Above: A staple of Santa Ynez, Sheila Varian’s Major Mac V.
By Evie Tubbs Sweeney
Photos by Kelly Kenneally
As featured in the Winter 2025 issue of Arabian Horse World
Over one hundred Arabian horse enthusiasts traversed the country to attend a unique Arabian horse event in the historic Santa Ynez Valley on the first weekend of November 2024. Aptly named “The Reunion,” the event brought together a plethora of breed legends in the “Valley of the Arabian Horse” to relive pivotal moments and precious memories of horses and people, many of whom shaped the future of the Arabian breed around the world as we know it, as well as honoring current programs that call Santa Ynez Valley home and continue to lead the breed in their respected divisions of English, Western, Sport Horse, and Halter.
Jalama Valley Ranch
The weekend kicked off at the Valley’s newest Arabian horse farm jewel, Jalama Valley Ranch, owned by Violet Sage Walker, a program that is working hard to fulfill a promise to the iconic late breeder, Larry Jerome, to continue the Jerland program at a national level. The farm is also home to the rising Western breeding stallion Verdict J+ (Versace x Alishahmaal).
Jalama Valley Ranch opened its doors less than eight weeks before The Reunion and still pulled off a beautiful welcome party, followed by a private concert by Juni Fisher and then thrilling first-hand stories from Doug Dahmen and Bob Sweeney on legends like *Ali Jamaal and *El Shaklan. Guests also enjoyed a library of Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association club directories from 1974 to 2024, offering a fun, visual glimpse into the farms and horses that have called Santa Ynez Valley home over the decades.
Saturday morning began with a bit of rain. However, guests still enjoyed a scenic Historic Farm Drive by some of the Valley’s most historic former Arabian horse farms, including Gainey Arabians, Battaglia Farms (later Day Dream Arabians), Somerset Farm, Bethesda (later Gallun Farms), Lasma West, Calisto Farms, Four Winds Farm (later Royal Oaks), Delongpre Arabians, Klee Arabians, Arroyo Arabians, Paragon Arabians, Wolf Springs Ranch, Hemming Arabians, and many others.
Jalama Valley Ranch owner Violet Sage Walker.
Verdict J+ with some admirers.
Landon Equestrian
By the afternoon, the sun shined bright, spotlighting the English stallions of Landon Equestrian (also home to Lowe Show Horse Centre). Stallions the likes of Black Daniels, Rhythmic AHSA, Royal Nobility, and Conspiracy OHS, brilliantly marched into the arena, as well as the outstanding Friesian stallion, Thomas KFPS, who will lead the way for Landon’s Half-Arabian English breeding program.
Guests enjoyed lunch, a horse presentation, and epic storytelling by Paul Husband, Kit Hall, Ray LaCroix, and Mitch Sperte, covering topics from Khemosabi to Lasma. They also enjoyed a Museum walkthrough filled with rare photos and Arabian horse artifacts from the past five decades.
Ray LaCroix, Kit Hall, and Mitch Sperte sharing with the crowd.
Black Daniels and Landon Equestrian owner, Brooke Landon.
Om El Belasina and the crew at Om El Arab.
OM El Arab
Attendees then changed gears, heading to one of the oldest multi-generational breeding programs in the world: historic Om El Arab. Showcasing Arabian type at truly its finest, Janina Merz emceed another showstopping presentation of horses, including the extraordinary young sire, Om El Maximus, and Om El Belasina, wearing her rose garland from the week prior when she was named 2024 U.S. National Champion Jr. Mare in Tulsa with Sandro Pinha.
The horses of Sherry Conrads’ Al Noor Arabians were also presented to the delight of the crowd, including 2024 ABWC Silver Champion Jr. Filly, Al Noor Miralena, her little sister Al Noor Mahira, and the stunning Al Noor Suleiman… all three by Om El Maximus.
Kids from Nedra Johnson’s famed Arabian Horse Riding Academy also performed a casual riding presentation. At the same time, guests munched on dinner before proceeding to the indoor arena, set up with theatre-style hay bales. Guests listened intently as the three sons of Paul Hemming – noted owner of the incomparable Raffon – told first-hand stories of their childhood growing up with Raffon.
The evening wrapped up with one of the weekend’s highlights: an hour-long documentary film entitled “The Valley that Belongs to the Arabian Horse.” The film showcased rare archival footage of horses, people, and events in the Santa Ynez Valley over the last fifty years.
Om El Justadorable.
Attendees enjoying a historical documentary about the Valley.
Rancho Soñado
Sunday morning, guests arrived at Dick & Nan Walden’s Rancho Soñado Arabians, national-level breeders in Working Western, Trail, and Sport Horse, and specializing in amateur-friendly horses. Major Mac V, the culmination of Sheila Varian’s six generations of breeding, also made a rare, off-site appearance to guests’ delights. Nan Walden and Evie Tubbs Sweeney shared memories of Sheila, an honorary member of the Santa Ynez community.
