Holiday Party & Light Extravaganza!! We had a beautiful, clear evening for our annual Holiday Party and the lights were spectacular!! Check out all the fun....
November 2011 Newcomer Seminar We were blessed with another beautiful Fall day and a great group of newcomers for our November 12th seminar. Thanks to Shawn Crews for being our special guest! And to Skip & Jean for taking these great pictures...check them out...
Arabians Ltd. Fall Client Seminar Not even a torrential downpour could ruin this trip! Check out the pictures from our most recent Purple Gang Road Trip!!
September 2011 Newcomer Seminar What a beautiful day to enjoy new friends and beautiful horses...check it out...
2011 Egyptian Event This was one of the best Egyptian Event's ever...and the cameras of Skip & Jean Skipper did a wonderful job capturing the memories...thanks guys!!!
Bedford Horse Hound & Wine Festival
This was our third time at the Bedford Wine Festival and we had a blast...and Magic and Mark were as handsome as ever...
June 2011 Egyptian Newcomer Day!
We always enjoy introducing new folks to the Straight Egyptian Breed, and having Shawn Crews with us always makes it special...
June 2011 Wine, BBQ & Foal Preview!
Beautiful babies, great wine and good food...a perfect combination for a fun day at Amethyst Acres!!!
Client Dental Seminar!
Think only people need annual dental checkups? Think again....
Pet Expo 2011!
What a fun time we had at the Roanoke Civic Center...we will definitely go back next year....
April 2011 Egyptian Newcomer Seminar!!!!!
The weather could not have been worse...but the day could not have been better....check out these photos...
Mishaal HP on cover of Arabian Horse World Quarterly!!!!!
We are so thrilled that Mishaal HP has been selected to be on the cover of Arabian Horse World’s Winter Special Edition! These magazines are available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble and tack stores and make the Arabian horse accessible to the public. Be sure to look for the Amethyst Acres ad!!!!
Linda Law and Bint Bint Shahsria...
Congratulations to Linda Law of Spotsylvania, VA on leasing the beautiful mare Bint Bint Shahsria who is in foal to Mishaal HP and due any day. Welcome to the Purple Gang Linda!!!!!
Holiday Party & Light Extravaganza!!!!!
After cancelling last year's party because of the 18" of snow we got that day, a little 3" snow was not going to stop this year's festivities....
Pat Turns 70!!!!!
No one believes she is really that old because she has more energy than all of us!! Check out these great pictures from her recent birthday party!
New Purple Gang Members...
Congratulations to Laurie & Jeff Harwood of Columbia, MD...our newest Purple Gang Members...check out the photos...
July 2010 Client Learning Day...
The Purple Gang had a fun day learning about Color Coat Genetics and Halter Training at our last Client Learning Day....check out these great pictures by Skip Skipper!!
Allspice Annie...
Miss Annie is here for under saddle training...and is going to be a great riding companion for mom Michelle Pardee...
July 2010 Egyptian Arabian Newcomer Conference...
Once again we were blessed with a wonderful group of newcomers to share these beautiful horses with...
Fence Fixing...
It was hot, hot, hot weekend...but a great group of clients helped us replace some old fencing over the Fourth of July...Thanks Jean and Tammy for the Pictures!
April 2010 Egyptian Arabian Newcomer Conference and Client Pedigree Seminar...
What a terriffic weekend!! New friends, beautiful horses, great weather and the best group of clients in the world!! Check it out...
Texas Road Trip...
This is one we won't forget soon...several members of the Purple Gang attended the Arabians Ltd. Spring Client Seminar...check it out...
March 20th Egyptian Arabian Newcomer Conference...
It was the first day of Spring and a beautiful day to look at and learn about Egyptian Arabian horses...check it out...
2010 Client Breeding Seminar...
A big group turned out for our 2010 Breeding Seminar "Understanding Your Broodmare"...check out these pictures...
Congratulations Joyce Atkinson and Family...
Congratulations to Joyce Atkinson of Ruther Glen, VA on the birth of this handsome Thee Desperado colt...
Congratulations Jacque Battle...
Congratulations to Jacque Battle of Montvale on the birth of this beautiful Alixir filly...
Congratulations Dee Dee Butcher and Family...
