss Friendship):
City victory. “As special as those moments are, we really breed all-around horses. Right now, Jumbo is home while some of his younger siblings are in training. Seeing him every day brings me indescribable joy.”
WINNING COLORS: PROUD BREEDERS OF 16 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS & 18 RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Riskie Business+++// WC Just Imagine+// WC Center Stage+/ WC Ultimatum WC Legally Blonde WC Khanfession WC Khanfidential WC Khanspiracy
One of these siblings is WC Khanvicted (“Chapo”), who is currently at Becker Stables preparing for the 2023 Half-Arabian AWPA Futurity. Beck and Burroughs are very purposeful about the training programs they invest in. Becker Stables has been the most common choice because of their faith in how Becker can optimize a horse’s potential. Moving forward, Burroughs hopes to learn from her mom’s experience and eventually take over the small breeding operation. “I believe in the foundation my mom has created so much that I purchased Fiona from her,” Burroughs stated with admiration. Fiona, formally known as WC Khanfidential, is the only mare to come of the PA Kid
Multi-National Champion WC Center Stage+/ (Psymadre x CT Pina Colada)
Khan x I Am A Dun Diva cross thus far. So, this was an intentional purchase. Her daughter is wise to build on what she has created, because Beck has always had a knack for breeding a successful Half-Arabian. She is extra proud of their success at young ages. She bred consecutive Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Futurity winners in 2005 and 2006. WC Center Stage took the title in 2005, as the first buckskin to win the class. Her mares also produced the National Champion Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Futurity
Multi-National Champion WC Khanfidential (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)
winners in 2019, 2020, and 2021. “I am excited to see what the future brings, “Brandi says to her mom, “but truthfully, all that matters is we have horses who we adore, and we get to share them with each other.” Ar abian Horse Times | 32 | Western 2023
National Champion WC Khanfession (PA Kid Khan x Tiki Command) Multi-National Champion WC Khanspiracy
Multi-National Champion Riskie Buisness+++// with Brandi Burroughs WC Khanvicted (PA Kid Khan x I Am A Dun Diva)
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Home of 2003 AQHA | ABRA | IBHA Dun Stallion 2X World Champion | NSBA World Champion Top 10 Multiple World Champion Producer
2023 Stud Fee $1,000 +Collection fee per shipment $425 +Shipping (actual freight cost)
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Standing at McKinlay & Peters Equine Colbert, WA
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2023 ABRA Hall of Fame Inductee Siring National ABRA High Point Winners & World Champions!
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2017 Perlino Stallion AQHA | ABRA BBP
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2022 AHT OVERALL LEADING OWNER OF NATIONAL WORKING WESTERN WINNERS Wesley & Maddi Larkin
SIN DERELLA WP+// U.S. National Champion H/A Working Cow Horse AATR U.S. National Reserve Champion H/A Reined Cow Horse AATR U.S. National Top Ten H/A Herd Work AATR
SH ELECTRIC GUN+/ U.S. National Champion PB Reined Cow Horse AATR U.S. National Champion PB Working Cow Horse AATR
VG TSATINE+// U.S. National Champion PB Herd Work - Third Consecutive Win U.S. Nationals Champion PB Herd Work AATR - Third Consecutive Win
Owned by Wesley & Maddi Larkin | Nipomo, California | Trained by Wesley Larkin & Andy Camacho Ar abian Horse Times | 47 | Western 2023
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By CATHERINE COLE FERANDELLI
This is a particularly exciting year for Kim and Jim Blevins’ Alistar Arabians and their “dream horse” ASA Scandalous Affair (Always A Jullyen V x Sweet Saphire V). Affectionately known as Scandal, the 2015 homozygous black stallion impeccably exhibits and produces classic Varian bred temperament and type and will debut 2020 progeny in the performance show pen. Case in point is the Blevins’ own homebred 2020 black filly, ASA Mercedes (x ASA Midnight Lucille), currently in training with western pleasure trainer par excellence, Jody Strand.
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“Mercedes was our first Scandal baby,” shares Kim. “Her pedigree is steeped in Varian western pleasure bloodstock. As a yearling, showing in-hand, she outdid herself, winning at the Regional level and a earning a top ten at the 2021 U.S. Nationals. Much of her 2-year-old year was starting under saddle. Now Jody and his daughter/assistant, Megan, are carefully training Mercedes toward a rewarding western pleasure career.” Scandal’s time in the breeding shed is pleasingly busy. Currently Scandal has nine babies on the ground: five purebred and four HalfArabians; two born in 2020, and the remaining seven in 2022. “We’ve quite the variety of mares who’ve been bred to him,” says Kim, “and his unmistakable traits have come through—his stunning beauty, movement and balance.” While breeding their own mares to Scandal has been hugely rewarding unto itself, equally gratifying to the Blevins is having repeat buyers for Scandal breedings for their own mares. “Several foals are expected this year and even more for 2024,” Kim continues. “Considering the majority of his babies were born just last year, returning breeders/owners of great mares who believe in Scandal means so much to us.” Strand’s Arabians client Boni Lavelle is one of those customers, purchasing two AWPA auction breedings to Scandal. “I was researching a breeding stallion for my mare Khalico J, by Khadraj NA,” says Boni, “who has produced two fabulous colts for me by Zefyr. But since Zefyr’s retirement, I needed the ‘next’ great cross, and Scandal is so well put together; plus the photos Kim shared of her Scandal get were proof positive he produces quality from head to toe.” She continues, “Kim’s own stunning Scandal filly out of their Khadraj daughter sealed the deal, so I was thrilled to see Scandal at Jody’s. He took Scandal