Rancho Soñado Owner Nan Walden and Stars And Stripes SF+//.
Shea Johnson and Benedict Bey SMA+++//.
Antheia Arabians
Always a stunning experience, Diane Brown’s beautiful Antheia Arabians wrapped up the memorable weekend with a spectacular champagne brunch and presentation of Arabian horses, such as head breeding stallion Om El Benicio and iconic mare Gloria Apal, that were truly as well-minded as they were exotic.
Attendees relaxing at åthe heavenly Antheia Arabians.
The beautiful Gloria Apal.
The event was hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association Board of Directors, spearheaded by its president, Kelly Elm.
“What a privilege to be part of this celebration of the past and present!” said Jennifer Edmonston, one of the event coordinators. “We listened to moving tributes and incredible stories from breed legends who shaped our lifelong passion for the Arabian. The ranch hosts amazed us with their gracious hospitality and shared their treasured horses. I felt a sincere camaraderie and had many heartfelt conversations during this unforgettable, inspiring event! The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association has been a true gift to the Arabian world.”
Sherry Conrads is a vibrant member of the Santa Ynez Valley Arabian horse community who sees today’s vibrancy just as clearly as the history of yesteryear.
“We are a vibrant, forward-thinking, and dedicated group of riders, trainers, and breeders,” she said. “We have been and will continue to be the Valley of the Arabian Horse.”
The SYVAHA wishes to thank each of the sponsors who made the event possible: Antheia Arabians, Al Noor Arabians, Jalama Valley Ranch, Landon Equestrian, Lowe Show Horse Centre, Om El Arab, Rancho Soñado Arabians, Russell Arabians – Katie & Joe Russell, Arabian Horse Riding Academy, EVOKE by EvieInc, Kelly Elm Training & Lessons, Equine & Canine News, Arabian Horse Times, Arabian Horse World, The Arabian Magazine, and We Love Arabian Horses. Many thanks also to Vesty Photography for photographing the weekend festivities.
The mythical quality of Santa Ynez Valley is indisputable. From the days of the Hemming family enjoying Raffon in their backyard through the escalation and height of the 1980s and settling into a new normal afterwards, this Valley has and will continue to belong to the Arabian horse.
Time changes things.
The Santa Ynez Valley is quieter now. The wine industry calls it one of the hottest wine regions in the world, and a few hip new restaurants have entered the scene. But the mythical quality remains. Entrenched in the fabric of this piece of paradise is the Valley that will forever belong to the Arabian horse.
Words From The Hosts
“The idea of celebrating (and reminiscing about) the history of the Arabian horse in the Santa Ynez Valley with those who spent time here, living the dream, has been on my mind for years. When the SYVAHA turned 50, it was time to make something happen. I shared my vision at a board meeting in July. Evie Tubbs Sweeney loved the idea, which is what I was hoping would happen, and she ran with it. Evie has the organizing and marketing skills and a love of the Arabian Horse history in the Valley. She had the experience of putting together a similar tour called the “Valley of the Arabian Horse Farm & Wine Tour” in 2008.
My history with “The Valley of the Arabian Horse” began in the early 1970s when I was 12. I accompanied my father while he was building a barn for Winn and Jean Porter. The Porters were our neighbors in La Habra Heights and were breeders of Arabian horses. They bought a home on Edison Street in Santa Ynez (right next to the property that soon after became Bethesda, then Gallun Farms). I knew right then what I wanted to do (train Arabian horses) and where I wanted to do it (in the Santa Ynez Valley.) I feel exceedingly blessed that my dream came true.
A special thanks to the farms that graciously hosted The Reunion and my friends who had a history in SYV and showed up to share their stories.”
Kelly Elm, SYVAHA President & Event Visionary
“Jalama Valley Ranch, home to Verdict J+, was proud to host its inaugural open house and concert for The Reunion, marking the beginning of a thriving breeding farm that will foster connections within the Santa Ynez community and promote the legacy of Arabian horses for years to come.”
Violet Sage Walker / Jalama Valley Ranch
“It was truly wonderful to have a full weekend dedicated to the rich history of those who came before us in this magical valley that each played a part in where we are today and to be able to celebrate the diversity of both past and present through the common thread of love for the Arabian horse.”
Janina Merz / Om El Arab
“What an awesome idea, the reunion of so many old friends from the Santa Ynez Valley. Kelly Elm asked if I would attend, and my wife and I said absolutely! And we are both very glad we did. The Reunion was really well planned. About 100 or so people enjoyed great food and stories all weekend. We spent much time catching up with those I hadn’t seen in years, like Kit Hall, Kelly Elm, and Ron Colone! Cyndi and I saw world-class horses, from English to Western to Halter. It was an incredible weekend!”
