Desert Mirage December 2011

Desert Mirage Magazine - October 2011 Desert Mirage - December 2011 Page 6

Print & Digital500 Print Copies to be Distributed at the

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show!

Desert Mirage - December 2011

December 2011

As 2011 comes to a close, Desert Mirage has come to a new beginning. New regular departments featuring the latest in fashion styles and trends from top designers are forthcoming. We are pleased to welcome aboard Fashion Writer, L.A. Pomeroy, whose first column begins in the December issue of Desert Mirage.

Included in the new Desert Mirage is the Spotlight on Arabian Horsewear – Dressed for Success department featuring the latest beautiful adornments for our cherished Arabian horses. Nancy Gates of Heirloom Arabian Halters provided beautiful sets of her magnificent work for Desert Mirage to feature and photograph.

The February 2012 issue of Desert Mirage will bring a new regular department featuring; beginning, operat-ing and sustaining an Arabian horse equine business. The article is to be written by Dr. Robert Valentine of Valentine Arabians in Colorado, USA. Desert Mirage welcomes Dr. Valentine aboard as well.

Marion E. Altieri provides her usual extremely well written article in this month’s issue of Desert Mirage. Marion is a treasure to the magazine and Desert Mirage sincerely appreciates her insightful and educational writings regarding the Arabian horse. In the February 2012 issue of Desert Mirage, Marion will interview HRH (Her Royal Highness) Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein of the Royal Jordanian Stables. It is a true honor for Desert Mirage to feature HRH Princess Alia in the upcoming issue of the magazine.

Featured in the December issue of Desert Mirage is Deor Farms. Aude Espourteille shares her extremely successful breeding program with Desert Mirage readers. Deor Farms stands the stunning Arabian stallions A-Jakarta and Eminant at their beautiful facility in Butte Falls, Oregon, USA.

The December Fine Arabian Artist features Katja Sauer of Germany. Katja’s artwork is absolutely lovely! Desert Mirage is proud to display her artwork on the pages of the magazine.

Our wish to all…have a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Sincerely,

Laura J. BrodzikEditor-In-Chief

Ad Design Arabhorse.com

The History.....1940sThe story really does start back in the day of Henry Ford and the 1940s. Scott Colburn began working with Henry Ford’s personal dance master Benjamin Lovette, on a Ford-sponsored program to teach early American dance in area schools. One of those early American dances that Scott learned was square dance. He became Michigan’s first fulltime square dance caller and traveled the state. Scott founded the Michigan Square Dance Leaders Association in 1949 and later published the Michigan Square Dance News.

1950sIn 1951 Scott began selling square dance records and Western ties out of the trunk of his car when he traveled to square dances. Scott established his first store on Grand River in Detroit, add-ing Western apparel to the records and ties. Within a few years, Scott moved to a 2,500-square-foot store on Grand River and Hubbell in Northwest Detroit. Scott Colburn became a pioneer of Western wear in the metro Detroit area.

1960 & 1970sIn 1965, Scott moved the store to Farmington. At this new loca-tion, Scott incorporated tack into his product line. Today many customers fondly recall the downtown Farmington store as the place they shopped for jeans, Dickie painter pants, fringe coats and Frye Boots. Our favorite phrase was “At Scott Colburn Sad-dlery we carry everything but the horse”.

1980 &1990sIn 1978,Scott built a new 12,000-square-foot store at 8 Mile and Farmington Road in Livonia. New customers were introduced to us during the “Urban Cowboy” days in the early 1980’s. Scott Colburn Boots and Western Wear was again “rediscoverd” by

many line dancers who were Boot Scootin to Brooks and Dunn and Garth Brooks in the early 1990’s. Until this time the store catered to cowboys, horseriders and horses. Now the Western world began to take the cowgirls more seriously and we started carrying more clothes, boots, jewelry, purses and gift items.

2000Scott’s daughter, Sarah has now taken her father’s pioneering efforts into a second generation family owned business. As Scott put it, “What keeps us in business despite the economy is that we have established ourselves. People know we’re here. When they come in, we take care of them. They get service and a soft sell, and they appreciate it.” We are proud to be voted “Best Western Store” by Detroit HOUR Magazine. Scott Col-burn Boots and Western Wear is the best darn Western store this side of the Mississippi.

Hair and Make-up on the following pages provided by: GINA AGOSTA HAIRCOLOR, DESIGN & SPA

Novi Salon39831 Grand River Ave.

Novi, MI 48375248.477.2266

[email protected]

All clothing and accessories featured on pages 12 through 18 may be purchased from:

SCOTT COLBURNBoots and Western Wear20411 Farmington Rd.

Livonia, MI 48152248.476.1262

[email protected]


WWW.SCOTTCOLBURNWESTERN.COMDesert Mirage - December 2011

Tasha Polizzi embroidered El Caballo Jacket, $605, www.tashapolizzi.net; Jewelry by Day, Magnesite, Silver & Raw Turquoise Necklace, $195, Silver & Turquois Earrings, $133, www.jewelrybyday.com; Barranada Shirt Company, The Futurity/Winner’s Circle Series, $120, www.barranada.com; American West, Hill Country Zip Top Hobo, $198, www.americanwest.cc; Ariat, Menlo Full Seat Breeches, $249.95, www.ariat.com.


