Arabian Horse Association Newsletter
October 2017
In This Issue
AHA Video Corner
Check out this month's video, and stay tuned for more to come! 

Watch the breeder interview of Scott Benjamin, consultant for Benjamin Equine in Calgary, Alberta. He has been associated with the equine industry for 30+ years, and has been involved in equine activities worldwide, ranging from judging to breeding.


What's The Buzz
Here's a throwback! 
         
Pop singer Shakira poses with Magnum Psyche, by the late Padrons Psyche and out of A Fancy Miracle at LM Livestock USA. 

Photo by Javan Schaller

View the photo here. 
AHA Corporate Partners & Sponsors
Sponsorship Webpage

Corporate Partners
 

Corporate Sponsors
Dates & Deadlines
October 15, 2017
National Volunteer Service Award Nominations
Election Of Directors For Even-Numbered Regions Must Be Comp

October 26, 2017
Extraordinary Resolutions Submission Deadline For AHA Convention

October 31, 2017
Regional Level Volunteer Service Award Nominations Due

November 1, 2017
Deadline for Submission of Distance Horse of the Year Award

November 15-18, 2017
AHA Annual Convention

November 18, 2017
Application Deadline, Dates for Regional Shows

December 31, 2017
Breeding Entries, Nominated Sires and Mares; 
Halter Futurities for New and Re-Nominated Horses


For a full list of dates and deadlines click here.

Employee Spotlight
Every month, the AHA Insider showcases one of our employees. We want to give our readers an insight as to who works for AHA and what they do for the association. 

Courtney Gibson
   

Hello, I am Courtney Gibson. I was born and raised here in colorful Colorado, and I am the Awards Processor in the Competitions Department at the Arabian Horse Association. I recently graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and a Minor in Agricultural Business. I have interned with many prestigious companies such as the Greeley Stampede and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. I was fortunate enough to get hired on at AHA in July after graduating. I eventually want to work my way into Equine Event Coordination, as that is my true career passion. In my spare time I enjoy riding horses, primarily in the Hunter Jumper disciplines. 

I have a passion for photography, and for the past 13 years I have bred and shown purebred Tibetan Terriers with my father. I have always had a passion for horses and animals in general, and am glad I am able to make a career around something I am so passionate about!





Get all of your official AHA gear here!



Become an AHA member and get the NEW AHA magazine.
Jump into fall with some of our cozy merchandise choices from the AHA Store!
       


If you would like to share what your Discovery Farm is doing to spread the word about the breed, have a fun story, or would like to know more about the program, email [email protected] or visit www.arabianhorses.org/discoveryfarms.

Purchase Your Favorite AHA Show Photos

 
You can now purchase your favorite photos taken by AHA through SmugMug!
  

Certified Horsemanship Association Offering Clinic in Ohio for Certification of Equine Facility Managers; Host Sites Needed for EFM Clinics

FROM CHA:

(September 2017) -  The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) still has one opportunity this year for Equine Facility Managers to gain their CHA Equine Facility Manager (EFM) Certification. Those wishing to become Certified Equine Facility Managers can attend an EFM Clinic, October 13-15, 2017, at Ohio University's Southern Campus at 400 Bobcat Lane, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629. The cost is only $600. Please contact Bradie Chapman at 740-357-8665 or email [email protected] as soon as possible to register.

The CHA Equine Facility Management (EFM) Program is a 20-hour certification clinic that is run over three days. Participants are evaluated on their skills and knowledge of equine facility management through demonstrations and through written tests at each of four levels of certification: Stable Worker (Level 1), Stable Manager (Level 2), Herd Manager (Level 3), and Equine Facility Manager (Level 4). Participants start at level 1 and can complete all four levels within one clinic. Participants are tested in five areas of evaluation: safety, horse handling, horse husbandry, facilities and equipment, and professionalism. For more information about EFM Certification, please visit http://cha.horse/store/pages/30/Certifications.html#equine .

In addition, CHA is always looking for host sites for EFM Certification Clinics. In order for attendees to be tested through all four levels, host sites must be a commercial equine operation that offer a range of functions. Boarding, lesson, or training operations; trail or dude ranch operations, college/university facilities, competition centers, or breeding farms make ideal host sites.