out and worked him, further convincing me he’s the guy for my mare.” Scandal’s AWPA breedings continue to sell out, and he is a Spotlight Stallion fixture in Region 12’s prestigious Spotlight Futurity program. Considered one of the finest Arabian horse breeding programs in the country, the Spotlight Futurity awards big prize money, paid out concurrently with Region 12 Championship competition. Held at the spectacular World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, Region 12’s early May competition is a top draw event for breeders to showcase their Arabian and Half-Arabian bloodstock in-hand as well as in multiple performance disciplines. Alistar Arabians will debut their 2022 colt ASA Midnight Affair (full sibling to ASA Mercedes) and 2022 bay Scandal filly ASA Oh So Scandalous (x RA Oli Lani, by Khadraj NA) in-hand at the 2023 Spotlight Futurity. No stranger to the show ring, Alistar Arabians actively embraces the versatility of the Arabian horse. “Jim and I are equally passionate when it comes to the English disciplines, native costume and even reining,” Kim explains. “Our Vegaz son, EF Moonshine, displays exemplary temperament—flashily fancy in native costume, yet proper and dignified when shown by our trainer Brooke Fuchs in show hack.” And in the working western discipline of reining, Kim and Jim teamed with multimillion dollar earner, NRHA trainer Craig Schmersal, attaining 2020 Scottsdale HalfArabian Reining Futurity Reserve Champion (post run off for Champion!) with their homebred gelding ASA Dunnit Again (Pale Face Dunnit x ASA Sanas Ebony Dream). His full sibling, ASA Smokin Gladys, is in training for the same class at Scottsdale 2024. Kim concludes, “We have a variety of horses who compete in distinctly different disciplines, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are true believers in letting our horses show us what they do best, and most of all, we love our life; the rewards our horses give back to us are our real life dream.” Pictured left and above top: ASA Scandalous Affair (Always A Jullyen V x Sweet Saphire V); ASA Oh So Scandalous (ASA Scandalous Affair x RA Oli Lani), 2023 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Reserve Champion Auction & Top Ten Yearling Filly (middle); and ASA Mercedes (ASA Scandalous Affair x ASA Midnight Lucille), 2021 Region 12 Spotlight Futurity Champion Yearling Filly ATH (bottom).
Arabian Horse Times 2022 National Western Pleasure Leaders Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National Western Pleasure Champion and Reserve wins. Based off AHA & Canada’s National Championship Supplied Results at end of show
OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. H Verdykt H Son Of A Preacher Man WA WC Khanspiracy 2. DF Khontraban 3. Santa Fe Cool 4. Ahleah TRF Poco Chips SS STLA C Im Fondau 5. Aur Kinda Party BSF Sister Sarah CPH Allstarr Intensity DHA
3 championships, 1 reserve 3 championships, 1 reserve 3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 2 reserves 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves
Rebecca Marr Lori & Chelsea Cantero Cynthia Beck Sarah Boothe Tatjana Patricia Desire Kelch Brooke or Larry Bellville/Barb Beaudoin Flois or Cindy Burrow Franklin Farm LLC Sally or Jamie Leonardini Callie Filetti Laura Koch Jody & Janice Strand
LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. H Verdykt H 2. DF Khontraban 3. Ahleah TRF 4. Intensity DHA 5. Enzperation XX M S Centaur 6. Karmel El Jullyen V PA Lucerne Pshenandoah Saratoga BF Vera Wang
3 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 2 reserves 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships 2 championships 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve 1 championship, 1 reserve
Rebecca Marr Sarah Boothe Brooke or Larry Bellville/Barb Beaudoin Jody & Janice Strand Shamrock Farms LLC Diane McLaughlin Franklin Farm LLC Shamrock Farms LLC Rachel Vaughn Natalie Gaylord Franklin Farm LLC
LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. Son Of A Preacher Man WA WC Khanspiracy 2. Santa Fe Cool 3. Poco Chips SS STLA C Im Fondau 4. Aur Kinda Party BSF Sister Sarah CPH Allstarr 5. Mia Bella Rossa LK PA Canadian Sunrise
3 championships, 1 reserve 3 championships, 1 reserve 3 championships 2 championships, 1 reserve 2 championships, 1 reserve 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 1 championship, 2 reserves 2 championships 2 championships
Lori & Chelsea Cantero Cynthia Beck Tatjana Patricia Desire Kelch Flois or Cindy Burrow Franklin Farm LLC Sally or Jamie Leonardini Callie Filetti Laura Koch Lori-Kay Frye Seth Dixon Dyrvik
Ar abian Horse Times | 52 | Western 2023
OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN SIRES by number of winning get
by number of wins
1. PA Kid Khan 7 2. Khadraj NA (deceased) 5 Sundance Kid V (deceased) 5 3. Ever After NA 3 Versace (deceased) 3 4. Bentley SF 2 Jake Jamaal JCA (deceased) 2 Justify 2 Kharismatic PGA 2 Khash PGA 2 KM Bugatti 2 NYN Hisani 2 Onyx A 2
1. PA Kid Khan 10 Sundance Kid V (deceased) 10 2. Khadraj NA (deceased) 6 Versace (deceased) 6 3. Kharismatic PGA 4 Khontroversy PGA 4 NYN Hisani 4 4. Bentley SF 3 C Our Zeus 3 Ever AFter NA 3 HJ Gold N Fame 3 Jake Jamaal JCA (deceased) 3 Scimaron 3
ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get 1. PA Kid Khan 4 2. Ever After NA 3 Khadraj NA (deceased) 3 Sundance Kid V (deceased) 3 Versace (deceased) 3
by number of wins 1. Sundance Kid V (deceased) Versace (deceased) 2. Khontroversy PGA NYN Hisani PA Kid Khan
6 6 4 4 4
by number of Half-Arabian winning get 1. PA Kid Khan 3 2. Khadraj NA (deceased) 2 Sundance Kid V(deceased) 2
LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included)
by number of winners 1. Joe Reser 2. Brett Becker 3. Josh Quintus Jody Strand 4. Gordon Potts Colby Powell
12 9 8 8 6 6
5. Zane Bucher Stanley White III 6. Ali Brady Cody Gillespie Erica Milligan Caralyn Schroter Steven Scoggins
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5 5 4 4 4 4 4
by number of wins 1. PA Kid Khan 2. Sundance Kid V (deceased) 3. C Our Zeus HJ Gold N Fame Khadraj NA (deceased) Kharismatic PGA Scimaron
