Arabian Horse Magazine | Special Middle East 2019

By Nakashen Valaitham Photos by Stuart Vesty / Arabian Insider

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hen I think of the newly established Akmal Stud, three things come to mind. One: the young, passionate and knowledgeable founder and owner of Akmal Stud, HRH Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Two: the stud’s futuristic yet royally designed logo in their famous green and gold colours.

And lastly: the definition of the word Akmal, which is ‘perfect’ and ‘complete.’ Now it is the last item in this list that really strikes a chord for me.

The horses that call Akmal Stud home are all exquisite individuals and each are completely perfect in their very own way. Each of them forms part of the ideal that HRH Prince Abdulmajeed is striving towards.

Recently, Akmal Stud added another individual to their band of mares. An individual who is

the embodiment of the word complete, an individual by the name of Anood Al Nasser. She was bred by Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser Al Thani of Al Nasser Stud and her unique markings, authentic 20-scoring Arabian type and enchanting beauty make her stand out in any crowd.

This 11-year-old goddess is what breeders dream off; she is complete in every way. And what I love about the word complete is that it is a synoym for the word perfect. Being a grey mare, Anood Al Nasser’s perfection took a bit of time to reflect in her exterior, but this angel is now at her peak. And if she is not perfect, then there is nothing perfect about perfect.

Anood Al Nasser’s pedigree is an amalgamation of some of the best blood in the industry and Is the main reason for her enthralling ex-

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terior. Superior refinement and jaw dropping type are a few of the gifts that were given to Anood Al Nasser by her sire, Ashhal Al Rayyan (Safir x Ansata Majesta). Ashhal Al Rayyan was one of the most powerful straight Egyptian sires and his daughters are revered for the unique beauty and femininity. Anood Al Nasser’s dam, Aleysha Al Nasser (Gazal Al Shaqab x Aliah Al Nasser) is one of Al Nasser Stud’s finest mares and hails from a family of prolific producers.

Being a daughter of the World Champion and super-sire Gazal Al Shaqab already sets her apart and with a tail female line that traces back to the Russian P-line and one of Tersk Stud’s fi-

tion was held at the 2018 World Arabian Horse Championships in Paris; a significant show in our industry and the crown jewel in any horse’s career. After purchasing Anood Al Nasser, the team at Akmal Stud were ready to make their debut at the World Championships with her.

They knew the competition would be tough, but they also knew that a horse as complete as Anood Al Nasser deserved the opportunity to be shown in all her glory in the city of lights.

Glenn Schoukens and the entire team at Schoukens Training Centre have been preparing and schooling Anood Al Nasser for almost all her life and it was only right that Anood Al

nest broodmatrons, Ptashka, one can say that Aleysha Al Nasser has given Anood Al Nasser one of the best gifts a mother can give her daughter and has completed this pedigree ever so perfectly.

After a string of gold wins at some of the most prestigious shows some of which include Gold Champion Senior Mare the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championships and the All Nations Cup, Anood Al Nasser has rightfully been dubbed a “show ring queen” and earned a place among the royals in the industry. One could say that her official corona-

Nasser enter the Parisian ring with her main man at her side. Together they flew into the arena and she instantaneously had all eyes on her. With a trot as powerful as a steam train and equally as graceful as a butterfly, Anood Al Nasser was a vision of perfection. She was the definition of complete and her standup was nothing less than textbook. She won her class with ease and earned a whopping score of 93.42, which consisted of six twenties. Not only was she the highest scoring female at the show, but she was also the third highest scoring horse of the entire show.

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GOLD CHAMPION at Paris 2018 - Senior Mares Championship

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GOLD CHAMPION at Paris 2018 Senior Mares Championship

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On championship day Anood Al Nasser literally set the ring on ablaze. She had the crowds, officials, judges and even the people watching the live feed swooning over her undeniably gorgeous self. Both Glenn and Anood stood out in the sea of competition; as we say in today’s time, they were “on point” and it all paid off; Anood Al Nasser was crowned 2018 World Gold Champion Senior Mare. The crowd rose to their feet, cheered at the top of their lungs and flew the Saudi Arabian flag with pride, Anood Al Nasser and Glenn Schoukens received their standing ovation. But no one was happier than Anood Al Nasser’s owner, HRH Prince Abdulmajeed Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

One could see the pride and joy on his face shared with his close friend and Akmal Stud’s farm manager, Fahad Al Gofaily, that his heart was full and that this was one of the happiest

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moments in his life. As team Akmal received the award and stood next to Anood Al Nasser in the ring, once could see that they were beaming with pride. And we can be sure that this will go down in their history books as one of the most memorable World Championships.

Now that Anood Al Nasser has been coronated, it is time for her to turn her eyes to the breeding barn. While under the ownership of Al Nasser Stud, Anood Al Nasser was bred to a variety of stallions which include Marwan Al Shaqab and his sons ZT Marwteyn and EKS Alihandro and the result was always a success. Now as Akmal

Stud prepares to harness to full genetic prowess of their newly crowned queen, we can be sure to expect foals that are near perfect and complete in every way. After all, if Anood Al Nasser isn’t perfect, then there is nothing perfect about perfect.

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DEAR FELLOW BREEDERS AND LOVERS OF THE ARABIAN HORSE, What you hold in your hands is the 2019 special edition of Arabian Horse Magazine and just to celebrate this... very special occasion, we have decided to push the boat out on its fourth birthday. We feel to share with you this further accomplishment by hosting in this issue new desert stories, beautiful pictures, breaking news and the most recent results in the breeding industry with a special focus on the Middle East. There is content focusing on training and breeding advances and innovations, a showcase of some of the most important Arabian horse beauty competitions like the World Arabian Horse Championships2018 at the Salon du Cheval in Paris, followed by Fujairah Arabian Horse Show 2018 that took place outside the Emirate’s historic fort. This edition includes short essays on the most recent and successful representatives of the Arabian breed whose incredible results at the 2018 World Arabian Horse Championship in Paris, we thought, had to be further celebrated in our Magazine. So you will read pages about Equator, World Gold Medal Senior Stallion; Anood Al Nasser from Akmal Stud, World Gold Medal Senior Mare; D Ibn Rasheem, Top Ten World Champion and Dubai Stud’s jewel in the crown D Seraj, World Junior Gold Medal Champion. Additional pages will inform you on the recently established partnership about SG Labib and his landing at Antonio Fusco’s Arabian Training Center, nearby Rome, for the new breeding season. Equiborn KA’s new experience at David Boggs’ Midwest Training Center in the US, on Emperor

KA’s newly born partnership and his arrival at Maccabei Arabian Training Center in Italy and the royal figure of Sultan Al Zobara.

These are horses that have come down to Earth to become legends of the Arabian breed and their heirs. And it is the moral responsibility of dreamers like us to continue breeding, feeding, healing, and safeguarding the future of one of the planet’s greatest animals. We did not miss out the chance to interview two visionary breeders like Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheedi and Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, from Dubai Arabian Horse Stud; Italian judge Pierluigi Rota, German handler Sebastian Hanß since it has become vital for us to provide breeders, judges, handlers or fans of the breed with the same opportunity to speak about their personal, professional experience and daily commitment to the Arabian horse.

Another area that you will explore has been devoted to Straight Egyptian horses, not least because of one of a contribution from Straight Egyptians Italian breeder Domenico Tocchi. He was very kind to write for us some extremely interesting pages about Serenity Sonbolah and her sire Sameh.

Last but not least, you will come across advertising pages on Abhaa Arabians’ latest horse collection, we re-introduced an interview with famous Arabian horses photographer April Visel as well as a new one with model, singer and actress Greta Ray Giussani. We met her after the Salon du Cheval 2018 and she was pleased to release a nice interview for us. At the very start of the New Year, we want to wish all our friends, breeders, judges, handlers, trainers or simply readers a very inspiring and productive year 2019 with many dreams still to fulfil…

CONTACT FOR ITALY Gianluca Martino - Publisher/ Public relations/ Art Director Ph: +39 335 82 62 907 - email: info@arabianhorsemagazine.it CONTACT FOR EUROPE, US, MIDDLE EAST NOEMIE ZELLER - Publisher/ Public relations/ Photographer Ph: +41 764 12 00 93 - email: noemiezeller@icloud.com AHM | 10

INDEX Anood Al Nasser................................................................... 001 D Seraj.................................................................................... 012 Abhaa Arabians..................................................................... 018 Cover: OM EL Soraya Owner: Al Shiraa Arabians Special Middle East 2019 Editor/Publisher/Art Director GIANLUCA MARTINO

Paris World Championship................................................. 028 Breeder Interview - Dubai Arabian Horse Stud............... 054

Publisher/Public relations NOËMIE ZELLER

Equiborn KA........................................................................ 064

Photographer/Graphic Designer GREGOR AYMAR GLENN JACOBS

Judge Interview - Pierluigi Rota......................................... 074

Journalists SONJA SMALDONE DOMENICO TOCCHI NAKASHEN VALAITHAM SAMANTHA MATTOCKS KRISTI HOPP Technical Counselor WILLIAM RICHARDOT DE CHOISEY Graphic Designer NAZARIO BIZZOCO Official Photographers JOELLE MÜLLER ANTONIO CARACCIOLO ALESSIO AZZALI Translations SONJA SMALDONE Account GIANLUCA MARTINO NOËMIE ZELLER DEBORA MARTINO KRISTI HOPP Special Collaborators ANTONIO DE MARTINO DAVIDE D’ALESSANDRO GIULIETTA GUBBIOTTI Print ARABIAN VIBE - SALERNO

Adv/Redaction ARABIAN VIBE mobile: +39 335 8262907 info@arabianhorsemagazine.it www.arabianhorsemagazine.it

Sultan Al Zobara................................................................... 080 D IBN Rasheem.................................................................... 094 Elegantica Training Center.................................................. 101 SG Labib................................................................................. 114 Handler Interview - Sebastian Hanß................................. 124 Emperor KA......................................................................... 130 Kanz Albidayer...................................................................... 136 Equator................................................................................... 142 Serenity Sonbolah & Sameh................................................ 148 Fujairah Show....................................................................... 166 April Visel.............................................................................. 180

N. 406/016 - N. 1844/16 Direttore Responsabile: Oreste Mottola Iscritto al Registro della Stampa Periodica presso il Tribunale di Salerno il 15/12/2003 al numero 1158 Edito da: vibe arabians via irno 175, - 84133 Salerno iscritta al tribunale di salerno in data 18/02/2016

Arabian Horse Magazine non risponde della veridicità e dei contenuti dei testi pubblicitari.

Riding Model - Greta Ray................................................... 188 Eriska Arabians..................................................................... 196 AHM | 11

WORDS BY: NOEMIE ZELLER & SONJA SMALDONE

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EDITED BY SOAD BADWAN

he story of D Seraj made its start on the day of his birth – January, 1st 2015. Eleven months before, two knowledgeable men and crafty breeders, Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheedi, General Manager of Dubai Stud and Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, the Executive Stud Manager, had made the decision to use their exotic stallion FA El Rasheem (Fa El Shawan x Virtuosa) with Dubai Stud’s World Leading Mare, the flea-bitten grey Ladi Veronica (Versace x Nisrs Natevka) born in 2002, and herself very well known as a show Champion mare with her stunning move and her perfect and feminine look. Yet, a true expert on the Arabian horse breeding is aware that stories of this kind begin long before. We may say that it all started with the blood of great stallions such as that from the living legend Gazal Al Sha-

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qab or that from the famed Bey-Shah (Bey-el Bay x Star Ofir by Bask) or the stunning Straight Egyptian Ansata El Nisr, a son of the legendary straight Egyptian stallion, Ansata Ibn Halima (Nazeer x Halima), and out of Ansata Bint Zaafarana (Nazeer x Zaafarana). We can even argue that stories like this started many years, perhaps hundreds of years back in time. But, regardless of when the story actually began, it all converged into a magic moment when genetic elements of the highest type led to a magic outcome – in this case – the truly exceptional outcome in the shows is the grey colt D Seraj.

This very complete colt with a well-built body, straight tail carriage, arched neck and an incredible refined head with big black eyes and high set eye bones, started the season taking the Gold Champion Yearling colt title at the Aj-

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man Show in 2016 with a sensational score of 93.00 with four 20’s for type and four 20’s for head and neck. He was just spectacular in the very professional hands of Paolo Cappecci and the Dubai Stud team. At the Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse show, he just repeated his fantastic outing like in Ajman, and left all the visitors of the show speechless, with a top score for a yearling colt and unanimous Gold Champion. He went up another gear getting the Gold medal in Dubai with an incredible score of 93, 40. With four 20’s in type and five 20’s in head and neck but it is not to under valuate the great notes in body and full 16’s in legs. Latest now the entire world was talking about D Seraj, an unstoppable star…

After his special start in the Middle East, he traveled to Italy to start his training program with the team of Capecci Training Center, under the supervision of Paolo and

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Susy Capecci and their team, with Giampaolo Gubbiotti as his promoter. His first European outing was at the A Class show in Menton 2016. He just went through it with another unanimous Gold Champion Yearling colt title. This jewel of a colt has continued to ride his path to success, wowing the audiences across the world with his impressive performance, show after show. In the end of September, he headed to the All Nations Cup in Aachen, one of the most precious shows of the year ending up with the Gold Yearling Colt Championship title and an incredible score of 93,54.

The year was coming to its end, and, for D Seraj, was only one step missing to be crowned the unbeatable, the World Champion title in Paris. There were meeting the Best of the Best and, of course, D Seraj proved without any doubt to be one of them. With Paolo Cappecci on the lead, he en-

D SERAJ | Gold Junior Champion - Arabian Horse World Championship 2018 - Paris

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tered the ring putting down an unbelievable show with full blow and trot, aiming 93.58 with not only five 20’s in type, but, amazing scores in head and neck, body, legs and movement. He also brought at home the trophy for the Best Head in his class and was named unanimous World Champion Yearling Colt 2016. If at that time you were listening to the people, they would be talking about him as an Arabian horse in his perfection…D Seraj

left Paris at the top of his glory, and became another homebred star for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

For sure, D Seraj’s striding victory in Paris contributed to reinforce even further the name of Dubai Stud within Arabian Horse breeding history. For Dubai Stud, that was truly a moment of glory that fully demonstrated that all breeding choices made by Mr.

