Youth
Horse of the Month Winners - 2009
Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations
December
SI PRINCE ALI
"We have to see the Arabians before we leave," my sister Katrina said. We trudged along tiredly. We had been walking around the 2006 Equine Affaire all day long, looking at the different horse booths, trying to decide what's more important to buy for our horses back home. Nobody argued though. We all had a respect and passion for the breed thanks to our older Arabian gelding, Prince, who has taught us so much about the breed. We walked through the aisles until we found what we were looking for. On the wall there was a huge poster of the "Young Black Stallion," which ended up being a picture of WG Priority One. This must be it. We walked down the aisle admiring all the beautiful horses. They had an air about them that commanded your respect and you couldn't get enough just looking at their beautiful dished faces and large, kind, gentle eyes, you had to touch one, to feel as if your part of something bigger than just yourself. As my sister was admiring the black stallion known as WG Priority One, I noticed two little Arab babies sticking their heads out of their stall at the end of the aisle, and that's when I saw him. He was the most beautiful little colt I had ever seen. They called him SI Prince Ali. He was all brown with a big blaze. He was a 5-month-old Egyptian related Arabian colt, a grandson of Ruminaja Ali and a great grandson of Fakher El Din. I reached out to pet him. He had the nicest dished head I had ever seen with the biggest brown eyes and the longest eyelashes. I felt an instant connection with him. As we left that night I couldn't get him out of my mind. My parents saw how much he meant to me. Our Arab gelding at home, Prince was an older gentleman and they had been thinking about getting me a young Arab for a while now. It was the perfect opportunity. We went back the next day and bought him from Stone Image Arabians. We added Shiraz to the end of his name, SI Prince Ali Shiraz.
Shiraz has grown into a handsome three-year-old stallion. To me he is the most amazing, special horse. He has so much love to give me. He is my absolute best friend. If I'm having a bad day I go out to the barn and I know he will be right there listening to me and comforting me. He is the true definition of an Arabian horse: beauty, brains, courage, loyalty, and stamina. He has a stunning pedigree and he never lets me down in the show ring. We always come out with a ribbon. This year he was Hudson Valley All Arabian Horse show freestyle liberty champion and was crowned Massachusetts Arabian halter champion for AHAM. That's not the only reason why he is so special. He has changed a lot of people's perspective on the breed. He is not only and Arabian, but he is a young stallion. I'll bring him to a show or the Equine Affaire and people can't believe he's a stallion. He loves to be the center of attention. People look at him and see how kind he is and they begin to ask more and more questions about the breed. They leave with a new knowledge and a new respect for the breed. It's almost as if Shiraz knows exactly what he's doing. He especially loves kids and is very careful around them. After working with Shiraz, a quarter horse trainer even went as far as to tell me he wanted to start getting into working with the Arabian breed because they are so smart. Shiraz not only makes me very happy he puts smiles on a lot of adults and children's faces, and in the end that's what counts. He is a true role model for the breed.
Christina Bonenfant
November
COUNT DE MONAY
I can't say enough about the times with my Arabian. His name is Count De Monay. (Count The Money.) He is 14.3 hands, and a bay. I was 10 years old when I got him, and he was 23. He used to do barrel racing, but he has been doing excellent in jumping, although he was hardly trained for it. He has had 14 years of solid training. When I would trot him, he would reach his legs out; a beautiful extended trot. He could get very well collected. All of my horse trainers that I've had and have now just love him. I have gone to some shows and a few rallies with him. He did excellent! At one show he won me three firsts, one second, and a third. He has taken me up to my D3 level in pony club. Now, since he is older, I have my new horse, Diamond Lillian. She is 8 years, and 16.1 hands.
Now since I am working hard in Pony Club, I am moving up the levels, and Count can no longer jump that high. He is now 26 years old, and still has A LOT of energy. He is a great boy, and I can't believe that my mom's friend just GAVE him to me! One of the great things about Arabs is that they last for such a long time. At 26 years, Count could still jump 3 feet 2 inches! One of my best friend Lizzie's horse, El Sid (Sid) could still canter around a large cross country course and jump a pretty good height for 27 years old!
I also did Quadrille with Count. He was awesome at it. Count is so special to me, and I am very thankful that I have him along with my new horse. I still keep Count healthy and in shape. He has been very patient, because when I got him, I was still a little week at jumping. He was very willing and brave to. He learned and picked up his jumping quickly. This horse has taught me so much over the years. He has taught me how to improve as a rider. He was just perfect for me.