6 4 3 3 3 3 3
2022 National Western Pleasure Leaders, continued...
OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses 1. Shamrock Farms LLC 2. Franklin Farm LLC Jeremy or Chelsea Harper 3. Dennis & Linda Clark Natalie Gaylord Nancy Maximuck Abbie Schwarz
4 3 3 2 2 2 2
OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses 1. Frank & Sara Chisholm 6 2. Setting Sun Stables LLC 4 3. Lawrence Jerome 3 4. Cynthia Beck 2 Becker Stables, Inc. 2 Marty Lake or Susan Al-Abbas 2 Sally Leonardini and Jamie Leonardini Gotelli 2 Tenille Nelson 2 Larry Schopf 2 Shamrock Farms LLC 2 Varian Arabians 2
ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS
by number of horses 1. Frank Chisholm 2. Varian Arabians
by number of horses 1. Setting Sun Stables LLC 2. Cynthia Beck Lawrence Jerome Marty Lake or Susan Al-Abbas Sally or Jamie Leonardini Tenille Nelson
6 2
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3 2 2 2 2 2
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Arabian Horse Times 2022 National Working Western Leaders Includes U.S., Mid Summer, Youth and Canada’s National Working Western Champion and Reserve wins (Cutting, Reined Cow, Reining, Western Trail, Herd Work, Working Cow and Ranch Riding). Open/Amateur classes only | Based off AHA & Canada’s National Championship Supplied Results at end of show
OVERALL LEADING ARABIAN & HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. Remi Martin 2. Sure Is A Whiz 3. M Gettin Er Dun 4. Adessa SS 5. Mozarts Roselita RA 6. Zee Kahili 7. Aantonina SF Hott Rockett Megas Silver Bucks 8. Mozarts Cromemercedes
7 championships, 1 reserve Mientje Ploeg or Nicole Brown 5 championships, 2 reserves Dennis or Sally Douglas 6 championships Erin Moore 4 championships, 1 reserve Ashlye Daniel 2 championships, 3 reserves Tracy Dowson 4 championships Lee Cary-Chase 3 championships, 1 reserve Jessica or Carrie Jacobucci 3 championships, 1 reserve Tammy McDonald 3 championships, 1 reserve Lesley Badura 2 championships, 2 reserves Kevin & Judith Jorgenson
LEADING ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. Adessa SS 2. Mozarts Roselita RA 3. Zee Kahili 4. Aantonina SF Megas Silver Bucks 5. Mozarts Cromemercedes 6. Lolitas Jamaal Zee Triple Zee 7. E Zee Slider SH Noble Venture
4 championships, 1 reserve Ashlye Daniel 2 championships, 3 reserves Tracy Dowson 4 championships Lee Cary-Chase 3 championships, 1 reserve Jessica or Carrie Jacobucci 3 championships, 1 reserve Lesley Badura 2 championships, 2 reserves Kevin & Judith Jorgenson 1 championship, 3 reserves Isabella Sobral or Laurie Long 1 championship, 3 reserves Miller Arabians 3 championships Ken & Connie Walling 3 championships Whitney McCord or Emory Rapp
LEADING HALF-ARABIAN WINNERS by number of wins Owner 1. Remi Martin 2. Sure Is A Whiz 3. M Gettin Er Dun 4. Hott Rockett 5. Smoking Gun 6. My Khinda Destinee My Lucky Shamrock SR Ultra Shine 7. Arkys Smart Leo Lad Little Bit Of Boom Shesa Dancing In Dirt Whata Doc Bar TR
7 championships, 1 reserve Mientje Ploeg or Nicole Brown 5 championships, 2 reserves Dennis or Sally Douglas 6 championships Erin Moore 3 championships, 1 reserve Tammy McDonald 1 championship, 3 reserves Becker Stables, Inc. 3 championships Ashlye Daniel 3 championships Gayle Pniak 3 championships Velda Peach 2 championships, 1 reserve Riley or Susan Lallo 2 championships, 1 reserve Tracy Dowson 2 championships, 1 reserve PHD Enterprises 2 championships, 1 reserve Natalie Gaylord
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OVERALL PUREBRED LEADING SIRES by number of winning get
by number of wins
1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 11 2. TA Mozart 10 3. What It Takes 4 4. Al-Marah Matt Dillion 3 Another Hero (deceased) 3 5. Abidon 2 GS Khochise (deceased) 2 Midnte Pleasure L 2 Robby (deceased) 2 Surokhan (deceased) 2 TA Khalil 2 Zee Mega Bucks 2
1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. TA Mozart 3. What It Takes 4. Another Hero (deceased) SVS Fornaio 5. GS Khochise (deceased) PA Gazsi TA Khalil Zee Mega Bucks 6. Aabsolut Al-Marah Matt Dillion Jake Jamaal JCA (deceased) Mexicali Mac V Zee Impressive
23 22 7 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4
ARABIAN LEADING SIRES by number of Arabian winning get 1. TA Mozart 7 2. Hesa Zee (deceased) 5 3. Another Hero (deceased) 3 4. Midnte Pleasure L 2 Surokhan (deceased) 2
by number of wins 1. TA Mozart 16 2. Hesa Zee (deceased) 9 3. Another Hero (deceased) 6 4. PA Gaszi 5 5. Aabsolut 4 Jake Jamaal JCA (deceased) 4 Mexicali Mac V 4 Zee Impressive 4 Zee Mega Bucks 4
by number of Half-Arabian winning get 1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 6 2. What It Takes 4 3. TA Mozart 3 4. Al-Marah Matt Dillon 2
LEADING OPEN TRAINERS (Top Ten included)
by number of winners 1. Jim Hitt 2. Jessica Bein Anita Dublin Skylar Powell
10 8 8 8
3. Jesse Chase Gary Ferguson Crystal McNutt Colby Powell Eddie Ralston Deb Witty
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6 6 6 6 6 6
by number of wins 1. Hesa Zee (deceased) 2. What It Takes 3. SVS Fornaio TA Mozart
