Arabian Horse World’s annual tribute to some of the outstanding women who have made the Arabian horse part of their lives. It’s our pleasure to share these exceptional women’s devotion to the Arabian horse — they are indeed, the “Women of the World.”
Ali Brady
Scottsdale, Arizona
I was born into the Arabian industry as my mother was a trainer, allowing me the opportunity to grow up riding and caring for horses daily. But it wasn’t until my early twenties that I fully committed to this as a lifelong career. That was all thanks to a helpful nudge from a wonderful coach, Rick Nab.
I live for that feeling of when I see a horse genuinely light up when I walk up and speak their name. They recognize me and are eager for whatever comes next. Those horses give me all they have everyday, what an honor that is.
I would advise women who want to come into the industry to take their time. Take their time and learn from as many great Horsemen as possible. Always be patient and fair, don’t take shortcuts, and remember that they are in this for the love of the Arabian Horse first and foremost.
Carla Thornton
Grants Pass, Oregon
My first Arabian replaced a quarter horse that I had sold after having so many soundness issues. I quickly realized I had a horse that could do ten times the amount of distance, different disciplines, and stayed sound the entire time! Let’s say I was educated, and enlightened to all that I was missing until my first Arabian. I continue to breathe in an Arabian that not only excels at halter but also performance. I think it’s the responsibility of a breeder to carry on their versatility, and not breed only for one specific discipline.
As a breeder, the babies are where the connection develops and is nurtured in those first months. They can see into your soul and they are so trusting. The opportunity to raise, and watch them grow through the years Is special and defined by divine moments. Their empathetic nature, the uncanny ability to know that we just may need their soft breath or a caress of their whiskers against our cheek… Can we really only choose one that gives us all this? No, this is the epitome of the breed and this is why we love and enjoy them year after year.
Allison Mehta
Newnan, Georgia
I bought a purebred Arabian (as a trail horse) in 1983—AM Summer Surrender—from a friend of mine, Susan White, who loved the Al Marah horses and happily introduced me to the Arabian horse.
It’s many years from that trail horse to my present situation, with over 115 purebred Arabians at Talaria Farms—really a lifetime of loving and learning about this incredible breed.
To any woman starting out with Arabian horses, do your homework and don’t necessarily buy the first horse you see. Go to the shows and WATCH the different classes, walk the barns, talk with owners and breeders. Refine your vision and decide what you like, as there are many types of Arabian horses.
Then, be prepared to let your Arabian horse take you on a life journey you could never imagine. I have met such remarkable and interesting people, traveled to countries I never imagined I’d see, and dined with rulers and celebrities (who, around Arabian horses, were really just people who loved the breed).
Nan Walden
Amado, Arizona
I read every horse book I could get my hands on as a kid. I had very acute childhood asthma so I was unable to ride. But I could recite “The Black Stallion,” by heart and many other classics. I always wanted an Arabian, but I was almost 50 before I got one.
My most precious connection was with Agracie Girl V ++++// (Sundance Kid V x Amazing Grace V). She won 12 National Championships and Reserves and 10 Scottsdale Championships and Reserves. She was my heart horse, a loving ambassador for the breed. She visited many schools, festivals, and would let kids come up and hug her, putting her head down on the ground to nuzzle and nicker to them. I miss her every day.
If you’d like to enter the Arabian world, make sure you have a plan and the financial ability to execute it, whether your goal is to own one horse or to breed a barn full. Work with the best people you can find in our breed and out of our breed, even if you have to volunteer and prove yourself to get the chance. Understand that nutrition, care and training are all essential to breeding champions or just great family horses.
Jessica Schaeffler
Scottsdale, Arizona
When I was in first grade, I accompanied my girlfriends to an Arabian horse barn where they rode. There, I met a four-year-old Khemosabi++++// granddaughter named “Misty”. She taught me the values of patience, hard work, commitment, and dedication, shaping me into the person I am today.
