Youth
Horse of the Month Winners - 2005
Sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations
December
NALADDINNS MARIAH
After I showed a purebred Arabian horse for my trainer, my parents decided I was responsible and experienced enough to have a horse of my own. Of course, the breed I knew I wanted was Arabian!
When I first saw Naladdinns Mariah, she was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen! She came out of the pasture and looked right into my eyes. I had goose bumps from feeling her look right at me. After Mariah was saddled up, I learned that she was 14 years old and really had no formal training. Our first ride didn’t go very well- in fact, I fell off her! But still, I got up and knew I wanted this horse. After I got back on Mariah she was quieter, and when I was done riding I brushed her and gave her treats. On the way home my mother and I discussed her and the fact that she wasn’t ready to be a show horse. We knew she would need a lot of time and tender loving care before she could be a great show horse. Still, the very next day we bought her!
It took some time and some training, but now, a year and a half later, Mariah is the best horse I could ever imagine. Our 2004 show season was Mariah’s first show year and I couldn’t have asked for more. She received Reserve Champions at both of her very first Dressage and hunt seat shows! She also did well all season at local shows. There is no doubt in my mind that each year will be even better because she has shown so much potential for more growth! She is the only horse I know who always does anything I ask of her. She just loves to be ridden.
People today think I trained her myself and that is true- but Mariah was really the one who taught me! Together I became a better rider and she became a well-trained horse. Whenever she and I are in the barn together, if I leave her she always gives a little nicker so I can assure her I am nearby. Mariah and I have a bond that some people wait a lifetime for. She is truly an example that with hard work, patience and dedication you can do great things. I hope my story will inspire people to keep on trying with their horses, because there is good in every horse. When you have a bad day never give up- just keep going! Naladdinns Mariah is my best friend and after all she has done for me, I want to do this for her.
JoAnna DiCesare, 15, Rochester, NY
November
AD LAUREADO
I have been competing in Competitive Trail and Endurance riding for four years. For the first three years I rode other people’s horses: a Standardbred and four purebred Arabians. I have learned so much by riding those experienced horses!
Still, I always wanted a perfect horse of my own to compete and bond with. In December 2004, my perfect horse arrived! His name is AD Laureado, and he is an 11 year old, 15.1 purebred Arabian gelding. Laureado came from Lost Juniper Ranch in Idaho, and it took him two weeks to make the trip our here to Maine. When he finally hopped off the trailer here, I was so excited to finally have my own horse. I just couldn’t believe how beautiful he was. I couldn’t even wait for winter to be over so I could compete with him and show him off!
The first time I rode him I just snapped two lead lines to his halter, saddled him, and hopped on. He was perfect. At our first 30 mile endurance ride that spring, though, he was a totally different horse. At home Laureado is great and I can ride him pretty much off the buckle… At the ride, though, he had so much energy he was cantering in place! He also wouldn’t drink water or stand still for the veterinarians, and he tried to race the other horses. At the end of the ride, I sure knew what we had to work on! Once home, I got him out among different groups of horses and practiced different parts of vet checks.
By our next ride, Laureado was much better. He was a little wound up at the start of the ride, but during it he acted like an old pro. We passed horses and horses passed us, and he didn’t even care. He was also good for the vets and drank plenty of water. We were awarded junior grand champion and third overall! I was told by many people that he will make a great endurance horse because he is so forward and loves the trail. Most of all, though, I was so proud of how much he learned!
Laureado has taught me so much in the past year. I love him and feel very lucky to have such a smart and loving horse! There will always be that one special and unforgettable horse that enters our lives and leaves its hoof prints of memories. For me, that horse is AD Laureado.
Cara York, 17, Woolwich, Maine
October
AMBER AIRINESSA
Meet Amber Airinessa, or “Amber,” a 25 year old Arabian mare. Six months ago my mom rescued her with help from our veterinarian. Although Amber was not abused, it was obvious she needed more TLC than the owners could provide. Now that Amber lives with my family, she gets routine medical care and a healthy diet for her senior age.
I admit I would like to keep Amber all to myself but I gladly share her with nine other members of my hose club. The other kids don’t have horses of their own. All ten of us take Amber to educational workshops, open horse shows, and we all use her to help learn about the many aspects of horse care and ownership. Some of the kids are making plans to adopt an Arabian horse of their own because of Amber’s influence in their lives! They hope they will find one just as sweet and willing to please.
