D E S E RT H E R I TA G E
Magazine
ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE
photo by April Visel
naDeer Al rashediaH naDeer Al rash ediaH Jamil AlSEASON rayyan BREEDING 2020 ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE ANSATA HEJAZI | DANA AL RAYYAN
BREEDING SEASON 2020 Standing at Jadem Arabians Standing at Jadem Arabians Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Al Jasmi Director: Ms. Eileen Verdieck www.alrashediahstud.com General manager: Mr. Franck Boetto eileen@alrashediahstud.com franck@alrashediahstud.com Phone: +1 720 369 0640 Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Mr. Abdul Al Jasmi Phone: +973 6693 3839 www.alrashediahstud.com
www.alrashediahstud.com
naDeer Al rashediaH ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE
BREEDING SEASON 2020 nasEEM Al RashediaH
photo by Stuart Vesty
“"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.. . "”
AL ADEED AL SHAQAB | NABAWEYA EZZAIN
Standing at Jadem Arabians
Standing at Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Al Jasmi Director: Ms. Eileen Verdieck www.alrashediahstud.com General manager: Mr. Franck Boetto eileen@alrashediahstud.com franck@alrashediahstud.com Phone: +1 720 369 0640 Phone: +973 6693 3839
www.alrashediahstud.com
naDeer Al rashediaH naDeer AlSEASON rash ediaH BREEDING 2020 naDeer Al Rash ediaH ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE
photo by Gregor Aymar
“"Some Achieve Greatness"”
ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE
BREEDING SEASON 2020 Standing at Jadem Arabians Standing at Jadem Arabians Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Al Jasmi Director: Ms. Eileen Verdieck www.alrashediahstud.com General manager: Mr. Franck Boetto eileen@alrashediahstud.com franck@alrashediahstud.com Phone: +1 720 369 0640 Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Mr. Abdul Al Jasmi Phone: +973 6693 3839 www.alrashediahstud.com
www.alrashediahstud.com
Amani Al RashediaH
photo by Gregor Aymar
photo by Gregor Aymar
NADEER AL RASHEDIAH | AYANNA AL RASHEDIAH by LAHEEB AL NASSER
joury Al RashediaH NADEER AL RASHEDIAH | JOUD AL RASHEDIAH by RASHDAN AL RASHEDIAH
www.alrashediahstud.com
TRE BALZANE STUD - ITALY TB MALAK
*11.06.2020, straight Egyptian filly Sire: SHAMEKH AL DANAT (Ajmal Al Kout x Ajmal Sherifa by Ansata Sirius) Dam: TB MUNEERA (TB Haifid El Nil x Mia Mouna by Salaa El Dine)
TB MUNEERA
*14/05/2014 Italy, straight Egyptian Sire: TB HAFID EL NIL (Ibn El Nil x Sulifah) Dam: MIA MOUNA (Salaa El Dine x TB Basma)
www.arabi-egiziani.it
HOME
OF SELECTED
STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ARABIAN HORSES TB HAYA
*06.03.2020, straight Egyptian filly Sire: JAMIL AL RAYYAN (Ansata Hejazi x Dana Al Rayyan by Alidaar) Dam: TB HELWA (Ibn El Nil rhm x TB Hasna)
TB HELWA with her filly TB HAYA
*04.2009, Italy Sire: IBN EL NIL (Montasir x Nile Allure by Ansata Halim Shah) Dam: TB HASNA (Ken Mahbub x Sulifah by Alaa Al Din)
TRE BALZANE STUD - ITALY TB NEVINE
*02/ 2019, straight Egyptian filly Sire: NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Nabahweyah Ezzain) Dam: LADIVA NOOR (Ansata Nile Echo x CD Anasta by Safeen)
TB HAMDI
*07/03/2020 Italy, Straight Egyptian colt Sire: NASEEM AL RASHEDIAH (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Nabahweyah Ezzain) Dam: TB HEBA (NK Sharaf El Dine x TB Hasna)
HOME
OF SELECTED
STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN ARABIAN HORSES EGYPTIAN EVENT GOLD CHAMPION MONTEFALCO 2020
NABEEL AL KHALED *2010, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sire: F SHAMAAL (Maysoun x Sarameena) Dam: ANSATA NILE PEARL (Ansata Hejazi x Ansata White Nile) Roos-Savier-Schlereth Partnership Standing at Tre Balzane Stud. Fresh Semen Available.
TRE BALZANE STUD MONIKA SAVIER
06044 Castel Ritaldi, Umbria - ITALY Mobile +39 335 5235135 e-mail: savier@arabi-egiziani.it
www.arabi-egiziani.it
In the cover D E S E RT H E R I TA G E
Magazine
naDeer Al rash ediaH NADEER AL RASHEDIAH ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE ZT FAA I’Q | NK NADINE
BREEDING 2020 photo by SEASON Gregor Aymar
g at abians Standing at Jadem Arabians
Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Al Jasmi
Director: Ms. Eileen Verdieck - eileen@alrashediahstud.com - Phone: +1 720 369 0640 www.alrashediahstud.com General manager: Mr. Franck Boetto - franck@alrashediahstud.com - Phone: +973 6693 3839
www.alrashediahstud.com
December, 4th, 5th & 6th 2020 PARIS - PORTE DE VERSAILLES
40
th
anniversary
www.arabian-horse-world-championship.com
Desert Heritage Magazine n.50 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 Publisher Simone Leo mobile: +39 348 5640190 leo.simon@tiscali.it Editor Fabio Brianzoni fabiobrianzoni56@gmail.com Account Office/Subscription Office Barbara Belloni amministrazione@alimeditrice.it Writers Joe Ferriss Judith Forbis Annalisa Monticelli Tarek Hamza Monika Savier Judith Wich-Wenning Digital Artwork Viviana Castiglioni Printed by AGF Spa 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 instagram: tuttoarabi_magazine www.desertheritagemagazine.com © www.desertheritagemagazine.com
Pag. 17 Hanaya Stud and the Legacy of Kenz Albaydaa Pag. 30 Nadeer Al Rashediah Pag. 48 The Straight Egyptians in Al Amin Stud Pag. 64 Breeding Like 50 Years Ago for Preserving Tomorrow’s Straight Egyptians Pag. 80 Al Tarek Stud Egypt Pag. 90
Ansata Imhotep
Pag. 108 From a Family of Artists Mark Upton Pag. 120 Rafał Walendowski
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IBN NEJDY*
NK
NK NADEER* gr 2005 ARABIAN
NK HAFID JAMIL* gr 1996 ARABIAN GASB
Anwar NK ABLA ARABIAN
NK Anwar is a promising young straight
NK NADIRAH* gr 2001 ARABIAN
NK JAMAL EL DINE* gr 2001 ARABIAN
NK AZIZA* gr 2001 ARABIAN
HELALA* ADNAN* NASHUA
NK HAFID JAMIL* ANSATA KEN RANYA* NK HAFID JAMIL* NK ASILA
Egyptian stallion with type and carisma. He was bred by Dr. Nagel at the Katharinenhof stud. Since two years his home is in Siena at Al Ciazar stud, owned by Luca Ciaffarafa. For 2021 he will start his career as breeding stallion in Europe.
AL CIAZAR STUD owner: Luca Ciaffarafa 53100 Siena - Italy - mobile +39 3771711222 lucaciaffarafa@inwind.it
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adeer
N
AL RASHEDIAH
Some Achieve Greatness - simply by birth by Joe Ferriss z photos by Gregor Aymar
For Nadeer Al Rashediah, greatness was destined to be his birthright because he epitomizes the perfect balance of excellence one would expect from his royal pedigree. A son of the incomparable ZT Faaiq guarantees greatness in Nadeer. ZT Faaiq was not only a Junior World Champion Colt and European Junior Champion Colt, among other wins, but became a very successful sire of champions internationally. In fact, Nadeer Al Rashediah is from one of the world’s most celebrated patriarchies being a grandson of Anaza El Farid, who is also the grandsire of World Champion Stallion Marwan Al Shaqab. Add to this Nadeer’s patriarchy is handed down by Ruminaja Ali, one of the most prolific sire lines of global champions in nearly all bloodlines of Arabians.
Nadeer Al Rashediah will be passing on his greatness for generations to come.
Following in these footsteps of greatness, as a young horse Nadeer’s extraordinary balance and beauty were applauded in Bahrain with the titles of 2016 Bahrain Egyptian Event Gold Champion Colt and 2018 Bahrain Show Gold Champion Stallion. Likewise, Nadeer’s three-quarter sister Nadirah Al Rashediah won 2016 Egyptian Event Europe Silver Champion Yearling Filly, 2016 Straight Egyptian World Championship Silver Champion Yearling Filly, and 2018 Gulf Straight Egyptian Cup Gold Champion Filly. From this kind of breeding, one can assuredly expect that
Finally, the golden threads woven throughout the beautiful tapestry of Nadeer Al Rashediah’s pedigree are: the immortal broodmare Hanan who appears ten times in his precious lineage, and the most esteemed sire Ansata Ibn Halima who appears eight times in Nadeer’s pedigree.
His greatness also descends from his exceptional dam NK Nadine, bred pure in the strain Hadban Enzahi from the line of the beautiful EAO mare Bint Kamla. NK Nadine is a perfect genetic powerhouse built upon 37.5% concentration of the beautiful Hadban Enzahi mare Nashua, who is herself the full sister to Nejdy. He is sire of the celebrated Ibn Nejdy who is most potently expressed in his son the incomparable NK Hafid Jamil, paternal grandsire of NK Nadine. Her sire, the magnificent NK Nadeer, is a full brother to NK Naeema, 2013 Egyptian Event Europe Silver Champion Mare, and 2013 Berlin Cup Gold Champion Mare.