Arabian horses speak to my soul like a beautiful work of art speaks to others. Training them is like starting with a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a masterpiece. With dedication and skill, I can mold these magnificent creatures into beautiful works of art, showcasing their grace, strength, and elegance. It is a rewarding process of shaping and refining, ultimately creating a stunning masterpiece that captures the essence of the Arabian horse.
I would advise young women entering this industry to work diligently, show dedication, stay grounded, and not lose heart. The relationships you form with these horses and the people in the community through your hard work and time are truly valuable and make all the sacrifices worthwhile.
NICOLE CHAPPARONE
Rancho Santa Fe, California
My mom, Lori Lawrence, has been an avid horsewoman since she was a little girl, and I think there was no question she would instill the same love for horses she had in me as well. There was a small Arabian barn – Acacia Arabians – only a couple of miles up the road from our house, and my mom started having me take lessons there around age 4 with Bridget White. When I got older, I used to walk back and forth to go ride and see my horses.
My favorite moments with my Arabian horses are the quiet mornings I spend with my mom as we explore the trails, feeling the crisp air on our faces, and enjoying each other’s company. These moments remind me of the true joy and fulfillment that comes from simply being with my horse.
Enjoy the ride and the process, not just the outcome. It’s essential to approach the industry with patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn in order to be successful.
SHANNON & LISA BRADY
Vilonia, Arkansas
Shannon: In March 2019, I gained a wonderful mother-in-law with a lifelong passion for the Arabian horse. Lisa was elated to finally have another ‘horse girl’ in the Brady family. Before this, my experiences with horses were confined to the Quarter Horse industry, predominantly in the Rodeo and Team Roping Circuits. My first authentic look into the Arabian horse world was at Region IX just a few months later. To say I was starstruck is an understatement! From that moment on, I was hooked. Unfortunately, we didn’t have an Arabian of showing age, so we remedied that problem with our now heart horse came Serajj, a two-year-old bay colt by *Marajj out of the *Marwan Al Shaqab daughter, Evening Serenade. From there, as they say, the rest is history. He has opened my eyes to the wonders of the Arabian horse, and shown me how caring and loyal the Arabian horse can be while also showing me their passion and dedication. He has taught me so much in and out of the halter ring and has become a solid rock, helping me become a more confident horsewoman.
Lisa: My high school English teacher, aka photographer Nancy Pierce Gilmore. Nancy brought the December 1984 Arabian Horse World into our classroom, which featured *Ansata Ibn Halima on the cover. I had never seen anything so beautiful as the horses featured in that magazine! Nancy invited me out to see her Arabian horses and, at that time, had a lovely Perlezon daughter. I fell in love. The connection and feeling when an Arabian buries their head in your arms is indescribable. It is immediate and overwhelming.
Morgan Moore
Valley View, Texas
While I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving many Arabians over the years, my first connection to RB Cavalier++ will always remain the most impactful. He was a black stallion of Babson origins and while he was a champion show horse for me, he was the horse I grew up with. I met him at 13 and he was by my side through high school, college, marriage, and every major life event therein. He was stoic and forgiving. He was kind enough that I was able to entrust him with people of all ages who previously had no horse experience. He never kicked, he never bit. In fact, in 20 years together of riding bridleless, bareback, and making countless potentially dangerous riding/handling decisions with him- I never fell off of him. His kindness and gentle nature left an indelible mark on the people who encountered him.
At a surface level, they are beautiful, charismatic, inspiring, athletic, versatile, and competitive across so many venues. There are all sorts of horses that can boast this description, but you will be hard-pressed to find another breed who (as a whole) is so empathetic to their human counterparts. If someone wants to find a true partnership with an equine and develop a connection that transcends multiple goals (competition, breeding, pleasure) then I am confident there is not a better partner than the Arabian horse. I love and enjoy many breeds. In fact, I have four other breeds on my farm today that I ride and love. But, if I had to choose only one horse to share my time with it would be an Arabian. When you find the right Arabian horse your connection to them will linger with you and filter in to the other realms of your life in the most incredible ways.
