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Desert Heritage Magazine n.74 iscr. trib. di Milano n. 466 del 20/09/02 Expedition in A.P. 70% Milano
Alim Editrice s.n.c. via Ressi, 22 - 20125 Milano (Italy) e-mail: info@tuttoarabi.it www.desertheritagemagazine.com instagram: @desertheritagemagazine Publisher Simone Leo mobile: +39 348 5640190 leo.simon@tiscali.it Editor Alim Editrice snc Customer Service Fabio Brianzoni fabiobrianzoni56@gmail.com Account Office/Subscription Office Barbara Belloni amministrazione@alimeditrice.it Writers Saria Almarzook Hans J. Nagel Monika Savier Gudrun Waiditschka Judith Wenning Bettina von Kameke Digital Artwork Viviana Castiglioni Printed by AGF Printing Solutions Srl San Giuliano Milanese Milano (Italy) Advertising Alim Editrice s.n.c. via Ressi, 22 - 20125 Milano (Italy) tel. +39 02 36762850 e-mail: info@tuttoarabi.it © www.desertheritagemagazine.com
Pag. 14
Look into the Past to build up the Future
Pag. 20
Ariela Arabians
Pag. 47
Preserving a Princeless Heritage. An interview to Omar Sakr
Pag. 61
Katharinenhof Open House
Pag. 73
The Syrian Arabian Horse
Pag. 91
Pyramid Society Europe - Breeder Profile
Pag. 152 Genetic Diversity in Arabian Breeding
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In the cover
Sofiya AA Al AyalAA | Saniyyah RCA photos by Bar Hajaj
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Discover the only Art Gallery dedicated to the
Arabian Horse
Atelier - Fine Arts & Antiques Specialized in the Horse in Art Worldwide shipping available Munich, Germany For more information please contact: Judith Wenning WhatsApp: +49 172 4700325 or judithwenning@hotmail.com www.gallery-atelier.com
Atelier - Fine Arts & Antiques About the Gallery Atelier - Fine Arts & Antiques is the only art gallery worldwide specializing in antique Arabian horse art. It is owned by Judith Wenning (born Judith Wich) and located just outside Munich, Germany. Judith Wenning is an established name in the world of Arabian horses since many years. She breeds purebred Egyptian Arabians at her stud farm Orienta Arabians, has published countless articles in international magazines and authored the book “Jewels of the Desert - The Magic of Egyptian Arabians”. Judith Wenning has always been interested in the Arabian horse in art. In the past years, one of the major subjects of her writings were Arabian horse painters and sculptors - antique and contemporary. In 2022, Judith Wenning founded the gallery “Atelier - Fine Arts & Antiques”. Today “Atelier - Fine Arts & Antiques” is specialised in buying, selling and researching equine art. The main emphasis is clearly on Arabian horse art, mostly from the 19th century Judith Wenning with a few contemporary. In the gallery you will find works by well-known artists of the 19th century, such as Victor Adam, Carle Vernet, Horace Vernet, Alfred de Dreux, Albrecht Adam, Baron Gros, Georges Washington, Henry Alken, Hippolyte Lalaisse, Noel D. Finart, Theodore Gericault, Eugene Fromentin, Adolf Schreyer, Pierre-Jules Mene, Alfred Barye, etc. Art enthusiasts can expect to find a unique choice of carefully selected works.
Some examples of offered artworks:
Visitors are always very welcome by appointment. Please call or send a WhatsApp to +49 1724700325.
“Look into the Past to build up the Future” Dr. W. Georg Olms (1927–2026) A mediator between cultures with a passion for Arabian horses.
by Monika Savier W. George Olms was a milestone in the history of Arabian horses in Europe. He was a rider and horseman with extensive knowledge, as well as a successful breeder. What set him apart, however, was his willingness to step outside the comfort zone of his private stud and openly champion the preservation of the Asil Arabian oder authentic Arabian horse. To this end, he made the most of traditional media through his own publishing house and reached a global audience with numerous publications. He invested in his publishing strategies and also had the courage to publish literature on the culture and history of horsemanship and horses— subjects that were important to him and should not be forgotten. He had to accept that he would not be able to recoup the production costs through sales. He wanted to impart knowledge and raise the profile of Asil oder authentics from their countries of origin on the Arabian Peninsula and in Egypt, and 14 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Dr. W. Georg Olms.
enhance their recognition. Unlike the Pyramid Society, which focused exclusively on the preservation and marketing of straight Egyptian Arabians, Olms recognised a broader geographical area as the authentic region of origin, reflecting the fact that the Bedouins knew no borders and sought out good grazing opportunities for their horses, sheep, camels and goats. This was to allow breeders to draw on a broader gene pool. For Olms, Arabian horses
were the bridge between the Orient and the Occident. His focus was not merely on trade, but on communication and cooperation in breeding between cultures, with the Arabian horse as their common denominator. To this end, he and other enthusiasts created the Asil Arabian brand with a clearly defined objective. They also founded the Asil Club at the same time to provide support. This was back in the last century, when parts of the Arab world were still in a postcolonial phase and striving for recognition from the Western world. In his view, this was also reflected in the WAHO’s selective policy at the time, which was heavily influenced by American interests. At the 2010 breeders conference in Sicily, he said: “The obviously authentic Asil Arab horses in Syria, Iraq and Sicily are not recognised by the WAHO, for whatever reason. However, if one considers this seriously, one must argue that they deserve recognition. All the more so as these breeds are more similar
Dr. Olms and his son Manfred Olms at Marbach State Stud during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Asil Club in 2024. Photo M. Savier
to the genuine Bedouin horse, the magnificent, powerful Arabian – definitely more so than today’s show horses, which are bred specifically for beauty. Experience with all kinds of animals shows that breeding for just one feature, such as beauty, comes at a high price: namely, the loss of other qualities. These qualities make the true character of the Arabian horse: - Strength and stamina - Ability to recover - Fertility - Longevity - and above all: character – that kind of character which combines gentleness and spirit.” For Olms, incorporating the cultural history of the Orient— in which Arabian horses played a pivotal role—through the preservation of the original
horses was more important than fleeting show success in the West. His credo was: “Look into the Past to build up the Future.” For him, preserving the historical gene pool was more important than selecting for individual beauty traits. Olms said: “There is hardly any animal breed, and certainly no horse breed, that can look back on such a legendary past as the Arabian horse. On the other hand, breeding is subject to the strictest rules regarding purity of breed, particularly as regards the breeding traditions of the Bedouins. As far back as the time of the Prophet Muhammad, there were detailed descriptions, veterinary treatises, careful considerations of pedigree, the classification into bloodlines, and the observation of performance. There has always been more to it than mere legendary glorification.”
Frederick II, the Stauffer Emperor who ruled the entire Mediterranean world from Sicily, must have made a lasting impression on Dr Olms. In Sicily, Frederick II had come to know and respect the bridge between the West and the East. The Vatican did not approve of this, and the Pope forced him to embark on a crusade to the East to conquer Jerusalem. Instead, Frederick II spent two years in Syria (1228–1230) and learnt the arts of falconry, horse breeding and sustainable agriculture from the Arabs. Ultimately, he was crowned king in Jerusalem without a single battle. Olms commented on this at the conference: “Arab culture and science have influenced the West for almost 1,000 years. One of the most significant figures to have made outstanding contributions to mutual understanding was Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire. He was the man who paved the way for Arab scholarship and culture. In this empire between two worlds, the European and Arab spirits converged in the person of Frederick II. Riding his favourite horse ‘Dragon’ – a gift from the Arabs – accompanied by camels striding in silence as they carried his library, and followed by Arab archers, Frederick II Desert Heritage Magazine • 15
A noble location always complemented the event: Asil Cup International 1986 at Dillenburg State Stud under the patronage of HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud.
openly expressed his personal convictions. The surprising and sudden cultural rise of these otherwise unknown sons of the desert is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the intellectual history of humanity.” Olms found in cultural history the basis for his moral compass regarding the preservation of the original Arab race. It was not merely a matter of paying lip service; he also acted in accordance with this principle. In the 10 Asil Cup Shows he sought to present the authentic Arabian horse with all its powers in ridden competitions as well, and include culture in the form of 16 • Desert Heritage Magazine
art and book exhibitions. To this end he found sponsors in the Arab World equally committed to both, the Arab horse and cultural heritage. The Asil Club made the most of the donations to help cover the training costs for the riding classes. Hats off to him! The horses were to be presented in the show classes in a relaxed manner, without the American ‘stand-up’, ‘panda eyes’ or make-up. Gradually, however, professional trainers and handlers began to dominate, following ECAHO rules, and the Asil Club also slowly withdrew from the show business, as this did not comply
with the club’s statutes. Most breeders of Asil horses quietly followed suit, as authentic Arabian horse breeding must break new ground to preserve this wonderful breed, to highlight and preserve the original purpose of the Asil Arabian horse. W. Georg Olms and the Asil Club have played a significant role in teaching and influencing over more than 50 years, always standing on the side of the horses. We would like to express our gratitude for its contributions.
W. Georg Olms and Vice President Georg Thierer at the breeder’s conference in Naxos. Photo M. Savier In Memoriam Dr. Walter Georg Olms (1927 – 2026), Founder and President of the Asil Club e.V. In the 100th year of his life, we have to say goodbye to a truly remarkable friend: Senator e.h. Dr. h.c. mult. Walter Georg Olms. With his passing, the international community of friends and guardians of the Asil Arabian horse loses a visionary, a bridge builder, and a passionate advocate for the preservation of a unique cultural heritage. His life’s work was characterized by foresight, tireless dedication, and the profound conviction that the Asil Arabian horse must be preserved as a living cultural treasure. Following the Second World War, W. Georg Olms continued his father’s bookshop in Hildesheim and developed Georg Olms Publishers into an internationally renowned academic and scholarly publishing house. He set particular standards in the field of hippology. Through the publication and republication of seminal works on horsemanship and equine science—from Xenophon to Steinbrecht—he made centuries-old knowledge accessible once again and
Desert Heritage Magazine • 17
preserved invaluable literature for future generations. The distinguished Documenta Hippologica series remains a milestone in equestrian scholarship to this day and also included standard works on the Arabian horse and its breeding. His second great passion was the Arabian horse. With the establishment of Olms Arabian Hamasa Stud in 1969, he laid the foundation for an internationally respected Asil Arabian breeding program that produced more than 120 horses. For him, beauty, athletic ability, and the preservation of original bloodlines were inseparable. His horses achieved success in endurance riding (e.g. Hamasa Gharbi, and Hamasa Nizahi), dressage (e.g. Hamasa El Fagr), and at national and international breeding shows. W. Georg Olms recognized at an early stage the importance of preserving the pure Asil bloodlines. With remarkable vision, he founded the Asil Club in 1974, which, under his leadership, developed into a globally respected organization with members from nearly forty countries. Under his guidance, it became an international network bringing together breeders, scholars, and horse enthusiasts across cultural and political boundaries. Thanks to his exceptional organizational talent and his ability to inspire people to pursue shared goals, international Asil Arabian shows, the Asil Cups International were held from 1985 to 2014 at prestigious venues. One of the highlights was the Asil World Cup Expo 2000, held during the World Exposition EXPO 2000 in Hanover under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a personal friend of his.
Dokumentation abiens edle Pferde en ist Ausdruck hs. Er steht mit werk zum Wohle rs würdig in einer n wie Lady Anne aswan.
war er weit mehr her Verleger oder üchter. Er war tor, Ratgeber, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud congratulates the Rudolph Family on the future Elite Sire Messaoud’s Supreme Champion title at Asil Cup Int. 1986. Foto C. Kugler er.