From every angle of Nadeer’s shimmering bright bay colored form one sees perfect balance and harmony, from head to tail. He is an unforgettable sight to see... a natural born image of greatness, who will create a legacy to be long remembered. q
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RUMINAJA ALI ANAZA EL FARID
adeer
ZT FAA’IQ
N
BINT DEENAA JAMIL
ZT JAMDUSAH
AL RASHEDIAH
IES SONDUSAH
NK HAFID JAMIL NK NADEER
NK NADIRAH
NK NADINE NAHAMAN NK NABEELAH
NASHUA
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zt faa’iq
nk nadine
photo by Gregor Aymar
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adeer
N
AL RASHEDIAH Progeny
Ora Aljazla
NADEER AL RASHEDIAH | SAFFIRE BY SHANGHAI EA BREEDER: AL ORASIA STUD BAHRAIN
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Amani Al RashediaH
NADEER AL RASHEDIAH | AYANNA AL RASHEDIAH by LAHEEB AL NASSER
joury Al RashediaH
NADEER AL RASHEDIAH | JOUD AL RASHEDIAH by RASHDAN AL RASHEDIAH Desert Heritage Magazine • 39
naDeer Al rashediaH ZT FAA’IQ | NK NADINE
BREEDING SEASON 2020
Standing at Jadem Arabians
Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi & Mr. Rashed Al Jasmi
Director: Ms. Eileen Verdieck - eileen@alrashediahstud.com - Phone: +1 720 369 0640 www.alrashediahstud.com General manager: Mr. Franck Boetto - franck@alrashediahstud.com - Phone: +973 6693 3839
www.alrashediahstud.com
MALIK EL NILE
SA
amil Al Rayyan by he first om thetype producer ding ia. The world. His dam is Marina he two by Ibn El Nil. lwa wever, tracing to ytistrain, and ti read res at Nagel’s stud traight brother to the Gold sought,
nd the uld lay tuds in ith this sata n Alba-Najdi and out at espeas a very successful Albania_Layout 1 11/05/20 16:35 Pagina 13 nimpa were AQ ny races. DORRI He was e built s much nd with his 15 years With four years of age, Persja Al Qusar (*2013) arnally, it Stables from Al Qusar stud in Germany. horse inrived thein LG farm. mares: She is as well belonging to the Dahman Shahwan Pedigreestrain, andtracing tried to the Farida strain. Her grand dam is the famous Ansata by isarefirst foals are of Princessa by Prince Fa Moniet. She is by show champion SI Sidi Rayyan by Turki Al by Dr. Rayyan - Ashhal Al Rayyan. Kadir, a
AQ is ad her Kadir
SHARIFAH AQ
TB Shirin (*2017) was as well imported from Tre
an Open For next year, the LGstud Arabians team isNK planning Balzane in Italy. Her sire is Mahir by Safir Al Rayyan. Her dam is Diva Shalima, an Adnan House event and would like to invite interested breeders granddaughter. She belongs to the Dahman Shahwan from all over the world. isKamar definitely it. However, strain, tracingItto – Sabahworth family. This year she might be covered for the first time.
TB Hekaya (*2018) was siredArabian by Rayyan AlFarm Naif by- lgarab LUGU I GEGËVE LG
The bay mare Shariha Pasha (*2013) came from Italy to the stables in Albania. Her sire is Ibn Emir Sinan by Ansata Emir Sinan. She is out of the bay mare Princess Pasha, bred by Dr. Girolamo Dibenedetto in Sicily. She gave to her new owners three wonderful fillies in the last four years: LG Afra (*2017) by Radhjai Ouhara, LG Habiba (*2018) by Kamaal AQ and LG Azra (*2019), sired as well by Kamaal AQ. Shariha Pasha belongs to the Dahman Shahwan strain and is tracing to famous Kamar – Sabah family.
Sherif, as. He ns Rusold to cellent ovotna a numTB Jaleelah (*2014) by Nil Del Guado, out of Jasline, was Q, out as well imported from Italy. She was bred by Tre Balzane strain. Stud in Umbria and belongs to the Dahman Shawan he nice strain. She is tracing to the famous Ansata Bint Bukra, the n 2020 KAMAAL AQ foundation mare of Ansata Stud in the USA. Her first foal Shaha at LG Arabians was LG Amira (*2020) by Kamaal AQ. k (*2018) is the son of Jamil Al Rayyan by LADIVA NOAA
ejazy. He is an outstanding type producer y champion foals in the world. His dam is COLTS AND by STALLIONS lzane root mare TB Helwa Ibn El Nil.AT LG ARABIANS AQ (*2014)tracing was thetolast son of the 1991 in the onging to theKamaal Obayan strain, USA born mare Orient Queen. mares at Nagel’s stud She was a daughter of ne of the foundation Alidaar an important brood mare of the Dahman ny. TB Farouk is the fulland brother to the Gold Shahwan family, tracing to Kamar and El Dahma n filly TB Fayza. (1880), the famous root mare of Ali Pasha Sharif. His
Blendi Bani,
Ashhal Al Rayyan out of Ansata Aya Nadira, Bint Bukra Family. Her dam is the Obayan mare TB Heba, an important root mare at Tre Balzane stud, tracing to Marah, one of the foundation mares of Dr. Nagel’s Katharinenhof.
TB Maha (*2018) is one of the most typiest daughters of international Show Champion and Junior SE World Champion, Naseem Al Rashediah. She arrived from Tre Balzane stud in 2019. Her dam is TB Muneera by TB Hafid El Nil and out of Mia Mouna TB MAHA by Salaa El Dine. MALIK EL NILE
KAMAAL AQ
LaDiva Noaa (*2015) came from LaDiva Stud in Belgium to Albania. She is the daughter of Sahib, one of the best sons of Salaa El Dine. Her dam CD Anasta MALIK EL NIL by Safeen is the corner stone at La Diva stud. LG
TB Farouk (*2018) is the son of Jamil Al Rayyan by Ansata Hejazy. He is an outstanding type producer with many champion foals in the world. His dam is the Tre Balzane root mare TB Helwa by Ibn El Nil. She is belonging to the Obayan strain, tracing to Marah, one of the foundation mares at Nagel’s stud
SHARIHA PASHA
AR
LADIVA OMAR
TB FAROUK
TB MAHA MALIK EL NILE
LG KADIR LG AFRA
SHARIHA PASHA
TB SHIRIN TB FAROUK
LADIVA OMAR
LG AZRA
Blendi Bani, Ilir Shyto and Jaho Shyti, the team of LG Arabian Farm
For next year, the LG Arabians team is planning an Open House event and would like to invite interested breeders from all over the world. It is definitely worth it. However,
LG HABIBA
visitors should also take a few days to get to know the LG KADIR country and its people and especially its breath-taking nature, along the coasts and in the mountains.
LUGU I GEGËVE LG Arabian Farm - lgarabianfarm@gmail.com - Mobile: +44 7490 293479
LG KADIR
mpa Albania_Layout 1 11/05/20 16:34 Pagina 11
TB SHIRIN LG AZRA
SHARIHA PASHA TB FAROUK
TB SHIRIN TB JALEELAH
SHARIHA PASHA
LADIVA OMAR
LG AFRA
e r n n r
TB FAROUK
y t a, g s
LG KADIR
s E d B a
e a
NOAA
PERSJA AL QUSAR
TB MAHA
LG AISHA
MALIK EL NILE TB SHIRIN LG AZRA
LADIVA OMAR
TB MAHA MALIK EL NILE KAMAAL AQ
TB Farouk (*2018) is the son of Jamil Al Rayyan by ANS Ansata Hejazy. He is an outstanding type producer 91 in the with many champion foals in the world. His dam is ghter of the Tre Balzane root mare TB Helwa by Ibn El Nil. Dahman She is belonging to the Obayan strain, tracing to Dahma Marah, one of the foundation mares at Nagel’s stud arif. His AQ in Germany. TB Farouk is the full brother to the Gold , out of Champion filly TB Fayza. mportant ast. His ars of age,Malik Persja Al Qusar (*2013) arEl Nile (*2005), son of Ansata Najdi and out ccessful Stables Al Qusar studbyin of AM Alia El Nile AlGermany. Kidir, was a very successful oduced from Endurance winning many races. He was ians. ll belonging to the horse, Dahman Shahwan never strain. disqualified lameness and g to the Farida Herfor grand dam iswith his 15 years now, he is still a perfect riding horse in the farm. ata Nile Ansata Princessa by Prince Fa Moniet. Roland liked as well his Ansata Pedigree and tried support
Blendi Bani, Ilir Shyto and Jaho Shyti, the team of LG Arabian Farm
visitors should also take a few days to get to know the For next year, the LG Arabians team is planning an Open House event and would like to invite interestedSHARIFAH breeders AQ country and its people and especially its breath-taking from all over the world. It is definitely worth it. However, nature, along the coasts and in the mountains. LUGU I GEGËVE LG
TB Shirin (*2017) was as well imported from Tre Balzane in Italy. Her sire is NK Mahir by Safir - Mobile: +44 7490 293479 Arabian Farmstud - lgarabianfarm@gmail.com Al Rayyan. Her dam is Diva Shalima, an Adnan Blendi Bani, Ilir Shyto and Jaho Shyti, the team of LG Arabian Farm granddaughter. She belongs to the Dahman Shahwan visitors should also take a few days to get to know the For next year, the LG Arabians team is planning an Open strain, tracing to and Kamar Sabah family. This year country and its people and especially its breath-taking House event would–like to invite interested breeders
Photo: Judith Wich-Wenning
www.desertheritagemagazine.com
Š
Orienta Arabians presents...