Lori Quinn & Nicole McCrae
Fort Langley, British Columbia
I truly love all of my horses for different reasons, and I have never sold one. The ones that are my heart horses have a softer personality. I’ve had two Arabian mares that I adored, AMF Scarlet Rose and Versacia. Now it’s my precious unicorn, BP Maserati. Some of our new horses are working their way into my heart as well! My daughter Nicole is drawn to our horses with the strong personalities, so they all get to be a favorite!
My advice to young women coming into the industry is do this for the love of the sport and the love of the animal. Put your horse’s needs first and have fun. It’s so easy in a competitive environment to view others in the industry as just that – your competitors. Remember, everyone out in that arena with you is also a horse crazy gal. Build each other up and cheer each other on.
Arianna Bell
Androssan, Alberta
I was raised with the Arabian horse as a third-generation lover of the breed. My grandfather introduced my mother and her sisters to the breed when they were only children, which grew into a breeding, training, lesson operation, and nationally competitive team. Even as a toddler, I would drag absolutely anyone who would give me a moment of attention, out to the broodmare pasture. I spent summers sleeping on the concrete alleys for foaling season, and I was impossible to keep out of the barn. That was a big part of ‘what’ brought me to the breed—the Arabian horse had my heart and soul before I was even born. How can you not fall in love with the animal who has you on their back before you can even say your first word?
I truly believe there is no dream an Arabian horse cannot help you to achieve. Their grace, beauty, and intelligence are unparalleled. Beyond their physical attributes, Arabian horses have a rich history steeped in legend and tradition, dating back thousands of years. This history, coupled with their versatility in various disciplines, makes them a truly exceptional breed. The deep bond that can be formed between humans and Arabians is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Their loyalty, sensitivity, and willingness to connect with their human partners create a unique and profound relationship that transcends mere ownership. For me, Arabian horses represent not just a passion but a way of life, embodying the timeless spirit of the horse-human partnership.
Ashley Toye
Sorrento, Florida
A little luck, coincidence and proximity blended together is what brought me to the Arabian horse. At a young age, my mom’s best friend had started her kids in riding lessons, at a farm just down the road from where I grew up. So, my mom thought, “what a great idea!” Little did she know then that this would be a lifelong commitment.
The family who owned the farm happened to have a passion for Arabian horses and competed themselves at the National level. Alison & Marilyn Morris started this all for me, from my first lesson to my first horse; an Arabian gelding, Sirfyre, that would take me to my first set of roses at Canadian Nationals in 1997.
I thrive on calm and peace. Arabians’ ability to read your emotions and stay in tune with you through life is incredible. On the other hand; I love the drive, the adrenaline and the competition. When your horse and you are confident and they join you at the in gate for the party, it’s the ultimate thrill!
Enjoy your horses, watch your peers, ask questions and trust the process. I can not stress enough how much I have learned over the years by watching the warm up arenas, listening to my peers and trusting in the process. You can’t rush anything when it comes to Arabians but when the connection is there and when they are ready to give you their all, it’s magical! Be ready.
Violet Sage Walker
Guadalupe, California
Like most young people in Arabians, I grew up in the shadow of the great Black Stallion. Living next to Sheila Varian and her legendary horses at the height of Arabian horses in the 80s, everything was over the top. It was a magnificent time for Arabians. I learned from people like Robert “Bob” Gay who had Detroit. I lived next to GreenGate when they had An Malik and went to Om El Arab as a child to see Sanadik El Shaklan.