Top: American West, Roses Are Red Zip Top Tote, $219; Lover: American West, Py-thon Collection Slouch Hobo, $289, www.americanwest.cc.


Top: Tasha Polizzi, Silk Habutai Scarf, $65, www.tashapolizzi.net; Barranada Shirt Company, The Wildcard/Five Card Stud Series, $99, www.barranada.com; Lover: Tasha Polizzi, Cotton Velveteen Zebra Trench, $265, Tasha Polizzi Pima Blouse, www.tashapolizzi.net.



Heirloom Arabian Halters, Nile Set, $800, www.heirloomhalters.com

Buckaroo Leather Products, Sidepull Headstall with Alpaca Reins, $200, www.buckarooleather.com

By Marion E. Altieri

No one knows for certain when the Arab horse first arrived in the land that now is known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jor-dan. As we discussed in the last issue of Desert Mirage, the Arab, while indigenous to the region, seemed just to ooze out of the ground. Like a Mobius strip, the mysterious, mystical, magical breed seemingly has no beginning, and no end.

This analogy, between the Arabian horse and an algebraic fascinator, is more than coincidental—dare I posit that, like all pure science—the Arabian horse originated in the mind of God. You see, both Algebra and the Arabian horse have far-greater missions than merely To Be--to exist, independent of anything else. Even Algebra, the ancient math, gets its name from the same region, philosophies and theologies as the horse: in Arabic, al-jabr means, “restoration.” (The vast majority of Algebra comes from Arabic/Islamic mathematics.)

The connections between the two seemingly-vastly different concepts is beginning to take shape: While Algebra aims to study the rules of relationships—the Arabian horse is the very definition of relationship. And most certainly, the relationship

of the noble Arab steed to the humans in her/his sphere has always been that of…restoration. Surely, the Arabian horse, wherever s/he has been found, has restored the economy, soci-eties—even the very souls of the humans with whom the horse co-existed.

There is no such thing as “mere coincidence”—that the Ara-bian horse should represent so much—the mystical Algebra of ancient Arabs, and the restoration of civilizations and human souls—is so much proof that, like threads in a tapestry, every-thing is intertwined, eventually. Looking at the back of a tap-estry, we see the complexity that produces such beauty. So it is with the Arabian horse: the more we study the horse, and try to understand it (looking at the back of the tapestry, as it were), the more we “get it,” that there are relationships, connections, science and, yes, theology—that we’ll never understand. Not on this earthly plane. As Plato said, “All I know is that I know nothing.”

(It may very well be that, the most-wise person is the child who looks simply at the horse, and admires her for her beauty.)

Early Islamic thinking, and the early Arabic language that gave restoration to mathematics intersects at the place where horses and Islamic piety meet. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had so much reverence for the horse—and obviously, that arche-typal horse was an Arabian—that he wrote and spoke exten-sively of the reverence and respect with which the horse was/is to be treated. There is a saying attributed to the Prophet (PBUH), that, “…if your neighbor owns a horse and you do not, open a window in the wall to allow the Blessings to reach you from next door.”

Clearly, if he attributed Blessings—special graces from The Almighty, and the ability to dispense those graces—are an at-tribute of the horse—then clearly, the horse is to be considered a heavenly messenger. And heavenly messengers are not to be abused or otherwise mistreated—in fact, they are the honoured guests at the banquet, the special ones for whom the good bed-ding is brought out.

Yes, the Prophet (PBUH) honoured all horses, and required that followers of Islam do the same. Surely, if the horse was so special to the divine—then the equine was to be welcomed, loved and treated as sacred family members.

What does this conversation—about Algebra, horses and their

The Arab Horse in Jordan:


The Arab Horse in Jordan: Guardian of the Past, Nurtured for the Future

intersection in Arabic language and Islamic theology—have to do with the country we moderns know as Jordan?

Everything, for you see—Jordan, as we westerners call it, is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. And that full name speaks volumes, for Hashim ibn Abd al-Manaf was the great-grand-father of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). And the Prophet (PBUH) and his daughter, the brilliant Fatimah. And Fati-mah is the grandmother of every member of the Jordan royal family, and their long tribal history in the land. The relation-ship between the Prophet (PBUH) and the Jordanian royals goes back even farther to Biblical relationships—the Prophet (PBUH), himself, was a descendant of the Prophet, Ismail (Ishmael), son of the Prophet, Ibrahim (Abraham).

Thus, the royal family of Jordan has ties—share DNA—with those who were at the foundation of monotheistic religion. This family has emotional and spiritual ties to this region, roots that go back farther than most of us can count. They have been on this land, living near the sacred river, for eons. And their influence has affected life and thinking in the Arab world for several millennia.

This from the website of the late, truly great, King Hussein: www.kinghussein.gov.jo

“…Moreover, King Hussein’s branch of the Hashemite family ruled the holy city of Mecca from 1201 CE until 1925 CE, al-though they recognized the sovereignty of the Ottoman sultan in 1517. This [makes] King Hussein the head of the Hashem-

Guardian of the Past, Nurtured for the Future


ite family which, in addition to being directly descended from the Prophet, also represents over one thousand years of rule in the area, and almost two thousand years of recorded pres-ence in the holy city of Mecca…”

The horses who ruled those 1,000 years with the Hashemites were the grandchildren of the horses who were so beloved of the Prophet (PBUH)—and the ancestors of those so carefully guarded by the current royals who inhabit the Royal Palace in Amman. Theirs is not a ceremonial relationship, but rather one of guardianship in the name of preserving history, and their own connection to the past. Surely the Prophet (PBUH) and his daughter, Fatimah, rode and loved their horses—and their great-great-grandchildren, the current reigning family in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan—are connected to their re-vered ancestors by that sacred, shared relationship with The Horse.