Ansata Malik Bey (Ansata Malik Shah x MB Moneena by Safeen) Straight Egyptian Stallion born 2006, Saklawi Jedran Bint Mona - Moniet El Nefous line
Photo: Judith Wich-Wenning
Orienta Adnan
(Fahad Al Rayyan x Orienta Aysha by Al Adeed Al Shaqab), Straight Egyptian Colt, born 2018, Kohailan Rodan, Riyala Malaka Family
Orienta Arabians Judith Wich-Wenning Eichenbuehl 26, 96352 Wilhelmsthal, Germany Tel.: ++49 (0) 9260 9639022 - E-mail: JudithWich@t-online.de www.OrientaArabians.com - Straight Egyptians -
© www.desertheritagemagazine.com
“Al Amin Stud’s relationship with El Zahraa is very strong and goes back more than 25 years, as our state stud is the only stud in the world which owns a large number of the old Najdi horses, known today as “straight Egyptian Arab Horses”. Our attention and cooperation as Al Amin Stud to El Zahraa is the only road of heritage we choose to take. Al Amin Stud started its breeding program of Arabian Horses in the early 90ies with the best horses from El Zahraa.” Mohamed Amin, Cairo
The Straight Egyptians in
Al Amin Stud A Breeding Strategy and its History - Part II
by Monika Savier and Tarek Hamza photo by Mohab El Shayat
The city of Cairo is a daily challenge even for her 20 million inhabitants – it’s hard to imagine there are thousands of Arabian horses living in it, too. Astonishing as it may appear, it is a tradition in Egypt, according to historic literature. Even 150 years ago, at the time of the Khedives and Pashas, that’s how it was done: The pure Arabian horses would usually live in buildings right within the city, to be harnessed and presented mainly on occasions of representation. Only the most privileged and the nobles would keep their horses in the green belts around the city, such as Gize or the islands of the Nile river, to the West of the city. Meanwhile, the air in greater Cairo is so bad that house building has extended into the desert to the East of the city. If you leave Cairo on Highway 6 heading eastward, you will find many big studs there today, all located in various well-guarded resorts in the sand desert along the highway. Achmed Oraby is the name of the resort that the Egyptian businessman and passionate Arabian horse breeder Mr Mohamed Amin has chosen to build his
50 • Desert Heritage Magazine
stud in. Uniformed police do vehicle checks at the entrance to the residential area, from there it’s several kilometers by car through this protected oasis of the well-to-do. A boulevard lined with palm trees leads the way into the heart of the Amin family premises, which are a big garden of palm trees, cacti, blossoming bougainvillea, buildings, and various paddocks, all surrounded by barns with horses putting their heads through big windows and looking at us with friendly expressions in their beautiful faces. Mohamed Amin comments: „I love Arabian horses, they are a cultural achievement of my forefathers and I want to continue this tradition here. We owe a lot to our horses. They made our culture known all over the world. All of this is why I decided to build a horsefriendly stud for them out here. The horses are turned out in the sand paddocks in groups every day, enabling them to live a social life together. I know this is not commonplace here in Cairo, so we developed this concept together with my consultant from Germany. We are partners in all questions concerning breeding
Open House at Al Amin Stud
and accommodating the horses.“ (Desert Heritage already published a report, in the spring of 2020, on Al Amin Stud and their joint venture with German breeder Peter Gross.) It’s not just the white mares of the Dahman Shahwan family in his stud whom visitors find formidable, but also the black Arabians who make their striking impressions no later than when they can present their flying gaits in the arena. „I love the black Arabians, I’ve always been fascinated by them, maybe partly because they are rare here in the Cairo area. They are just what I dream of. My ideal is to breed black Arabians featuring the type of a refined Ghazal – however, we are still working on that“, so Mohamed Amin says. The horses of El Zahraa, the state stud, are something Mr Amin keeps speaking of – they are what he is proud of, they are near and dear to him just the way their national soccer team may be to other people in the country. He wants to do his best to maintain and support the gene pool. Here is what Tarek Hamza writes on the topic of Al Amin stud: “Mohamed Amin decided to cut the story short, using
some EAO stallions on his broodmares. The choice fell on using two chief sires descended from the Moniet El Nefous family. The results were astonishing and it looks like this was a perfect match. Hence, going back to the origins was not a bad idea. In 2019, a very exquisite filly was born out of this new combination: Alwan Al Amin by the EAO stallion Shafea, who is a Tagweed son, and out of the elite mare Ahlam Al Amin, a daughter of the famous Omneya El Hayah and tracing back to the Moheba II family. This filly was purchased by Marion Richmond of Simeon stud and was on her way to Australia in May 2020. This mare Ahlam Al Amin has never made a single mistake. She has consistently produced very nice colts and fillies of very high quality. Mohamed Amin has great faith in this mare and he decided to retain a very special colt out of her, called Ashaab Al Amin, for his future breeding plans. In April 2020, another filly was born from the same mare by crossbreeding to another EAO stallion, Hasem who is a son of the famous Rawwah and out of the elite EAO mare Mobtasema. This combination tested by Al Amin stud seems to be working very well and gives us a strong hope to see a good continuity for this breeding program in Egypt. “ Desert Heritage Magazine • 51
Interview with Mohamed Amin Monika Savier: Al Amin stud nowadays is a famous farm with many horses. Do you breed for show and beauty or do you have also other aims you strive for? Mohamed Amin: I breed horses while keeping in mind several aims. Firstly, I am working on preserving the tail female line of the mare Moheba II through her daughter Mona III, by increasing the number of horses relevant to this family and selecting the best stallions that are expected to produce well with the family. Sometimes I decide to use some stallions based on a vision of mine, inserting them for inbreeding, linebreeding or outcrossing in order to correct a particular aspect or to add something to my breeding program. Secondly, I have in mind the show ring and Al Amin stud has been doing well so far, though I participate in just a limited number of shows per year. I have some horses who won several titles in shows - for example the mare Marwa Al Amin out of our famous mare Mashuga Al Amin by NK Hafid Jamil, and out of Mabrukah tracing back to this same family of Moheba II. This introduction of the NK horses into our breeding stock served very well to enhance our program. In addition, I try to always provide good care and a healthy farm environment because we believe that this will find expression in our horses. Monika Savier: In recent years, you greatly reduced the number of your horses. Which selection criteria did you use for the horses you kept? Which horses are the most important ones for you? Mohamed Amin: I have been focusing, in order to reduce the number of horses in my farm, on several factors. Among them of course, is to retain good quality horses. You know, at a certain point I exceeded 220 horses! And now I managed through certain sales to reduce the number to 150 horses. I developed a local sales list as well as an international sales list for 52 • Desert Heritage Magazine
some other very good quality horses to whom I may have alternatives or replacers in my breeding program. I have mainly three very important families in Al Amin stud. • Firstly I have the Moheba II family. • Secondly, I have the family of Bint Toali by Anaza Al Farid and tracing back to the mare Nazeera, a Koheilan Rodan in strain. • Thirdly, I have the family of the exquisite El Zahraa Hadban Enzahi mare named Awrak Al Ward EAO by Gabbour and out of Nahawand tracing back to Bint Rustem. I have many important mares. The most important one for me is my foundation mare Omnia El Hayah by Sheikh El Araby and out of Bint Molesta. Actually, Omnia El Hayah did very well for our breeding farm since she succeeded in producing two very nice fillies that turned to be among the best mares currently owned by our stud: these are the famous mare Ahlam Al Amin by El Thay Moufid, and Bint Omnia by Al Nakeeb. Last year, Marion Richmond of Simeon stud bought a filly out of Ahlam Al Amin by an EAO stallion.. Another important mare within the same family would be Mashuga Al Amin, and also Mesteka Al Amin which is by Ansata Al Murtajiz and out of Moheba Merlina tracing back to Malikah, a full sister of Moheba II. From the Nazeera family, I have the mare Alya Al Amin by Moulay Pasha and out of Bint Toali. This mare is a full sister to the exquisite stallion Adham Al Amin who is a show champion who won the most classic head in the El Zahraa Championships three years ago. Monika Savier: How is the market in Egypt right now, which problems are you facing, which chances do you see for the future? Mohamed Amin: In general, Egypt has a large market. A lot of Egyptians are interested in breeding
horses and preserving this noble creature. The problem we are facing in Egypt is that many horse advertising channels have been reduced in recent years, preventing many local breeders from selling. We used to have a good race scene and several races were held on a weekly basis for Arabian horses, be it in Cairo or Alexandria. Unfortunately, this race activity has been interrupted or reduced due to certain decisions, and we hope to see it back again soon in order to help this business. Another challenge is the still-existing partial ban on Egyptian horse exportation and the very high fees for this exportation process, both of which hinder some local breeders from accessing the international market. However, we are still very optimistic for the future of the country and especially for the horse business. Currently, the State is building a new facility and a racetrack within the new capital East of Cairo and planning to promote the whole business. Monika Savier: The globalization of the Arabian horses has suffered very much during the Corona lock down. Which are your plans for next year? Can we expect an international Open House on your farm again, to party with your horses? Mohamed Amin: Actually, our activities did not
stop completely, but they were reduced for a while due to this Corona pandemic and lock down. In the past few years, Al Amin stud realized the importance of exchanging knowledge in the field of Arabian horse breeding, so it decided to form a sort of a salon for gathering a small number of elite and selective Arabian horse breeders to discuss ideas and exchange knowledge about Arabian horses. The members of this group usually meet in one of the farms, between three to four times a year, to enjoy Arabian horses and the shop talk about them. In addition, Al Amin stud invites annually for an international Open House to take place at the farm, in order to present to the Arabian horse breeding world what’s new about our bloodlines and our own experience. This is usually scheduled to be held after one of the major Egyptian shows and most likely after the El Zahraa show in November. This year we plan to host it at the same date in November - provided there are no travel restrictions or bans. We would be glad to invite whoever is interested in the Arabian horse world to follow our breeding program and of course we are inviting some famous breeders, judges, photographers, equine journalists, and media. I hope that this will make a good occasion to exchange knowledge and enjoy Arabian horses together.  q
Molesta III (Amal Al Khaled x Mokesta II) owned by Al Amin stud and wining the fillies Gold championship at El Zahraa National Show Desert Heritage Magazine • 53
Omayma Al Amin
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DF Samid | Omneyat Al Amin
Sahar Al Amin DF Samid | Adwana
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Omneyat Al Amin 56 • Desert Heritage Magazine
DF Samid | Adwana
Besheer Al Amin Amal Al Khaled | Boshra
Adwana Shaikeel | Arkaba
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Awraq El Ward
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Gabour | Nahawand
Mesteka Al Amin Ansata Al Murtjajiz | Moheba Merlina
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Tamara Al Amin
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DF Raheem | Bint Toali
Melouky Al Amin Arif Al Khaled | Malikah
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Alya Al Amin
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Moulay Pasha | Bint Toali
Horses for Sale
Petra Al Amin
Dahman Shahwan strain *22.12.2015 grey (Sheikh el Khorafy x Mahboubaty)
Momtaza Al Amin
Dahman Shahwan strain *18.10.2016 grey (Al Faraby x Monira)
Sahar Al Amin
Kohailan Rodan strain *19.01.2016 grey (Samid x Adwana)
Salman Al Marbat
Saglawi Jedran strain *2007 grey (Ezz Ezzain x Ghazallah)
Borhan Al Amin
Dahman Shahwan strain *13.11.2015 bay (Shah El Khorafy x Bint Omnia)
Al Amin Stud
owner: Mr. Mohamed Amin 6 North Line, Ahmed Orabi Agriculture Association, Obour city- Egypt Farm manager: Dr. Noora Faawzy email: m.amin@alamintech.com - mobile: +2 01222109582 - Info contact: Mr. Mohamed Amin Desert Heritage Magazine • 63
Breeding Like 50 Years Ago
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for Preserving Tomorrow’s Straight Egyptians by Monika Savier z All Pictures by Joanna Jonientz
On Katharinenhof Stud in North Germany, a lot of legendary stallions were born and raised. Jamil, Salaa El Dine, Adnan, NK Hafid Jamil, NK Jamal El Dine, NK Nadeer and others are stallions, and Hanan, Ghazalla, Nashua and Mahiba are mares, who stamped SE breeding globally. Katharinenhof breeding products continued to be sought after and all crises were weathered smoothly. The „Nagel stallions“ have a reputation as modern „type improvers“ and have been instilling their refinement in many a more heavy line in the course of the generations. Big black eyes, small ears, a fine muzzle, high tail carriage, and powerful flying gaits are genetically consolidated in the Katharinenhof stock. However, there is something almost nobody will talk about, but something that needs just the same amount of appreciation for being another important Big Point: all of them are friendly horses willingly cooperating with humans. They learn quickly and they love to learn, and despite their markedly hot temperaments, they are ideal pet animals who will treat humans as their family. All of these are traits that will unfortunately get hardly any attention in today’s industrialized show world. What are the reasons for the success of these horses? Certainly, the scientifically based and developed breeding concept plays an important role in the background. However, it is not only the genetic approach that counts – furthermost; there are the
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NK Nadirah, one of the corner stones in the farm
surroundings the horses grow up in, and the way they can do it, and know-how about reproduction. All of them are key elements for the worldwide success. Katharinenhof is not a business model; so much is for sure, but rather a cultural contribution towards preserving the Straight Egyptians. This preservation has been a success for decades now, and came associated with distinct breeding improvements in the course of the generations and with an everincreasing fixation of the NK type in the breeding stock as a whole. There is another example of how Katharinenhof stud takes its own unorthodox path. For generations now, the digitalization of horses has made effective advertising possible, by way of social media. Public relations work underwent a structural transformation,
and in that prevailing urge to be digitally visible, there is a certain desire that particularly wants to establish itself: to display horses, highly trained and artificially beautified, on the occasions of shows; to win titles. That is quite obviously also a kind of self-presentation of the horse owners, and makes a rather marginal contribution towards improving the breed. However, Katharinenhof has been taking another course: no participation in shows, no internet presence, no Facebook entries, and no photos uploaded to Instagram. Social media remain mostly unused, except for occasional publications in printed media. Interested breeders will visit Dr Nagel for a cup of tea; horses will be presented, if so requested, with minimum preparation; and the breeders will shortly learn what they always wanted to know about breeding.
