Here’s a nice interview with Mark Miller about Al-Marah and their 3000 horses. He was a great friend of my Dad’s.
Sit back, relax and hear some of the stories from one of the premier Arabian farms in the world. They have done so much for horses … and people, too!!
I’ll post the second part tomorrow.
Stop by and say “Hi” when you’re riding along the internet highway!
tim & pam Farley
Mickey Rooney passed away yesterday, a sad loss to the entire entertainment world. Mickey started at two years old and was still making movies this year at 93! His legacy will endure as history has already shown. His performance as Henry Dailey, with Kelly Reno as Alec Ramsay, in Carroll Ballard’s classic “The Black Stallion” for MGM /UA brought an Oscar nomination for Mickey, many yeas after he was a an MGM contract actor. His work when he was the young heartthrob for the studio only brought him a marriage to young Ava Gardner – every inch a classic at 5 foot three!
I had the pleasure and honor to ride to the set every day with Mickey and heard a lot of his wonderful stories as the miles swept by. Sometimes those rides were the highlight of my day … and that’s saying something as those were exciting days. To see him perform, a true entertainer, singer, dancer & actor was a treat not to be forgotten. He had boundless energy that shows in every frame of film.
After his work on “Black Stallion” in 1979 Mickey went on to Broadway with Ann Miller and “Sugar Babies”, a tribute to his song and dance Vaudeville roots. It was a hit running for over three years with rave reviews and awards.
In 1988 we had the pleasure to team up with Mr. Rooney again with the TV show “Adventures of the Black Stallion” for a three year series. Mickey continued his role as Henry Dailey with Richard Cox as Alec.
Here’s a great article on Mickey – good or bad boy – he was a REAL original;
He was an astonishing actor, a galvanized entertainer and a star who could never diminish his own glory (though he tried). He was Puck and Baby Face Nelson—only in America. But it is not enough to say that we have lost an actor, a vaudevillian, an artist, and a national treasure. It is the force that is gone, and the sense of that force as part of our history. We know what it is to admit that there is no one left alive who fought in the trenches of the Great War. Soon there will be no one left who existed in a Nazi concentration camp. So Mickey Rooney was the last male left alive who had been a true star and a phenomenon in the 1930s, when Hollywood believed it ran the show and had established the idea of some spunky, brilliant kids doing it. After all, the show was hardly a thing for which one could expect adult participation.
Joseph Yule Jr. was ninety-three at the end; he had been five-feet-two once; and there had been eight wives and nine children, many of whom may have tottered away from the experience in exhaustion and disbelief. He was not easygoing, and not restrained by reality or fact. In the late ’30s, when he was the number 3 champion at the box office (following Clark Gable and Shirley Temple), he let it be known that Mickey Mouse had been named after him. Walt Disney did not recall it that way, but why would anyone attend to his rather grim, clerical manner when the wide eyes and the wider imagination of the Mick were on offer? Years after the death of Judy Garland, Rooney looked back on their screen association. He said their love affair—which had never been an affair—was intense beyond description. It meant, he said, in 1992, that Judy was not really or exactly or simply dead. She lived on in him. Such talk is easily taken as show business hyperbole, and by 1992 that had become an alien language. But the truth is that Mick meant it. He believed. Stranger things had happened—notably the way he was Andy Hardy in fourteen films at MGM, as well as Judy’s partner in films where the couple put on a show, climaxing in Babes in Arms, which was one of the biggest box-office hits of 1939, even bigger than The Wizard of Oz.
The story of how MGM and its father figure, Louis B. Mayer, tried to keep Mickey and Judy kids forever and out of trouble would make an astonishing movie. There is only one drawback to the plan: No one now can match or understand the ferocious acting-out dynamic of all three parties. Mayer may have hoped that the vast sexual energy in both kids might be married off, but Mickey became a serial marrier. He started with Ava Gardner, who was nowhere near a star yet and was four inches taller than he was. He moved on to Martha Vickers, who is Carmen Sternwood in The Big Sleep, the nymph who tries to sit down in Bogart’s lap while he’s still standing up. The mere idea of Mickey and Martha together (1949-52) tends to eclipse the nuclear testing that was so popular at that time. I know, that’s excessive and vulgar, but we are talking about Mickey Rooney.
