GAHA Ambassador Program
Khonstellation ABC ++++//
2024 GAHA Ambassador Award Winner
2012 Half Arabian gelding
Owned by GAHA Member Missy Snyder
“Indi” is an 11 year old half-Arabian gelding, and is the epitome of versatility in the Arabian bred horse. I have owned him since he was a yearling and am an amateur rider, and an elementary school teacher and did all of his breaking and training myself. This speaks volumes to his individual willingness, partnership and demeanor that he has earned 11 National Championships and 3 Reserve National Championships in only 4 national horse shows, 24 regional championships, and is a multi-champion in the open hunter-jumper world as well. In his first open HJ show he was champion against seasoned Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds whose owners soon became huge fans of Indi. I was very proud when as a 6 year old, he won reserve Champion in the combined training for the GDCTA and the announcer said, “And ladies and gentleman, this spectacular youngster is actually a half Arabian!”, as we were apparently the only ones amongst other breeds that year.
But we actually rarely show. What is most special about Indi is how he promotes Arabian bred horses to the general public, particularly to owners of other breeds who may have stereotypes about Arabians. I have always felt strongly that if the individuals who call Arabians “spooky” or “crazy” or “too high strung” actually got to have personal experiences with them, they would fall in love with this sweet, athletic, goofy, caring, versatile, and intelligent breed.
Indi and I carefully lead the annual GAHA public trail ride each spring which consists of participants with many different breeds of horses of their own. This is a trail ride I specifically started for the general public here in Georgia and for those who are not experienced with Arabians. Our event is normally made up of owners with Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and the list goes on and on. We have led this trail ride for the last 6 years (except the Covid year) and with Indi’s help I have enjoyed watching people fall in love with the breed and participants are always amazed by his gentle manner and his easygoing, steadfast nature. Throughout the day’s trail ride, I am able to answer questions about Arabians and how people can get involved with the breed, all while they are looking up to Indi as our dedicated leader. He helps guide timid horses of a variety of different breeds through the creeks and over bridges and dams and their owners are amazed at how much their uncertain horses trust him and follow right behind. They always come away with a new perspective and understanding of how wonderful Arabian bred horses really are and how versatile they can be. I regularly hear, “I didn't know how awesome Arabians are!”. This event has grown throughout the years and I am so happy and proud when returning participants share that they now own or lease an Arabian bred horse, all because of their experience with Indi.
In addition, Indi also participates in a yearly community school-wide event, where students buy raffle tickets to be able to have an experience with him at our barn. This allows people to interact with the Arabian bred horse close up, fostering a better understanding of their temperament and capabilities and provide educational visits that can help dispel misconceptions and provide hands-on learning experiences. This fundraiser has been so wildly popular that an 8-year-old student (pictured below) with absolutely zero horse experience, will be taking beginner riding lessons on Indi this fall, and she only wants to ride him because “Arabians are the most awesome and Indi is my friend”.
He also participates in photo shoots on the coast of South Carolina where, because of him, the photographers request Arabians. I LOVE promoting the breed and Indi makes it so easy.
A few years ago I was unable to show Indi in the jumping classes at Sport Horse Nationals due to a surgery. I asked the daughter of a friend if she would like to help by riding him in those classes, but she had never ridden an Arabian bred horse before and was very timid and concerned. She liked Indi but also knew of the reputation they had of being high-strung. As I shared my horse with her I watched her smile blossom as they developed a relationship in a very short period of time before the show. She quickly realized he is the opposite of everything she had heard, and well… see photos below of their success:).
At the beginning of the year, a friend’s teen-aged daughter lost her best friend to suicide. She was heartbroken and I asked her to please spend time with Indi, as he has a magical way of healing. She had ridden other horses before, but never an Arabian, and she instantly bonded with Indi. At the end of her ride, she dismounted, looked up at him and said, “Who knew an Arabian could make me feel so much better, thank you sweet boy”. With tears streaming down my face, she hugged me and said this was just what the doctor ordered.
He has taught many students how to ride and has been the first Arabian bred horse for them all. Example in photos below. Indi is assisting in the creation of a new little generation of young people who love Arabian horses and there is no better feeling than that.
Indi has helped me share my love of the breed to the general public by: Sharing his personal journey and experiences as his stories resonate emotionally and help people connect with the breed on a deeper level. Whether we are leading an organized event such as the trail ride, participating in parades (we participated in a cattle drive in November and will enter the community Christmas parade promoting Arabians this December), fox hunts (we are normally the only Arabian bred horse there and everyone is always impressed with how sensible he is, photos below), or photo shoots, he always inspires the public. He showed his versatility on a new level by becoming a driving horse this year as well. I strive to showcase his positive qualities by not only sharing achievements but also by creating opportunities for public engagement and promoting the breed to a broader audience whenever possible.
How?
Requirements to be Eligible:
- Horse must be owned by a current Georgia Arabian Horse Association member the year it is nominated for and the owner must be a member in good standing. Not a current member? Sign up HERE.
