Okanagan Falls BC.

Okanagan  Breeder and Veterinarian Dr. David Ward received word this week that two of the four top Tevis Cup Horses were produced (sired by or foaled by) with his Fairview line of CMK Arabians.  Dr. Ward began his breeding career in 1972, and has concentrated his focus on the ideal CMK Arabian Horse.  Dr Ward credits the insight of the breeders that came before him for his success.  The horses of Fairview Arabian Stud have contributed to breeding programs around the world, most recently in Australia and South Africa.

The Tevis Cup is an Internationally known Horse Endurance Race which takes place annually in Auburn CA. The Tevis is considered to be the toughest endurance race in North America.  The ride is 100 miles and must be completed within 24 hours.  This is a challenging test of the human/equine team.  This year, only 98 horses completed the race.  In order to participate in an endurance race, it is not enough just to be the fastest.  The horses are inspected at regular intervals to gauge their level of fitness, and soundness.  Veterinarians rigorously check each horse’s pulse, respiration, and movement and even listen to gut sounds to see if a horse should be withdrawn from the race or continue.

To have two of the top four horses being produced by Fairview Arabian stock, certainly speaks to the quality of the bloodline, and to the success of the individuals being produced in the breeding program that are now out there competing in various disciplines.   Ward says ” I am thrilled with the recent results of these two horses and their riders…WELL DONE!!!!”   and ” It is very rewarding to see  horses out there doing it that have Fairview bred horses in their pedigree. It certainly makes all the past years of hard work worthwhile.”  ..

The breeder of one of the top 4 Tevis Cup Horses is Equine Photographer Donna Dean, who bred a stallion from the Fairview Arabian Stud with her Arabian mare to produce “Auli Farwa”.  Donna credits the strength of the Fairview line with the quality of her horses, and she credits the knowledge and dedication of Far’s owner Kevin Myers in seeing the potential of the horse and for helping the horse achieve such a level of fitness and ability to compete at this level.

Kevin Myers, owner and rider of Auli Farwa says “I have long been in awe of Dr. Ward’s breeding program. Far now has 44 starts and 44 completions, including nine 100-mile events.  His perfect record speaks for itself, but what makes this horse even more exceptional is his love of people and his love of the journey. He is the benchmark; the ultimate horse.”

When Canadian horses go big like this, many are to credit.  But it has to start with the horse.

The CMK Arabian has a heritage based on the breeding programs of three major breeders,  Crabbet,  Maynesboro, and  Kellogg all of whom were dedicated breeders striving for specific qualities in the Purebred Arabian Horse. CMK Arabians excel at Endurance, Trail,  Sport Horse Events,  for pleasure riding and as companion horses.

Submitted by Shannon Ford http://www.shannonford.ca