09/27/2024
I have a friend who dedicates himself wholeheartedly to the Arabian horse community, and today, I want to honor him on his birthday. Paul Kostial has been passionate about Arabian horses for much of his life. He has taken on numerous leadership roles within the industry, including serving as Region 9 Director, show chairman, and a member of the AHA Board of Directors, as well as chairing the AHA Marketing and Promotion committee. Additionally, he is a respected International judge, frequently seen in center ring at events like the US Nationals, Scottsdale, Breeders Finals, and various Regionals.
However, in my view, his most significant achievement is founding We LOVE Arabian Horses, which has revitalized the foundation of our breed by focusing on the many Arabian horse owners who may never step foot in a National arena or any show ring. He has brought value and recognition to those who cherish their Arabian horses as companions, enjoy trail riding for relaxation, and love sharing the joy of having an Arabian in their lives with others. You can find these horses in backyards, local parades, therapeutic riding programs, and even at Tractor Supply and Pet Smart! Paul has celebrated them in meaningful ways through contests, essays, and Ambassador programs. He secures fantastic prizes for the winners of these fun contests and finds creative ways to publicly acknowledge them, making each participant feel like a vital part of the Arabian community. What truly amazes me about Paul and We LOVE Arabian Horses is that he operates as a one-man show, supported by a handful of occasional volunteers. From the inception of WLAH in 2017 until late 2022, Paul single-handedly funded and managed the initiative.
He created the business model, developed and manages the website and social media accounts, compiled a cookbook, and organized various fundraising events, though these efforts haven't fully recouped his investments. There's an extensive list of contributions he's made and hats he's worn to insure the effectiveness of WLAH that I can't cover here.
Paul and WLAH have several long-standing sponsors who have been incredibly supportive, and he values these relationships with deep appreciation. However, without his passion for the Arabian horse community and his innovative, proactive mindset, WLAH wouldn't be here, and many opportunities to showcase our horses would have been missed. Thank you, Paul, for your relentless dedication and love for the Arabian horse and its community. I feel truly privileged to call you my friend and to celebrate you on this special day, your birthday!
Paul Kostial
We LOVE Arabian Horses
Arabian Horse Association
Texans in Region 9 AHA
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
WLAH Arabian Horse Ambassadors