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Mohammed Al Tawheedi and Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, were right and were now paying off.

In year 2017, like many other show colts of his talent, D Seraj was put to rest from the show scene to cover a tiny group of highly selected mares. In 2018, he returned to Europe to compete for the most coveted titles on earth once more and, for the first time, this bold grey warrior took on the biggest and final challenge of the year and rose Dubai Stud flag at the pick of glory at the World Championship 2018 in Paris.

Always under the lead of his handler Paolo Capecci, D Seraj brought his best and was ultimately named World Champion Junior Colt. With a beautiful garland draped around his neck, he found himself walking home as a young King would do for his nation after the greatest victory in battles.

We wish D Seraj, Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheed, Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi and the entire family at Dubai Arabian Horse Stud the very best. The path is only upwards towards the stars for D Seraj. If he is making another show ring appearance in the future, we are pretty sure to see even more of this glorious and heavenly creature.

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PARC DES EXPOSITIONS PARIS NORD - VILLEPINTE FROM 23TH NOVEMBER TO 2ND DECEMBER 2018 Text by: William Richardot de Choisey Translation by: Sonja Smaldone Pictures by: PSV / Lisa Abraham / Comexposium / Arabian Insider As France is going through an extremely worrying and chaotic period, especially in the French capital, it was quite fortunate that the Salon du Cheval could be held at the Parc des Expositions Paris-Nord Villepinte. Geographically located off from the centre of Paris, the site was therefore a bit out of reach of protesters who could have attacked the many exhibiting horses owned by the well-to-do. These last were there to represent an extremely financially privileged social layer.

Great international riders were on the site of the Salon du Cheval 2018 to compete in the prestigious show jumping events mainly sponsored by Longines. Many professional members were raising questions about the arrival of aggressive characters, having to afford their distress in the face of an elite that is simply too far from the daily life of the French middle class, especially in this turbulent period in which many things are beyond the control.

In the program of animations of the Salon du Cheval 2018 which were quite multiple and rich in their compositions, sporting events were very extensive and open to all levels of competi-

tors. The International Vaulting Competition created in 1980, unlike Arabian horses competitions, filled in all the seats of the main arena. The ponies sector was also very much present with the support of the clubs and the attention given by the families. Not to forget, the indoor Cross which was a real success and turned out to be sold out.

Although such an event may still remain a passion for many people, an objective sincerity is needed in support of social networks that however have indulged in comments. The one thing that is to be remembered about those three days is that they have been no more than a show, certainly not a competition. More than ever before, the Arabian World Horse Championship has become an issue for many international professionals in the sector who have been questioning its annual and actual usefulness.

For several years now, this event has no longer been representing the basic breeders who have removed from their calendar an appointment that they once loved. We no longer see them at the Salon. The latter is now only considered “a rich collector“ due to differences in wealth that have become provocative at a social level. A number of very important questions are to be raised over this Championship which, over the last fifteen years, has become problematic mostly under Counsellors from an obsolete generation.

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them.

Faced with such a scenario, what will the future of the purebred Arabian horse be like in breeding competition? Fortunately, in 2019, a new operator of the Salon du Cheval will take the reins of the event in its entire entirety. A Salon which currently represents a global turnover of 7,500,000 Euros and 12 employees placing itself 21st away from its rival the ‘Salon of EquitaLyon’ that shows a turnover of 17,549,000 Euros with 13 employees. The ratio is eloquent.

In the past, all the breeders involved used to direct their breeding activity and the program of their qualifying season to step up to higher levels of competition where this Championship represented a ‘Graal’ to reach. In the fuzzy area where omnipresent sponsors expect a return on investments in their favor, the competition has become very challenging for professional handlers who are offered some chance to surpass themselves, yet, by downgrading themselves to make a living.

Today, everything happens to the detriment of the health of the horses.

The wealthiest countries are reigning over the discipline and the European Organization, for its part, is proving to be just unable to enforce its own rules; all that is sparking a dysfunction into the environment of the purebred Arabian horse in all parts of the world.

The industry is atomized, by whom we know. Interveners have really one only concern, to know how much the ‘wealthiest’ are going to give

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The resumption of the Salon also includes the Arabian Horses Championship. Things could be resolved by changing values. Whether current characters, who have been in control of it for too long are still in the business in 2019, they will have to act to the benefit of the general interest in a spirit of fairness, solidarity, and self-transcendence, by applying the rules and forgetting about a de facto companionship that only causes conflicts of interest, and be personally in tune with their membership.

We should no longer believe that only petrodollars must reign over the discipline; rather we should look at it as a tool to attract European breeders who can revive the sector according to a new strategy of the basic principles in favor of an evaluation of a breed that has been let down.

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WORLD ARABIAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP 23TH TO 25TH NOVEMBER 2018 129 Horses in catalogue 2018 by countries Horses from Europe : 48 Austria 4 - Belgium 4 - Czech Republic 1 Denmark 2 - Egypt 6 - France 5 Germany 1 - Italy 4 - Netherlands 1 Poland 17 - Spain 3 - Slovenia 1 Switzerland 3 - United Kingdom 2

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Horses from Middle East & others : 81 Israel 6 - Kingdom of Bahrain 2 – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 12 - Kuwait 19 – Lebanon 1 Qatar 10 - Sultanate of Oman 2 - United Arab Emirates 20 – United States of America 3 2018 real show participation : 98 Judging Committee 4 judges Ecaho from Europe 4 Guest judges 1-Brazil, 1- Egypt, 2 U.s.a

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YEARLING FILLIES Final Championship

AJ SAMARA Birth: 02/10/2017 Color: Bay Sire: AJ MARDAN Dam: SAMA AM

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GOLD BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD

D SHIHANAH

Birth: 16/01/2017 Color: Grey Sire: FA EL RASHEEM Dam: D SHAHLA

ISRAA AH

Birth: 10/04/2017 Color: Grey Sire: WADEE AL SHAQAB Dam: ZHARED DREAMZ JTA

SILVER BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BRONZE BREEDER: SAID BSOUL OWNER: AL ORASIA STUD

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YEARLING COLTS Final Championship

ADMIRAAL Birth: 20/02/2017 Color: Bay Sire: EMERALD J Dam: HANIYYAH

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GOLD BREEDER: AL MUAWD STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD

ARRAAB ALJASSIMYA Birth: 04/03/2017 Color: Grey Sire: AL AYAAL AA Dam: OMEL AISHA ALJASSIMYA

DUKE SANTONIO ME Birth: 07/06/2017 Color: Bay Sire: SANTORINI Dam: AMALIAA

SILVER BREEDER: AL JASSIMYA FARM OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

BRONZE BREEDER: DAWN CASCOE OWNER: MESHAAL ALMESBAH

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JUNIOR FILLIES Final Championship

HDM MARIA APAL Birth: 06/04/2015 Color: Bay Sire: RFI FARID Dam: WW MANIA APAL

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GOLD BREEDER: ELEONORE MERTENS OWNER: AJMAN STUD

D AJAYEB

Birth: 04/01/2015 Color: Grey Sire: RFI FARID Dam: LADI VERONIKA

BALADA AL ALFABIA Birth: 10/03/2016 Color: Bay Sire: EKS ALIHANDRO Dam: ZT MAGNA PSYCHE

SILVER BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BRONZE BREEDER: ALFABIA STUD OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

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JUNIOR COLTS Final Championship

D SERAJ

Birth: 01/01/2015 Color: Grey Sire: FA EL RASHEEM Dam: LADI VERONIKA

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GOLD BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

AJ KAFU

Birth: 10/10/2015 Color: Grey Sire: SHANGHAI EA Dam: AJ KAHAYLA

GABEL ATHBAH

Birth: 09/02/2015 Color: Bay Sire: EKS ALIHANDRO Dam: MEQBILAT ATHBAH

SILVER BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD

BRONZE BREEDER: ATHBAH STUD OWNER: ATHBAH STUD

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SENIOR MARES Final Championship

ANOOD AL NASSER Birth: 18/01/2008 Color: Grey Sire: ASHHAL AL RAYYAN Dam: ALEYSHA AL NASSER

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GOLD BREEDER: AL NASSER STUD OWNER: AKMAL STUD

OM EL AISHA ALJASSIMYA Birth: 15/06/2013 Color: Grey Sire: WH JUSTICE Dam: OM EL ALIHA

WADAD ZAMANI Birth: 09/08/2011 Color: Grey Sire: LAHEEB Dam: ZENA AL BURAQ

SILVER BREEDER: OM EL ARAB INTERNATIONAL OWNER: AL JASSIMYA FARM

BRONZE BREEDER: OSMAN AL KASASI OWNER: HANAYA STUD

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SENIOR STALLIONS Final Championship

EQUATOR

Birth: 25/03/2010 Color: Bay Sire: QR MARC Dam: EKLIPTYKA

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GOLD BREEDER: STADNINA KONI MICHALOW OWNER: AL SHEIKH STUD

ES HARIR

Birth: 03/04/2011 Color: Grey Sire: AJ DINAR Dam: TF MAGNUMS MAGIC

AL AYAL AA

Birth: 07/01/2008 Color: Grey Sire: AL AYAD Dam: THE VISION HG

SILVER BREEDER: EMIRATES STUD OWNER: AL SAQRAN STUD

BRONZE BREEDER: ARIELA ARABIANS OWNER: ARIELA ARABIANS

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CONCLUSION Despite the above debate that can provide everyone with a multitude of questions including recurring questions about the integrity of judges, the general atmosphere was certainly not very enthusiastic, and not all horses were Medalists. However, that did not prevent beautiful specimens from causing an emotional vibe.

Duke Santonio’s failure to appear at the final qualifications was somewhat regretted due to the overly excited behavior his handler had previously displayed in the arena. It was a pity for a subject which was worth it all to have been dispossessed by a precious medal.

The stallion Equator, who placed well last year, did it again in 2018 in the same place, and he is now under a new ownership in 2018. His type perfectly represented the breed in the eyes of the public audience that generously applauded him on his victory, ahead of another beautiful horse who alas did not show up at the awards ceremony; a not very correct attitude vis-à-vis both of the public and the organizers.

Positive remarks on the 2018 Arabian Horse Show Championships, where competitions are often fictitious, there more than elsewhere, do refer to anti-doping controls that were quickly carried out by Dr. Vet Malak Benamar (Morocco), assisted by Dr. Vet Abdel Wahab Ben Al Amira (Tunisia) for all winners and for other horses drawn by lot. However, in order to abide by current International Regulations, the official results should be disclosed to all on the E.c.a.h.o. website whatever their content.

No doubt the announcement of the presence of Agents-Inspectors, in order to report any abuse against the Arabian horse standing in the paddock, by an excessive use of whips or even plastic bags to exercise stimulation, certainly did encourage some members of the Disciplinary Commission not to turn their backs on these derivatives. And yet, far too little relative to the enforcement of the rules with no qualms.

Given the extremely special situation that the whole sector is going through, the chain cancellation of high-end competitions in Europe, also following many conversations in the VIP area with well-known and wealthy characters, year 2019 is going to unfold with a serious and real reflection raised by owners wishing now to have their horses competitions in their own facilities at home, with resident trainers as well as employees that will have to also deal with the preparation of young products. To put it in another way, ‘back-to-basics’ approach with a rational management of a breeding programme. ‘Faber is suae quisque fortunae’.

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DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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Written by Sonja Smaldonte - Edited by Soad Badwan

ince its foundation in 2007, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud has rapidly become one of the world’s most successful Straight Egyptian and Purebred horse farms. They left their mark on International Arabian horse shows, producing Champions

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after Champions and gaining respect from around the world, as visionary horsemen and leaders in the industry. Under the leadership of Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheedi and Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud has been distinguished

by their high-quality horses that further spurred their excellence both in the show arena and their breeding programs. By fostering good relationships with supportive breeders and studs around the world, Dubai Stud made important contributions to the growth

Eng.Mohammed Al Tawheedi - General Manager Abdelaziz Al Marazeeq - Executive Manager

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ROYAL COLOURS TRUE COLOURS X XTREME WONDER

of the breeding worldwide. In the space of only few years the Royal stables have collected many important International awards in so many occasions such as: the European Championship, All Nations Cup in Aachen, Menton and several shows in Europe, mastering a prestigious achievement. In only two years after its inception - in the World Championship in Paris 2009, the stunning bay stallion Royal Colours (2003) (True Colours Ă— Xtreme Wonder) AHM | 56

was crowned the world champion stallion.

The accurate research, clever planning, passion and commitment of Mohammed Al Tawheedi and Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi have allowed Dubai Arabian Horse Stud to take a very important step forward by introducing the technique of Embryo Transfer in their breeding program. This innovation has made it possible for Dubai Stud to try up all their wonderful mares faster, thereby speeding the

FA EL RASHEEM FA EL SHAWAN X VIRTUOSA MLR

D SERAJ FA EL RASHEEM X LADI VERONIKA AHM | 57

D AJAYEB RFI FARID X LADI VERONIKA

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breeding process. This way, they have managed to produce a worshipped collection of Champion horses raised and bred by them.

In particular, their discovery of the American born stallion FA El Rasheem (Fa El Shawan x Virtuosa by Versace) proved to be a crucial crossing with their mares producing many Champions in shows, among which the young Arabian sensation D Seraj (2015)(Fa El Rasheem x Ladi Veronica), he was GOLD CH. in Ajman 2016, GOLD CH. in Dubai 2016, GOLD CH. in Menton 2016 , GOLD CH. in

Paris 2016 , SILVER CH. in Dubai 2018 , and most recently GOLD CH. In Paris 2018 In the year 2016, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud was awarded by one of the most important awards, the most coveted “Best Breeder Award” in the world, at the World Arabian Horse Championship in Paris.

