The Rapson family, JLR Arabians, from Williamston, Michigan, caught the Arabian bug about five years ago. It precipitated the acquisition of property where they could build a barn to house their ever-expanding band of retired old friends and new acquisitions.

“We’re all about the fun,” says Tom Rapson. Mom Carol is a physician and not involved with the showing except as the main cheerleader. Daughter Julie took A Berried Treasure to Top Ten in Half-Arabian Country English Pleasure AAOTR 18-35. The pair also won a Top Ten in Half-Arabian Country Pleasure Driving AAOTD. Julie believes this will be the last time she takes A Berried Treasure into the ring at Nationals and was emotional after the ride. “He’s been good for us,” said Tom. “He gets to go home and run around like a stallion. Now it’s our turn to be good to him.”

They’re very excited about some horses coming along. Tom has a western prospect he looks forward to riding next year that is in training with Liz Bentley. They also have a yearling that will likely be English and a hunter horse. “We’ve been lucky to find the Rookers and the Bentleys who have done a great job caring and training for our horses,” Tom says. "And it’s great to bring the horses back home too.”

 

 

 

North Arabians showcased their talented young horses at the first of eight Finals Extravaganza barn parties scheduled for this week. They brought out several beautiful yearlings and a young colt.

Vallejo III was a schooling lesson in form to function given by the knowledgeable Bob Hart as two stallions were presented and the positive aspects of their conformation explained. Following this presentation, six handlers brought out horses and the common denominator of all was the talented sire Rohara Moon Storm.