Anyone would have anticipated that the Mick would burn out. By about 1950, the generation of child stars he had grown up with were looking for careers in stockbroking and settled marriages. Judy was cracking up, but Shirley Temple, Freddie Bartholomew, Deanna Durbin and Jackie Cooper were all facing up to reality. Rooney went broke—god knows what happened to his money. He should have subsided, or come to a bad end. He never stopped. Only a few years ago, I was driving in rural Oregon and came to a settlement, with a casino and dinner theatre, and there he was doing one of his shows.
That view of his undying thunderstorm could be amused and patronizing, so let me just say to those who hardly knew him and who lack the time to track down everything he did—he has 340 credits on IMDb—try these (going back in time):
Carroll Ballard’s The Black Stallion is a film that never fails with audiences. One reason why is that after the lyrical stuff on the island with the horse and the boy, the story moves on to horse-racing where Mick is the trainer who teaches the boy to be a jockey on the Black for the big race. It is one of the finest tributes to education in American cinema.
In 1957, for the big screen, he was the lead in Don Siegel’s Baby Face Nelson—brilliant, hilarious, demonic; and in the same year, on the small screen, directed by John Frankenheimer from a Rod Serling script, he did The Comedian for Playhouse 90—monstrous, inspired, terrifying.
Last, let it be first. In the Max Reinhart film of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, made at Warner Brothers in 1936, he was Puck. Many years ago, an English critic said of that performance, “Rooney seems inhuman, he moves like mist or water, his body is burnished by the extraordinary light, and his gurgling laugh is ghostly and enchanting.” Let that stand.
One co-star in the Dream was Olivia de Havilland, and she is still alive and (I hope) very well (she is the last female star from that era). I’m not sure if they met during the filming, but it’s pretty and tempting to picture the two of them together—Mickey sixteen, Olivia nineteen—with her offering him advice to calm down, behave and think of his career, while knowing that he was not going to do one damn thing she told him.
We’ll all miss you Mr. Rooney – but we’ll see you at the movies.
Tim, Kelly, Carroll, Doug, Caleb, Fred, Tom … and all your Black Stallion friends!
Arabian Nights sale today!
Sixteen horses that were regular performers in the now-closed Arabian Nights dinner show will go on sale Saturday.
Arabian Nights closed Dec. 31 after 25 years of operation in Kissimmee. It had 36 horses in its stable at that point.
Al-Marah Arabians, parent company of Arabian Nights, will hold Saturday’s sale on an 80-acre farm in Clermont. Breeds available include Al-Marah Arabians, Percherons, Appaloosas, Saddlebreds, Belgians, Irish Sport Horses and Quarter Horses. All horses are broke to ride, the company says.
The full list of horses and prices will be available online Saturday morning at al-marah.com. Buyers will be able to see the horses at the farm and discuss them with Al-Marah Arabians staff, including owner Mark Miller and head trainer Kassie Barteau.
Prices will range from $2,500 to $20,000.
Al-Marah Arabians is located at 11105 Autumn Lane, Clermont, and will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
We recommend coming to the farm to see the horses before bringing a trailer, & that all new buyers schedule a vet exam on the horse being purchased before it’s taken to its new home. The farm will be open Saturday March first from 9am-4pm.
Come see our babies!!
Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction – Orlando, Florida
Al-Marah Arabian Horses
Sales List
Arabian Nights Horses
For Sale, Saturday March 1st
Trained Horses
Brooks and Dunn $6,000 each. $10,00 for the pair.
12-year-old Appaloosa geldings.
These are two of the most versatile horses from the Arabian Nights show. They were a square dance pair, did trick riding, roman teams and were chariot horses. They are strong, sensible, durable and fun. Great for someone who wants to do exhibitions. They like each other and we’d love to sell them as a team.
Al-Marah Jagai $7,500
10/2/02 Grey Arabian Gelding
This is a son of AM Ben Dream+ out of the AM Sea Captain++ daughter DWFS Imajica. He is a good athlete and very versatile. His sire was a winner in both Arabian main ring halter and Western Pleasure. He could easily compete successfully in a variety of different events, and Sport Horse Under Saddle or Dressage would be natural directions for him if he were kept in our barn.
Al-Marah Officer $7,500
2/19/05 Grey Arabian Gelding
Al-Marah Officer is by National Champion Al-Marah Power Raid+++/, who is also the sire of Al-Marah Chance Command++++//, the current Arabian National Champion in 2nd Level Dressage and 2014 Scottsdale winner at both 3rd & 4th Level. Officer is a good minded horse who has very good athletic potential and lots and lots of miles under his girth. Appropriate for any level of rider.