This interest and connection of 21st Century royals is not new, or a recent development: In the early 1920s, when Prince Abdullah (King Abdullah I, Grandfather of King Hussein) es-tablished the Emirate of Transjordan (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan), he established some Arabians whose bloodlines had been in the care of his family since the early 19th Century. (Note: as Dr. Mohammad Bin ‘Abdul-’Aziz Al-Nujaifi noted in his book, Iraqi Purebred Arabians, for many centuries, horses were not registered in stud books—the pedigree infor-mation, right down to the particular strains, were recorded in the minds and hearts of the people to whom they were en-trusted. This oral history is as reliable as that which is writ-ten—for surely, words in books or on a computer screen can be forged as easily as an oral tale re-told with embellishments. But the owners and breeders of the horses during the time prior to official registry with WAHO [World Arabian Horse Organization] were fastidious—if anything, it benefited them to tell their horses’ histories as accurately as possible. King Abdullah I would have heard his families’ equine histories from the time he was a child—the stories were as much a part of his heritage as his own Hashemite pedigree.)

In 1940, the stallion, Selman was sent as a gift to Jordan from Egypt, soon followed by stallions, Saameh and Ushaahe from Spain. Thus was born the official royal stables of the Hash-

emite Kingdom of Jordan, a physical presence that housed the painstaking and careful breeding of Jordanian horses for so many millennia--and the shared history of the two species (equine and human) in that ancient place.

The story of the horse in Jordan since that time has taken many fascinating turns along the way, like any family history. And a family story that involves not one, but two species who travel Life’s path together, must be twice as rich and interest-ing. From the desert warriors through the Prophet Moham-med (PBUH)…to King Abdullah I and his wise move, to establish and document the royal stables…to the present-day caretaker of that great heritage…the Arabian horse in Jordan is a sacred being, revered for her connection to history, and for her promise of the future.

And that caretaker, to whom I allude? While the entire royal family of Jordan feels the responsibility to oversee the pres-ervation and promotion of the Arabian horse in their King-dom—and the maintenance of the purity of the breed—the name that most-closely is associated with the Royal Stables for the Preservation of the Arabian Horse…is she who took the reins over 25 years ago, King Hussein’s first-born child, HRH (Her Royal Highness) Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein. In a March, 1986 interview with Rami G. Khouri, for Aramco World, she said,

“We have always looked upon the Arabian horse as a part of the national heritage of the Arabs…our main concern at the stud is to maintain the purity of the Arabian horse in its original environment, and to assure its continuity by certify-ing our genuine Arabians and registering them in the state stud book.”

Who is this unique, brave, centered woman, who would take upon herself to assure that the Arabian horse in all its purity is preserved in the land established by her ancestors for thou-sands of years? From her heart, we learn of the past. In her eyes, we see compassion and deep understanding. In her voice, we hear strength, intelligence and insight. In the next issue of Desert Mirage, we will read our exclusive interview with HRH Princess Alia. See you then—Salaam.

Marion E. Altieri loves horses: at age four, she began riding Quarter Horses--that same year she went to a track, and got a girly crush on Thoroughbreds. She’s written about Thoroughbred racing since 2003, when the revered Penny Chenery encour-aged her to go for it. June 2008 brought a startling revelation, as the mystical Arabian breed began calling to her, and she fell in love. She’s served as Editorial Director of Equicurean magazine, and writes for Desert Mirage, as well as Galopp Maga-sinet and Arabian Finish Line. In 2011, she edited Iraqi Purebred Arabians by Dr. Mohammad Bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Al-Nujaifi, a beautiful history that will be published in 2012. The Alpha Mare Series, her children’s books, debuted in November, 2011, with Claude, the Clumsy Clydesdale. The second book is titled, Alia, the Antsy Arabian, and is named to honour HRH Prin-cess Alia Bint Al Hussein, one of the first people whose passion for the Arabian inspired Marion to learn more. Marion hopes that, through the Power of the Pen, she can help Arabian racing become fully integrated into American Thoroughbred tracks--sooner rather than later, please. She is grateful that we asked her to write for Desert Mirage, “...an extraordinarily beautiful publication--Arabian-themed or otherwise.” You can contact Marion at [email protected].


About the Author:

Fashion Focus

When her husband became President of the United States, Jacqueline Bouvier-Kennedy quipped, “I do not want to be called First Lady. It sounds like a saddle horse.” The iconic equestrienne and style-setter might have better appreci-ated what Arianna Anderocci, the 29 year-old founder of Le Fash’s equestrian cross-over clothing line, has called her: an inspiration.

In high fashion and equestrian worlds, “Jackie was effort-lessly chic,” says Anderocci who, like Mrs. Kennedy, could look good over fences, competing for two decades on A-rated hunter/jumper circuits while working in international haute couture as a stylist and consultant for Angelica Hous-ton, Charlize Theron, Bergdorf Goodman, Elle, Saks Fifth Av-enue, and Vogue.

