When visitors come to Ann Lesley Smith’s California estate, they may notice the rolling hills, the beautiful vineyards, or the relaxing vibe. What stands out most, however, is the collection of Arabian horses that freely roam the grounds. With a particular intelligence and peaceful energy, the Arabian horses have been inspirational for Smith and those she invites to the estate.
One horse has risen above the rest for Smith: her rare Arabian stallion, Amir Fadjur Salaam. Smith has broadened the scope of her philanthropy since Amir came into her life.
“He has been both a companion and a teacher to me,” says Smith. “He has inspired me to open my home to people looking for a rest and reset, as well as go the extra mile to inspire peace across the world.”
Learning and growing through highs and lows
Like many, Smith’s life has been a series of highs and lows. In 2008, her husband, musician and mogul Chester Smith, passed away. Smith stayed at their estate and began building her collection of horses. The serenity and peace the horses brought her gave her the idea to open her home to anyone seeking the same.
Today, Smith invites people to come to her estate to relax, find clarity, and be among her special collection of Arabian horses, including Amir. Guests can ride horses, walk among the vineyards, and soak in the tranquility that has been transformative for Smith.
A purebred Arabian with intelligence and empathy
The Arabian breed is known today for its deep intelligence and human-like empathy. These are attributes that have been bred into the horses over thousands of years, starting with the nomadic Bedouin tribes.
“They didn’t look at the horses as simple beasts of burden,” explains Smith, who finds the history behind the Arabian horse breed fascinating. “Bedouins bred them to become parts of the family, to listen and to empathize.”
Amir’s legacy is directly connected to one of the most celebrated Arabian stallions in modern history, The Fabulous Fadjur. “Fadjur’s grace and intelligence captivated people, and Amir has that same powerful personality and lineage,” says Smith.
It is this human-like understanding that Smith believes holds lessons for humanity. In a time where technology promises to bring us closer together, many feel more divided than ever. “Amir offers a timeless example of peace and connection,” Smith says.
A message of peace
Smith knows well that Amir and other Arabian horses have a special energy that can be felt and shared. When people come to Smith’s estate in search of serenity and relaxation, Smith encourages them to ride horses among the free-roaming Arabians and spend quiet time connecting with Amir.
“You can actually see people soften,” says Smith. “Amir mirrors back the calm they are seeking.”
For Smith, Amir carries a generational symbolism into the modern world. “He has the power to bridge East and West, faith and science, and humanity and nature,” Smith explains.
Amir carries something spiritual and universal that has been bred into all Arabians, and Smith is hopeful that Amir’s presence can remind people that peace springs from empathy and can come from some of the most unexpected places.
A heritage of light and connection
Amir’s deeply ingrained heritage represents resilience and grace. Inspired by Amir, Smith envisions initiatives that draw on Amir’s legacy and personality as a model for empathy training and even ethical discussions about the future of technology.
“Today’s AI innovators are looking for ways to infuse artificial intelligence with a more human-like ability to listen and understand,” offers Smith. “They can use the Arabian horse as a workbench. Empathy was coded into the horses over 4,500 years.”
However, Smith believes Amir’s greatest strength lies in his natural compassion. “I believe he can be a beacon for peace for the world, which is needed more than ever these days,” she says.
Smith’s work is now a blend of outreach to those who may need the relaxation and reset that her estate can bring, spiritual reflection, and positioning Amir as an ambassador of peace. “I have learned through Amir that harmony and empathy are not weaknesses,” she says. “They are strengths that are guided by love.”
