Breeding predominantly Polish Arabian horses with some Egyptian and domestic outcrosses, the spirit and beauty of the Arabians at Skyland Farm are represented in the kind onf generous nature, the deep dish of the nose, the luxurious mane falling on muscled withers over an arched neck, and the large, dark expressive eyes.
Skyland Arabians owner, Marjatta Lavin, did not have a childhood full of horses and youthful riding adventures. She discovered horses as an adult when she and Mr. Lavin decided to bring their horses to their farm in Vermont, and she treasures them for thier beauty, nobility, intelligence, and the wonder they present to her each day. Grooming a horse is an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the friendship and communion. Her appreciation of all that horses have to give and their generosity of spirit is evident in each word she speaks. She says, "It gives me enormous pleasure to be with the horses. I live in the mountains with nature. The more that I am out here, living as a part of nature with the horses, the more humble I become."
In the business of breeding and raising horses at Skyland Arabians since 1983, Mrs. Lavin credits late farrier and Morgan breeded Bob Hudson, for her own breeding and training methods. She explains, "Bob and Irma Hudson had so much love and affection for horses. They had no room for anyone who was abusive or unkind. I value all that they taught me and I don't feel like these horses' owner. I feel more like their caretaker. The horses are my friends and the people who buy my horses feel more like and extended family than clients. At skyland Arabians, we like to share our knowledge and offer our support to benefit all horses, not just our Arabian horses, but all horses." Skyland Farm is host to many seminares each year including natural horsemanship clinics with Larry Jones. With the addition of international trainer and competitor, Bill Bohl, to the Skyland Arabians team, sporthorse seminars will be added to the list of programs offered.
Bill Bohl has shown internationally and is a thirty five year admirer and owner of the Arabian horse. "My goal is to educate poeple about the Arabian horse, show them how talented they are," Bill reports. "People have always focused on the Arabian as a high energy horse. My job is to show people that Arabians are enjoyable and capable of excelling in a lot of different areas including driving and sporthorse disciplines." Bill is currently developing a riding program at Skyland Arabians as well as planning a series of open houses that will promote the Arabians, specifically to introduce people to the knowledge that Arabian horses can compete against the Warmblood breeds in the sporthorse disciplines, dressage, show jumping, eventing and combined driving.
Marjatta Lavin feels strongly that the sharing of knowledge and open communication are important to good horse ownership. The horse's well being is foremost in her work of breeding horses, whether that work be ground handling methods, training programs, or sales to customers. She is determined that her horses go to lifetime homes if at all possible. Mrs. Lavin is totally against horses bouncing from home to home. She feels that all horses, but especially Arabians are very personable and form a strong bond with their owners and riders. She states, "A horse is a companion and a partner, not a vehicle to be used. We are very particular where our horses go and a positive chemistry between the horse and buyer is essential."
Communication, education and natural horsemanship methods are the backbone of Skyland Arabians. Mrs. Lavin encourages the use of non toxic natural grooming products and homeopathic remedies for injuries and illnesses. She strongly encourages a relationship with nature that would not be perfect without the horse. Eighteen years ago, Marjatta Lavin thought it would be nice to have her husband's horses at home. She never anticipated the journey of education, friendship and introspection her decision would bring. Bred in Poland for twelve hundred years, the Polish Arabian is noble, beautiful, and capable of breathtaking movement. Bred as Skyland Arabians with the finest bloodlines and internationally acclaimed champions and legendary stallions, the Polish Arabian horse offers its rider dedication of heart and a generous spirit.