14 7 6 6
2022 National Working Western Leaders, continued...
OVERALL LEADING OWNERS by number of horses 1. Tracy Dowson 3 Catherine Cole Ferandelli or Alexis Irene Cole 3 Wesley & Madelena Larkin 3 Marsha Tindall 3 2. Lee Cary-Chase 2 Ashlye Daniel 2 Mack or Dulcie Elwood 2 Clara or Emma Fullilove 2 Patricia Gerdes 2 JSN Equine Enterprises LLC 2 Riley or Susan Lallo 2 Tammy McDonald 2
Theresa McKinzie 2 Sharon McLean 2 Miller Arabians 2 Michelle Pease-Paulsen 2 PHD Enterprises 2 Carol Roberts 2 Shaylin Sharpe 2 Gabrielle Sitomer 2 Mignon Stetman 2 Lyra Waggoner 2 Kathie Williams-Baity 2 Thomas or Kay Wright 2
OVERALL LEADING BREEDERS by number of horses 1. Eleanor Hamilton 10 2. Cedar Ridge Arabians 6 Sage Hill Arabians 6 3. Wolf Spring Ranches, Inc. 5 4. Buckshot Farms 4 5. Kathie Williams-Baity 3 David or Jessica Bein 3 Megan Francis 3 Susan Fyfe 3 Dusty Morgan 3 Kimberly Kirk Tillman 3
ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS
HALF-ARABIAN LEADING BREEDERS
by number of horses 1. Cedar Ridge Arabians 2. Kathie Williams-Baity Eleanor Hamilton Dusty Morgan 3. David or Jessica Bein Susan Fyfe Miller Arabians Sage Hill Arabians
by number of horses 1. Eleanor Hamilton 2. Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc. 3. Sage Hill Arabians 4. Buckshot Farms 5. Cedar Ridge Arabians Megan Francis Sandy Rebalkin Hester Linda Jacobs Patricia Jan Kearney Becky Poplin Ronald Scott or Carolyn Gipson Kimberly Kirk Tillman
4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
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7 5 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Western pleasure TODAY’S
TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS•AMATEURS
“The Arabian is by far the most beautiful western pleasure horse of any breed.” —Ali Brady
Ar abian Horse Times | 59 | Western 2023
Morgan Moore MLM ARABIANS How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Cadence, balance, hind leg engagement, and thoughtful/willing expression all play in to the finished aesthetic of a beautiful Arabian western pleasure horse. They should look smooth to ride, responsive, and attuned to their riders. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? The AWPA program has not only driven more interest in breeding western pleasure horses, but has helped encourage more diligent, focused form-to-function breeding. We are seeing more quality young horses enter the arena than ever before who are exceptional movers, beautiful, and conformationally correct. It is exciting to see horses that raise the bar each and every year and this program is the motivation for many to breed great prospects. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? There are so many incredible horses that come to mind for me, but the one that was most inspirational for me from a breeding perspective was Onyx A. He is one of the few horses to capture the champion titles at three of our historically most prestigious events: Scottsdale, Canada, and U.S. Nationals. He was and is an exceptional athlete. When I decided to breed a horse for western pleasure specifically, he was the first outside stallion I selected. His Open win at U.S. Nationals will always be one of my favorite presentations in western pleasure.
Hillary Boothe HILLARY BOOTHE TRAINING AT PROMISES RANCH LLC Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Bosal and bridle horses both have their own unique feel and experiences. I enjoy either and find them both to provide their own form of communication with the horses. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? A pleasure horse needs to easily do its job in the arena. Nothing needs to be forced, pushed, or demanded. This comes with the horse’s burning desire to perform and the joy the horse finds when working. Pleasure horses should enjoy the rider while the rider enjoys the pleasure horse. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? I love Woods Western for my show clothes! But for an obsession I would have to say my bit collection that is insane and grows every show! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? The AWPA gives the junior horses and stallions a spotlight. I feel that any classes that promote correct conformation and suitability is important. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? True jogs, true lopes, the ability to move out and enjoy working the class. Western horses aren’t just slow and meandering, but also fluid and forward when needed. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? I’d probably say, Habanero. LaRae’s style of training him allowed him to show so soft and true. He has a great stride in the lope and her cowgirl gallop was the best! It’s something we should all be striving for.
Ar abian Horse Times | 60 | Western 2023
Dwane Hankins COLONIAL DOWNS TRAINING Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? I love a bridle horse. I have a system that rolls the horses up making them beautiful, but at the same time very amateur friendly. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Quiet mouth, quiet tail, soft, but not afraid of the bridal. Great balance can all be achieved without forcing. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? A good lunge in a short ride in the show pen and one more lunge before the show if I need it. I don’t like to be on them a long time; their necks get tired. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? I think it’s extremely important. It ups the value of our horses tenfold. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? The quality and the movement of our horses today is amazing. Let’s keep it how it is. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? DR All Keyed Up. This western horse won many national championships for Frank and Sharon Stathopoulos.
