Joe Alberti - APAHA Nomination Biography

2007 Show Highlights:

2007 marks the 10th year I have been a professional Arabian Horse Trainer. In that time Chestnuthill Arabians and I have accumulated 214 Class “A” Championships, 50 Regional Championships 27 Regional Reserve Championships and 141 Regional Top Five awards along with 35 National Top Ten’s, 2 Reserve National Championships and 3 National and Scottsdale Championships. The highlights for me in ‘07 were many, at Region 16 this year our 5-year-old Gelding won the Open Gelding championship the JOTR and the JTR and the Jr Hunter horse class that was a huge feat for me as I feel it is so important to have all our halter horses be shown under saddle as well. Furthermore it attests to my training skills, as my horses are not only capable of winning with me in the open division but are easy enough for both amateur and junior handlers and riders.  Another highlight was in the PB Hunter JTR class my 2 junior riders 2 sisters were Champion and Reserve out of 18.  It is such a great feeling to know that I am helping in the development of the future pillars of our breed.  I also had another Junior rider receive her first Regional Top 5 on her half-Arab western horse, the look of accomplishment and joy on her face and her family’s sense of pride and appreciation is what makes this all worth wile.

On a personal note being Top Ten at this year’s US Nationals in the Junior Stallion class was a highlight to my career. The emotion that flooded through me when I heard I was Top Ten is something I will NEVER forget.  I handpicked Shaddofax as a young suckling and to have my peers acknowledge his quality proved to me that my horses would make a mark in this industry.

This 10th year is particularly special as it marks a decade long commitment of hard work and enthusiasm that has paid off more than I ever expected.  Unlike many young trainers, I did not start out as a bigger named trainer’s assistant at one of the major farms.  I created my only piece of heaven in a predominantly non-Arab horse community in the Northeast.  I learned through trial, error and examples.  I thought about training and breeding decisions and consulted with the best.  I tried it on my own and made it.  It has been the best ride of my life and I cannot wait to continue this ride both in the show ring and the breeding barn.  I am grateful for the entourage of loyal clients I have and for the world class breeders who have entrusted me with their wonderful horses.  The successes will continue and our group will expand with both veteran Arab owners and new enthusiasts.  2008 will be even bigger, better and bountiful!

Current involvement with Arabs and the community:

I am heavily involved in the Arabian horse community.  I am not only a full time professional trainer but I also attend local and State meetings when I can. I have offered free servers to judge some of the local AHA Community shows.  To add to this I have just finished attending the AHA Judges’ school in hopes of becoming a large “R” judge in the near future. We host annual open houses here at the farm to introduce newcomers to our breed and encourage excitement of these wonderful creatures known as the Arabian horse.  We show them off to all their glory. I have also served as Head of our local PAHA association, I have written numerous articles on training and showing the Arabian halter horse to help those that do not have a trainer. I have given clinics on Halter and Showmanship to other local farms. I try and stay busy year round and love nothing better than doing things that involve Arabian horses!!!

In 10 Years where do I see my Self:          

In 10 years I hope to be a large “R” Judge judging Regionals and Nationals.  I wish to continue with my success in the show ring and not only develop young and amateur riders but have them continue to inspire me as they have done so time and time again.  I will be as consumed with the Arabian breed as I am now and enthusiastic about competing at horse shows. I would love to be involved with more of AHA’S programs and will continue opening the doors for new people to this wonderful breed.  I also will watch and help develop the foals I have bred and have consulted my clients on breeding as they garner ribbons and championships, besides bringing their owners joy and excitement.