LAMBERT ARABIANS
Established Excellence

“Just make up your mind at the very outset that your work is going to stand for quality, that you are going to stamp a superior quality upon everything that goes out of your hands, and that whatever you do will bear the hallmark of excellence.” - Orison Swett Marden

In some ways, John and Lynda Lambert are just a regular couple, working hard to pursue a vision and build a business from their shared passion for Arabian horses. In other ways, the Lamberts are an extraordinary pair. Their dedication to doing what is best for the clients and the horses entrusted to them, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of their business, is unparalleled. Their solid reputation for honesty, integrity, attention to detail and open communication with their clients is well known throughout the Arabian horse community.
While Lambert Arabians’ new location in Scottsdale, Arizona may be new to John and Lynda, the business of Arabian horses is not. John began his career with Arabian horses in 1989 when he left his home in Michigan, right after graduating from high school, and moved to California to work with Jim Lowe. John spent a couple of years learning the basics of showing and presenting Arabians before returning to Michigan. The experience at Lowe’s confirmed for John how much he enjoyed the horses and that he wanted to make training his lifelong career. Upon returning to Michigan, he accepted the opportunity to work with renowned English trainers, Shawn and Carmelle Rooker of Rooker Training Stable. John spent invaluable time working alongside Shawn and Carmelle developing his techniques for starting young halter and performance prospects. While John knew he had found his calling, he also realized the importance of education and decided to take his knowledge and skills to a higher level by enrolling at Michigan State University.

During the next four years, John worked his way through school by training halter and performance horses at a near-by farm. In 1997, he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Nutrition and Equine Exercise Physiology. But John gained more than an education at Michigan State, he also met his future wife, Lynda, when they both competed on the University’s Equestrian Team. Each knew they had found their soul mate, someone who understood the other’s deep passion for horses and showing. Lynda started riding American Saddlebreds as a child and later she moved to showing hunter/jumpers. After many years in the hunter/jumper industry, Lynda was not particularly interested in Arabian horses, but meeting John changed all of that. They were married in 1998, and now Lynda says she would not own anything but an Arabian.

After graduation, John returned to Rooker Training Stable and was given primary responsibility for starting the young performance prospects, including Apollopalooza who would go on to win numerous National Championships in Park. John also honed his halter skills, showing many of the youngsters before they started their performance careers. While at Rooker’s, he won his first National Top Tens in both performance and halter. John began to see a niche that needed to be filled in the Arabian training industry, so he started Lambert Arabians in 1999. For the next six years, John and Lynda worked to develop their program and their reputation for professionalism and integrity. They became known for offering a training program tailored to their clients’ needs that was based on quality, not quantity, of horses. Lambert Arabians’ clients appreciated the couple’s attention to detail when it came to caring for and presenting their horses and the honesty they demonstrated. During this time, John also pursued and received his judge’s license. Earning his license provided him with an opportunity to contribute to the industry on another level. John remains very active serving as a judge in both the U.S. and Canada.

Just as the Lamberts were enjoying the momentum of their new business, John received a unique opportunity to join forces with Bob Battaglia and Russ Vento of Battaglia Farms in Arizona. So in 2004, after very careful consideration, they chose to accept the offer to work with Bob, one of the industry’s leading English trainers and businessmen. Arizona quickly became home and John enjoyed training and showing the exceptional English horses of the Battaglia Farms program. However, the desire to again have his own program remained.

John saw a need in Arizona for the type of offerings that Lambert Arabians’ prides itself on, and decided to reopen his training program in Scottsdale in 2007. John and Lynda quickly attracted a clientele that were looking for the personalized attention and complete professionalism that Lambert Arabians offers. John comments, “When we were in Michigan, we developed a great business by keeping things small and focusing on quality service for our clients and their horses. We have maintained that same philosophy for our business here in Arizona. Many claim to emphasize quality not quantity, but they often fail to follow through on that commitment. We firmly believe in this concept and know that we can only do justice to our clients and their horses if we are fully committed to it, and do not over extend ourselves.”

John’s attention to detail in the barn is complemented by Lynda’s experience with business management. While John focuses on the horses and training program, Lynda handles the administrative needs of the business including the marketing, advertising, and accounting responsibilities.

When asked what he believes are the keys to the success of their business, John responds, “First and foremost, our focus is on the care of our clients’ horses. We work very hard to keep their training low key and positive. I have become known for getting young horses started right. I am very patient – I am never in a hurry when I am working a horse. And, we’re honest and realistic with clients about their horse’s potential.”

Through the years, John has also had the privilege of working extensively with master horseman, Raymond Lacroix. Alongside Ray, John has advanced his training techniques and furthered his understanding of the horses’ psyche.
John comments, “A major part of our program – which is trivialized by so many – is insuring that the horse’s comfort and happiness is considered in training and showing. A horse that has its needs considered and tended to makes a much more willing partner in the show ring.”

English saddle seat, driving and halter are the main focus of Lambert Arabians for open, amateur and youth exhibitors. John enjoys working with owners and amateur exhibitors to set realistic goals for themselves and their horses. He also finds great satisfaction in bringing an amateur rider or handler along and watching as it all finally clicks for them.

In addition to the showing and training program, Lambert Arabians offers a full marketing program aimed at finding the right horse for buyers, or the right new owner for those wishing to sell a horse. Again, honesty and integrity in this process have earned John and Lynda high marks for customer satisfaction.

Lynda adds, “More than anything, John and I value the reputation we have earned in the Arabian horse industry for our skills, professionalism, integrity and attention to detail. We treat our clients and their horses with dignity and respect and we hope it’s evident to all that we love what we do. We are fortunate to work together on something we’re so passionate about and we’ve gotten very good at working as a team.”

“With the birth of our son, Tyler, this year, we also have an even greater appreciation for the families and youth we work with. We understand how important this hobby is for people and their families.”

John and Lynda extend an invitation to visit them at Lambert Arabians. They welcome you to experience the first class facility and training program firsthand.