A captivating gray angel is also growing in the beautiful field of the great breeder Dubai Stud by the name of D Shihanah (2016) (Fa El Rasheem x D Shahla by Marajj) , This beauti-

D SHIHANAH FA EL RASHEEM X D SHAHLA

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ful filly has stormed in the arena of the World Arabian Horse Championship 2018 in Paris and was crowned Silver Medal Champion Yearling Female, not a surprising, as Her dam, the grey goddess D Shahla (2012)(Marajj x FT Shaella) was deservedly awarded with the title of “Best Dam”. last but most certainly not least, when speaking about heroes and the great achievements, we cannot but to mention Dubai Stud’s number one glamor girl D Ajayeb (2014) (RFI Farid x Ladi Veronica), a name that carries in its folds a history of great achievements worldwide, D Ajayeb as always, never to leave, without leaving a distinctive trace in the show arenas. in 2018 World Arabian Horse Championship, she was crowned Silver Champion in the Junior Females category.

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tions when their super stallion FA El Rasheem (FA EL Shawan x Virtuosa MLR) was crowned as the “Best Sire”. Dubai Stud will never forget those glorious moments in Paris as they provided a concrete proof that all the breeding choices made by Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheedi and Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, have been absolutely right so far and now paying off, as in 2016, they were once again elected as the “Best Breeders”. A well-deserved title for these two visionary horsemen and ambassadors of the Arabian breed on a global scale.

Thanks to the introduction of the amazing technology of Embryo Transfer, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud will produce even more astonishing Arabian horses and unquestionably more Champions. When you think about Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, there is no doubt that their slogan rings true –‘Born to Lead...Bred to Excel’

D SHAHLA MARAJJ X FT SHAELLA BEST DAM - PARIS 2018

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D SERAJ - Junior Colts Gold Medal Champion - Paris 2018

D AJAYEB - Junior Fillies Silver Medal Champion - Paris 2018

D SHIHANAH - Yearling Fillies Silver Medal Champion - Paris 2018

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DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD - BEST BREEDER - PARIS 2018

FA EL RASHEEM - BEST SIRE - PARIS 2018

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Words by Sonja Smaldone

We can often hear long-experienced breeders maintain that when they assess a horse and try to envisage his possible breeding ability they look to see how strongly the individual resembles his pedigree. If the horse’s physical characteristics closely match those of the animals in its pedigree, then breeders believe there is in fact a very high probability that the horse will be able to reproduce those same qualities and traits with a good amount of consistency. When Equiborn KA came to life at Knocke Arabians, Belgium, in 2012,

Arabian breeders Paul and Ria Geysens knew from the very beginning they were witnessing the birth of a clear star who would live up to his progenitors and bring forward their breeding generation.

There are two sides to every pedigree and each is equally important. The sire side of Equiborn KA’s pedigree is imbued with straight Egyptian blood with his sire QR Marc (Marwan Al Shaqab x Swete Dreams ) being a great-grandson of legendary Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid by Ruminaja Ali x Kajora), and brings with it the strong, close ties to his desert origins. From her side, Kajora conveyed a potent combination of rich and robust Russian, Polish and Crabbet bloodlines. Historically, these lines have been blended and overlapped to

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create masterpieces of living, breathing art. Equiborn’s dam is the regal Polish mare Espadrilla. Owned and bred by Michalow State Stud in Poland, Espadrilla (Monogramm x Emanacja) is one of the many mares that have been bred to QR Marc with amazing results, both at Knocke and in Poland itself. When leased to Knocke Arabians, Espadrilla gifted the Gheysens with Equiborn before she made her return to her mother country. While being one of the most beautiful daughters by Monogramm

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(Negatraz x Monogramma) makes Espadrilla an aristocratic mare by definition, it is her dam side that appears so appealing. She is out of Emanacja, a daughter of the great Eukaliptus (Bandos x Eunice) and out of one of the most important Polish broodmares of all time – Emigracjia (Palas x Emisja).

Therefore, Espadilla carries two of the most important bloodlines bred at the State Studs of Poland, and this is what mainly sparkled Paul and Ria Gheysens to choose her as a special partner for QR

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Progenies EQUIBORN KA X JOUMALIA NAUTIAC FILLY

EQUIBORN KA X QR LIZETTE FILLY

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Marc. No offspring by QR Marc has ever been shown in the same year of their birth except for Equiborn KA. In 2012, the Geysens decided to introduce the foal to their friends at their annual family event and everyone there got just so captivated by the little grey colt’s appearance. Reason why, the following year, in 2013, Equiborn was awarded the honor to open the event itself.

No more words were needed on that day, but a few minutes of presentation had already stolen the heart of all the attendants. Equiborn stood tall and charming in the presentation arena, he had a gentle grace about him, elegance perfectly in line with a great movement and charismatic Arabian type. All eyes were on him. That same

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year, in 2013, Equiborn made his debut in the show-ring grabbing the Gold Yearling Colt title at the Emerald Trophy International Show and the Silver Yearling Colt Championship title at the West Coast Cup as well as being crowned Best Belgium Horse at the show. He concluded that year with the Silver Yearling Male title at the World Championship in Paris. Many successes were achieved by Equiborn with the Schouckens on the lead. He was: Bronze Medal Champion at Menton 2014; Bronze Medal Champion at Menton 2015 regaining the Silver Champion title at Paris 2015. He went on being: 2016 Breeders Cup Chantilly Unanimous Gold Champion Senior Stallion + Best Male of the

Silver Junior Champion Paris 2015

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Show and 2017 Paris Bronze World Champion Stallion. Lately, Paul and Ria Geysens’ decision about sending Equiborn KA to Davis Boggs’ Midwest Training Center in the U.S. has caught everybody’s attention in the industry. Since when we talk about David Boogs, we talk about one of the most internationally acclaimed horseman. One who has travelled the world over and visi-

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ted every continent where Arabian horses live. His passion created his vision, it provides his energy, and it sustains his commitment to search out and find, acquire, transform, and showcase the crème de la crème of the breed. Last not the least, Equiborn KA. Of course, we are all excited to see what will come up from this new magnificent pair!

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Who is Pierluigi Rota? When did you start getting interested in the purebred Arabian horse?

ECAHO A-List judge. Breeder of Purebred Arabian horses since 1981 at El Shagara. Professional coach since 1992, horse-racing sector. President of Provincial Equine Section for 25 years; President of Lombardy Region Equine Section for 6 years; Councilor at Regional Center Horse Racing Development, City of Crema, for 10 years; Secretary General of the Italian National Association of the Arabian Horse for 22 years; last not the least, Honorary Member of the Italian National Association of the Arabian Horse.

I became interested in Arabian horses in 1981, after almost ten-year’s experience of Anglo-Arabians breeding. One pivotal time for me was when I purchased Fair Ghibli. A four years old Crabbet stallion, an exceptional subject both for his beauty and his psychophysical balance. With this horse I have won any and all: Italian Champion of Morphology, excellent companion in cross races, barrel, show-jumping, as well as long walks companion.

Your passion sounds like a deep and abiding passion, so we would like to know to what extent has it influenced your life?

I can safely say that the Arabian horse has influenced not only my life, but also that of my family. All of its members are deeply involved in this passion and they have always been very supportive of my choices. My wife has followed me for years, down every competition and my son is a professional jockey.

Which was the first Arabian horse you laid your eyes on?

As I said, it was certainly Fair Ghibli but I did not stop there. While I was visiting Babolna State Farm, Hungary, I bought myself a wonderful purebred Arabian who had enthralled me with his uniqueness and gentle disposition. This was Ibn Galal 1/13, a subject who has produced exceptional offspring with champions in show events, racing and endurance.

When did you become a judge? What pushed you to embark on this path?

I became a judge in 1994 but what really made me want to continue was a strong desire to see and analyze as many horses as possible, and gather all the necessary experience for breeding.

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Which particular skills are necessary to become a good and accountable judge?

A judge can acquire the necessary skills only by studying the morphology, the history of the horse and his attitudes, trying to be true in his conscience and translate this into his judgments. The fact that he is also a horseman or a knight is also important.

What are, in your opinion, the strengths of the breed and how do you tackle the concepts of ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’?

Let us be clear, the strengths of the breed are, first of all, ‘Type’, ‘Morphology’ and ‘Genealogy, which must be abso-

lutely recognized by any national Stud-book.

Modern horses are the result of the selection that man has implemented over the centuries. Not always has this project achieved the desired results, but surely the right balance between beauty and morphological correctness is a system to be pursued to improve the breed. The perfect balance between beauty and functional correctness is rare though.

Do you think that the current widespread European judgment system is valid, or do you think it can be improved? What do you think about the so-called ‘half-point’?

The current system is very restrictive because the score given by each judge, instead of being from 0 to 20, is from 14 to 20, so the half point has become essential, also because some subjects are very similar.

What are your favorite bloodlines?

There is no preference for any particular bloodlines even if I breed pure Egyptians.

My preference is always for the subject that inspires me more type and morphological correctness.

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What was the most important show of your career?

Of course it was the shows like the World Championships in Paris and the European Championships, but I also got excited in minor shows like some Nationals where breeder’s passion is much more felt.

Did you prefer the atmosphere of past times competitions or of today’s festivals?

The atmosphere at current shows has changed a lot, partly because emotions and interests have changed dramatically. My memories still go back to Old Times shows like Cervia…

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a judge?

This profession allows me to visit new countries, see new horses and get to know new breeders with different personalities and cultures.

The Arabian horse industry is now in the midst of increasing difficulties. What do you think? What are, in your opinion, the main reasons behind this problem?

Today, breeding an Arabian horse has become very difficult since there you’ll need a lot of experience and financial resources if you want to have satisfactory results. When someone asks me how to produce excellent subjects, which is any breeder’s dream, I’ll always say that there you must have 40% of experience and knowledge of horse Genetics, 30% of economic background, and 30% of luck.

Do you feel would you like to give some advice to those who want to become judges?

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must always be willing to listen to those who are more experienced in these matters and you’ve got to make good use of that. Thorough studies are required to investigate the morphology of Arabians and have an absolutely precise idea of Type, and, of course, you must always judge with honesty.

Would you share a significant experience with our readers?

While I was judging at a show a few years ago, it started raining heavily. Other judges and I were watching the rain pouring down on us hoping it would stop. But, after half an hour, the whole field was flooding and the wind had knocked down the tensioned structure we were underneath. It became a giant stampede. Judges, organizers and staff sought refuge in their cars, flooded streets, a general havoc! Eventually, though, we were reunited in the hotel. We were all soaked from rain… But, you know, ‘willpower can do wonders’, so the next day we were all back in the arena to judge, obviously with no tensioned-structure which had been completely blown away.

How do you see the future of the Arabian horse, Pierluigi?

I really think that the Arabian horse will only survive if we bring him back to his being a true, real horse. In other words, a beautiful horse, friendly to man who will use him under saddle again so as to enjoy his exceptional qualities.

Do you feel like leaving a message to the readers of this interview or to those who are willing to get to know you better?

I’ll leave a message to all the readers who truly love the Arabian horse. We all should come together as we used to do in order to talk about our passion, share our adventures, our experiences and all the joy our horses bring in our lives!

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Royal In Every Way

By Nakashen Valaitham

H

ave you ever seen the arrival of a royal figure? The crowds gather in their thousands and split to make way. They cheer at the top of their lungs, whistles can be heard near and far and the clapping almost makes the earth shake.

Some people can’t stop smiling, others weep in joy and the rest just stand in awe. The royal figures in the Arabian horse industry include names like Padrons Psyche, Marwan Al Shaqab, RN Farida, Kubinec, CR Jasmeenah and WH Justice to name a few. Whether you look at these royals in their stables, in the show arena or just grazing in a paddock, you can’t help but succumb to the beauty they emanate. The Qatari bred Sultan Al Zobara (Gazal Al Shaqab x Inra Al Shaqab) is another one of those horses that belong to the elite group of royals. His unquestionable beauty and dominance in arenas around the world have put him above the rest and in a royal league of his own.

Sultan Al Zobara is bred by Abdullah Al Misnad of Qatar and is currently owned by the uber successful Kuwaiti farm, Abhaa Arabians, proudly owned by Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Babtain. He is a majestic, one-of-a-kind stallion that is of royal stature. His pedigree

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oozes greatness and is embellished with aristocrats and royal figures from around the world. His sire, World Champion Gazal Al Shaqab (Anaza El Farid x Kajora) is a living legend and icon in the industry. Just like Bask, Bey Shah and Padron did in their day, Gazal Al Shaqab single-handedly changed the face of the breed to what it is today. His impact is revered around the world and the utterance of his name is enough to make breeders, enthusiasts, judges and handlers stand in respect.

Through the straight Egyptian stallion and Egyptian Event Winner Anaza El Farid, Gazal Al Shaqab has given Sultan Al Zobara one of the greatest gifts a father could ever give a son in this industry – a sire line to the celebrated stallion and extraordinary producer Nazeer. Anaza El Farid brings with him the powerful blood of U.S. National Champion Ruminaja Ali and the Ansata Ibn Halima daughter and aristocratic producer, Bint Deena. Gazal Al Shaqab’s dam was the 1982 U.S. National Champion Mare Kajora.

She is one of the founding matriarchs of Al Shaqab and her pedigree is an extraordinary blend of powerful Polish, Crabbet and Russian influences. Through her dam, the grey,

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multiple in hand and English pleasure champion, Edjora (Excelsjor x Edessa) we find a tail female line to the Albigowa bred Ellora – dam of U.S. National and Scottsdale Champion Stallion, El Paso.

Now while Sultan Al Zobara’s sire lives up to definition of the word influential, his dam should not be overlooked. Inra Al Shaqab (Wahag Al Shaqab x Johara Al Shaqab), is a straight Egyptian broodmare supreme.