I feel like my tribal identity, more than anything, ties me closer to the Arabian horse. Being a descendant of Chumash Vaqueros and Californio Traditions, the intersection of women and horses is universal. The identity of an Arabian horse is that of a family horse; they thrive on relationships with people and caretakers. I’ve found that all my horses are different in what they enjoy, who they prefer, and what they are willing to do. I have a horse for every mood; they are each beautiful and special in their own ways. Arabian horses are a bridge to bring people together to learn, facilitating community and camaraderie. My time riding with friends, going to events, showing together, or just enjoying our time with horses is such a fulfilling experience for me. I’ve also been known to take business meetings at the barn and let our supporters, donors, or funders groom the horses. Such a simple thing, yet a profound experience for people each time. Yet it is my quiet time with my horses that drives my passion. Each day, I get up early and do all my “real” work so that I can get outside and ride. I’m very disciplined. Many co-workers will tell you they receive emails from me as early as 4 a.m. just so I can go outside for the day and see the horses.
Diane Brown
Santa Ynez, California
Arabians speak to me through their beauty, intelligence, sensitivity, their bold hearts, the way they express themselves, the joy they have for life, the companionship they want to share with you, they way they look to connect with you and the way they try their best to give you 100% what you’re asking for. They have their own unique individual personalities and can read your emotion in a similar way to dogs. They’re just wonderful and magnificent souls.
Since I was 10 years old and saw my first Arabian, they have been my passion. Just watching them dance, snort, blow and express themselves makes my heart sing, they have a joy and zest for life which is quite unique. I have cried into their manes as a teenager and ridden my horses on the beach, in the mountains, through neighborhoods in heavy traffic, in complete wilderness. I have gathered cows, jumped, hunted, put complete strangers on them to ride for magazine photo shoots, put beginner children on them to be led around and let an Olympic rider ride one – and they have been outstanding. Arabians will keep going when most other things have completely given up! The bond an Arabian wants to form with you is rare and unique and an honor to have. Arabians ARE, without question, THE versatile breed and when asked by people they love and trust, I have found, will give you 110%.
Joanna Kale Long
Scottsdale, Arizona
Over the last 85 years, the Arabian horse has become inexorably linked to what it means to be a Kale. They define our conversations, vacations, memories, stories, identity. Each foal represents a new thread in the tapestry of our lives, and each mating is filled with possibility and the infinite potential of tomorrow.
When you bond with an Arabian, you enter into a dialogue that transcends language and speaks directly to the depths of the soul; conveying whatever is most needed at that moment: comfort in loss; inspiration from frustration; acceptance and belonging when loneliness threatens to overwhelm. Their trust is the greatest gift they can give, and to earn it is a humbling experience.
My advice is for would-be breeders: Breeding is a profound honor and a grave responsibility. You are LITERALLY creating a life – arm yourself with enough knowledge to do it well. Breed conformation that sees your horse healthy and happy well into old age – do not cripple or condemn them to years of pain following fashion or chasing a transient ideal. Breed temperaments that allow for moments of awe and moments of peace.
The Arabian horse ultimately serves as a mirror, reflecting back to us the compassion, power, and resilience we sometimes forget resides within us.
Lee Courtney
Scottsdale, Arizona
Growing up in Scottsdale, I would see Arabian horses in ads and on TV promoting the Scottsdale show and they were so beautiful. I always dreamed about them. Now that I have Arabian horses, I would say the people equally draw me to them.
I would say my most special connection with Arabians is when my Mare was pregnant. Bonding with her, especially when we could no longer ride, was so meaningful. We would do long hand walks and she had a calmness about her and such a confidence too. It was a very special experience.
To young women looking to get in the industry, don’t hesitate to get an Arabian horse. It is the greatest investment in yourself you will ever make. The Arabian horse will bring you to people and places you never imagined.
Lori Lawrence
Rancho Santa Fe, California
Arabians have spoken to my soul since I was a child and first encountered them when I would walk by an Arabian farm down the street from my home. I had no idea horses could be so stunningly beautiful and snort around the arena with their tails flagged over their backs! I knew then and there that someday I would have one, and about 13 years later that dream became a realty. They stir my soul the same way today with their unparalleled beauty, spark and intelligence.