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While in the show breeders’ world, „natural foals“ have been a thing of the past for some time, Katharinenhof is among the minority of horse people who grant their breeding stock natural freedom in reproduction and successfully resist the dominance of Biotech in their barns. Modern reproductive technology has not been assigned
The NK Boys Group
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a place in Katharinenhof stud, stallions do their covering naturally or in pasture only – which is sure to benefit their mental balance and relaxed friendliness. Mares are not abused for stressful procedures such as embryo transfer. The only foals to be found on Katharinenhof stud are „ class A foals“, true offspring of true dams, which is epigenetically speaking sure to have beneficial effects on the development of the foals and the minds of their dams. Dr Nagel turned 90 years old this year, however, his „old school“ approach to breeding is everything but outdated today. Nothing slips the attention of this ever-curious breeder, nothing that may make for new understanding or may earn practical application. The breeding operation for straight Egyptian Arabian horses on Katharinenhof stud with its almost 40 horses is, today, an innovative experiment, basically mimicking historic Arabian
Young NK Mares
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breeding as it was usually done in the closed Bedouin tribes of the countries of origin. Katharinenhof ‘s studbook is closed as well, meaning that for about 35 years now, no outside horses have been included in breeding – all matings are generated among the breeding stock of the stud. To do this, extensive know-how in genetics is required, so as to avoid the risks presented by overly narrow inbreeding; as well as a foundation population of stallions and mares that is as solid, healthy, and correct as possible. This concept has been extensively discussed, and not every breeder would like to adhere to it. However, regarding the physical appearance of the so-called NK Arabians, the success proves him right in many respects. The Big Points of these horses are genetically consolidated, and weaknesses that had originally been put up with have vanished in the course of time. How can that be? I asked Dr Nagel himself how his breeding concept works, and why it’s a fact that even in the year 2020, there is, playing on the pastures together with their dams, a generation of foals whom everybody would like to take home at once?
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Interview with Dr. Hans Nagel, Katharinenhof stud Monika Savier: Dr. Nagel, that offspring really made an impression on me. Who are the stallions that sired the 2019 and 2020 foals? Dr. Nagel: Right now, the active sires are the two stallions NK Nabhan and NK Nizam, with occasionally our senior stallion NK Nadeer being used. Monika Savier: Can they be used for all mares? Dr. Nagel: They can be used for all mares, yes – however, we adhere to a mating plan that’s drafted anew every year. My stock comprises mares by NK Nadeer. NK Jamal el Din and NK Kamar el Din, and will before long also include mares by NK Nabhan and NK Nizam. Maternally, these mares tail back to 4 important mare strains of El Zahraa Stud in Egypt, which are the Obayan, Siglawi, Hadban Enzahi, and Dahman Shawan strains. The biggest group among the 20 mares are the Hadbans, the smallest are the Dahman Shawans. There is a simple explanation for this difference: if there are many fillies born into a mare group, it can grow quickly; however if mainly colts are born, a closed population in particular is susceptible to problems as to maintaining these groups. This fact also influences, of course, how strict selection can be and what progress can be made in particular families. Monika Savier: How narrow are your matings, on a percentage basis, with respect to possible inbreeding? Dr. Nagel: There are two answers to that. For one thing, on Katharinenhof stud half sibling
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matings are done as the most closely related matings. All the others are combinations involving (male) cousins and nieces. It should be mentioned that in most technical writing, half sibling matings are not included in the „inbreeding” category. And for the other thing, I don’t deal in percentages. They are a purely mathematical point of view and give no more than a crude reflection of the biological dimension. My approach is getting to know the true genetic composition of a breeding horse, which is possible and feasible via DNA analysis. For my most important breeding horses, these analyses have been done and are an important basis for the yearly mating plan. In addition, I have done my breeding work on a closed basis for 35 years, and the data accumulated from that ideally serves to complement the data from genetic analysis. Monika Savier: Are there more reasons, apart from the number of colts being born, for the smaller size of your Dahman Shawan family group – in other breeding operations, this strain is given quite a lot of particular attention and they go to pains to make room for these horses? Dr. Nagel: My Dahman Shawan group is something special, as all of the members are derived, on the paternal side, from the Nazeer sire line. No stallions from other lines are represented in my Dahman family group. This fact in itself is enough to limit their numbers, as horses qualifying for that are rare. In other breeding operations as well as in El Zahraa, such mares are not to be found any more at all. The family is a bit short-legged overall, some foreleg weakness is to be found, and swaybacks may be associated with this group; and all of that is known
to interested breeders. These are, however, traits of their outward appearance which are not recessive. Anybody who wants to change that can do so, as traits such as these can be changed or eliminated, in the course of time, by way of systematic selection. They may reappear in their offspring, at a rate of 2 to 3 percent, and can be controlled by giving strict consideration to further matings. None of these reasons contributed to the fact that on my stud, the Dahman Shawan are the smallest family group; that’s really a matter of many colts having been born for so many generations. Monika Savier: A short question: Because of your closed breeding system, with the other strains you have, their original family traits should be discernible, too – are they? Dr. Nagel: That’s a rather long story, for in the first place, there would have to exist a respective definition or description of the original family strain, such as has been bred in El Zahraa for 100 years. Such definitions, however, do not exist. There are, here and then, rudimentary beginnings to be found, such as a description of the most important foundation mares written by different experts, on horses such as Moniet el Nefous, Bukra, Kamla, or Yashmak. Some of these opinions are well known to me and I much appreciate them, however, I made a definition of my own in the course of the years. This approach is necessarily subjective and offers lots of topics for discussion, however it’s probably the only possible source. It’s quite astonishing anyway that without a lot of input, certain family images have survived and been formed. It means that certain family traits must be well consolidated in the dam line. - With my own approach, I add another element, which is that I only use stallions from a single sire line, the line of Nazeer, which is probably somewhat
of a correcting influence without becoming really dominant or altering the type. Monika Savier: What is the Katharinenhof position on embryo transfer? Dr. Nagel: Reproductive methods such as these should be applied in farm animal breeding only. That is where they are highly effective and successful, such as in cattle breeding. Maybe in crossbreeding for sports horse production, which also aims to generate utility animals for special purposes. Regarding the breeding of Arabian horses, I am opposed to using such methods and tried, when I was one of responsible persons in WAHO, to keep the excessive use of this method at bay. This was partly successful; the majority of WAHO member countries today will only permit the registration of a maximum of two foals per mare and year. Some countries ignore the WAHO recommendations, and much to my regret, there are some Arabian countries among them.
Mrs. Nawal Nagel and Dr. Hans Nagel in their home office at Katharinenhof.
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They will not see reason at all, despite the fact that the negative results and the reservations regarding this kind of reproduction are commonly known. I envy the situation in Thoroughbred breeding, which is a major and the first breeding association founded worldwide. For the good of their breeding population, they strictly prohibit the unnatural hightech embryo transfer method, and even artificial insemination.
included, are an important part of dealing with Arabian horses, and of course they serve advertising purposes and marketing as well. They ought not to be the only part. I would like to mention the “Noble Show” in the Netherlands as an alternative for a show circus that is partly out of touch with the real world. The event as well as the idea itself are capable of lots of development. Events such as these serve to bring back into the foreground the whole spectrum of breeding activities and the unclouded joy in Monika Savier: Globally available frozen Arabian horses. The attraction of winning prizes semen, very convenient as it may be, has a is not for everybody, and without some control highly problematic side effect: since frozen imposed, it involves quite a few negative aspects. semen is available worldwide, our colts have Why don’t more breeders decide to invite for “open unfortunately much declined in worth. Are there house” events? Maybe in combination with seminars countermeasures? Is that a part our breeding on interesting topics, for there are enough topics to associations may have to play? choose from. Dr. Nagel: As to my personal attitudes on that Arabian horses, with their great past and their topic, I just outlined them, and the consequences versatile disposition, are already on their way to falling are contained in your question. I fail to recognize, as low as they have never before to be show horses on the part of our officials, a general prohibition or first and foremost. That is so little to be, so very little just more lenient – however, it may measures for be meaningful for Reproductive methods such as embryo transfer curbing the should be applied in farm animal breeding only. (…) those who try to excessive use of find, within these Regarding the breeding of Arabian horses, I am doubtful methods. surroundings and opposed to using such methods and tried, when So, how to deal this spectacle, I was one of responsible persons in WAHO, to keep with this topic is recognition and the excessive use of this method at bay. up to the sense of approval for their responsibility of own selves. individual breeders. Personally, I decided to breed Despite all that, I have met many breeders, according to the principles that nature specified. passionate and experienced people, in Europe, in Monika Savier: Did showing operations promote the USA, and in the East, who are not seized by this this development? inclination towards the showing circus. They just Dr. Nagel: Without any doubt: Yes. Be that as it love the breed, and for many, handling their horses may, however, the clock can’t be turned back. Things is the loveliest pastime there is in this world, a can only be changed by decisions and measures taken refreshing counterbalance for today’s harsh working in the future. Grumbling about the past is pointless. environment, which hardly anybody can evade Shows, with all of their positive and negative aspects anymore, neither physically nor psychologically.
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Thank you for the interview. It was about time that someone like you spoke clearly on the critical issues of Arabian breeding. Many breeders need a reorientation of their breeding approach towards quality and not quantity. I see that you are personally enjoying your breeding activities very much, and I am sure it is thanks to the
approach of yours that your breeding operation has steadily grown for more than 50 years now, and that with every generation and every foal crop, interesting new individuals are born. Now it is the turn of the youngest stallions at the Katharinenhof stud , who are NK Nabhan and NK Nizam, to present their offspring from the last two years.
