Presenting Our New Cross Country Course!

At Desert Bred Arabians (aka The Riding Center boarding stable), we're always looking for different ways to challenge our horses.  Pursuing a variety of disciplines keeps them versatile and fit. 

So we're very excited to have a new cross country jump course set up in our fields.  With a variety of heights and types of jumps, there's something for everyone from the novice jumper to the veteran.

It was lovely to have guests from ST. Louis and Cornerstone Farms in St. Jacob come out and take the tour.  Thanks ladies for helping us break them in! 

Photos by Bobbi Sanders - thanks Bobbi!

Fall Endurance - Desert Bred horses take top honors!

The weather has been kind this fall with beautiful sunny weather and cool temps, so it was time to hit the endurance rides!

We were very excited to have a ride almost in our backyard - Paul Sidio created a new ride on the Ozark Trail in Black, MO based out of Brushy Creek Campground. A couple of our boarders had made that a favorite spot to visit, and we were eager to check out this ride! (Brushy Creek pastures pic left)

With stalls for horses, a lodge with a restaurant, and miles and miles of trails, what a great place for an endurance ride!

Paula Kaigh brought her two geldings, Ibn Desert Dhelall and DB Dahman, Lori Zackrie brought her mare Emirah and her gelding DB Bolero. Cindy Stafford and Sheri Devouassoux brought DB Hula Mayya and DB Al Amhara for their first endurance rides.  They were joined by Kate Davis and Elena Macia who were riding DB Airs Aidah and DB Bint Dahmah in their first and second endurance rides respectively (picture left - Hula Mayya and Ibn Desert Dhelall chilling out in their comfy stalls) 

In the Friday 25 mile ride, many successes among the Desert Breds in what turned out to be a very challenging trail.  Single track most of the way, with very technical footing.  There were quite a few pulls, but 100% completion among the Desert Breds.  Sheri piloted DB Al Amhara to a top 10 finish!  (Sheri and Al Amhara pictured left, photo by Brushy Creek photographer).  Paula Kaigh and Ibn Dhelall sponsored Cindy and  Hula Mayya to a very steady finish in 13th and 14th places.  Ibn barely noticed the 25 miles of hills - at the finish line he didn't have enough sweat for the P&R guy's heart monitor to register a pulse!  And most importantly of all, congratulations to Lori Zackrie at winning Best Condition in the 25 on her (non Desert Bred) mare Ehmirah (with a 3rd place finish)!  It's been wonderful watching Lori and Ehmirah's growing partnership together while they train at our stable, The Riding Center.

 In Saturday's rides, Lori (on DB Bolero), Kate (on DB Airs Aidah) and Elena (on DB B. Dahmah) swept the top 3 spots in the 35 mile LD, with Lori winning Best Condition once again. 

In the 60 mile endurance ride, Paula and her lamborghini of a horse DB Dahman tied for first with Julie Jackson, with Paula winning Best Condition!  (left pic - Paula leaving the vet check with Dahman)

Left - Kate Davis and DB Airs Aidah pose for the camera before starting their 2nd loop.  Airs Aidah and Kate finished 2nd place

Left - Lori and DB Bolero, winner 1st place and Best Condition.

Left - Elena and DB Bint Dahmah sailed into a 3rd place finish.

After the Ozark ride, DB Airs Aidah and stallion DB Khrush took on the AHDRA III ride in Oquawka IL.  Kate Davis and Aidah won the 30 mile LD as well as Best Condition!  Sarah Sanders and DB Khrush finished the 60 mile endurance ride in 5th place.  Congratulations ladies!

We're On Facebook! Oh MY!

Other exciting news, we now have Facebook pages!  Check us out - at TRC Desert Bred Arabian Stud and The Riding Center Stables of Freeburg IL Facebook pages.  It's a great way for us to be more 'live' will news, announcements and staying in touch with all our horse friends and family.  We've started creating photo albums of new pics and old, so please come visit and let us hear from you!


http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Freeburg-IL/TRC-Desert-Bred-Arabian-Stud/151376214899413

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Freeburg-IL/The-Riding-Center-Stables-of-Freeburg-IL/100172140050144

Playing Catch Up

So much has been going on in our world, that this roving reporter just can't keep up!  So let's get down to it, and start with the most recent first!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Desert Bred Arabians, the breeding program is affiliated with The Riding Center in Freeburg IL.  This past weekend we hosted an Open House full of activities, and were so happy that so many were able to attend and braved the drizzly weather.

We had farrier demos (thank you Kevin Beck of Mustang Method Horseshoeing!), TRC Flex-Tree Saddlery with their tack on display.  Mid Rivers Equine Hospital was there with their very cool mobile unit.  And Sarah Sanders' students and assistant trainers performed riding demonstrations.  It was a very successful day!

Jamie Lamborn warming up DB Khrush (photo by B. Sanders)

The younger set charming the crowd with their riding skills



Dr. Olivia from Mid Rivers Equine giving a tour of their mobile clinic



Our guests and friends!