The first commandment of riding style is fashion follows function. Le Fash debuted with a line of English show shirts in Egyptian cotton that incorporate bamboo/spandex knit into the sleeves and bodice. The graduate of Pratt Institute (NYC) and Istituto Marangoni (Milan, Italy) said, “Many top design houses, like Gucci or Hermes, started by making har-nesses. These top quality brands stay true to their roots because riding is the ‘sport of kings.’ Because it looks ex-pensive, it carries the essence of the horse, and is extremely chic. That’s why the equestrian trend is almost always a top fall trend and will never go out of mainstream style.” Le Fash evokes the essence of a great sport horse: Athletic perfor-mance with a traditional look.

Bouvier-Kennedy’s equestrian ensembles of tweed jackets and ratcatchers, prompted Anderocci to ask, “Where did style go?” Her response was to bring back its rich plaids and stripes, and gold buttons “as homage to the hunt pins once worn on ladies’ lapels.”

With a nod to its past, Le Fash looks forward, choosing -- after five years of research – to design shirts using bamboo fiber, which offer antibacterial qualities not found in many synthetics. As soft as cotton or silk, it can insulate for cool-er climes, and remain breathable for sunburn protection. “When you sweat, bamboo absorbs moisture, releases it into the air faster, and kills odor-causing bacteria. Riders need Desert Mirage - December 2011

clothing that helps us move freely and control our moisture and tem-perature. If anything is un-fashionable, it’s smelling bad.”

“My number one priority is good fit. This bamboo fabric is seven-per-cent spandex, which allows a great fit on different body types. Many women have shirts that fit, except for the buttons pulling at their chest. With a Le Fash shirt, there is no pulling because the bamboo/spandex allows a larger bust to fit as well as a smaller one. These fit like custom shirts every time.” That fashion-forward silhouette in an athletic gar-ment has won Le Fash competitive and corporate clients, including a Vice President at Estee Lauder who owns five shirts (because they tuck nicely into pencil skirts) and, in early 2012, a men’s line will launch. Crossover appeal is valuable in fashion and horses: “People who own Arabians appreciate true beauty. The breed is so versatile,” says the New York stylist and rider, coyly adding, “I think my line would look really great in their hunter/jumper classes.”

Pictured right:Arianna Anderocci Owner - LeFashNY


304 Park Avenue South, 11th FLNew York, NY 10010

[email protected]

Fine Equestrian Attire


Desert Mirage Magazine - October 2011 Page 20

An Equine Law PractitionerDECEMBER 2011

Horse Sale Disputes Waiting to Happen - And How to Avoid ThembyJulie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

www.equinelawblog.com

When people buy and sell horses, disputes – and sometimes lawsuits – can follow. These conflicts are often avoidable. As a lawyer who drafts contracts and has tried equine contract cases in two states, I write to discuss some problems that can occur in equine sale transactions and suggestions for avoiding them.

Problem: Buying and Selling Horses on a Handshake

Oddly, people in the horse industry still deal on a handshake. The same person who expects a receipt from the restaurant after buying an inexpensive lunch might later buy a horse for thousands of dollars and seek absolutely nothing in writing. The problem is, with nothing in writing, sales disputes can become complicated and costly to resolve because the parties cannot agree on the contract’s terms.

Fortunately, these days it is easier than ever to document an equine sale. Written contracts can potentially protect buyers and sellers in equine transactions. Here are a few examples:

* Description of the horse sold. The sale contract can describe the horse being sold, such as the registered name, breed, registration numbers, markings, age, brands or tattoos, and height. At the very least, this could prevent the problem of a buyer who has purchased a horse off of a website, sight unseen, only to suspect that a different horse was delivered later on.

* Papers. My office frequently receives calls from buyers who never received registration papers, but no contract exists to confirm that the seller even had them. Buyers can protect themselves by specifying in the contract that the seller has the registration papers and will transfer them to the buyer within a specified period of time. The contract can even attach a copy of them.

* Soundness and veterinary history. If a seller insists that the horse offered for sale is completely without vices or bad habits, he or she should not hesitate to put it writing if the buyer asks. Otherwise, it can be difficult to prove that the seller made these promises.

* Payments. Sellers can take extra precautions when selling horses on an installment basis. For example, when the buyer promises to pay one-half of the purchase price now and

the rest later, sellers can insist that the contract specify, at a minimum, what was paid, what remains to be paid, when pay-ments are due, and to whom payments must be sent. This can prevent the problem of buyers who insists they paid in full when he or she only paid a fraction of the price but have pos-session of the horse.

As I have written in my Equine Law & Horse Sense book se-ries, a simple equine sale contract can sometimes take as little as five minutes to prepare. A simple contract can be signed by all parties and set forth, at a minimum: (1) the names, address-es, and contact information of the buyer, seller, and sales agent (if any); (2) a clear description of the horse sold; (3) a promise that the seller owns the horse and has the legal authority to sell it to the buyer; (4) the full purchase price; (5) the date the seller was paid; and (6) that the seller was paid in full (or the re-maining sum that is due and when it must be paid). Certainly, more thorough and detailed contracts take more time and, for the protection of the parties, can be drafted or reviewed by a knowledgeable lawyer.

