My name is Catherine West. I was raised on a vast and notable Arabian breeding operation in northern Alabama. I am the oldest daughter of Tom West, owner of The Relay Station. My father was well known as the breeder of Zodiac Matador and the man responsible for making Komsul the famous foundation sire in the 70’s. Then there was our National Champion mare, Other Eden, and our exceptionally rare *Marsianin son out of Jortalla, whose only other foal before dying in a barn fire was Excelladinn, National Champion stallion. These are just a few examples of the Arabians I grew up with, and they were my family. At the height of The Relay Station, there were more than 280 horses, including 11 active breeding stallions. My life growing up was on a calendar unlike any you can buy in a store. My world revolved around foaling and breeding season. The passion of watching dreams literally being born, became over time, a thrilling means of learning about genetics and studying pedigrees. I continue to become more fluent in Arabian pedigrees, and at this point, they are my second language. I have been in love with Arabian horses as long as I can remember. My exposure to numerous horses in large herds ingrained within me a true appreciation for fine horses with rare personalities and exceptional talent. Since receiving my Master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I have spent most of my time on my small Arabian breeding program as well as working as a college professor – both on campus and in online classrooms. I also work alongside several vets in the Birmingham area where I practice equine hoof rehabilitation and sport horse trimming. Most recently I began working as a member of the Equine Stress Research and Education Committee for the Arabian Horse Association, which aims to review the Shoeing Rules and Regulations. I will be compiling research for the committee’s review on current standards for hoof soundness, protection, maintenance, and rehabilitation. In the summer of 2015, I founded The Arabian Coalition. After more than 30 years in this industry, finding ways to work together to educate, preserve, and protect our Arabian horses, trainers, breeders, judges, farriers, amateurs, and enthusiasts is a passionate goal of mine. Creating paths to health and success in our industry is what TAC hopes to achieve.