NK Amal El Dine (NK Nabhan x NK Abla) 2020
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NK Chehab El Dine (NK Nabhan x NK Nahla) 2020
NK Ayali (NK Nizam x NK Abla) 2019
NK Nawaal (NK Nabhan x NK Nazli) 2020
NK Nassar (NK Nabhan x NK Nour) 2019
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NK Hussain El Dine (NK Nabhan x NK Habiba) 2019
NK Lam El Dine (NK Nabhan x NK Lina) 2019
NK Nashmiya (NK Nadeer x NK Bint Bint Nashua) 2020
NK Najdiah (NK Nabhan x NK Nakibya) 2019
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NK Labeeb (NK Nabhan x NK Lina) 2020
NK Layal (NK Nizam x NK Lateefa) 2019
NK Leilah (NK Nabhan x NK Larissa) 2020
NK Luna (NK Nizam x NK Lateefa) 2020
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NK Naala ( NK Nabhan x NK Nadirah) 2017 (2)
NK Nael (NK Nizam x NK Nina) 2020
Dr. Hans Nagel and Monika Savier
NK Nahar (NK Nadeer x NK Nerham) 2019
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“Experience shows that champions not necessarily reproduce champions and this is what makes breeding horses challenging and unique�. Tarek Hamza
Al TarekStud Egypt Breeding Based on Tradition and Passion An interview with Egyptian breeder and judge Tarek Hamza by Monika Savier z photos by Joanna Jonientz, Monika Savier, Ahmed Nashaat, Ahmed Taha
It must have been 15 years ago, at least, when after talking to the director of El Zahraa State Stud in Cairo, we left his office and were addressed by a young man speaking fluent English and asking if we would like to see his mares. We were pleased to accept his offer - El Zahraa stud features a boarding area where private breeders of Straight Egyptians can stable their horses. Tarek Hamza, as the young man introduced himself, was familiar with all the horses of the stud and had a precise vision. He had come back home after having successfully studied law at the Sorbonne University in Paris, and during an auction in the state stud, had purchased two of the few remaining Hadban Enzahi fillies. He intended to establish a small breeding operation of his own with them. It was important to him to exchange opinions with other breeders, so our encounter developed into a fascinating discussion of breeding experiences with certain sire and dam lines. Again and again, the topic was also the influence of the rich Gulf states whose breeders would frequent Cairo to shop for horses. Tarek feared for the important foundation
horses of El Zahraa and wished, as far as he was able to, to help maintain ancient lines in Cairo. In the course of the years, a wonderful friendship developed, with the connection maintained not only by exchanging opinions on horses, on the situation in Cairo and in Europe, and on shows and breeding experiences; but also, with joint projects planned and executed. Today, Tarek Hamza is an international Lawyer specializing in International Business Law and working at the Cabinet level under H.E. the Prime Minister. His small breeding operation, however, is not a business model, but just on the contrary: it’s his passion. His family has been breeding Straight Egyptians for generations, and with all this know-how in his surroundings, maintaining and further improving the family tradition went without saying for him. His small stud might be called “Small is Beautiful”, as every single horse takes an important role in his overall breeding concept and nothing is left to chance. He also made a name for himself as a competent and fair judge for ECAHO shows.
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Al TarekStud Here is the interview we conducted. Monika Savier: Where does your passion for breeding straight Egyptians come from? Is it the history of your family that motivated you to do so? Tarek Hamza: My passion for breeding straight Egyptians is connected to my childhood. I grew up in a family that was breeding Arabian horses. My father raised and bred several horses in our farm in the countryside of Egypt in the village of Tahanoub located 28 Kilometres north of Cairo. In this respect, he always encouraged me to continue the family’s legacy that had been established by my late grandfather Ahmed Hamza Pasha. Hence, I decided to start my own breeding program in 2005, a few years after my graduation from Paris 1- Sorbonne University Law school. I acquired my first mare Al Shareka Hamdan, a Koheilan Rodan mare tracing back to the Nazeera family, from my aunt Fatma Hamza, the owner of the famous Hamdan stables, who is a cousin of my father. Later, I became more interested in this breeding world of Arabian horses and I decided to move the mare I
Tarek Hamza judging at the Egyptian National Championship of El Zahraa
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owned from the Hamdan stables in the countryside to the boarding stables of El Zahraa state stud, which is nearer to where I live. Immediately, another chapter began in shaping my ideas and breeding concepts. It must be said that I was very lucky and fortunate to be able to follow quite closely the horses bred annually at El Zahraa state stud, and to observe their development, since I used to visit the farm at least on a weekly basis and sometimes even more often. After almost four years of monitoring and carefully studying these horses and bloodlines, I was so intrigued that I selected certain horses and families bred by El Zahraa state stud to include them in my private breeding program. During that time, it must be said, I was not limited to El Zahraa bloodstock only. Actually, I was looking around in many private farms in Egypt for other horses to include in my program, but unfortunately sometimes I felt disappointed and confused with the development of certain horses’ progeny and bloodlines that can produce extremely beautiful offspring, however, they may end up looking differently when they mature. Additionally, I didn’t
Rebat Al Tarek
want to be bound by preconceived ideas imposed by other breeders, and wished to live my own breeding experience. Therefore, I decided to shape my own path, to implement my own vision, and to select among the bloodstock of El Zahraa state stud what suits my breeding goals. I succeeded to acquire three fillies from various auctions there, two Hadban Enzahi fillies tracing back to Bint Kamla and Lateefa families - both descending from Bint Hadba El Saghira - and a Dahman Shahwan filly tracing back to the Bukra family. Monika Savier: 3 years ago, your successful stallion Rebat Al Tarek died at only 4 years of age. That was not only sad, but also a bitter setback for your breeding. But now you bring his beautiful half-brother Fadeel Al Tarek into the breeding business. Is this a stroke of luck
or is the mother of the two such an outstanding mother of sires? Tell us more about this mare. Tarek Hamza: Actually, the death of Rebat Al Tarek was indeed a big loss for my breeding program. However, I managed through a cooperation with Mr. Ali Shaarawi, the owner of Shaarawi Arabians, to exchange and to buy two of his daughters since he had covered a lot of broodmares and has some very special offspring in his stud. Currently, I strongly believe in his half-brother Fadeel Al Tarek who is now 3 years of age and by Al Farabi Mennatallah, a grandson of Ruminaja Ali and out of my foundation Hadban Enzahi mare Al Gazyah, a mare I acquired from the EAO who traces back to the Lateefa family. One can notice a great resemblance between the two half-brothers Rebat Al Tarek and Fadeel Al Tarek, which reflects the remarkable positive influence of Desert Heritage Magazine • 83
Al TarekStud
Al Gazyah EAO (El Ragel x Zebeebah)
the dam line on both stallions. This Hadban Enzahi mare illustrates that she is truly a dam of stallions since she constantly transmits her strong traits to her offspring. Hence, I can assert today that my initial herd selection was not a mistake. Monika Savier: El Zahraa State Stud in Cairo has many horses and some of them are very beautiful, but this gene pool is not necessarily known to be a direct model for breeding show horses. What is different about your mare? Or does the type of the two sons primarily derive from the sires you have chosen? Tarek Hamza: In today’s horse breeding, many horse breeders place strong emphasis on the dam and the dam lines. Historically, this is very much the right thing to do since the Bedouins used to attach a lot of weight on the dam lines. Upgrading a dam line is usually a
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very difficult job. Therefore, a good choice would save many generations of breeding work. Concerning El Zahraa state stud, we can still find some good quality horses there. However, one of the main challenges is the large number of horses available in the farm nowadays, which counts more than 500 horses, and the fact that many of these horses have to be bred annually. So, we are talking about at least 200 mares, approximately, who need to be covered - compared to what took place in the period of between 1950 and 1960, when the total number of broodmares in the farm never exceeded 50 or 60 horses. In my opinion, El Zahraa bred horses are still very important horses and have to be maintained as a reservoir to the breed. Also, the stud can produce some good quality horses that can take part in shows provided they are carefully selected and given the right and appropriate care. I
must say that I was very lucky to be able to buy one of those good quality mares from El Zahraa state farm. Later on, I tried to go back and acquire some other horses from the auctions held annually, but I never succeeded to find a similar quality. What makes Al Gazyah really special is the fact that she is an easy to breed mare in the sense that she usually reproduces maintaining her solid conformation and prevailing spirit and type, while leaving room for the stallion to add his strong points. Therefore, I would argue as well that the sire can never be neglected in
any breeding decision. Some stallions are known, for example, to produce gray offspring only. Some other stallions may provide better necks, a longer shoulder scapula or exquisite heads. Actually, certain bloodlines have prevailed as valuable sire lines among the straight Egyptian horses. Dr. Hans Nagel often highlighted this fact and constantly emphasized, in this respect, the role and superiority of Nazeer as a sire line in Egyptian history. Definitely, this can be noticed in many of his sons and grandsons, among them of course one can mention the legendary
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Al TarekStud
Tarek Hamza and Dr. Nagel at El Zahraa state stud in Cairo
Badreya Shaarawi (Rebat Al Tarek x Baraka Shaarawi) owned by Al Tarek stud
Ruminaja Ali who conquered the show ring and produced many champions and who remains highly influential as an Egyptian sire until today. Thus, I believe that one always needs to consider the sire line when taking a breeding decision. Moreover, another important element in horse breeding is what is often called by certain experts the perfect match or nickability between the sire and dam. I am happy to say that my young stallion Fadeel AL Tarek is a result of such a formula. One can recognize that this young stallion inherited a lot from his dam and still carries the strong points his sire line is known for.
reproduce champions and this is what makes breeding horses challenging and unique. Every breeder has to do his own homework and find his own formula. In my opinion, the most important factor for a breeding stallion is to be a proven sire. In other words, the stallion has to have the capability to pass on his strong points
Monika Savier: There are many stallions in Cairo. What chances does a beautiful young stallion have to make a good name for himself? Does he have to be successful at shows? Or does the pedigree have to impress? Which career will you choose for Fadeel Al Tarek? Tarek Hamza: Shows are very important for many horse breeders and are often considered, for certain breeders at any rate, to be among the criteria to choose and select for when breeding a stallion. However, experience shows that champions do not necessarily 86 • Desert Heritage Magazine
Mansoura Shaarawi (Rebat Al Tarek x Guna (EAO)
and good traits. One recalls what is often said that “the mare is there to maintain and the stallion is there to improve”. A stallion’s pedigree is of great importance, too - once it is reflected in his individual phenotype. A horse must resemble his pedigree which means that he has to carry the strong elements for which his genotype is known. This pedigree idea becomes meaningless once these strong points are recessive. In case of my young stallion Fadeel, I believe that he can have a show career as well as being a breeding stallion, since as I mentioned earlier, he carries the strong points known for both his dam line and his sire line. I’m really curious to see his offspring very soon.
many breeders in positive as well as negative ways. However, I believe a lot in the education aspect of social media which can help many breeders to develop their own ideas and enrich their breeding knowledge tremendously. Personally, I follow the social media somewhat in order to understand what is happening in the Arabian horse world and to stay connected. Social media can introduce and promote a stallion for the horse public. However, in case the stallion is not of a good quality and does not prove himself, people will unfollow him and he will vanish quickly. Therefore, I believe that social media could be a double-edged weapon for the career of a stallion.