Usually I am very shy, quiet and solemn. Often I have trouble making friends or reaching out to people- that is, I did until I met Amber. My mom says she has never seen me smile or laugh as much as when I am with Amber, and that I get a twinkle in my eye. The other kids at school love to hear stories about Amber. Because of the impact Amber has had on my life and many others, she will be the Horse of the Month every month in my heart.
Julia Brissette, 14, Wheatridge, Colorado
SEPTEMBER
PURE GHAZI
My gelding really brings new meaning to the saying “the best things in life are free!” Our story began with the Region 9 Gelding Giveaway Essay Contest. On a cold December morning in 2003 we received an email about the contest and its fabulous prize. The topic was to be on a famous horse and its accomplishments. I chose to write about Khemosabi++++//. Excited as I was about the prospect of winning the gelding, I began to write immediately and in fifteen minutes my rough draft was written. Yes- just fifteen minutes! When my family read my essay they began to get worried that our stable was about to gain one more Arabian horse!
Well, to make this long story short, I won! My prize was a bay Polish purebred Arabian named Pure Ghazi. My family had to make an eight-hour trip to Waco, Texas. When I laid eyes on Pure Ghazi I knew we would be friends forever!
The following summer the then four year old “teddy bear” was started under saddle. My trainer, Cathy Christiansen, trained me to train him. It required a lot of time and patience but by the end of the summer, Ghazi was winning open Hunter Pleasure, Costume, and in-hand classes!
Ghazi is a fine example of an Arabian horse, and he proves it at every show! I love to share Pure Ghazi with kids so they can learn from him. I know I can trust Ghazi around them, even when they are no taller than his shoulder.
Ghazi is a very sweet horse and his passion is to make me happy. He tries so very hard to do his best. We always enjoy our time together, and whatever we do- we do it together.
As you can see, Pure Ghazi more than deserves Horse of the Month, because this little gelding has the heart of a champion! Thank you for letting me share this wonderful horse with you.
Krista Greenich, 15, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
AUGUST
SCA CHRYSTAL ROSE
SCA Chrystal Rose, or Rosy, has been my best friend for less than a year but has already taught me many things. I was born with hemiplegia, which means my left side's muscle function is much weaker than my right side. A few years ago, I had correctional surgery on my left arm and leg and I was in a wheelchair all summer. I went through physical therapy, but I also wanted to take a different approach in my healing- I wanted to ride! My family had raised Arabian horses for ten years, but by the time I could really ride we had just one gelding that was too old to ride.
Because I wanted a horse of my own, my family and I looked for a horse all last summer. The story of Rosy and me started when we found an ad in the newspaper for a seven year old bay Arabian mare. We drove out to Perry Park, Colorado to look at her. We were taken to her paddock, and I saw exactly what we came for. She was a dark bay mare with a wide blaze, a chubby body, and a grown-out bridle path that stuck straight up! From that day on, I returned every day to see the mare, and I took a few lessons on her. One day, my grandmother bought her and my whole life was changed forever! Rosy was mine!!!!!
We brought Rosy home and she and I grew to be best friends. I learned how to ride, and I still get better every time I ride her. We like to play together when the ring is muddy, but I ride whenever I can. Sometimes I can even bring her in from the pasture without a halter! Every day I look forward to seeing her, with her ears pricked forward, happy to see me with that happy look in her eyes. We had been waiting for each other all those years!
I have had Rosy for less than a year, but I hope that she can spend the rest of her life with me. My Rosy is a winner because of what she's taught me about life, and how much she means to me. I love her with all I have and I can't imagine what life would be like without her. I think Rosy deserves to be Horse of the Month, and she knows she deserves it too!
Anna Blackmon, 14, Littleton, Colorado
Author’s Post Script, December 2006:
Rosy and I recently went on the AHA Second Annual Trail Ride at Fort Robinson with my mom and
her horse Laddie. We had a really great time and definitely hope to make it again next year!
I have also been showing Rosy at our local Arabian Community Shows (ACS) and have really been
enjoying those too! We have shown in Halter, Showmanship, Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure,
English Pleasure, and Equitation. We have done really well and haven't missed one yet!