AM Handsome NGood $7,500
1/28/02 Bay Arabian Gelding
Big, strong Opollo son with lots of athletic ability. He has national talent. Handsome NGood was originally trained at Arabian Nights but subsequently sold to be an endurance horse because of his great forward energy. His buyer never really got started so he was reacquired by Arabian Nights. He is best for a more experienced rider, but has great potential in many areas, including Dressage and Sport Horse Under Saddle. A good chance to buy a horse with great potential to compete at any level.
Nuncho Primero Whiz (AKA Rocky) $7,500
1/4/04 Palomino Quarter Horse Gelding
Rocky was a mainstay or our Native American Tribute at Arabian Nights, and so has a lot of practice time as a reining horse in very busy conditions. He has performed beautifully in black lights with strobes, smoke and fog. He is solid and in the process of changing from a performing horse to a competition horse. He is also a beautiful golden Palomino.
Al-Marah Amazing Ray $10,000
6/13/2007 Chestnut Arabian Gelding
This is definitely one of the trainers’ and senior riders’ favorites at Arabian Nights. He is very athletic, beautiful and charismatic. He’s also a real “people” horse with lots of personality. He could compete in almost anything from reining to Dressage to Hunters. His primary job at Arabian Nights was as a versatile horse in the larger drills, but he’s young and ready for a new career where I’m confident he will shine.
Dark Storm SA $10,000
4/4/97 Black Arabian Stallion
This is a real opportunity to buy one of the horses that played The Black Stallion at Arabian Nights. He is pretty, charismatic and beautifully trained. He is also 100% sound. We do recommend an experienced horseperson for Storm because of his extensive training. He was ridden thousands of times in the Arabian Nights show, bareback with no bridle at a full gallop by a Princess in satin pants. He could still compete, or would be ready to just have fun at home or in exhibitions.
PL Luckys Queen $15,000
5/7/02 Grey ½ Arabian ½ Irish Draft Mare
Lucky was one of our most versatile horses in the show. She could perform in any drill, and eventually became the horse that played the unicorn when the real unicorn didn’t come in from the enchanted forest behind Arabian Nights for the show.
In addition to being well trained as a drill horse, she performed well in the 8-man dressage drill, can bow, kneel, lie down and can be ridden bareback without reins. Very solid, big mare who would be a great show horse.
AM Mozarts Moon $15,000
7/8/1999 Grey Arabian Gelding
This is a true “Bazy” horse. His sire, Al-Marah Seagfried+// was one of Mother’s favorite horses and certainly one of the two best AM Sea Captain++ sons. AM Seagfried+// is out of AM Money Tree who has Mother’s personal riding horse. AM Mozarts Moon is out of Al-Marah Honeymoon who went into the broodmare band as a three year old. He is very, very reliable and an extremely strong and stout athlete. Ideal for a beginner and would be good in many different disciplines.
Payback Top Brass $15,000
5/5/02 Chestnut Arabian Gelding
This is a SHOW HORSE. He is a beautiful chestnut with four high white socks (actually four high white stockings!) and a beautiful way of going. He is super broke and ready to rock in the show ring. He’s beautiful by himself, but will definitely stand out in any crowd in a crowded show ring. Lots of fun… unlimited potential.
AM Silver DreamLA $20,000
5/25/04 Grey Arabian Gelding
The Crown Jewel of the Arabian Nights horses, this son of SDA Silver Legend (who was exported to Australia after being purchased from Al-Marah) goes back to Al-Marah Iron Lady, one of the Arabian breed’s most important mares. His half brother, Al-Marah Silver Charm, was Top 10 Sport Horse Under Saddle at the 2013 Sport Horse Nationals, and Training Level Sweepstakes Champion and Reserve Champion Sport Horse Under Saddle at Scottsdale in 2014. “LA” was next in line to be a Prince Horse at Arabian Nights and has many “extras” including rear, laydown, bow, march and piaffe. This guy is ready to take someone to the top in the Dressage/Sport Horse Under Saddle division of Arabian Class A showing.
Green Horses
RS Shift Work+ $2,500
2/15/08 Grey Anglo Arabian Gelding (3/4 Arabian)
RS Shift Work+ is a big, green gelding who would be an excellent jumper. Could also be good for Sport Horse or Dressage. Pretty Green and needs an experienced rider.