Problem: Buying a Horse With Cash

Cash sales are surprisingly common in the horse industry. The problem is, sales of this type often create disputes, especially when they are not confirmed in a carefully written contract, because the parties have no record of the amount exchanged. Buyers who pay with a check, by comparison, will at least have their cancelled check as proof what was paid to the seller.

Problem: No Veterinary Examination

Pre-purchase veterinary examinations can help evaluate a horse’s overall health and condition. Some buyers also seek drug screen exams. Buyers who seek details regarding the fitness and suitability of a horse offered for sale, especially before parting with their money, can find these examinations very informative and worth the added expense. If the seller allows the buyer to arrange for a pre-purchase veterinary ex-amination, the contract can specify this as well as when the exam must be completed.

Avoiding Disputes

The phrase caveat emptor (buyer beware) is not meant to sug-gest that buyers have no legal rights when they feel cheated in


an equine sale. They do. Buyers can, and sometimes do, sue sellers for breach of contract, fraud, violations of deceptive trade practice laws, and other things. As lawyer, I have helped buyers win these cases. I have also defended sellers against these claims. While it is true that a written contract cannot prevent all disputes from occurring, the fact is that without one, legal disputes are often more expensive to resolve and the outcome is rarely certain.

This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledge-able attorney.

About the Author

Julie Fershtman, a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins &

Smith, PC, is one of the nation’s most experienced and best-known Equine Law practitioners. She has tried equine cases before juries in 4 states, authored 3 books on Equine Law, and has spoken on Equine Law in 27 states. Her direct phone line is (248) 785-4731. For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net and www.equinelawblog.com.

Prevent legal disputes by ordering Ms. Fershtman’s books, MORE Equine Law & Horse Sense and Equine Law & Horse Sense, today. The books combine general legal principles with “horse sense” tips to avoid liability. Order both books together for $42.90, first-class shipping included. Call Horses & The Law Publishing at 866-5 EQUINE, a toll-free number. Or, mail check or money order to Horses & The Law Publishing, P.O. Box 250696 Franklin, MI 48025-0696.

Pictured: Ali Gazal LA2006 Bay Stallion

*Gazal Al Shaqab x Yermeh SangaylaOwned by Kielnarowa Stud - PolandBred by Lauran Arabians LLC - USA


Stretching Therapy

through an extensive daily regime. Phillip Ralls, who trains our Western horses, studied for four years and became a qualified equine physiotherapist. Phillip’s father was with me for eight years and he too was a leader in the Western industry in the practice of stretching therapy.

Ron Ralls, Phillip’s dad, has been a National Champion in the United States for two years running. While training for us here, he developed a method of increasing flexibility by schooling his horses to touch their tail with their nose. Obviously, this was

Written by Monty Roberts

As I meet with horse people the world over, certain questions con-tinue to be of interest. Those involved in training dressage horses often inquire of me, “We believe in the need for stretching exercises for our dressage horses. We feel that it improves our ability to collect the horse. Does the Western performance horse need stretching as well?

If dressage horses need pre-session stretching to the extent of an 8 out of a perfect 10, then Western horses need pre-session stretching a 9.9 out of a perfect 10. It is my belief that a flexible, well-aligned cutting or reining horse is far better prepared to give you top performance than


only one of the stretching exercises, but it was dramatic to see.

It is my opinion too many horsemen perceive a significant dif-ference in the needs of a horse depending on whether it’s wear-ing a flat saddle or a Western saddle. I feel that horses are very much the same in their needs no matter the discipline involved. I believe that our horses have little idea why style saddle goes on their backs, and we need to attend to their physiological needs no matter the discipline.

It is my recommendation that competition riders and leisure riders alike should take the time to seek out a knowledgeable person in their geographic area who is trained as a equine physiotherapist and learn the basic elements of these procedures. It will be fun as a horseman to learn more about the needs of your equine partner, and you will have a happier and healthier horse that will perform at a higher level in whatever discipline you participate.

PHOTO CREDIT: Simon Palmer

Visit www.montyroberts.com for more information on Mon-ty’s calendar, classes, training tack, books, DVDs and free e.Newsletter.


It’s hard to believe that we’re already discussing year-end planning, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about the impact your business will have on your 2011 taxes before you get distracted with the holi-days. As with any tax and accounting advice, your individual situa-tions may vary but the following tips seem to be the most helpful to our broad range of EQ Bookkeeping clients.

Buy Something:

Many of you may be thinking this sounds counter-productive, but the best time to invest in your business is typically at the end of the year, when you can use the expense to offset the income that you’ve made throughout the year, thus reducing your 2011 tax li-ability. This advice only works for cash basis taxpayers. To take this a step further, if you purchase something on your credit card in late December, you can take the write-off on your 2011 taxes, even though you actually won’t be out the cash until January, when your credit card bill comes due.

If you have some bills that are typically due in early January, pay them in late December early so you can take the deduction on your 2011 taxes. These bills can include utilities, cell phone bills, feed and grain bills and more. If your horse business has been considering making a large invest-ment, consult with your tax and accounting advisor to see if it would be more beneficial to make the purchase in 2011 or 2012. Some capital investments (tractors, grain storage bins, and even some horses), are eligible to be fully expensed upon purchase, and thus the entire price could be written off of your 2011taxes.

