Orrion Farm
Published on Issue 3/2018 presented at the Aachen Show
Orrion Farm
A New Chapter
Text by: Ally Nelson
O
rrion Farms, A name rich in history as well as industry innovation. In late 2016 Orrion Farms was purchased by newcomers to the Arabian horse, Steve & Christina Poore. Though new to Arabian, the Poore’s have had a long-time love for horses as a whole. For many years this family had a residence in Ellensburg, WA, always aware of “The House on the Hill.” For those of you who have visited Orrion Farms, understand this name well. Orrion Farms is located atop the beautiful Manastash Ridge, overlooking all of Ellensburg. As the property became available for purchase interest peaked and lead to a tour of the home. It was love at first sight and quickly Orrion Farms became a part of the Poore Family. Leaving only one question “What do we do with the farm?” Call it what you will, possibly fate, the Poore’s saw only one answer – Breed Arabian horses! With the guidance of
industry veteran Doug Leadley, the next chapter for Orrion Farms began, however, this chapter cannot be read without an understanding of the rich OFW (Orrion Farms Washington) history.
The story of Orrion Farms is one that dates back almost four decades, leaving a trail of success across the globe. Founded by Harold & Dolly Orr the legacy began in 1984. It was Dolly’s childhood dream to breed and own Arabian horses, one that she was sure to make come true. Looking through the years of OFW their success is clear on an international level. A few examples of this include the undefeated two-time World Champion EKS Alihandro owned by Athbah Stud, KSA. EKS Alihandro’s mother OFW Psylhouette was bred by Orrion Farms and purchased by Elkasun Arabians in South Africa where she then produced this jaw dropping son of Marwan Al Shaqab. Another international legend in her own right bred by Orrion Farms, OFW Mishaal. This mare has made a name for herself, her current owner Al Shaqab and Orrion Farms. OFW Mishaal produced the two-time World Champions Wadee Al Shaqab and his brother Kahil Al Shaqab.
Reviewing the past eight years at the Arabian Horse World Championships in Paris, France, OFW has taken pride as a breeder in six World Championships in the male disciplines.
The farm’s success also runs deep through the United States. OFW Magic Wan, a bold and correct stallion bred by Orrion Farms made his mark across America, including powerful wins at the 2010 and 2015 US Nationals, bringing home the titles of US National Champion Futurity Colt and US National Champion Senior Stallion. Though his wins ring deepest in the hearts of OFW they are not to overshadow the many wins of other OFW offspring around the states and Canada. Orrion Farms offspring have garnered National Championships in many divisions from Halter to Dres-
sage and Hunter Pleasure. This proving the long-term vision of Orrion Farms in breeding correct, athletic and beautiful Arabian horses.
Fast forward to late 2016 and the new ownership of Orrion Farms, it was apparent that new bloodstock was needed for the continuation of the farm. A strong mare band will always be the focus of Orrion Farms, allowing them the ability to outcross and breed to many stallions around the globe that offer the characteristics which complement their mares. They set out to acquire some of the best mares for the farm and did just that. Some of the beautiful new additions include Queen Ayda FWM (FA El Shawan x TN Mariani) who was crowned 2018 Unanimous Scottsdale Champion Mare and 2017 US National Champion Senior Mare with David Boggs, LuLu Marajj (Marajj x Silhouette FF) who also earned US National Champion Yearling Filly with Sandro Pinha, and Makayah (OFW Magic Wan x Maria El Besson) that followed in the path of the last two and brought home the title of 2017 US National Champion Junior Mare.
Owning a breeding stallion was not in the vision of OFW, however, when an opportunity as great as El Rey Magnum RCF comes knocking on your door, you must entertain. It was mid 2017 when David Boggs contacted farm manager Doug Leadley in regards to a truly phenomenal colt, one that spoke to the level of success and credibility that OFW is known for. It wasn’t long after meeting the yearling that OFW knew he was a wise addition to the farm.E
l Rey Magnum RCF, screamed Arabian type, he is sired by a son of JJ Bellagio named Basilio CS and out of an Apalo daughter, Cirque Du Soleil BF. He was bred by Jack and Elizabeth Milam of Regency Cove Farms. El Rey Magnum RCF was a clear star, all who saw him knew it and so did he.
Starting out 2018 right, El Rey Magnum RCF brought home the title of Unanimous International Scottsdale Champion Yearling Colt led to the win by Mr. David Boggs. El Rey Magnum RCF was clearly destined for very big things.
In January 2018, Al Saqran made a tour in Scottsdale visiting several farms and seeing some of the finest Arabian Horses in America. Their visits would not be complete without a lovely afternoon at Midwest Arabians. After the beautiful presentation, Mr. Da-
vid Boggs mentioned he had something special he would like to present. No more words were needed, but five minutes in the barn had stolen the heart of Mr. Bassam Al Saqran. The impression El Rey Magnum RCF had left was beyond words, golden hazelnut color of his shiny coat, eyes that mesmerize, overall well in proportion. Watching him up close, then far, every perspective was still bringing those goosebumps. Could this possibly be true... David Boggs smiled, they both knew this colt had a great journey ahead of him.
Passionate minds working together is what soon brought in another entity – Al Saqran Stud cooperating with Orrion Farms. Al Saqran Stud, owned by Mr. Bassam Al Saqran, has positioned itself over the past few years as a major player in the Arabian horse industry. With their great success in the world’s most prestigious shows including Paris, Scottsdale and Dubai, it was a clear decision to work as one on this next adventure.
Both Orrion Farms, and Al Saqran Stud suggested we all set our sights on the biggest of them all, Arabian Horse World Championships – Paris, France. The question, who would lead him along the next step of this journey? One name came to mind, one that
already achieved a Gold medal for Mr. Bassam Al Saqran during the 2016 World Championship, with the mare known as ‘The Golden Lady’ , Donna Molta Bella SRA, led by a name that is synonymous with success, Mr. Paolo Capecci. Together with his longtime business partner who knows how to promote a horse to the fullest, Mr. Woody Gianpaolo and the entire team at Capecci Training Center are honored to have this great opportunity.
Together this beautiful journey is sure to give El Rey Magnum RCF all the opportunities deserved on “The World’s Stage.”