Asil Araber, Arabiens Edle Pferde, Bd. I-VII. Foto Olms
n Züchtern und Liebhabern des Asil Arabers verdanken ihm Inspiration, Ermutigung. Sein Engagement, seine Integrität und seine menschliche Größe n auf der ganzen Welt miteinander verbunden. Sein Lebenswerk wird 18 • Desert Heritage Magazine seinen Büchern, in seinen Pferden, in den von ihm geschaffenen Institutionen den Herzen der Menschen, die ihn kennenlernen durften.
h.c. mult. W. Georg Olms in dankbarer und ehrender Erinnerung behalten. Sein
W. Georg Olms with his beloved mare Hamasa Lobna (Messaoud x Hamasa Massuda by Maysoun) with whom he shared a special bond. Photo C. Kugler
W. Georg Olms possessed a rare ability combining science and practical experience. His achievements as a publisher and his passion as a breeder of Asil Arabian horses complemented one another in a unique way. His comprehensive documentations Asil Arabians – The Noble Arabian Horses in seven volumes reflect his lifelong commitment to pass on knowledge and preserve it for future generations. Through his life’s work for the benefit of the Asil Arabian horse, he stands worthily alongside such distinguished figures as Lady Anne Blunt and Carl R. Raswan. To us, he was far more than a successful publisher or an outstanding breeder. He was a visionary pioneer, a mentor, an advisor, a friend, and a father. Countless generations of breeders and admirers of the Asil Arabian horse owe him inspiration, guidance, and encouragement. His dedication, integrity, and humanity united people across the world. His life’s work will endure—in his books, in his horses, in the institutions he created, and above all in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. We shall remember Dr. h.c. mult. W. Georg Olms with deep gratitude and profound respect. His legacy obliges us to continue the mission to which he devoted his life: preserving the authentic Asil Arabian horse and safeguarding equine knowledge for future generations. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family, his friends, and all those who shared his life’s journey. We bow before you and your life’s work. You will be deeply missed. The Board of the Asil Club Asil Club e.V. Internationale Gemeinschaft zur Erhaltung und Pflege des Asil Arabers Hagentorwall 7 · 31134 Hildesheim · E-Mail: info@asilclub.org Fon: +49 (0)5121-150112
Desert Heritage Magazine • 19
The desert. Witnessing in silence, the enchanting power,
photo by Bar Hajaj
of its many hidden secrets.
Shams Sharav
AA
photo by Bar Hajaj
(Simeon Sharav x Saniyyah RCA)
And the horse.
Only the horse...
Sofiya
AA
(Al AyalAA x Saniyyah RCA)
AA anaa S
photo by Bar Hajaj
(Al AyalAA x SafiyyahAA)
photo by Bar Hajaj
Lulu
AA
(Marwan Al Shaqab x LabibahAA)
Bahiya
AA
photos by Bar Hajaj
(Kenz Al Baydaa x BalqisAA)
AA abibah L
(Nader Al Jamal x LatifahAA)
Born of the desert. Touched by the first light...
Shafikah
AA
(Frasera Mashar x SofiyaAA)
photo by Bar Hajaj
Bahiya
AA
(Kenz Al Baydaa x BalqisAA)
Lulu
AA
(Marwan Al Shaqab x LabibahAA)
AA abibah L
photos by Bar Hajaj
(Nader Al Jamal x LatifahAA)
photo by Bar Hajaj
Shams Sharav
AA
(Simeon Sharav x Saniyyah RCA)
Shams Sharav
AA
(Simeon Sharav x Saniyyah RCA)
La Luna
AA
photos by Bar Hajaj
(Kenz Al Baydaa x LutfinaAA)
Shafikah
AA
photo by Bar Hajaj
(Frasera Mashar x SofiyaAA)
Asmahan
AA
(Al AyalAA x AjayebAA)
Salwa
AA
(AJ Kafu × Sofiya AA)
Sofiya
AA
photos by Bar Hajaj
(Al AyalAA x Saniyyah RCA)
Sofiya
AA
photo by Bar Hajaj
(Al AyalAA x Saniyyah RCA)
He swims in the desert sea... Carving the waves of sand... Higher, still higher... He soars from the dust like a cloud.... (Adam Mickiewicz)
ariela.arabians@gmail.com | www.ariela-arabians.co.il
Harem Stud Switzerland will be moving soon to...
FRANCE to lovely area for horses
STAY TUNED...
The One WW W. HAR EMS TUD . CO M WW W.HG L AMOUR S. CO M
Preserving a Priceless Heritage An interview with OMAR SAKR
Omar Sakr with Ansata Nafisa and her daughters Nazli Sakr, Nazeera Sakr, Nazeema Sakr, Nafisa Sakr and one granddaughter Nesrine Sakr n by Judith Wenning
Today we have the honor of speaking with Omar Sakr, one of the most respected Arabian horse breeders in the world. Known internationally for his dedication to preserving and promoting the beauty, authenticity, and heritage of Egyptian Arabian horses, Omar Sakr has earned recognition across the global Arabian horse community for his vision and expertise. In this interview, Omar Sakr reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey, the principles that guide his breeding program, and the challenges and opportunities facing Egyptian Arabian horses today. He also offers valuable insights into what makes this extraordinary breed unique and why preserving its legacy remains as important as ever.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 47
Sevine Sakr
(Ansata Marengo x Sara Sakr)
Judith Wenning: First, congratulations on your new position at El Zahraa State Stud. What does this responsibility mean to you personally and professionally? Omar Sakr: Thank you very much. At first I would like to clarify my new role. In implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic, I have been mandated to take a leading technical role in the national development project of Al Zahraa Stud. This includes heading the Evaluation and Selection Committee and supervising the technical aspects of the selection and transfer of horses, veterinary planning, and the future development of the new stud according to international standards. For me, this is a great honor and a very serious responsibility. Al Zahraa is not simply a stud farm. It is one of Egypt’s great living treasures and one of the most important institutions in the history of the Arabian horse worldwide. To be entrusted with a role in its development gives this mission a national importance that goes far beyond any individual position. Personally, this responsibility means a great deal to me because Egyptian Arabian horses have been central to my life for many years. I have always believed that Egypt has a unique responsibility toward this breed. The Egyptian Arabian horse is part of our national heritage, and Al
48 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Zahraa has played a historic role in shaping breeding programs all over the world. Professionally, I see this as a mission of preservation, improvement, and renewal. The objective is not to erase the past or change the identity of Al Zahraa. The objective is to protect its legacy, improve the environment and care of the horses, strengthen the breeding program, and prepare the stud for a future worthy of its history. I feel deeply honored by the trust placed in me, and I hope to serve this responsibility with humility, seriousness, and respect — both for the generations that built this legacy and for the generations that will inherit it. Judith Wenning: El Zahraa holds enormous historical importance in the Arabian horse world. How do you plan to preserve its legacy while guiding it into a new era? Omar Sakr: The first step is respect. Before any development can take place, one must understand what Al Zahraa represents and why it became so important to the Arabian horse world. Preserving the legacy of Al Zahraa means protecting the authenticity of its bloodlines, maintaining accurate records, respecting the historic families, and making breeding decisions with knowledge, patience, and responsibility. These horses are not only valuable as
Nazeera Sakr
(Tallahsman x Ansata Nafisa)
El Zahraa mares
Desert Heritage Magazine • 49
individuals; they represent generations of breeding, history, and cultural identity. At the same time, preservation does not mean standing still. A living breeding program must continue to improve. The challenge is to protect the essence of Al Zahraa while raising the standards of management, veterinary care, nutrition, selection, and daily horse welfare. My vision is to combine tradition with modern science and professional management. That means establishing clear selection criteria, improving the environment in which the horses live, strengthening veterinary protocols, developing staff capabilities, and creating a long-term breeding strategy that respects the past while preparing for the future. If we can preserve the identity of Al Zahraa while bringing its operation to international standards, then we will not only protect its legacy — we will give that legacy new life. Judith Wenning: The planned move of El Zahraa to a new location is attracting worldwide attention. What opportunities do you believe this transition will create?
Omar Sakr: The move to a new location is one of the most important moments in the modern history of Al Zahraa. Naturally, any transition of such a historic institution must be handled with great care, but it also creates a unique opportunity. A new location allows us to rethink the entire environment of the horses. We can look at stabling, paddocks, movement, veterinary facilities, quarantine areas, breeding areas, staff workflow, visitor access, and the overall design of the stud in a much more modern and scientific way. For many years, Al Zahraa has carried enormous historical weight. The new facility gives us the chance to create an environment that is worthy of that history. It can become not only a place where horses are bred, but a center for preservation, education, research, international cooperation, and the promotion of the Egyptian Arabian horse. The transition also creates an opportunity to evaluate the herd carefully, to select the horses that best represent the future of the program, and to develop a more focused and productive breeding strategy.
Om El Dunia
(Shafee x Sawahel)
50 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Farhana Sakr
(Seif Sakr x Farfoura Sakr)
Karen Sakr
(Noeman Sakr x Karman Sakr)
Azeeza Sakr
(El Habiel - aka Shaheen x Almaz Sakr)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 51
If done correctly, the move can mark the beginning of a new golden chapter for Al Zahraa — one that honors its past while positioning it strongly for the future. Judith Wenning: What are the biggest challenges involved in relocating such an important and historic state stud? Omar Sakr: The biggest challenge is that we are not simply moving horses from one place to another. We are moving a living genetic and historical treasure. Every aspect of the transition must be carefully planned. The horses must be protected physically, medically, and psychologically. Transport, biosecurity, feeding routines, veterinary supervision, adaptation to the new environment, and continuity of care are all critical. Another challenge is selection. When a historic herd is being transferred to a new facility, the process must be based on clear, objective, and scientifically sound criteria. We must consider pedigree, type, soundness, health,
Ana Al Malaka (Shafee x Fawares)
52 • Desert Heritage Magazine
fertility, productivity, genetic value, and the long-term needs of the breeding program. There is also the challenge of continuity. A breeding program cannot simply stop during a move. Mare families, stallion choices, foaling plans, youngstock development, and veterinary care must continue while the transition is taking place. Finally, there is the emotional and symbolic aspect. Al Zahraa means a great deal to breeders all over the world. The move must therefore be handled with transparency, respect, and a clear message: this is not about erasing history. It is about protecting the future of one of Egypt’s most important living treasures. Judith Wenning: How did your journey into Arabian horse breeding begin, and what first inspired your passion for these horses? Omar Sakr: My journey began with admiration. Like
many people, I was first attracted by the beauty of the Egyptian Arabian horse — the head, the eye, the elegance, the presence, and the nobility. But over time, I discovered that the true fascination goes much deeper than beauty. The Egyptian Arabian horse carries history, refinement, intelligence, sensitivity, and a very special connection with people. Once you begin to study the pedigrees, the mare and the sire families, and the influence of certain horses across generations, it becomes a lifelong passion. Breeding taught me patience and humility. You make a decision today, but sometimes you only understand its true value many years later. You learn that a beautiful horse is important, but a horse that can consistently transmit quality is even more valuable. For me, breeding has never been only about producing an attractive horse. It is about understanding inheritance, preserving rare qualities, improving with each generation, and contributing something meaningful to the future of the breed. The horses themselves are the greatest teachers. The
more you live with them, the more you realize how much there is still to learn. Judith Wenning: What makes Egyptian Arabian horses unique compared to other Arabian bloodlines around the world? Omar Sakr: All Arabian horses share certain qualities: beauty, intelligence, endurance, nobility, and a deep connection with human beings. But the Egyptian Arabian has a very distinct identity. The Egyptian Arabian is known for refinement, balance, dryness, expressive eyes, fine skin, elegance, and a certain spiritual presence that is difficult to describe but easy to recognize. The best Egyptian Arabians do not need exaggeration. Their beauty comes from harmony, purity of expression, and nobility. There is also the historical depth. Egyptian bloodlines have influenced Arabian horse breeding all over the world. Many breeders value them not only for their beauty, but
Rabhana
(Rabah x Sena)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 53
also for their ability to transmit type, refinement, and quality across generations. To me, the Egyptian Arabian horse is not simply a bloodline. It is a cultural and historical treasure. It represents Egypt’s contribution to one of the most admired horse breeds in the world. Judith Wenning: When selecting horses for your breeding program at “Sakr Arabians”, which qualities are most important to you? Omar Sakr: At Sakr Arabians, I always look first for overall balance and quality. A horse must be beautiful, but beauty alone is not enough. I look for type, refinement, a good body, correct structure, strong movement, a well-set neck, a good shoulder, a strong topline, and an expressive eye. The horse must have harmony. No single feature should dominate at the expense of the whole. I pay very close attention to the dam of the sires in my program and similarly to the sire of the dams. I don’t spend too much analyzing the fourth or the
fifth generation in a pedigree unless there are glaring demonstrable homozygous undesirable traits that have been carried forward in various programs throughout the years. Breeding is an art but you can’t ignore science and genetics in your endeavours. Temperament is also essential. A horse may be beautiful, but if it lacks intelligence, character, sensitivity, and a good relationship with people, then something important is missing. Most of all, I try to select horses that can contribute to the future. A breeding horse must not only be impressive as an individual. It must have the ability to reproduce quality and strengthen the next generation. Judith Wenning: As one of the world’s most respected Egyptian Arabian breeders, what principles have guided your success over the years? Omar Sakr: The first principle is patience. Breeding horses is not a short-term activity. It takes years to understand the results of your decisions, and sometimes even longer to understand the full value of a particular
Kama Sakr
(Ansata Marengo x Imperial Kamaala)
54 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Ghali Sakr
(Ansata Marengo x Ghalia Sakr)
Nazmeen Sakr
(Gholam Sakr x Ghalia Sakr)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 55
mare, stallion, or family. The second principle is honesty. A breeder must be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of his own horses. It is easy to see the faults in other people’s horses, but much harder — and much more important — to see the faults in your own program. Without honesty, there can be no real improvement. The third principle is consistency. You need a clear vision of the kind of horse you want to breed, and you must not change direction every time fashion changes. The market will always move, but a serious breeding program must be guided by deeper principles. Finally, I believe in continuous learning. No breeder, no matter how experienced, knows everything. The moment you stop learning your program begins to decline. Judith Wenning: In your opinion, what makes Egyptian Arabian horses so unique and admired internationally? Omar Sakr: They are admired because they combine beauty, history, identity, and prepotency. The Egyptian Arabian horse has a recognizable presence. It is not
El Zahraa stables
56 • Desert Heritage Magazine
only about a beautiful head or a large eye. It is about refinement, balance, elegance, nobility, and expression. The best Egyptian Arabians have a special quality that people feel immediately. Internationally, breeders also admire them because of their influence. Egyptian blood has contributed greatly to Arabian breeding around the world. When used carefully, it can add refinement, type, quality, and charisma. But I believe the admiration is also emotional. Egyptian Arabians touch people. They are sensitive, intelligent, and deeply connected to humans. Many people who discover them become devoted to them for life. That emotional connection is part of their uniqueness. They are not only admired as breeding animals or show horses. They are loved. Judith Wenning: How do you balance preserving traditional bloodlines with the evolving expectations of the global Arabian horse market? Omar Sakr: This is one of the most important questions
for any serious breeder. The market changes constantly. Fashion changes, show standards evolve, and certain looks become popular for a period of time. But the true value of a breeding program must be based on something deeper than fashion. For me, preserving traditional bloodlines means protecting authenticity, genetic diversity, and the qualities that made these horses important in the first place. However, preservation should not become an excuse for breeding horses that are weak, incorrect, or no longer able to contribute positively. The balance is to preserve the essence while improving the individual horse. We must breed Egyptian Arabians that remain true to their identity, but that also have stronger bodies, better movement, better health, better fertility, and better overall quality. If we chase the market completely, we lose our identity. If we ignore the world completely, we become isolated. The answer is to know who we are, to protect what is valuable, and to keep improving with discipline and responsibility.