Monika Savier: What role do the social media play in Egypt today? Do they have an influence on the career of a stallion? Tarek Hamza: Generally speaking, social media plays a role not only in Egypt but worldwide. It can influence
Monika Savier: Do you also think about the possibility to lease the stallion to Europe or the Gulf States? After all, he is an El Zahraa grandson with an original gene pool and an impressive phenotype. Tarek Hamza: Nowadays, it is not very easy to find
Shaarawi Arabians in Egypt Desert Heritage Magazine • 87
Al TarekStud
Fadeel Al Tarek
a good quality stallion. As you have noticed, he is an outcross stallion with a good phenotype and a strong relation to El Zahraa state stud - though the limited genetic pool of Straight Egyptian horses makes him really special and different from many other stallions that are usually quite similar and have almost the same faults. Therefore, I am not interested to offer him for lease since I need him for my breeding program now - later on I might re-consider my decision. Monika Savier: What other horses do you have and where is Al Tarek farm located? Tarek Hamza: Al Tarek stud is located at Ali Shaarawi’s farm and stud west of Cairo on the desert road from Cairo to Alexandria. I have four main families in my breeding program, of which I have 88 • Desert Heritage Magazine
already mentioned the Lateefa family. I have three other fillies, all three of which are by the same stallion Rebat Al Tarek. The first one is a chestnut filly named Badreya Shaarawi, a Koheilan Krush in strain tracing back to El Shahbaa by Hamdan via the famous mare Bint Azziza Princess. The second is a bay filly named Badaweya Shaarawi, a Dahman Shahwan tracing back to Bint Maysa El Saghira via SF Moon Maiden and Nefertiti. The third is a gray filly named Asrar Al Amin, also a Dahman Shahwan in strain and a daughter of the famous Ahlam Al Amin tracing back to the Halima family. Monika Savier: You are also an ECAHO Show Judge, how do you judge the show scene today? What influence do the horses of the Gulf States have on the development of breeding in Egypt? Are the Egyptian breeders still proud of El Zahraa, the cradle of Straight Egyptian breeding? Tarek Hamza: The Show scene has developed a lot nowadays. Usually, there is a strong competition between exhibitors. We see a lot of good quality horses in the show ring. The judges’ task has become more difficult. The current point system is not always of help for many judges since the point scale used is very narrow. A comparative judging system or an English system appears to be better sometimes, since it permits to judge a horse as whole and not to cut it into pieces. However, this system even if it appears more appropriate in judging a horse, may lack sufficient interaction with the audience. As you may know, show organizers can choose among both systems depending on the category of the show and the requirements of ECAHO for each show, provided this is mentioned in detail on the schedule and in the show catalog. Concerning the influence of horses of the Gulf States on the development of breeding in Egypt, one can notice a strong effect on a lot of breeding farms in Egypt since many breeders
Fadeel Al Tarek
have imported horses during the last decade from the Gulf countries. Unfortunately, some breeding programs became quite similar and identity has been lost. Nevertheless, we still believe in our own edge and specificity due to the wider genetic pool and variety of horse families in Egypt, and in addition, we believe in the possibility of using good outcross stallions in our programs. Indeed, most Egyptian Arabian breeders are proud of El Zahraa state stud in light of its important role in preserving our straight Egyptian horses as well as with regard to its potential contribution to maintain a certain diversity within the limited genetic pool of straight Egyptian horses. Dear Tarek Hamza, thank you very much for this interesting discussion!
Al TarekStud tarekhamza2005@yahoo.com mobile: +2 0100 56 000 99
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www.desertheritagemagazine.com
©
Ansata
Imhotep IMHOTEP (2667 B.C. - 2648 B.C) ANSATA IEMHOTEP (1993 A.C-2014 A.C.)
(Iemhotep in Heiroglyphics)
n © Judith Forbis/Annalisa Monticelli photos by Historical archive Judith Forbis
THE ARCHITECT OF FUTURE GENERATIONS It was 2611 B.C, and the end of the reign of Zoser, third pharaoh of the third dynasty of the Old Kingdom. His tomb awaited him within the Step Pyramid, the first pyramid ever built. Unique in its own grandeur and in its innovative shape, it was the inspiration of Zoser’s architect, Imhotep, who seems to have used this first pyramid like a palette of fantasy for his artistic experimentations. Some stones appear wooden, other stones resemble reeds of the Nile River: techniques so futuristic they convinced ancient historians to regard Imhotep as the inventor of stone architecture. Architect, doctor of medicine, high priest, prime minister, scribe, sage, poet, astrologer, vizier and chancellor of King Zoser, Imhotep was known as 90 • Desert Heritage Magazine
“The one who comes in peace”. The first doctor and the first architect in history, Iemhotep was so beloved and admired, that some 2000 years after his death he was elevated to divinity. On March 4, 1993, an architect of a different kind came into the world; a magnificent rose grey colt reminiscent of pharaoh’s horses of the New Kingdom. Judith Forbis, his breeder, recollects: “From the moment he was born, one could see he was gifted with ‘star quality’. In my opinion, every potentially great horse should be given a great name and I chose for him Ansata Iemhotep. Ansata, known as the Key of Life, stands for Life, Truth, and the reproduction of the species. And of Imhotep, the supreme architect, engineer, and designer of the Step Pyramid, it was said: ‘There is none
Step Pyramid at Saqqara (Egypt). One of the most brilliant architecture wonders of the ancient world. It is recognized as the first monumental stone structure.
like him!’ Both have inspired generations for more than 4700 years.” Judith Forbis continues: “Breeders are architects; pedigrees are our blueprints. We plan our breeding programs carefully, building with genetic precision, step by step, block by block as if constructing a pyramid, each piece having its place until the apex is reached. Then we trust the final structure represents our vision and will stand the test of time. In the case of Ansata Iemhotep, we celebrated the achievement of what we hoped for.”
Ansata Iemhotep as a foal. Forbis photo
ANSATA IEMHOTEP AN EGYPTIAN TREASURE OF THE DAHMAN SHAHWAN STRAIN Abbas Pasha I, The Viceroy of Egypt, considered the Dahman Shahwan as the most precious strain: the first and the best of all, as did Ali Pasha Sherif who wrote: “If I could choose just one breed, it would definitely be Al Dahmah”. When considering certain very linebred and inbred families of Egyptian bloodlines, the Dahman frequently comes to mind, and it is easy to make mistakes in selecting the stallions to maintain proper balance. However, Judith Forbis has understood this challenge and brought about very positive results. In the case of Ansata Iemhotep, the key was the incomparable Prince Fa Moniet, a true Saqlawi stallion chosen as an out cross sire to breed with the linebred Dahman broodmares through Ansata Bint Bukra and Ansata Ibn Halima. The result was this king: tall, majestic, a super masculine imposing stallion, combining the strong bodied foundation of Ansata’s Dahman Shahwan family with the long, stylish, stretchy features of Morafic and the elegance and beauty of the Maaroufa family. Judith Forbis resumes: “‘Hotep’, as we called him, was the best of what his pedigree indicated he could be. To me he personified the eternal qualities of those classic warrior Desert Heritage Magazine • 91
stallions depicted on ancient Arabian petroglyphs and l8th Dynasty Egyptian temples: pride, spirit, beauty, balance, harmony, and a certain gentility and a sense of self. A superb athlete with the courage of a lion, in times past he might have gallantly pulled Pharaoh’s chariot into battle. THE GENETIC BLUEPRINT The foundation for Ansata Iemhotep, like that of his namesake’s structures, had been carefully laid. Prince Fa Moniet himself lacked only one thing: good luck. Born at Bentwood Farm, he was orphaned at birth. To add to his woes, he later smashed a front leg through a plate glass window and severed an artery. Next, he fractured the ankle in the other leg requiring more surgery and another year’s rest. The damage was done. This ended his potential show career, but not his ability to become an exceptional sire. “It seems that special horses are often accident prone; I think it is a sign of potential greatness,” Judith Forbis once remarked. “In this respect, Hotep took after his sire. He, too, was a bottle baby and accidents easily came his way. While playing with two colts he got kicked in the knee and was laid up for months. A few years later, he caught his hind legs in between a sliding stall door and ripped the flesh off his cannons down to the bone. However, unlike his sire, Hotep healed well enough to continue his show career.”
Prince Fa Moniet (TheEgyptianPrince x Fa Moniet), 1981. Sire of siblings: Ansata Sinan, Ansata Iemhotep and Ansata Nafisa. Saqlawi Gidran Ibn Sudan, Maaroufa fam. His dam-line has produced 6 U.S.A. National winners J. Sparagowski photo
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Ansata Nefara (Ansata Halim Shah x Ansata Sudarra), 1988. Dam of Ansata Iemhotep, Ansata Sinan, Ansata Nafisa. Photographed in front of the breeding barn at Ansata, in Mena, Arkansas. Double Dahmah Shahwaniyah. Judith Forbis says about her: “One of Ansata’s most beautiful, charismatic and elegant Ansata Halim Shah daughters, with a very refined head and neck.” Forbis photo
Ansata Iemhotep’s dam, Ansata Nefara, was an exquisite silvery-white mare tracing in tail female to the grand matriarch Ansata Bint Bukra. Nefara’s sire, Ansata Halim Shah, revolutionized straight Egyptian breeding in Europe and in the Arab world. Nefara’s dam Ansata Sudarra, founded a dynasty of her own and was also the dam of Ansata Hejazi. Sudarra was sired by Ansata Abu Sudan, a remarkable stallion whose breathtaking action passed on to his get with regularity. Fortuitously their best traits, and those of other ancestors, came together in the form of Ansata Iemhotep.
Ansata Halim Shah (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Rosetta, by Ansata Shah Zaman), sire of Ansata Nefara, dam of Ansata Iemhotep. J. Sparagowski photo
Ansata Sudarra (Ansata Abu Sudan x Ansata Delilah by Ansata Shah Zaman), grand dam of Ansata Iemhotep. Photographed by Judith Forbis at Al Shaqab in Doha, Qatar, where Sudarra spent her final days.
The Egyptian Prince Ansata Iemhotep
Prince Fa Moniet
Fa Moniet Ansata Halim Shah
Ansata Nefara
Ansata Sudarra
*Morafic *Bint Mona *Ibn Moniet El Nefous Fada *Ansata Ibn Halima Ansata Rosetta Ansata Abu Sudan Ansata Delilah
Ansata
Imhotep Desert Heritage Magazine • 93
FULL SIBLINGS - VIVA LA DIFFERENCE Ansata often repeated the same matings wherein the results were outstanding, yet different. Ansata Nefara was bred to the “keystone” Prince Fa Moniet three times. The first mating produced Ansata Sinan, who went on to become the fourth ambassador of the Ansata breeding program in Europe, succeeding Ansata Abbas Pasha (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Mabrouka); Fa Halima (Ansata Ibn Halima x Sabrah), in 1980, full sister of Ansata Sabiha; and Ansata Halim Shah (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Rosetta) in 1983. Ansata Nefara was covered the second time by Prince Fa Moniet and produced Ansata Iemhotep. Both
Ansata Sinan, an international champion. Forbis photo
Ansata Sinan and Ansata Iemhotep were superior individuals, yet different, and both were valuable sires in passing on their unique qualities. The third repeat mating resulted in a magnificent mare, Ansata Nafisa - much like Iemhotep in type, and she became a most successful broodmare for Sakr Arabians in Egypt. All three siblings became significant champions and superior breeding stock. Other interesting and valued examples of repeat matings were, (l) Ansata Abbas Pasha (1964) by Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Mabrouka, and Ansata Ibn Sudan (1965); and (2) Ansata Omar Halim (1979) and Ansata Halim Shah (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Rosetta) (1980). Once again, all the full siblings were different from each other, yet each individual had classic beauty and type in abundance, and all were show champions.
