As featured in the Summer 2025 issue of Arabian Horse World
Boutique Arabian horse breeders epitomize passion and precision in their craft. With meticulous attention to lineage and conformation, they cultivate elite bloodlines renowned for grace and athleticism. Each foal is a masterpiece, nurtured with devotion, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of this majestic breed’s legacy in every exquisite detail.
Joelle Wright
East Manor Arabians
East Nassau, New York
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We expect only one foal in 2026 by Arslan Aljissimia out of American Fashion V.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
Our Varian-bred mares, or mares with Varian breeding, have been the most influential within our program. Along with the purchase of Dance Til Dawn HHF, thoughtfully bred by Jack Birkhimer. I do not breed a lot, but when I do, I try to breed an individual with a trainable temperament, kindness, and the direction I saw the show ring going decades ago. Which was not only to breed a horse that is successfully shown open, but also amateur-friendly for a lifelong partner for those who purchase an individual from us. Mary Trowbridge had a mare, Mona Lisa V, that was a major influence back in the day when we purchased our first Arabian from Newmar Arabians in Valatie, New York. I wanted to breed her to Desperado V, but unfortunately, we lost her.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
I am hopeful that the next years will continue to produce individuals who can capture your heart with their temperament, easy-going nature, and sweet disposition, which we have successfully accomplished.
Renee Holt
Maple View Arabians
Poulsbo, Washington
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We produce only one to two foals per year. In 2026, we have 1 foal coming sired by Synatra.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
Our foundation mare was Bey Amore (Bey Imprimis x Hal Magic). In 2006, we discovered Bey Amore at Midcrest Farms with Stan Keeter. Her captivating beauty and elegant presence drew us in immediately. After her presentation, she approached Kevin and me, blowing air in his face as if to say, “What do you think?” From that moment, we knew we were hers.
Bey Amore was not only a stunning performer but also a loving companion. She produced Regional and National Champions in Halter and Performance. Tragically, we lost her in 2014 due to foaling complications, but she left us with a daughter, Ajaley, sired by Ajman Moniscione. Ajaley later produced an exceptional filly by IBN Farid, selected by Nayla Hayek of Hanaya Stud, which was a significant honor for us.
We retained Ajaley’s full sister for our program, and she is set to begin her breeding career in 2026. We are eager to see her contributions. The success of our program, thanks to Bey Amore, has been remarkable, and we are eternally grateful to Stan Keeter for bringing her into our lives.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
This is a challenging question to answer. As a small breeder, we must be very selective about the stallions we choose to cross with our mares, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right ones. With that said, I would love to use Ali Jamaal.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Disposition, beauty, and charisma distinguish the Arabian horse from all other breeds.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
The rising costs of stud fees, training, showing, and general operating expenses are taking a significant toll on small breeders. With the increasing costs of running a breeding program and our desire to travel now that we’re retired, I’m unsure if we’ll continue breeding in the next 5 to 10 years. One thing I know for certain is that saying goodbye will be incredibly difficult because Arabian horses have profoundly impacted our lives.
In ten years, I hope we continue our recent success. Our program should keep growing and become a destination for buyers seeking their next champion!
Pat McGinnis
Pat McGinnis Arabians
Scottsdale, Arizona
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We are expecting three foals next year. Two are by our stallion Taj Raheem, and one by Tasheem PMA, whom we bred.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
Our most important mare would have to be Chiara Luna. She’s the dam of Tasheem PMA, Selene PMA, DecolleTaj PMA, and an exciting Yearling Colt the world will soon meet – HeriTaj PMA.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
That’s easy! Taj Raheem. He’s blessed us with extremely typey foals that are athletic and have extremely trainable minds.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Disposition. It’s so easy to get hung up on physical traits of the breed that disposition is often overlooked. It wasn’t uncommon for the Bedouins to bring mares and foals into the tent to live with them.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
While the focus of our program is Halter, we’ve bred Scottsdale and National Champion performance horses. We breed quality, balanced horses. The next step is seeing them win in Western Pleasure.