Devin and her ex racehorse, turned jumping champion mare, Jeannie.  Jeannie can jump 4 ft and make it look easy as pie!

Endurance champion Paula Kaigh showing how having versatile riding skills makes her a better rider.  Jumping in her endurance saddle no less!

Ex racehorse Mikey has come a long way from being a green horse in the past few months!

Kevin Beck demoing proper Natural Balance trim.  Jack was a perfect foot model!  Kevin explained how having a shortened, flat toe is better than a long toe - if too long its like us trying to run in swim fins :)

Rodger Davis helping give play by play commentary during the farrier demo

Mid Rivers Equine Mobile Unit.  Very cool!  They will be at The Riding Center for 2 weeks, vet here Tuesday and Thursday.  Come check it out!

Baby News!

The stork has blessed us with two arrivals recently.  First, a fourth of July baby, a black colt out of DB Dharma (Desert Dhelall X Sindidans Amiraa) and Aswad Khayal (Aswad Sihr X Bint Rivanna).  Mom and baby are doing wonderfully, but they aren't helping out this photographer by being close by when I happen to come by with my camera, lol.  Until I can get some close ups, we'll have to be content with these teeny tiny views - mom was drinking out of a pond in her pasture and baby was splashing in the water.  It was very cute - its times like those I wish I had a monster zoom on my camera.

And more recently (3 days ago in fact) GR Desert Farasha (Desert Jalam X DB Fabayah, tail female line to Maahra) brought a bouncing filly into this world who is just all legs.  A pretty chessie with cute little pink nose.  This filly is by DB Ibn Najem Huda (DB Najem Huda X DB Jamala - tail femail strain is Dahmah) and is gorgeous just like both her parents.  Welcome to this world little girl!  And first time mom, Farasha, is doing an amazing job, standing super still when baby girl is trying to get the hang of playing "now where did those udders go again?".

Left - GR Desert Farasha filly, 3 days old.

Left - checking in with mom to make sure the scary lady with the camera isn't something to worry about :).

left - mom and baby - I'm amazed that a baby so TALL was just inside that little belly a couple days ago!

And handsome dad on the left here - DB Ibn Najem Huda.

Competition News! Part 3 - More Endurance!

Paula Kaigh, Sheri Devouassoux and Julia Binder braved the oppressive heat and humidity in July to take on the challenge of Endure for the Cure endurance ride. 

This was DB Bint Dahmah's first ride ever, and guided by experienced rider Sheri, they had a wonderful ride (Sheri and B Dahmah pictured left, photo by Doug Palme Photography).  The pair finished the 25 mile LD in 4 hr,  8 min in 3rd place, just 1 min behind the first place finisher.  Great job Sheri!

Paula and DB Dhaman tackled the 50 mile ride and finished in 5 hr 56 minutes.  An outstanding time that awarded her a 4th place finish, but just seconds behind the first 3 riders!

Paula also rode her other gelding, Ibn Desert Dhellal in the 25 LD on Saturday and they finished 1st place (in a field of 20) with a Best Condition award!

Unfortunately, the heat was too much of a challenge for Julia's mount, DB Khrushah, and she was pulled at the first vet check.  But we're confident that with a few more training rides she will be amazing at her next ride.  Julia was a great crew for Paula and Sheri which is certain to have helped them in the successes that day.

(picture left, DB Bint Dahmah and Sheri, photo by Doug Palme photography)

Competition News! Part 2 - Endurance World

From Jumping Desert Breds, we move on to Racing Desert Breds -

In endurance world, those Desert Breds have been clocking in the miles like a pack of Energizer Bunnies :).  First, MaryAnne Riley let us know that she and her gelding DB Blue Al-Ashab have been continuing their multi-day rides since their awesome success at Death Valley Encounter earlier this year, where they completed 200 miles over 4 days.  Since then, the pair have completed a three day 155 miles ride at Wild West in Grass Valley in March and a two day 100 at Coolie Ranch Ride in June.     That's MaryAnne and Al-Ashab from the DVE ride pictured above.

Back here in the midwest, Paula Kaigh and Sheri Devouassoux have been somehow finding a way to hit some rides in between all the rain (and resulting mud) we've been having.  In April, they went to State Fair Express, a ride on the Katy Trail in Central Missouri.  The weather was the biggest factor and riders were chilled to the bone in the cold wind and rain they endured throughout the day.  Paula rode her gelding, DB Dahman and Sheri rode Paula's younger grey gelding, Ibn Desert Dhellal (Paula and Ibn Dhellal pictured left on a training ride).    While the weather made the day less than stellar, it sure didn't hold these ladies back.  Paula won the 50 in a time of 6 hr, in a field of 19 riders.  Sheri competed in the 25 and finished 4th out of 21 riders, with a time of 3 hr and 26 min.  Woohoo!  Way to go ladies!

Moving on to June and the opposite extremes of the weather, we join Paula and Sheri again for the Double Eagle Dance ride in MIssouri.  Heat and humidity plagued this ride, with the forecast of high 90's for the day.  The temps kept a lot of people at home, but a few braved the temps to try out the inaugural ride of this event.  The ride was held at Double Eagle Ranch, which was beautiful rolling hills and immaculate boarding stables.  Abundant happy energetic volunteers were everywhere, and it was a fabulous place for a ride (in the opinion of this crew member :)). 