Judith Wenning: How important is temperament and the horse-human relationship in your breeding philosophy? Omar Sakr: Temperament is extremely important. The Arabian horse has always had a close relationship with people. This is part of the history of the breed. A true Arabian should not only be beautiful from a distance. It should be intelligent, sensitive, curious, trusting, and willing to connect with humans. In my breeding philosophy, temperament is not secondary. It affects handling, training, breeding, daily management, and the overall quality of life of the horse. A horse with a good mind is easier to manage, easier to train, and more enjoyable to live with. But beyond practicality, temperament is part of the soul of the Arabian horse. The expression, the eye, the curiosity, the sensitivity — these are not small details. They are part of what makes the breed special. A beautiful horse without character is incomplete. For me, the ideal Egyptian Arabian must have beauty, quality, and a mind that reflects the nobility of the breed.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 57
Judith Wenning: What changes have you observed in the international Arabian horse industry over the past decade?
Judith Wenning: Looking ahead, what is your vision for El Zahraa State Stud and for Egypt’s role in the global Arabian horse community?
Omar Sakr: The Arabian horse industry has become more global, more connected, and more professional. There is much more international movement of horses, semen, trainers, judges, and breeders. Social media has also changed the industry dramatically. Horses can become known around the world very quickly, and breeders are more connected than ever before. This has created many opportunities. It has allowed breeders to share knowledge, promote their horses, and reach international audiences more easily. It has also raised the level of presentation and professionalism in many parts of the world. At the same time, there are risks. The industry has become very show-oriented in some areas, and sometimes fashion can move faster than good breeding judgment. There is a danger of focusing too much on extreme features or short-term popularity, rather than soundness, balance, temperament, fertility, and long-term genetic value. I believe the future of the Arabian horse industry depends on responsible progress. We should welcome professionalism, international cooperation, and modern tools, but we must not lose sight of the qualities that made the Arabian horse great in the first place.
Omar Sakr: My vision is for Al Zahraa to regain its rightful place as the epicenter of Egyptian Arabian breeding in the world. This requires improving the daily environment of the horses, raising management standards, strengthening veterinary care, applying clear selection criteria, protecting the historic bloodlines, and developing a more focused and professional breeding program. I would like Al Zahraa to continue being a place that Egyptians are proud of and that international breeders revere and respect. It should be a center of excellence, preservation, education, and cooperation. It should represent the best of Egypt’s heritage, but also the best of modern horse management. Egypt has a unique position in the Arabian horse world. We are not simply another breeding country. Egypt is one of the great historical sources of Arabian horse blood, and Al Zahraa has influenced breeding programs across the world. With the right vision, standards, and commitment, Egypt will continue to play a leading role — not only by celebrating its history, but by building a future worthy of that history.
Judith Wenning: What advice would you give to young breeders who want to contribute to the future of Egyptian Arabian horses?
Judith Wenning: What are your personal hopes and plans for the future?
Omar Sakr: My first advice is: study before you breed. Study pedigrees. Study mare families. Study the great horses of the past, not only the winners of today. Visit farms. Look at horses in person. Learn to see balance, structure, movement, type, and quality. I would also tell young breeders not to be in a hurry. Do not breed only because a stallion is famous or because a horse is fashionable on social media. Try to understand your mare. Ask what she needs. Ask what you are trying to produce. Start with the best mares you can. Be honest about faults. Keep good records. Listen to experienced breeders but also develop your own eye. Most importantly, remember that breeding is a responsibility. We are not only producing horses for ourselves. We are contributing to the future of a historic breed. Every breeding decision should be made with respect for the horse, the bloodline, and the generations that will come after us.
58 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Omar Sakr: At this stage of my life, my hopes are very much connected to legacy. I would like to continue contributing to the Egyptian Arabian horse in a meaningful way — through Sakr Arabians, through my role in the development of Al Zahraa, and through helping the next generation understand the value of what they have inherited. Personally, I hope to see Al Zahraa enter a new chapter with stronger horses, better conditions, clearer direction, and renewed international respect. I hope to see Egypt’s role in the Arabian horse world strengthened, not only because of its past, but because of the quality and seriousness of what it does in the future. I also hope to continue learning, breeding, and sharing knowledge. Horses have given me so much in my life. If I can give something back to the breed, to Egypt, and to future breeders, then I would consider that a great privilege. Ultimately, my hope is that the work we do today will be judged kindly by the generations that come after us. q
AL MURADSTUD MANSOUR AL MURAD
* 2017, Italy ANSATA NILE ECHO x MAYSOUNA HALIMA by MAYSOUN MANSOUR AL MURAD has made the most of his opportunity, standing at Tre Balzane Stud, to become an internationally renowned breeding stallion. His outstanding pedigree, asil and blue-listed, reflects the crème de la crème of straight Egyptian history.
AMiRA AL MURAD *2024 Mansour al Murad x radalidaa
INFO:
SeLMA AL MURAD *2025 Mansour al Murad x Mufajaa al Murad
TRE BALZANE STUD 06044 Castel Ritaldi, Umbria - ITALY MONIKA SAVIER
NAjyA AL MURAD *2024 Mansour al Murad x El Thay Kaya savier@arabi-egiziani.it +39 335 5235135
www.arabi-egiziani.it
Arabian horses are Allrounder and so are we!
Arabian Horses IN THE FOCUS, online & print the high-quality magazine in German language published four times a year featuring: The Arabian horse as a leisure and sports companion Legendary breeding lines Arabian studs at home and abroad Recent developments in science and research
Find out more at www.in-the-focus.com
“If you have seen nothing but the beauty of their bodies,then their true beauty is hidden from you.” Al-Mutanabbi ( يبنتملا بيطلا وبأ915 a.C.) Arab poet
Who benefits from ArAbiAn horse shoWs noWAdAys? More than 50 years ago, Dr Nagel recognised that the sensitive and highly intelligent Arabian horses are at their most beautiful when they enjoy showing themselves off, are free from danger, and can happily display their repertoire of graceful movements. Where better than at a stud, free from pressure and competition, can this be achieved? From an early stage, he showed his horses, alongside those of other breeders, at the Katharinenhof; he is convinced that social contact between breeders is more important today than ever before, as is the opportunity to look the horses truly in the eye. However, Dr Nagel was also active in the institutional show circuit. From 1984, he served as chairman of the All-Nations Cup Team in Aachen and was a co-founder of the ECAHO. As an expert in both worlds, he analyses in this article the limits of the commercial show industry and describes the amateur ‘open-house’ approach as an alternative that benefits both the horses and the breeders. M. Savier
Desert Heritage Magazine • 61
My FAvOuriTE CHOiCE: TO SHOW yOur ArAbS AT HOME
A plaidoyer for Open House’ Events
For more than 20 years, interest in Arabian horses in Europe and the USA has steadily declined. Little remains of what was once done for the Arabian horse to introduce it, with all its valuable qualities, to the horse community in the widest sense.There used to be many small country shows, where these horses could be presented in a rather relaxed and sociable atmosphere, and where a close contact with the horses was always possible. Then the large shows emerged. They were more pompous and lavishly equipped, more strictly organised, and a high standard was demanded of the horses presented. Breeders and spectators were prepared to travel long distances to attend such impressive events. These shows were the forerunners of what was going to come and what is happening today. At some of these shows, alongside the so-called halter classes, sufficient time was also set aside to present Arabian horses in various riding disciplines. Regional meetings were organised for interested breeders who wanted to learn more about their horses. Experienced people provided commentary giving information about the quality and correctness of the horses. And finally, larger studs opened their doors to present their Arabian horses at stud shows. There was plenty of time to exchange views with fellow breeders on current topics or to attend seminars offered from time to time at these events. From country to country, the emphasis at these 62 • Desert Heritage Magazine
2001
Open HOuse at tHe KatHarinenHOf stud
events may have differed somewhat, but they were all wide-ranging and Arabian horses could be presented in all their diversity. And there was never any shortage of an eager audience, young and old. All this is now history, and it is certain that the clock cannot be turned back. In those golden years, tens of thousands of foals were born each year in the USA. The Arabian horse population had grown to enormous proportions during that period. There are only a few thousand born today. In Europe happened the same; several thousand foals were counted + annually in these countries; today only a few remain, maybe some hundreds only or even less. The West is well on its way to losing the Arabian horse. One can only hope that a strong-willed minority will not allow such a development. In stark contrast, a great awakening began in the Arab countries, a true renaissance for the horse that originated in the Arab world and had been bred there for hundreds of years by the local Bedouins, but had almost fallen into oblivion. The fact that WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organization) had made it possible to establish national studbooks in each Arab country set things in motion. The purpose of these national studbooks was to save the few valuable original desert Arabians still to be found in the individual countries from disappearing completely.
One of the early Open Houses with the Starguest, the leased snow-white Ashhal Al Rayyan (Safir x Ansata Majesta). First he was shown in Aachen, then he came to Katharinenhof, breeding in total 20 mares. Some of his foals are shown in the photos.