Give Your Customers Extra Time to Pay:

Similar to increasing your expenses at the end of the year, cash ba-sis taxpayers can also reduce their 2011 net income by deferring income into 2012. For example, if you have board customers that you typically invoice during the middle of the month, and your cash flow can afford it, give them a little holiday present by allowing them until the beginning of January to pay their bills without any penalty. This means that you would not be required to claim the income on your 2011 taxes, and your net tax liability could be re-duced.

Retirement Planning:

In the absence of an employer-provided plan, many business owners will often put off saving for their own retirement. However, there are tax benefits associated with contributing into a Individual Re-tirement Account (IRA) each year. There are several types of IRAs, but the most common two are Traditional and Roth. Contributions

to Traditional IRAs are tax deductible (up to $5,000 for 2011), but the distributions taken after retirement are taxable. Conversely, contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax deductible, but distributions taken after retirement are tax-free. As a result, if your cash flow will allow it, you might consider contributing to a Traditional IRA before the end of 2011 to reduce your tax liability. If you have al-ready invested in another type of IRA, check with your tax advisor for contribution deadlines and limitations.

Write-Down Your Inventory:

It’s always a good idea for small businesses to periodically review their inventory for a change in market value, or even obsolescence. For businesses that carry horses as inventory, inventory adjustments can have a large impact on year-end tax planning. Horses as inven-tory? This may be a new idea to some business owners who do not use horse- savvy tax and accounting advisors. If your business holds horses for the sole purpose of resale, they will be carried on the books as inventory. If you have inventoried a horse that has become injured, diseased or otherwise “impaired”, you will want to write down the value of that horse on your books. The net result of this transaction is an increase in expense, and a decrease in your 2011 tax liability.

Make a Charitable Contribution:

For small business owners trying to make ends meet, this sugges-tion may seem unfeasible. However, remember that “impaired” horse sitting as inventory on your books? Consider donating it to a charitable organization. The organization must be an approved non-profit organization, and must be able to provide a certificate showing proof of donation. The amount of charitable contribution will be the market value of the horse. However, if you took the advice above, you have already reviewed your inventory, and wrote the horse down to its market value. There are several tax guidelines surrounding the charitable contribution of a horse, so be sure to con-sult with your tax advisor before making the donation. Many horse businesses begin to slow down in the winter months. If this applies to you, take this opportunity to utilize the addition-al time and some of the ideas above to improve your tax position. Consult with your financial advisor to ensure that you have paid in an adequate amount of estimated tax payments to avoid penal-ties. Spend a little extra time getting your accounting records up-to-date and accurate. These things will not only give you peace of mind going into the new year, it will make your tax preparation much smoother. Don’t forget, each taxpayer’s situation is unique and while the ideas discussed above may appeal to the masses, they might not apply to your particular case. Be sure to consult your tax and accounting advisor directly.

Planning Ahead for Ending the Year - Tax & Accounting Tips

Written by Jennifer Foster, President - EQ Bookkeeping LLC

Business MattersDecember 2011

www.eqbookkeeping.com


Back in 1976, the biggest news in the Arabian world was that a 25 year old girl had just paid a record price for an Arabian mare at the Nichols Arabian Sale. This was no ordinary mare, and her new owner was deeply committed to being a serious breeder, having begun her study of Arabian bloodlines at age 9.

The mare was 1972 U.S. National Champion Mare *Elkana++, who had been imported by film director Mike Nichols from Po-land, and the girl was veteran breeder Aude Espourteille. “*Elka-na++ was my best friend in life,” recalls Aude. “She was that once in a lifetime gift to be treasured forever. She was the love of my life, and it was an honor to care for her while she visited this earth. We lived together for most of her life in a little corner of paradise, a mystical place where dreams come true…a place I named Deor Farms so long ago.”

Aude selected carefully the best possible mates for *Elkana++ and the result has been worldwide influence for her descendants. “What I want most is to produce a horse that will take your breath away and be an extraordinary athlete.” Aude’s record at producing horses who inspire dreams is exceptional. *Elkana++ produced five champions, four of them National winners in halter, and four National winner producers. She nicked very well with stallions of the Witraz sire line.

*Elkana++’s son Ricard (by the *Bask++ son Negatraz) was a

U.S. National Top Ten Stallion. Another son, Cartier by *Bask++, was a U.S. National Top Ten Stallion AOTH with Aude on the lead and has sired National Champions in Halter, English Side Saddle, and Hunter Pleasure and National winners in English Pleasure and Native Costume. He is also an excellent broodmare sire, and many of Aude’s current champions trace to him on the dam side of their pedigrees. *Elkana++’s unshown daughter Ultima, a full sister to Cartier, is the dam of National winners in Halter and Performance and of a National winner producer. Another *Bask++/*Elkana++ daughter, A Love Song, produced an extraordinary four National winners, all of whom have produced National winners: Canadian Reserve National Champion English Pleasure Amoree (a sire of National Champions in Halter and Dressage), Canadian Reserve National Champion Park To Love Again (dam of Top Flyer, a National winner in Hunter Pleasure), multi-National Champion English Pleasure A Temptation (a sire of National Champions in both saddle seat performance and sport horse competition), and multi-National Champion Park Allience+// (sire of multiple Na-tional Champions in disciplines from saddle seat to dressage). *Elkana++’s daughter Elegant Crystal (by *Aladdinn) is the dam of four champions including U.S. National Champion Mare and English Pleasure Junior Horse Ericca (whose seven champion off-spring to date include a multi-National winner in English Pleasure and Park and two National winners in Halter).

