Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Arabian Breeders Network ABN December 2007 newsletter

To Friends of ABN,

Ho Ho Ho, it's the time of year to count your blessings and we here at ABN have a long list of blessings bestowed on us by you, our members and driving force. Where else on the world-wide internet can you visit a place filled with friends of the two legged and four legged variety. What a treat to see the multitude of wonderful holiday greetings being passed on from member to member. The Secret Santa gifts, chosen with care and thought, are revealed so we can all enjoy the happiness behind them. Then there are the many behind the scenes Elves who have worked hard to make sure some of our members smile as they travel through a rough period in their lives. Isn't it amazing what a small token of friendship can accomplish.

One large gift, over a year in the making, is ABN's Alexa score which now confirms our place as the NUMBER ONE horse forum website in the world. Just today, Alexa reported that ABN now has 15 countries that visit our site frequently enough to be officially recorded. We have had visits from over 100 countries total. That is a stunning accomplishment. It is well beyond what we hoped for just 15 month ago. None of this spectacular growth would have been possible without each of you in the ABN family.

As we look ahead to 2008 our commitment will continue and we will carry on by keeping our Arabian horses and the breed in general first and foremost in our efforts. We have ideas and plans formulated to help market our horses using innovative and cutting edge internet marketing tools. If you do not have a personal marketing need, don't despair. Most importantly, we want you to be able to tell the world about the special relationship you share with your horses. Who doesn't love to brag?

In closing, we want to wish you every blessing for the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Whatever your customs, your country, your hopes, your dreams, may you know we thank you all for being a part of this journey.

Dean, Heidi, Marcia, Kay, Janek, and Stacy

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Famed photographer Johnny Johnston interview

Coming soon.

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Interview with Arabian horse icon Gene LaCroix featured on ABN and 3 other US horse websites

By Stacy Swenson Copyright 2007

A CONVERSATION WITH GENE LACROIX
His life turns in a new direction

When anyone in the Arabian horse industry hears the name LaCroix, it brings to the surface a picture of a man and a horse, both equally respected world-wide. Gene LaCroix and *Bask++ brought about a revolution few could ever match.

The LaCroix influence did not end with Bask. It was, however, a catalytic event in the experience of a man who would dedicate his life to the Arabian horse. Dr. Gene LaCroix, Gene's father, had a vision 50 years ago. That vision was of a horse that looked artistic and had a certain type of athleticism and articulation. *Bask was the horse who would bring his vision to fruition.

Few trainers or owners today have the living history, the knowledge, or the experience to make changes in an industry, which tries to honor the heritage of the noble Arabian horse. Gene LaCroix has been sharing his passion and ideas for years. He has paved the way for the next generation of horse owners to continue his mission. Putting the horse first and taking Gene's lead, we must be willing to try new things. As Gene says, "America would never have been discovered if somebody had not tried something new."

Gene's focus is far reaching. It includes being a key person in the establishment of the National Show Horse Registry and twenty years later the Renai Horse Registry. Both were developed to work toward enhancing the Arabian breed.

Mr. LaCroix took time out of his busy schedule to give me answers to a few of my questions.
What are the differences between English horses 30 years ago and today?

"In regards to the changes in the English pleasure horses of thirty years ago, as compared to today, the most obvious are that the English Pleasure horses in the eyes of many have become more exciting to watch and to show. They are trained, shown and ridden more aggressively, pushed and shod to the maximum for motion and are judged and pinned accordingly."

"The best English horses of thirty years ago, were much more balanced, light in the bridle, and riders were reserved in their presentation of the pleasure horse. More emphasis was on the poise of both horse and rider. Those who rode their English Pleasure horses as Park horses faced automatic elimination. Today, to win an English Pleasure class, it seems to me one must ride it like a Park Horse."

"Another difference is that thirty years ago, we did not have the Half-Arabian division, or if so, it was just getting started. Today, the Half-Arabian, most of which are half American Saddlebreds, are naturally more gifted with their foreleg with long upright necks, so the excitement factor allows these best Half-Arabians to exceed the Purebred in both popularity and market demand."
Looking back, what are your thoughts about your family's lifetime achievements toward enhancing the Arabian horse?

"I am extremely proud of my efforts, along with that of my family, to enhance the popularity of the Arabian horse. During Lasma's domination in the show ring and the marketplace, Arabian popularity soared to number two and it was climbing."

"Personally, I'm proud to have introduced a way of training Arabian English horses, to allow them to properly collect, elevate and balance. Today, many fine trainers are ably training in this way. If only they wouldn't over ride them, saving this energy for the Park class!"

"I was the key player in organizing the National Show Horse Registry and twenty years later the Renai Horse Registry. Both were developed to work to enhance the Arabian horse by setting good examples."