Such horses could have provided a good opportunity to enrich the worldwide Arabian horse population with additional genetic material. It turned out to be a great disappointment. When it came to the much-praised beauty of the Arabian horse, or the so often cited performance and hardiness of this breed, the horses bred in the West were far superior to the original, newly registered horses. This led some owners in the Arabian countries of these horses to lose interest in their own stock, more or less quickly, and to turn towards Western Arabian types (especially their beautiful looks were attracting them). They either disregarded them completely or they used them for cross breeding. Desert Heritage Magazine • 63
Thus, only a few original Arabians can still be found in these countries today, some on racetracks and others in small groups at shows organized, specifically for these horses. Only a few Arab breeders have remained loyal to horses of these old bloodlines, continuing to breed them and preserving them to this day as a valuable legacy from their ancestors. At present, the important studs in the Arab world and their owners largely determine the fate of the Arabian horse and set the decisive direction for its future. The great wealth of the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia made it possible to buy the best show horses and continue breeding them in large populations in a particular direction. All the conditions for their great success of their show conception were in place. The latest example is the spectacular travelling show series, called GCAT (Global Champions Arabian Tour), nine events in total, held in Arab countries, the USA and Europe. These were developed under the direction and control of influential breeders from the upper class in the Gulf state of Qatar, and are distinguished by a perfect design and event management,
64 • Desert Heritage Magazine
supported by a multimillion budget that makes almost anything possible. It is obvious that the idea of great shows once developed in Europe and in the USA became a great passion of the Arab breeders and suited perfectly their interest. The incentive for these and similar shows is the opportunity to finish participation in such a show with prestige and price money as well. All these shows, particularly in the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, became major and welcomed attractions; they can likewise boast up to 600 entries per show and lasted for several days; outside the Arab world, such numbers are unthinkable. Nearly all studs worldwide could not resist to this modern show direction and got in its suction; even the most solid as the ones in Poland, in the US and South America. Only the Egyptian Stud ‘El Zahraa’ did not follow this trend. Its breeding stock remained untouched as a closed population for most of the time and has until today strong connections to the past. In old Europe, a few shows are still held under European direction and organisation, through
private initiative or associations, usually 50 horses, more or less, are shown at such events, and individual classes contain sometimes only two or up to five horses. For anyone who gives the matter some critical or doubtful thoughts, this is a joke to award champion titles on such a small base. Unfortunately, the horses of the remaining European studs have only a small chance of winning a championship in any of these European shows. In the training stables, particularly in Belgium and Italy, the best show horses, predominantly Arabowned, stand ready to participate in such shows. In terms of show-horse quality, they are almost impossible to surpass according to ECAHO criteria. Consequently, one has to accept that everything has changed and presents itself differently today. The type of horses, their breeding, the way these horses are handled and their breeders and also the audience, all predominantly Arabs, seated at VIP tables and surrounded by a large circle of friends. The remaining spectator places are mostly occupied by curious onlookers who do not want to miss such a perfectly staged spectacle.
In this environment, the Arabian horse, the oldest and most beautiful of all horse breeds, highly valued for its qualities and talents, has been reduced to a single role: “to be an international show horse”, following and compared to an ideal standard Arabian, which a group of experts involved in the show scene designed and agreed upon, and choose at the same time a judging system that is easy to follow and fulfils this intended purpose. Nobody of this group realized at that time that their contribution would influence Arab horse breeding worldwide to such an extent. The creation of an Arabian standard and the judging system became the two fundamental conditions for the formation of the ECAHO organisation in the early eighties. Where, then, remains the original, genetically so solidly fixed Arabian horse, tough, resilient and willing to perform? It has no place at today’s shows, but where else. These original horses and the modern Arabian show horse have grown apart. They have remained related, but they are no longer brothers and sisters. As mentioned, over the past 150
Desert Heritage Magazine • 65
years, since Arabian horses were discovered in Arabia and brought in considerable numbers to Europe and the USA with great expectations, many efforts have been made and opportunities created to make use of most of the qualities of this remarkable breed. Important studs were established to foster these horses and to breed them further on to the best of their knowledge. Initially, it was used to improve local breeds and to increase the performance of racehorses, and later these imports were bred further as a pure breed. How one can bridge this time of changes from multiple purpose of breeding to a single one as it is practiced today and connect to a previous situation when wonderful types of Arabians were bred in many parts of the world as East Europe, Egypt, the USA or Brazil. Considering all these efforts in the past. Then the event as” the day of the open house” comes again into the focus and is worthwhile for a closer look: They were particulary popular for the Arabian studs in the USA but also for some larger studs in Europe, whether state-owned or private. Unfortunately, they hesitated to make full use of this opportunity. Open days could serve as an excellent mean and as a good incentive of preserving and promoting the versatility of this breed, or an alternative or addition to today’s show scene, in many respects: 1. Every stud has usually its own breeding concept and want to breed horses that are typical of that stud; they should be valued and sought after. Such 66 • Desert Heritage Magazine
efforts create a greater variety of types. Interested people would appreciate having a choice: a more refined type here and a stronger horse there. Attention might focus also on horses with a long tradition, such as the classical Polish Arabians or the Egyptian Arabians, which trace back to the true homeland of the Arabian horse, the Arabian Peninsula or any other well-fixed population. 2. The Arabian horse is known for its good-natured character, and anyone who has experience with these horses will be able to confirm this quality. Enthusiasts who keep such horses as family horses will look for precisely these qualities. And they will certainly notice and pay attention them when visiting studs, how those horses are behaving. 3. During visits to studs, people would also become acquainted with different methods of keeping horses, including those that ensure a particularly close relationship to humans and creating good health conditions and considering as well that horses do dislike to be lonely. 4. A stud will certainly want to present its breeding work by showing its stallions and the quality of their offspring, explaining the origins and composition of its mare herd, and showing one or another year’s foal crop. It should be possible to recognise in these presentations what breeding objectives are intended and how far they are achieved. 5. An experienced breeder who loves his horses
Desert Heritage Magazine • 67
68 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Desert Heritage Magazine • 69
will know and have learnt that excellent work can also be done with a smaller breeding herd of 10 to 30 horses. Studs with hundreds of horses or more are nothing other than a great waste of biological resources and a disregard for the Arabian horse, which deserves human-centered care that a large stud can only provide with difficulty. In its homeland in Arabia horses lived for hundreds of years in small herds; this way of life is deeply inprinted in their gens. Incidentally, it should be mentioned that in show horse breeding these valuable qualities are not in demand and are regarded as secondary. 6. A breeding herd usually consists of several families; simply accumulating individual animals 70 • Desert Heritage Magazine
makes little sense. Each family has its own profile, which can be understood, encouraged and preserved. If this profile is valuable and contributes positively to the development of the breeding herd, the family must be retained; if not, why should it form part of the breeding herd? There are many large studs that produce many foals every year but can show only a small percentage of good-quality. Evidently, the composition of the breeding herd is not properly understood in such places. 7. Small studs can complement one another extremely well, if they wish. Like-minded fellow breeders can achieve a great deal and show more success and better results than a large stud.
At an open day, the points mentioned above should be reflected in the commentary on the proceedings and in the presentation of the horses. A so-called Noble shows, as it happened two times before in the past in the Netherlands, would be an ideal event where each stud could present a typical group of his Arabians as representative of its breeding population. One example of such Open Day Events took place at NK Katharinenhof. In recent years, open days have been held there several times, as shown in the following pictures. An interested audience of breeders, friends and many other visitors was always present. It is known that Arabian horses show their natural beauty and character best at home. The exchange
about common interesting subjects among the guests encourages the passion of breeders, despite all the worldwide problems, to continue dedicating themselves to their Arabian horses.
NK Katharinenhof - Dr. Hans J. Nagel Am Graeberfeld 13 26172 Grossenkneten - Germany ph.: +49 4433-5581535 - office@nagels-arabianstud.de.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 71
©
FA NILE SAFIR | OR PETUNIA
OR
Mango
OR MANGO | OR MIMOSA
OR
Lily
ALLEVAMENTO OL-RÌ di Fausto Scanzi faustino.scanzi@icloud.com
OR
Melania OR ALI | OR MATILDA
The syRiAn
ARAbiAn hoRse A Reservoir That outlived the War
The Arabian horses of Syria carry some of the oldest and richest genetic heritage of the breed anywhere in the world. This article is a guide for readers who want to learn where they come from, what science says about them, what the war took from them, and what it will take to protect what remains. By saria Almarzook Photos: Archive Almarzook, Monika Savier Graphic: Mario Brunetti
A Reservoir Under Pressure When geneticists set out to trace the roots of the
Arabian horse, they compared Arabians from many countries, from the deserts of the Middle East to the
studs of Europe and North America. Their findings, published in many scientific report, confirmed that the famous show and racing Arabians of the West,
the study showed, descend from only a small part of the genetic wealth that once existed in the breed’s homeland. In the words of the authors, “only a small proportion of total genetic diversity left the Middle East” when horses were exported.
The horses that stayed behind tell a different story.
Desert bred populations in the Middle East, Syria’s
among them, showed richer and more complex
ancestry. The researchers described these groups
as possible “refugia of genetic diversity crucial to the future of the Arabian horse”. An earlier study
of Syrian Arabians from the Saqlawi, Kuhaylan and Hamdani strains and sub-strains had already
pointed the same way: the Syrian horses carried high genetic diversity.
Put simply, Syria is one of the reservoirs from
which the global Arabian breed was drawn, and one to which it may one day need to return. An Arabian grazing in a European paddock
or standing in an American show ring carries ancestry whose roots reach back to the Syrian
Image overview: Mare and foal on the open steppe: a living line still running across the land where the breed was born.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 73
A black Arabian mare, Rouba Ash-shmal, stands for inspection on the edge of the city. Syrian breeders judge balance, limbs and soundness before they speak of strain.
Horses grazing on pasture beside tents on Yakan’s land.
From the stable to the steppe: Syrian Arabians at home in the landscapes and studs that bred them, the world from which mares like Rouba Ash-shmal were taken during the war.
Badia and the neighbouring lands of northern Arabia and Iraq. But a reservoir is not a bottomless well. The Syrian population has itself passed through a series of historical bottlenecks: the decline of tribal horse breeding in the twentieth century as desert life changed; the steady export of fine mares and stallions to foreign studs; years of severe drought;
Rouba Ash-shmal: The Mare Who Did not Come back home In Aleppo, Saed Yakan is known as one of the foremost breeders of Arabian horses, a man who judges a horse by her balance, her limbs and her soundness before he speaks of her strain. Among the mares in his care, one held a place apart. Her name was Rouba Ash-shmal.
and, most recently, more than a decade of war. Each
For a breeder, a mare like this is never simply
bottleneck narrows the pool. Each lost mare takes
property. She is years of careful decisions: which
with her a combination of genes that may exist nowhere else. Scientists have not yet measured the full genetic cost of these pressures, and that is precisely why it matters to measure it now. Genetics can count variants in a genome. It cannot count what each loss means to the people who lived alongside these horses. To understand that, we have to begin with a single mare. 74 • Desert Heritage Magazine
stallion to choose, which foal to keep, which line to carry forward. She is the early visit to the stable, the anxious night before a foaling, the quiet pride of watching her move across open ground. She is also a promise, made to the breeders who came before and owed to those who will come after. Then came the war. In the turmoil that swept across
Aleppo and its countryside, Rouba Ash-shmal was
Anqa’ Al Shamal The desert head: large dark eyes, a fine muzzle and alert ears. A grey mare at her home stud.
kidnapped. She was led away by people whose
This is what a genetic bottleneck looks like up close.
names her owner would never learn, towards a fate
It is not a line on a graph. It is a mare who did not
he could not follow. There was no farewell and no
come home.
grave to visit. There was only an empty stall, and a
Her story is the doorway into a larger one: the story
silence where she used to be.
of the Arabian horse in Syria. It is the tale of how a
Her loss is felt twice. There is the grief that a breeder
breed emerged, lived, and came through years of
carries privately, the grief of a bond cut without
war that very nearly broke it. Today it stands at a
warning and never closed. And there is the loss that
crossroads where mourning what was lost is not
the breed carries, because with her went a line of
enough.
descent, a set of genes and a history that cannot be rebuilt from paperwork.
Getting to Know the syrian Arabian
Rouba Ash-shmal was not alone. During the war
horse
years, many Arabian horses across Syria were
Before following the horse through history, it helps
stolen, driven across borders, sold for a fraction of
to know a few terms that breeders and researchers
their worth, or simply vanished. Many were never
use all the time.
seen again. Some may still be alive today, in other
Badia: The great Syrian steppe desert. Its open plains,
hands and under other names, cut off from the
pastures and seasonal waters were the home ground
records that once told their story.
of the tribes who bred the Arabian horse for centuries. Desert Heritage Magazine • 75
Land, people and lineage: the Badia, its tribes and its gatherings formed the living archive in which pedigrees were carried long before they were written down.
Asil: A horse of pure desert origin whose traditional
traced through the female line. Well known strains
breeders, the word carries both a technical and a
Hadban, Muniqi and Shuwayman. Strains are
pedigree runs back unbroken to the tribes. To Syrian moral weight.
