Ann was born and raised with Arabian horses. Her father saw a picture of a grey

Arabian stallion in a book when he was a young boy and vowed to one day own

one. That dream was fulfilled when he, along with Ann’s maternal grandfather,

purchased a yearling colt, Abu Ben Shannon, at a sale in 1958. Ann has horses

today that include lines from the first foal born on her parents’ ranch, a 1963 filly

by Abu.

 

The Arabian horse offers everything a person looks for in a horse: versatility, a

great work ethic, extreme intelligence, and a people-oriented disposition.

Compatriot, aka “CP,” a direct descendant Abu, epitomizes all of this at

Wanderlust. CP is a 2020 Regional USEF Horse Of The Year and 2021 Sport

Horse Nationals Reserve Champion in second level dressage. He is continuing

his dressage training and is currently training at fourth level.

 

These positive traits are the standard in Arabian horses. Ann shares how her

mare Nofoolyn, CP’s dam, persuaded others to appreciate the breed. While

stationed with her husband (USAF) in VA, Ann had a group of riding buddies at

the farm where she was boarding. Ann shares, “I was just starting Nofoolyn

under saddle, and every one of those women told me that my mare changed

their minds about Arabians as she was so level-headed and an exceptional trail

horse for such a young mare. And I never rode her in a bit; only in a rope

hackamore from my first ride on her until my last. Nofoolyn happily enjoyed her

retirement on the farm until her passing in January 2023.”

 

Learning responsibility as a young girl, as it was her job to feed the horses

growing up, Ann was taught that the needs of the horses always come before her

own. In return, horses taught her unconditional love and have seen her through

some very rough times. She recognizes a sense of spirituality that comes from

being in the presence of such magnificent animals. This has carried on in her

own small operation, leading to happy, healthy horses of all ages from mares in

foal and youngsters growing up to retired seniors.

 

A visit to Wanderlust Arabians will find you in the presence of and enjoying

beautiful, versatile, and intelligent horses.