JULY
MB ZEEMAARA
My mare, MB Zeemaara, deserves the title "Horse of the Month" because she has such an awesome disposition and because she is a great representative of the Arabian breed! MB Zeemaara, also known as Zee, is a nine year old straight Egyptian Arabian mare. I, Mandy March, am her proud owner. Zee was a birthday gift from my dad for my eleventh birthday. When we purchased Zee she was trained, but we sent her off to a trainer for some additional work. Two months later, we went to our first horse show. We took home two fourth place ribbons and one fifth place. That's pretty good considering I'd only ridden her six times before entering the arena! After that, Zee and I competed regularly at horse shows. We showed in 4-H, but also rode in parades, chased cows, went swimming, and went on trail rides. Zee was always quiet enough for my little cousins to ride at local shows. She taught me a lot of skills, and we now show on the Saskatchewan Heritage Classic Circuit. We compete in everything from Western Pleasure, Reining, Horsemanship, Trail, and more!
Zee has brought so much joy to my life. I have met friends though her, and she has been my friend through some hardships. She has also had one foal for us, whom we also own. His name is Blue Desert and he looks identical to Zee!
Together Zee and I have overcome obstacles to achieve the High Point 4-H horse two years running! All of the people around here recognize what an awesome little mare Zee is. I love owning her and am very proud to show others what the Arabian horse is really about. I love her so much!
Mandy March, 15, Big Beaver, Saskatchewan, Canada
JUNE
H A MALEO
Serving as both teacher and friend, H A Maleo, or Leo, has taught me life's many lessons. I fell in love with horses at age six, and several years later I wanted my own horse. I had already begun to work off my riding lessons at the local barns, and then finally the chance to own my own horse came along.
Leo was a rambunctious four year old gelding with little training. He had a very unique personality that I grew to love. I convinced my parents to help pay for him, and I brought Leo along in his training by taking lessons. Months later, we had our debut at a local 4-H horse show. We took a blue ribbon in showmanship and placed in the western classes we entered. Leo and I loved the show ring! We then attended several schooling shows, primarily showing western pleasure.
Not only did Leo shine in the arena, he also excelled on the trails. We took up endurance riding and rode several 25/30 mile rides after he turned five years old. Leo was a trooper, raking in ribbons one weekend and top tens another! Some weekends, we took time off from showing and rides and attended local gymkhanas for fun. One hot summer day at a show, my friend's horse came up lame. I felt badly seeing her horseless at the show, so I offered her the use of Leo. I watched her win two second place ribbons in her English classes. Her success with Leo inspired me to begin riding English again. I took lessons at a local hunter/jumper barn, and soon enough I was showing All-Around!
Almost a year later, though, Leo became quite lame. He was diagnosed with OCD, a joint disease caused by his rapid growth as a youngster. Unfortunately, Leo would have OCD for life and we realized our active training and showing schedule would be too much for him to handle. I rode Leo sometimes just for fun, but we both knew things wouldn't ever be the same. Leo grew bored not having a job, and seemed saddened by the lack of competition. He missed the spotlight, the line-ups, and most importantly his special "what a great job!" bran mashes when we got home from a show. I began showing other horses while Leo stayed at home- but he was never far from my heart. I planned on keeping him, because he was my loyal partner.
By chance, someone who needed him first came along. Family friends had just lost one of their horses, and they were heart broken. They needed a good horse. The couple rode in the mounted police force, participated in California State Fair, search and rescue operations, and parades. Since they wouldn't be doing any heavy riding, it would be the perfect solution for Leo! They gave him a wonderful new home. They loved Leo from the start, and Leo grew to love them.
Last year at the state fair, I saw Leo patrolling the crowds. He joyfully nickered a greeting when I called his name. Leo is truly a superior example of a versatile Arabian horse, and stands out among his peers in a magnificent breed! Thank you, Leo!
Kristina Netherwood, 17, Rescue, California
MAY
MSU ALL AMERICAN
I have only known my horse, MSU All American, for two years. As I always explain, though, two years for America and me is equivalent to two "dog" years- which means we've been best friends for fourteen years!
I didn't start riding until three years ago, when I was 12. In a horse-loving community like the one I live in, all the girls have been riding since they were 3 years old. I'll admit I was afraid of horses when I first started riding, but I got a big surprise when I met my future horse.
