Rob Haar’s Signature on the Arabian Breed

Featured in Arabian Horse Times

You are only as successful as the people you surround yourself with. Signature Oak Stables is a testament to that statement. When Rob and Elizabeth Haar set out to make Liz’s passion for riding and Rob’s passion for breeding into a next-level program, they knew the company they kept would be an important part to their success. Although people have been familiar with this family for many years, the last couple years have introduced a new layer to their involvement with the Arabian horse industry – their namesake horses beginning to show and excel in competition. Rob began to be interested in breeding about 10 years ago, but it was in 2019 that he got serious about the crosses he was making. Which means it is only in recent years that these horses, with the initials REH closing out their names, are beginning to be seen by the masses.

With their daughter growing up showing and his wife Liz loving to perform as well, Rob knew he wanted to find his place in this industry. He became obsessed with the art of bloodlines, trying to create interesting, new crosses that showcase his knowledge and commitment to the Arabian and Half-Arabian breeds. On average, he breeds about 15 Arabians, Half-Arabians and Saddlebreds each year.

A few of these horses have started to make their early mark on the competitive circuit, earning attention and accolades in the English pleasure divisions. In this upcoming year they are particularly excited about some of the four-year-olds making their debut. That lineup includes: Ive Got Dibs REH (Undulata’s Nutcracker x HNL Royal Hope), Pair a Dice REH (Vegaz x CSP Giselle), and Mr World Wide REH (Noble Braveheart x Hello Kitty CCF). Dibs was affectionately named by Liz the night she was born to show her personal interest and excitement for this filly. Her tactic worked. She got dibs!

“The goal has always been to breed nice horses for Liz to show,” Rob shared about his original plan for the breeding program. “But the more I get involved, the more I also want to breed high quality horses for the Arabian horse industry. I feel fortunate we can do it. The goal is to breed good minded, athletic, and amateur friendly horses so that we can enjoy this ride well into the future.”

Rob started by just looking up horses who caught his attention in the arena. Then he began seeking tangible advice as he decided to grow and develop the program. A comment Tim Goggins made early on stuck with him. He said that the mares will determine a lot of the foal’s characteristics. So, one of Rob’s first steps was buying embryos and using quality mares they already had like Hello Kitty CCF and CP Charmming Notions. Rob also purchased Royal Diva who has become a favorite in the REH breeding program.

Along the way, Rob has sought guidance and support from many different people. Familiar names like Jim Stachowski, Joel Kiesner, Joel Gangi, and Chris Wilson (among many others), have used their professional perspective to help Rob. They have shared their wisdom, given meaningful advice, and helped Rob access the best bloodlines in the industry. Jimmy helped him get some foundation mares (and continues to help him today); Joel Kiesner was instrumental to getting the beloved Heirs Noble Love into his program; Joel Gangi encouraged him to focus on a generational program; and Chris is an “encyclopedia” of knowledge according to Rob. Additionally, Melinda Moore helped Rob seek out great American Saddlebred mares, which built his Saddlebred program, and gave incredible options for Half-Arabians as well.

He also commended other breeders – of which there are too many to list – for being very helpful and willing to lend their expertise. Rob is grateful for everyone who has been part of making this program grow to be successful in a somewhat short time.

The Team at Signature Oak Stables

Another focus for the Haar family is make sure the babies they breed have a solid foundation. This was a major reason they established their own farm in Signature Oak Stables. So that they could be involved in all aspects of their horses’ lives, especially with Rob’s perked interest in breeding. Rob and Liz are present from the moment a foal hits the ground and forever after – even if the horse is sold to a new owner. They are ever-present in this shared passion.

Madison Azelton handles the breaking of the babies, teaching them the basics and getting them ready to move onto head trainer Kayleigh Meyer.

“My favorite part of working with the babies is seeing how quickly they learn,” Madison shared. “Those little breakthroughs are so rewarding and a reminder of how intelligent and willing these horses are.”

Kayleigh Meyer loves working with the horses that Rob breeds for many reasons. She says that his pairings make for trainable, willing horses who are bred to do their jobs.

“Rob’s foals tend to be naturally gifted with great minds, which makes training them both exciting and rewarding,” Kayleigh shared about the REH horses specifically. “Rob consistently pairs high-quality horses with good-minded horses, making the babies fun to train and show because it just comes so natural and easy to them. We pride ourselves on breeding and marketing quality, talented, and sought after amateur friendly mounts. We have a lot of repeat buyers and think that’s the best compliment.”

Just as Rob and Liz get excited for the horses they keep, they also await the day when some of the horses they sold show.

Kayleigh added, “Rob has a great eye for breeding and continues to look outside the box and never settles on average or predictable.”

Building on Greatness

A communal favorite among the group – and one of Rob’s first horses to hit the arena – is Love and Roses REH (Prosuasion x Heirs Noble Love) who is fresh off a great Scottsdale and hopefully headed for a successful season and career ahead. Heirs Noble Love, Bella’s dam, has been Rob’s favorite horse for years.

“We are finally seeing the REH horses in the show ring and I couldn’t be more excited about it,” Rob said. “It has added a whole new aspect to watching the shows for me. This year, for the first time, Liz will be showing our farm bred horses and it’s brought our dream, of breeding amateur horses for Liz, come full circle!”

Liz remembered her victory on the homebred mare with a similar joy.

“Winning on Love and Roses REH at Scottsdale was one of the best moments I’ve ever had in the show ring,” she said. “I was looking forward to showing her, but until I got there didn’t realize how much fun it was going to be - to be on a horse my husband bred, Madison broke out and gave a foundation to, and Kayleigh trained.”

Rob’s vision for creating amateur-friendly, competitive horses has generated a string they are very proud of. The commitment to great crosses and exceptional care are just a couple reasons for the success. He has started the makings for a program that will produce for generations to come. As of now he is humbled by the progress and feels “God and nature take over in the end, but it’s really rewarding to see all of the work and planning come to life.”