When my little sister is ready, she will start riding him for Pony Club. She can't ride him yet, because he has too much spunk! ;) I am glad that a person like my sister would be riding him. Count doesn't look 26 years old at all! Every time we would tell someone his age, they would have a surprised look on their face and say that they thought he was only 10-15 years.
I love Count so much! He is a very special horse!
Leah Armario
October
MPA MIKASA
My name is Sarah Livingston. I am nine years old and I live in Statesboro, Georgia. I think that my new horse, Miky, should be Horse of the Month because she is very sweet, really pretty, and loves people! She is my first horse and she is great, I show her Hunt Seat. I am going to show Western too. Our last show she did really well. we got three blue ribbons, one red, and two yellow. Miky has a fast walk and an extra bumpy trot. It took me a long time to get used to it! I think she is the best horse ever!
Sarah Livingston, 9, Statesboro, GA
September
BB RENDEVOUS
BB Rendevous is a purebred, 12 year old, Arabian gelding. His barn name is Ronnie. He was given to us from a lady in Wisconsin. He had a troubled past and did not work out for many people. When he came to him new home, he would not get out of the trailer for four hours. We first had to let him be a horse again, as he was scared of everything. He soon learned to get along with other horses, run in pastures, and play. His two best friends at our barn are our mares Ellie and Vinny.
Ronnie came to trust us at the barn. He now follows me all over the farm. Now we can take him on trail rides, and has been successfully shown in Hunter, and is best at Halter and Liberty. Ronnie really helped me get my confidence up with Showmanship at Halter, as her and I have won lots of blues in these classes together. I had been thrown a few times from other horses and ended up breaking an arm. So, I liked keeping my feet on the ground for a while, and I had a lot of fun showing Ronnie in halter.
He love Liberty, he is so proud, he carries his head high, and tosses it side to side when he runs to the music. He is such a beautiful and classic Arabian. We have figured out a lot of his quirks, like he was afraid of the garden hose, and has to be in the back of the trailer, and now he trusts us and we trust him.
He has some health issues now that we are dealing with, and hope to have him back under the saddle soon. When I go to the barn I stand under his stall and he licks my hair and spikes it up.
Ronnie has been though some difficult things in his life and is still one of my best friends, which is why I think he should be the Horse of the Month.
Chase Fischbeck, 11, Farmington, MO
August
DIAMONDS AND LACE
I think my horse Diamonds And Lace (Lacey) would be a great horse of the month because she inspires me to get better in everything I do with her. Lacey is a 18 year old Arabian grey mare. Lacey is the sweetest horse I ever owned. She is talented and the funniest horse to be around. I LOVE her with all of my heart.
I started leasing Lacey in October of 2006. She was used for Hunter and Dressage. My first few months riding western were a HUGE fight. She would buck and kick to try and throw me. Lacey would put up a good fight. It was very challenging but I never gave up.
I was able to purchase Lacey in July of 2007. We were at our first Regional together when her previous owners offered Lacey to my family.
In 2009, Diamonds And Lace will be doing hunter pleasure and western pleasure. She will also be doing trail, sport horse in hand and under saddle, western horsemanship, and dressage. Lacey is a very versatile mare. She loves patterns and challenges.
Two years in a row Lacey has won training level dressage 10 & under and 13 & under region lll championships with me on her. My name is Carson Adams; I will be 12 this year. I have been riding Arabians all of my life. Diamonds And Lace is every youth riders Dream Horse.
Carson Adams, 11, Lomis, CA
July
TOA AMADEUS
TOA Amadeus has been my best friend since 2006. He showed me not only what a real show horse is, but he showed me how great Arabians truly are. He would take me anywhere I asked, and all he asked for in return was love. He made my dreams come true, and gave me more than I ever could have imagined. "Andy" won me my first blue ribbon, Top Five, Reserve Championship, Championship, and Top Ten. In between shows, Andy also served as an ambassador to the Arabian breed. He represented the hunter portion of the Arabian demo at Midwest Horse fair in 2007, 2008, and 2009. He also marched down the streets of Chicago on Thanksgiving for the Chicago Thanksgiving's Day Parade in 2007 and 2008. For these reasons and so many others, TOA Amadeus is truly a once in a lifetime horse and a dream come true.
