The world famous Arabian horses at Om el Arab thrilled spectators as gorgeous mares performed and visitors toured the stallion barn to see WH Justice – the most highly respected sire of Arabian horses, as well as other stars. The owners, Sigi Siller and her daughter Janina Merz, graciously welcomed guests to what many consider the most influential private Arabian breeding farm in the world.
The King of Morocco bought a stallion and a filly from them and both became world champions. Om el has entertained sheiks and royalty and when they turned some of their mares loose in the ring to run free, it was an absolute equine ballet. People were so moved at the grace and beauty that some visitors were actually teary-eyed.
It’s amazing to think that it all started in the Black Forest of Germany and as successes built, they moved to America and the rest is in the Arabian horse history books. Their stallion, El Shaklan, became the leading sire of the last century. Other moving moments of their tour arrived when recipient mares were presented with their young foals – one only 6 days old. After the demonstration, guests enjoyed the equine art of Suzan Hamilton Todd.
Guests at Intrepid Morgan Horse Farm were greeted by the owner, Arthur Perry Jr., dressed in one of his jeweled parade costumes. He has won multiple parade classes riding with his silver mounted saddles and bridles. His parade suits were created by the famous designer of equestrian clothes, Nudie of Hollywood. Art has ridden in the Tournament of Roses Parades some 28 times, and is so influential in the Morgan breed that a national Morgan show was dedicated to him. The beautifully manicured grounds contain more than 450 different rose bushes and fountains send plumes of water into the air.
The equestrian museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Morgan Horse, was a delight to visitors with many rare pieces of art, paintings, sculpture and celebrity costumes worn by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. An ornate sterling silver parade saddle was brought out of a vault for the visitors’ pleasure. Mr. Perry is obviously a great connoisseur of beauty. In the show ring, Madame Claire Buschy Anderson, a native of the Department of Savie, in the French Alps gave an interesting dissertation on the history of the side saddle, which was followed by her riding demonstration. When Mary Harris, who is the executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association, spoke to her in French, they discovered that they had both lived in the same region. Sharon Kline stood nearby, creating an oil painting of Claire in her beautiful riding costume. Artist, Kimberly Laurance, exhibited her hand painted glassware under the shade of a mighty walnut tree.
Alamo Pintado Clinic, owned by Dr. Doug and Sue Herthel, conducted guests to one incredible department after another. There, they heard about cutting edge medical techniques including stem-cell technology. It is no wonder that clients come from all over Europe and also Hawaii to save their valuable horses. The tours were divided into three groups so that everyone had a chance to ask questions and there were plenty of those from the fascinated guests. One smart and simple fact that may interest local readers is that the clinic grows all its own hay, over at the Montanaro hay field. Artists, Gwen Cates and Donna Moser displayed their paintings. Tours were conducted by Christina Barnes, Brandon Bessey and David de la Rosa.
The Magali Thoroughbred Farm had as the star attraction, the 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. He had overcome an entire field of Thoroughbreds who were running their hearts out, to hit the wire first and catapult himself into the Hall of Fame. This was a farewell visit with Giacomo, as he is due to return to Kentucky soon. Other powerful Magali stallions were also introduced. Guests enjoyed seeing Thoroughbred mares with their offspring and visiting horses there for “lay-up,” which is a term for horses returning from the racetracks and in need of a rest. The farm is owned by Rich and Gabi Sulpizio. Their gracious manager is Tom Hudson, who conducted all tours personally in addition to his many other responsibilities. He also arranged for each tour group to do a drawing for prizes.
Guests enjoyed visiting with retired Jockey Jerry Lambert, who had a stellar career on the racetracks, winning three Gold cup races in a row. The amazing fact was that he rode the same horse, Native Diver, in each of those great victories. The tours ran smoothly with the help of parking help from Santa Barbara Mounted Unit members Bob Mott and Diana Stetson and also retired Sheriff’s Deputy Art Knight. Also directing traffic were Dave Jamieson, Al Salge’, Christina O’Keefe, Roxanne Reginato, Sara Tidd, Carolyn Russell, Pat Peternell, Kathelene Turk and Robin Martinek. Docents included: Pat Dixon, Nicole Pena, Elizabeth Cross, Gail Knight, Susie Snow, Dorothy Alter and Cheryl Morris. The tour was a presentation of The Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association and the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society and Carriage House.