Hosting can be very beneficial in a variety of ways for the host site and its staff. Some of these include allowing a facility's staff to become certified, either free for staff or at a greatly reduced cost; allows a facility to have a private EFM Clinic if desired; it reduces a facility's overall insurance costs; and the host site could bring in additional income as a result of hosting.
All host sites for CHA Certification Clinics are pre-approved before a certification clinic can be held at the facility. As a clinic host, the facility becomes the event organizer while the actual clinic is run by two CHA Certified Clinicians. As the event organizer, host sites are required to do the following: send registration information to participants and collect fees, to distribute CHA-provided course materials to participants, to contract with CHA Clinic Staff, and to pay any applicable certification fees from participants to CHA.

If you have already been previously approved as a host site, please contact CHA Program Director Polly Barger at [email protected] to sign up to host an EFM Certification Clinic and to receive your Materials Order Form and Clinic Request Form.

If your facility would like to become a new host site for CHA, please visit http://cha-ahse.org/store/pages/37/How_to_Host.html . To learn more about the Equine Facility Manager Certification, please visit http://cha-ahse.org/store/pages/30/Certifications.html#equine .  For further questions, please contact CHA at [email protected] or call 859-259-3399.


CHA Instructors Change Lives Through Safe Experiences with Horses. The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and YouTube Safety shorts, and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 859-259-3399.  To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
 
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Check Out This Year's Dates and Happenings At U.S. Nationals:
US National logo
#ahaUSN17 is right around the corner and we ar e gearing up for exciting activities to last the whole show! Mark your calendars!
 


 

A Tour of Arabian Horse Legends; October 20-28

  • Walk back in time and explore the Arabian horse organizations, breeders and trainers of yesterday in a miniature history exhibit.AHDF Chips for Charity; Wednesday, October 25
  • 6:30 - 10 p.m. in the front lobby of the Ford Truck Arena
  • Join the Arabian Horseman's Distress Fund (AHDF) for a Las Vegas-themed night of food, fun (proceeds to AHDF)
  • Tickets are $25 each


 

Jersey Day; Thursday, October 26

  • Wear your favorite sports team (or barn team) jersey!

T.A.I.L. Tours and Learning Stations:
  • Friday, October 20 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 
  • Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. 
  • Contact Mikayla Boge at  [email protected],  
    or by calling 303-5 97-8251 to schedule a time and date to join a tour. 


 
Yoga at U.S. Nationals:
  • Join Bailey Stephens for daily morning yoga classes at U.S. Nationals! 
  • $10 per class - cash or card
  • Some mats will be provided
  • Friday, October 20 at 7:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Sunday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Monday-Friday, October 23-27 at 7:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m.
  • For more info contact Bailey at [email protected] or 918-698-2351. 


AHA Show Booth Available Early at U.S. Nationals in Tulsa

AHA is available to provide services at the 2017 U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show beginning on Thursday, October 19 for your convenience!  

Visit the AHA booth located in the south entrance to the Exchange Center.  Members, bring your questions or your work and receive your free AHA MEMBER pin! Show off your pride and get ahead of the game!
 
AHA is there to help you:
  • Register or transfer your horse
  • Submit your in-utero nominations to the Sweepstakes Program, Halter Futurities etc.
  • Purchase or renew your AHA membership - BE ENTERED TO WIN A FREE GIFT (while supplies last)
  • Purchase a subscription to the award winning Arabian Horse Life magazine
  • Look up pedigree, progeny and ownership information on DATASOURCE-get a FREE printout of the pedigree of a registered Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian
  • View/print the accomplishment record of any registered Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian
  • Get assistance with your pending transactions - bring your work to the show!  We can also accept your Stallion Reports that are due by the end of December.
  • Choose from a wide variety of blank forms for registration and enrollment to our many programs
The end of the year is upon us. Take advantage of this opportunity to get the personal assistance you need to complete your pending work. Let us help you.

We look forward to seeing you in Tulsa!