America was a 4-year-old Arabian horse with big expressive eyes and the most gorgeous black tail! The first thing my trainer said to me was, "This is your baby." I thought, "WHAT?!?!" I couldn't ride a 4-year-old Arabian!!! Did she want me to die?!? My legs were shaking as I was boosted onto his back, and it was with trembling hands that I picked up the reins. Then, the fear was gone as I floated to the steady beat of his calm, smooth trot. Never had riding felt so good! I knew it was love.
Back at home I used subtle cues to hint how much I wanted America. "What if someone else buys him?" And, "Look, Dad, I wrote AMERICA in the snow!"
I guess it worked, because a few weeks-and a paycheck- later, he was mine! Since then, America and I have been the best of friends. Sometimes people laugh at me because instead of doodling a boy's name across my paper, I draw America's name surrounded by stars and stripes. I love to groom and ride him every day. He is so good to me, and puts up with all of the crazy stuff I ask him to do! We trailer anywhere we can- state parks, shows, and my friends' houses. In fact, I won't spend the night at my friends' houses unless America is nearby in their barn. For this I thank my dad, who is super nice about trailering America everywhere in town! And of course, I thank America. Does he panic or worry when he finds himself in a new place every weekend? Nope. He calmly steps out of the trailer, surveys his newest home, and nudges me for another treat.
Last October, we trailered America to my friend Becca's house and went trick or treating on horseback. America and I were clowns! The next day was a school day, so America stayed at Becca's house in her pasture eating grass until we trailered him home that night. Last summer, when we went on vacation, we stopped to eat at a restaurant, unloaded the horses and tied him out to munch on grass. America loved it! I also wrote about America for my Spanish class project. In this story he got to spent the day at the beach, danced in the park, played baseball, grocery shopped and more. The catch was that, although he didn't actually go all those places, he did have to have his picture taken in the appropriate costumes! How many horses will let someone dress them up, take a picture, then take off the costume and start all over again?!?
America has become my best friend, and has given me a resounding love for horses and a trust in Arabian horses. I think America should be Horse of the Month because of his love, patience, and ability to disprove bad Arabian stereotypes! What more can we ask of our Arabians than to be patient while we try something one more time? I love America more than anything in the world. If another horse deserves the honor of Horse of the Month more than America, I'd sure like to meet him!
Shannon Powers, 15, Dexter, Michigan
APRIL
LAVADIA
Lavidia, or Vida to her friends, is a five year-old grey straight Egyptian Arabian mare. Vida came from Dorsett Arabian Farm in New Jersey. I decided to try to ride several horses there, but Vida wasn't my first choice, or my second. Still, I decided I should ride her before I made up my mind. Once I got on her, though, I knew I had found the love of my life! So I chose Vida, but I also believe she chose me too. She had never been trailered before so we thought we might have a problem getting her home. Vida surprised us because she just sniffed the trailer and walked right in for me without even hesitating!
I rode Vida at the 4-H Round-Up in the Drill Team performance at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds. She was very good! Aside from 4-H, though, Vida and I go trail-riding and take lessons together. Because I'm just learning to canter, I fall off her a lot! Vida, being the sweet mare that she is, immediately stops and encourages me to get back up and try again. She sniffs me and nudges me, giving me the courage to get back on.
I think Vida deserves to be Horse of the Month because she's well-behaved and smart, but even more because she cares about me as much as I care about her. Not many kids I know have Arabian horses, but that doesn't matter to me because I love her so much. In my eyes she is the perfect horse and I wouldn't trade her for the world!
Nicol Adams, 15, Bolivar, Pennsylvania
MARCH
AEONIAN
Some people dream of going to a national show, some dream of the excitement of endurance rides or speed events, and some just dream of owning a horse- any horse. In December of 2001, I was dreaming of owning an Arabian horse. I looked at advertisements daily to see if I could actually afford my own Arabian horse.
One day, I saw something in a local sales book that I will never forget: an 18 year-old chestnut Arabian mare! My father called her owners and arranged to look at her. Her name was Aeonian, but her owners called her Neon. As soon as I gazed into Neon's big, soft, black eyes I knew that she and I had a future together.