Strain (rasan): A traditional family line, usually 76 • Desert Heritage Magazine
include Kuhaylan, Saqlawi, Hamdani, Abeyyan,
pedigree classifications, not separate breeds in the biological sense.
From the syrian badia to the World stud books The history of the Arabian horse in Syria cannot be
separated from that of the Badia, nor from the web
of tribes and trade routes that once bound northern
Arabia to the Levant and Iraq. Across this vast stage, tribes roamed, horses were bred, and bloodlines passed from tent to tent and tribe to tribe.
The Syrian researcher and breeder Basil Jadaan, in
a historical study, describes how Damascus, Aleppo
through which they passed. These were not
fireside tales. Together they formed a complete system of knowledge that helped breeders tell bloodlines apart and preserve their history.
Intellectual honesty, however, demands that we distinguish between inherited tradition and
documented fact. Each has its value, and neither can stand in for the other. Indeed, genetic research
has found that ancestry measured by DNA
and Daraa served as launch points for merchants and travellers in search of horses across the Syrian desert and the Samawa.
In those days a mare was never judged on looks alone. Her worth lay in her lineage, her breeder’s
reputation, her soundness under saddle, her
stamina, endurance and the trust that surrounded her story. Pedigrees were carried in the heart long
before they were committed to paper. They lived
in the memories of the men and women who lived alongside horses, in the oral traditions of tribes and
families, and in the names of foundation mares whose lines ran on for generations.
Jadaan notes that celebrated strains such as
Saqlawiyah, Abeyyah, Shuwaymah, Muniqiyah
and Hadbaa are tied to historical accounts of particular mares, their owners, and the tribes
Desert Heritage Magazine • 77
Archiv Boiselle
then, are not simply a local memory. They are a link in a global chain of migration and breeding that spans continents. In modern times, the documentation of pedigrees became the bridge that carried this knowledge from oral memory into official records. According to a report by the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), work towards approving the Syrian Arabian
stud
book
followed
investigations
stretching back to the 1980s, and the approval of the first stud book in 1990 was a watershed Beauty with purpose: Syrian Arabians vary in line, colour and type, and their breeders insist that a horse is judged on soundness, balance and performance, never on looks alone.
markers did not neatly follow the traditional
moment. The Syrian Arabian Horse Association was then founded in 2003, with Basil Jadaan as its first president. The challenge at the time was to bridge two worlds: that of the breeder who knew his pedigrees by
strain names, a reminder that the strains describe
heart, and that of a modern system demanding
This heritage did not stay confined to the desert.
a mere administrative exercise. It was an effort to
Levant to Europe and beyond, and Middle Eastern
Arabian horse rests.
from its homeland. Jadaan cites the mare Nejdme,
The horse beyond its beauty
family history rather than distinct genetic groups.
written proof and rigorous verification. It was never
Caravans and travellers carried horses from the
safeguard the trust on which the entire world of the
bloodlines helped shape Arabian breeding far
registered as number one in the Arabian Horse
Syrian Arabians vary in their lines, traits and
horse’s journey from East to West. Syrian horses,
squeeze them all into a single mould. Traditional
Registry of America, as a living witness to the
78 • Desert Heritage Magazine
breeding histories, so it would be a mistake to
elle
breeders nevertheless agree on qualities they
AlJarba: “A rich vessel for breeding
see as hallmarks of the desert horse: toughness,
champions”
adaptability, endurance under strain, economy of movement, and a temperament forged over
From Qamishli, Sheikh Hashem AlJarba, owner of the AlJarba Stud and a devoted guardian of the
centuries of life alongside riders and tribes.
horses of the Shammar tribe, insists that the horses
Al Zbibi: “the horse runs with his heart
wider stage in endurance racing. In his view, the
and lungs”
international focus on halter shows, together with
Mouaffak Al Zbibi, a Syrian horseman, breeder
the dominance of flat racing in parts of the local
and endurance trainer now based in Germany,
market, has left this potential in the shade.
captures the idea in a single striking line: the
AlJarba describes the Syrian horse as “a rich vessel
Syrian Arabian “does not run with his muscles
from which champions can be bred.” But he stresses
alone; the horse runs with his heart and lungs.”
that the road there begins with selecting the right
When choosing a colt or a filly to become an
mares and stallions and building a serious endurance
endurance horse, he looks first at the depth of the
programme, not with inflating numbers or prices.
of Qamishli have potential that deserves a far
chest, the hardness of the hooves, the strength of the legs, and a calm disposition.
yakan: The horse before the strain
This is the voice of field experience, not a scientific
Saed Yakan brings the debate back to first principles:
verdict that every Syrian horse is innately
the name of a strain must never take the place of
superior. Athletic performance is the sum of
judging the horse itself. A documented pedigree is
pedigree,
training,
essential, but on its own it is not enough. One must
veterinary care, and the careful management of
also weigh balance, soundness of joints and limbs,
effort and recovery. Yet Al Zbibi puts his finger on
harmony of build, health, and performance suited
something essential: the value of the Syrian horse
to the purpose of breeding.
cannot be captured in a pretty picture or the result
Yakan warns against overrating surface traits such
of a single sprint.
as colour or height as though they were badges
conformation,
nutrition,
Desert Heritage Magazine • 79
of quality in their own right. He also challenges the belief that winning a short race proves a horse superior across the board, or that a horse who does not fit the halter show ideal is somehow worth less. In his view, the future of the Syrian horse does not lie in putting all its eggs in one basket, but in preserving its diversity and matching each line to the discipline that suits it: racing, endurance, conservation breeding, or the show ring. Here lies a potential advantage for Syrian horses on the international stage. Rather than becoming yet another copy of the show ring champion, they could offer something different, provided their records and performance can prove it.
particularly areas such as Baghouz that saw fierce battles, and that Al-Hasakah province suffered too,
The War years: When survival itself Was a Victory The Syrian war was not one crisis with the same face everywhere. Breeders’ fortunes depended on where their studs stood, how close they lay to the front lines, whether they could reach feed, medicine and a vet, and whether they could move their horses somewhere safer. In Aleppo, as the story of Rouba Alshamal shows, theft and disappearance were as
with horses lost or moved across the border into Iraq (and they have been witnessed working under harsh conditions). Even so, breeders in Al-Hasakah and elsewhere managed to hold on to part of their herds and their bloodlines.
Among his most telling examples is the Hadbaa Inzihiyah of Al Fawaghra line, which he says has become vanishingly rare. Its last known bearer is
a mare called Carten, kept at a government centre
great a danger as shelling or hunger.
run by the Ministry of Agriculture in Ghouta. If her
The euphrates Jazira: studs under fire
to date, her case shows how the fate of an entire
details can be verified and her record brought up
In the Jazira region of northeastern Syria,
bloodline can hang by a single thread.
from the ground. Studs were looted and shelled;
Breeders faced shortages of drugs and vaccines,
veterinarian Mohammad Al Assi paints a picture
horses vanished or were driven off to unknown destinations; other farms were cut off entirely by the fighting. All too often the vet arrived too late, and horses died that prompt treatment might have saved. Al Assi recounts that Deir Ezzor paid a heavy price, 80 • Desert Heritage Magazine
The losses were medical as well as material. soaring treatment costs, and little access to specialist care. Al Assi reports outbreaks of disease,
among them equine herpesvirus, and believes that poor access to suitable vaccines and the
improper storage of some products in circulation made matters worse. A field testimony is not a
Two regions, one crisis: from the Jazira in the northeast to Hama in the centre, the war cut breeders off from feed, vets and stallions.
hama: When the roads between mares and stallions were cut In Hama, Murshid Barazi, from a family long renowned for breeding Arabians, describes another face of the crisis. Severed roads, transport difficulties and fuel shortages made taking a mare to a suitable stallion close to impossible. Some breeders had to make do with whatever stallion was nearby, even when he was far from ideal, because the alternative was losing an entire breeding season. Barazi tells how selling a foal sometimes became the only way to feed the rest of the herd, and how mares changed hands for a
full epidemiological diagnosis; measuring disease spread and causes of death requires veterinary records and laboratory testing. Yet the message is clear: when basic care disappears, losing horses
fraction of their value. It was not that breeders had stopped prizing them; they simply needed barley. In summer, owners turned their horses out wherever grazing could be found, or sowed clover and scraped together whatever
that carry irreplaceable bloodlines becomes a
alternatives they could, simply to get through
daily risk.
one more day without another loss.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 81
What the breeders saved For anyone thinking in genetic terms, these testimonies describe a bottleneck in the making. Networks between breeders were torn apart, the choice of stallions narrowed, feeding and care faltered, and pedigree records were in danger of being lost. Fewer mares bred to fewer stallions
horses are related, and what risks a small population faces. In simple terms, the studies carried out so far tell us four things.
Syrian horses are rich in diversity. Studies of Syrian Arabians from the main strains, Saqlawi, Kuhaylan and Hamdani, found a high level of genetic variety.
The Syrian population is not just a collection of
means less diversity passed to the next generation, and any one of these factors alone could affect the herd for more than a generation. And yet the breeders kept going. Some stood their ground with their horses in combat zones; some moved them to safer places; some carried on breeding on a shoestring. Survival was never a clean victory. Some horses lived and others perished; some lines endured while others dwindled. But what remains is no small thing: it is living material from which recovery can begin, rather than starting from scratch. What Does DnA Tell Us About the syrian horse? Breeders’ memories preserve the history of the horse. Modern genetics allows us to test parts of that history: how much variety a population holds, how 82 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Once a vibrant center of trade, Aleppo’s historic market stands partially destroyed by war. Its decline disrupted traditional trade routes and livelihoods.
ket ed
famous names. It is a living store of genetic wealth worth protecting. They are part of the breed’s original reservoir. When researchers compared Arabian horses from many countries, they found that the horses of the Middle East, Syria’s among them, hold variety that the Arabian lines of Europe and North America have partly lost. Western lines were founded on a small number of exported horses, and later breeding
the memory that breeders have kept alive, and is completed by the science that can help them protect what they have kept. From War to Rebuilding The scars of war did not fade when the guns fell quiet. The challenges simply shifted from immediate danger to economics, care, documentation and marketing. They make less noise, but they pose no smaller threat to the future of the breed.
around a few popular stallions narrowed them further. The desert horses kept what the exported
A market out of balance
lines left behind.
Saed Yakan describes today’s Syrian market
Syrian horses have their own genetic identity. A
emotional value of the horse and the real ability to
recent study that read the whole genome of Arabian horses from Syria, Egypt, Poland and the United States found that Syrian horses form a distinct
as caught in a gap between the historical and bear the cost of breeding it. Feed, veterinary care, vaccinations, treatment, and raising a foal to selling age add up to a burden that often exceeds what
group of their own.
local buyers can pay.
Strain names are history, not genetics. The DNA of
Murshid Barazi adds that the market in Hama
Syrian horses does not neatly follow the traditional strain names. Strains remain a precious record of family history, but they are not separate genetic groups. There is also much we do not yet know. Only small numbers of Syrian horses have been studied so far, so we cannot yet say how much diversity the war has cost, nor claim any genetic or athletic superiority. The next step is to test many more horses, registered and unregistered, from every province and strain, and to link DNA results with pedigrees, health and performance. Parentage testing, which confirms a foal’s sire and dam, and population studies, which reveal diversity and kinship, answer different questions, and both are needed. Protecting the Syrian horse begins with honouring
has become hostage to personal connections and familiar clients, and that many sales happen only when a breeder needs cash to feed his horses. In his view, prices do not always reflect a horse’s quality, soundness, or the merit of its sire and dam; auctions, middlemen and hype can sway a price far more than any expert assessment. This does not mean the whole market works this way, but it does expose the absence of transparent standards on which seller and buyer alike can rely. A healthy market needs clear information on pedigree, health checks, performance, age and training. Supporting breeders is therefore part of protecting the breed, not merely economic aid. A breeder forced to sell a good mare to feed the rest of the herd may lose far more than her price: he may Desert Heritage Magazine • 83
lose future generations of a precious line along
Barazi, for his part, believes that restoring the role of
with her.
respected elders, those who know the horses, their
Veterinary care first
help rebuild trust in the market. But he cautions
Mohammad Al Assi puts healthcare at the top of the list. He calls for a specialist equine hospital in the Jazira, equipped with qualified staff, proper facilities and a mobile veterinary service. The long distances between studs and clinics, combined with scarce resources, turn every emergency into a race against time. He also stresses vaccination programmes, reliable medicines, regular veterinary guidance, and close monitoring of pregnant mares and young foals. The Jazira, he points out, holds a significant share of the country’s horses, though the exact proportion requires a fresh national census
lines, and the histories of the breeding families, could
against letting respect for tradition harden into a rejection of modern science. Successful breeding marries the breeder’s knowledge with veterinary
examination, documentation and objective analysis of performance.