Join Us at the Distance Horse National Championships 

The Distance Horse National Championships are coming back to Steph Teeter's Ranch in Oreana, Idaho from October 6-8, 2017. This year, we are very excited to have the Appaloosa Horse Club returning, along with the addition of the Paso Fino Horse Association as a second partner. These organizations have decided to partner with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) in holding its National Championship Distance Rides in conjunction with the AHA Distance Nationals.

There are several ride opportunities at the Distance Horse National Championships. Starting on October 6 will be the AHA Competitive Trail Ride (CTR) National Championship, AHA Open CTR, American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Open Limited Distance, and 50 Mile rides. 

Offered on October 7 will be the AHA 50 Mile National Championship, Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride, Paso Fino National Championship Endurance Ride, AERC Open Limited Distance, and 50 Mile rides. 

On October 8 will be the AHA 100 Mile National Championship, AERC Open Limited Distance, 50 Mile and 100 Mile rides. 

All Open CTR, 50 Mile, 100 Mile and Open Limited Distance rides are open to ALL BREEDS and are recognized by both AHA and AERC. 

If you have an AHA Sweepstakes Breeding entry, you are eligible to compete for prize money at the AHA Distance Nationals. A total of $3,000 in prize money will be available. $1,000 in prize money ($350 to the Champion, $250 to Reserve, and $50 to Top Ten) will be offered in each of the combined 50 Mile Championship, combined 100 Mile Championship, and combined Competitive Trail Ride Championship. The prize money is awarded based on the 50 percent rule, meaning that if there are a total of 10 horses in the Combined Championships (Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian) then only the top five horses will be eligible for prize money.

Make sure to attend this year's  Distance Nationals in beautiful Oreana, Idaho! As a reminder, if you own a Half-Arabian that is also a registered Appaloosa, you may enter both 50 Mile National Championship rides.
 
It's never too early to enter the National & Open Rides! To enter,  click here.
 
Thank you to our current 2017 Distance Horse National Championship Sponsors!   
 
The Distance Horse National Championships (DHNC), including the AHA Distance Nationals, would not be possible without our sponsors! Our sponsors receive great exposure through Eblast's, DHNC Program, links posted on the AHA website, and other industry advertisements. The great thing about being a sponsor with the DHNC is your increased industry exposure due to our efforts of partnering with outside breeds, like the Appaloosa Horse Club and the Paso Fino Horse Association. We are still growing and hope to add to other organizations next year!

Now is the time to show your support for Distance Riding. Please click here to fill out a sponsorship form and add your region, club, business or farm to the growing list of sponsors for this national, multi-breed event.  

2017 Arabian U.S. Open Wrap-Up 

Photo courtesy Howard Schatzberg

On September 20, Central Park became the show ring for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses traveling as far as California for the 2017 U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show, part of the fourth annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show. 
 
The show was presented by Aljassimya Farm and the Arabian Horse Association, and the Halter/In-Hand, Western and Hunter Pleasure, and Country English Pleasure classes conveyed the beauty, versatility and athleticism of the horses. 

Congratulations to all the winners!

For bios on the judges and exhibitors:  teamtroxlertraining.com. 


For photos: https://www.arabianusopen.com/media#year-2017.
Photo courtesy Howard Schatzberg

The "Scratch for Your Green" is Back for 2017! 
 
Try for your change at 100, 50 or 25 percent off of an in-utero Sweepstakes breeding entry!  Come to the AHA booth at U.S. Nationals to pick up your scratch ticket. 

No ticket purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Join the #GreenMovement

Participate In This Year's Blue Room Contests During U.S. Nationals

Don't forget to participate in our Blue Room contests during this year's U.S. Nationals t o win prizes! Here are the contests:


 

Facebook: Spot the Differences Contest  
  
See if you can spot all seven differences in the images. Find them all and you could win a prize. This contest will be posted the morning of Tuesday, October 24. Email  [email protected]   explaining all seven differences. The first person to correctly identify all seven differences will be declared the winner. You do not have to be at the show to win a prize.  The first person to email all seven differences will be chosen as the winner. Make sure you are following the Arabian Horse Association on Facebook and the U.S. Nationals Facebook Event Page for the start of the contest. For more information visit www.arabianhorses.org/USN.