Sonny $3,000
11-year-old Percheron gelding
Sonny has been in the Circus Bareback act for many years. He is big and has a lot of lift. Good for professional or he would be a great back yard pet.
Regency Royal $3,000
5-year-old Belgian gelding
This is probably the prettiest draft horse I have ever seen. He was started for a Big and Little act, then switched over to training for an acrobatic horse. Young, big & strong with a good mind. He is charismatic and would be a great exhibition show horse.
It was a BIG show a GREAT show, a wonderful eve full of cheers and tears. So hard to say goodbye to so many wonderful performers – human and equine.
BUT then you start talking about this coming year and know it’s not over, there are too many possibilities for the future. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later- hasta luego – arrivederci – ciao. New shows on the horizon? … like seeds starting flowers across the nation that wonderful talent spreads out in new ways, new faces, new places.
Today all the horses are moving into open pastures and will run free for awhile, I’m sure they’ll miss the work and excitement but then won’t we all? Thank You Mark Miller for bringing so much beauty and fun to so many families!!
Enjoy the ride you never know when it might end!
more soon! your friend tim
Here’s a guest blog by our friend Kristie at Edgemere equestrian over in the UK. She wants to tell you all about her favorite horses. Which one would you take for a ride?
I’ve always been partial to Bucephalus myself … something to do with a boy and a horse and taming the wild stallion – maybe you know the rest of that story:) Don’t forget you can always find a Bucephalus of your own at the gift shop!
4_Inspiring_Horses_from_History – PDF
4 Inspiring Horses from History, Myths and Legends
When you are young, you might watch plenty of horse T.V shows and movies, like Disney’s Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron, or even My Little Pony! Sometimes it’s the shows like these that lead us starting to love horses, and anything that encourages us to take up riding can only be a good thing! However, people have been telling fantastic stories about horses for millennia, and some of those stories are even more epic tales than the modern feature films of today. Here are 5 of our favourite horse myths and legends to tell your friends.
The Story of the Wind Horse
The Wind Horse is a story told in Native American culture; it’s about a beautiful wild horse that roams the land. The wind horse is a free horse, and it is his freedom that inspires him to good deeds across the land. Whenever a Native American was injured or in dire need, it is said the Wind Horse would appear and help them.
One day the Wind Horse comes across a young boy who has injured his foot in a bear trap. Selflessly, the horse helps him and they ride home together. During the journey, the horse senses the thoughts of the young boy – he fears for the future as he has injured himself beyond recovery, and he fears that he will be lonely, unable to join in with his friends due to his injury.
The legend says that the Wind Horse knew it’s duty from then on was to protect the boy and be his friend, so the horse gives up his freedom to live out the rest of his days with his new companion. When the new friends reach home, the boy is healed.
The Pegasus
Pegasus is a beautiful immortal winged horse from Greek Mythology – you might remember him from stories about the great hero Hercules, but he actually belonged to the hero Perseus! He was a brave warrior who wanted to win the hand of a beautiful lady, but a rival also wanted to win her love. Because of this, a challenge was set, and Perseus had to kill the evil Gorgon monster Medusa. Perseus succeeded in his quest, and the beautiful horse Pegasus was born. The horse helped many heroes with their quests, and he can now be seen honoured as a constellation in the sky.
Bucephalus
You’ve no doubt heard of Alexander the Great; he was one of the most successful conquerors the world has ever known! Bucephalus was the horse of Alexander the Great, when they first met, the horse was wild and un-tamed, and he was a huge horse too, with a face like a bull. At just 12 years old Alexander decided to train this famous horse, and he succeeded with his natural horsemanship. Together they rode into many battles and forged one of the biggest empires ever known.
Sleipnir
Movies about Thor and Loki have cause a rising interest in Norse culture, and you might have already heard of the Norse god Odin. Well, Sleipnir was Odin’s steed, and he was highly unusual as he has eight legs! Luckily, this made him supremely fast, sure-footed, and able to jump enormous obstacles!
Personally, my favourite story of this selection is the story of Alexander the Great and Buccephalus, simply because it’s a classic example of the great things a partnership between human and horse can achieve. Would Alexander have achieved the same success if he didn’t have his loyal steed? I wonder. However, there’s no doubt that trusting your horse and treating it like a partner will likely lead to you becoming an unstoppable team!
Which ancient horse would you have loved to ride?
This article was written by Kirstie, digital editor at Edgemere.
Ride on!!
your ol’ friend tim farley
