McDonald Arabians represents a bright spot in the Arabian Horse industry that brings together passion, family, Arabian horses, and success. Elite Arabian trainer, Gary McDonald is one of those fortunate professionals who has turned a lifelong love into his vocation, and while the championships come in abundance, Gary will tell you that “accomplishments become quickly outdated.” The emphasis at his facility is on the thrill of competition, win or lose, and the joy it brings the people involved with the beautiful horses.
Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Gary McDonald was immersed in the Arabian Horse industry from an early age. Being a part of his family’s Arabian breeding and management farm – the first McDonald Arabians – Gary honed his horsemanship skills. From lead line through the youth performance divisions, Gary, along with his sister Carolyn, helped their parents grow their business along with helping to train and manage the breeding horses on-site. “I started paying close attention to the halter arena and breeding divisions,” Gary says. “As a youth I usually presented the stallions to prospective breeders and clients at my family’s farm. This experience, of course, drove me to focus on the halter horses and the breeding barn – which is undoubtedly my first love when it comes to the horses.”
Gary attended school at Arizona State University, from which he majored in Psychology and minored in Accounting. 1998 Gary opened his own facility in Scottsdale – carrying on with the family’s farm name of McDonald Arabians. “I decided to stay in Scottsdale for all the reasons so many trainers and breeders are relocating to this hotbed of Arabian activity,” says Gary. “The perfect dry, hot weather is ideal for keeping Arabians healthy and looking good all year long. Plus, having the prestigious Scottsdale show in what you might call our ‘backyard,’ makes this area a perfect choice for the business.” It really gives us a distinct ‘Home Court Advantage’.
With no more than forty horses in the training barn at one time, the McDonald Arabian show string competes at several Regional, National, and International competitions. With the focus on training, marketing, and breeding the finest horses with the owner goals and amateur handler in mind, Gary has found success creating National Champions in the open division whom their owners can turn around and show in amateur competition.
Gary has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Arabian horse shows in the United States. He served as the Vice President for the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona and was a dedicated board member for nearly 15 years.
Gary chaired the Rules and Regulations Committee for the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance during the inaugural World Cup Show Championships. During this time, he also founded and chaired the Scottsdale Signature Stallion program, the most successful prize money program for Arabian horse shows in the U.S.
Later, Gary spearheaded the creation of the Scottsdale International Halter Championships. This premier division for purebred Arabians represents the “best of the best” in exhibition, management, judging, and spectator engagement.
Gary also collaborated with industry leaders to establish the Arabian National Breeder Finals Championships. This unique show is judged by breeders, for breeders, and serves as a true celebration of the purebred Arabian horse. Additionally, Gary is a National Level Judge for the Arabian Horse Association and the United States Equestrian Federation, with over 20 years of experience.
When it comes to training, Gary’s philosophy includes the maxim “Less is more.” “I am methodical in my training techniques and aim to let the horses show themselves off by keeping them relaxed and happy. Given the focus we have on amateurs here at McDonald Arabians, it is important that my horses go into the arena with confidence and a solid foundation so their amateur owners can enter the arena with confidence as well.”
In his training methods, Gary’s goal is to have his horses confident and well-prepared through a step-by-step program that avoids haste and keeps the horse relaxed and happy. We’re very detailed in the conditioning of the horse and avoid over showing them. He adds, “My personal goal in presenting each horse is to remain as quiet as possible so as not to distract from the picture of the horse. I want a horse to be confident enough to snort, flag its tail, and be animated without fear.” He concludes, “I’m not there to be in its face or try to control it. I want the horse to present itself.”
“I believe what sets my clients apart is that their horses are responsive to the subtlest of cues, relaxed, and presented in a dignified manner. I’ve made people my priority; rather than searching for the next person, I want people in my barn that I enjoy and who enjoy me. I strive to be client service oriented rather than have a win-at-all-cost mentality. The industry is full of owners who genuinely love their horses—happy, vibrant people who love the breed.”
Gary’s business is truly a family affair. Gary and his wife Jennifer, dedicate their lives to the health, and happiness of the Arabian Horses that are entrusted into their care. Gary finds Jennifer’s influence to this family business as invaluable. “Jennifer’s is beautiful, and is a complete natural at knowing how to market beauty. In addition to her Modeling career, she has also been a National executive in Sales for a major Technology company. Her talents have brought originality to the way McDonald Arabians approaches the relationships with both the Owners and the Horses themselves.” Gary and Jennifer travel the world in search for the finest Arabian Horses to incorporate into their client’s program. They are passionate with their love and enthusiasm and look forward to guiding you through your journey with Arabian Horses.
Gary is often low key about his (and his parents) personal breeding programs. He understands that his mentoring of others to help them avoid the pitfalls and ‘fads’ to achieve success is his primary role. Jennifer often takes a deep breath when she hears Gary consulting with a client about breeding. Throughout her career working at Nationally Traded Businesses, she understand the currency value of the consultations and knowledge that Gary shares free of charge with his clients.
Gary’s philosophy: “I don’t want to charge a fee for consulting: I want everyone to produce the best possible foals within their programs. If I am right, and they achieve this goal… I will have an abundance of next generation Arabians with which to compete; manage; and market. Their success then becomes my success!” Jennifer chuckled when one time, the client asked: “Do you think Gary is ever wrong?” She simply answered, “Genetics is a process, not a guarantee, but I haven’t seen Gary be wrong yet”.
The Arabian Horse Times publication released its annual statistics, recognizing McDonald Arabians for consecutive years being the #1 Breeder of Halter Futurity Winners. The publication declared McDonald Arabians for the Repeat Championship as the #1 Breeder of Halter Futurity Winners! Who else was on this ‘Top Ten’ list? Many Internationally recognized breeders who produce 4-10 times the amount of foals each year as McDonald Arabians. They believe breeding is a numbers game… but to Gary, he is an Artist creating a very calculated Art Masterpiece.
Gary is immensely proud of his family, which remains his greatest joy and achievement. He is the blessed father of six children and a doting grandfather to six grandchildren, each of whom brings a unique light and vibrant energy to the McDonald legacy. For Gary, there is no greater reward than watching the next generations thrive, filling the McDonald Arabians Ranch with laughter, love, and a bright promise for the future.
“The Arabian horse is and always has been a family experience for us, so it is natural for us to also encourage our clients to include the whole family in the Arabian experience. This is the core of the philosophy that drives us here at the farm.” It is obvious that Gary’s enthusiasm and passion are contagious as McDonald Arabians, LLC. continues to grow and succeed down the very path they outlined – one of integrity, passion, people, family, and of course, beautiful Arabian horses.