 
Facebook or Instagram: U.S. Nationals Horse Show Hack Contest
 
We want to see what gets you through U.S. Nationals with our #ahaBlueRoom contest; "Your U.S. Nationals Horse Show Hack"! Whether it's friends and family, your Arabian horse, or something else, let us know what your secret weapon is. (Ours is definitely energy drinks)! Using Facebook or Instagram, post a photo or video that shares what gets you through U.S. Nationals and the nine days of competition. The winner will be selected based on the amount of likes and comments the post receives.  The contest will start on October 20 and will run through October 28 . Use #ahaUSN17 and #USNHack on your post to enter the contest. For more information visit  www.arabianhorses.org/USN.


 
Facebook: Most Inspirational Horse Show Quote Contest
 
Share your favorite inspirational #HorseShow quote with us that motivates you at horse shows for one of our U.S. Nationals #ahaBlueRoom contests! We will share our favorite inspirational quote during U.S. Nationals, then YOU have the chance to comment with your motivational quote. The individual with the most likes on their comment will be the winner. If there is a tie, AHA will determine the winner. This contest will be posted on the morning of  Friday, October 27 and a winner will be awarded that evening.  
 
Club Excellence Award Finalists 

   
The results are in for the Arabian Horse Association's 2017 Club Excellence Award Program. Your efforts to promote the breed and keep your club members active are incredible!  Our panel of judges selected the following finalists in each of the three categories:
 

Breed Promotion/Community Involvement:

  • AHA of San Fernando Valley
  • Diablo AHA
  • Wine Country AHA

Club Projects:

  • Diablo AHA
  • Wine Country AHA

Membership Recruitment/Retention:

  • Wine Country AHA
  • Vancouver Island AHA
                       
Category winners and the Club of the Year will be announced during the President's Banquet at the AHA Convention this year in Denver, CO on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The Club of the Year is chosen from those clubs that were placed in the Top Five of a minimum of 2 of the 3 categories. If you haven't already registered for Convention, you may still do so.



The Annual AHA Convention will be held from November 15-18 at the newly renovated Denver Marriott Tech Center, just south of downtown Denver! Come out and experience Denver and meet new people who share your love for the Arabian horse! 

Rooms will be booked on a first come, first served basis. Room rates will be guaranteed until Wednesday, October 25. However, if our block is sold out prior to October 25, rooms will be guaranteed on a space available basis only. 
 
To reserve your room click here.  

More Convention dates and deadlines:
  • October 15: AHA National Level - Volunteer Service Award forms
Be sure to sign up for the offsite event! 

You will be taken on a fun tour though Denver, learn some historical facts and have a beer in the process. The tour will be given by Banjo Billy's bus tour. Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities. Their tours are the most fun you can have while learning something! You won't forget this tour!
 
The tentative schedule and Resolutions are now available online on the Convention Homepage. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Convention and Sponsorship Specialist, Uriah Quezada at 303.696.4559 or  at  [email protected] . 

 
 

AHYA Board Scholarship Program

The Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) is working to find a new way to encourage  youth to participate on the AHYA Board of Directors. At Convention it was discussed to fund a scholarship program for those individuals that are serving on the board. The idea behind the scholarships is to encourage the youth to participate and have an active role in AHYA, as well as develop them as future leaders.
 
With the right funding, we would like to award a $1,000 scholarship to each Regional Director. We are hoping to start the scholarship fund with $22,000. So far we have raised $14,700. Please consider your region donating to this scholarship fund. We would like you to join us in providing opportunities to reward those outstanding youth members who are the future of our breed.

To donate email Brenna Whitlock.

