Major Jamaal

When someone looks deeply into the eyes of an Arabian horse, time stands still for a moment. As the horse slowly returns the gaze, an almost-spiritual connection occurs.

Anyone who has owned or bred Arabians has felt this experience, this indescribable bond, this initial magic that begins the passionate, lifelong commitment to the industry.

It has been more than 30 years since Bob Pomeroy fell in love with these magnificent creatures of the desert and it was his appreciation of the classic, elegant features of Polish Arabians that led to his first purchase. Although his initial plans included owning many of these horses, a sudden downturn in the oil industry in the early 80’s in Northern B.C. and Alberta brought a stop to his acquisitions. For the next years, Bob had to direct his energy into rebuilding his business and investment holdings. He became even more financially successful, primarily in hotel and land ventures, but he was not yet ready to establish “Pomeroy Arabians”. Although his passion for the horses had never wavered, he wanted to do it right. Bob spent a decade attending horse shows and he carefully watched the development of the Arabian horse industry in both Canada and the U.S. He established connections with some of the top breeders, toured the best training centers and constantly made notes and revisions as he planned his own facilities. Bob Pomeroy knew he would soon be reunited with the noblest of breeds and he wanted to welcome them to homes fit for equine royalty.

Carrie

In May of 2006, after an exceptional business year, Bob was ready to make a new commitment to the Arabian horse. He and his wife, Carrie Langstroth, were also seeking a venture that they could both enjoy – a venture that would combine investment, travel and an opportunity to spend more time together in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Although Carrie had never been involved with horses, she soon became just as enthusiastic as he was. Some friends cautioned them about Arabians, reminding them about their reputation for being high spirited and often difficult to manage, but Bob’s personal experience led him to believe otherwise and they plunged right in. As Carrie stated: “We would never own animals that we felt would be a danger to the grandchildren. I trusted Bob’s experience. They really are the most beautiful horses, so proud, yet kind and gentle enough for the children and grandchildren.”

Bob and Carrie initially purchased three purebred Arabian mares. This was not an impulse purchase. They had a definite plan to breed those mares to the very best sires with the hopes of producing champion quality foals. This was the beginning of Pomeroy Arabians International’s breeding program. To expand the program, the Pomeroys then purchased additional high quality mares. Although these mares represent a variety of bloodlines, each have champions and champion producers throughout their pedigrees including “Enzo, *Gazal Al Shaqab,Ali Jamaal, Padrons Psyche, Fame VF, Bey Shah and many more.

Carrie had never been involved with horses prior to 2006 and, in fact, attended her first Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale in 2007. (Her first impression was that “it was all a bit overwhelming. There was so much to see, so many horses and so many people to meet. But we had a great time and we absolutely loved it.”) To show her total commitment to their venture, Carrie immersed herself in the industry to learn as much as possible, even taking riding lessons to acquire a comfort level around the animals. Her efforts are self- evident. She already speaks knowledgeably about their horses’ lineage and their future breeding plans, and she is comfortable either astride a horse or in the arena. Both partners are involved in purchases as well as sales.

*Emandoria

The obvious “next step” was to take a decade of planning and turn that into a pair of sites in both the U.S. and Canada. It was time to create breeding and training facilities for the growing stable of world class Arabians – time to turn Bob’s dream of “Pomeroy Arabians International” into reality!

First was Pomeroy Arabians International headquarters in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. In addition to an expansive new home, they built a 44,000 sq.ft. barn and arena, a building for the hot walker and bull pens, a machine shop, workshop and hay barn. They also built a home on the property for daughter Kim. Twenty-five years ago, Kim had been an accomplished youth rider and the new proximity to the horses will enable her and her children to fully enjoy the family’s passion for Arabians.

In April 2007, the Pomeroys purchased two five-acre contiguous equine properties in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A. They combined the properties, renovating and upgrading one house for use as a private residence and doing the same on the other house for the use of guests. They also renovated existing mare barns, covered riding arena and other buildings. Currently, construction of a 45,000 sq.ft. barn is in progress. Once completed, in summer of 2008, it will feature comfortable stalls for 31 horses as well as offices, a large reception area, kitchen facilities, housing for ranch staff and a show arena.

Both locations are private facilities and will house both breeding and show horses.

Like others, the Pomeroys began their breeding program with the best mares possible and their program is a continuous work in progress. They acquired several embryos, due in spring/summer of 2008, from some spectacular mares including 2007 U.S. National Champion Junior Mare, *Emandoria, and 2007 U.S. National Reserve Champion Senior Mare *Eelandra PASB. These embryos, both by multi National Champion Stallion Enzo, are in addition to the 13 foals expected. Each of the foals due to arrive in 2008 have been sired by some of the most important breeding stallions in the world, including Padrons Psyche, Enzo, *Honorrs, *Laheeb, *El Nabila B, and *Pershan el Jamaal.

Jerimiah Pomeroy Arabans riding gelding.

Following the arrival of these highly anticipated foals, the next phase of the Pomeroy Arabians International program will be to breed their mares to their impressive new stallion 2006 U.S. National Reserve Champion Junior Stallion, Major Jamaal. This handsome young stallion has quickly established himself as a consistent champion in the show arena. Not only is Major Jamaal an exceptional horse, he comes from a long line of excellence. His pedigree shows generation after generation of the most influential horses of the Arabian breed. The Pomeroys have arranged for Major Jamaal to stand at Gallun Training Center in Santa Ynez, California, owned by Greg and Nancy Gallun, and for Greg to present their show horses through the immediate future.

Many of the best horses owned by the Pomeroys, especially the mares and babies, will be housed at either the Scottsdale or Grande Prairie locations. Pomeroy Arabians International plans to host open houses and educational events at both the U.S. and Canadian properties and to present these world-class horses to the visitors expected over the upcoming years.

Bob and Carrie are exuberant, passionate people who enjoy their family, their lifestyle and their friends. Both feel truly blessed. They share a love for the Arabian horse breed and are truly committed to their growing legacy. Bob said it best, “Our Arabians have given us a lot of pleasure and, more than anything, we hope to share that joy with others”.