Ellyn Harris
June
HWS SWEETLITTLELIES
I am Stephanie Gebben, 17, from Zeeland, MI. I would love for my horse, WHS SweetLittleLies, to be the Horse of the Month! Here's why:
WHS SweetLittleLies, or Liza as she is known around the barn, is a 1995 chestnut half-Arabian. I have proudly owned Liza for 3 years now. When I first got her, I was very nervous, for she had so much more spirit than any other horse I ever rode. She had not been ridden for two years, and unlike my previous horse highly trained. I was also very excited to get her. I remember laying awake an entire night, too excited to sleep. I had a horse! In addition, not just any horse, a highly trained and already once competed horse. Even before she was mine, I always would watch her in the pasture thinking she was so pretty, as she was boarded where I would ride. Now I am so glad she is mine, I could not ask for a better horse!
Liza is a very special horse! She is fun to be around and always knows how to make me smile! When I am having a bad day I can always count on her to cheer me up. She is also very funny. She loves to lick anything she can! You can hold out your hand and she will lick it until you pull it away (which can come in handy when you need your hand warmed in the winter!)
Liza has had somewhat of a hard past. In her younger days before I came to own her, she was shown class A. While she was out on pasture, she tore her deep digital flexor tendon in two places. She was lame for a long time; the vets didn't think she would ever be ridden again. That is how she came to us. She was given to a cousin of mine, who cared for her. She was given full time pasture. I guess she just needed a lot more time to recover, as her tendon is fully recovered. She was given to me after my cousin could no longer keep her.
I now shoe Liza at lower level shows in 4-H and Arabian Community shows. We always have lots of fun together, and Liza loves the show ring. When we enter the ring, her ears perk up and she shows to the best of her ability! Liza has taught me many things and made me a much better rider. Before I owned Liza, I barely knew anything about horses and was not at all a confident rider. Now I accept any challenges she throws at me, and I am not afraid if her spirit shows through.
Liza is the smartest horse I know, and also very independent and proud. Liza deserves to be Horse of the Month.
Stephanie Gebben, 17, Zeeland, MI
May
COURT MARSHALL PA
I think my horse, Court Marshal PA, should be Horse of the Month. Junior, as we call him, has warmed hearts everywhere he goes! Whether it is at the barn entertaining guests, or winning the blue at shows, he is simply irresistible! He is a pure Arabian chestnut gelding, about 9 years old, and already won my heart.
Junior was supposed to be a surprise Christmas present, but I found out a couple weeks before! I was sitting in the office in my house, while I heard a fax coming though the fax machine. I slowly began to read it as it came out, and it happened to be an ownership transfer agreement for Court Marshall PA! I was so surprised that moment, and called my mom who was out of town. She was surprised herself, and admitted to me he was supposed to be a Christmas present!
I showed Junior at a previous show before finding the fax while we leased him. He showed in about 7 or 6 different classes between me and my sister, and ended up going first in all of them! It was a fantastic show for Junior - our very first ever with him!
The next show coming up was Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February. Anyone could say that was a show of a lifetime! Scottsdale was me and my sister's second show with Junior, and we left the ring satisfied each time! He earned 4 Championships, 2 Reserve Championships, and countless Top Tens! He never left the ring without a ribbon that show, and there wasn't much more I could ask for. Of the 4 garlands he earned, they were all in Arabian Hunter Pleasure or Equitation. He won the Arabian Hunter Pleasure JTR 14-17, the JOTR 13 & Under, the Arabian Hunt seat Eq. Walk Trot 10 & Under, and the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 10 and Under unanimously.
During the summer, he traveled to Youth Nationals with my sister and I - taking home 2 Champions, one being unanimous. He is the type of horse that absolutely loves what he does, always wanting to please! He loves to show and eat treats.
I don't think I could ask for a horse more kid-friendly and gentle. He is perfectly safe, and just truly amazing to be around! To me , Junior is that once-in-a-lifetime horse! He knows exactly what to do in the show ring and everything always ends up great. He will always be in my heart.
