Owned by Bazy Tankersley

Bazy Tankersley has been breeding Arabian horses since 1939. She studied genetics in college and founded her breeding program on stock from the Crabbet Arabian Stud. She was a leader in getting classes for Arabian horses in open shows and was an organizer of three different Arabian horse clubs across the United States. Throughout the years Mrs. T has maintained a stud of about 200 horses.

The Arabian Horse Registry records more than 2,500 purebred foals from Mrs. T's own breeding program. Her interest in young people led to the development of the current Apprenticeship program, the first such program in the country, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.


Jerry Hamilton - Manager
In 1982 Jerry Hamilton came to Al-Marah as an Apprentice. His many talents were evident early in the program. Upon graduation Jerry moved into the assistant trainer slot and eventually head trainer.

Jerry has had numerous wins at the regional and national level. He has been the Manager for Al-Marah in Tucson since November 2001 and also manages the Hat Ranch in Williams, AZ.

Jay Faircloth - Breeding Manager
Jay Faircloth began his career at Al-Marah in July 2002 as Breeding Manager and Assistant Manager. Jay earned a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Georgia and a Masters of Science in Equine Reproductive Physiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

He focused on induction of ovulation in the mare as well as palpation and ultrasound. Before coming to Al-Marah, Jay worked as a breeding manager in the Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse and Registered Angus Cattle industries.

Bill Melendez - Head Trainer
Bill Melendez joined us as Head Trainer in January 2005. A trainer and owner of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses for over twenty-five years, Bill has an enviable record of success at the National level with awards in numerous divisions.

A recognized large R judge since 1997, Bill has adjudicated in Canada and Australia as well as numerous Regional Shows, Scottsdale Show, Youth National Show and the 2004 U.S. Nationals.

Dianne Grod - Sport HorseTrainer
Welcome to our newest staff member, Dianne Grod. Dianne is a Maryland native who has spent the majority of her professional life on the West Coast. She first established herself as a top trainer and Grand Prix jumping competitor and, in recent years, has focused on judging and private coaching.

Dianne brings the expertise of her tenure in the open hunter and jumper world to the fast growing and very successful sport horse division here at Al-Marah.