Her sire Wahag Al Shaqag is the result of crossing two exemplary Egyptian horses, namely Safir and Kamasayyah. Safir sired a countless number of daughters that went on to become integral parts of studs around the world and the Qatari Champion Kamasayyah, is a half-sister to the U.S. Reserve National Champion, Hadban Al Shaqab. Inra Al Shaqab’s dam, Johara Al Shaqab is one of the most refined and authentic Egytpian mares that the industry has ever seen. Not only is she a sight for sore eyes but she is the dam of multiple champions. The rich and valuable Ansata and Imperial blood that Inra Al Shaqab adds to this pedigree makes Sultan Al Zobara a royal inside and out.

What is interesting and quite staggering is the fact that in the five generations of Sultan Al Zobara’s pedigree, we find 24 champions from around the world and enough aristocracy to last a lifetime. Now when you possess immense quality, ooze Arabian type, have multiple crosses to breed legends, look better in real life than you do on paper and are a son of a living legend, you are deemed royal and certainly fit to take on the toughest shows around the world.

Sultan Al Zobara’s exotic face, long, snake-like neck, perfectly proportioned body and that textbook stand-up all make him look as if he was carved by the world’s greatest sculptors. Couple that with his flag-like tail carriage, powerful movement and snort-and-blow attitude, and you have a living masterpiece – one that sets every show ring ablaze and leaves spectators speechless.

Ever since he made his show ring debut as yearling, Sultan Al Zobara has found himself earning truck loads of twenties, Best Head Trophies and in the winner’s circle by unanimous decision. His debut was at the coveted World Championships in Paris in 2012. He was the new kid on the block and everyone was waiting to see the extreme bay colt from the e-blasts in person. Giacomo Capacci showed him to perfection and the culminated that show with the Gold

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Gazal Al Shaqab

ANAZA EL FARID X KAJORA (Sultan Al Zobara Sire)

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World Champion Yearling Colt title. Then in 2014, he made his return.

Sultan Al Zobara had matured into an outstanding three-year-old and all eyes were on him. One could see both his masculinity and refinement from afar, he was ready to take on what was coming his way.

He was shown at the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championship held at the picturesque, French coastal city of Menton. It was once again Giacomo Capacci at the lead and when they danced into the arena, the crowd erupted. Sultan Al Zobara put on a fantastic performance and earned himself the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Silver Champion Junior Colt title. Sultan Al Zobara came into his own as a stallion and he made sure that the world would remember his name. He made his way to the United States of America and arrived at Midwest Training Center in the capable hands of David Boggs. Professional and

experienced horseman, David Boggs, knew that he had a rare gem in his hands. And it was time to take this gem to Las Vegas and make him shine even brighter.

Sultan Al Zobara burst into the arena at the 2015 Las Vegas Arabian Breeders World Cup and won his class effortlessly. His near perfect stand up made it look as if a sculpture had truly come to life. As he stood there, dead still, with the judges scrutinizing every nook and cranny, the crowd went wild. The cheers, shouts of praise and tears filled the room. At the end of it, Sultan Al Zobara was named Gold Champion Senior Stallion at

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the Las Vegas Arabian Breeders World Cup. After an exceptional year in the U.S., Sultan Al Zobara made his way home and started off 2016 with a bang. He was shown at the Kuwait International Arabian Horse Championships, a coveted A-Show held in Kuwait and like he usually does, Sultan Al Zobara bagged himself multiple twenties, a first place in his class and ultimately the 2016 Kuwait International Gold Champion Senior Stallion title.

2016 saw Sultan Al Zobara end up in the hands

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of the super successful Qatari farm, Al Thumama Stud. After his success in Kuwait, the team at Al Thumama Stud leased Sultan Al Zobara to breed to their array of gorgeous mares and to campaign and show him at the World Championships that year. Sultan Al Zobara stood with Tom Oben and together the two formed a bond, a bond that evident in Paris that year. They burst into the arena with their heads held high and only had one goal on their mind – the gold. On championship day,

Sultan Al Zobara was named 2016 Silver World Champion Stallion and the entire Al Thumama team couldn’t have been happier.

After a year-long break from the show circuit to fulfil his duties in the breeding barn, the now seven-year-old Sultan Al Zobara has matured into a stallion of immeasurable beauty and quality. He is ready to make his comeback and show the world his true potential. The team at Abhaa Arabians have proudly leases this sensational stallion. The Abhaa

Arabians team believe that when you bring together one of the breed’s finest and accomplished stallions with a mare of unique beauty and refinement, both with royal bloodlines, the result is bound to be an exceptional individual that stands out in a crowd.

Sultan Al Zobara is indeed one of those individuals and Abhaa Arabians intends to breed more of these royal horses. And this time they are giving outside breeders the opportunity to breed their very own royals as well. For the first time, Sultan Al Zoba-

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ra will be available to the public. Mr. Gianpaolo Gubbiotti also known as Woody is currently handling all the promotion regarding Sultan Al Zobara and we can be sure to see some great news coming our way. He is currently standing at Capecci Training Center in Italy and Paolo Capecci and his wife Susy Gruschler couldn’t be happier; they are excited to represent such an

esteemed and illustrious horse and for the possibilities that Sultan Al Zobara brings with him.

The royal king, Sultan Al Zobara is starting a new chapter and we can be sure that it will be written in a royal manner. So get ready Arabian industry, the crowds will soon start gathering, be sure to make way, a royal story is about to unfold.

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Written by Sonja Smaldone

T

ime is flying for little colt D IBN EL Rasheem (2016) (FA El Rasheem x Angeliccah) and for sure very fast to glory. From the time we found him at Dubai Arabian Horse Stud in the United Arab Emirates until today he was the star of all the family and conquered everybody’s heart and daily life in the barns. So, I feel it is necessary to work on where this glorious and pretty creature comes from. With just a quick glance over his pedigree it is easy to realize that it is the perfect synthesis of the very best we have had in Arabian horse history. D IBN EL Rasheem is sired by Dubai Stud’s corner stallion FA EL Rasheem (Fa EL Shawan x Virtuosa MLR). FA EL Shawan is sired by Marwan Al Shaqab, who in turn is a son of phenomenal super sire, Gazal Al Shaqab. And it is through Gazal Al Shaqab that we find the most revered Arabian legends, Anaza El Farid - Ruminaja Ali - Shaik Al Badi – Morafic and Nazeer. FA EL Shawan’s dam is the chestnut goo-

dness Foxbriar Shakita (2001) (ZT Shakfantasy x Select Mirror) that adds the illustrious influence of El Shaklan and Bey Shah lines. FA EL Rasheem’s dam, Virtuosa MLR, (Versace x Alishahmaal) is a fine blend of Straight Egyptian lines further imbued with Polish blood via her maternal grandmother NV Alieshah, a precious daughter sired

by Bey Shah (Bay El Bey x Star Of Ofir by Bask), which of course explains the athleticism and correctness of her grand-son D IBN EL Rasheem.

The dam of D IBN EL Rasheem, Angeliccah (Marwan Al Shaqab x BHF Dark Angel) is one of the most gorgeous broodmares standing at Dubai Stud and brings with her a swing of champions and aristocratic influences that elevates this pedigree from great to exceptional. Like her paternal

grandsire, Angeliccah is sired by Marwan Al Shaqab thereby doubling into her pedigree the influence of this legendary sire.

From her damline, Angeliccah is a daughter of the mare BHF Dark Angel (RSD Dark Victory × Crown Narada), one of the pearls owned by visionary horseman Jeff Sloans from Aria Farms, Michigan, United States. BHF Dark Angel’s sire, the black bay stallion RSD Dark Victory is a son of Bey Shah and out Kamasi Sabaha by Khemosabi.

Bred by Robert S. Dougherty, California, he is now under the ownership of Orrion Farms, Washington. BHF Dark Angel’s dam is Crown Narada, a wonderful chestnut broodmare carrying some of the finest Russian and Egyptian lines via her sire, the legendary Straight Russian stallion Nariadni (Nabeg [by Arax x Nomenklatura by Naseem] x Nariadnaia [ by Aswan by Nazeer]).

The dam of Crown Narada is the chestnut mare Jewel Drift sired by the grey Crabbet stallion Silver Drift (Raktha x Serafina) and out of the Polish grey goodness Dornaba, (Naborr x Dar-

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Gold Champion Yearling Colt - Vichy 2017

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da), a 1960 Arabian mare who was a Polish import from the Michalów Stud. In the U.S. she claimed many National titles for English pleasure and Halter including U.S. National Champion Halter Mare. She was also awarded the Legion Of Merit for her incredible show career. Angeliccah thus emerged as a living masterpiece forged out of the most valuable Arabian families in history: Egyptian, Crabbet, Russian and Polish. It is clear that D Ibn Rasheem was born for the public eye and the catalytic agents that helped him set at the level he is today it is for sure his family at Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and his Italian handler Paolo Capecci. At such a young age, D Ibn Rasheem boasts a very respectable record of victories: Gold Medal Champion Yearling Male at Vichy International B-Show 2017; Gold Medal Champion Yearling Colts at West Coast Cup Int. B-Show 2017; Bronze Medal Champion Junior Colts at Ajman Arabian Horse Show 2018; Silver Medal Champion Junior Colts at Prague InterCup 2018 and Top Ten at the World Arabian Horse Championship in Paris 2018. We all look forward to seeing what this beautiful colt has in store for us in the near future, and take this opportunity to wish D Ibn Rasheem’s new owner JM Arabians Greece, their family and Italian handler Paolo Capecci all the very best in year 2019.

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Gold Champion Yearling Colt - West Coast 2017

Top Ten - Paris 2018 AHM | 98

Silver Champion Junior Colt - Abu Dhabi 2018

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Moments

Thank You to all our clients for their trust and support during the 2018 show season !

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Kamila SA

sa faez simbad x sa karima

GOLD MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MONTEFALCO 2018 SILVER MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MARINA DI PIETRASANTA 2018

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Janira SA

sa faez simbad x princesa pin

BRONZE MEDAL YEARLING FILLY MONTEFALCO 2018 BRONZE MEDAL YEARLING FILLY FORLI 2018

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Farah Alessia FM

sa faez simbad x tihanj

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Exposita

KA

qr mark x ekina

Owned by

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Sonja SA

ajman moniscione x sa sofia

Owned by

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Zaid SA

sa faez simbad x sa zein

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 108

SA

Falco

sa faez simbad x sa morgana

GOLD MEDAL JUNIOR COLT FORLI 2018

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 109

Madison SA

wh justice x sa minerva

GOLD MEDAL STALLION MONTAFALCO 2018 GOLD MEDAL STALLION FORLI 2018

CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 110

Majd

AL ARABI

magnum chall hvp x selket obsession

BRONZE MEDAL STALLION MONTEFALCO 2018

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Juliusz

de wiec

debowiec x jiullya el jamaal

FROZEN SEMEN AVAILABLE CONTACT US FOR BREEDING INCENTIVES AHM | 112

Batistah El Perfecto | Baraquessa 2001 straight Spanish bay mare

Š Elvis Giughera

Thank you to Ferdinand Huemer for realizing my dream and giving us the opportunity to let Batistah join our breeding program. This is a true gift for me and my family, a gift that makes me feel truly blessed.

- Elvis

LE SOLEIL STUD - Elvis Giughera Via Borgata San Rocco 26 - CERCENASCO (TO) - ITALY +39.3393680656 - www.le-soleil.org - E-mail: info@le-soleil.org AHM | 113

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Written by Noemie Zeller & Sonja Smaldone

A

ncient history began over 5,000 years ago and has gifted us with many books about the most important breeding stallions. For sure the one to add on the top of this legendary list is the c ont e m porary champion maker WH Justice, a great sire of breeding progenies and successful show horses.

During a trip in Dubai, we had the pleasure to visit the private farm of H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al Gergawi Minister of Ca-

binet Affairs of the Federal Government of the UAE. While touring the property, we came across a wonderful white mare named DF Halifa. We were taken aback by her type, very solid and strong conformation.

We asked H.E some questions and he started to talk about the bloodline of DF Halifa, which was bred

by Achim DirnhÜfer – Birkhof Stud Germany. In her bloodline, she carries the famous Al Lahab as a sire and in her mother line, she has Messoud who is by Madkour

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young age.

At that moment, all the stories we were told by H.E. Mr. Mohammad Al Gergawi one year before about his mother came back to our mind. It was special to see SG Labib the following year under the new ownership of Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi who got the horse as a gift from the Minister.

We should tell that this is just the beginning of a nice story about friendship and breeding program. Today SG Labib has widely proved himself as a sire; he has covered some mares which have been chosen by the very selective eye of the General Manager of Dubai Stud Mr. Mohammed Al Tawheedi. He selected some Gazal Al Shaqab daughter lines and he got as first the promising

WH JUSTICE - SG LABIB SIRE

and out of the wonderful mare Maymoonah – she is Egyptian related because she has a tiny influence from the Marbach lines. For us, it was very pleasant to see all his horses especially DF Halifa who was in foal to WH Justice. One year later during the open day of Dubai Arabian horse Stud, we could see her again but she was not alone anymore. Next to her there was a beautiful dishy grey colt. All attendants of the open day were attracted to his attitude to show himself, he looked very proud and charismatic. Something that did catch our attention was for sure his type but most of all his very strong body at this very DF HALIFA - SG LABIB DAM

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D DANAT (SG LABIB X ANGELICCAH BY MARWAN AL SAQAB)

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ket but this came under the advice of Paolo Capecci and Woody (Giampaolo Gubbiotti) to add him on the Europe market for the breeding season 2015 for selected mares.

The intense reproduction activity that SG Labib carried throughout that year began to reap the real rewards of that effort very soon with the birth of an excellent crop of new foals and all were Italian-born. Therefore, it is worthwhile mentioning: Ahmmeb al Mar (SG Labib x Amabel Al Mar) – 2016 colt – owner Alessandro Marino.

D Tina (SG Labib x ZB Lamante) – 2016 filly - owner Dubai Stud.