Linda Clark LONG MEADOW ARABIANS Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Since most of my riding has been on bridle horses, I am most comfortable on these horses. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? I really prefer little warm up prior to my class. I want to make sure I am prepared prior to the show and then just go in when the gate opens. Too much warm up causes me to think too much or overthink! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? The AWPA classes have given breeders an opportunity to showcase their stallions and earn payouts. With the continuing expenses of both showing and breeding, it is good to have the opportunity to offset some of those expenses with these classes. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? I believe we still have too many western horses that look intimidated in the show ring. It all gets back to owners allowing this to happen with their horses. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? It is difficult to pick one horse that exemplifies the western horse, but I love the look of softness that we see in the Versace-bred horses.
Ar abian Horse Times | 61 | Western 2023
Ashley Reimer Carpio ABCENTRE Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Bosal horses! I love riding the babies and being part of their progression. Plus, riding one-handed is hard! What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Connecting with your horse and shaking off any nerves. By that point, you either know how to ride your horse, or you don’t, so I think it’s more about getting a feel for how they’re feeling at that moment. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? I’m always scouting for a new outfit. You can never have enough! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? I think the AWPA has done a lot to increase the value of our young horses. It has increased awareness of up-and-coming sires and driven home the concept of form to function. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? In recent years, Monaco Jullyen V is the horse that comes to mind. Beauty, athleticism and trainability. He was nearly unbeatable in both the open and amateur fields for many years, and we’re now seeing a few of his babies hitting the ring with great success.
Kim Stevenson ABCENTRE What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Keeping myself calm and relaxed - focus on my breathing. I find the more relaxed I am, the better my horse performs. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? I love show clothing that is different from what anyone else is wearing - that goes for anything from the Trail Pen to the Western Pleasure ring. I definitely like to stand out from the crowd! There are a few designers that I work with that know it is going to be a “fun one” when I call for a new outfit! For my western pleasure top that is currently being made, I saw a top a concertgoer was wearing at Coachella - took a photo of it - and asked my designer if she can make this into a western pleasure top (she said, yes!). I cannot wait to see the finished product! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? Extremely! The AWPA Futurity classes have record entries at U.S. Nationals and both the purebred and Half-Arabian Finals showed off the incredibly talented group of young western pleasure horses that are being bred. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? Grow the Arabian horse show industry - not only for western pleasure, but for all disciplines. Building off the response above, one way to do this is to offer more prize money or other incentives for exhibitors. Perhaps some prize money for the non-Junior Horse categories? With record entries in the AWPA classes, why not build off that and offer prize money incentives for all exhibitors? What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? When I was a young girl, I cut out photos of Khemosabi from my Arabian Horse World magazines and pinned them to my bedroom wall. He was a favorite of mine because of his natural talent and his ability to pass on his talent to his offspring. My western pleasure mare is out of Monticello V - he is also one of my favorites, for many of the same reasons as Khemosabi. Both were/are known for their calm and gentle temperament, which they each passed/pass on to their offspring. Monticello V has Khemosabi in his bloodlines, so of course, I sought out a horse with both of these icons in their pedigree!
Ar abian Horse Times | 62 | Western 2023
Morgan & Renee Pelzman HOLLY HILL FARMS, LLC Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? We haven’t ridden many bosal horses, mostly because we take our time bringing horses along, so they’re usually in the bridle by the time we feel they’re really solid and ready to show. I wish younger horses didn’t get penalized for being shown in a snaffle. It’s been our experience that bosal horses don’t always transition as well to the bridle, but good snaffle bit horses almost always do. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? If I have to make a horse look like it’s a pleasure, we’re probably not going to own it or show it. A good western pleasure horse must be naturally soft-moving, quiet-minded and responsive but not over-reactive. You can’t make them be that way. Either they are, or they aren’t. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Let Morgan warm them up. It’s one of the perquisites of motherhood and senior citizenship! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? Does the AWPA help with the breeding of top-quality WP horses? The nomination certainly adds to the sale value of a young horse, but at the end of the day, variables like talent, temperament and trainability affect just about everything else. Not everyone can afford to have their horse shown by the top western pleasure trainers and there aren’t enough of those trainers to go around anyway. There have always been great western pleasure horses and there will always be great ones. The AWPA is a marketing strategy. Yes, our young stallion GA Valor is nominated, along with however many other halterbred horses, but we just can’t say for certain that overall the program has made a significant impact on the quality of the horses. The program is still fairly young, so time will tell. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? That our purebreds need to be massive to perform well. A horse and its rider should look like they fit well together. Perhaps it is a trend, just like black horses are now, but a classic never goes out of style. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? There were/are so many nice horses out there past and present, but love the Fame VF sire line for the beauty, talent and exceptional temperament they bring to the table. Also MK Goldrush, who won many top awards. Rush was the real deal - slow-legged, slow-brained and like riding a couch!
Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Bridle, because I want the control expected of a broke horse. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Quiet mind, level relaxed neck, a tendency to be slow legged and never jumpy. It must be their natural desire to be this way or forget it. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Slow progression to a supple relaxed horse is what’s needed. Rushing the warmup rarely works out well. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Anything Harris. Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. They are comfortable to wear all dang day. I prefer Luchesse.
Gena Loper
DUNSNROSES RANCH LLC
How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? For me, it’s everything!