In ten years, I hope we continue our recent success. Our program should keep growing and become a destination for buyers seeking their next champion!
Violet Sage Walker
Jalama Valley Ranch
Lompoc, California
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
Jalama Valley Ranch is officially one year old, and we are expecting approximately ten foals next year, although some are still pending final ultrasounds. When we bought Jalama, we inherited an Andalusian broodmare band. They have become invaluable; we have confirmed that they are all safe to use as recipient mares. They are large, beautiful, and have developed quite the bougie personalities.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
The mares in our herd are the result of 40 years of careful breeding. They are absolutely stunning—large, beautiful mares that could shine in any setting and bring a lovely touch of Western charm. We are fortunate to have eight Khadraj mares from Larry Jerome, and a special mare – Madame Butterfly J by Puccini out of Starina (Star of Fame). Additionally, we have a lovely daughter of Giovanni, and we can’t forget the famous Blue/Violet line represented by Song Sung Blue J! Until last year, I had only one Varian mare. She is a wonderful daughter of Audacious PS, Julleyn el Jammal, and Desperado V. It has been quite the journey! If I had to choose one mare to be my dream horse, it would be Khahala, a daughter of the arguably best-producing mare, RA Kela. Khahala is the most beautiful Western mare I’ve ever seen, and that says a lot. She had been hidden away with Angie and Randy Sullivan, and when the sale and dispersal happened, I happened to see an email announcing her availability. A month earlier, Larry mentioned that she was one of the mares he wanted me to cross with Verdict. It was pure luck that I ended up with her! I showed Angela the email from Larry, and shortly after, I picked her up at the Scottsdale show along with another mare, Khalissie J. RA Kela (Magnum Psyche x RA Po Okela) is the dam of Khash PGA+ and many other full siblings.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
Just over a year ago, I didn’t have a stallion! I didn’t realize I needed one until I met Larry. While traveling to the Middle East and various horse shows, I thought about the kind of stallion I wanted. I began looking at some I admired, focusing on the traits I liked best. That’s when I discovered Verdict J+. Larry had kept this stallion hidden away, always insisting he was “never going to sell him.” However, fate had other plans, and that “never” turned into a “now.” It felt like the perfect match! Verdict is a big horse, stout and compact with a long pretty neck and beautiful Versace eyes and face. He is sturdy, reliable, kind, and easy to handle. Not to mention I really just like to ride, not for show but for fun. With Verdict’s impressive record as a National Champion and his five National Titles, I was relieved to know he was already established. This meant we could focus on building our farm and enjoy breeding and showing without the added pressure of proving or campaigning him. Verdict was perfectly finished by Liz Bentley and cared for by Pam Rose, who lived down the road from Larry. He was a stallion that just needed to produce offspring, and that’s where the twelve mares came in.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
We envision horses that will thrive for a long time, remain sound, and be easy to handle. One of Verdict’s foals, Khindness, embodies this dream. Whether we win or lose, the bond we form with these horses will last a lifetime. I treasure the moments spent away from pressure—feeding them, playing, and enjoying life together. If it stops being joyful, I will be the first to recognize that it’s time to pause. My goal is to cultivate exceptional horses that people will want to cherish forever.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
In five years, I envision the first foals from Verdict being under saddle, with all seven from this exceptional crop competing for the AWPA. We have an extraordinary group of young horses filled with promise. By 2026, we expect to outgrow this farm, as we anticipate having 10 foals, including a Sundance Kid V foal for the AWPA auction, from my Khadraj NA mare, Xkhalirose J (Giovannie). In ten years, we will be ready to select or raise another stallion to continue our journey in breeding. I am excited to see the remarkable achievements that await us with Peter Benchley, our exceptional colt. As Larry shared in an interview, the crossing of Verdict with Puccini daughters has proven to be a powerful combination, yielding truly remarkable results!
