Established in 1999 by Frank and Sara Chisholm, Palmetto Arabians, LLC is located on 80 scenic acres in northeastern South Carolina.   Timmonsville, South Carolina is approximately 60 miles inland and is conveniently located 75 miles from Columbia, SC, 125 miles from Charleston, SC and 100 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina.  The farm consists of three state-of-the-art barns with 45 acres of pastures for the horses to enjoy.  Our staff consists of a maintenance crew and farm manager, Melissa Johnson, who joined the staff in 2004.

Our journey into the world of Arabians began when my wife, Sara started looking for a horse to rekindle her love of riding while growing up. Sara was immediately drawn to a black Half-Arabian gelding whose personality and beauty stole her heart.   I quickly assessed that I too must become involved with horses if I was to spend time with Sara.  Our great experiences with “Charlie” drew us to look closer at the Arabian breed.    

Arabians are in short supply in this area so we ventured to the Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale, Arizona where we had the pleasure of meeting Sheila Varian of Varian Arabians.   Sheila quickly became a mentor and great friend whose guidance and support took us through the maze of becoming more involved with Arabians.  Sheila’s invaluable knowledge was important in the beginning of our breeding operation and we continue to value her counsel. 

After enjoying the horse show in Scottsdale, we ventured to California to visit Varian Arabians.  During our visit, we became the proud owners of three Varian Arabian bred horses.  Subsequently, we purchased Sweet Saphire V, sister of Sundance Kid V.  Sheila recommended Stanley White, Jr. of White Rock Farms as a western trainer for Sweet Saphire V. 

It was Stanley who pointed us to Sundance Kid V’s potential for siring great western horses.  Without realizing, we soon discovered many of the horses we were drawn to were sons and daughters of Sundance Kid V.  

Our first foal was born on May 1, 2002 sired by Sundance and out of Fame VF daughter, Famous Lady EA.  PA First Lady is a beautiful black filly with a sweet personality and impressive, correct conformation. 

After our second foal season with 2 fillies and a colt, Sara and I were ready to search for a stallion to complement our breeding operation.  We involved Rob Bick of Dolorosa Arabians in this endeavor and soon realized we continued to be drawn to Sundance Kid V’s foals.   Sundance had sired many national winners along with regional and Scottsdale winners.   Rob’s recommendation was to approach Shelia Varian and determine if purchasing Sundance might be a possibility.   After numerous conversations, I finally convinced Sheila to agree to the sale.  Sundance Kid V continues his legacy with us at Palmetto Arabians, LLC. 

Sara and I are thrilled to be the proud owners of another Sundance daughter, May Dancer V (x Magdalena V) who was 2004 National Champion Western Pleasure Futurity.    May Dancer V was trained and shown to the national championship with Rob Bick of Dolorosa Arabians. 

Our excitement and enthusiasm has spread throughout our community and area.  Friends, neighbors and family are learning to appreciate not only the beauty but also the versatility of the Arabian breed.    We held our first open house in May 2004.  Approximately 300 guests and horse enthusiasts attended.  It is interesting to note there were as many attending without prior Arabian knowledge or involvement as those already involved with Arabians.   It’s a lot of fun and very rewarding to share our love of the breed and continue to bring more interest into the world of Arabian horses.

In August 2006, we attended the Polish Nationals and Pride of Poland Auction where we had another incredible Arabian experience. This time we returned home with the outstanding young filly *Wkra, who just recently won her class at Scottsdale in the hands of Greg Gallun. *Wkra was leased from the Michalow Stud in Poland, while Larissa, yet another beautiful mare, was purchased to contribute to the building of our breeding program. We thank Greg & Nancy Gallun, George Z, and all of the Polish directors for the outstanding display of horsemanship and hospitality shown to us while in Poland.

In 2006, we experienced some outstanding results in the showring. Scottsdale started with Wkra's win and the purchase of EVG Gentry, an outstanding yearling colt sired by *Pershahn El Jamaal. During the regional season, EVG Gentry won his class at Region X unanimously and Always A Jullyen won the open stallion class unanimously as well. The '06 season ended as brightly with three U.S. National Top Tens for Palmetto--May Dancer V in Arabian Western Pleasure, Always A Jullyen in the Arabian Futurity Colts and EVG Gentry in the Arabian Yearling Colts.  

Our horses and the Arabian breed have become the center of our lives.  They have long passed our initial expectations.  Sara and I are excited about the future of Palmetto Arabians as we continue on our path of breeding beautiful, athletic and correct Arabian horses.