A Global Market That Wants More Than a Pretty Face The future of the Syrian horse cannot be built on sentiment alone, however heartfelt. Today’s global
market is more organised and more competitive than ever, resting on interwoven pillars: documented
before it can underpin any plan.
pedigree, proven health, measurable performance,
Documentation: the thread that binds
and the ability to move horses legally and safely.
the generations Al Assi also urges faster registration of horses, the archiving of records, and an electronic database linking information on horses, studs, farms and clubs. A horse of known pedigree that cannot complete its registration may be barred from racing and from the market, and lost records can sever the link between generations even when the horses themselves survive. For horses like Rouba Alshamal, who may still be alive somewhere, a good record and a DNA profile on file are the only realistic hope of ever being identified again.
This call echoes Basil Jadaan’s emphasis on the role of the official stud book in preserving pedigrees. Oral tradition and written record are not rivals; each completes the other, provided breeders’ accounts are gathered, reviewed, and tied to pedigree evidence and the necessary testing. 84 • Desert Heritage Magazine
training, quality of care, the breeder’s reputation, Saed Yakan argues that Syrian breeders need a
market that values their stock on objective grounds, instead of leaving them at the mercy of distress sales or the whims of fashion. A pedigree documented
with WAHO is an indispensable foundation, but
it must be complemented by careful assessment of conformation, health and performance.
endurance: the gateway back to the world Mouaffak Al Zbibi sees endurance racing as one of the most promising gateways for reintroducing
Syrian horses to the world. He draws on years of experience and on earlier Syrian participation in long
distance rides, including races over 120 kilometres.
Yet he insists that modern international competition is not won on natural talent alone. It calls for carefully
calculated nutrition, scientific training, monitoring of
heart rate and recovery, specialised sports veterinary
medicine, and riders who know how to pace a horse within the rules. That is the difference between
owning good horses and owning a system that turns their quality into results.
Sheikh Hashem AlJarba backs this approach,
seeing endurance as a path that could open new
horizons for Syrian horses. Still, these disciplines need not be rivals. Halter shows, racing and
endurance can grow side by side, as long as each
is matched with suitable horses, breeding rests on
clear standards, and the pursuit of any single trait does not come at the expense of health, balance or
genetic diversity. This last point matters most of all:
a reservoir drained to chase one fashionable type would repeat the very bottleneck that Western lines went through. It is equally important that Syrian Arabians keep their identity. Breeding purebred, registered Arabians according to the rules of the breed is a different matter from producing crossbred horses for sport. Both have their value, but they should never be confused when speaking of purity of lineage. Syria’s real opportunity does not lie in claiming the finest horses in the world without proof. It lies in building a system that allows good horses to show their mettle, and precious bloodlines to receive the protection and recognition they deserve. What Does syria need now? In short, Syria must first protect what remains before trying to expand: register and verify rare horses and endangered lines such as the Hadbaa line, and trace the horses that were stolen or taken abroad. It needs a network of equine veterinary centres and mobile services, especially in the remote Jazira, and support for breeders with the cost and quality of feed. A modern national database should bring together pedigree, DNA tests, health and performance, so that buyers can trust what they see and a fair, transparent market can reward quality rather than hype. A national endurance programme, backed by safe and well documented international trade, could open the way back to the world stage. None of this can rest on breeders alone; it calls for the Ministry
Preserving Syria’s Arabian horse heritage requires more than protecting a breed, which means restoring the traditions and identity, as well as leaning on science to maintain this treasure for the next generations.
of Agriculture, the stud book authorities, the Syrian Equestrian Federation, the Syrian Arabian Horse Association, universities, veterinarians and breeders to work together. Desert Heritage Magazine • 85
between Loyalty to the Past and building the Future What unites Saed Yakan, Mouaffak Al Zbibi, Sheikh Hashem AlJarba, Murshid Barazi and veterinarian Mohammad Al Assi, together with Basil Jadaan in his work documenting pedigrees and history, is that each looks at the crisis through
a different window. Yet they all arrive at the same
truth: the Syrian Arabian horse cannot be saved by love alone, and it cannot be saved without it.
It was love that made the loss of Rouba Alshamal
so hard to bear, and love that led countless families to feed their horses in years when they could barely
feed themselves. But only science, documentation, veterinary care and sound economic organisation can make that love endure.
At the same time, the tragedy of war must not become a veil that hides what remains hard. We still
need accurate data on the number of horses lost, the lines that survive, the genetic diversity available,
the state of veterinary services, and the market’s capacity to absorb what breeders produce.
The new chapter that followed political change
in Syria opens the door to rebuilding the sector’s institutions and reconnecting it with the world, but
success is not a foregone conclusion. If Syria can
86 • Desert Heritage Magazine
join the wisdom of traditional breeders to modern genetic research, link documented pedigree to
health and performance, and give breeders a fair market and dependable care, its horses may yet
reclaim their place in racing, endurance and the show ring alike, and the reservoir that once supplied the world may be refilled rather than drained.
One day, perhaps, a young breeder will stand among rebuilt stables, checking on a foal born into
kinder times than those his dam and granddam endured. He will read in the foal’s documented pedigree the names of those who kept its line alive,
a thread running back through generations that came before the war and made it through. On that
day, the return of the Syrian Arabian horse will be
more than a comeback on the world market. It will
be the restoration of a bond between people, their land and their memory.
For the Syrian Arabian is not just a beautiful image
or a name in a stud book. It is a living being, an inherited history, a scientific and sporting promise,
and a moral responsibility. Its future will be decided not by what we say about it today, but by what we
do to protect it tomorrow, so that fewer breeders ever have to stand, as Yakan once did, before an empty stall where a mare like Rouba Alshamal used to be.
Contributors and References
Interviewees Name
Role
City oR RegioN
Saed Yakan
Arabian horse breeder from a long established horse breeding family
Aleppo
Murshid Barazi
Arabian horse Breeder from a long established horse breeding family
Hama
Sheikh Hashem AlJarba
Owner of the AlJarba Stud, Qamishli
Jazira region
Mohammad Al Assi
Veterinarian from Al-Yarubiyah, Al-Hasakah
Jazira region
Mouaffak Al Zbibi
Horseman, breeder and endurance trainer
Syria, Germany
Basil Jadaan
WAHO Board Member, ECAHO A Judge Researcher and breeder, first president of the Syrian Arabian Horse Association
Syria
References
1. World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO): Syria report, stud book history and registration and export statistics. waho. org/syria-2
2. Basil Al Jadaan and Al Nabelsi: A History of Arabian Horses in Syria and Iraq, historical material provided by Basil Jadaan. 3. Almarzook, S. et al. (2017): Genetic diversity of Syrian Arabian horses. Animal Genetics.
4. Cosgrove, E. J. et al. (2020): Genome diversity and the origin of the Arabian horse. Scientific Reports 10, 9702.
5. Szmatoła, T., Finno, C., Gurgul, A., Almarzook, S. et al. (2026): Genomic diversity and structure in Arabian horses revealed by
whole genome sequencing: establishment of an allele frequency database of common genetic variation. BMC Genomics 27, 552.
Dr. Saria Almarzook was born in Syria, where Syrian Arabian horses
were a constant presence throughout her childhood and youth, nurturing a lifelong passion for the breed and its rich heritage.
She later moved to Germany to pursue her Master’s and PhD in
Molecular Biology and Biodiversity at Humboldt University of Berlin.
Her doctoral research focused on the genetic diversity and genotyping of Syrian Arabian horses.
Now based in Berlin, Dr. Almarzook works as a lecturer at Arden
University. She is the author of numerous specialist articles on Arabian horse genetics, genetic disorders, and breed heritage. Her work is
published in German, English, and Arabic, including contributions
to Desert Heritage Magazine.
(saria.marzook.de@gmail.com) Desert Heritage Magazine • 87
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pp
wA
Ne
n by Bettina von Kameke
StraightBlue Arabians The Pyramid Society Europe e.V. (PSE) is a registered club for the preservation of Arabian purebred horses of straight Egyptian bloodlines. The members of the PSE association are all breeders whose breeding programs contribute to preserve the standards of the Bedouin breeders and assure the future of this old breed. The PSE association was founded in 1987 some years after its sister company in the USA. The idea was to give a platform for European breeders.
One of the projects of the PSE for their breeders is the organisation of trips to other countries to enhance international contacts and enlarge breeding horizons. In addition to the Egyptian Event Europe the PSE in the past offered Stud Farm Tours for guests of the Event and members of the PSE in order to give the chance to learn more about their fellow breeders and their programs. The PSE shares and encourages the enthusiasm for Straight Egyptian Arabian horses by events, meetings with breeders, clinics, seminars, reports and journeys.
The supreme discipline of the purebred Arabian horse, the endurance riding, is supported by the PSE every year.
The Egyptian Event Europe is a unique show for the presentation of purebred Straight Egyptians. Their outstanding type, their elegance and dryness make not only breeder hearts beat faster but also catches other horse lovers and accelerates the admiration of this breed. It is a meeting point for breeders who love the easy atmosphere to exchange experiences while looking at high quality horses and develop new prospects. The community of breeders is getting smaller nowadays but those who throw their heart into the next foal generation are still believing in those characters who once upon a time lived in a tent together with their families and were their close friends. No other breed have been so close to human beeings and is so clear in communication with them than Arabian horses. In a world where you don’t know whom you can trust it is more than important that you have reliable horses who give you trust for the future. The breeders of the following articles are all looking forward and believe in their horses.