When we brought Neon home, I attempted to ride her. She wouldn't go forward, and instead just kept backing up. Realizing I simply needed to learn her cues, the following weekend I took riding lessons on Neon and she performed perfectly for me!
When spring came, I showed Neon at an Arabian Fun Show and she did everything I asked her to do. We sent her to the trainer for a week and I also got even more training with her. We worked really hard to learn everything we could about each other! As a result, Neon and I got even better together. I have now shown Neon in six small shows and she has done everything I ever asked her to do.
When I look at Neon, I see perfection. She is beautiful, talented, sweet, willing, a good friend, and a great listener. Because I love Neon so much, I wanted to get another horse like her. So, I bred her to a beautiful bay stallion named Bey Tribulashahn. Recently, Neon gave birth to an extraordinary bay filly. We named her Aeonian Everlasting, but I call her Eve. This filly gave me another reason to love Neon even more!
In the winter of 2003, Neon was diagnosed with uveitis. This disease means she has no sight and some disfiguration in her left eye. Because of this, Neon will never be able to carry me to Nationals. But all the same, I don't know where I would be right now if I hadn't seen that newspaper ad about Neon. She has been so good to me! Neon has really taught me a lot and, in my opinion, she has every reason to be the Horse of the Month. Neon, I love you!
Rebecca Wallace, 14, Starkville, Mississippi
Author's Post Script
Five days after I first wrote this story about my beloved mare, I lost her to severe colic. She was 21 years old when she passed away, and had an 11 day old filly by her side. Not knowing if the filly, Eve, would live or not, I did everything I could for her and now I am like a mother to her. Of course, I will never be able to replace Neon, but I can see in Eve's loving eyes that I have made her happy. Eve is now almost ten months old and she is a very spirited filly! I can still see Neon through Eve. I imagine that Neon was much like Eve when she was her age- very spirited and somewhat rebellious. Eve and I miss Neon a lot, but we have each other.
FEBRUARY
ANDEES IXE STORM
Andees Ixe Storm, or Andee, is a 15 hand thirteen-year old mare. She is a flea bitten gray Half Arabian and she's adorable! Her registered name comes from an ice storm on the Andes Mountains, and Ixe is pronounced "ice."
My name is Marina, and I am proud to be Andee's owner. She was a surprise gift. I was on my way one Saturday morning to help out with a dressage show at our local riding barn when my dad stopped me and spilled the beans. He got me my own horse! When I told my friends at the barn, most of them said they already knew. They had been keeping Andee a secret from me the whole time! So on August 14th, about 4:00 p.m., my very own horse came.
It was love at first sight. Our first ride together was great. Her trot was so smooth, too! In fact, at our very first show we won Champion! So since then, we have been living happily ever after.
Andee is a joy to ride and likes activities that make her mind work. She has the sweetest personality, too. Her favorite treats are apples. No matter where I try to hide the apples, she always finds them! When she's not snooping around trying to find her apple, she enjoys being pampered. In fact, that's her favorite pastime. I really think Andee deserves to be Horse of the Month for being the cutest, sweetest and most caring horse of all. Andee is the best Half-Arabian I know. I love her!
Marina Samad, 11, Murrysville, Pennsylvania
JANUARY
EZ STEEL MAGNOLIA
Everyone wants the perfect horse. Not only did I find my perfect horse, I also owned her.
EZ Steel Magnolia, or Maggie, didn't win every class she went in, and she wasn't a "national quality" horse. What she did best was put up with all the crazy stuff my twin sister and I did to her!
When my twin sister and I outgrew the Walk-Trot 10 & Under division, Maggie was retired to the permanent position of "4-H Horse." After 4-H Regionals, we took Maggie home for a summer filled with trail rides, bareback rides and green pastures. Maggie was the mellowest horse I've ever met. She even let us dress her up as Miss A-mare-ica for our 4-H horse fair, complete with a skirt, bikini top, and lipstick!
During her time with us, Maggie won a high point award in 4-H, and would have won more except for one thing… She colicked severely. We tried to save her but couldn't, so my perfect horse was put to rest.
Maggie came in and left my life so fast, sometimes it is like she was a dream. But she was the sweetest, kindest, most whole-hearted horse I've ever known, and Maggie deserves to be Horse of the Month.
Lindsay Jones, 12, Corvallis, Oregon
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