Ar abian Horse Times | 63 | Western 2023
Ali Brady ABCENTRE Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? I have always had a passion for starting the babies, so I would have to say a bosal. I love getting a clean slate and building a strong rapport and trust with each horse. However, I do love the bridle horses as well. It is very rewarding to see the growth and maturing of horses with their amateur owners long-term. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? I like my horses to be happy and comfortable, I feel it shines through in their performance. I like ears forward, quiet tail, and free flowing movement. I listen to my horses and address any issues they may have that makes them act less than pleasurable. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? I like to do my homework before the warm up. If they need to be made a little sharp, or work on their energy level, I work on that beforehand. I want to leave the warm up as short and stress-free as possible. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? I feel the AWPA program has added substantial value and marketability of western horses for the breeders. It has also heightened the awareness and appreciation of the western discipline by adding much needed sheer entertainment for the people in the stands. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? The Arabian is by far the most beautiful western pleasure horse of any breed. I believe it is important to keep the focus on proper gaits and movement. The overall picture of a beautiful western horse is the softness and the cadence of his stride as much as it is hooked off the bridle. I feel it is important to not sacrifice one for the other, the whole picture needs to have proper balance. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? I will never forget watching the beauty and grace of Clarisse PR and Gary Dearth riding to their U.S. National Reserve Championship Western Pleasure Jr. Horse win in 2008. It was a vision of elegance, softness, and ease that I will forever strive for. Presently, I believe combining the power, balance, and substance of Khadraj NA with the trainability, length and shape of neck, and size of Sundance Kid V has elevated our breed standards to a new level.
Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? It is always fun to watch the young horses grow in the bosal, but nothing beats a great bridle. The connection and precision that you can achieve with a good bridle horse can feel like the ride of a lifetime. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? The horse needs to be smooth gaited and a willing partner. It needs to look like the horse and rider could do it longer than the few minutes required in the class. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? A good warm up will vary between horses and riders, but the key is to put the horse and rider team in the best position to be successful in the ring. For some that may mean a quick warm up before they head to the in gate; for others it may require more time for the rider to get comfortable and work off any pre-show jitters.
Steven Scoggins LONG MEADOW ARABIANS
Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. Any boots that feel broken in on day one. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? Monaco Jullyen V. Ar abian Horse Times | 64 | Western 2023
Laura Ramsey Blackburn RANDY SULLIVAN TRAINING CENTER Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? This is a fantastic question! It depends on the horse. Necks that are a little too long or a little too short are easier to deal with in the bosal for me. The perfect neck and a really broke horse you can ride off your legs, bring on the bridle and all the drape that can come with it! How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? I find it’s good to think about the traits I must have. Relaxed seat, confidence in the preparation, a mindset of belief in the horse. The horse can move square off all four legs with impulsion and a pretty headset with a soft jaw; that helps but it’s really our job to trust they will be a pleasure, not second guess them or pick at them and try to softly correct or cover a bit when the bobbles pop up. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? I like a brief warm up as soon as possible in the horse’s career that it becomes realistic. I would prefer to get the horse loose but not ask for too much before I really want to ask for it all in the class. Keep it positive, don’t make the horse crabby. Think about what the goals for the class are and then work towards those attainable goals. Not every class needs to be a swing for the fences and the same goes for the warm up. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? I love the tooled hats out right now and think they add a fun new spin on the western look. I like Harris tack and the monogrammed headstalls they do. This feels like a high point in western fashion; so many fun looks and people embracing what they feel good in. I am here for that, and I am always here for all the sparkles. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? Extremely important. Winning is fun but winning money is really fun. Incentivizing competitions increases the value of the animals and makes breeding more financially feasible. The industry needs more quality babies hitting the ground every year from diverse breeding perspectives. Those babies need to be marketable, valuable and have earning potential. The AWPA is key to making that happen. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? I love a great moving, beautiful mare with a lot of substance and a great neck like Vera Wang or PA Maya. The OG great for me was/is C A Hermoso.
Donna Clay Lubben RANDY SULLIVAN TRAINING CENTER Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? As a former English rider, the bosal just makes sense to me. It’s a comfort zone I am used to. I feel balanced and more in sync. How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? For me, smooth and true gaits are key. Chemistry between horse and rider. If you are lucky enough to have this, the rest will come. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? I rely on the expertise of my trainers. Each horse requires a different routine.
How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? Being relatively new to the Arabian breed I find the AWPA so exciting. The anticipation of it all is thrilling. I will say the Arabian community does this right. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? As I was learning about the breed and disciplines, I found myself attracted the Jerome line of horses. I have a bit of a sweet spot for them.
Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. My old Arita paddock boots. Have had them for years, just put new soles on them. Some things are hard to part with. Ar abian Horse Times | 65 | Western 2023
Laurie Heaton Ferry GARLANDS
Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Both! We get to use two hands with the bosal, and I love the journey of starting with a young horse. But I have enjoyed the bridle horses too ... the feeling of riding so independently on a well-trained bridle horse is like nothing else! How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Keep things “soft” and fluid if you want it to look like a pleasure. The horse needs to be pretty, have great movement, have a shapely neck, and a happy attitude. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Staying focused on my horse and my ride ... not letting the others warming up get in my head! Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. Ariat paddock boots with elastic sides. No zipper, no laces. Comfy! How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? It’s become a huge deal! Kudos to the founders! What a great program. Unfortunately, my horse is not in the program, and I almost didn’t buy him because of that. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? Boy, I’d sure like to see us get back to a true and fluid moving western horse. The stilted gaits have become too extreme and don’t look like a pleasure for the horse.