"With the National Show Horse Registry we wanted to establish a new market place for the Arabian in producing a crossbred with the American Saddlebred. We wanted to pioneer the concepts of semen transportation, a prize money system and more appropriate shoeing for the English horses. The National Show Horse Registry was extremely successful in implementing the above-mentioned positive changes to the Arabian Horse Industry."

"With the Renai Horse Registry, probably the best but most misunderstood concept I ever developed, the goal was to bring all the Saddle Seat oriented breeds together by allowing breeders to breed for this very specific performance, without limitation to breed purity."

"The Renai Horse Registry established a very clearly defined Standard of Excellence and a much more objective judging system that allowed no deviation from the Standard. The ability of the horse was emphasized much more than the ability of the trainer and/or rider."

"I know that the Renai Horse Registry, while struggling for independence, has been a catalyst for positive change in the Arabian and Half-Arabian industry. For example, it allowed a showcase for the Dutch Harness Horse, inspiring breeders to crossbreed for the ultimate in English performance. Just this year, a Half-Arabian being 50% Arabian, 37.5% Dutch Harness Horse and 12.5% American Saddlebred, who has twice been unanimous U.S. National Champion, sold for, I believe, a record price of $350,000. There will be more of these to come because of the Renai Horse Registry."

"Maybe even more germane to the enhancement of the purebred Arabian, is that the new Purebred Arabian English Pleasure Futurity awarded $100,000 at its first show in Scottsdale '07. I dare say, the idea of this Futurity came from the Renai. Not only did the Renai Horse Registry precede this futurity, but also the first round of the competition was judged on individual presentation, which was directly from Renai. The judging system used was also a modification of the Renai judging system. By setting good examples positive things have evolved."

What advice would you give to those attempting to make positive changes in the Arabian horse industry? Especially the small breeders and owners?

"All of these type of projects are definitely good. Not all attempts to try or explore new ideas will be successful, but so what! America would never have been discovered if somebody hadn't tried something new."

"I encourage everyone dedicated to the Arabian horse to try new things, advance new ideas and support those of others. Without daring people with creative minds no progress can be made. Providing the best interest of our horses is always foremost. I strongly encourage people to be open-minded and make every effort available to them to advance the breed through new ideas. I do feel my efforts to improve the popularity of the Arabian horse have been worthwhile, something I am immensely proud of."

Tell me about your future plans?

"Stacy, I appreciate the chance to explain to the Arabian horse public my unofficial retirement from the business of showing horses, or taking horses as a trainer for Amateurs to the shows."
"I've always wanted to train Thoroughbred racehorses. It's been my goal since my early twenties. As most of you know, I'm extremely goal oriented. I thrive on exciting challenges, and don't do well, when there is not one on the near horizon."

"Fortunately, because of the opportunities offered me by the Arabian and my adventuresome ways, Erin and I are in a position to make "A Run For The Roses." Regardless of our success in this endeavor, we'll always be involved with the Arabian horse. We'll keep a few broodmares, raise some foals, train a select few show horses and at times be available for consultation or coaching."

"Most importantly, we want everyone to know that the Arabian is a very very special horse and will always have our greatest respect and admiration. I've been so fortunate to have fulfilled my wildest dreams with respect to the Arabian horse, and there is no other breed of horse, that could have ever offered me the opportunities and experiences that I enjoyed. Hopefully, it will continue to provide wonderful experiences and opportunities for the youth of the future."

Article for Arabian Breeders Network member Gina Dupree


This story was featured on ABN and also published in 2 US publications

Meet ABN Member Gina Dupree aka arabianfancy
by Stacy Swenson

Imagine having a passion for Arabian horses from the 3rd grade onward. Envision a girl dreaming of horses, but not just any horse, Arabian horses. Gina Dupree is the lucky woman who has been able to live her passion on so many levels, as a horse crazy girl, as a young adult, as a mother and as a profession. The stars were aligned perfectly the day Gina was born and for that she is eternally grateful.

Gina bought her first Arabian, a weanling filly, sight unseen at 4 months old. Her name was Tallahoma Lady. Sadly she was lost in a terrible barn accident at 14 months and it broke Gina's heart. She bought Tallahoma's dam, Flame Bouyant, (Kaborr x *Bask daughter) a year or so later but lost her to cancer a couple of years ago. Gina has her two Flame sons and another Arabian mare Spirit of Dansk that is daughter Mandy's horse.

Fast forward to 1999, the year Gina sold her first hand crafted and designed Arabian horse show/presentation halter on Ebay for $20, shipped to the buyer in Hawaii. "At the time I thought this was a fun hobby. I designed a halter for my Arab mare using her as the canvas." Gina says. "Since I don't show I didn't need a show halter but I fell in love with the design process. Ideas for bead work and design took hold of me at all hours of the day. I'd wake up at 2 a.m. with colors, shapes and beads dancing in my head." A phone call from Robert Cass who works for Michael Byatt Arabians would propel Gina's hobby into an international phenomenon.