Carla Thornton
Aspen Creek Arabians
Grants Pass, Oregon
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
I’m expecting four babies in 2026: two Purebreds and two Half-Arabians. The Purebreds will sired be Alkeynos EA, and the Half-Arabians will be sired by Dirty Callahan.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
I primarily breed Polish and Russian Arabian horses. Joella MVA and Anne Boleyn SW are two of my most influential mares.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
Monogramm and Fol Yasmeen are two beautiful stallions that exemplify Arabian type, elegance, beauty, and sound conformation, along with a wonderful disposition. One of these stallions is well-known, while the other is not as recognized. However, my current favorite stallion, who is less famous, Alkeynos EA, consistently produces spectacular offspring for me.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
The most significant trait of Arabians for me is their spirit. This is evident in their graceful movements, striking beauty, and the deep affection they show for their humans.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
I aspire to breed beautiful, talented, and athletic Arabian horses each year, enriching both the Halter and performance arenas. My plan is to keep the daughters of my best mares and to focus on developing third and fourth-generation horses that I can enjoy and cherish.
Corry Key
Dardanelle, Arkansas
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
That remains to be seen. So far, two, but we are waiting to check several more.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
Folsom is a son of IXL Noble Express, which significantly influences my breeding program. I plan to keep some of his daughters, and am currently in the process of selecting the right stallions for them when the time comes. I’m excited to see how the program develops through their foals.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
The back-end conformation. Obviously, that affects the characteristic tail carriage, but is also instrumental in how they move. Since athleticism is one of the things Arabians are known for, this trait is non-negotiable.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Trainability and athleticism… The Arabian horse is such a versatile breed. Their renowned beauty is second to none. Combining that beauty with athleticism creates beautiful show horses, family horses, trail horses, etc.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
I hope that Folsom’s sons and daughters, along with their offspring, will win National titles. I want to be recognized as one of the leading breeders that people turn to when they are looking to purchase a National-quality Saddle Seat horse. Additionally, I plan to ride some of those horses myself.
Stacie Zurek
Zurek Arabians
Howell, Michigan
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We are currently expecting two, with one more mare to check. If all three take, it will be a year of Half-Arabians for us – we are expecting a Half Friesian, Half Dutch, and a Half Quarter Horse.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
We have two foundation mares: a purebred Arabian and a Quarter Horse. I am strongly drawn to Fadjur and Fersyn bloodlines, but our overall goal is to produce the highest-quality, sound-minded, and well-bred horses that excel in the show ring. In my broodmares, I look for captivating eyes, typey heads, and big bones.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
I would love to breed to Sundance Kid V. Who knows? Maybe the stars will align and I can create something magical. I think he would continue his legacy as an outstanding producer if crossed with one of our mares, and also continue keeping older bloodlines alive.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Trainability and athleticism… The Arabian horse is such a versatile breed. Their renowned beauty is second to none. Combining that beauty with athleticism creates beautiful show horses, family horses, trail horses, etc.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
I am hopeful that the next years will continue to produce individuals who can capture your heart with their temperament, easy-going nature, and sweet disposition, which we have successfully accomplished.
Ann Gauntlett
Wanderlust Arabians
Ocala, Florida
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
In most years, I have two foals. However, for 2026, I am not expecting any since I focused on improving facilities this year instead of breeding mares.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
I don’t have a specific foundation mare or bloodline, but I do have horses in my program that trace their tail-female line back to the first foal bred by my parents, the mare Califa (Abu Ben Shannon x Laboba), who was born in 1963. Continuing that lineage is very special to me. My focus is on athleticism, correct conformation, type, and the wonderful, people-loving temperament characteristic of Arabians.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
I would choose *Wojslaw. I definitely think he was an under-utilized stallion. I believe he would maintain correct conformation with an emphasis on legs, feet, and bone. Overall, he would optimize athleticism and soundness in horses with classic beauty.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Their wonderful people-loving temperament.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
In both five and ten years, I view myself continuing my contribution to the Arabian breed through my program and hope the Wanderlust horses will be recognized for their quality. I would love to see them exemplifying the versatility the Arabian horse is known for by excelling in a variety of disciplines.
