Cover Story - Vol. 50, No.8, Issue #6
Living Life InThe Fazt Lane
By THERESA CARDAMONE
Dr. Nancy O’ Reilly never expected to fall in love with horses. She already had a very full life as an international philanthropist and popular author; well-known as an advocate for the empowerment of women on a global scale. But about seven years ago, Dr. Nancy was introduced to the Arabian horse—which opened up a whole new dimension to her life. She was smitten, and before long, she developed into an accomplished horsewoman. More recently, she has begun to establish herself as a breeder.
“My love of horses began later in life,” Dr. Nancy explains. “And at first, I had no idea what it would mean to me. My first experience with showing was in liberty classes before I started riding. Now, I ride, I drive, and I breed horses! I think it is important for the breed that our horses be rideable and beautiful. I’m learning so much. It is such fun and it is clear to me that the more I learn, the less I know.” Operating under the moniker Amazing Horse Woman LLC, Dr. Nancy has collected a sensational group of horses as the foundation of her breeding program at Southern California Equestrian Center in Somis, CA. Foremost among them is her 2019 United States Reserve National Champion English Pleasure stallion, Life Inthe Fazt Lane.
Under the expert guidance of Jim Lowe, “Eddie” (as he is known in the barn) delivered a break-through performance to clinch the Reserve National Champion title. In doing so, he demonstrated the superb motion, carriage, and attitude that has produced top English horses in every generation of his pedigree. Life Inthe Fazt Lane is among the many national winners sired by the great Vegaz, himself a U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Futurity and U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Jr. Horse, as well as the 2010 U.S. Reserve National Champion English Pleasure winner. Eddie’s dam is the remarkable producer, River Dance NA, who is also the mother of 2019 U.S. National Champion Country Pleasure Driving horse, Best Of My Love, Eddie’s full sibling by Vegaz, and additional national champions Heartache Tonight, KF Lord of the Dance, and Victim of Love.
With a pedigree stacked with the most famous names in classic Arabian performance breeding, Life Inthe Fazt Lane is wired to reproduce himself through his offspring. To date, they are uniformly leggy, fancy movers with incredible necks and shoulders and the kind of attitude and drive that will further guarantee their show ring success. After Eddie’s performance at the U.S. Nationals, the Arabian public is looking forward to seeing what his kids do in the show ring. Of course, they are also eager to have another chance to see Life Inthe Fazt Lane in action himself.
“Eddie is a very cool guy,” Dr. Nancy relates affectionately. “He is one of the sweetest horses you’ll ever meet. When some people hear the word stallion, they think of a demanding, powerful animal. But he loves attention and is very people-oriented and friendly; he’s really laid-back until he starts moving!” While Life Inthe Fazt Lane will be busy fulfilling his breeding commitments this year, it is also likely that he will be selectively shown, with Scottsdale being a potential target. Ultimately, Eddie’s path may lead back to Tulsa for another go at the National Champion English Pleasure title. Dr. Nancy likes that idea. “After all, why not?” she says.
“My love of horses began later in life,” Dr. Nancy explains. “And at first, I had no idea what it would mean to me. My first experience with showing was in liberty classes before I started riding. Now, I ride, I drive, and I breed horses! I think it is important for the breed that our horses be rideable and beautiful. I’m learning so much. It is such fun and it is clear to me that the more I learn, the less I know.” Operating under the moniker Amazing Horse Woman LLC, Dr. Nancy has collected a sensational group of horses as the foundation of her breeding program at Southern California Equestrian Center in Somis, CA. Foremost among them is her 2019 United States Reserve National Champion English Pleasure stallion, Life Inthe Fazt Lane.
Under the expert guidance of Jim Lowe, “Eddie” (as he is known in the barn) delivered a break-through performance to clinch the Reserve National Champion title. In doing so, he demonstrated the superb motion, carriage, and attitude that has produced top English horses in every generation of his pedigree. Life Inthe Fazt Lane is among the many national winners sired by the great Vegaz, himself a U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Futurity and U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Jr. Horse, as well as the 2010 U.S. Reserve National Champion English Pleasure winner. Eddie’s dam is the remarkable producer, River Dance NA, who is also the mother of 2019 U.S. National Champion Country Pleasure Driving horse, Best Of My Love, Eddie’s full sibling by Vegaz, and additional national champions Heartache Tonight, KF Lord of the Dance, and Victim of Love.
With a pedigree stacked with the most famous names in classic Arabian performance breeding, Life Inthe Fazt Lane is wired to reproduce himself through his offspring. To date, they are uniformly leggy, fancy movers with incredible necks and shoulders and the kind of attitude and drive that will further guarantee their show ring success. After Eddie’s performance at the U.S. Nationals, the Arabian public is looking forward to seeing what his kids do in the show ring. Of course, they are also eager to have another chance to see Life Inthe Fazt Lane in action himself.
“Eddie is a very cool guy,” Dr. Nancy relates affectionately. “He is one of the sweetest horses you’ll ever meet. When some people hear the word stallion, they think of a demanding, powerful animal. But he loves attention and is very people-oriented and friendly; he’s really laid-back until he starts moving!” While Life Inthe Fazt Lane will be busy fulfilling his breeding commitments this year, it is also likely that he will be selectively shown, with Scottsdale being a potential target. Ultimately, Eddie’s path may lead back to Tulsa for another go at the National Champion English Pleasure title. Dr. Nancy likes that idea. “After all, why not?” she says.
