An integral part of Battaglia Farms since 1989, Russ Vento serves as its manager, directs its breeding operation, and is responsible for its extensive marketing and advertising efforts. With 30 years of experience in the Arabian industry, he is available for consultation on both breeding and marketing, and is a member of the farm’s amateur corps of riders.
A horseman since his childhood, Vento has bred Arabians for most of his adult life. Heading up the Battaglia Farms breeding operation, he is particularly well known for his hands-on care of the broodmares as well as the stallions, and annually achieves an enviable conception rate using artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and cooled and frozen semen. His prompt, clear communication with mare and stallion owners has ensured a loyal clientele for the farm’s program.
As an amateur exhibitor, Vento has shown, owned or bred more than 35 champions at the U.S., Canadian and National Show Horse Nationals. He also writes the monthly column “An Amateur Point of View” for the Arabian Horse Times, providing commentary on industry events, advice to amateurs, and more often than not, expressing the concerns and opinions of amateurs nationwide. He understands—and routinely advocates—the importance of amateurs in a training barn supporting and being there for each other as a significant part of their Arabian horse experience. He also offers the useful perspective of a horse show parent: his daughter Skyler, now grown up, showed as a youth rider, winning several national championships.
Like Battaglia, Vento is committed to the Arabian horse industry, and now serves as a Large R judge for the Arabian Horse Association.