Congratulations to Dee Dee Butcher on the birth of a beautiful filly by Mishaal HP...Todd, Teresa, Trent and Garth have a beautiful new addition to their family...
Congratulations Skip & Jean...
Congratulations to Skip & Jean Skipper on adding this beautiful Mishaal daughter to their Hidden Acres gang....
Congratulations Ho Family...
Congratulations to Connie, Michael, Hannah & Miriam on their purchase of this beautiful Thee Asil filly...
AND...Congratulations Peerys...
on purchasing this beautiful filly, Mistacal Lady...you have two beautiful girls!!!
Congratulations Peerys...
Congratulations to Brooke, Kevin, Kendra and Colleen on purchasing this beautiful The Sequel RCA filly...
November Newcomer Seminar...
November 7th was a beautiful, sunny day and we had a great group of folks interested in learning about Arabians...
Fall Texas Trip...
Several of the Purple Gang traveled to Texas last month to attend the Arabians Ltd. Fall Client Seminar...great fun and beautiful horses...
Sadeek...
Sadeek came to us for fostering on August 19, 2009 after being taken in by Rugby Creek Animal Rescue. He has a tremendous will to live and is slowly progressing...check this link for weekly updates, or visit Deb's Facebook page.
Randi Clark Photo Shoot...
We were delighted to have Randi Clark here at Amethyst Acres last month for a photo shoot...Randi took some awesome pictures of the horses, and Skip took some great "behind the scenes" shots...check it out...
Congratulations Ellie & Amber...
It is official...Amber belongs to Ellie...and the Purple Gang were all there to celebrate...
August 22nd Newcomer's Seminar...
Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. was with us this past Saturday for our latest Newcomer's Seminar...check out these pictures...
Dee Dee & TI's New Home...
A big congratulations to Todd & Teresa Butcher on the purchase on their new farm in Bridgewater, VA! Northview Arabians is home to Dasani Dari RCA (who is in foal to Mishaal HP for 2010) and her 2009 colt Thee Image (by Thee Desperado). Way to go guys...this is awesome!!!
2009 Egyptian Event...
This year's Egyptian Event in Lexington, KY was a great success for Arabians Ltd. and a lot of fun for the "Purple Gang" of Amethyst Acres. We were especially proud of a Top Ten by Pat Roper's beautiful filly Mishaals Mirabella. A special thanks to Skip Skipper for the great photos!!
Halter Training 101 with Shawn Crews...
The "Purple Gang" of Amethyst Acres were recently treated to a wonderful halter clinic conducted by Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. Not only did we learn alot, but we had great fun!!! Check out the pictures...
Hanna, Anna & Grace...
We had a wonderful visit with three recently adopted young ladies from Russia...Hanna, Anna & Grace. The girls are still learning English, but all the animals seemed to understand them perfectly...check out these cute pictures...
Sophie & Jinny...
Congratulations to Jinny Boxley of Daleville, VA on the purchase of her first Egyptian Arabian filly "Emira Sophia BMF"....check out this beautiful pair!!
Open House & Family Fun Day...
The rain held off and the crowd turned out...and we raised $700 for the League for Animal Protection!! A wonderful day and great photos...check them out...
April 25th Newcomer's Seminar...
What a beautiful Spring day to learn about Arabians and meet new friends! Check out these pictures from last Saturday's Educational Seminar...
Katie & Randy's new kids...
Congratulations to Katie & Randy Noell of Vinton, Virginia on the purchase of these two beautiful black & white miniature horses...have fun guys!!!
Floyd 4-H Visit...
We were recently visited by a group of Floyd County 4-H'ers who spent the morning with us here at Amethyst Acres...
Miss T's Baby Boy...
Congratulations to the Bandy family of Fincastle, VA on the birth of this stunning colt...check out these pics...
Under Saddle Graduates..
Mark recently started Krystal, Mia and Amber under saddle...check out these first ride pics...
Dee Dee Butcher's Baby Boy...
Congratulations to the Butcher family of Dayton, VA on the birth of this handsome Thee Desperado colt to their beautiful mare Dee Dee...check out these pics...
Christmas 2008..
Twas early December and all around the barn, an elf was putting up lights that were sure to charm....
Training & Nutrition 101..
A group of studious horse owners braved the weather to attend our first ever Training & Nutrition seminar last Saturday...