Aude has retained *Elkana++’s final son, U.S. Top Ten Stallion AOTH Eminant, by the Negatraz grandson Aicying. “His best

Written by Arlene Magid

Over 40 Years of Excellence

DEOR FARMSDesert Mirage - December 2011

traits are his attitude, type and motion,” Aude explains. “He has a lovely short back, great tail carriage, and a very typey face. He consistently passes on to his get smooth bodies, good motion and upright necks.” Aude says her favorite Eminant daughter is the stunning bay multi-regional Halter champion Estee Lauder, who is tall and elegant, with an extreme face. Eminant stands at Deor Farms where he is following in the tradition of his mater-nal siblings with get like U.S. National Top Ten Reining Futurity Emigrant, the exquisite multi-Halter Champion SA Cavalli, and of course multi-regional Halter Champion and National winner producer Estee Lauder.

At the 2011 U.S. Nationals, the *Elkana++ factor was very ap-parent in many of the winners in a variety of disciplines. 12 dif-ferent purebred winners traced to *Elkana++. Among them were Top Ten winners in Halter, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure and Country Pleasure and U.S. Reserve National Champion Eng-lish Pleasure Maturity AOTR Baske Allience, Reserve National Champion Country Pleasure Select ATR Baske Alarm, Reserve National Champion Country Pleasure Futurity Timpani SMP, and Reserve National Champion Pleasure Driving Exxpectations. These winners traced to *Elkana++ through her sons Cartier and Eminant and daughter A Love Song.

Sometimes a breeder must act on gut instinct, a feeling that can’t

be explained logically. *Elkana++ set an exceptionally high stan-dard but the next great horse in Aude’s life came to her completely unexpectedly. On a visit to Petroglyph Arabians to look at fillies, she discovered the yearling colt A-Jakarta, who kept nickering to her and demanded she notice him (although she says everyone else was ignoring him that day). He captured her heart and imagina-tion. Aude, the pedigree person, didn’t even bother to ask how he was bred. All she knew was that he had chosen her and she was being called to care for him.

A-Jakarta turned out to be royally bred, however. His sire was the Brazilian import *Jullyen El Jamaal, who carries two lines to U.S. National Champion Stallion *Ali Jamaal and a line to the exquisite International Champion *El Shaklan, whose beauty has inspired breeders worldwide. *Jullyen El Jamaal also has a line to the unforgettable U.S. Reserve National Champion Bey Shah+, for many years the breed’s leading sire of National winners in Halter, with get including U.S. National Champion Stallion Fame VF+ and four U.S. National Champion Mares, all of whom pro-duced National winners. *Jullyen El Jamaal has sired 41 National winners, among them National Champions in Halter, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, and Western Side Saddle. At the 2011 U.S. Nationals, *Jullyen El Jamaal sired nine different winners in Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure and Reining, five of them National Champions.

Aude Espourteille with *Elkana++Nichols Arabian Sale - 1976

DEOR FARMS Desert Mirage - December 2011

A- Jakarta*Jullyen El Jamaal x Gai Schara

2004 Bay Stallion

A-Jakarta’s dam Gai Schara produced four Champions. She is a daughter of Bey Shah+, whose daughters have crossed very suc-cessfully with *Jullyen El Jamaal, producing such National Halter winners as Shahnelle El Jullyen and Bey Jullyen (also a National winning sire), National Champions Jullyani, Gai El Jullyen (also a Champion in ridden competition in Australia), and National Champion Hunter Pleasure Kijan El Jullyen V. Gai Schara is a full sister to Halter champion Gai Beisha, who was exported to England’s Halsdon Stud. Their dam Gai Chardonnay was a full sister to U.S. National Champion Stallion and Pleasure Driving Gai Parada+++/, a sire of National Champions in Halter and mul-tiple performance disciplines.

Aude’s well developed eye chose A-Jakarta not knowing his her-itage was such that he would live up to her ideal. He quickly proved himself with wins on the National level each time he com-peted, including U.S. National Top Ten Sweepstakes and Futu-rity Colt, U.S. National Top Ten Stallion AOTH (with Aude) and Canadian Reserve National Champion Futurity Colt. This year he was named Region 3 Champion Stallion and then went to the inaugural Scottsdale Breeders Finals where he was named Bronze

Champion Stallion.

A-Jakarta has proven himself as a show horse and he has more than met Aude’s expectations as a sire as well, nicking well with a variety of mares and producing offspring as stunningly beautiful as himself. “A-Jakarta has extreme exotic type with attitude. He brings elegance and long legs, a great upright neck and beauti-ful eyes.” A-Jakarta has sired 50% Champions from his get old enough to compete in 2011- a remarkable percentage for a young sire.