Dilhan el Aziz (SG Labib x Diamantha) 2016 colt - owner Woody Arabians. Ladydi (SG Labib x Lady Padrona) 2016 filly - ow-

(SG LABIB X ANGELICCAH BY MARWAN)

filly – the wonderful D Danat. She was already a Bronze champion in Sharjah International Show 2014, Bronze Champion filly in Menton A Show 2014 and unanimous Gold Champion filly and Best in show in Bergamo International C Show. Mr. Abdelaziz Al Marzooqi, Executive Manager of Dubai Stud is very proud to assist the Farm in the breeding program with his exceptional stallion SG Labib. He told us that some surprises will be shown to public from SG Labib very soon because there is a full sister of D Danat already on the ground and some other promising babies.

It was not Mr. Abdelaziz’s idea to have the breedings of SG Labib available on the open mar(SG LABIB X HUA BY GAZAL AL SHAQAB)

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DILAHN EL AZIZ

(SG LABIB X DIAMANTHA)

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DANAZARIN EL AZIZ (SG LABIB X DIAMANTHA)

ner Picchione Giuseppe.

Latif del Palazzotto (SG Labib x Latikka Palazzotto) 2016 colt – owner Il Palazzotto Farm.

MB Arya (SG Labib x Divina by Wembley) – 2016 filly – owner Bravi Matteo.

Rhea del Ninfeo (SG Labib x Domina del Ninfeo) – 2017 filly - owner Magi Mario Farm.

TF Hammad (SG Labib x ZT Loveshak) – colt 2017 owner Trombini Sergio.

Shortly thereafter, it happe(SG LABIB X OF ROCHELLE BY R&D DARK VICTORY)

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ned that a group of Italian breeders-friends,

(SG LABIB X HUDHA BY GAZAL AL SHAQAB)

which had always been fond of SG Labib, decided to set off the Emirates on a business trip to Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. When Gianluca Martino, Emilio Manzi, Eugenio Del Vacchio together with Paolo Capecci and Woody came across SG Labib on that particular occasion, the horse appeared surrounded by a litter of gorgeous baby foals. Just enthralled by all this beauty before their eyes, they made up their mind and took SG Labib on a two year lease. While standing at Capecci Training Centre for the breeding season 2018, he covered a lofty number of mares. Towards the end of that same year, another partnership about SG

Labib was easily cemented among Sebastiano Smirolfi, Francesca Bellino and Antonello Iannarilli.

From year 2019, SG Labib will be standing at Antonio Fusco’s Arabian Tr a i n i n g Center, nearby Rome, for the new breeding season.

This is a great opportunity European breeders should not miss to cover their mares with such a wonderful sire and to give a significant boost to their breeding program. At the end of the story, our wishes to SG Labib for a long life breeding program and a lot of good things for the breeders interested in him.

FROZEN SEMEN IS WORLD-WIDE AVAILABLE.

For further information please contact: Gianluca Martino: +39 335 8262907 - gianlucamartino75@hotmail.com Antonio Fusco: +39 329 4558708 - amelbrio@hotmail.it Owner: Labib Partnership

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INTERVIEWED BY SONJA SMALDONE

W

ho is Sebastian Hanß? How did this passion you have for the purebred Arabian horse begin? And to what extent has this love you have acquired for the Arabian horse affected your life?

I am Sebastian Hanß. I was born in 1989 in Neustadt/ Weinstrasse Germany. My passion for Arabian Horses started when I was 14 years old. I always loved horses and I have been riding since I was 13 years old. The first contact with Arabian horses was at a small Farm in Germany `Sonnenhof Araber`. I visited my first Arabian Horse Shows in Germany and France and I totally felt in love. Ever since that time, my dream was to become a professional handler. Because there is no official Education for Arabian Horse Trainers, I decided to educate myself to become a fully qualified groom in a Show Jumping Stable close to my home.

Afterwards, I completed my Qualification successfully, and took up a couple years of experience. Then, I moved to Sax Arabians in Germany, where I had all the possibilities to start my career in the Arabian Horse Word.

Besides yourself, is there anyone else in your family that loves horses? Or are you the only ‘case of Arabitis ‘in this respect?

One of my brothers is also in love with horses but he has horses for carriages. So, I am the only one in the family with the passion for the Arabian horse. The first Arabian horse that caught my eye was the Straight Egyptian stallion Al Lahab when I saw him at the Egyptian Event in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Do you have your own Training Centre? If so, how did it all start? What was your main thought behind it and what made you believe it was going AHM | 124

to be a successful Training Centre?

For the time being, I don’t have my own Training Centre, but I work in cooperation with EOS Arabians where I have the possibility to take horses in training. The idea behind was that I am more free in my work to get different opportunities.

Who was your mentor in this project?

I hadn´t had a real mentor in this project, but I have had many conversations with different people about it. For sure, the time at Sax Arabians and also the daily work and speeches with Simon Kelly helped me a lot.

What’s your daily routine at the Training Centre?

My daily routine includes almost everything. Starting with feeding the horses, bringing them to the fields and for sure work them. Conditioning the horses with lunge, thread mill, walker and free lunge. After wash/grooming them and school them.

What do the words ‘training/ handling’ mean to you?

Training a horse means to me preparing the horses mentally and physically for the shows. Handling means that I´m trying to present the horses in the best possible way.

What feelings do you receive by training/handling Arabian horses? Is there any particular symbiosis between a trainer/handler and his horses?

When I handle a horse, I don’t really care about what happens around me. I just try to give the horse trust and as much help as possible. I almost feel like there´s only the horse and me and we just give our best. When I train a horse, I´m always fully concentrated. I try to avoid any mistakes or misunderstandings from my side to not confuse the horse during his exercise. It gives me so much to work with the horses either in the training or in the

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foremost, the passion and the feeling for a horse. We should see the horses as friends and treat them like this or even better.

showing phase. It just makes me very happy and gives me feelings which are difficult to explain.

In your opinion, what are the qualities needed to become a good Arabian horse trainer/handler?

In my opinion a good trainer/handler needs, first and

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Of all the horses you have been training, which is the one with whom you had to bear a greater commitment?

For sure ‘Al Milan’ from Sax Arabians is a horse for me to remember. This stallion gave me every single day I worked him 100%. He was never moody or showing any other bad behaviour. He was always hungry for learning something new and he understood everything very quickly.

He´s so easy to handle for everything.

And on top of all, he always performs very well in the show ring.

Who/What got you into morphology competitions?

I think it was the great impression I got whenever I watched the most beautiful horses, from different breeders and countries, perfectly prepared and presented in one place.

Do you remember your first show?

I do remember my first Show. It was in Wels, Austria, in 2011.

I showed a yearling filly ‘Princess Marenga’. She was even more nervous than me. ‘Al Milan’ was Gold Champion at this Show.

How important are the Fairs of Arabian horses?

In this sector, Fairs have become quite important. It has become a bit of a standard for the breeding. And it brings many breeders together to share information, experience and spend a nice time together.

Is there any victory you feel particular close to?

I will never forget my first International Gold Champion with ‘Lamana’ at the Prague Intercept 2012. She was amazing like always. On top of the Gold Champion award, she was also Best in Show. She´s still one my absolutely favourite horses.

What advice would you give to those who want to become a handler of Arabian horses?

My advice to everyone who wants to become a handler is, please, never forget that it’s not only a job! It´s a pleasure to work with these amazing animals. If you keep looking forward you can reach everything.

Do the most deserving horses in terms of today’s standards really win? What differences can you spot between today’s Arabian horses and those in the past?

The horses which are competing in the high level are for sure top quality. It´s not easy for the judges to pick the very best. But I think most of the winning horses deserve it. I think the horses have changed lot overtime; they have become more and more extreme.

What are your future plans?

My plans for the future include: improve myself, learn more and stay loyal.

Sebastian, will you please leave a final message for AHM readers?

I´m very thankful to be part of the Arabian Horse World and I´m looking forward to many nice and interesting years in this industry.

Thanks a lot Sebastian! It was so inspiring talking to you today. We feel to wish you all the best in your future endeavours…

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WORDS BY SONJA SMALDONE

B

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orn in 2016, at Paul and Ria Gheysens’ Knocke Arabians, Belgium, two-year colt Emperor KA (QR Marc x Exposita KA) exemplifies the fineness of his world-renowned sire line, that of Nazeer, via the prestigious line of international super-sires tracing through Mo-

for a long time. Since 2014, Exposita KA has been adorning the stables of her new owner and breeder Al Safir Stud from Kuwait. This gorgeous daughter of QR Marc comes from Poland’s exemplary “E” family of champions. Exposita KA is out of Ekina, (Ekstern x Eklera by Echao)

rafic – Shaikh Al Badi - Ruminaja Ali - Anaza El Farid – Gazal Al Shaqab – Marwan Al Shaqab and US born QR Marc. The latter is not only Emperor’s sire, but also his maternal grand-sire via his regal Polish dam Exposita KA, who has been one the Gheysens’ bred top broodmares

who in turn is a daughter by the legendary Polish sire Ekstern (Monogramm x Ernestyna), source of Emperor KA’s excellent top-line, deep dark liquid eyes set wide, and the look of eagles as he checks out the crowd. Ekina’s dam is the aristocratic Polish mare Eklera (Echao x Emza)

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QR MARC - SIRE OF EMPEROR KA

EXPOSITA KA - DAM OF EMPEROR KA

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from Bialka Stud, ‘third’ Arabian horse stud in Poland. Eklera achieved the highest sale price at Janów Sales 2018 where she was sold to Belgium at the amount of 100 thousand euros. With the elegance and boldness of an ancient Roman Emperor as he is indeed, Emperor KA is going ahead in his performance career with great success knowing that each time he enters the arena he will clearly be the winner. In only two years, he has been collecting awards around all over Europe, gaining respect from judges and breeders alike. He was: 2nd in Class and Top Ten World Championship Paris 2017; Bronze Champion Yearling Colt Deauville 2017; European Bronze Champion Yearling Colt Verona 2017; European Bronze Champion Junior Colt Lier 2018; Sil-

ver champion Junior Colt Bruges 2018 and Gold Champion Junior Colt Erlan Cup 2018. Emperor KA is made up of just pure champion stuff and a magnificent destiny awaits him for sure.

After being advised by some horse consultants, a group of friends/breeders recently made the decision to set up a new partnership and took Emperor KA under their guidance. The horse will land in Italy at the beginning of the year and be entrusted to Maccabei Arabian Training Center for show training and new breeding season. As Emperor KA grows up in his adulthood, they are all looking forward to seeing him continue his path towards greater accomplishments in the years to come. Arabian Horse Magazine feels to wish Emperor KA and his newly born Team the best of luck in their difficult but exciting task with many blessings on their venture with this wonderful promising colt.

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BRONZE CHAMPION JUNIOR COLTS

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - LIER 2018

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BRONZE CHAMPION YEARLING COLTS

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - VERONA 2017

GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLTS AT ELRAN CUP 2018

CONTACTS: gianlucamartino@hotmail.com Phone: +39 335 8262907

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A MAGNIFICENT DESTINY AWAITS IN IRAN

By Nakashen Valaitham

As he trots his mane dances to the tune of the wind; his lustrous bay coat plays with the sun’s rays as he strikes the air. His flared nostrils, pricked ears, perfectly dished head and timeless expression stops one in their tracks – his magnificence radiates far beyond the horizon; his name is Kanz Albidayer (Ajman Moniscione x DL Marielle).

With the likes of WH Justice, Marwan Al Shaqab, RGA Kouress, Magnum Psyche, El Shaklan, Fame VF, Kajora and Bey Shah to name a few, found in his pedigree, Kanz Albidayer was set up for a magnificent destiny from day one. And like his illustrious predecessors, Kanz Albidayer’s breeding record is reaching for the sky. With foals like Seranza and Luigi constantly winning in show rings around the world, Kanz

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Albidayer is bound to remain relevant for years to come.

Having served his previous owners well, Kanz Albidayer now finds himself under new ownership.

From the beautiful and historic country of Iran, the Kanz Albidayer Partnership has been formed.

The partners realise that the magnificence that Kanz Albidayer possesses, is something they need to have.

He is currently standing in Italy at Capecci Training Centre. Under the clear management of the partners, Paolo Capecci and Giampaolo Woody, Kanz Albidayer is set to make a new mark for himself; a mark that will go hand in hand with the Iranian flag. A magnificent destiny awaits and Kanz Albidayer is going to fulfil all expectations.

LUIGI

KANZ AL BIDAYER x LOLITA

SERANZA

KANZ AL BIDAYER x EVENING SERENADE

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King of the Ring Text by Sonja Smaldone

E

quator is in every respect the phenotypic reflection of his sire - World Champion and internationally renowned sire QR Marc, exuding extraordinary quality, refinement and ultra-exotic type. His masculine, commanding presence is further enhanced by his smooth, well- coupled body shape, strength and levelness of topline, len-

bian Horse Festival, Elran Cup Champion Stallion, World Reserve Champion Stallion and two-time World Champion Stallion, Reserve Champion Stallion, Champion Stallion Elran Cup older, Reserve Champion Stallion Menton; in the season 2012 - Champion Stallion show in Dubai, Nations Cup Champion Stallion and World Champion Stallion. QR

gth, shape and suppleness of neck and a beautifully designed head with large black liquid eyes. He embodies the extraordinary merits of his world-renowned sire line, that of Nazeer, via the incomparable unbroken line of international super-sires tracing through Morafic – Shaikh Al Badi - Ruminaja Ali Anaza El Farid – Gazal Al Shaqab – Marwan Al Shaqab and QR Marc. Equator’s sire, QR Marc, is himself a champion and a sire of champions and boasts a rich collection of titles - Champion Colt at Al Khalediah Ara-

Marc’s sire, Marwan Al Shaqab needs really no introduction. Still do date, he is one of the most respected reproducers in the world.

Marwan Al Shaqab conquered first Middle East and Europe, winning all the shows, which appear: Qatar International Show in Doha, the International Eastern Bavaria Show in Kreuth, Danish International Show in Vilhelmsborg, and the culmination of the procession was a triumphant victory World Championships in Paris. In 2002, the ‘Triple-crowned’ won the titles of Junior Cham-

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pion Nations Cup, Junior Reserve Champion Stallion and Europe Junior World Champion in Paris. After the debut in the role of a sire at Ses Planes Stud in Spain (2002), Marwan Al Shaqab went to conquer America.

