By Allyssa Baird
As featured in the Spring 2024 issue of Arabian Horse World
Ali Brady is no stranger to the Arabian horse, and anyone who knows her knows how passionate
she is about her horses and their care. Having been a national-winning trainer for over twenty
years, she has gained immense knowledge from highly respected individuals such as Rich Doran
and Rob Bick.
Ten years ago, she moved from California to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, where she settled at a facility she purchased in 2018. “The first thing we did after purchasing this farm was cut windows in the stall fronts so the horses could hang their heads out,” Ali says. “The horses really love it, and it creates a good vibe in the barn.”
Jessica Schaeffler.
In December 2020, Ali brought on Jessica Schaeffler, an accomplished trainer. They met many years ago at Doran Show Stables where Jessica was a youth rider and Ali was the assistant trainer. Ali happened to win her first set of National roses on Jessica’s Half-Arabian mare Hope JF. In a full circle event, they now train together, with Jessica having a knack for youth and amateur coaching. “Jessica has trained and coached several of our amateurs and their horses to substantial wins,” Ali says. “She is incredibly talented, patient with the horses, and always has a smile for you. She is the perfect fit for ABCentre.”
Jessica and Ali cover most of the main ring divisions: hunter, western, side saddle, and saddle seat. Ali has trained many winners in the hunter and western divisions, including 2 time National Champion Fabian RCF, 3 time National Champion Socrates LR, 2 time National Champion Masquerade PA, and 5 time National Champion Duchess of Bayridge. Ali’s presence has become very undeniable in the western ring, earning 2023 Reserve Champion in Half-Arabian Western Junior horse and US National Champion Limited Trainer in the AWPA on Platinum Perfection. One of Jessica’s most memorable achievements was training the half Arabian Country pleasure gelding, Kid Rock PCA, to earn the 2022 Youth National Championship. “Kid” had been brought to ABCentre to be nursed back to health from near death less than a year prior. Most recently, Jessica and several amateurs she instructs earned exciting wins at the 2024 Scottsdale show.
Youth National Champion Kid Rock PCA.
Scottsdale Reserve Champion Half-Arabian Western Pleasure Junior Horse and US National Champion Limited Trainer AWPA Platinum Perfection.
Multi-National Champion Fabian RF.
Multi-National Champion Duchess Of Bayridge.
We all know that success in the show ring starts with hard work at home. Ali’s home residence and boutique farm boasts 35 stalls with several turnouts in which the horses are rotated. There are no plans for any additions to the property as Ali and Jessica want to keep a small quality program at ABCentre. “If someone puts a horse in training with us, they can rest assured that their horse will get out every day whether it’s riding, turn out, or lunging.” Ali adds, “Jessica and I pride ourselves on giving extra personal attention to each horse.”
Ali and Jessica.
The goals and philosophy at ABCentre go far more profound than ribbons and roses. “I love it when everyone in the barn is happy. This has always been a goal of mine, and I am so excited that we are achieving it,” Ali states. “It is important to me that the barn environment is fun and drama-free for both horses and clients. My customers love their horses, and everyone in my barn shows up to support one another. The camaraderie is contagious.”