Arabian Horse Judging Contest


AHYA Raffle Tickets Still Available

This year, the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a Trails West, two-horse, slant load trailer, donated in part by Trails West Trailers . As one of the AHYA's largest fundraisers of the year, this year's raffle item provides a safe an functional way for you to get your Arabian horse wherever they need to go, in style! This 2017 Adventure MX two-horse, bumper pull includes:
  • steel frame with aluminum skin
  • head side drop down feed windows
  • tail side sliding windows
  • rubber wall mats
  • 6'9" wide, 7' tall
  • 4-wheel electric brakes
  • easy lube hubs
  • radial tires
  • aluminum fenders
  • steps and front gravel guards
  • rubber bumper
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • tack room with dome light
  • tack door brush tray
  • 16 bridle hooks
  • blanket rod
  • clothing rod
  • camper vent
  • carpeted floor
  • swing out saddle rack
  • spare tire
  • water tank
  • door mounted tack organizer
  • load lights by each side and rear gate
  • rubber floor mats
  • slam latch dividers
  • tie ring in each stall
  • double rear doors
You can purchase your raffle ticket for this utility vehicle for $100 by emailing AHYA. Hurry before they are sold out! Only 300 tickets will be sold. AHYA would like to thank Trails West Trailers for their sponsorship and support of the Arabian horse youth! All ticket sales directly support AHYA.

World's Richest Arabian Race To Be Aired On AJC LIVE


Be sure to tune in to AJC LIVE on November 10 for the  world's richest Arabian Race ( £1.2 million) , the  HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultn Al Nahyan    Jewel Crown  in Abu Dhabi. 

The race will feature a full field of the best Arabian racehorses in the world, including two American representatives: Quick And Rich, winner of the $100,000 President of the U.A.E. Cup at Churchill Downs on September 23, and the legendary Paddys Day, winner of this year's Triple Jewel and two-time Darley Horse of the Year.
 
Don't miss any of the action! Sign up to receive updates on the race broadcast.


New Racing Partnership Offers Perfect Start for Newcomers

Racing partnerships are a perfect stepping stone for new enthusiasts to the sport of racing, and a new one is now available that is particularly suitable for newcomers.

Former Thoroughbred jockey and professional racing manager Amanda Roxborough has fallen in love with Arabian racing over the last several years, and is now heading up a new racing syndicate called Goldensands Racing that offers a one-year lease on three high-quality racehorses.  One of these horses won over $17,000 last year at Delaware Park!

The unique syndicate offers 20 shares at a base fee of just $400/month with a one-time administration fee of $250 (visit www.GoldensandsRacing.com for more details). This provides all the excitement of Arabian racing without the high costs. Plus, members will receive positive mentorship, education, owner benefits (like back barn access, winners circle photos, owners boxes at the track, and more), and the best part: camaraderie and fun with new friends through social functions at the track, parties, and more!
 
The syndicate will close at 20 shares. Learn more at www.GoldensandsRacing.com. 

Stunning Upset by Quick And Rich at Churchill Downs in $100,000 President of the U.A.E. Cup


In what is being referenced as the story of the year, Quick And Rich (TH Richie x Quick Noon) overcame both Easter Man and the legendary Paddys Day to win for his owners/breeders, Tom and Joyce Fritz of Sidney, Mich.
 
The handsome 7-year-old chestnut stallion, now boasting a lifetime earnings of $173,964, chased the pace early behind Easter Man and Paddys Day, allowing Thess is Awesome to set the pace in front. It all changed during the stretch run when Paddys Day and Easter Man both made their bid, overcoming a tiring Thess is Awesome. All appearances indicated that it was Easter Man's day, as he drew clear of Paddys Day. But in the final one-sixteenth of a mile, Quick And Rich
displayed a stunning kick as he swallowed 12 lengths to reach Easter Man in a matter of seconds, edging past the leader in the final stage to take the $100,000 President of the U.A.E. Cup in an extraordinary and breathtaking fashion.
 
In spite of running a game second to Paddys Day just two weeks ago in the H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Diamond Jewel Stakes at Monmouth Park, Quick And Rich still left the gate at an underlay of 19-1, paying back $41.20 for the win.  This earned him an all-expense paid invitation, alongside Paddys Day, to the world's richest Arabian horse race, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, in Abu Dhabi this November.
 
