|
 An
eye for the aesthetic. A determined
entrepreneurial spirit. A fascination
with the romantic heritage, unbridled
spirit and unrivaled beauty of the
Arabian horse. These are just some
of the reasons why Jeff and
Rich Sloan have returned to the Arabian
horse business after a 15-year hiatus
with the creation of Aria International,
LLC.
As lifelong entrepreneurs, the Sloan
brothers have created numerous,
successful business ventures. And
now they’ve combined their experience
and passion in business with their
love of horses. In early 2005, the
Sloan brothers formed Aria International, which has quickly established itself as a
leading marketing and management
enterprise in the Arabian horse
business. “Through all of our entrepreneurial
endeavors, we never lost our  burning
passion for the Arabian horse and
the Arabian horse business,” states Jeff
Sloan, Aria International Co-owner.
“We have always had a magical connection
with the Arabian and a burning desire
to return to the lifestyle we love
so much.” The
Sloan brothers grew up in the Arabian
horse business. In 1982, their parents,
Bernie and Deena,
created
Talaria Farms in Metamora, Michigan.
It didn't take long for Talaria
to become one of the most significant
Arabian horse breeding, showing
and marketing operations in the
world. During this time, Jeff led
all aspects of the activities including
horse-care management, training,
showing, breeding, and all of the
marketing and sales activities.
And
Rich
became an accomplished horseman,
working hands-on in the care, training
and showing of the horses stabled
at Talaria Farms. In the '80s, the
Sloans' had many national and international
winners. This included World Champion
Stallion (twice) at the Egyptian
Event and an international championship
at the prestigious Salon Du Cheval
show in Paris. In May of 1988, Arabian
Horse World Magazine featured the
success of Talaria Farms in a feature
story, citing it as one of the most
successful and dynamic operations
in the industry.
Rich
grew up with Talaria Farms as a
central part of his childhood. “I've
been around these beautiful horses
my entire life,” he states. “Our
farm was a family affair. Our  mom
organized promotions and sales events
that continually introduced the
Arabian horse to new enthusiasts. Our
dad studied the history and breeding
of the horses and gave many educational
talks at our events. And
Jeff
always had a natural eye for a good
horse and a unique ability to market
and promote the Arabian with undeniable
enthusiasm and passion.”
In
the late 1980s, the Sloans' sold
Talaria Farms to new owners in Georgia
where the brandname and beautiful
horses continue to flourish.
Jeff
remembers, “It was during those
years at Talaria Farms that we formed
important and lasting professional
relationships and friendships with
leading
trainers
and breeders of Arabian horses.
These are relationships that we’ve
maintained to this day and which
result in our unique access to the
best horses and services in the
industry.” And so now, 20 years
after they first debuted on the
Arabian horse stage, the Sloan brothers
have returned. “We've returned with
a commitment to make a major contribution
and to create a lasting legacy,”
states
Jeff.
“We love the Arabian horse and want
to breed, manage and show the best,
and we strive to bring enthusiasm,
energy, and integrity to the business.”
The Sloan brothers understand the
importance of being true experts
in the field of Arabian horses.
O ver the years the brothers have
assembled one of the most comprehensive
libraries on the Arabian horse.
It's not uncommon to find them poring
over the pages of books on the history
and breeding of Arabians. They
have become scholars in all aspects
of the breed, ranging from understanding
pedigrees, to understanding values,
from understanding what makes for
a successful Arabian horse endeavor,
to understanding the most important
thing of all-to keep focus on the
love of the horses and people involved
as the underpinning of their business.
With Aria International, the Sloans'
have reemphasized their adherence
to selecting only the finest and
most valuable bloodstock.
"The
horses we select must be supremely
bred. An Arabian horse must first
be a true Arabian possessing the
spirit, beauty and correct conformation
consistent with the breed", says
Rich.
"We're confident that we can be
instrumental in introducing the
Arabian horse to new enthusiasts
and ensuring that they have a positive
experience. We will guide all of
our clients through every aspect
of the experience of owning an Arabian
horse. Every step-selecting the
right horse, training, showing,
breeding, promotion and marketing-will
be managed so that clients can treasure
their experiences with these beautiful
creatures without distraction,"
says
Jeff.
The Sloan brothers are poised to
lead Aria International to the top of
the Arabian horse business. Their
love and knowledge of Arabians is
unmatched and their entrepreneurial
acumen is proven. It's a rare and
powerful combination, one destined
to lead to great horses, great times
and success for all involved with
Aria International.
An Interview with Jeff & Rich
Sloan |
