08/01/2026
The great AA Apollo Bey *(Huckleberry Bey++ x April Charm by Eter) and Carmelle Rooker, captured in this stunning photograph by Stuart Vesty Photography .
With her trademark million-dollar smile and unmistakable enthusiasm, Carmelle Rooker and the unforgettable AA Apollo Bey became one of the most admired partnerships in Arabian horse history.
Bred by Sheila Varian, Varian Arabians, foaled in 1986, and started under the guidance of .lacroix, AA Apollo Bey found his true home when he joined the Moller and Rooker families of Michigan as a four-year-old. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years that followed, Apollo Bey compiled an extraordinary show record. He earned championships at the Buckeye Show, Scottsdale, and numerous regional championships, along with six National Top Tens in Park between the U.S. and Canadian Nationals. He was also named U.S. Reserve National Champion Park Horse three times, in 1991, 1996, and 1997.
As remarkable as he was in the show ring, Apollo Bey may have been even more influential as a sire.
Among his many outstanding offspring, three sons stand out, in my humble opinion, as exceptional National winners and influential breeding stallions in their own right.
Heritage Bey King (x Heritage Essence by El Magato) was bred and owned for much of his life by longtime breeder Ward Weaver of Heritage Hills.
Apaladin++ (x Amanda of Aerie by El Magato) excelled in both halter and performance and became a treasured member of the Bevan-Durr and Des Fountain families.
Then there was Apollopalooza (x TF Magical Witch by MHR Nobility), another standout who also called the Moller and Rooker families home. During his brilliant career, he earned four U.S. National Championships in Park, a Canadian National Championship, and captured the U.S. National Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse title in his very first year out.
Apollo Bey's legacy wasn't limited to his sons. He consistently sired beautiful, talented daughters that became exceptional producers themselves. His geldings and Half-Arabians also found success, with many competing at the National level and leaving a lasting impact that can still be felt in today's show ring.
His ability to pass on quality was no accident. He was sired by Varian Arabians' legendary Huckleberry Bey++ (Bay El Bey++ x Taffona by Raffon++) and out of the beautiful and gifted April Charm, arguably one of the finest gray daughters of *Eter. Through her, Apollo Bey carried forward the influential McCoy gray line through Dunes while preserving a strong Kellogg mare family.
A brilliant show horse.
An extraordinary sire.
And, above all, a deeply loved member of the Moller and Rooker families for many years.
Here's to AA Apollo Bey...
truly one of the great ones.
Jim Robbins for We LOVE Arabian Horses
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