Ray LaCroix
“The Reunion brought back nothing but great memories and good times. As I get older, I find myself telling some of my stories over and over just like my parents. Many of those stories were remembrances of how great it was in the last 50 years in the Valley. I am blessed to live here now, and it remains a magnificent place to train Arabian horses.”
Jim Lowe / Lowe Show Horse Centre
“The Reunion event gave us a chance to reflect on the long history of the Arabian horse in the Santa Ynez Valley and celebrate those continuing this tradition. Whether we are breeders, trainers, riders, or spectators, we owe a debt to those before us who have loved, supported, and preserved our breed. Seeing how current breeders and trainers are adding to this history was fun. Seeing the diversity of ways that people breathe and enjoy Arabians reminded me that we can all help each other by being familiar with each other’s programs. If we get an inquiry for a type of horse we don’t have, you can refer them to another trainer or barn. Happy Arabian owners tell their friends and refer other clients.”
Nan Walden / Rancho Soñado Arabians
“The SYVAHA’s 50th Anniversary event was where the past met the present. Highlights included a documentary film by Evie Tubbs Sweeney that took us back to the “Golden Age” of Arabian horses, with footage of great stallions like Raffon and Khemosabi. But the greatest aspect was that we not only saw great horses of the past but also some of the greatest horses in the world today! It helped us remember why we love Arabian horses and why the Santa Ynez Valley is such a magical place for Arabian horses and those who love them.”
Paul Husband
“Landon Equestrian was grateful for the opportunity to participate in The Reunion as one of the hosting farms. We enjoyed having Arabian horse enthusiasts tour our farm and view our stock. We applaud the members who made this event a reality. It is a meaningful event that needs to be put on every few years to reunite Arabian horse owners, breeders, and trainers and continue introducing new participants to the community we have built for centuries for the love of the Arabian horse.”
Brooke Landon / Landon Equestrian
“What a spectacular weekend celebrating those today and honoring those before us as one community of Arabian horse lovers! It was truly so inspiring to hear those beloved stories that gave us all goosebumps and celebrate the diversity of world-class programs that currently call this magical Valley home.”
Diane Brown / Antheia Arabians
I had not been in the Valley since the early 80s. It was once my home, and early in my Arabian horse career, the Valley was a magical place. No destination was more fascinating and exciting than the Nichols DeLongpre (NDL) farm on San Marcos Pass just outside Santa Ynez. Shortly after the farm was purchased by Mike Nichols in 1981, I was hired by Don DeLongpre’ to be the stallion manager. I remember the first day I walked down the driveway, looking at what was to be my barn and thinking I was living in the “Sound Of Music” movie.
The last time I spent an evening with Richard Petty, he shared his experience of returning to that farm where we spent so much time in our younger years. He strongly suggested that I take the time and visit, and how much I would appreciate it. Just before the 2024 U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Kelly Elm sent me a message about The Reunion in the Valley and that she had permission from the owner of the farm that was once NDL to bring over a few people with history there to share their stories with him at the farm. We had to do some creative planning here at home. While I didn’t get to visit the farms on the first day, I made new friends and had a great time with the old ones on the second.
The greatest part of getting together with any Arabian group is that you feel time has stood still. People you have not talked to in years are suddenly there, and we just pick up where we left off. We all still respect and admire each other, and we know we were maybe not side by side, but we were certainly in that parallel universe. I met the family of a friend who had passed, and it was as if I had known them forever.
Nothing could have prepared me for driving through the gates of my old home, NDL, my barn, and what was once the sales center where we all were part of making Arabian history. Our staff may not have had the top billing in our time, but over the years, we certainly have proven to be the absolute best there ever was. This roster included John Power, Shari Power, Mark Wharton, Jenny Fox, Jack Crawford, Kevin McBride, Chris Harris, and Richard Petty.
Suddenly, I was walking into the stallion barn, where celebrities from not only the Arabian world but also Hollywood and Broadway once stepped. There, we showed the stallions: Barbary, *Eter, *Enoss, Safire, Pacific, Innovator, Maryk, and Compari. There were the exotic mares, *Bufa, *Maritsa, and *Poznan, who resided with those stellar boys during their time at NDL.
The barn stands empty now, and stepping up to each stall, I could remember what each resident looked like. All their quirks and special care came back to me… the night checks, the long talks with Mike, the dreams I shared with Richard, and, most of all, the long hours spent with the people listed above. Given the chance, I would live every minute all over again. We had it all in Santa Barbara.
Martha Rattner