Desert Heritage Magazine • 91
text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Alessio Azzali, Joanna Jonientz
92 • Desert Heritage Magazine
PVA Kariim
IMPERIAL IMDAL x BKA RAKIISAH
Desert Heritage Magazine • 93
Nayla Halima
ZT MALLAH x NASHUA HALIMA
94 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Madheen El Masr
EAI SILVEREEN x MB DESEENA
Moheba Halima
MALIK HALIM x NEDSCHD MASOUDA
Madeenah Halima MADHEEN EL MASR x GWS MAYYADAH
Desert Heritage Magazine • 95
Maysa Halima
AL ADEED AL SHAQAB x MAJESTA HALIMA
96 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Nawal Halima
MALIK HALIM x NAGDA HALIMA
Ponnath Arabians Oberndorf 1 2 95478 Kemnath (00 49) 171 /3 00 33 00 info@ponnath-arabians.com www.ponnath-arabians.com Desert Heritage Magazine • 97
ARABIAN HERITAGE SOURCE
QUALITY STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ASIL ARABIANS text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by M. Kubat & M. Oster
Maha El Bediya
2023 (GWS Mashari/Majidah El Bediya, photo M.Kubat)
98 • Desert Heritage Magazine
ARABIAN HERITAGE SOURCE
Majidah El Bediya
201 6 (Safeen/Mabrouka Bint Maareesa, photo M.Kubat)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 99
Rabia El Bediya
2024 (GWS EL Nasar/Reem El Bediya)
100 • Desert Heritage Magazine
ARABIAN HERITAGE SOURCE
Rania El Bediya
201 8 (Kuwey El Bediya/Rua El Bediya) & Rafi El Bediya 2026 (GWS Mashari)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 101
Reem El Bediya
201 5 (Mashour Halim/Rua El Bediya)
102 • Desert Heritage Magazine
ARABIAN HERITAGE SOURCE
Sameera El Bediya
201 3 (Safeen/Mabrouka Bint Maareesa)
ARABIAN HERITAGE SOURCE EL BEDIYA ARABIANS Gabriele Seidlitz-Oster & Dr. Matthias Oster Lechenroth 17 – Muggenbach - 961 45 Seslach – Germany + 499567981 030
+ 491705233732
www.arabianheritagesource.com dr.matthias.oster@t-online.de Desert Heritage Magazine • 103
Goschenhof Arabians Familie Gerbershagen
A passion passed down through the generations “We have gained experience, celebrated successes, faced setbacks and never stopped learning”
text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Joanna Jonientz 104 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Goschenhof Arabians A passion passed down through the generations
Desert Heritage Magazine • 105
PSE Atlanta (Nader Al Jamaal x Imperial Baarezah)
Abia El Mujid (PSE Atlanta x Amani Colours)
Sa ri t E l M u j i d (M o u a za r x Sh a h rza d a el Assu a d )
Aliyah El Mujid (PSE Atlanta x Amanda Colours El Mujid)
106 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Goschenhof Arabians A passion passed down through the generations Amy E l M u jid (A b ia E l M u jid x A b ig a il E l M u jid )
Sa l a m E l M u ji d ( A b i a E l M u j i d x S a wa n n a B i n t S a m a n t a )
Ad a m E l M u j i d ( P S E At l a n t a x A m a n d a C o l o u r s E l M u j i d )
Tifl a El M u jid ( A b i a E l M u j i d x T i mo ra E l M u j i d )
Desert Heritage Magazine • 107
108 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Goschenhof Arabians A passion passed down through the generations
Ad i n a E l M u j i d ( P S E At l a n t a x A d a r a E l M u j i d )
Goschenhof Arabians
p h o t o b y P a u l i n a Vo g e l g s a n g
Familie Gerbershagen, Goschenhof 1 91717 Wassertrüdingen (Germany) Telefon: + 49 (0) 98 32 - 70 62 56 Fax: + 49 (0) 98 32 - 70 62 57 E-Mail: info@goschenhof-arabians.de www.goschenhof-arabians.de
Desert Heritage Magazine • 109
text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Joanna Jonientz, Jennifer Ogden
110 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Rhahila (Mosalli x Rhedora) with her daughters
Desert Heritage Magazine • 111
MB Shattal The Atticus x EH Bushrah
AA Mahzous El Thay Mahfouz x Mar-Hiba
112 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Mar-Hiba Hafid Jamil x Mar-Halla
AA Nisan NK Nizam x Nahgez
Metronom Mishaal HP x Morabaa
AA Rhasheeka Naseem Al Rashediah x Rhahila
Desert Heritage Magazine • 113
AA Rhasida DF Najib x Rhahila
AA Rhazeela NK Nizam x Rhahila
AA Kazoosah AA Mahzous x Kamihla
114 • Desert Heritage Magazine
AA Rhazeema (Metronom x AA Rayyanah)
AA Rhazeema (Metronom x AA Rayyanah) and AA Hameeda (Metronom x AA Hamama)
AA Hameeda (Metronom x AA Hamama)
Bettina von Kameke 24340 Friedensthal bei Eckernfoerde Germany Tel: (+ 49) 04351 44241 E-Mail: info@alassil-arabians.de Website: www.alassil-arabians.de
Desert Heritage Magazine • 115
StraightBlue Arabians
text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Julia Moll
116 • Desert Heritage Magazine
StraightBlue Arabians
GI Fathina
TB Jamill Ibn Nejdy x GI Farida Desert Heritage Magazine • 117
GI Nefissa: VDD Junioren Championess VDA Hadib x Nedjari II
118 • Desert Heritage Magazine
StraightBlue Arabians
GI Hidia
TB Sahem x Hadhbah
Desert Heritage Magazine • 119
GI Sira : Bavarian Championess Endurance Faa el Sharik x Sharay el Nil
StraightBlue Arabians 120 • Desert Heritage Magazine
StraightBlue Arabians
GI Waha
LV Jamill Ibn Nejdy x KAR Waziri Fam. Graf - Irtzing Wigelis 1 87763 Lautrach Handy: 01 52/53 1 3 58 56 Mail: araber@irtzing.de www.irtzing.de
Desert Heritage Magazine • 121
ElThayeba 55 Years of Passion for Straight Egyptian Arabians text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Joanna Jonientz, Jennifer Ogden
El Thay Kenana - born 201 4 by Ajmal Tameen x El Thay Konouz by El Thay Mahfouz
122 • Desert Heritage Magazine
El Thay Khuzama Al Sabah - born 2026 by NK Laziz x El Thay Kenana by Ajmal Tameen
El Thayeba: 55 Years of Passion for Straight Egyptian Arabians
NK Laziz - born 2021 by NK Nabhan x NK Lateefa by NK Kamar El Dine bred by Dr. H.J. Nagel, co-owned by Dr. Nagel and Klaus Beste
El Thay Komeira Al Sabah - born 2020 by NK Nabhan x El Thay Kateefa Al Sabah by El Thay Mahfouz
El Thay Khadija Al Sabah - born 2026 by NK Laziz x El Thay Komeira by NK Nabhan
Desert Heritage Magazine • 123
El Thay Kholoud Al Sabah - born 2024 by NK Laziz x El Thay Kateefa Al Sabah by El Thay Mahfouz
El Thay Kayyan - born 2026 by NK Laziz x El Thay Kahila by El Thay Mahfouz
124 • Desert Heritage Magazine
El Thay Katara - born 2024 by Naseem Al Rashediah x El Thay Konouz by El Thay Mahfouz
El Thayeba: 55 Years of Passion for Straight Egyptian Arabians
El Thay Kaya Al Sabah - born 2026 by Salman Saqr x El Thay Kadira Al Sabah by El Thay Kais Al Sabah
El Thay Kadira Al Sabah - born 2020 by El Thay Kais Al Sabah x El Thay Kenana by Ajmal Tameen
Desert Heritage Magazine • 125
El Thay Kamilah - born 2025 by Salman Sakr x El Thay Kalilah by El Thay Karim Shah
126 • Desert Heritage Magazine
El Thay Kalilah - born 201 9 by El Thay Karim Shah x El Thay Konouz by El Thay Mahfouz
El Thayeba: 55 Years of Passion for Straight Egyptian Arabians El Thay Manar Al Sabah - born 2024 by NK Laziz x Moniet Al Ryah by Nader Halim
El Thay Manal Al Sabah - born 2023 by El Thay Kais Al Sabah x Moniet Al Ryah by Nader Halim
El Thay Mouna Al Ryah - born 2020 by Nader Halim x El Thay Mayassa by El Thay Mahfouz
Cornelia Tauschke Kneter Sand 3 261 97 Großenkneten Mobil: + 49 173 92 66 783 tauschke@el-thayeba.com instagram.com/elthayeba EL-THAYEBA.COM Desert Heritage Magazine • 127
Hardyna Stud Farm A Passion for Egyptian Arabian Horse Breeding text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Joanna Jonientz
128 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Hardyna Stud Farm
A Passion for Egyptian Arabian Horse Breeding
HAR BAAREZ
NK IBN LEYL x HAR BASARA
Our breeding philosophy
Desert Heritage Magazine • 129
HAR BASALLA BINT BASARA
HAR MISTILL x HAR BASARA
Our mares – valuable Egyptian bloodlines
Our stallions – targeted selection and line refinement
130 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Hardyna Stud Farm
A Passion for Egyptian Arabian Horse Breeding
HAR NAMIRA
HAR BAAREZ x NURAY CK Responsible crop development Current offspring and outlook
Desert Heritage Magazine • 131
HAR GALIFA DF NAFIS x HAR BAHIGA HAR BAREZZA DF NAFIS x HAR BASALLA BINT BASARA
HAR BAFISA DF NAFIS x HAR BASARA
HAR MARSIA HAR BAAREZ x HAR MAHY NOUR 132 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Hardyna Stud Farm
A Passion for Egyptian Arabian Horse Breeding
HAR MARSALLA
DF NAFIS x HAR MAHY NOUR Feel free to visit us on our homepage www.gestuet-hardyna.de Vollblutarabergestüt Hardyna Raimund Wöhr Pappelstraße 1 71 735 Eberdingen/Nussdorf Tel: 01 71 6576471 hardyna-stud@web.de www.gestuet-hardyna.de Desert Heritage Magazine • 133
Nile-Dawn A R A B I A N S Gabriele Tabler
text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Alessio Azzali, Jan Kan, Oliver Seitz 134 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Nile-Dawn-Arabians Gabriele Tabler
NDA Nile Shira *201 9, by Bashir Al Rayyan x NDA Shariha Bint Shanah by GR Amaretto
201 9 Egyptian Event Europe - Silver Champion Filly Foals and 2022 Bruges Breeders Cup - 1 st 3 years old fillies
Desert Heritage Magazine • 135
NDA Nile Sajeedah *2025, by DF Al Majeed x NDA Nile Shira by Bashir AL Rayyan
2026 Straight Egyptian Royal World Cup and Egyptian Event Europe, Milano - Yearling Filly Silver Champion
136 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Nile-Dawn-Arabians Gabriele Tabler
NDA Nile Sajeedah *2025, by DF Al Majeed x NDA Nile Shira by Bashir AL Rayyan
2026 Straight Egyptian Royal World Cup and Egyptian Event Europe, Milano - Yearling Filly Silver Champion
Desert Heritage Magazine • 137
NDA Saida Jamil *201 6, by DF Malik Jamil x NDA Sabah El Dahma by GR Amaretto
2022 German National Bronze Champion and Bruges SE Cup Silver Senior Champion
138 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Nile-Dawn-Arabians Gabriele Tabler
NDA Saida Jamil
*201 6, by DF Malik Jamil x NDA Sabah El Dahma by GR Amaretto 2022 German National Bronze Champion and Bruges SE Cup Silver Senior Champion
Gabriele & Jürgen Tabler Hauptstr. 75, 74354 Besigheim Email: Gabischweiher@googlemail.com Instagramm: https://www.instagram.com/nda_stud_germany/ Desert Heritage Magazine • 139
ShahMon Arab ians text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Kubat, C. Toischel, Shah Mon
140 • Desert Heritage Magazine
ShahMon
ShahMon
Najib Halim (Mashour Halim x Nile Halima) © Kubat
Desert Heritage Magazine • 141
ShahMon
Salim El Shah Mon (Shah Tamor x Waseema El Shah Mon) © Kubat
ShahMon
142 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Generations left to right: Shayan El Shah Mon, Shivaa El Shah Mon, Rawaya El Shah Mon, Rashahni (Shah Tamor x Shahdiva) Back to the foundation mare Rawayeh © Shah Mon
ShahMon
ShahMon
Shah Tamor (Ansata Halim Shah x Tamori) © C.Toischel
Desert Heritage Magazine • 143
Rayyan El Shah Mon (Najib Halim x Rawaya El Shah Mon) © Kubat
Majoun Halim (Maydan-Madhen x Madheenah) © Kubat
ShahMon
144 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Malahaah El Shah Mon (Majoun Halim x Khaleda El Shah Mon) © Kubat
ShahMon
Tameri Ayasha (Tameri Nile Matani x Tameri Abadiyah) © Kubat
Khaleda El Shah Mon (Najib Halim x Khuzama El Shah Mon) © Kubat
Social media HP: www.shah-mon.de Insta: sandra_shahmon FB : Sandra Williams Shah Mon Arabians Kollertshof 5 97659 Schönau a.d. Brend - Germany Desert Heritage Magazine • 145
Al Tair Stud The Tamria EAO Family text and interview by Desert Heritage magazine photos by Al-Tair stud
146 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Al TAIRStud The Tamria EAO Family
Al Tair Tabanya (Taras x Taagirah) with Al Tair Tahani by Mouazar
Desert Heritage Magazine • 147
The broodmares: Takrima (Mounaz El Din x Tamria II), Tabatah (Authentic Ibn Nawaal x Tabanya), Al Tair Tamria (Tahsin x Takrima), Al Tair Mouna (Taras x Mateefa), Al Tair Tabanya (Taras x Taagirah), Al Tair Mounira (Mouazar x Al Tair Mouna), Al Tair Tahani (Mouazar x Al Tair Tabanya), Al Tair Mounisa (Mouazar x Al Tair Mouna)
Mouazar (Lohim x Mateefa)
148 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Al Tair Mounisa (Mouazar x Al Tair Mouna)
Al TAIRStud The Tamria EAO Family
Al Tair Tamaiyuz (Authentic Ibn Nawaal x Takrima)
Desert Heritage Magazine • 149
Al Tair Tabayan (Mouazar x Tabanya)
150 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Al TAIRStud The Tamria EAO Family
The happy filly gang of 2025
Al Tair Tamara (Mouazar x Al Tair Tamria) Al Tair Tabatah (Mouazar x Al Tair Tabanya) Al Tair Mouniet (Al Tair Tamaiyuz x Al Tair Mouna)
AL TAIR Gestüt Sabrina & Karsten Scherling Walsrode / Germany Phone: + 49 172 9568957 sabrina.scherling@al-tair.de www.al-tair-stud.de Desert Heritage Magazine • 151
Why are good broodmares more important than a champion stallion? Genetic diversity in Arabian breeding
What is the significance of maternal inheritance, and why are dam lines so important? We aim to get to the bottom of these questions (and many more) here. by Gudrun Waiditschka Editing e Photos: M. Savier Grafics: M. Brunetti
G
enerally speaking, in horse breeding, the stallion is considered more important than the mare, as he can sire more foals than a mare can give birth to in the course of her life. Consequently, a stallion can influence the gene pool of a population far more than a mare. However, the breeder focusing on the individual foal must be aware that a foal inherits around 51% of its genetic traits from the dam. But didn’t we learn in biology lessons that the sire and dam have the same number of chromosomes (and thus genetic material) and pass these on to their offspring? Yes, that is true, but apart from the chromosomes, which are located in the cell nucleus, there is also extra-chromosomal genetic material, known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This genetic material is located outside the cell nucleus in the so-called mitochondria, which are also referred to as the ‘powerhouses of the cell’. So, when looking at the entire population, the stallion has the greater influence because he sires more foals numerically. 152 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Anyone for whom the individual foal is important should focus primarily on the mare, as she passes on more genetic material to the foal – 51% may not sound like much, but it depends on what is inherited with that one extra per cent! Performance through mtDNA In the field of racing in particular, it has long been recognised that racing performance depends to a greater extent on the mare. Now, ‘racing performance’ should not be understood merely as speed, but rather interpreted as general physical fitness, in which various8 organs are involved. And this is precisely where the mitochondria come into play, as they are responsible for the so-called respiratory chain. The respiratory chain is a biochemical process that takes place in the mitochondria. There, the mtDNA provides the blueprint for some of the proteins of the respiratory chain. This serves to generate cellular energy and determines, amongst other things, muscle
regeneration, endurance and performance; however, it also influences tissue development, repair and maintenance under stress. And so, we now also understand why the mitochondria (and their mtDNA) are so important for a horse’s performance potential. Incidentally, studies have also shown that both exceptional performance and the opposite— that is, poor performance—are associated with mtDNA: if the respiratory chain does not function optimally and efficiently, muscle regeneration, endurance and performance are also impaired. Body composition & energy metabolism And what about the sire’s mitochondria? These originate exclusively from his dam. The stallion himself is unable to pass on his mitochondria to the next generation. And the reason for this is as follows: during the formation of oocytes in the ovary, each oocyte is equipped with a cell nucleus (containing a half-set of chromosomes), cytoplasm containing mitochondria and other cell organelles. During sperm formation in the testicles, the sperm also receives a cell nucleus (containing a half set of chromosomes), which is contained in the sperm head, and a number of mitochondria for energy production, which are contained in the socalled midpiece of the tail. During fertilisation, the sperm attaches to the egg cell, releases its nucleus into the egg cell, but the midpiece (containing the mitochondria) and the tail remain ‘outside’. As a result, the mitochondria of the sperm cell are not passed on to the offspring. The foal receives the mitochondria, which are so important for energy metabolism, exclusively from the mother.
