PAST DIRECTORS
Past Directors of the European Brabant Registry of America organization.
Founding Member Stacy Pearsall, President (Term 2021-2024)
Stacy Pearsall is the owner and manager of LowCountry Acres. She’s had horses most of her life. As a girl on her mom’s Arabian horse farm, she would help start young horses and assist during the breeding season. Upon graduating high school, she joined the service. During her 10-year career as a combat photojournalist, she documented stories in over 41 countries and always managed to stay connected to the horse world by assisting and volunteering her time at stables around the world. While stationed in Europe at the turn of the century (’00-’02), she encountered the European Brabant (Belgisch Trekpaard) at the barn which she worked part time. It was then she vowed to have one of these amazing creatures. After being wounded in Iraq and medically retired from service years later, she acquired her first Brabant, Leah. Today, she breeds European Brabants and trains draft horses of all varieties at her farm, LowCountry Acres, in Charleston, SC. Though combat disabled, she does not let her disabilities hold her back. With her service animal, Charlie by her side, she continues to work as a photographer, author, educator, speaker, television host, farm manager and horse trainer. Stacy served as the inaugural President of the European Brabant Registry of America.
Founding Member Dr. Hernando Plata-Madrid (Past Term 2021-2024)
The late Dr. Plata was born in Colombia, South America, where his father was an equine veterinarian. From an early age, Plata had the opportunity to learn about the different draft breeds. In the early 80’s, he visited several breeding farms in the Eastern United States. Fortunately his visits included “Milkwood” farms, where he met Ann Harper. He was mesmerized by her horse, Babar, trotting around his paddock. A few years later, Plata completed an internship and residency at the University of Missouri, then became a board certified equine reproductive specialist. For the last 20+ years, he has been working in central KY as a reproductive ambulatory clinician. With his wife’s support and encouragement, they bought a small farm, Silver Meadows, near Versailles and decided to breed and promote the European Brabant breed until his untimely passing in 2024. Plata and his wife were founding Members of the European Brabant Registry of America.
Founding Member Will Beattie (Past Term 2021-2023)
Former ShopHQ television host, Will Beattie, has a passion for draft horses and is presently growing a herd of purebred Ardennes in Ellijay, Georgia. When not working his horses, Will manages his business, the Bear Creek Cattle Company, and handles every aspect of the operation from farm to table. Will attended The Citadel, graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration, then pursued a career in criminal justice before becoming an entrepreneur. He now spends his spare time with his family, enjoying his horses and other various outdoor activities. Will is a former Director and Founding Member of the European Brabant Registry of America.