- Nominations must be submitted by no later than November 16th each year
- Nominations must include at least three (3) letters of recommendation - minimum of two (2) nomination letters must be submitted by current GAHA members in good standing. You are welcome to include one page of photos, one page with the horse's biography/resume, and maximum two pages per recommendation letter. Maximum of total pages submitted should be 10. Please make note of which recommendation letters are submitted by AHA/GAHA members.
- You must include the horse's registered name, AHA registration number, and owner's name.
- Nomination to be submitted to info@georgia-arabian.com
- Winner will be selected by majority vote by the GAHA Board and award sponsors.
- If no eligible horses are submitted, an award will not be given for that year.
Why?
In line with the Arabian Horse Association Ambassador Award, the Georgia Arabian Horse Association would like to recognize a local Arabian, Half Arabian or Anglo-Arabian that best represents the Arabian breed's diversity, versatility, athleticism, and friendliness while also promoting the Arabian breed outside the Arabian community to the general public or general equestrian community. We believe that every single horse can make a huge impact for the future of the breed!
What?
The horse must have achieved an unique accomplishment or have been involved in demonstration(s) that showcase(s) the Arabian breed in order to be eligible. It must have been acknowledged and promoted that the horse was a representative of the Arabian breed in some form as well (for example: Banner, sign, or flyer, etc. displayed at event and/or promotion prior to event or demonstration, etc.).
Purpose
To educate & support the breed locally through education, outreach & community with their Arabian horse. Furthermore, to recognize those who take the time to share their passion and knowledge of the Arabian horse with others! We believe that every single horse can make a huge impact for the future of the breed!
Goals
To educate and positively promote the Arabian horse as a breed on a local and/or regional level, to spread the word and help grow the local Arabian horse community through GAHA, and to acknowledge those who participate in community outreach for the Arabian Horse.
Recognition
Award recipient will get a custom equestrian gift, a presentation at the Annual Luncheon & Awards Banquet as well as recognition on GAHA Website and Social Media.
Need ideas?
These are some examples that the Arabian, Half Arabian or Anglo Arabian may consider participating in: Presentations, participation or demonstrations in/for 4H clubs, saddle clubs, Girl Scout Troops, school programs/projects, & Boy Scouts; all-breed horse expos; celebrations or festivals; retirement communities; clinics; non-profit organizations; all breed shows or competitions; open, all breed regional competitions; parades; therapy programs or Special Olympics, etc. Consider asking to set up a booth and do a meet & greet at an event! Becoming an AHA Discovery Farm may give you some useful ideas & tools as well. Look into the following to attend as well: Southern Equine Expo, South Carolina Horsemen's Council South Carolina Horse Expo, Georgia 4-H State Horse Show Judging Competition, Southeastern Regional Judging Contest, Sunbelt Ag Expo and The Georgia National Fair.
JAG Royal Knight "Knight"
2022 GAHA Ambassador Award Winner
Owned by GAHA Member Kathy Gilker
JAG Royal Knight (AHA #326957 - USEF #4976191 - GHJA #24015) “Knight” is a 25 year old Half Arabian, 13.2 hh gelding born February 8, 1997. He was bred and is owned by Kathy Gilker in Milton or Alpharetta, GA. He is out of JAG Silhouette, by Pulask - a son of the Donoghue bred stallion Pulque++ (Skorage x Rohanna).
Both sire and dam were owned by Kathy Gilker. Knight is 2nd generation of Kathy’s breeding program. Knight no doubt received his correct movement, kind eye, sweet, willing to please, and wonderful personality from his Arabian dam, Silhouette. Knight was started under saddle by Kathy and finished his training with her daughter, Jessica, who was 13 at the time. He was born to be a versatile, athletic family horse. Knight has been ridden by 100+ riders - young and old - throughout his lifetime helping teach them good riding skills and good horsemanship and allowing them to get to know an Arabian bred horse closely.
In 2019, Knight attended BreyerFest in Lexington, KY where he greeted and helped earn the love of the Arabian breed with hundreds of families each day through riding demonstrations and Meet & Greets. There were over 20,000 attendees at this sold out event.
Knight has been used for professional photo shoots for Stirrups Clothing Company for their catalogs, James Hill Photography, Brenna Weaver of Superlative Equine for Total Saddle Fit (a girth company) and Equestrian Noire™ for maternity photo shoots.
Coaches of riders have always enjoyed having Knight at their farms as he can work with any level of rider and many have requested to have him for their students over the years. Knight has been shown on the open local level all-breed hunter and open USEF/USHJA rated hunter circuit being an incredible ambassador for the breed at those competitions. Over his 8+ years on the open circuit competing against Warmblood, Thoroughbreds and other breeds he was successful with over 11 different youth riders in both USEF/USHJA rated and local shows in hunters, medal classes, derbies and equitation. He was often shown by beginners or first time competitors and sometimes riders who only first met him at the shows. His show career began at local open hunter and combined training shows at 5 years old, then at Arabian Horse Association shows in 2003, but his talent for going against non-Arabians on the open hunter circuit has been undeniable. He was often the only Arabian bred horse at these shows so he helped other equestrians have a real-life, in person experience with an Arabian bred horse and helped start their love of the Arabian horse!
