A SECONDARY BREED REGISTRY FOR ROAN HORSES OF AQHA, APHA, ApHC, PHBA and IBHA BLOODLINES
GET YOUR ROAN ON.
AMERICAN ROAN HORSE ASSOCIATION
6172 S State RD 1 Hamilton, IN 46742
260-316-2402
email: ARHA@ridearoan.com
Stephanie Sides Kallenberger and Badd Romance
1) When and where did you first see your roan, how did you end up with him as yours, and how long have you owned your roan?
Badd Romance aka Olaf is by Zippos Mr. Goodbar out of AQHA World and Reserve World Champion and Congress and Congress Reserve Champion producer, A Sweet Romance, owned by Geoff & Stephanie Kallenberger of Austin Acres Quarter Horses, under guidance of Fleur-De-Lis Training & Sales in Bakersfield, California. Photos by StaceyLeigh Photography.
When I met Olaf, it just lit a spark in me. I have always loved roans. They are so beautiful but I had never found one that fit with me. Then there was Olaf. Olaf goes way beyond his color in his demeanor. He is sweet, playful, calm, and lives up to his name of loving warm hugs. He is truly unlike any horse I have met. I fell in love with him instantly. We are so excited to have Olaf as part of our family and as the face of our new facility, Austin Acres Quarter Horses that will be opening this fall in Bakersfield, California.
2) Where, what level, and in what classes do you show your roan?
I started riding when I was 8 years old. I had a passion for horses for as long as I can remember. My first horse was a 2 year old paint that bucked me off more times than I can count - but boy did I learn quick. I ended up with a beautiful appendix quarter horse in High School that I showed at open shows and the AQHA circuit and had a blast on. But like many others, when the time came to go off to college I didn’t have the time or money anymore.
During my 15 years away from riding I went to college, married my amazing husband (I truly don’t deserve that man) and we had 6 beautiful children. We have 5 daughters, ages 12, 10, 8, 5 & 3, whom keep us very busy. They are so much fun but let me tell you, it is dramatic. Pray for us!
We also had a son.....Austin. We spent 10 weeks in the NICU at Cedars Sinai before bringing him home on hospice from a degenerative muscular condition. He passed away 4 weeks later in my arms in our home. I can’t put into words the pain and anger that followed. It was such a dark time. I remember sitting in front of my pastor with tears rolling down my face and him telling me “how you move forward from this loss will determine how he is remembered. Your son’s legacy is completely up to you.” From there we started the Action For Austin Foundation (www.actionforaustin.com) and are beyond excited to now announce Austin Acres Quarter Horses, which we are currently building and opening this fall. A tribute to our son where we hope people will find honesty and integrity at its core.
3) What is your favorite thing to do with your roan horse?
We are beyond blessed to team up with Fleur-De-Lis Training & Sales, which includes trainers Ryan Burnett and Lucas Appel. They will be the sole lessor and trainers of our facility and a huge part of our breeding program with our stallion Olaf. When I first met Ryan and Lucas, I can’t begin to describe the difference in the way they conduct their business and themselves. It is refreshing and we are so excited to be partnering with them in this new venture. There is no one I trust more with my horses or with our sons legacy alongside us.
Ryan and Lucas are an excellent team and the perfect trainers for me to obtain my goals. Ryan works with my horses in all-around events including hunter under saddle, equitation, showmanship and western pleasure. Lucas on the other hand does dressage and hunter jumpers, which is the exciting direction we will be taking our beautiful Roan Stallion. Our hearts were thrilled when we saw that AQHA approved and implemented dressage classes starting in 2020. Our hope is that the ARHA will consider implementing the same. Olaf will begin his show career in AQHA dressage in 2020 and we can’t wait for everyone to see his ability and talent. He proves that roans abilities go beyond the all-around events and can tap into new areas of competition. It’s such an exciting time for us.
4) What is your favorite memory with your roan horse?
After my son passed away I had a hard time finding joy again. A part of me died with him and let me tell you - guilt and anger is heavy. I remember the first time putting my hand up on a horse after Austin died and a genuine smile coming across my face. It was as if I could see God watching me through its eyes and Him telling me to find what makes my heart beat again. So started this beautiful journey with horses again as a broken Mom of 5. I pray through all of this that my girls learn no matter what life throws at you, never give up on your passion or dreams. After every storm, there is always a rainbow. There is always hope in Jesus. And sometimes that rainbow He sends comes in the form of a 17 hand roan.
5) What are your thoughts about the American Roan Horse Association?
We are so happy and excited to be part of the Roan Family. We too hope we can make you all proud in our conduct and representation of this beautiful breed. All I know is that in owning our amazing stallion Olaf, I quickly learned something. There truly are some things worth melting for. ❤️