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We are thrilled to recognize two award winners for our Open Competition and Ambassador Horses Awards. These incredible horses have demonstrated outstanding achievements and dedication to the Arabian breed. Congratulations to both horses and thanks for representing the breed well.

Ambassador Award Winner

Kings Ransom EE+//

The 2024 Ambassador Award winner is Kings Ransom EE+// (MR Gazi x Destynctive), a 27-year-old bay purebred Arabian gelding owned by Adrienne Morella. Bred by Mary Ann Rafferty, "King" began his successful show career at age 3 and continued competing until 2021. At 23, he earned a US National Top Ten in Ranch Riding and carried the American flag during the closing ceremonies.

King's versatility is evident in his numerous regional wins across disciplines like Classical and Western Dressage, Ranch Horse, Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, and Sport Horse. Adrienne, his owner, trained and showed him in many of these events. King also participated in the 10-and-Under Walk--and-Trot division and served as a trail horse, a lesson horse, and even greeted children at birthday parties.

In retirement, King proudly carried the American flag at the prestigious Dressage at Devon Show for three consecutive years and participated in the Honor Flight Philadelphia Parade to honor veterans. His calm nature made him a perfect ambassador for the Arabian breed at local events. King also modeled for equestrian brands like Ovation Riding, OneK helmets, and Pessoa Saddles, and appeared in a music video as the Prince’s horse.

AHA congratulates Adrienne Morella and Kings Ransom EE+// for their outstanding contribution to the Arabian breed and wishes King a happy retirement!

Open Competition Winner

SS A Noble Star

The 2024 Open Competition Award goes to SS A Noble Star, an 11-year-old Half-Arabian bay mare owned by Michelle Pease-Paulsen. Michelle purchased "Sansa" in 2017, and since then, they’ve had great success in both AHA national events and top-level reining competitions. In 2024, Michelle and Sansa competed at the prestigious Run for a Million, holding their own against tough competition, with Sansa placing 35th out of 92 in the Rookie Level 2 class and 37th out of 52 in the Non-Pro class as the only Half-Arabian in both events.

Michelle's goal was to showcase the Arabian breed in the reining world, and through a video series with National Horseman, she highlighted Sansa’s athleticism, heart, and demeanor. The videos, shared across social media, garnered over 100,000 views and more than 380 shares, including on NRHA and Run for a Million pages.

SS A Noble Star has proven that Arabians can excel in open competition and is a proud ambassador for the breed. Congratulations to SS A Noble Star and Michelle Pease-Paulsen for sharing their incredible mare with the world and helping to advocate for the Arabian breed!

-- via AHA