It was the feel-good story of the year for Tom and Joyce Fritz. Both now retired, the Fritz's have been supportive of Arabian racing for nearly three decades. Quick And Rich is the final horse from their breeding program that they will run, and he is providing them quite the grand finale, topping the chart as the highest earning horse they have ever bred or owned. The couple is much loved in the Arabian racing community, as is their trainer, East Coast-based Lynn Ashby. They came to Churchill Downs never expecting the win, but are looking forward to their first trip to the Middle East for the Jewel Crown this November. Winning under the Twin Spires was beyond their wildest dreams.
 
"I would have never imagined I would get a win at Churchill Downs," Tom said. "Beating a horse like Paddys Day is unbelievable. This is the last horse I bred that will race, so it's very special to win this race."
 
Ashby gave a lot of credit to jockey Joseph Rocco, Jr. for the win.
 
"The real difference maker tonight was Joe Rocco," Ashby said after the race. "He has such a great clock and rode the absolute race. This absolutely made my year to win this race."
 
Rocco is one of the leading jockeys at Churchill Downs, and has ridden the earners of over $33 million in purses and won over 1,100 races. He spoke glowingly about Quick And R ich that evening.
 
"He ran a huge race tonight," Rocco said. "I've won this race a couple of other times before and he's up there with some of the best Arabians I've ever ridden. Paddys Day is a very nice horse and tonight we were just the best. I'll be excited to go back overseas and ride him [in the Jewel Crown this November]."
 
This was the fifth time since 2011 a race for purebred Arabian horses was staged at the world famous Churchill Downs. The President of the U.A.E. Cup series is the longest running Arabian race series in the world. It began in 1992, and was the first series to visit France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Ireland, Morocco, Egypt, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, U.A.E., Russia and the United States. This race at Churchill Downs marks the 12th time it has been run in America, with plans to return in 2018.
 
To view the race as well as live coverage from the entire evening on AJC LIVE, visit www.Facebook.com/TheAJClub. 


Members Tales
Tennessee Farm Offers Equine Oasis For Children Battling Life-Threatening Illnesses


One of AHF's riders in lead line at the 2017 Alabama Spring Show. Photo courtesy Hannah Draughan.  

Angel Heart Farm (AHF) is a non-profit farm located in Nashville, Tenn. that provides equine-assisted therapy to children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. It was founded by Tracy Kujawa in 2001 after her second battle with cancer.

"I had dream I was teaching bald-headed children to ride horses," owner and founder Tracy Kujawa said. "We partner with children's hospitals including Saint Jude's, Vanderbilt Children's, Tri Star and a host of other organizations that serve children battling cancer."

Kujawa grew up in Michigan competing in 4-H with her Half-Arabian and Welsh pony. She's competed at Class A regional level Arabian shows for over 25 years and has bred three Purebred Arabians that are still with her today at the farm.

"I have been blessed to have horses and ponies my entire life," Kujawa said. "During my last battle with cancer two years ago, Kiesner Training hosted a 24-hour ride-a-thon that raised over $20,000 to help my program while I was battling. I hope to get back in the show ring in early 2018 with my hunters!"
Kujawa mainly shows hunter pleasure and has trained with Brian Scoggins for many years. Around eight years ago she began training with the Ashton Kiesner in Louisville, Tenn. 

As the only program of its kind in the southeastern United States, AHF works with one inquiring family at a time, using its Arabian horses and Welsh ponies as the main tools to bring happiness to children and their families by teaching the children to ride and care for their favorite horses.

With five Arabians, one Half-Arabian, three Welsh ponies and one mini, AHF also teaches the children to ride and show.

"As an amateur rider and horse-obsessed girl, I get so excited to see a little one connect with their favorite pony or horse! That first time in the saddle, being a little nervous on their first trot and seeing the giggles and confidence is the best! I am more nervous when our kiddos show than when I show. I always tell the kids, 'it is not about the ribbon, but about the ride'," Kujawa said.
Knight Life+// is AHF's Half-Arabian with many National titles in the hunt division. He is pictured with Sophie. Photo courtesy  Hannah Draughan.

All of the Angel crew (the horses/ponies) are show horses, and many of the children compete at local level and at all-breed shows. Kujawa says she is blessed to have a few National champions in the barn as well as many Class A and Regional titles. Last year, two of the children won National titles, and others won several blue ribbons at the Welsh Pony Nationals in Tulsa.
 
