By Chelsea Johnson
As featured in the Fall 2024 issue of Arabian Horse World
Located in the picturesque hills of Grass Valley, California, Becker Stables has been home to Brett and Marjie Becker for twenty-seven years. As you arrive at the farm, you are immediately greeted by lush green pastures lined with mature trees and occupied by future and past champions. The stalls along the entrance to the main barn house some of the most celebrated horses in the industry, including the likes of Kharismatic PGA+//, Khash PGA+, Khredential+, Bentayga+, Khohinoor MW+, and LA Trigger Happy+//. Peering into their stalls, one can’t help but feel like they’re in the presence of greatness.
The event began with a warm welcome under the oak trees outside the main barn. Brett and Marjie expressed their gratitude to their guests and introduced their esteemed guests of honor, who were not only multi-national championship winners, trainers, and competitors but also close friends.
The special guests included Josh Quintas from Colonial Wood Training Center in Pilot Point, Texas, Greg Harris from Harris Show Horses in Collinsville, Texas, Jim Hitt from Gambel Oaks Equestrian Center in Elizabeth, Colorado, Jim Lowe from Lowe Show Horse Centre in Santa Ynez, California, Caralyn Schroter from Caralyn Schroter Inc in Smithfield, North Carolina, and Steve Heathcott from Bakersfield, California. The group shared memories of victories, fond memories of horses, and their mutual passion for the Arabian horse.
Bill Melendez, Jim Hitt, Jim Lowe, hosts Margie and Brett Becker, Caralyn Schroter, Greg Harris, Josh Quintas, and Steve Heathcott.
The afternoon concluded with appetizers, live music, and a chance for guests to explore the barns. When asked about the inspiration behind hosting the event, Brett and Marjie explained that they aimed to introduce new audiences to the Arabian horse, showcase Becker Stables as more than just a training barn, and fill the void left by the discontinuation of Sheila Varian’s Summer Event.
On the second day, guests were welcomed with a continental breakfast and open barns. They were then invited to the preview arena, where Steve Heathcott began the first trainer symposium. Steve, a world-renowned Halter trainer, emphasized the importance of teaching horses to halt while on the lead, focusing on foundational skills like stopping, backing, and moving shoulders, which form a solid base for later performance training.
Following Steve, Jim Hitt delivered an informative presentation while riding BH Uptown Girl, a mare that was a part of the sale horse collection. Jim, specializing in versatile western horses, highlighted the significance of halting, allowing horses to think, and rewarding them during training. He showcased these techniques, expressing admiration for the Arabian horse’s versatility and athletic ability as he rode BH Uptown Girl over ground poles.
Jim Hitt aboard BH Uptown Girl during his presentation.
Josh Quintas and Caralyn Schroter assisting with a sale horse during the under saddle presentation.
Guests were then treated to a display of spectacular sale horses, ranging from seasoned show horses to fresh weanlings, along with a preview of the stallions that sired many of these horses, such as Kharismatic PGA+//, Khash PGA+, Bentayga+, Khohinoor MW+, Rodan LTD+//, and LMB Khold Hard Khash.
After a catered lunch under the oak trees, the afternoon unfolded in the indoor arena with under saddle demonstrations. Brett Becker commenced the presentations by jogging into the arena on the multi-national champion, Khohinoor MW+. This black bay stallion, sired by the exceptional Kharismatic PGA+// and out of six-time national champion Ladys Dance, moved around the arena effortlessly. Subsequently, Josh Quintas entered the arena on a striking grey gelding, LMB Khade, which was one of the horses presented for sale. Josh imparted valuable insights, stressing the importance of selecting the right horse for the right job.
Greg Harris followed with an enthralling demonstration, riding the eight-time national champion, Khash PGA+.
Greg shed light on using leg cues to bridle, demonstrating how a slight leg movement could prompt the horse to lower its head, emphasizing that bridle cues need not always originate from the hands but from the legs. Greg removed Khash PGA+’s bridle to show this and gave guests an awe-inspiring performance.
Left & Above: Sale horses being presented at liberty.
Ms. Caralyn Schroter was the next rider to enter the arena. She was riding Virtuoso EF, a large bay gelding that was available for sale. Caralyn expressed to the guests that she believes the Hunter Pleasure division is the easiest to train but the hardest to win. She also shared her secret to performing the perfect downward transition from a hand gallop to a canter.
Concluding the trainer presentations, Jim Lowe came into the arena wearing a Superman cape while riding the powerful Half-Arabian English Pleasure mare, Aint Seen Nuttin Yet+. Jim pointed out to guests that he believes smoothness and rhythm in the English Division are key components of winning and that focusing on creating more precise movements is essential for better results.
The second day concluded with appetizers, wine tasting, and live music after providing guests with a day filled with a variety of knowledge.
Hermez E.
On the event’s final day, guests enjoyed a mare and foal walk, strolling through the green pasture filled with future winners and the historic collection of mares that call Becker Stables home. Some notable mares include Merry Mac V (Maclintock V x Merrily V), the 2017 US National Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse. She had a colt from LMB Khold Hard Khash by her side and is now in foal to Conquest BR. Blue Bayou J (Khadraj NA+++/ x Blue Moon J+/), the US Reserve National Champion Half-Arabian Mare in 2016, had a colt by her side from Kola J and is now in foal to Bentayga+. RGT Zymphony (Zimmeron PGN+ x Melody V+//) Canadian National Champion Hunter Pleasure in 2016 and had a colt by her side from Khash PGA+. Perhaps the most notable was RA Kela (Magnum Psyche x RA Po Okela), the top-producing performance dam and dam of Khash PGA+. RA Kela had a colt by her side from Khaja J and is now in foal to Khohinoor MW+, her twentieth foal.
Walking through the pasture showcased why Becker Stables was the 2023 US Nationals #2 breeder of Western Pleasure horses. The passion behind every mare and stallion combination was evident as guests marveled over the future stars of the Western Pleasure division. After admiring the beauty that filled the pasture, guests were invited to the preview arena to get one last glimpse of the collection of sale horses and the notable list of stallions at Becker Stables.
Becker Stables’ First Annual August Extravaganza provided a platform for Arabian horse enthusiasts, newcomers to the breed, and horse fans to connect and share their passions. The knowledge gained during the three-day event was appreciated, leaving guests eager for the 2025 event.
Brett and Marjie expressed their satisfaction: “We couldn’t be happier with the feedback we received from members of the Arabian community and those new to horse farms. We sold several horses and were honored by the attendance of people who traveled from afar.” They expressed gratitude to special guests, the Becker Stables staff, and friends Anthony Bienvenue, Tammy McDonald, Bob & Marianne Mason, and Christina MacDonald. They look forward to planning an even better 2025 Becker Stables Extravaganza.