AK Burkhart
Classicala Farm
Toledo, Ohio
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
Classicala Farm is expecting 7 foals for 2026.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
The Om El program throughout the years with Sigi was extremely influential on a worldwide basis. Sigi remained so very focused on my program.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
Om El Sasha+. He fits all my targets and improves everyone.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Highly intelligent and very kind.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
I am getting older, I hope someone else will continue my program to bring kind, intelligent, and beautiful horses to the world.
Catherine Daker
Mossy Rock Arabians
Ocala, Florida
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We are expecting two foals. One by Elle Mustique and our of RD Delta Dawn (Exxalt x Visions Dawn SDA). RD Delta Dawn comes from the prestigious Rae-Dawn Arabians breeding program. Our second is by Aria La Croixx and out of Venus QA (Rhan Al Shahania x Elianna QF), bred by Quintessa Arabians.
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
This is our first year breeding and expecting foals. One of our broodmares is by Exxalt and the other is by Rhan Al Shahania. Some of the best young foals in the world right now are out of Exxalt mares. We are excited to see what both of them produce.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
WH Justice. He adds that classic Arabian type and beauty. What a legacy The Champion Maker has!
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
Their wonderful, kind demeanor and temperament. Venus, our Rhan al Shanania mare, is so sweet and gentle with our two young daughters. She can go show beautifully in a halter class, then come back to the stall and put her head right down for our girls to hug. They can also ride her lead-line.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
In five years, we hope to have produced some lovely foals to continue our breeding program and be competitive at the larger shows. By ten years, we hope to be producing three or four top quality foals a year. We are not looking to produce large numbers, but want to breed the highest quality foals we can. We want them not only to be competitive in the halter arena, but also to be good riding horses and loving companions.
Mike & Angela Haggan
Utopia Farms
Clanton, Alabama
How many foals are you expecting for 2026?
We are expecting just one foal for 2026, (Tasheem PMA x Miss Electra UFA by Marwan Al Magnifficoo).
Do you have a specific foundation mare or bloodline that has heavily influenced your program?
Our first foundation mare is S Thee Ballerina, the only daughter of the National and Scottsdale Champion halter mare AAlusive Bey. Aalusive Bey went 1st out of 38 at US Nationals and 1st out of 54 at the Scottsdale show. Pretty powerful statement. We have to believe this is a significant Dam line. Our second foundation mare is Elle Versace, sired by the beautiful stallion Versace. In 2020, Elle Versace was bred to Delacroixx, resulting in a filly, Delvina, who achieved the honor of being our first Regional Champion at Region 12 in 2021. Delvina has blessed us this year with her firstborn, a spectacular filly by Martino PCF, proving our hunch with this damline.
If you could breed to any stallion in the world (alive or deceased), who would it be and what do you think he would add to your program?
Our main focus is on the mares, so our breeding decisions depend on their characteristics. We aim to breed likes to likes, accentuating the best characteristics of both sire and dam, with motion always in mind. For the 2022 season, we chose to breed Miss Electra UFA to Exxalt because they fit this criteria. The pairing resulted in a wonderful offspring, UFA Pintia AS, so we would love to breed Exxalt again. We are always looking for “that ‘right’ stallion” for one of our mares.
What is the most important Arabian horse trait in your eyes?
For us, type is so important, everything from eyes and nostrils, to movement, making it undeniable when you look at a horse that it is an Arabian. Arabian horses should be capable of covering ground and exhibit fluid, extended movement as well. While we certainly appreciate their beauty, we believe they should be more than just a pretty face. We consider movement to be crucial because we hope that after competing in the Halter divisions, these horses can showcase their versatility and transition into other disciplines while remaining competitive.
Where do you hope your program will be in 5 years? 10 years?
We have decided that having two to three foals each year is a realistic goal. Our aim is to carefully select and breed exceptional horses. We aspire to breed winners at US Nationals, Scottsdale, and/or GCAT horse shows. Ultimately, our hope is to achieve the “hat-trick”, winner(s) at all three shows. That would be incredibly special to us. Our love and best wishes go out to all the breeders out there, working hard in the breeding barn for their hopes and their dreams to become a reality.