However, a stallion may still be renowned for his performance and pass this on; in this case, however, it is usually due to his physique, muscle attachment and muscle development, etc. Put simply: Whilst mtDNA significantly influences the ‘engine’ (energy), nuclear DNA provides the ‘chassis’ (conformation) and the fundamental genetic predisposition. An optimal performance horse requires the perfect interplay of both. Maternal inheritance thus also explains why the heritability of racing performance is statistically significantly higher between the dam and the foal than between the sire and the foal.
Dam lines and mtDNA As mtDNA is always passed on to the offspring by the mare virtually unchanged, it is an ideal tool for determining and defining the dam line (maternal line). But how is the founder of a mare line identified? In today’s stud-book-organised Arabian breeding, it is usually the mare imported from the Orient (Original Arabian, Desert bred) to which the maternal line
Desert Heritage Magazine • 153
of descent can be traced in an unbroken sequence. Exceptions are a few mares which, for example, are of Oriental descent but were born in Egypt or Europe. For the Bedouins, the maternal lineage was of the utmost importance, and the purity and pedigree of the horse in question were guaranteed through the strains (Koheilan, Saklawi, etc.). Unfortunately, these (orally transmitted) lineages in Arabian breeding do not stand up to scientific scrutiny using mtDNA, as horses from the same lineage sometimes have different mtDNA, and horses with the same mtDNA have different lineage designations. It has also been found that various foundation mares who established a dam line possess identical mtDNA. For instance, RODANIA DB, imported to Crabbet Park in 1869, has the same mtDNA as the Davenport mare WADDUDA DB imported in 1890; MURANA I, imported to Weil in 1816. has the same mtDNA as GAzEllA DB, imported to Poland in 1845; and SzAMRAjOWKA, born in Poland around 1810, has the same mtDNA as BAlKIS DB, imported to France in 1879. So, if one wishes to preserve not just the ‘names’ in the pedigree, but actually the corresponding mtDNA, one must examine the dam lines at a genetic level.
But how can it be that different foundation horses have the same mtDNA? Of course, two imported horses may already be related to one another in their country of origin. This is not at all far-fetched, as buyers in the 19th century often purchased several mares from a single Bedouin tribe; indeed, individual Bedouin tribes were known for their fine horses, and so various purchasing commissions drew upon this experience. So, if two mares have the same mtDNA, this means they share a common ‘ancestor’ on the maternal side. However, it is not so easy to say how far back this common ancestor lies. Genetic diversity But mtDNA can do even more! It is also a tool that can be used to estimate the genetic diversity of a population (e.g. all purebred Arabians in Germany). In our analysis of the 2017 foal crop, 50 dam lines were still represented in Germany; by 2024, this had fallen to 39 dam lines. However, Germany represents only a small part of global Arabian breeding. Globally, therefore, the number of dam lines is likely to be significantly higher. Unfortunately, genetic studies covering all dam lines do not yet exist.
The herd of Arabian broodmares at the Marbach State Stud 154 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Photo: S. Kube
% of lines. If this trend continues, effective diversity will remain low despite the “many” lines.
The Straight Egyptian Nazeer (Mansour x Bint Samiha) emerged as the “stallion of the century” in the state stud of El Zahraa. He influenced Arabian breeding all over the World The number of dam lines is therefore a key indicator of genetic diversity, and the targeted use of mares from rare or under-represented lines actively helps to reduce inbreeding within a population and maintain overall genetic variance. Severe inbreeding and low genetic variance lead to inbreeding depression (loss of vitality) – this is not a ‘disease’, but a general decline in robustness that is often only noticeable over generations. Signs of this include, for example, mares becoming less receptive to insemination, increased embryo mortality, and a decline in the sperm quality of stallions. The animals also often become smaller, more delicate or less resilient. low genetic variation often also means a less flexible immune system. The horses become more susceptible to parasites, infections and allergies (e.g. summer eczema). These signs of inbreeding depression are particularly significant for ‘subpopulations’ such as the ‘Egyptian’ Arabians, because here the paternal line has become genetically very uniform due to the extensive use of a few ‘fashion’ stallions (e.g. Nazeer sons). Numerous different dam lines therefore help to preserve genetic diversity. However, the sheer number of lines says nothing about their distribution, as 50 % of foals in Germany come from the most popular 10
The intermediate ancestors Now, a pedigree consists not only of the sire line and the dam line, but above all of the horses ‘in between’. These are called the ‘intermediate ancestors’ or intermediate generations. However, the genetic diversity of the entire group of intermediate ancestors is also declining massively due to the use of fashionable stallions. It is easy to visualise: if a breeding programme has only stallions from the Saklawi I line (via Nazeer and his various sons) at its disposal, sooner or later all the horses forming the intermediate ancestors will trace back to Nazeer in the male line. This effect is known as the ‘Popular Sire Syndrome’ and leads to formerly distinct intermediate generations becoming genetically homogenised. As a result, those ancestors that were actually intended to serve as a genetic buffer disappear, and the degree of inbreeding increases. The same applies to the dam lines, although genetic diversity is still somewhat greater here. Genomic analysis Modern research focuses on genomic analysis. For while the pedigree represents a probability calculation, genomic analysis provides the biological reality. Two full sisters serve as an example: according to the pedigree, two full sisters (same sire, same dam) should be 100% genetically identical. Genomic analysis, however, shows that in reality they match genetically between 35 % and 65 %. A foal may, by chance, have inherited far more ‘good’ genes from its famous grandfather than its sister, who may have inherited more of the genes from her less talented great-grandmother. A pedigree can therefore tell the breeder who the ancestors were, but not what they actually passed on to the foal. Sport-oriented warmblood breeding associations are already using genomic breeding value estimation. This requires performance data (competition results, scores from stallion performance tests, Desert Heritage Magazine • 155
X-ray findings, etc.), which are then linked to the DNA profile of the horse in question. Since ‘performance’ is not controlled by a single gene but requires the interaction of many genes (polygenic), thousands of data sets must be available (i.e. specific traits and corresponding genetic information). Only As mtDNA is always passed on to the offspring by the mare virtually unchanged, it is an ideal tool for the dam line (maternal line).”
156 • Desert Heritage Magazine
then can an algorithm be created from this data that can determine whether a horse has inherited certain performance parameters. The well-known SCID and CA tests can be regarded as simplified genomic analyses, each analysing only a single gene locus. Pedigree verification is also based on the same technology used for the large-scale genomic analysis for breeding value estimation. Dr Kathrin Stock presented the principle at the 2024 General Meeting of the Arab Horse Society of Germany and explained that only 15 markers are required for pedigree verification, but around 85,000 for genomic analysis. With this volume of data, it is then possible to produce genomic breeding value estimates, though these must be based on breed-specific data. To this end, every parentage verification is to be carried out using this method, so that in future a data pool is created ‘incidentally’. The problem is that this data alone has no statistical significance; it must be ‘linked’ to validated data, for example endurance results or conformation traits, which are best collected via the ‘linear description’ as this generates more data. The database for genomic breeding value estimation requires at least 2,000 horses (5,000
Dubai Stud: Breeding successful show horses
for warmblood associations), so every breeder is urged not only to have their foals tested (as part of the pedigree verification), but also the parent animals, even if these have already been tested using the old method. Newer, state-of-the-art analytical methods now also include the option to determine mtDNA. This means that today, a single test can achieve both: determining the breeding value at the core and verifying the dam line. Intuition or science? Genomic selection is a tool for steering a breeding programme more quickly in a certain direction and thus making it more economical. Yet there are two sides to this coin. We are not yet at the stage where we have the relevant data sets in Arabian breeding, but let’s take this a step further... If all breeders worldwide were to breed the same ‘standard horse’ (e.g. a show horse) and use genomic selection for this purpose, it could lead even more rapidly to a loss of genetic diversity. If we select only for the genes currently considered “ideal” (e.g. extreme head, long neck, long legs), we may lose the genes for hardiness or a calm temperament, which we might urgently need in 20 years’ time under changed market and environmental conditions. But instead of using genomics merely as a booster for economic success, it can also be used as a precision tool to preserve genetic diversity and
biodiversity, for example by identifying ‘genetic outliers’. In every population, there are individuals whose pedigrees appear unremarkable but who carry atypical gene combinations. One could then specifically search for horses whose DNA profiles differ as much as possible from the breed’s ‘mainstream’ and even preserve such horses in gene databases (oocytes, frozen semen). Unfortunately, preserving genetic diversity is expensive, as it produces fewer spectacular champions in the short term. It requires a rethink on the part of the associations: moving away from selecting the ‘top 1 %’ towards valuing the ‘broad base’. Traditional breeding is based on the study of generations. A breeder often recognises the greatgrandmother in a foal. If decisions are made solely on the basis of breeding value indices on a computer, the emotional connection and deep knowledge of the characteristics, origins and history of the bloodlines are lost. Breeding then shifts from an art form to a purely statistical probability. However, if genomics is used as a tool in the experienced breeder’s arsenal, it can help to select healthier and more high-performing horses and preserve the genetic diversity of a population all at the same time. This text was originally published in German in the magazine “Arabian Horses – In The Focus”. Kontact: GWaiditschka@in-the-focus.com Desert Heritage Magazine • 157
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