November 1st Newcomer's Seminar...
The weather could not have been nicer for our last Straight Egyptian Newcomer's Seminar of the year. We had a great group of people who came to learn about this wonderful horse...check out these pictures taken by Skip Skipper of Callaway, Virginia...thanks Skip!!
Training With Shawn Crews...
The Amethyst Acres gang recently spent a beautiful, sunny, Fall day with Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd., who conducted a "Halter Training 101" session. It was great fun for all...and there is definitely some real talent out there just waiting for a chance to get into the show ring!!!
Maggie Joins Krystal & Spirit...
Congratulations to Pam Lemon of Roanoke, Virginia, on the addition of a beautiful 2-year old Straight Egyptian filly to her Krystal Mist Arabians breeding program. Magidaas Alixis Emira, or "Maggie Mae" as she is affectionately called, is by Alixir and out of Magidaas Image (The Minstril x Bint Magidaa). What a beauty!!
August 23rd Newcomer's Seminar...
Beautiful horses, a beautiful day and a wonderful group...check out these pictures from our latest Egyptian Arabian Newcomer's Seminar!!
Pat Roper Joins the Purple Gang...
A BIG congratulations to Pat Roper of Elkton, Virginia on her recent purchase of two beautiful Straight Egyptian fillies: Desperados Sweet Dream (Thee Desperado x Minstrils Dream) and Mishaals Mirabella (Mishaal HP x Pimlicos Promise). Check out the new mom and her beautiful babies...great choices Pat!!
Bedford Horse Hound & Wine Festival...
This was our second year attending the Bedford Wine Festival and our beautiful stallion Magic Elixir was a big hit...missing first place in the People's Choice Awards by only two votes!!! We still think he is the prettiest horse around!!
June 28th Newcomer's Seminar...
Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. joined us for our latest Straight Egyptian Newcomer's Seminar and we had a great group and a great day learning about these beautiful horses!
2008 Egyptian Event...
There are very few things more exciting than the Egyptian Event and this year was no exception! Beautiful horses, great friends and wonderful memories....
Che's Big Day...
Kendra & Colleen Peery recently attended their first horse show at Green Hill Park with Kendra's horse "Che" and did outstanding! Congratulations on a great show...we are sooo proud of you both!!
Infidels Shadow...
Mark spent time recently riding Infidels Shadow (Thee Infidel x Shadys Moonshadow) for A.J.Glick of Roanoke. Shadow is by Mark's mare "Boo" and has a special place in our hearts.
Rockbridge Hunt Pony Club...
Karen Lanning and members of the Rockbridge Hunt Pony Club spent a recent Saturday afternoon with us and learned a bit about the breeding world...
Spring Arabian Classic...
Deb took a TON of pics at this year's Spring Arabian Classic horse show in Lexington, Virginia...check them out...
Pregnancy & Foaling Seminar...
Pregnancy & Foaling was the topic of our latest Client Seminar. The birth of a new colt at 12:30 a.m. the morning of the seminar could not have been better timing!!
The New Custer Boys...
Carol and Junior Custer of Check, Virginia, have two new baby boys in their family, born just 24 hours apart. Check out these pictures of their first time out in the biggie world!!
Talaria Farms Halter Seminar...
Newnan, Georgia was the destination for some of the Amethyst Acres gang this past weekend. Even a tornado hitting Atlanta didn't deter this group...check it out...
Dee Dee Butcher...
The skies cleared and the sun came out this past Saturday just long enough for Teresa to have a nice ride on her beautiful mare Dee Dee....
March 1st Newcomer's Seminar...
March offered a blustery but sunny day for our latest Straight Egyptian Newcomer Seminar...but we had a great group and a great day looking at beautiful horses!
Breeding Seminar...
Several of our Straight Egyptian Arabian breeders recently attended a seminar entitled "Understanding Your Broodmare" in preparation for the breeding season...check out these pics...
Shalinay and Sarah...
Debra Geiser, breeder of the beautiful Straight Egyptian Arabian mare Shalinay Nile DMF, braved the cold temperatures earlier this week to watch Shalinay's owner Sarah Burns ride. Watch for Shalinay and Sarah at the Spring Arabian Classic in Lexington!!
Dee Dee Butcher Under Saddle...Part 2...
