By Chelsea Johnson
From his inception, PA Marco (Marwan Al Shaqab x Cassandra SS) has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities. Born in 2008, PA Marco exhibited beauty, athleticism, and intelligence from an early age. At the age of three, he was placed under the mentorship of the accomplished trainer Brett Becker. Within a year, PA Marco and Brett achieved recognition as US National Reserve Champion in the Western Pleasure Futurity in 2011. Following that accomplishment, they were named Champions of the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Western Pleasure Maturity in 2012.
Demonstrating a keen interest in Arabian reining, owner Connie O’Brien sought avenues for Marco to excel further. Under the guidance of NRHA professional Nathan Kent, the partnership achieved numerous titles, including the 2013 US National Reserve Championship in both the Arabian Reining Futurity and Junior Horse.
He became a Champion because he wanted to. - CONNIE O’BRIEN
Connie Cole O’Brien, owner of PA Marco, has been involved in the Arabian horse industry since the mid-1970s. With over 40 years of experience in breeding, managing, showing, and judging Arabians, she has devoted her life to the Arabian horse. Connie also developed an interest in gaining skills in the humanitarian field. In 2018, she pursued a master’s degree in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego Kroc School of Peace and Justice. Her thesis examined the many parentless children in Liberia, West Africa. Motivated by a desire to help these innocent victims of war and poverty to advance in education and life, she established the Marco Scholarship Fund.
The Marco Scholarship funds vocational and college programs, empowering orphaned young people to help themselves and become changemakers in their communities. A significant portion of PA Marco’s breeding proceeds and the sales of PA Marco’s offspring have awarded scholarships to 10 students thus far. One of these students is studying agriculture to improve agricultural practices and food security in West Africa. Another recipient is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, motivated by personal tragedies related to the inadequacies of the criminal justice system in Liberia. These students are eager to make a positive difference in a country that has yet to recover from years of civil wars.
Peter Sammie, PA Marco Scholarship fund recipient, getting accepted into Pepperdine University.
Cecilia Bohamou, PA Marco Scholarship Fund recipient, working on her agricultural project in Liberia.
PA Marco resides at the esteemed Michigan State University’s Horse Teaching and Research Center under the expert guidance of farm manager Paula Hitzler. MSU has long been dedicated to upholding the highest standards of livestock quality, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to learn alongside exceptional animals. PA Marco embodies this philosophy perfectly, consistently showcasing outstanding qualities that set him apart. Since joining the MSU breeding program in 2017, Marco has rapidly begun to demonstrate his potential as a remarkable breeding stallion. MSU Margaux (PA Marco x MSU Shardonnay) won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025 as Scottsdale Arabian Hunter Pleasure Champion Junior Horse and Open, respectively, with Kirsten McKillop. Another striking daughter, MSU Sapphira (PA Marco x MSU Simply Angelic), has worn rose garlands in Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, and Performance Halter, trained by Cheryl Kemp. His offspring continue to shine with the striking and athletic Marchesa PRF (PA Marco x MSU Vivacious Shadow-AQHA), who made headlines by clinching the 2025 Scottsdale Champion Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Open with Colby Powell. The accolades keep coming with PA Marco’s versatility as a sire, producing winners in many disciplines, including main ring classes, Working Western, Sport Horse events, therapy work, and as enjoyable pleasure riding mounts. His offspring’s remarkable accomplishments are a testament to his legacy, as they continue to elevate their sire’s reputation for excellence.
MSU Margaux and Kirsten McKillop.
Capitalizing on his remarkable friendly presence, PA Marco has recently formed a meaningful bond with a local Michigan gentleman, Gayelord Mankowski, who is undergoing extensive cancer treatment. One day, Gayelord visited the MSU horse facilities as a way to cope with the emotional and physical toll of his ongoing therapy. To his delight, Marco was one of the first horses to greet him, extending a warm welcome that would begin a special friendship. Gayelord, who has no prior experience with horses, once served as a dedicated police officer in Michigan. He quickly found that spending time with Marco gave him a sense of solace that was hard to find elsewhere. The staff and students at the facility soon observed the positive impact these encounters had on Gayelord, as he appears more uplifted each time he visits. Gayelord makes it a regular habit to see Marco. Their time together includes grooming moments, sharing neck scratches, and recording the occasional social media video. The connection between Gayelord and Marco transcends mere companionship; it highlights the profound ability of Arabian horses to touch our lives and provide comfort during difficult times.
PA Marco’s contributions have been extensive and impactful, benefiting numerous individuals. His achievements on a national level, the successes of his progeny, the provision of opportunities to the less privileged, and the support offered to those in distress define his enduring legacy of giving back.