Paula rode DB Dahman in the 50 and Sheri was riding DB Zahrah, a mare owned by Desert Bred Arabians,  in the 25.  Both were keeping a great pace, until some trail confusion (some cars were parked in front of flags marking the trail, causing a missed turn) brought both back to the barn too soon.  No rider likes to have to repeat trail, but when you're trying to finish before the heat of the day, it's even more frustrating.  After getting instruction from the Ride Manager where they needed to double back to get back on course (picture above),  the two headed back out.

By the time they finished this loop (2nd for the LD, 3rd for the 50), Paula was back in first (on right side of picture on left) and Sheri was 3rd LD'er (left side of picture). 

Zahrah pulsed down and got her completion for an official 3rd Place finish (Zahrah and Sheri pictured left)!  Fantastic job Sheri at getting Zahrah thru this tough ride!

Throughout the day riders and horses were dropping out - from heat, from lost shoes, from tumbles off of horses - that the pool of riders grew smaller and smaller.  And the day grew hotter as the remaining 50 milers finished the last loop.

Crews and vets and staff began watching the finish line.  Someone HAD to be coming in soon...?  2:00 past.  3:00 past.  Finally, a dot in the distance (picture left)- Paula (a very thirsty, hot and tired Paula) and Dahman  walked across the finish line around 4:00 to earn their First Place Finish and Best Condition Award and showed that these competitions aren't always how fast you can finish, but how well you can ENDURE.  There should be extra points for tough rides, wouldn't it be nice if that were so?  Hats off to Sheri and Paula for truly enduring a very tough day and finishing a ride with a 50% completion rate among the riders!  Hooray!

Competition News! Part 1

It's been a while since I last posted, but my excuse is its been super hard keeping up with all the DB Arabs and their owners!  From show to endurance ride, it's been a busy spring, leading into a busy summer.  So hang on to your hats folks and fasten your seatbelts - we've got a LOT of news to cover!

First off, we have oodles of congratulations to pass around for the many successes of several junior riders at the recent Cornerstone Hunter/Jumper Show. 

First, hats off to 4 yr old Ginny Sanders riding DB Bint Dahmah, (DB Najem Huda X DB Dahmah), owned by DB Arabians.  Ginny has been taking lessons from her Aunt, Sarah Sanders and enjoys 'cantewing' :).  The lead line class was a bit tame for her, and she didn't quite understand why they weren't 'cantewing', but she was all smiles nonetheless.  This was DB Bint Dahmah's first show, and future olympian Ginny had her well underhand.  Ginny and B. Dahmah placed first in lead line, and she was ecstatic about her pretty blue ribbon.    Personally, I am very impressed by her equitation - I wonder if she could give me lessons? :)  I would love to have my heels that perfectly positioned :).  Ginny, B Dahmah and trainer Megan White are pictured left  and below (photos courtesy of proud mom Bobbi Sanders).

Anna Rosenstengel also showed DB B. Dahmah (sorry, no pics of Anna :( but if anyone has some, please share!).  Anna showed B Dahmah in flat classes and cross-rails and came away with two 1st place ribbons, 3 3rd place, 1 4th and 15th.  Certainly a rainbow of ribbons to decorate her room - very successful day to be sure!  A HUGE congratulations to Anna!

And this beaming young rider on the left is Kaity Jasper and her first horse, gelding DB Shetan (Ahmar Shetan X DB Jazzal)  (photos courtesy of Bobby Sanders).

Kaity and Shetan were outstanding in all their classes, and came away with two well earned 4th place ribbons.  They should also have won an award for the being Best Dressed - check out that color coordination!  What a pretty picture!

(Left, Ginny Sanders and B Dahmah show off their Blue ribbon).

Not pictured is Devin Isselhard who showed her TB Mare, Jeanie in the Jumper classes at Cornerstone on June 18.  They did WONDERFULLY and earned two 2nd place and a 4th!

It's a Girl!

Memorial Day brought us a beautiful surprise - a gorgeous filly!  This little girl is the pride and joy of first time mama, DB Grey Legs (Julilah) owned by the Gray family, friends of (and boarders of) Desert Bred Arabians.  Her sire is Aswad Khayal (pictured below).  Her dam has a tail female line of Hamdani (to Sindidah).

At first she was a bit camera shy.....

But then she agreed to pose, with mom close by for comfort.   A pretty black bay with a very sweet face :).  No official name yet, but the unofficial barn name is Roxie, in honor of Roxie, one of our very hard working helpers who was the first to greet her in this world.  Welcome Roxie!

Julilah has proven to be quite a performance athlete and was shown extensively by her junior owner/handler Lindsey Gray in Hunter classes, including a trip to Nationals.  And just for fun, they competed on the endurance trails as well.  We're looking forward to Julilah junior following her mama's hoofprints!

(photo left - Aswad Khayal )