Gina began selling native tack imported from Jordan and Syria and when the World Trade Center bombings happened on Sept. 11, 2001. Gina explains, "People were afraid to import packages from foreign countries and at that time very few people in the US sold the Bedouin style tack which was increasing in popularity around the Arab show ring. I was beginning to meet some big name trainers and owners." The call from Mr. Cass was a request from him for a halter that was narrower than the imported style and that is better fitting. "I did my first two custom designs for Marwan and FS Bengali, talk about jumping into the deep end with both feet." Gina explains.
Today Gina looks at her body of work and is amazed at what has happened in just a few short years. Cover shots on national and international Arabian horse publications include SP Nevermore in native tack on the cover of the IAHA Feb/Mar 2004 issue; FS Bengali on the cover of AWH magazine in January 2004; Thee Desperado, AHW magazine cover in Dec. 2006.

Her list of clients includes Samsara(Donald Duke in England), Talaria, Michael Byatt, Brookville Arabains, QR Marc at Rohara, Hawk's Flight Farm, Markelle Arabians, Wayne Newton's Aramus Arabians, Arabians Ltd. (Thee Desperado), Gerzanne Stud in New Zealand, Thoraya Arabians in Austria, McDonald Arabians, and Haras Polona in Brazil

Gina is currently working on a project for Saffyre Arabians, one for ABN member Moudy, a very special grey mare for another customer, two for Hawk's Flight Farm, a unique halter with matching necklace for the Pyramid Society, and one for a farm in Australia.

If the halter work was not enough Gina is mother to children Mandy age 9 and Justin age two. She will celebrate her 17th wedding anniversary next month with husband Jamie. Together they farm 400 acres in Mississippi with 100+ beef cattle and 144,000 chickens, running a commercial poultry farm, 8 horses, 5 cats and 6 dogs.

Because family always comes first her halters take 4-6 months to complete. Gina carries around design ideas in her head and she works on a project, lays out the design, photographs it then sends the picture to the client for approval. She garners information about the horse, including photos before she begins. The unique look and personality of each horse propels the design with color variations taking center stage.

Thanks Gina for being an active member on ABN and for your donation of a stunning custom designed halter. More information about Gina and photos of some of her designs can be found at www.arabianfancy.com.

Photos copyright arabian fancy used with horse owner permission.

Fiona Purdy artist bio



Thank you from Fiona....Just wanted to give a big thanks to Stacy for helping me out with my artist's biography. She did an amazing job of turning my long ramblings into a easy to read, concise and meaningful biography.
It's perfect. She's an amazing writer. I will be posting it on my website when I have it revised in a few weeks!

I highly recommend her to anyone that could use her writing services for your ads or for your website etc.

Thanks Stacy - you're awesome.



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Name: Fiona Purdy

Location: McDowell Mountain Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona

Subject: Equine Artist, specializing in Arabian Horses

Medium: Acrylics

Artist Biography

I grew up in New Zealand, where it appeared to this horse-loving youngster that every girl had a horse of her own, every one but me! My family could not afford to buy me a horse and although I understood my parent's situation, my heart still longed for a best friend of the equine variety.

From an early age I sketched and painted animals, with horses being my favorite subject far and away. I would bike or walk for miles to the local horse farms, whose owners were kind enough to put up with me hanging around, getting in the way and asking millions of questions. I didn't get to ride much, but just being around horses was enough for me. I was in heaven.

I moved to Scottsdale from New Zealand in 1995. I discovered that Scottsdale is one of the most amazing places for an equine artist to live in the whole world. I've also come to the realization that I have been blessed by not having a horse of my own. All of those hours spent at the farms, both as a child and over the past few years, not riding, but just observing and studying the horses, has been my education in portraying them accurately. I have seen through their eyes the path to my soul, my passion. Through this process one thing has become apparent, you don't have to own a horse to connect with them on many levels. I see the fire, the confidence, the love, the beauty and so much more.

I specialize in Arabian horses and paint them on canvas in acrylic. I am always trying new ways and techniques to get the images out of my head and onto the canvas. It helps me continue to grow as an artist. While my work is very detailed, I am an impatient painter, so I use acrylics for their quick drying time.

I am a member of the Sonoran Arts League and a proud supporter and contributor to Southwest Wildlife. I am also a member of the Arabians Breeders Network, an online forum dedicated to the promotion of the Arabian horse. I live in North Scottsdale, just up the road from Westworld, with my husband Gary and wire-haired fox terrier Casey.