We have three retired English horses at our home: Nabasken Afire, Adams Fire and Emperors Fire. Together, they hold well over 30 US National Champion titles, but what’s most amazing is how they enhance our lives just as much retired at home, trail riding over hills and through water like that’s what they were born to do. Nabasken loves my granddaughter, Opal, and despite being one the most high powered show horses in his day, he puts his head down to her tiny frame and nuzzles her, letting her lead him anywhere and carefully carrying her on his back around the turn out.
Watching my granddaughter, Opal, connect with our Arabians is without a doubt my favorite moments outside the show ring. She not only enjoys riding them, but lays her whole body down on their neck and just soaks up the unparalleled energy and love that is so unique to Arabians. She “gets it” already, and it fills my heart with joy to have a third generation rider and lover of Arabians in our family.
For those looking to enter the Arabian industry. Don’t hesitate! It is a wonderful tribe of strong and passionate woman who show so much support for each other. The collective energy produced by this group is like no other, and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Augusta Hammock
Forsyth, Georgia
Many things drew me to the breed, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t credit their beauty as what initially sparked my interest during my childhood. As an artist, this horse appeals to me on so many levels. It’s such an aesthetically pleasing animal, and nothing on earth makes me want to pick up a pencil or paintbrush more than a well conformed, expressive Arabian. When I was 15, I told my parents with great conviction, “If I’m going to ride horses, I want to ride the pretty ones!” We found a local Arabian farm right away, and I was committed to the breed henceforth!
For those with the desire to learn, patience to listen, and openness to incredible possibilities, there is no better breed. A life with Arabians will challenge, sharpen, and reward you in ways unimaginable as long as you’re willing to journey alongside them… and it is indeed a journey. Some of my greatest life lessons were taught to me by my own horses—lessons taught with enduring benevolence and forgiveness, no matter how many attempts it took me to fully understand. They are the greatest teachers! If I had it all to do over again, I would choose Arabians every time.
Brooke Landon
Santa Ynez, California
The Arabian horse has a way of connecting with people through their body language and emotions, unlike other breeds. It’s why I chose to be involved in the breed, as it is very magical, and their souls are beautiful. These animals connect to their partners soul to soul, and it’s a bond you won’t experience with any other animal. I had an interaction like that the first time I rode my first Arabian horse, Bay Star Bey, who turns 22 on April 18th and lives his best life with us at our farm.
My most special connection among many is, without question, the ever-lasting bond with my stallion, Royal Nobility+/. He just knows, and despite his upbringing, he is one of the kindest horses who always tries his best to please you. He is a barn favorite, and I loved him since the moment I first met him a few years ago. From galloping bareback through grass fields to sharing quiet moments in his stall, he is my favorite Arabian horse.
Katie Steiner
Aubrey, Texas
My parents, Tony and Cindy Steiner, owned a facility in Isanti, Minnesota, called Genesis Training Center, where they trained and showed Arabians. I grew up going to shows and watching them work in the arena while I played with my Breyers, dreaming of being a horse trainer like them.
Outside of the show ring, I love watching them play in the pastures, flying around with their tails over their backs, heads high, and tipped ears pointed forward. Then they stop and snort, looking back at you with these eyes that shimmer with joy. Then they walk right over to stop in front of you so that you’ll scratch their back.
The partnership we build with these animals is something only a limited number of people get to experience. They trust us to take care of them every day and guide them where it seems scary. We put faith in them that they will carry us without fail and put our minds at ease when life gets daunting. As women, we make a promise to our Arabians that we will love, protect, and be stewards of them until the end.
I’ve never quite had a bond like the one with my stallion, Klarion DF. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he would be special. His quiet and calm nature while hanging out in his stall and his flamboyant personality when he plays in the arena. He’s my best friend, and I am forever grateful he was put in my life to care for and love for the rest of his life.
