Gifted Horses

Gifted Horses
IAHA Recognizes Equine Excellence

By Erin Andrews and Tricia Ziebell

At last January's board meeting, IAHA directors recognized two outstanding Arabian horse ambassadors. SW Letitia, an Arabian mare, owned by Erin Andrews, received the International Award, which is given for a significant accomplishment that is not part of an organized competition. PF Impulse+/, an Arabian gelding, owned by Tricia Ziebell received the Special Recognition Award. This award is presented to a horse that has reached an outstanding level of achievement in any competition sanctioned by a national or international organization that does not have promoting the Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horse as a primary objective. Each owner wrote a letter nominating her special horse. Here is what they had to say:

PF Impulse+/--Special Recognition Award

I would like to take this opportunity to recommend my horse, PF Impulse+/ (Gai Wodarezak x Mosari), for your Special Recognition Award. We recently had the opportunity to compete at the ABIC/USDF Region 4 and Midwest Dressage Regional show in Mason City, Iowa. While dressage is a very extensive discipline and becoming more known in the Arabian shows, there are very few Arabians that compete in it on the open breed circuit against all breeds, including the larger, imported European warmbloods.

During this recent competition, Imp and I competed at Second and Third Levels, adult amateur, with classes of seven to 10 horses each. We also had a class in the open show part of the competition, where we rode a Third Level test. In these five classes, we took a first place in the open class with a score of 60 percent and then went on to take four championships with scores running from 63 to 65 percent. Two of these championships were in the Midwest Dressage Championships, one at Second Level and one at Third Level, and the other two were the ABIC/USDF Region 4 Dressage championships rides, again at Second and Third Levels. These were all in the adult amateur division. Out of more than 100 horses competing at this regional show, there were only eight purebred Arabians and seven Half- or Anglo-Arabians there, and I feel that the fact that Imp took four championships is a feat not often heard of, whether the horse is an Arabian or other breed.

Imp has done well in the all-breed shows through his entire career in dressage, beating warmbloods at all levels, whether in open classes where trainers compete, the junior/young rider classes when I was under 18, as well as the adult amateur classes that we now ride.

After our last class, I had the opportunity to speak with two of the judges that we rode in front of that day when they were checking to see how they had placed our class. When they realized that they had placed the "gray Arabian" as champion and that I was his rider, they were impressed with his abilities. One judge commented that "… with what he [Imp] has, you can see him ride with all his heart and soul for you in the class…" Imp put everything he had into all of his rides that weekend, and we felt as one in the arena.

For these reasons, I feel that Imp has earned a special recognition in a discipline not common to Arabians--at least not in the dressage open breed circuit where they are looked down upon. There may be some that can lay claim to one, maybe two championships at a show and maybe even in dressage. But can they claim to four at an open breed regional competition, in which the rest of the show is generally favored over Arabians. For this accomplishment, I recommend PF Impulse+/ for your Special Recognition Award.--Tricia A. Ziebell

SW Letitia--International Award

SW Letitia (Skorhaf x Le Lesa), a mare more commonly called "Letty," has made accomplishments on a personal as well as on, I believe, a national level. As a disabled, wheelchair-using 13-year-old girl, I became interested in horses through my best friend Nancy Rich, who had Arabians. After beginning to show her horses a bit, my parents agreed to lease a horse for my sister and me. The quest ended when we found Letty, who would not only prove to me what a big heart the Arabian horse has, she has proven it to everyone who has seen us interact.

Since I am a triple amputee, with no legs and just one arm, we knew that riding wasn't going to be something uncomplicated for me to learn. But I didn't bargain for all the love, trust and courage that Letty would teach me on the side. I remember the first time I met Letty; she was the first horse that we looked at to lease. When her owners, the Clarkes, pulled her out of her stall that summer day, I knew she was the horse of my dreams. Her rich chestnut color and flaxen mane mesmerized me. Her big brown eyes looked so knowingly at me as she calmly took in my wheelchair. And opened her mouth for the bit. When I first go on her, I was too afraid to do anything but walk. Amazingly, she already knew the verbal cues for "walk," and "whoa."

We began leasing Letty and getting lessons once a week. Pretty soon, we were able to work up to the trot--first with me holding onto my saddle, later with confidence. That fall, I began competing on Letty at my high school's Equestrian Team meets. Even though I did not know how to canter yet, we started earning placings in showmanship events at the meets, as well as open and 4-H shows that year. At one show, when the announcer called for a canter, instead of trotting along like we usually did, Letty smoothly and effortlessly picked up the canter. At first, I was nervous. I held onto the saddle tight and put my trust in her. Unbelievably, we earned a fifth-place ribbon in that class. Letty knew it was time for us to move on, and by the end of the summer we were mutually cantering.

When the time came that the Clarkes were going to sell Letty, our family decided to purchase her for my sister Kathleen and me. After competing successfully at open and 4-H shows, we started to take Letty along with Nancy's horses to some of the Arabian shows. She faithfully carried us through Class A and regional competition in western, hunter and showmanship divisions. She has played a double role, being a steady mount for trail and fun riding, as well as a versatile candidate for saddle seat and gymkhana events at local competitions.

Many, many people have come up to me and complimented my riding over the years. I thank them and let them know the driving forces behind it--my family and the support of Nancy and her family, but credit is always due to a very special horse that gave me the courage to follow my dreams. People find it unbelievable that I can catch, lead, groom, clip, wash, ride and show a horse completely on my own. But with an Arabian, it's easy. Letty's sensitive, loving nature is no coincidence. Her Arabian brothers and sisters treat me the same way as she has.

When someone comes up and asks me if my horse is an Arabian, I proudly say yes. I can see the change in the person's face. After seeing Letty, people come to the realization that the silly stereotypes that people have about Arabians--that the breed is crazy, flighty and hard-to-handle, are simple not true. She is living, breathing proof that Arabians are kind, gentle creatures that can move mountains with a little love.

Those of us who have been lucky enough to be a part of her life know how special SW Letitia is. My only regret is that I did not know Letty at the beginning of her life. At 22 years of age, Letty is still teaching people life's lessons. I know that everywhere we go, every time somebody new sees us work together, he will come away with a good feeling about the Arabian horse. And that, to me, is quite an accomplishment.--Erin Elizabeth Andrews

Arabian Horse Association