First unanimously won the Championship Region 9, and then he was twice elected, also unanimously, as US Junior Champion Stallion (2003-2005).

In 2008, again appeared on shows in Europe, winning titles again Nations Cup and World Champion this time in the Senior Category. What’s more, for six years in a row, from 2007 to 2012, Marwan Al Shaqab received the title of best sire World Championships in Paris. Not only does Equator exemplify the extraordinary qualities of his sireline. He is further blessed with the unparalleled excellence of Poland’s exemplary “E” family of champions via his dam Ekliptyka. A full sister to international show sensation and respected Polish sire Esparto, Ekliptyka is sired by the legendary Ekstern, source of Equator’s breed standard top-line, enchanting eyes and effervescent attitude, and out of the gorgeous Eukaliptus’ daughter Ekspozycja from whom Equator inherits his undeniable aristocratic presence, his impressive neck, his smooth and balanced conformation, his dynamic and powerful trot, which have earned him the highest acclaim around the world.

With the poise and composure of a King, Equator has raised the level of Polish breeding to a new standard of excellence by inspiring breeders and judges all across Europe and the Middle East. In 2012, he was Polish National & Spring Show Gold Champion, European Gold Champion, All Nations Cup Bronze Champion & World Silver Champion Junior Colt. In 2014, he was acclaimed Bronze Champion at All Nations Cup - Championship Senior Stallions and Bronze Champion at World Arabian Horse Championship Paris 2014 - Senior Male Championship. In 2015, he was crowned Gold Champion at Verona - Senior Males Championship and became Silver Champion at Paris - Senior Stallions Championship. In 2017, he thrilled the Salon du Cheval in Paris and became Silver Champion - Senior Stallions Championship. Year 2018 was indeed a special one for this ultra-exotic stallion. With four more fantastic achievements that will surely earn him the call sign of ‘Epoch-maker’, Equator was Gold Champion at Sharjah International 2018 - Stallions Championship; Silver

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GOLD CHAMPION at Lier 2018 Senior Stallions Championship

GOLD CHAMPION at Paris 2018 - Senior Stallions Championship

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GOLD CHAMPION at Verona 2015 Senior Stallions Championship

Champion at Dubai 2018 - Senior Stallions Championship; Gold Champion at Lier 2018 - Senior Stallions Championship, and the recent striding victory at the Salon du Cheval Paris 2018. Shown by French-born handler Raphael Curti for his new owner Mohammad Sheikh Suliman from Al Sheikh Stud, Israel, and for his Polish breeder Stadnina Koni Michalow, Equator looked at the entrance to the show arena on Sunday morning, snorted, went in full of fire and became World Gold Medal Champion Paris 2018 in a blaze of glory.

GOLD CHAMPION

at Paris 2018 Senior Stallions Championship

GOLD CHAMPION

at Lier 2018 Senior Stallions Championship

SILVER CHAMPION

at Dubai 2018 Senior Stallions Championship

GOLD CHAMPION

at Sharjah International 2018 Senior Stallions Championship

SILVER CHAMPION

at Paris 2017 Senior Stallions Championship

SILVER CHAMPION

at Paris 2015 Senior Stallions Championship

GOLD CHAMPION

at Verona 2015 Senior Stallions Championship

BRONZE CHAMPION

at WAHC Paris 2014 Senior Stallions Championship

BRONZE CHAMPION

at All Nations Cup 2014 Senior Stallions Championship

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Text by: Domenico Tocchi Translation by: Sonja Smaldone

O

n March 3rd, 1967, at El Zahraa Stud, nearby the city of Cairo, Egypt, a chestnut filly was born. She was called Sonbolah, a name that recalled the season in which she came to life, when the gold of wheat fields, ready to be harvested, was synonymous with life and prosperity, and could be seen in the Land of the Pharaohs. In ancient Egypt, seasons were marked by the cycle of the mighty Nile River that brought life and prosperity through its annual floods.

The first season was called ‘Akhet’, a time when the waters rose up and flooded the land in late June.

The following season was ‘Proyet’, when the flood waters receded, and the land re-emerged ready to be plowed and cultivated.

The final season was called ‘Shomu’, i.e. time to harvest. This was the time to reap the rewards of the annual floods on the Nile. The symbol of this season was an ear of corn, whose name translates as Sonbolah in Arabic. So it was natural to name the filly like that. Sonbolah was full of grace with her chestnut coat, regal poise and high tail carriage.

Sonbolah, born after her full brother, El Mansour (17.2.1963) by Sameh, was the first of the only two fillies born of Bint Om El Saad 20.2.1958

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(Nazeer x Om El Saad). The latter was a mare bred by the Egyptian Agricultural Organization (E.A.O.), best known for having produced some valuable breeding stock and also for being the dam of Ikhnatoon (26.10.1974) by Farazdac, a famous stallion standing at the E.A.O. The sire of Sonbolah was Sameh 4.4.1945-1967 (El Moez x Sameera), a gray stallion bred by Inshass Stud, best known for having produced smooth and balanced bodies. Sonbolah was no exception, but I will talk about her sire at a later 01 stage. Sonbolah came from the strain Kuhaylah Ajuz Ibn Rodan, that of Bint Rissala (Razieh) 19201946 (Ibn Yashmak x Risala).

Bint Rissala derives from Rodania (1869-1889), a chestnut broodmare with an aristocratic attitude and life force. She featured strong jaws and two white socks on her hind limbs. Her incredible strength, excellent gaits and irresistible character, were much appreciated even by Sir Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt.

Rodania was bred by the Roala Bedouins. Later, they would sell her to Tais Ibn Sharban who belonged to the Gomussa Tribe from the Sebaa Anazeh. There is a good possibility that she was also used as a warhorse as she had some scars on her abdomen and thorax, maybe resulting from

a raid in the desert.

On April 12th, 1881, spouses Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt purchased Rodania from Tais Ibn Sharban. In that same year, they imported the mare into England for their Crabbet Stud.

Perhaps, on a global level, Rodania is the most featured mare in the pedigree of the ancestors of the entire Arabian breed.

When she arrived at Crabbet Stud, Rodania was already twelve. She only had five foals, three of whom were females: Rose of Jericho (1883)

by Kars; Rose of Sharon (12.5.1885-July 1907)

by Hadban, and Rosemary (1886) by Jeroboam. Of all the sisters, Rose of Sharon was the most prolific one and, in 1892, she produced Ridaa by Merzuk, who in turn had three important daughters: Rim (1910) and Riyala (1905) both by Astraled, and Risala (1900) by Mesaoud, which the Blunts described as the best ever mare at Crabbet Stud.

In 1920 the manager of the Royal Agricultural Society (R.A.S.), the Scottish vet Dr. A.E. Branch, purchased two nieces of Ridaa from Lady Wentworth and brought them to Egypt. They were: Bint Riyala 1920 (Nadir x Riyala), and Bint Rissala (Razieh) 1920-1946 (Ibn Yashmak x Risala) which at birth was called Razieh.

Although she was a cousin of Bint Riyala, Bint Rissala had a different type that looked more like that of her sire, Ibn Yashmak 1902-1927 (Feysul x Yashmak). She was tall and elegant and tended to convey size, elegance and brilliant movement. It should be noted that Bint Rissala had the highest concentration of bloodlines from Viceroy Abbas Pasha Hilmi I and Ali Bey Pasha Sherif with a percentage of 87.5%, and showed all the elegance of her family line. As a very prolific broodmare,

she produced 13 foals at the Egyptian Agricultural Organization. Bint Rissala was the dam of the following mares: Yashmak (24.1.1941) by Sheikh El Arab; Kateefa (9.9.1938) by Shahloul, and Yaquota (1.10.1937) by Balance. They all were going to be highly influential females in the modern Egyptian breeding. Among the descendants of these extraordinary mares we find the universally revered Alaa El Din 25.2.1956 (Nazeer x Kateefa), a 02 prodigious stallion and forefather of an excellent progeny. He was the sire of the immortal Hanan (20.9.1967) out of Mona, and Magidaa (Magida) (13.3.1964) out of Maysa, and many others worthy of note.

We shall mention the grandson of Kateefa, Farag 29.3.1962, (Morafic x Bint Kateefa), himself too a well-regarded and excellent stallion; the niece of Bint Rissala, Om El Saad 1.2.1945 (Shahloul x Yashmak), who produced many supreme horses, all bred at famous Albadeia Stud, including the stallion Kayed 5.2.1966 (Morafic x Kaydahom).

Another magnificent stallion from this line was the unrivaled ste03 ed owned by Mr. Lester and Mrs. Lois St. Clair, Janesville, Wisconsin, El Mareekh 23.2.1975 (Aseel x Rawayeh). He was 1981 U.S. Top Ten Halter Stallion with his unforgettable, brilliant performances at the American Egyptian Events in the 80s. From Yaquota’s line also came Sakr 1.1.1968 (Sultan x Enayat), a prodigious stallion who was exported to the U.S.A. straight after waning, and we could mention many others, alongside with the exceptional mares that built the great family of Bint Rissala. Certainly, among all the universally most acclaimed females of this line, it shall be mentioned the unequaled U.S. National Champion Sonbolah.

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Upon her arrival on the American continent, she would be registered under the name of ‘Serenity Sonbolah’.

From 1965 till the 70s, there was a substantial increase in imports from Egypt to the U.S., due to the fact that American breeders got very interested in perpetuating the bloodline of the Arabian horses from El Zahraa. Among these visionary people, we shall mention Mr. Douglas B. Marshall and Mrs. Margaret Cullen from Gleannloch Farms, Texas.

Due to the Marshalls friendship and the support of their trainers Tom and Rhita McNair, Mr. Bill Heck and Mrs. Hanna Louise Melnyk (Hansi) from Serenity Arabian Farms managed to purchase a group of outstanding mares from El Zahraa in 1968. This group included: Montaha 30.9.1966 (Galal x Mona); Sabra 31.3.1965 (Sameh x Shahrzada); Sagda 30.8.1966 (Anter x Samia); Shahra 17.4.1966 (Anter x Shahrzada) and the filly Serenity Sonbolah 3.3. 1967 (Sameh x Bint Om El 05 Saad).

Serenity Arabian Farms owned by spouses Bill Heck and Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk, was born in the early months of 1967, when they bought a 165-year-old farm in Queensville, Ontario, Canada, and called it ‘Serenity’ for the calmness of the place, and because it had 160 acres of excellent land.

In 1976, Serenity Arabian Farms, which at the time owned around 40-50 horses, moved to Hawthorne, Florida, to escape the cold winters of Canada. Born on 1.6.1931, Hansi Heck-Melnyk had emigrated to Canada as a young woman. Her dream of breeding Arabian horses

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came true when, in 1967, extraordinary circumstances led her to drop by Gleannloch Farms.

Hansi saw there the most beautiful colt she had ever met. This was Khofo (Khopho) 2.3.196513.12.1991 (Morafic x Nabilah). She managed to convince Douglas B. Marshall to sell her the horse, after she had assured him that if anything happened to Morafic, the future stallion would be brought back to Gleannloch Farms.

This circumstance 04 marked the beginning of a long friendship between Hansi and the Marshalls.

After Serenity Arabian Farms had been transferred, Hansi Heck-Melnyk lived in Hawthorne, Florida until her death on January 14th, 2018 at the age of 86, after the loss of her son and her dear husband Bill.

In the paddocks of the E.A.O., horses were not fat; nor were they shiny and conditioned as we often see them on today’s shows, and expert eyes were required to evaluate them. Nevertheless, the filly Serenity Sonbolah was showing off her uniqueness, refinement and elegance, knowing that she would become an exceptional subject later in life and a star in her new land.

Under the ownership of Serenity Arabian Farms, Serenity Sonbolah competed with the best Arabian horses in the U.S.A. and Canada, earning 20 Halter Championships and the title of U.S. Top Ten Mare in 1970. It was however in 1971 that Serenity Sonbolah marked a turning point in history, with her unanimous appointment to U.S. National Champion Mare, the first Straight Egyptian to achieve this result.

Serenity Sonbolah was one of those Arabian mares whose image remained etched in the mind

of people who got a chance to get to know her.

Pictures of her do not justice to her supreme elegance. She was an extremely typey Arabian mare, with a beautiful head, wide nostrils and big black eyes. She did not possess an extreme dish, but she had a longer and more sophisticated face wrapped in fine skin of great quality. Her chestnut coat captured and reflected the sun’s rays to further enhance the refinement of her skin. Her presence enchanted observers, including Douglas Warner Griffith and his wife Barbara Ann Boone from Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland. They bought Serenity Sonbolah in 1976 and the mare reigned as ‘Queen of Imperial Egyptian Stud’ until the end of her life. Barbara A. Griffith, herself owner and breeder of many super horses, liked to recall the electrifying presence and remarkable courage of Serenity Sonbolah. When people asked her which of her horses was her favorite one, the name of Sonbolah would first come to her mind.

After she had retired from the show circuit, Serenity Sonbolah had a great impact on the breeding of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses all over the world through her progeny. In her career, this mare produced seven foals, three of whom were bred by Serenity Arabian Farms and the other four by Imperial Egyptian Stud.

Serenity Sonbolah’s first foal was a filly who had the same chestnut color as her mother, with the name of SF Bint Sonbohla (1973) by Khofo, she too was going to be bought by Mr. Douglas W. and Mrs. Barbara A. Griffith.

Also SF Bint Sonbohla was a Show Champion

mare and dam of eleven foals, among which: IES Sondusah (1978) by Hossny 1966 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Sanaa), a very important mare who produced several daughters in the stable of Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen in Argentina, including ZT Jamdusah (1986) by Jamil 19751986 (Madkour I x Hanan), dam of the stallion ZT Faa’iq. Another son of SF Bint Sonbohla was the stallion Imperial Naseeb 1980 out of Moniet El Nafis 1976 06 (Ibn Moniet El Nefous x Hoyeda), who won many Junior Championships in halter and was Top Ten Colt in Scottsdale.