"I literally could not stop crying! I was so proud of the ponies and the kids! To compete while you are battling cancer is tough. To compete with children that have ridden their whole lives and are healthy, and to see our warriors win is, like, the best day ever! I am so proud of the children in and out of the riding arena," Kujawa said.

AHF has served over 350 children since its opening 16 years ago, and there are currently around 35 children coming to the farm regularly.
"The hardest part is the numbers change because of the children we serve. Many times our children are in the hospital for weeks, even months. Some of our children pass away from their illness. The thing we love about the program is that even when the children are in remission they still can come ride and be a part of the AHF family. Our children are real superheroes," Kujawa said. "Riding the horses and ponies gives them so much joy and confidence. They set goals and they have something to look forward to while they are in the fight of their lives. The sweetest thing is when our children wear their cowboy boots to clinic and the nurses and doctors say, 'Oh, are you riding at Angel Heart Farm today?' The kids' faces light up and they start chatting about their favorite equine. They forget or a bit they are at the hospital."
 
Kristal Ann EN (Afire Bey V x Baskanna) with Alexis. Alexis says Annie gives her hope, and riding is the reason she knows she will beat cancer. Photo courtesy Hannah Draughan.

A few years ago, a doctor suggested to a parent to bring their child to AHF, to which the mother's response was, "What can a pony do for my child battling cancer?" His response was, "You will see!" This child rode with AHF for five years, competing with her favorite pony, Rocky. She passed away after battling cancer six times. Kujawa says, "I know as well as the doctors and nurses this little girl lived for her pony."

"Our children we serve will sit in their horse's stall and just talk to them about their fears and their hopes. Our children gain confidence; the horses and ponies teach them to be strong and new give up. The horse riding allows them to get exercise not only for the body, but for their minds and spirits. AHF is very family-focused; we serve one family at a time. It is a place they can reconnect as a family, have the equine experience in a happy, safe and peaceful setting," Kujawa said.  

Kujawa says the children fight hard, and the ponies and horses go into battle with them. "I am so proud of the horses and ponies we have. They all are not only beautiful and kind; they are healers. They all have unique and sweet personalities and truly love their job."
 
TA Fellini (Felix) and Savannah. She battled for five years. Photo courtesy Tracy Kujawa.


Want To Get Involved?

Ride for the Gold is a way to bring awareness to childhood cancer, as well as support and funding to AHF. It's the result of the question, "how healthy kids in the Arabian community help children at AHF battling?" that Kujawa asked several years ago.

There has been over $17,000 generated for the program. Every show has a Walk Trot class for its under-10 riders. The show committee allocates one or all of the Walk Trot classes entry fee money to AHF. In return, the winner receives a gold garland sash ribbon and an AHF necklace. Kujawa says the goal for Ride for the Gold is to have it at every show, and at Youth Nationals.

"This year we had a little girl win all three of the Walk Trot classes in three different divisions. The most special part of these wins is that she lost her baby brother to cancer and was riding for him. You never know who has been touched by cancer. It could be a parent, a neighbor or a best friend that battled cancer. When it come to a child battling it does not seem real. Children are supposed to run and play, show their horses, ride their bikes, not be hooked up to chemo, or having surgeries to save their live.  At AHF we feel it is a privilege to serve these courageous children," Kujawa said.
  
Want to help out? AHF is currently working on a capital campaign to purchase a permanent home for the program in Nashville, Tenn. You can sponsor a child, and even a horse. To learn more about sponsorships, the program and how you can get involved, visit www.angelheartfarm.net , AHF's Facebook page, or contact Tracy Kujawa at 615-566-4976. 


Ride for the Gold winner, Abby Mitchell, riding Teach Me Some Tricks (owned by Sabrah Hatch) in Springfield, Ill. Photo courtesy Hannah Draughan.
  
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If you or another AHA member has a story that you would like to share in the AHA Insider, please email our Marketing and Communications Specialist, Alleynah Cofas at
[email protected], with the subject line: Member's Tale Story. 
 
 
AHA is a major equine association serving 84,000 owners across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $2 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership.


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