Sarah Paripovich
SARAH PARIPOVICH TRAINING Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? I prefer bridal horses. There is definitely an art in giving the appearance of an effortless ride while in actuality, there are so many components to riding on a drape. Arabian horses are hot blooded animals and aren’t naturally slow and low. To be able to teach them this, and then do it essentially no handed, is really quite amazing! How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? The horse needs to respect boundaries, but not fear them. Fear of the rider, bit, or spur leads to jerky movement. I like the picture to flow. The horse needs to move forward, with fluid motion. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? Don’t ride your class in the warm up! I made this mistake once, and the judge said that to me in the line up. I will never forget it! Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Not really an obsession, but I do have to clean my own show tack. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? It’s been an amazing addition to the breed! It promotes marketability for young horses and encourages people to breed. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? Before I ever started showing Arabians, my parents would go down to Scottsdale for the last weekend. If Bob Hart was showing Rohara Moonstorm, I would insist that my dad video him schooling and showing. I couldn’t get over how easy it looked for this horse! Bob probably thought my dad was a creepy stalker, but I will never forget watching the videos, wishing I could make a horse look like that.
Ar abian Horse Times | 66 | Western 2023
Tommy Garland GARLANDS How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? First thing is the overall happiness of the horse. If they are enjoying their job, moving forward and flowing through the gaits, they will look relaxed and expressive through their ears—that is what makes it look like a pleasure to ride. My dad always told me if he stood 15 feet off the rail with his back turned, he shouldn’t hear the horse lope by; softness is key. So many believe a draped rein means softness; to me it’s about quality of movement and confidence in what is expected of the horse in order to move lightly through what is being asked of them. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Both, in fact. I have used Harris saddles since 1994, when I got my first light colored saddle and won my first Region 12 open western class in it. I swear by this brand and the quality is incredibly consistent. I’ve never sat in a Harris saddle I didn’t like. As for clothing, I’m know for my wild shirts in the western ring; almost all of them are Robert Graham. These shirts really have helped me put a stamp on my brand as a western trainer. Everyone looks for my wild shirts, to the point when I wear a solid shirt, I get questioned about the absence of my wild designs. To me that’s just part of the fun as a trainer, I get a new shirt for each horse and when that horse retires or moves from my program, I almost always retire the shirt as well. Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. I have a lot of different boots but my favorite are the pair I inherited from my dad when he passed away. I don’t know what brand they are, and they aren’t anything special to look at, but they hold a lot of meaning for me. I remember not knowing if they’d fit and then how good it felt when I put them on and they fit like a glove. I don’t wear them often but when I do, I can feel my dad’s presence. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? I think it is a great program and it definitely brings attention to the young western horses. I do think the nomination process is a bit confusing and expensive so many people don’t take advantage of the program because they don’t want the hassle of figuring out how to properly nominate their foals. As a result, a lot of good horses miss out on the opportunity to show in this class. What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? I really think the drape, especially for amateurs, has been very detrimental to our breed. There are only a select group of horses and amateurs that can truly ride well on a drape. If we could just have a light contact, we would open our western division back up to more amateurs for ones that aren’t confident riding on a drape or can’t afford one of the small percentages of horses that are talented enough to ride on a drape well. It would be beneficial for our horses as well. We wouldn’t have to lunge so much, and more horses would be showable and marketable if they could just get a little help from some light contact. In my opinion, many of these horses would move better as well if they weren’t expected to go around with no contact at all. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? To me, as a junior horse, SF Georgia really changed the game with how soft and elegant she was in the bosal. She’s a beautiful mare that really exemplified what a well-trained bosal horse could be like. As far as an open horse, I’m biased but Holdin Aces; incredibly trainable, soft moving and always willing to do his job. He enjoyed his work as much as I did and that made it easy to teach him. Everything a trainer could ever ask for, that horse was willing to give me.
Ar abian Horse Times | 67 | Western 2023
Jacqui Reed SHAMROCK FARMS LLC Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Being a part of the growth that happens with bosal horses is very rewarding. They change so much from the beginning of their 3-year-old year to the end of their 5-year-old year. It’s fun when they begin to understand what their job is and want to do it right. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class? It’s truly dependent on each horse and rider combo. For me, I don’t like a very long warm up. I prefer to have my trainer get my horse going well, then I’ll get on and briefly do each gait both ways, then I like to go in. I hate standing around in the middle waiting. I also appreciate positive coaching from my trainer as I am going into the arena. Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession? Both. For tack, saddle pads are such a fun way to have a personal expression of style. I have way too many saddle pads stacked up in my house from when I showed Ranch Riding. There’s just a never-ending choice of color combos you need! For clothing, the obsession with boots is a real problem. Tell us about your favorite pair of boots. I can’t choose a favorite pair, but I do love the brand Tin Haul. The different designs they create for the soles are so fun! I have several pair, and while they may not be the most comfortable boots I have, they do allow me to express my personality and are often conversation starters. How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding? The AWPA has been an incredible organization to be a part of. We work hard to promote the stallions enrolled each year, and make sure the classes are must-see events at the shows. This promotion has really encouraged breeders of all sizes to choose participating stallions and nominate their in-utero mares. Over 300 mare nominations have been submitted for the past five years. With people breeding specifically to produce winning western horses, the quality of ALL the entries is very high. What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline? I always enjoyed watching Monaco Jullyen V show. You could tell he enjoyed his job and he made it look so incredibly easy. Monaco, Joe and Leslie all made it look like it was a true pleasure out in the arena.