Serenity Sonbolah’s second-born foal was also a filly. Bred and owned by Serenity Arabian Farms, she was registered under the name of SF Bint Ibn Nazeer in Canada. Later, in the U.S.A. her name would be changed in SF Sonbolah Tu (1975) by SF Ibn Nazeer (Lateef) 23.8.1953-12.9.1975 (Nazeer x Lateefa), a stallion imported into Canada from Egypt in 1973 by spouses 07 Bill Heck and Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk. SF Sonbolah Tu was another prolific mare, dam of ten foals, many of whom left a remarkable progeny, such like Serenity Sonbolaa (1980) and Serenity BT Khofo (1981), both daughters by Khofo and dams of many horses of Serenity Arabian Farms breeding program.

On 17th April 1977 Serenity Sonbolah gave birth to Imperial Dakheem that she had by the stallion Serenity Osiris 1972 (Khofo x Serenity Bint Nadia). A grey colt who was gelded on 15th July 1980, with a short but excellent career as a performance horse for Imperial Egyptian Stud. He

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eventually died on 12th February 1982, but he had managed to win Championships in English Pleasure and Pleasure Driving, including honors at Regional shows and at the Ohio Buckeye Sweepstakes Horse Show.

The first son of Serenity Sonbolah bred by Imperial Egyptian Stud was Imperial Biarritz (1978)

by Hossny, who won Reserve Champion Stallion titles, besides being Dressage Champion and Regional Show Hack Champion. This stallion produced twenty foals, half of whom managed to enter the breed.

Serenity Sonbolah’s next product was a filly named Imperial Sonbesjul (1979) by Hossny, who produced in the U.S.A. and was exported to Canada in 1993. Imperial Sonbesjul was the dam of the winner of the Egyptian Event and Reserve Junior Champion filly Imperial Im Silana (1985) by Ansata Imperial, and of the unforgettable stallion Imperial Al Kamar, born on May 2nd, 1987 by the U.S. and Canadian National Top Ten Stallion El Hilal 6.1.1966 (Ansata 09 Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisa).

Introducing supreme outcross stallions into the genetic program used to be a tradition at Imperial Egyptian Stud, so Barbara A. Griffith put Imperial Al Kamar into production until 2007, the year in which this breeding farm closed their doors. With his perfect conformation and type being widely acknowledged from the start, Imperial Al Kamar, won the title of Junior Champion Colt and Champion Futurity Colt at the 1988 Egyptian Event, and was Region 16 Reserve Champion Yearling Colt and Sweepstakes Champion as a yearling. He was a subject who

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proved to be able to produce big stallions and mares; in fact, in 1998, he won the Egyptian Event Champion Get of Sire.

Imperial Al Kamar produced about 200 foals, many of whom were repeatedly proclaimed champions. He proved to be a wonderful sire of great mares which, in their turn, were capable of conveying their characteristics to their progeny. Among his daughters we shall mention: 08 Imperial Kalatifa (1992) out of AK Latifa 1977 (Ibn Moniet El Nefous x Siralima) who was first sold in Germany, and then bought by Ariely Arabians, Israel.

Imperial Kalatifa produced three National Champions, Luiba (1996) by Imperial Imdal 1982 (Ansata Imperial x Dalia), 2004 Israeli National Champion Mare; Loubna (1997) by Imperial Imdal, one of the most decorated Straight Egyptian mares of all time. From 2004 to 2006, she won the All Nations Cup, in Germany; the European Championship and the World Championship in Paris, France; for three times she was Israeli National Champion, Middle East Champion Mare and Dubai International Champion Mare. Latifah AA (2001) by Al Maraam 1998/411-2018 (Imperial Imdal x The Vision HG), who was 2007 Israeli National Champion Mare.

Princess Kamar (1992) out of Princess El Sabah 1988 (Prince Fa Moniet x Najm El Sabbah); dam of the 2006 British Reserve National Champion Mare Princess Kumara (1996) by Shaikh Al Kuran 1988-9.7.2010 (Shaikh Al Badi x AK Raiyeh).

Imperial Karmah (1995) out of Imperial Jana-

abah 1987 (Imperial Im Jasim x Imperial Fanniya). Of all the daughters by Imperial Al Kamar, she was the Top Producing, the only mare out of the three who became U.S. Egyptian Event Leading Dam for five consecutive years (2002-2006); the only mare with nine foals to have won titles at the Egyptian Event.

Another outstanding daughter by Imperial Al Kamar was Kamasayyah (1.1.1992) out of Sundar Alisayyah 1.6.1987 (Ruminaja Ali x Imperial Sayyah by Kayed), bred by Hamilton A. Schmidt, U.S.A. and bought by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar, in 1993.

She boasts a long series of victories on the show-grounds: Qatar International Reserve Junior Champion Filly 1993; Middle East Junior Champion Filly 1993 in Jordan; Qatar International Junior Champion Filly 1994; World Champion Top Ten Filly 1994 in Paris; Qatar International Senior Champion Mare 1996; Middle East Senior Champion Mare 1998 in Jordan; Qatar National Senior Champion Mare 2001 and other important results which I am not going to list here.

We may add many other important daughters by Imperial Al Kamar as well as some excellent stallions such as: Imperial Kamill (1994) out of Imperial Mistill 1984-12.11.2005 (Jamil x Ansata Nile Mist), purchased by Donald Duke’s Samsara Stud in the U.K. and sold in 2008 to Al Sabeel Farm owned

by Al Waleed Al Misned, in the Middle East. In the following year (9.8.2009), he died there of inguinal hernia. Imperial Kamill was 1997 East Coast Champion Stallion; 1999 and 2000 Region 15 Reserve Champion Stallion; Senior Champion Stallion at the U.K. International Show Tower-

lands in 2002, and Top Ten Stallion at the World Championship in Paris 2002.

Another son by Imperial Al Kamar, Imperial Pharouk (1993) out of Imperial Phanadah 197916.12.2000 (Ibn Moniet El Nefous x Pharrah), was exported to Qatar and became sire of champions in the Middle East.

We shall also mention the young Nour Al Kamar MH (2011) out of Binte Aziza MH 1998 (Richter MH x BintAzizaPrincess), who, in 2012, was U.S. Egyptian Event Bronze Junior Champion Colt; U.S. Egyptian Event Reserve Champion Futurity Straight Egyptian Yearling Colts and U.S. Egyptian Event 10 Reserve Champion Egyptian Breeders Challenge Colts ATH, the list of his sons could go on.

In 1980 a tragic event occurred.

Mr. Douglas Warner Griffith died, so his wife Barbara found herself alone in managing Imperial Egyptian Stud.

However, in 2007, she was struck by an incurable cancer and was forced to close her breeding farm. Destroyed by her disease, Barbara Ann Griffith died at the age of 77 on Thursday 21st October 2010.

Since 2007 Imperial Al Kamar had been put in the loving hands of Jody Cruz at Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California, where he spent his last eleven and a half years of life until October 13th, 2018, when, at the age of 31 and a half, he passed away.

Serenity Sonbolah’s last two products were two fillies by Moniet El Nafis 1976 (Ibn Moniet El Nefous x Hoyeda). The first was the A Class Champion Mare Imperial Sonboleen (16.5.1980), who became legendary after she had recorded the highest sales price at the auction of the Pyramid Society, where $ 345,000 had been paid for a two

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years-old filly.

Like the other maternal sisters, Imperial Sonboleen was also a prolific mare. She produced 12 foals overall, including the U.S. Egyptian Event Reserve Champion & A Class Champion PVA Sonbali (1985) by Ruminaja Ali, who was exported to Australia in 1988 at Saba Arabians owned

by Louise Cordina & Glenn North. In 1994, Imperial Son11 boleen was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Woodward in England where she produced three foals before her death. Serenity Sonbolah’s last daughter was Imperial Sonbolara (9.6.1981), who produced three foals at Imperial Egyptian Stud before her death in 1991.

Until the day of the closure of Imperial Egyptian Stud, Serenity Sonbolah had been capable of carrying weight and influence in the genetic program of this important breeding farm. Today, when traveling the countries where Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses are bred, the blood of this mare with a ‘coat the co12 lor of wheat’ can still be seen everywhere through her daughters and Imperial Al Kamar.

As a mare of rare quality and beauty, Serenity Sonbolah also demonstrated to have the courage that is attributed to Arabian horses. Her battles were not the raids in the far desert, but to overcome with dignity and grace the pain of the wounds that sometimes she caused herself. At the end of her life, she was buried to rest in peace at the Imperial Egyptian Stud, nearby the gate of the paddock where the stallions were housed. Every day, generations of foals and stallions were walking by carrying her precious

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legacy. Whether the people who had the privilege of meeting Serenity Sonbolah closed their eyes to remember her, they could still see her so proud and so regal.

The focal point of the Imperial Egyptian Stud’s breeding program was on strong hind limbs and thrust from the hocks, reason why the Griffiths chose Serenity Sonbolah and the other daughters

by Sameh who joined in the collection of mares.

As I said earlier, the sire of Serenity Sonbolah was Sameh, born on April 4th, 1945 at Kafr Farouk, the stable owned

by King Farouk Ibn Fuad located in Inshass, about 23 miles north-east of Cairo. At Kafr Farouk, the Royal family managed to preserve precious bloodlines, including El Moez 30.12.1934 (Ibn Fayda x Bint Zareefa), sire of Sameh and his dam Sameera (Samira) 3.5.19341947 (El Deree x El Samraa). El Samraa was a gray mare born on January 5th, 1924, daughter of the stallion Hab El Rih and out of Bint El Sheik.

She was purchased from the Royal family for the stable of Kafr Farouk, in January 1931, from Sheikh Omar Abd El Hafiz; she was then sold to Mostafa Bey Khalifah in 1941.

El Samraa’s family is given as Saklawiya by Carl Reinhard Raswan (Schmidt) although the original breeding book does not mention her strain.

Sameh’s sire, El Moez, was one of Kafr Farouk’s most influential breeding stallions, of what we now call Inshass Stud. El Moez’s dam was Bint

Zareefa (Azza) 6.2.1926 (Hadban x Zarifa), a Saklawiya Jedraniya mare bred by Prince Kemal ed Dine Hussein and purchased by King Ahmed Fuad I for his stable at Inshass.

Bint Zareefa came 13 from the Ghazala family (Ibn Sherara x Bint Helwa), a gray mare born in May or June 1896 who was bred by Ali Bey Pasha Sherif. Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt purchased Ghazala on December 14th, 1896 and in September 1909 Lady Anne sold her to Colonel Spencer Borden in the USA. El Moez’s sire, Ibn Faida 17.1.1927 (Ibn Rabdan x Fayda) was also bred by Prince Kemal ed Dine Hussein and then he was purchased from Inshass Stud.

When Sameh was seven years old, King Farouk ibn 14 Fuad was dismissed after the fall of the Monarchy; the Egyptian Republic was established and the beautiful stable at Inshass became an army base. Homebred horses were sorted, the best ones were used for restocking purposes, and Sameh was to be one of them.

Later on, the horses were relocated; the best ones were transferred from the Egyptian Agricultural Organization (E.A.O.) to El Zahraa. Here, Sameh became one of the main stallions until his death in 1967 at the age of 22.

Unlike El Zahraa’s horses, which were kind of thin, Sameh was a well-balanced stallion, with a metabolism that made him gain weight. He would always present himself in excellent shape, showing his grace and his beauty like genuine Arabian horses have the instinct to do. So each time he presented himself to the public with his striking appearance, he would become visitors’ favorite horse in the stables of the E.A.O. Sameh’s ability to produce bodies whose anatomical parts fitted each other perfectly, along with his supple movements and perfect hocks with a nice action, allowed his progeny to remarkable performances and success in halter.

He was a very correct horse with well-set shoulders and back, strong loins and incredibly wide hip and rump that would allow him to develop an excellent athletic ability.

And these qualities he would pass onto both his sons and grandsons. All the characteristics of Sameh like his hips, his trot or his body, could easily be identified in his offspring. Sameh produced 53 foals overall, many of whom remained in Egypt, except for 15. Two stallions and eleven broodmares were exported to North America; one mare went to Germany and another one was exported to

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Hungary. On every breeding farm, be it Egyptian or American, there was at least one niece to Sameh and inevitably, in terms of selection, she would be considered as the most precious one.

Among the daughters by Sameh who remained in Egypt, I would like to mention: The gray Nagwa (16.10.1961) out Bint Bukra 19.1.1957 (Nazeer x Bukra); dam of the beautiful gray Menha (10.1.1974) by Mohawed 15.10.1964 (Alaa El Din x Rafica); she was purchased in 1975 by W. Georg Olms to enhance his collection of mares at his Hamasa Gestüt, 15 in Germany.

Nagwa was also the maternal granddam of the famous stallion Fikri 5.6.1970 (Ramses Fayek x Nadeema by Amrulla), who in 1973 went to Smaroel Arabians, Holland, owned by the Smarius family.

The bay mare Horees (7.2.1964) out of Bint Abasa 25.12.1951 (El Belbesi x Abasa); dam of the bay stallion Ibn Yakout (10.10.1976) by Yakout, who in 1980 became the breeding stallion at Hanaya Arabian Stud owned

by Nayla Hayek, in Switzerland. This stallion became Reserve Champion at the Performance Test in 1984.

Another important mare was the gray Haifaa (11.8.1964) out of Abla 7.11.1953 (Nazeer x Helwa). The last mare I would like to mention is Ghada (10.30.1967) out of Zebeda 4.8.1955 (El Sareei x Galila); dam of some stallions which were exported to the U.S.A., Sameh not only

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gave a great contribution to his land, but he also left a great legacy in North America. At that time the Americans would buy many horses from El Zahraa and they also spent considerable amounts of money, so many of the most important daughters by Sameh were exported to North America.