Check out these pictures of Teresa Butcher riding her beautiful Straight Egyptian Arabian mare "Dee Dee"...just a week after being started under saddle!!! Congratulations Teresa...you guys look great together!!
Dee Dee Butcher Under Saddle..
The beautiful Straight Egyptian Arabian mare Dasani Dari, or Dee Dee, had her first round pen lesson with Mark today and passed with flying colors...
Momma Pam and Her Kiddos...
Pam Lemon of Roanoke had a wonderful afternoon recently riding her two kids...Krystal and Spirit. This was her first ride on Krystal, who just recently graduated from Mark's training school! Don't they look great together??
Garth & Trent Master the Saddle...
There are definitely future equestrians in the Butcher family...check out Garth and Trent getting riding lessons from Mark on Ellie Crabtree's very patient mare Deena Doriana....
Miss Krystal Under Saddle...
Shebas Krystal Mist, owned by Krystal Mist Arabians of Troutville, Virginia, started her saddle training this weekend. Even though she has a reputation for being a "tinee bit spoiled"....she was a good girl for Mark and is beautiful under saddle!!
Mia Meets Her Sisters...
Mia Moniet RCA was delivered to her new home on Christmas eve by some Amethyst Acres elves...and had a good time checking out her new horsie & human family...
Rachel's BIG surprise...
Rachel Custer had the surprise of her life this past weekend...she thought she was coming to ride Regal so we could get some good video footage of him before he went home. Instead....well, go to the pictures and see for yourself......
December 1st Newcomer's Seminar...
December delivered a beautiful, sunny day for our most recent Egyptian Arabian Newcomer's Seminar and we had a great crowd on hand to hear Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. talk about the breed.
Floyd County 4-H Club...
On Saturday, November 10th, we had a visit from the Floyd County 4-H Club and had a great time showing them around the farm and introducing them to a variety of equine breeds, including Paints, QH's, Arabians, Saddlebreds, Friesians and a big Shire!!
Halloween Spooks...
Things got a little scary at the Purple Gang Halloween Cookout when a Green Witch and some guy that looked like Beetlejuice showed up!! We would have had more photos if the "witch" had remembered to bring her camera....thanks to Teresa Butcher for capturing these images!!
Mia Moniet RCA...
A big congratulations to Jean and Skip Skipper of Callaway, Virginia on the purchase of their beautiful Straight Egyptian Arabian filly Mia Moniet RCA (Thee Infidel x Minstrils Moniet by The Minstril). Welcome to the Purple Gang!!!!
Arabians Ltd. Showing & Training Seminar...
Mark and Deb spent the weekend of September 21-23 in Waco with the Arabians Ltd. gang during their Client Showing & Training Seminar...and Deb took a ton of pictures...so, enjoy!
Spike & Dori...
Congratulations to Cynthia and Doc Petty of Tenkenva Arabians in Mascot, Tennessee on the purchase of the handsome Thee Desperado son WF Ali Salil (a.k.a. Spike) and the beautiful Magic Elixir filly Dorianas EPYC Magic (a.k.a. Dori).
Sarah and Shalinay...
Congratulations to Sarah Burns of Roanoke, Virginia on the purchase of her first Straight Egyptian mare, Shalinay Nile DMF (Pimlico RCA x Kiyaras Nile Star by Ansata Nile Bay). Shalinay was bred by Debra and David Geiser of Lexington, Virginia, who also bred Pimlico RCA. Watch for pictures of Shalinay under saddle coming very soon...yeah Sarah!!!!!!
National Breeders Conference...
Several of the Amethyst Acres gang recently attended the Pyramid Society's National Breeders Conference at Imperial Egyptian Stud in Parkton, Maryland. It was an excellent forum on Egyptian Arabian Breeding in this country between 1900-1973, and the information presented was extremely valuable to our group.
Equinology Foundation Course...
Amethyst Acres is hosting a week long (August 17 - 24th, 2007) Equine Massage Foundation Course for instructor Ruth Mitchell of Equinology, Inc. This is an intense workshop for people hoping to become Certified Therapists...check back each day for updated photos...
Dee Dee Butcher...