One of the highest points of Knight’s open competition career is his 2014 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals (in Lexington, KY) in 19th place in Green Medium Ponies out of 70 ponies with youth rider Anna Tootle. As far as we are aware, he was the only Arabian bred pony in the Medium Green Pony division that year and the only placing registered Arabian bred hunter. He placed 13th in Medium Green Pony Over Fences. You can see their video of the over fences round at: https://youtu.be/njy9BU2iMJU
In 2014, Knight received Champion Medium Pony Hunter at GHJA Finals with Anna Tootle. He was also 2014 Reserve Champion High Scoring Horse of the ENTIRE GHJA Finals competition against all the different breeds competing. In 2015, he received 4th Place Local Medium Pony Hunter with his lessee at the time. Knight also received 2016 Schooling Pony Champion with Anna Tootle, which earned his name to be permanently engraved on a perpetual trophy for the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association. With his name on the trophy he will continue to remind those of an Arabian horse’s athleticism for the hunter division.
Between 2003-2006 Knight participated on and off in Interscholastic (IHSA) and Intercollegiate (IEA) lessons and shows where high school and college riders who had never met Knight before competed with him on the flat and over fences in equitation. His smooth movement and willing personality made him a favorite in these association lessons and competitions. Again, Knight was typically the only Arabian bred horse at these shows.
Knight has also been a central part of the barn open houses at the private, family farm J.A.G. Arabian Sport Horses to help promote the Arabian Horse. He has been ridden by over 30 riders through a free riding opportunity at his owner’s private, family farm. Many of these equestrians hadn’t been in the saddle for many years. This has helped introduce even more individuals to the Arabian Horse who would have otherwise not had that opportunity to get to know an Arabian Horse one-on-one hands on. Alone in 2022, he has met over 90 individuals in our local community.
Knight has been an ideal partner for bareback riding, hunter paces, trail riding and cross country rides as well. He is an all-around athletic and versatile horse. Knight’s quality, intelligence, work ethic, athleticism, movement, soundness, curiosity, willingness, trainability, and understanding of and patience with inexperienced riders or handlers are all traits that make him the hallmark and wonderful ambassador of the Arabian breed. We would go as far to say that Knight has been incredibly generous during his 25 years in offering his patience and willingness to interact with so many people throughout his lifetime. Knight is truly that “unicorn” that helps not just represent, but highlight the incredible Arabian Horse everywhere he goes.
Targaryen TWF "Teddy"
2020 & 2021 GAHA Ambassador Award Winner
Owned by GAHA Member Katharina Huenermann
2016 Half-Arabian gelding
Chestnut / 14.1 hands
Winterlake Tristan x CNF Marteenna (Magneeto WLF+ x Fortenna AD)
"Teddy showcases the Arabian breed in all their wonderful traits. He draws attention and gains fans and friends wherever he goes, no matter if it’s little people, adults or professionals. His quiet temper and coolness is what make him especially worthy, most notable at his young age of only 4 years.
The accomplishments he has made in the past two years are more than I’ve ever hoped and dreamed for. From winning several Regional Championships in hand (Dressage and Hunter) in both the Open and Amateur division from bringing home a Top 10 National award with my mother presenting him in 2019, to conquering the Open Competition Circuit this year with huge success.
But that’s not all. Teddy has been an amazing advocate for our much loved breed. He was invited to showcase the Arabian Breed at the Young Horse Symposium beginning of the year in Ocala. He blew the judges away and the majority of the judges had him listed as the ideal 3-day Eventer...
So while we were visiting Ocala, we have made stop at Lauren Nicholson’s (Former Kieffer) farm to train with her and introduce Teddy to a perfect start to the Eventing world. It didn’t’ take but a minute for Lauren to fall in love with him. Back home and limited to local events due to Covid, we stayed around the Atlanta area which occurred to be to no disadvantage at all.
With the first shows in Eventing, Teddy stepped up from competing in Beginner Novice to Novice in only two events, and bringing home the blue ribbon in the latter competition and therefore winning the qualifier for the Young Event Horse class – in a class dominated by professional riders with their big Thoroughbreds and very nice Warmblood crosses.
Little but mighty, he convinced the judges at another major young horse qualifier in Chatsworth, GA that he has what it takes to be successful. There he beat several very well bred Warmbloods and took home two more first place ribbons in classes laid out for the 4-year old Dressage horses.
On top of that we had a lot of fun to jump around double clear in several classes at the Twilight Jumpers at Chatthills several weeks ago.
Talking about Chattahoochee Hills this little darling has made quite the impact at this gorgeous venue over the last few months and the show committee has been a huge fan of his. With referring/announcing him every time we enter the arena with the words: “The little Arab pony that could”!
Lots of fans have been rooting for him and have named him the next “Teddy O’Connor” (Olympic pony under 3-day Eventer Karen O’Connor).
What a co-incidence that his nick name is Teddy.
It was no surprise that the media took note of him eventually and featured him on their website under “EN’s [Eventing Nation's] got talent."