Ar abian Horse Times | 68 | Western 2023
Western WORKING
TRAINERS•OWNERS•BREEDERS•AMATEURS
Katie Russell MICHAEL DAMIANOS PERFORMANCE HORSES If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges? Ranch Riding has exploded over the last couple years-across many breeds. I watched some of the classes and saw how much fun people were having and thought I’d like to try it too. The riders and horses are all having a great time. I’m having a blast learning a new discipline! What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? A willing, good-minded and great moving horse. A ranch horse should do their job efficiently, with a willing relaxed/happy attitude. A nice forward moving horse is paramount, too. Soft, with ears up and enjoying the ride. If you know your horse struggles with a particular maneuver/element in a pattern, how do you correct it? Practice. Repeat. Practice! What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class? Enough time to warm up, staying relaxed and listening to your trainer. Ar abian Horse Times | 69 | Western 2023
Michael Damianos MICHAEL DAMIANOS PERFORMANCE HORSES If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges? No division requires a larger variety of talents by the horse than the ranch division. If you are enamored by a beautiful, charismatic, athletic, responsive, graceful, brave, mentally focused, stalwart horse - then riding a ranch horse is your passion. The beauty of the patterns is that collectively the maneuvers offer something for every talent of a ranch horse. One way to prepare is to actually do ranch work with your horse. If you want to stand out in the pattern, you need to ride a horse that is fit and looks up to the challenge of ranch work. I believe it is better to look good or very good at every maneuver than excellent at a few. That way you display the versatility of your horse and appear confident. That requires promptness without looking rushed or pushed. The rider also needs to be spatially aware in the show pen in order to lay down an effective and attractive presentation. What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? Preparation and experience. In order for a horse or a ride to be great, they both have to develop a muscle memory, just like professional athletes. The right moves and actions must be reflexive to achieve excellence. That requires frequent, but not overwhelming preparation. Secondly, the cruelest, but most effective teacher is experience. No horse or rider ever got good staying home. It requires an inventory of experiences in the show ring to become good. Will Rogers said, “Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.” Truer words were never spoken. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class? Before you swing a leg over a horse, know your pattern inside and out. Even then there will be days of mental lapse. Look at the arena and plan your pattern out. When you mount up, understand your horse needs to loosen up before competition just like you do. Picture your run in your head and repeat mentally to yourself what you need to do at each part of the pattern. Walk the pattern if you find it helpful. Remember, your goal is to be the best you can be. Never consider what you have to do to beat your competitor. Watch one or two runs before you, but not more. Watching too much just clouds your judgement. Never try something new you saw someone else do. Wait until you get home. Finally, never get in a fight with your horse before the class. Horses are incredibly perceptive and if you have angst or are stressed, your performance will be impaired. If given the chance to be in a scene of any western TV show, who would your character be and who would you share the screen with? I’d be some kind of horse whisperer. I would share the screen with my wife, Dawn. I couldn’t find a better leading lady than the one I already have! What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline? For me, TR Despret For Achic+// (Desperado V x Smart Chic Olena daughter) was like no other. He was a national champion in English and western trail more than once. He could win the reining and the ranch riding and work a cow as well as anyone. He had the best characteristics of both the Arabian and the Quarter Horse. He was great in the arena and he was great doing ranch work. He was handsome in western tack and very photogenic. I miss him every day.
Ar abian Horse Times | 70 | Western 2023
Gary Ferguson
Connie Schmidt Walling
If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges? The ranch riding has for our barn, given the reiners another way to compete. It allows us to take our horses into the arena at a slower and not as intense pattern and helps keep them fresh in the reining pen. Ranch riding puts great emphasis on the transitions, and a horse has to be well trained to make their transitions smooth and effortless.
What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? Good sportsmanship and work ethic.
SLIDE TO WIN
ROCK HILL LAND AND LIVESTOCK
What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? On the horse side of things, a horse must be relaxed and be able to put together multiple steps on que. Ranch riding and ranch rail require a good moving horse with good balance and natural headset. If you know your horse struggles with a particular maneuver/element in a pattern, how do you correct it? Generally, if a horse is struggling with a specific maneuver, it is not the maneuver itself, but about something missing from your training element. I will go back to whatever body part or training segment to fix what is occurring in that maneuver. What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class? For me I do not practice the pattern. I will practice the individual transitions and get my horse reacting to my ques and body. How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding? We are supporting the AWWA with donating breedings for the auction as well as trying to help grow the working western arena. It would be great to see more Arabian enthusiasts breeding this direction. What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline? We call Arkys Smart Leo Lad (The Arkangel x Smart Leo Lady) THE GOAT. This horse has won National titles for several years now in the Open, Non-Pro, Youth and even outside the AHA in the NRHA. He to us is what we would like to close for our next group of babies.
What trends are worth investing in and which ones don’t you like? The working western disciplines are very important, especially for the amateur rider. Amateurs want an enjoyable place to show their horse. Exorbitant clothing and tack aren’t needed or encouraged. A willing equine partner that is well trained and capable of performing within the designated discipline is what matters most. I have never liked breeding for extreme heads and necks with no regard for soundness, athleticism, and attitude. A successful working horse needs to be trainable, stand up to use, and be able to breathe with large nostrils. It would be great if the show sponsors could offer some clinics at the shows to expose more exhibitors to this fun aspect of Arabians. How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding? I feel the AWWA is important when making breeding decisions. I Lifetime nominated E Zee Slider+// because I felt he could make a valuable contribution to the breed. Working western horses need to be physically sound, with a quiet, willing mind in order to be competitive. AQHA has been breeding specific lines of horses that excel in working western disciplines for quite some time. I think the Arabian breed needs to do likewise. What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline? Some past horses that stand out are Xenophonn, Authenticity, Hesa Zee+/, Khemander Khody + and Rontezza. For present day horses, I am partial to my own horse, E Zee Slider+//. He has multiple national championships and top tens in four different working western disciplines. I also think highly of TA Mozart and Nobles Top Gun.
Ar abian Horse Times | 71 | Western 2023
Contact Becker Stables 530.477.5588 Multi-Program Nominated Sire
Proudly bred & owned by Dr. Marta Wasiak & Dr. Babu Rankupalli
Kharismatic PGA+// x Ladys Dance+//
