As happens so often with those who fall in love with the Arabian horse, Murray and Shirley Popplewell of Rae-Dawn Arabians happened upon the breed by accident. Their passion for Arabians began the moment they purchased two horses from a nearby breeder in their community of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and it has grown far beyond what they could have ever imagined in those early years. Captivated by the mesmerizing effect this desert breed can have on a person, they continued to acquire more Arabian horses, and Rae-Dawn was born.

The Popplewells quickly realized that they were in this for life and eventually established their own farm in Saskatoon, which they named after their two daughters—combining their middle names, Rae and Dawn. Though their daughters were not actively involved in the horses, Murray and Shirley felt it appropriate to signify their new love for Arabians by honoring their abiding love for their daughters.

The farm has evolved exponentially in quality since purchasing Bey Ambition. Early in 2009, the Popplewells decided to add a satellite location in the United States. While the farm in Canada is the ideal environment to raise and breed strong, beautiful babies – it was Scottsdale where the Popplewells felt that the show horses and the farm’s marketing program could be housed. They searched for properties in Ocala, Florida; Santa Ynez, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and even searching out farms in Kentucky – but after many trips to and from Scottsdale, the magic and the hustle & bustle of Scottsdale was enough to capture the Popplewells and Rae-Dawn Scottsdale was born. The farm is located within ten minutes from the WestWorld Show Grounds (home of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show) and is centered right in the middle of the valley of the sun, the pulse of Arabian horse community which attracts Arabian horse enthusiasts the world over. Eight years later along with numerous improvements, additions, and enhancements – the Rae-Dawn farm in Scottsdale has become as one of the most beautiful Arabian horse farms in the world – and the Popplewells wouldn’t have it any other way – the care and well being of the horses is the first and foremost priority.