Congratulations to Teresa, Todd, Trent & Garth Butcher of Dayton, Virginia on the purchase of the beautiful Straight Egyptian Arabian mare Dasani Dari (Alixir x Bint Bint Daheda by The Minstril) The whole family (including Grandma & Grandpa!!) spent this past Saturday morning getting to know each other and "Dee Dee" relished the attention!
Johnny Johnston Photo Shoot...
The world famous photographer Johnny Johnston visited Amethyst Acres last month and took some phenomenal photos of our horses...we had a great time working with one of the all time masters!
July 28, 2007 Egyptian Newcomers Seminar...
What a beautiful day to enjoy beautiful horses! Check out the pictures from our most recent Egyptian Arabian Newcomers Seminar...and plan now to attend our next one October 6th!
2007 Bedford Horse, Hound and Wine Festival...
Magic Elixir and Mark were the People's Choice Award Winner of the Parade of Horses at this year's Bedford Wine Festival. Thanks to Donna Johnson for inviting us...we had a great time!
2007 Egyptian Event in Lexington, Kentucky...
10 great days, three Top Tens...check out these pictures of all the fun!!!
2007 Inaugural Arabian Breeders World Cup in Las Vegas...
Debra Geiser of Darameadows Farm and Deb Burke of Amethyst Acres joined Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd., Tammy Bittorf and Terry Ziler of the Z Ranch, and hundreds of other spectators at the first ever World Cup held April 20-22nd in Las Vegas.
Spring Arabian Classic...
Even though the weather was cool, the Spring Arabian Classic was hot, hot, hot for the Amethyst Acres gang...check out the pics and the ribbons...
Straight Egyptian Newcomers Seminar...
Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. joined us March 24th, 2007 for our first Newcomer's Seminar of the year. A large crowd enjoyed a picture perfect spring day...
Check Custer Crew...
Carol and Junior Custer of Check have three very talented, future halter trainers in their family...daughters Rachel and Alex and son Jared...here are some pictures from Saturday's halter lessons...
Botetourt 4-H Judging Team...
The Botetourt 4-H Judging Team recently visited Amethyst Acres to practice their skills on several Arabians. It was a frigid day, but everyone had fun and learned something...check out the pictures...
Abby & Sarah...
Sarah Burns of Roanoke is getting her beautiful mare "Absolute Desperado" ready for the March Arabian Classic...check out Sarah and Abby practicing...
Allspice Annie...
Allspice Annie is a beautiful Blue Roan Quarter Horse filly owned by Michele Pardee of Callaway. She was recently weaned and is here at AAEC for "Kindergarden" lessons.
Spirit and Pam...
Pam Lemon of Roanoke enjoys a relaxing ride on her gelding "Spirit" on a beautiful January day...
Friesian Mare Liske E...
Darcy Miller of Glen Burnie, Maryland is the proud owner of the beautiful and talented Friesian mare "Liske E"...check out these pictures of Mark starting her under saddle in preparation for a dressage career.
Straight Egyptian Newcomers Seminar...
Shawn Crews of Arabians Ltd. joined us October 28th to introduce newcomers to the Straight Egyptian Arabian. It was a fun day and plans are in the works for several more seminars in 2007!
Louisville...One Last Time...
This is the last year U.S.Arabian Nationals will be held in Louisville, so the Amethyst Acres gang took a trip to Kentucky to see the greats...one last time!!!
Fall Classic Arabian Horse Show...
We had lots of fun at the Fall Classic in Lexington, Virginia this year...and a new "Super Hero" made his debut in the ring...check out these pics....
Arabians Ltd. Client Seminar...
The Virginia Gang recently attended a Training/Conditioning seminar at Arabians Ltd. in Waco, Tx. We all had a wonderful time and it was hard to pick from the 285 pictures I took...but here they are...
OT and Sarah...
Sarah LeBlanc is busy practicing for the Fall Arabian Horse Show...check out these pics of she and "OT" practicing for Sport Horse in Hand!
MB Mistaz
We are delighted to announce that Melissa Huprich of Lilburn, Georgia is the new owner of the beautiful Straight Egyptian stallion MB Mistaz. Melissa is a second generation breeder who shares our passion for Arabians. Congratulations Melissa...we could not be happier for you and Staz!
Ellie Pam & Jack...
