THEE DESpERADO
(1989-2013)
As the website of Arabians, Ltd. reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the loss of our beloved Desperado. Over and above his unparalleled contribution to the breed, he was loved by many and never failed to enchant the guests who came to see him. He left a forever impression on all those who crossed his path. Judy, Shawn, and all the Arabians Ltd. team are grateful to Thee Desperado’s Lifetime Breeders, breeding patrons, and innumerable friends across the globe for sharing and multiplying the support, faith, and joy he brought to our lives by his presence, and through his foals and their legacy.” An Egyptian stallion that accomplished much in his showing and breeding career, Thee Desperado’s legacy cannot be summarized in just a few words. His accomplishments in the international show ring were incredibly memorable as he was awarded Egyptian Event Junior Champion Colt in 1991, Reserve Champion Stallion at U.S. Nationals, and Unanimous Grand Champion Stallion at Scottsdale in 1994. And yet, it was his tremendous breeding career that kept Thee Desperado in the spotlight, earning him the title of leading Egyptian Event halter sire for 12 years straight, from 1996 to 2007. The reach of Thee Desperado is staggering among Straight Egyptians: noting only the horses recorded in AHA’s database, the prolific stallion has just shy of 1,000 registered progeny, with over three times as many registered grandget. Desperado’s legacy has even crossed into the world of pastimes and pleasures, where he became the first Straight Egyptian to inspire a Breyer® horse model. However, to those who were closest to him, the memories take on a much more personal tone. Today, Arabians Ltd.’s Facebook© wall is full of emotional words and images: memories of those who had even one chance to look into his eyes and sense his presence... photos of children with wide, toothy grins, enjoying Desperado under saddle... and stunning prose recounting long evening walks with Shawn Crews and “her best 18 • Tu T To A r A b i | A R A BI A N HOR SE T I mES
(The Minstril x AK Amiri Asmarr, by Theegyptianprince)
friend” enjoying each other’s company. Theirs was a long and beautiful relationship, full of vibrant memories—the kind that can never pass away. One of the stories was that of friend Stefani Annett as she shared, “In my many trips to Arabians Ltd., my favorite excursions were the evening walks with Shawn to bring Desperado in from his pasture. No matter how busy Shawn was, she made time for her boy. He would whinny, her already quick step would quicken, and their smiles upon greeting each other were infectious. I would soon be left in their dust as they positively f lew back to the barn, their footfalls taking on the air of years ago when the vigor of youth came easy. Never have I witnessed such devotion between a horse and his soul mate.” And so, with his incredible foals to carry his bloodline, memories to warm the hearts of those who knew him, and photos to inspire appreciation of a life well lived, Thee Desperado’s legacy can remain a prominent one in the Arabian industry. As Arabians Ltd. also shares, “Thee dream isn’t to live forever, thee dream is to create something that will. The magnitude of his legacy will not be measured by the life he led, but by the life he left behind. Long live his legacy through his sons and daughters across the globe.” n