A-Jakarta has sired regional Halter winners out of daughters of Bey Shah+, U.S. National Champion Stallion *Marsianin, multi-Top Ten Stallion Magic Dream, and multi-U.S. National Cham-pion Stallion Magnum Psyche. He has also sired winners out of Gainey bred mares whose foals are thus linebred to Ferzon and Azraff. Five of his regional winners are out of mares who trace to the *Elkana++ son Cartier, and Aude’s personal favorite among his get is 2011 Scottsdale Unanimous International Junior Cham-pion Filly and U.S. National Top Ten Two Year Old Filly A-Ma-laysia, whose dam Estee Lauder is by the *Elkana++ son Eminant.

A- Jakarta with Sandro Pinha2008 SCOTTSDALE SENIOR CHAMPION STALLION AOTH

2007 CANADIAN RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION FUTURITY COLT2007 SCOTTSDALE RESERVE CHAMPION 3-Year-Old Colt

2006 SCOTTSDALE UNANIMOUS CHAMPION 2-Year-Old Colt AAOTH2005 U.S. NATIONAL TOP TEN Yearling Sweepstakes Colt


EminantAicyng x *Elkana++1996 Grey Stallion

2004 Region 17 RESERVE CHAMPION Stallion1999 U.S. National TOP TEN Stallion AAOTH

1999 Region 3 CHAMPION Stallion AOTH

A-Malaysia is owned by the Al Shahania Stud of Qatar. A-Jakarta is now a popular International sire, with get exported to Kuwait, China and South Africa. His semen is also now approved for ex-port to the European Union.

Aude offers advice to breeders aspiring to success that is based on her long experience with Arabians. “Learn what quality really is. Figure out what you like best in a horse and what is most impor-tant to you. Don’t follow trends. Be true to your ideals, and most of all, be patient. Horse breeding is a long-term commitment. If you’re not willing to make such a commitment, don’t get into it. Just buy an occasional good horse and enjoy it. Breeding is not for the faint of heart. I measure my own accomplishments as a

breeder by the successes of horses I have bred that have gone on to contribute to other breeding programs.”

Eminant and A-Jakarta are at stud at:

Deor Farms - Aude EspourteilleP.O. Box 73

Butte Falls, Oregon 97522 - United States of AmericaTel: 541.865.9302Fax: 541.865.7894

[email protected]

A-MalaysiaA-Jakarta x Estee Lauder

2009 Bay FillyOwned by Alshahania Stud

Doha, Qatar


Desert Mirage Magazine - July/August 2011

Jakartas Jewel A-Jakarta x Dyanah by Negatraz

Owned by Deor Farms

Pictured above:*Elkana++

Photo left:A Chanel

A-Jakarta x ML Cerra Rose2008 Grey Mare

Owned by ALEXTER SHOW HORSES AND FARM INC

DEOR FARMSDesert Mirage - December 2011 Page 48

Desert Mirage Magazine - October2011 Page 54

VBF A-Paradise A-Jakarta x Marashah

Owned by Bill & Birte Ferguson of Eagle Point, Oregon

Pictured above left:A -Malaysia

A-Jakarta x Estee Lauder2009 Bay Filly

Owned by Alshahania StudDoha, Qatar

Pictured above right:Cartier

*Bask x *Elanka++1978 Grey Stallion

Deor Farms

EDEOR FARMS Desert Mirage - December 2011

Katja Sauer is a German artist who lives and works near the lovely spa-town of Baden-Baden in the middle of the black forest.

As a child she discovered her passion for drawing animals, especially horses. For Katja, animals played a very important role in her life and continue to influence her artwork.

Katja has developed her beautiful technique through learned experience. Through individual experimentation with dif-

ferent drawing-techniques and with her passion for what she loves doing, Katja has been able to express her love of art and animals, particularly Arabian horses, through her artwork. Katja works mainly with soft pastels; however, recently has begun to use acrylics for her stunning art pieces.

Katja told Desert Mirage, “The Arabian Horse is one of my fa-vorite motives. I adore its beauty and temper and also its pla-cidity. These characteristics give each horse a unique expres-sion in which I enjoy capturing in my paintings. My love and

Al Tair Tamaiyuz Authentic Ibn Nawaal x Takrima


Desert Mirage MagazinePage 47 Desert Mirage Magazine - July/August 2011Desert Mirage Magazine - October2011 Page 56

Very Versace Versace x Elegant Dahncer

Desert Mirage - December 2011Page 51

Jai-Rhan Astalik Asfour x Simeon Shakhor


Desert Mirage Magazine - October 2011

expertise for drawing, especially Arabian horses, originates in the fact that my Mother is lucky enough to own an Arabian horse. Therefore, I am able to study intensely the anatomy and movements of this magnificent breed of horse.”

Early in 2011, Katja began accepting commissioned works. She states, “Ever since I started to do commissioned work I have been moved by the stories behind the photographs I am

sent to draw. This shows me how important pets are to our modern lives and how they can make us more ‘human’. This is also one of the reasons I enjoy my work thoroughly.”

To reach Katja Sauer, please contact the artist directly by email at [email protected] or visit her website at www.katja-sauer.de.

Zer Nabiah Abakan Ibn Tallin x Zer Nabila


Maimun Prinik Kossack x Mena Bint Farras

www.katja-sauer.deDesert Mirage - December 2011

Tibet Kubinec x Nikita – Narav Ibn Aswan

Pokupka Drug x Pozjarka – Balaton


Desert Mirage December 2011

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Transcript of Desert Mirage December 2011