Testimonials/20 Questions with

CARLA JACKSON/Jackson Place "I enjoy the Arabian horse most for their beauty. I do alot of teaching, they teach me something everyday. I enjoy the people that are around the horses and I enjoy the connection I have created with these animals."

GARY MILLAR/Flash Alert "Sox" "The most trusted guy, trusted partner a person could have. With a partner like this there is no life like it. Their pure, non-judgemental and a very best friend a man or woman could ever have."

ASHLEY FYFE-BROWN/Keno's Secret Passion "I've realized that their grace and beauty is not matched by any other breed. I guess for me being in horses is not just about riding but the friendships and relationships that you make throughout the years and the special bonds with the horses. It's taught me personally determination and hard work and that's really translated through my life and into my professional career."

JACQUIE GANTON/Stride Equine "I love Arabian horses and I enjoy all the time I spend with them. I've been riding since I was a little kid and now have kids of my own that are going to start riding too, so that's really exciting."

DONNA KAVANAGH/Tamar Smirnoff "It's a great family sport. It's not a cheap sport but it certainly has it's paybacks and quality time with the animals that we love, and that's why we do it."

KIM KELEMEN/Big n Rich "We really enjoy riding the horses, and enjoy the people. It's also alot of fun. It's a sense of community and we're all a family."

AURORA ARABIAN HORSE SHOW Horse enthusiasts of all ages came out to explore the exciting world of Arabian horses at the Aurora Arabian Summer Horse Show. The event ran smoothly with over 130 horses and many more exhibitors and spectators. A full-day affair for adults and kids, the Aurora Arabian Horse Show is put on every year to showcase the beautiful Arabian horse. With opportunities to tour stables, listen to horse competition experts and get up close with live horses, the event was a great introduction for many into the Arabian horse community. Kids could also participate in many fun, horse-related crafts and activities. At lunch the German Shepherd Club of Edmonton demonstrated the "Schutzhund," a canine sport often used to test a dog's aptitude for challenging tasks such as police work, odour detection and search and rescue.

There was also a chance to share stories from a incredible group of horse enthusiast. Hear what they had to say about their Arabian horse. For more information access their website at www.auroraarabian.com

GARY MILLAR

About your life with Arabian Horse.

What is your current involvement with Arabian horses?

I currently own a small farm east of Edmonton where I’m living my dream of raising Arabian horses and helping people.

How many years have you been around horses?

I had a profound love of horses as a kid. It wasn’t until I was in my mid twenties that I actually owned my first horse … an Arabian.

They say, “the Arabian horse finds you”. How did the Arabian horse find you?

My mom was the secretary for the new Anglican Bishop in Edmonton. He had just moved here from eastern Canada and had to leave his horses at home. We connected and before you know it, he shipped his Arabian stallion (Talez) to live with me and my family. The horse was an amazing teacher to all of us.

Who is or has been your favorite horse companion?

I love them all, dearly, like family. If I had to pick one it would be my stallion, Trifon. He is quiet, intuitive, loves kids and people … and he’s “all man” when it is time for breeding a mare. To sit on his back you feel like you can conquer the world.

Who has been your (horse) mentor?

There are several people who I would consider mentors. Mike Whelihan, Carla Jackson, Rob Bick and Pat Parelli.

What is your favorite horse book?

King of the Wind … followed closely by Little Black, the Pony (a children’s book).

What is your favorite horse movie?

The Black Stallion.

What are some ‘Arabian horse activities’ in which you participate?

On the farm I breed, train my own horses, work with clients (boarders) with their horses, run the Arabian Horse Reading Literacy Project, an innovative educational program brings together Arabian horses, good books and kids … to motivate them to want to read.

What would be your most memorable experience or moment with an Arabian horse?

Success at shows are always memorable but when you are looking for the most memorable experience I would have to say being present at the birth of a new born foal. It is magical, emotional, exhilarating … it is new life and new possibilities in its purest sense!

What has been your greatest achievement with your Arabian horse(s) so far?

I have had many wonderful show achievements but the most memorable achievement is when I watched one of the horses I bred and trained, connect with a lady who really needed a friend in life.

Which horse do you consider to be your “dream” horse, either past or present?

I love them all. Each have their own unique “horsenality”. Trifon, my stallion would have to be at the top. He is amazing to ride and to be with. He’s strong and powerful, yet patient, soft and gentle when he and I spend quiet time together, just hanging out.

Horses are amazing teachers. What has your horse taught you that has helped you become a better person?

Patience and to be a good listener.

What is the best thing about working and playing with your Arabian horse?

The sense of exhilaration and connection. You can feel it in your heart and soul.

What would you say to a person considering buying a horse to encourage them to purchase an Arabian?

The Arabian horse is an ideal family horse. They are the most versatile horse you can find. They love people and are extremely loyal.

What is your advice to someone, “brand new,” considering becoming involved with horses?

Talk to as many people as you can. Ask all kinds of questions … no question is a “dumb” question. Get out and see as many different horse events and stables as you can. Volunteer to get involved in “horse activities” or events. Eventually, you will come across a mentor. Someone who can help you get started safely and realistically.

Is there a favorite reference book you’d like to share?

Zen Mind, Zen Horse ~ Allan Hamilton, MD.

What is the one thing you’d like to do that you haven’t done yet?

I’d like to do more carriage driving. I’ve done a bit but I would like to spend more time perfecting that aspect of activities with my horses.

What about ‘kids” and an Arabian horse?

What an amazing combination. There is something about kids that the Arabian horse connects with. In the Arabian Horse Reading Literacy Project, kids come and read to the horses, face to face. You’d swear the horses are listening to every word. They love kids.

Why do you think you get such a “rush” being around or riding your Arabian horse(s)?

The exhilaration of being connected with a spirited, live animal with a free will and mind and yet feeling no judgment … pure trust, pure connectedness!

What are your words to live by?

There are two ways to live life. One, as if nothing is a miracle and two, as if everything is a miracle ~ Albert Einstein

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Involvement with Arabian horses is a lifestyle … once you’ve experienced the passion, you will never be the same.

Send your answers and a headshot picture of yourself with your horse to info@discoverarabianhorses.com

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