Ansata Iemhotep shows off for. J. Sparagowski
Ansata Nafisa shows the same elegant qualities as her brother Ansata Iemhotep. Owned by Sakr Arabians (Egypt). Forbis archives
Ansata Iemhotep “clacking” at his older full brother Ansata Sinan. Forbis photo
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ANSATA IEMHOTEP - A REINCARNATION OF ANSATA IBN SUDAN, IN CONFORMATION AND PERSONALITY Although Ansata Abbas Pasha (1964) and Ansata Sinan (1992) were indeed favorites of breeders and spectators at shows, Ansata Ibn Sudan and Ansata Iemhotep were horses of a completely different (higher) level. They radiated a unique energy. They knew who they were, and they were confidently aware of their place in the world. Their breeder, Judith Forbis, recalls: “Iemhotep greatly reminded me of Ansata Ibn Sudan, 1971 U.S. National Champion
Stallion, from whom he descends on his dam’s side. Both stallions were dynamic individuals, tall, with long beautifully shaped necks, strong bodies, clean legs, and they carried their tails high. Each had a unique charisma and a natural “look at me look,” or as some have said, “the look of eagles.” Both loved people and always wanted to be the center of attention. In these days of show horses that are “made” to show, horses like Sudan and Hotep were a trainer’s dream because they were natural born show horses. Additionally, Iemhotep was magnificent under saddle, a wonderful free-moving horse that perfectly set up in the bridle. He was always a crowd favorite.”
Ansata bn Sudan: U.S. National Champion stallion 1971. He passed on many of his traits to Ansata Iemhotep.
Ansata Iemhotep: Egyptian Event Supreme Champion in 2003, U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colts All photos by J. Sparagowski
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THE LOOK OF EAGLES Hotep was first shown as a yearling. Richard Sanders was Ansata’s trainer at the time, and when they entered the ring at the Egyptian Event, Hotep absolutely dominated his class, and won it. At the age of three he was sent to Mike Neal for training. Mike remembers him as: “A big, tall elegant horse with great style, the ‘look of eagles’ and that ‘look at me’ attitude as if to say, ‘here I am, better take a look. I’m here to stay!’ At home in the barn,” Mike remembered, “you could always tell him by his distinctive whinny. He always wanted to be in your pocket.” Mike showed him to victory as a U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt in a tough class of 26. After the class, Christie Metz of Silver Maple Farm
Ansata Iemhotep winning his yearling class at the Egyptian Event 1994. Rob Hess photo
recalls: “I remember seeing Iemhotep’s eyes when he realized it was Judi walking down the aisle to see him… He got right up to the front of his stall staring intently. It was apparent that he was very happy to see her and that he was very connected to Judi. When she was around…he could be quite demanding of her attention.” Hotep loved to be admired as much as he loved carrots. Sue Burnham of Hope Farm remembers: “One of my favorite times spent with Ansata Iemhotep was accompanying him as he presented himself to visitors including Janet Huckabee, First Lady of Arkansas and wife of governor Mike Huckabee. A regal alabaster beauty, he sized them up and then enjoyed the carrots they offered as the news crews snapped photos of him and his celebrity visitors.”
Ansata Iemhotep when in training with Mike Neal, for the U.S. National Futurity Colt competition. Stuart Vesty photo
Ansata
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Ansata Iemhotep growing up. J. Sparagowsi photo
Yvette Van Natta, Ansata’s breeding manager, recollects: “He was one of the most intelligent stallions I have ever known. Mr. Forbis enjoyed feeding Hotep carrots, and Hotep came to expect it. When Mr. Forbis would drive up to the barn, even before he would enter, Hotep would be at the front of his stall waiting for his treat. And if Mr. Forbis didn’t get his carrots fast enough, Hotep would start banging the stall bars with his teeth, pawing at the wall, and letting Mr. Forbis know he wanted carrots NOW!” Photo sessions were fun to Hotep. He knew when he was “on camera”.
Jerry Sparagowski who began his career at Ansata in the early 1970’s recalls: “I loved Hotep; and always have. He was fun to photograph, and fun to watch. He is my idea of an ‘Ansata’ horse.” Darryl Larson, who created the Ansata stallion film, recalls: “Time with Iemhotep often provided unique and exciting experiences. He was magical. His charisma and charm made for an ethereal experience through the lens. At first look I was immediately transported into a place of reverence.”
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SPECIAL MEMORIES THE PYRAMID SOCIETY’S EGYPTIAN EVENT 2003 “Hotep loved to show off,” Judith recalls. “He won numerous halter and performance championships at major class A shows and placed reserve in his class at Scottsdale. However, his crowning achievement was at the Egyptian Event in 2003 during Ansata’s 45th anniversary. With trainer Michael Byatt at the lead, the two connected as an incredible team. I have seen EVERY Egyptian Event and every Supreme Champion, but this is the one performance that will stay in my memory forever, and I am not alone! Every characteristic of Hotep, physically and spiritually, was obvious that day. Many spectators were in tears, including me, while Don was joyfully cheering his win. Except for Ansata Ibn Sudan, I’ve never seen a horse in the ring with his kind of majesty and presence. The moment Ansata Iemhotep stepped into the arena at the Kentucky Horse Park the whole public seemed hypnotized to admire him: he was not a real horse... Too beautiful, too perfect, the vision in white we all have of “the dream horse.”
Ansata Iemhotep as a mature stallion at the Ansata stud in Mena, Arkansas. This photo perfectly displays his incredible overall balance and his ideal length of neck and mitbah. (The scars on his hind legs from being caught in a stall door still show.) J. Sparagowsi photo
Ansata
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SOME HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE 2003 EGYPTIAN EVENT “The crowd loved Hotep and he was clearly their favorite. Except for Ansata Ibn Sudan, I’ve never seen a horse in the ring with his kind of majesty and presence. Some people told me he brought tears to their eyes.” Judith Forbis, Ansata Arabian Stud/USA * “When Hotep won Supreme Champion Stallion at the Egyptian Event he was an established sire with lots of fans and an obvious crowd favorite. He seemed to thrive on the attention. It was a thrill to watch him show and present himself so proudly with his ribbons.” Christie Metz, Silver Maple Farm/USA * “In my lifetime I have met many horses but Ansata Iemhotep is one I will never forget! One of my treasured memories is when he won the Supreme Stallion Championship at the Egyptian Event in 2003 with Don Forbis escorting him out of the arena. There was not a dry eye in the stands!”
Hotep with all his ribbons after winning Supreme Champion Stallion at the Egyptian Event on Ansata’s 45th anniversary. Polly Knoll photo
Nancy Gates, Antara Arabians/USA * “Just watching him put a lump in my throat.” Mauri Chase, Chase Arabians/USA
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SOME HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE 2003 EGYPTIAN EVENT “I’ve always been a big fan of Hotep since he was a yearling; I can honestly say that I have never seen him look so good.” Brandon Bryan, formerly with DeShazer Arabians/USA * “When I think of Ansata Iemhotep now, my mind flashes immediately back to a moment more than ten years ago when he went Supreme Champion Stallion and High Point Horse of the Show at the Egyptian Event. I felt this win was like the crowning of Ansata’s anniversary that year, a story of success thanks to the knowledge and dedication of Judith and Don Forbis. After the presentation of the trophy, Don Forbis led Hotep out of the ring. Charismatic Ansata Iemhotep pranced proudly through the arena next to Don - a special moment going into history. The enthusiastic audience was clapping and cheering and many spectators - myself included - had tears in their eyes.” Judith Wich-Wenning, Orienta Arabians/Germany
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Don Forbis happily escorts Hotep out of the ring after winning Supreme Champion Stallion at the Egyptian Event. Javan photo
SOME HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE 2003 EGYPTIAN EVENT “The highlight of the show however and I’m sure many people will agree with me, was to watch Ansata Iemhotep dancing away with the blue ribbon. He, all by himself stole the whole show. The epitome of beauty and type! I can recommend everyone to pay a visit at the Egyptian Event at least once (and for sure you’ll come back!). It for sure was a blast and an unforgettable memory to me.” Glenn Jacobs, previous manager of Al Naif Stud/Qatar
Ansata Iemhotep photographed at Ansata’s Mena, Arkansas ranch by Judith Wich.
* When I saw Ansata IemHotep again, I got goose bumps. That is my kind of a horse. He reminded me so much of the old timers, such as Morafic, Ibn Hafiza, Khofo, Talal, Ibn Moniet El Nefous, Ansata Ibn Halima, Ramses Fayek, Nabiel, Faleh, Farazdac, Assad, Dalul and many more who, when entering the ring, stole it with their regal presence and movement. They did win those championships most of all the times they competed, often against tough competition and all odds.” Hansi Heck-Melnyk, Serenity Arabians/USA * “I have kept the amateur video of the Egyptian Event, and I confess, my heart starts to beat faster and faster and my eyes fill me with tears, every time I see it. And I often see this video, whenever I feel the difficulty to continue a breeding program without compromises, in these years of crisis, I see Ansata Iemhotep dancing in the show and I see his daughter and his nephews here at home so a faint hope rises again.” Annalisa Monticelli, Halypa Al Duhaymat Stables/ Italy
Ansata
Imhotep Desert Heritage Magazine • 101
THE ARCHITECT OF A NEW GENERATION As a sire Hotep consistently passed on his most valued traits. When Hotep’s get reached the age to be shown, breeders worldwide took notice of the qualities he was contributing to the Ansata herd: the higher set longer neck with wonderful mitbah, more overall scope, stretch and size, and powerful movement balanced with great suspension and enormous push from the hindquarters so typical of the Ansata-bred horses - and a requirement in that program. While some stallions are noted more for their colts or fillies, Hotep sired equally good males and females - a most desirable quality and asset in a breeding stallion. As his fame grew, many of his progeny were exported and became world travelers. The list of his get and grand get goes on, and around the globe his popularity and influence, like his ancient Egyptian namesake Imhotep, is standing the test of time.
Ansata Iemhotep and his son, Ansata Sirius, at the Forbis’s Lexington, Kentucky farm. Judith Wich photo
Ansata
Ansata Nile Pharaoh, champion son of Ansata Iemhotep, at Rhodium Stud in New Zealand. On lease for 2014 to Ariela Arabians, Israel. Vesty photo
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Ansata Serqit (Ansata Iemhotep x Ansata Selket by Ansata Halim Shah). One of the most influential Iemhotep daughters. Photographed at Ansata by Sparagowski before she was exported to Germany and then to Kuwait.
Ansata Sirius (Ansata Iemhotep x Ansata Sekhmet, the full sister to Ansata Selket). The Body Beautiful! Photographed before he was exported to Kuwait, Bait Al Arab State Stud. Ansata Sirius broke a front ankle, but it mended and he went on to win a Top Ten at the Egyptian Event before he was sold to Kuwait. Sparagowski photo
Ansata Halisha (Ansata Iemhotep x Sundar Alisha by Ansata Halim Shah). Exported as weanling in Italy, where she is the queen of Halypa Al Duhaymat Stables. Annalisa Monticelli photo
Ansata Osiron (Ansata Iemhotep x Ansata Selket by Ansata Halim Shah) was the head sire for Sheikha Sarah Al Sabah’s Al Arab Stud in Kuwait. Vesty photo
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FINAL DAYS Judith Forbis reminisces: “Two years after his unforgettable performance at the 2003 Egyptian Event, Don and I decided to gradually retire. Most of the Ansata horses found new homes in the Middle East, particularly Qatar and Kuwait, as well as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, admired Hotep and asked to purchase him along with a significant group of Ansata mares to further develop his straight Egyptian breeding program”. “Later, in 2008, the same year Don Forbis passed away, His Highness gifted Hotep to his friend, Jay Malkoun of Bashir Arabians in Melbourne, Australia, where he stood at stud “down under.”