Jackie Pakula, 12, Scottsdale, AZ
April
RKA GALLIXEE
I would like to nominate my horse, RKA Gallixee, or Gallixee as we call her. She is the most beautiful, gentile horse in the world to me. When my mom and I were looking for a horse, Gal was the first horse we saw. It was love at first sight for me. My mom said we had to look at at least 3 more horses before making our decision, but I couldn't forget that beautiful Arabian. We brought her home and after riding her in the arena for a couple weeks decided to go on our first trail ride. So some of our friends met us for a leisurely trail ride. During the ride, we had to stop and turn around because our path was blocked by trees down. All of the other horses started getting very nervous and my friends horse turned and reared up and started striking at Galixee with me on her back!! My mom jumped off her horse to go help, only to be struck in the back by this other horse, who then flipped over backwards. The other horses started bucking, and the whole time this beautiful horse stood still as she was getting attacked by other horses and as we found out later, she was being stung by a bees nest in the ground. She never moved a bit, only bending her head around and nickering at me because I was crying. We led her out of the brush and back to the trail to then find out in all the mayhem, the striking horse had broke her bridle and bent her bit out sideways with his feet. Never once did this horse go crazy or put me in any danger. At that moment I knew Galixee was the right choice for us and she became worth a million dollars to my mom and I! we love her very much!!
Emily Johnson, 9, Roy, WA
March
SEVEN OF NINE
My name is Skylar and I am 9 years old. Seven is my first horse. Seven's full name is Seven of Nine. Seven is truly awesome for me. She would never do anything to hurt me, she is so sweet. Seven is a beautiful bay mare. She is very kindly and fun to ride. Seven has a smooth walk, trot, and an awesome canter. Seven will do anything you ask her to do. Seven is a girly girl, so if you brush or wash her and let her out into the field the last thing she would think of doing is rolling.
Seven does really good in shows. If you do a halter class with her she will trot behind you like a puppy dog. Seven is half Arabian, half curly horse. She is only 11 years old. She has a star, partial strip, snip, and a right hind sock.
Her mom was Kismet Fancy Fine and her dad is Colonels Bay Blaze. Seven has also had a baby of her own; it was as cute as a button just like her. Seven becomes very attached to her owner. Seven is a great companion. She is the smartest horse I know. She knows how to do everything.
Seven would be honored to win. If I told her she would definitely listen. Seven listens to everything. She watches me do everything. I also think she is the noisiest horse ever!
Seven could win first place in every class we entered. It would be an honor for her to be Horse of the Month.
Skylar Bair, 9, O'Fallon, IL
February
DICAPRIO
Dear AHA,
My name is Kayla Hipp. I am seven years old. And my horse's name is Dicaprio. And I think he should be Horse of the Month because every time I pet him or see him he bobs his head. And when I hug him he hugs me back. And when I ride him he always takes care of me. And he loves to be crushed. And his most favorite treat is peppermint candy of course! Can he be Horse of the Month?
Kayla Hipp, 7, Canton, GA
January
PRINCESS TAROU
Princess Tarou isn't an Arabian with the highest quality bloodlines or movement. She doesn't have a long tail that drags the ground. She hasn't spent many years with a professional trainer. But she is a young mare with a top notch personality! Broken out at the age of four, I bought her as a five year old. I was a little nervous getting such a green horse. As I did not know what to expect from her. Bt, she's been a start from a young age. After owning her for a month, I decided to take her western pleasure, and began training her in that discipline. Not to say we didn't cross train though. She has been ridden by a moving freight train, jumped over two feet, been on trail rides, ridden bareback, done barrels, and so much more. Though all of these experiences, she was a champion. She was a little frightened, but listened to me and trusting me with her life. A lot to ask for from a five year old! We have given pony rides on her, lessons to younger children, and even put 15 first graders on her in one day! Despite the kicking and screaming, she didn't flinch. With the children that were scared, she walked even slower than her usual western pleasure walk.
At her first horse show, she even took an hour long power nap! And throughout the classes of the day, she continually improved and in the last class of the day took a first place ribbon out of a class of 12 other Arabian horses. I was extremely proud of Princess, and have taken her to many other horse shows over the summer and fall. She did very well all season, never stopping to spook, but catching a nap at every horse show. But my most prized moments with her are the ones in her stall when we are all alone. She loves to gently place her head on my shoulder, and breathe sweet smelling breath down my neck (yes it does tickle!) She in an Arabian mare with a true heart of gold, and I feel that she is worth more than her weight in gold! That is why I feel she should win this award. She has touched more hearts than any horse I know, and this would be another wonderful award that this wonderful mare deserves.
Carolyn Shanks, 15, Bettendorf, IA
|