Congratulations to Pam & Jack Marcus of Renick, WV on the purchase of the beautiful Thee Desperado daughter
Elusive Desperado. Check out these pics of the proud new parents!
Abby & Sarah...
A big congratulations to Sarah Burns of Roanoke on the purchase of the beautiful Thee Desperado daughter Absolute Desperado. Abby and Sarah look like they were made for each other and we wish them may years of happiness!
Mark & Deb's 10th Anniversary...
Family & friends joined Mark & Deb to celebrate their 10th Wedding Anniversary...which turned out to also be a surprise birthday party for Deb...it was a wonderful evening!
Halter 101...
Saturday morning halter lessons have been alot of fun for Mark, Pam, Sara & Jacque...check out these photos!
2006 Egyptian Event...
The Virginia Gang took another "Road Trip" in June to the Egyptian Event in Lexington, KY. A great time was
had by all!!!!
Jean and her Girls...
Congratulations to Jean Skipper of Virginia Beach (soon to be Callaway) Virginia on the purchase of her first
horses...a mother/daughter pair of beautiful black & white mini mares named Moonbeam & Lightning Bug!!! Aren't they
the cutest??
Shez Willin...
Shez Willin is a great name for this beautiful black & white paint mare...she was been willing to do anything asked
of her, including being started under saddle! Congratulations to Joyce Atkinson on the purchase of this beautiful mare.
March 2006 Spring Arabian Classic...
Congratulations to Pam Lemon and her handsome 3-year old Half-Arab
gelding "Shahmans Spirit" (Shadys Shahman x Cheyenne) on their FIRST PLACE win at the Spring Arabian Classic in Sport Horse In-Hand!! Check out these photos of Spirit's FIRST EVER horse show and FIRST EVER adventure off the farm!!
March 2006 Waco Trip...
A big thanks to the Arabians Ltd. staff for being wonderful hosts. Pam, Lesa, Lance, Tammy, Martha, Cornelius and Mark & Deb had a wonderful time and will definitely be back soon!!!
Rennie...
This handsome Appaloosa cross gelding named "Rennie" is a real sweetheart and was very easy to start under saddle.
He is owned by Jerome Hodges of Rocky Mount and is going to make Jerome a wonderful companion for years to come!
Bambi and Sammy...
Sammy and Bambi are big, handsome Irish TB crosses who are here to start their saddle training. They are proudly owned by
Lisa and Mike Mendell of Flint Hill, Virginia who look forward to Eventing them this year.
WARNING...THESE MIGHT BE THE CUTEST
PICTURES YOU HAVE EVER SEEN...
Check out these pictures of Brooke Peery and her daughter Kendra...definitely like mother, like daughter when it
comes to horses!!!
Morgan and Stormy...
Morgan Peery takes her first ride on her TWH gelding "Stormy"...check out these cute photos!
Brooke Exercises the Boys...
Brooke Peery is an excellent rider and a big help to us at Amethyst Acres...she comes several times a week and helps Mark exercise the horses....check out these pictures of her riding some of of the big guys...
Stormy Peery...
Stormy is owned by our neighbors, Matt & Karen Peery...he's here at "Camp Mark" to start his saddle training. Isn't he a handsome boy???
Centy & Wimby...
Check out these two handsome boys....Centy and Wimby of Sunrise Stables in Lexington. They are here to learn walk, trot, canter before returning home to start a show career. Centy is owned by Gammon Nuckols and Wimby is owned by Sarah Berhalter of Lexington.
Victor Steel Photo Shoot...
If you're looking for a great local photographer, we highly recommend Victor Steel of Moneta. Check out these recent photos he took for us and our clients.
Spirit Grows Up TOO!!...
WOW...look who is already under saddle...Shahman's Spirit, owned by Pam Lemon of Roanoke and by Mark & Deb's Polish Arabian stallion "Junior"...won't be long before mom and Spirit hit the trails!!
Kendra & Colleen Ride Applejack...
Check out these cute pictures of Kendra and Colleen Peery riding the mini gelding named "Applejack"....I see some future Olympian riders out there!!!
True Grows Up!!...
Seems like only yesterday Love Bug Kirtley gave birth to a beautiful baby filly...and now she is all grown up and being started under saddle by her human mom, Allison Kirtley of Roanoke. Check out these pics of Allison & True's first ride...