Ansata Iemhotep on top of the world “down under” in Australia. Photo furnished by Jay Malkoun.
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At the first hint of movement, his tall was flagged, held straight and high. He had a fluidity of movement that is always desired and seldom seen. Under saddle he was magical – an image of lofty grace in alabaster white. Ansata Iemhotep embodied what we all dream of in an Arabian stallion – imposing masculinity, undeniable type, and a magical life force that exclaimed: I am here. Behold my eternal beauty. Be humbled in my presence.” Judith Forbis solemnly remembers: “In ancient Egyptian Iemhotep means ‘He who comes in peace.’ May he rest in peace along with all the other Ansata horses that have blessed the Ansata Arabian Stud and subsequently the Arabian breed worldwide.”
The eyes of a falcon hunting in the desert. Debbie Comini photo
Hotep was unique among straight Egyptians in that country and was greatly admired for his majestic presence. Then in April 2014, the sad news broke on social networks and international forums: “Ansata Iemhotep at the age of 21 has died.” The king is dead. Long live the king. Cynthia Culbertson, a long time friend and associate of his breeder Judith Forbis, on hearing that Hotep had been laid to rest, paid him this final moving tribute: “Ansata Iemhotep was one of those rare horses you never forget. He was a stallion that commanded your attention, and when he had it, you simply could not look away. He possessed the indefinable essence of nobility that has inspired generations of poets and artists. His head was always held high, as if he was in a separate dimension, ruler of all he surveyed. In motion, he was breathtaking.
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Imhotep Desert Heritage Magazine • 105
HIS LEGACY A PARTIAL LIST OF ANSATA IEMHOTEP GET AROUND THE GLOBE Ansata Halisha - Halypa Al Duhaymat Stables of Annalisa Monticelli in Italy. Ansata Nahida - Fontanella Magic Arabians, Italy, then to Egypt Ansata Mital, Ansata Riyadh Ansata Azali, Ansata Jeylan, Judith Wich, Orienta Arabians, Germany Ansata Omniya - Canada Ansata Mabrouk - Count Federico Zichy Thyssen, Argentina, South America Ansata Desert Queen - Sakr Arabians, Egypt (as did Ansata Nafisa - Hotep’s full sister) Ansata Sahir - Al Naif Stud, Qatar Ansata Shammar - the Parsons, England Ansata Bint Samiha - Al Rayyan in Qatar, then to Al Baydaa Farm, Egypt Ansata Desert Sunrise and Ansata Desert Star - Al Shaqab, Qatar Ansata Osiron - Sheikha Sarah Al Sabah, Al Arab Stud, Kuwait Ansata Sirius and Ansata Julima, Bait Al Arab State Stud, Kuwait Ansata Serqit - Ajmal Arabian Stud, Kuwait Ansata Mansoura - the Nejd Stud, Saudi Arabia Ansata Nejdi, - to Italy, then to South America and now in Saudi Arabia at Salayel Arabians Ansata Aly Sherif, Ansata Bint Aissha and Ansata Nile Princess - South Africa Ansata Haalah - King of Morocco’s Royal Stud Farm Ansata Nile Pharaoh - Rhodium Arabian Stud, New Zealand, on lease 2014 to Ariela Arabians, Israel
And the list goes on!
Ansata
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ANSATA IEMHOTEP’s AWARDS 1994: Egyptian Event winner of yearling class; 1996: US National Top Ten Arabian Futurity Colt Breeding Stallion; 1998: ARKANSAS ARAB VICTORY CHALLENGE Arabian Stallion Breeding, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st 2000: ARKANSAS ARAB VICTORY CHALLENGE Arabian Stallion Breeding, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st 2000: MUSIC CITY ARAB SHOW Arabian Mounted Native Costume Champ, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st Arabian Mounted Native Costume, 1st Arabian Mounted Native Costume, 4th 2000: DIXIE GULF PANHANDLE RUFF OUT Arabian Stallion Breeding, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 2nd Arabian Mounted Native Costume, 3rd Arabian Country English Pl Champ, 1st Arabian Country English Pl, 1st Arabian Country English Pl, 4th 2001: DIXIE NATL EXTRAVAGANZA Arabian Mounted Native Costume, 2nd Arabian Country English Pl, 2nd Arabian Country English Pl Champ, 3rd Arabian Mounted Native Costume Champ, 3rd Arabian Stallion Breeding, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 1st Arabian Stallion Breeding Champ, 2nd 2003, Egyptian Event Unanimous Supreme Champion, with a lot of “20’s” in movement. During the Egyptian Event he won his class, he was champion senior stallion and finally he gathered the unanimous consensus as best horse of the entire show: Unanimous Supreme Champion. 2004: 49TH ANNUAL SCOTTSDALE SHOW Arabian Stallion Breeding, 2nd Desert Heritage Magazine • 107
Mark Upton
From a Family of Artists
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rt and the magic ofthe desert are Mark Upton’s deep passions. This comes as no surprise when looking at his family. Mark’s father Roger Upton for example was a highly acclaimed falconer and wildlife artist, while his uncle Peter Upon is a widely respected Arabian horse artist and Connoisseur. Mark’s grandmother was also an artist and fashion designer. Mark Upton’s great uncle William Cain was famous as the “Etcher of the East”, as he was a renowned drypoint engraver in the early 20th century. In his striking paintings, Mark Upton immortalizes enchanting desert scenes, Falcons, Bedouins and ofcourse alluring Arabian horses.
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From a Family of Artists Mark Upton was born in Marlborough, Wiltshire, Great Britain in 1964. Today he is married and has two young children. He still lives at his birthplace in the charming English countryside, in South-Western Great Britain. “I was brought up around Arabian horses at my home and rode them as a child”, Mark Upton reflects. “I rode and drove them as a child and young man. ot only Arab horses, which were my father’s love, but my grandfather on my mother‘s side was a famous English racehorse trainer. So, I had horses all around me. My favorite was a Crabbet Arab stallion called ‘Hanif’ who lived with us when I was a boy. He was extremely well known in the UK at that time and has been very influential in bloodlines
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Mark Upton here and abroad. He is one of the reasons I fell in love with Arabian horses. I am fascinated by the history of the Arabian horse, how it developed into the horse it is, in such a harsh environment, and how it was and still is such an integral part of Arab life. I like also its importance and its influence on other breeds around the world”, Mark explains. Then he continues: “When I grew up, horses have played less of a role in my life as I have followed my father’s great hobby of falconry and fly my own falcons which along with my painting has meant I have had less time to spend with horses. Through my uncle Peter however, I do continue to have a great interest in the Arab horse and ofcourse continue to see Arabs that I paint. ”
From a Family of Artists Mark Upton first visited the Middle East when he was 11 years old and travelled with his father. After finishing school, Mark returned for a gap year in order to work for Sheikh Surour bin Mohamad Al ahyan in Abu Dhabi. Since this time, he has enjoyed travelling widely in Saudi Arabia, orth Africa and Pakistan. Asked after his art education, Mark Upton replies:“I partly have an art education and I’m partly self-taught. I did a year’s foundation course at art school, where you try all aspects of art in order to try to determine which direction you would like to progress in for an art degree. I was
Mark Upton unable to find a degree course which followed the direction I wished to take, so at that stage went my own way and started in a career as an artist. The art background in my family gave me a good grounding in painting and much support. ” Then he continues: “Today I mainly paint in oil and watercolor, as well as drawings. owadays, most of my work is to commission. The inspiration therefore comes often from the client. When painting non-commission work, my inspiration comes from the subject, the light, the colors and the atmosphere of the scene or subject of the painting. ” So sunny desert scenes are often created on his canvas, quite a difference to the
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From a Family of Artists surrounding English countryside. Besides his intriguing works depicting British landscapes and local hunting, Mark Upton is famous for perfectly capturing the alluring mood and light ofthe Middle East in his artwork. When asked about any old masters he admires, Mark Upton replies quickly: ”There are several. In painting as a whole, I admire two artists particularly. John Singer Sargent, who interestingly was the great great uncle of my
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Mark Upton
wife, and a Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla. In the world of horses, I very much like Sir Alfred Munnings. ”
Mark Upton’s paintings can be found in many important collections around the world. He has for example sold paintings to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al ahyan of Abu Dhabi and many other members of leading families in the Middle East. On an international basis, his work was sold to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the USA, Ireland,
From a Family of Artists Germany, France, Italy, ew Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong. In the UK, Mark’s most important patron was the late Queen Mother who obtained various paintings from him, including Scottish landscapes and sporting paintings. Furthermore, he has illustrated several books about falconry. Mark Upton regularly exhibits in London and various country galleries in Great Britain. Moreover, he has
Mark Upton
contributed to exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and had a solo exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He loves Arabian horses since his childhood and explains: ”I am fascinated by their history, how the Arabian developed into the horse it is, in such a harsh environment, and how it was and still is such an integral part ofArab life. I am also intrigued by its importance in its influence on other breeds around the world. ” Then he remembers: “When I was a child, I visited more Arabian horse farms and shows. I still
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From a Family of Artists enjoy doing this, often in the company of my uncle. My favorite is the UK International Arabian horse show, mainly because of its long history. I loved it as a child when it used to be held at Ascot and had a tremendous atmosphere about it. ” Asked after his dream connected to Arabian horse art, he replies: ”I would like to paint even more Arabian horses in
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Mark Upton the future and it would be wonderful to follow my uncle’s fame as an Arab horse artist. My hopes are to be able to continue to have such enjoyment out of my chosen life as an artist and to have the patrons that allow me to continue the life of my choice and continue to develop the gift I was born with. ”
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rafał
Walendowski
Born on December 9, 1970 in Pleszew. Resident in Gołuchów. A graduate of the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań, branch in Kalisz. For several years he worked as a artist at the District Museum of the Kalisz Region in Kalisz (Department of Archeology), and currently works as an artist at the Forestry Museum in Gołuchów. He works in oil painting, watercolor and drawing. The leading theme in his painting are horses, but as the artist says, they are special horses, endowed with great grace and beauty - pure Arabian horses. Rafał Walendowski’s paintings have a peculiar atmosphere in which the beauty, strength, pride and freedom of horses are combined with his love for these noble animals. One of the artist’s favorite techniques is watercolor, which involves the penetration of light and piercing the color of the ground. Color spots, their
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shapes with soft contours and lines create coherent systems on the image plane. The painter composes his paintings taking into account specific topics and interpreting them individually, emphasizing the momentum, dynamics or statics of the “model” Rafał Walendowski, painting horses, looks for new means of expression not only through works in different techniques, but makes changes by composing the visual layer and presenting the subject in different shots. Many of Rafał Walendowski’s works have been published in horse magazines and magazines: “Arabian Horse World” - “Polish artist feature.” - June 2006, “Araber Journal” “Great Artist’s Competition.” - No. 6/2001, quarterly. “ ARABY “,” Horses and Steeds “and” Horse World “. The artist has participated in many individual and group exhibitions.
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