In 1965, Douglas B. Marshall and Margaret Cullen from Gleannloch Farms, Texas, were the first ones to import Sameh’s foals into the U.S.A. The young mare Safaa (24.9.1962-1977) out Lubna 27.1.1953 (Sid Abouhom x Moniet El Nefous), dam of the breeding stallion at Gleannloch Farms Al Fattah(25.3.19691985) by Morafic, was part of the first import, which took place on April 4th, 1965. Al Fattah became 1972 U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Stallion. Safaa’s daughter Muzahrafa (1968) by Morafic, was 1971 U.S. National Reserve Champion Futurity Mare and 1972 Top Ten U.S. Western Pleasure and Legion of Honor. From the first import also came the mare Shamah (10.10.1961) out of Rafica 17.4.1955 (Nazeer x Om El Saad), who at Gleannloch Farms gave birth to Bint Bint Rafica (1971-1986) by Morafic 19.3.1956-18.3.1974 (Nazeer x Mabrouka). She was 1974 US Top Ten Futurity Mare. Two sons out of Shamah bred at Gleannloch Farms were producers of champions: Amir Ibn Shamah (1968) by Morafic, owned by Hy-Wynne Farm, New York, and Shamahl (15.1.1974) by Talal

(Tilal) 17.9.1957-24.12. 1984 (Nazeer x Zaafarana), owned by Cherry Hill Arabians, Ontario, Canada.

1965 was also the year in which Ansata Arabians imported Ansata Bint Bukra (Husnia) 23.8.195921.10.1981 (Nazeer x Bukra) in foal to Sameh.

She gave birth to Ansata Bint Mirs (6.4.196615.1.1991), and proved to be a great breeding mare. During the 1966 importation, Dou16 glas B. Marshall brought to the U.S.A. the filly Fawkia (28.2.1965) out of Mamlouka 28.2.1953 (Nazeer x Malaka), who would become one of the most elegant Sameh’s daughters. The 1968 U.S. National Top Ten Mare Fawkia was later acqui17 red by Douglas W. and Barbara A. Griffith from Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland.

In 1966 was also imported Romana II (16.3.1963) out of Nazeera 13.2.1954 (Nazeer x Malaka), who was 1969 U.S. National Top Ten Halter Mare. Her daughter, Bint Romanaa (29.6.1971) by Morafic, obtained the same title in 1976 and in 1977 she won the title of Top Ten Ladies Side Saddle, in addition to that of Top Ten Native Costume. The full sister of Bint Romanaa, Dalia (1968-14.11.1983) was 1972 Scottsdale Champion Mare and 1972 U.S. National Top Ten English Pleasure Horse.

In the winter of 1968 Gleannloch Farms imported the full sister of Romana II, the gray Omayma (18.3.1964), dam of the stallion El Risaan (1971)

by Morafic. El Risaan was Top Ten Canadian Park Horse and sire of the Egyptian Related, Kalahari Monieta (1975) out of Sin-Trinket 1965 (Gabbar x Sar-Dol-Mona), who was 1978 U.S. National Reserve Champion Futurity Mare.

In 1977 Omayma was exported to Australia, where she became Australian National Champion Mare, and her daughter Suddona (22.3.1977) by Ansata Ibn Sudan 1.7.19659.3.1987 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Mabrouka), was named Supreme Champion at the Sydney Royal.

A daughter of Suddona by Ansata El Shahwan 16.6.1973 (Ansata Shah Zaman x Ansata Rhodora) was sold at the second auction of the Egyptian Event for an amount of $ 155,000. When Omayma was 19/20 years old, she was purchased from the Imperial Egyptian Stud that became the farm with the largest number of daughters by Sameh.

In 1968 also H.J. Huebner in Silsbee, Texas, bought a daughter by Sameh. This was the filly Deenaa (Deena) (14.2.1967) out of Dahma II

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4.10.1950 (Nazeer x Fotna), and in November 1969 he sold her to Gleannloch Farms where she was always impregnated by Morafic. Deenaa remained at Gleannloch Farms until January 12th, 1975, when Mr. Douglas W. and Mrs. Barbara A. Griffith from Imperial Egyptian Stud bought her. At the time, Deenaa was in foal to the full brother of Farazdac, Faleh 12.3.1967 (Alaa El Din x Farasha) and there she produced only one female. Later Deenaa returned to Texas at Jarrel McCracken’s Bentwood Farm, where she was impregnated by their breeding stallion and Legion of Supreme Me18 rit, Mosry 29.3.1972 (Morafic x Sanaa) and gave birth to another beautiful filly.

In December 1977, Deenaa was sold to Mr. Lester and Mrs. Lois St. Clair, owners of Anaza Farm in Janesville, Wi s c o n s i n .

Here Deenaa was covered

by Ansata Ibn Halima and in 1979 she gave birth to her last filly.

This daughter by Sameh, who in the last years of her life was struck by arthritis, remained at the St. Clairs’ until her death in 1991.

In her life, Deenaa produced only 6 foals, but all of great quality. And her daughters, in turn, were able to build remarkable families: the stallion Hanan (3.3.1971) by Morafic, which had a successful career on the show-ground, but among his sons there were no Straight Egyptians.

The mare Narimaan 3.6.1972-30.1.1983 (Morafic x Deenaa); dam of AK Bint Narimaan (1978)

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by Ansata Abbas Pasha 17.6.1964-7.10.1989 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Ansata Bint Mabrouka), and of AK Fanniya (1977) by Ansata Ibn Halima 17.9.1958-17.9.1981 (Nazeer x Halima), who was crowned World Champion Mare 1989 in Paris and Jordanian Reserve National Champion Mare in 1996.

The stallion Ahir 9.2.1973 (Morafic x Deenaa), which was purchased in 1974 by Dr. Valerie Noli-Marais from Sahibi Arabian Stud (PTY) Ltd., Bachbrecht, Namibia. In his new stable in Tokai, South Africa, Ahir became National Reserve Champion in 1978 and 1980; later in 1986, he won the title of South African Supreme National Champion Stallion. The great quality of his progeny left an indelible mark in the history of South African breeding.

The mare Imperial Fanniyah 5.5.1975-1987 (Faleh x Deenaa), which proved her worth by producing 6 great daughters and by being dam of champions which would make the Arabian Straight Egyptian Horse history.

AK El Sanaa 8.3.1977 (Mosry x Deenaa), which became an excellent mare at Bentwood Farms, and dam of many champions and great reproducers. If we had to talk about each of them, it would require a chapter of its own. Two of her daughters, Bint El Sanaa (1981) and Amiri Sanaa (1983), both by The Egyptian Prince, became mares of great value. Bint El Sanaa was exported to England and she was the dam of the cham-

pion mares A Little Tenderness (1994) by Crusader 1990 (Salaa El Dine x AK Kastana), and A Little Passion (1992) by Ansata Nile Pa19 sha 1984 (Jamil x Ansata Nile Dream), who later became a property of Al Rayyan Farm, in Qatar.

Amiri Sanaa was the dam of Maistro (1990) by The Minstril 27.7.198427.8.2010 (Ruminaja Ali x Bahila), 20 another important stallion in South Africa who would be used to cover the daughters

by Ahir, thereby, doubling Deenaa.

AK El Sanaa also produced important stallions 21 such as the magnificent Sabiell (1990) by Nabiel, who was 1993 U.S. Egyptian Event Supreme Champion, 1993 World Reserve Junior Champion and 1994 Qatar Champion Stallion.

The last in the line was Bint Deenaa 14.1.197923.1.2008 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Deenaa);

perhaps of all the sisters, she was the most decisive for the world selection of the Arabian Horse, not only Straight Egyptian.

Bint Deenaa remained in the collection of mares belonging to Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair. In her long career, she produced 14 foals, and all of them were of great quality. The first daughter out of Bint Deenaa was Taarifa (1984)

by Moatasim 1972 (Sultann x Neamat), dam of Imtaarif (1990) by Imperial Imdal, who was U.S. Egyptian Event Supreme Champion and sire of champions.

Howe ve r, Bint Deenaa reached the peak of her fame through her sons who were all steeds of considerable importance: Ibn El Mareekh (1982)

by El Mareekh 23.2.1975 (Aseel x Rawayeh); Anaza Bay Shahh (1986)

by Shaikh Al Badi 17.1 .1969 (Morafic x Bint Maisa El Saghira) along with the sons she had by

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Ruminaja Ali 11.5.1976-1997 (Shaikh Al Badi x Bint Magidaa). These were: Amir Alih (1985), Anaza El Nizr (1987), Anaza El Farid (1988) and Anaza El Kadeen (1996).

In 1968, besides Serenity Sonbolah, Serenity Arabian Farms also imported Serenity Sabra (31.5.1965-1990) by Shahrzada 8.4.1955 (Nazeer x Yosreia); a great reproducer who was 1971 Halter 22 Champion at the Canadian Arabian Breeders Show in Toronto, as well as dam of champions in many other shows. When Serenity Sabra arrived in the U.S.A., she was in foal to Alaa El Din 25.2.1956 (Nazeer x Kateefa) and gave birth to the filly Bint Alaa El Din who, in 1984, was sold at the record price of $ 410,000. at the Legacy Sale held at Salah El Din, Beaver, Pennsylvania.

The last daughters by Sameh were imported into the U.S.A. in 1970. Serenity Arabian Farms imported Serenity Bint Nadia (1.10.1960) out of Nadia 12.10.1947 (Ezzat x Nafaa); she was the dam of Serenity Osiris (1972) and of the beautiful Serenity Kamila (19811994) both by Khofo.

Serenity Kamila produced excellent offspring at Serenity Arabian Farms, Imperial Egyptian Stud and at Count Federico Zichy-Thyssen’s farm in Argentina.

At that time, Donald L. and Judith Forbis, who lived in Chickasha, Oklahoma, imported Ansata Bint Sameh (Amal I) (13.4.1962) out of Fotna (Futna) 12.3.1943 (Shahloul x Farida); dam

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of Ansata El Wazir (23.1.1971) by Tuhotmos 14.10.1962-January 1991 (El Sareei x Moniet El Nefous), who in 1979 was Canadian Top Ten Native Costume Horse.

In 1970, Gleannloch Farms, Spring, (Houston), Texas, imported the first son by Sameh from the E.A.O. This was the bay Ibn Hafiza 24.8.1959 out of Hafiza 9.6.1949 (Hamdan x Mahfouza). He was a horse with undisputed qualities, a combination of intelligence, kindness and spirit. A stallion that had the misfortune of having to compete with the great Morafic for many years. Ibn Hafiza was sold because Morafic remained the most famous stallion at Gleannloch Farms.

In 1983 Fred Gunzner from Green Mountain Arabians, in Silverton, Oregon, owner of Ibn Hafiza, made a pressing request to purchase the stallion from Dr. Burton and Mrs. Sheryl Melton, owners of Rinconada Arabians.

23 So, Ibn Hafiza lived the last years of his life at this small but important breeding farm nearby the small town of Bernalillo, near Albuquerque, in the central part of New Mexico. Although Ibn Hafiza was in the company of the famous stallion Nabiel 16.219711.1.1995 (Sakr x Magidaa), he always managed to cover a fair number of mares each year. Ibn Hafiza produced several exceptional specimens, both males and females.

Among these we shall remember:

Almileegy (1972-3.7.1993) out of Bint Bint El Samraa 21.8.1959 (Sid Abouhom x Bint El Samraa), owned by Lyle & Virginia Bertsch, Zahara Arabian Stud, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was 1976 U.S. Top Ten English Pleasure; 1976 U.S. National Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Horse; four times U.S. National Top Ten Western Pleasure and 1978 Canadian National Champion Western Pleasure Horse.

Shamruk (1973-16.7.2000) out of Bint Maisa el Saghira 22.8.1958-26.10.1973 (Nazeer x Maisa), owned by Diamond M Arabians, in Saskatchewan, Canada. He was 1979 Region 17 Reserve 24 Champion English Pleasure; 6 times A-Class Champion Stallion in Halter; 5 times A-Class Champion English Pleasure; Champion in Native Costume and winner of the Legion of Merit.

A l m aw a rd y (1972-1990) out of Dahmah Shahwania 4.2.1966 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Maisa El Saghira), owned

by Twin Brook Farm, New York. He was 1981 AHSA High-Point Halter Stallion and winner of the Legion of Merit; Abenhetep (1976) out of Omnia 26.3.196615.2.1983 (Alaa El Din x Ameena), owned by Howard and Sally Stokke from Backacres Arabians, Enumclaw, Washington. He was Region 5 Top Five Champion in Halter.

Hahmood (17.1.1976) out of Bint Soheir II 1970 (Gubran x Soheir II), owned by Hidden Hollow Arabians, New Jersey. He was A-Class Halter Champion and Western Pleasure Champion.

In 1975, Lancer’s Arabians, in Florida, imported from Egypt the last and most famous son by Sameh, Sultann (Sultan) (15.9.1961) out of Lubna 27.1.1953 (Sid Abouhom x Moniet El Nefous).

He arrived in the U.S.A. at the age of 14 and was then resold to Lee Romney from Somerset Farms, Santa Ynez, California.

Sultann enhanced his reputation through three sons which all became national champions: Asadd (Asad) (14.10.1970-10.10.1999) out of Amani 29.3.1962 (El Sareei x Nazeera).

Manzoura (13.11.1971) out of Nazeera 13.2.1954 (Nazeer x Malaka), and Sakr (1.1.19683.6.1997) out of Enayat 30.3.1961 (Morafic x Ameena), all born in El Zahraa, Egypt.

Asadd, who was also imported by Lancer’s Arabians in 1973, became 1975 U.S. National Champion Stallion; 1977 and 1978 Top Ten English Pleasure, and 1979 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure. Asadd produced the mare Nagwa Fouad (1975) out of Daad 21.2.1970 (Alaa El Din x Enayat) who was 1978 U.S. Top Ten Futurity Mare, and the Egyptian Related Ahso (1976) out of Sobriquet 1972 (Sotep x Zimbah), who was 1979 U.S. National Reserve Champion Futurity Mare.

Manzoura, imported by Gleannloch Farms in 1982, was for three-fourths sister of Romanaa II and Omayma. She was 1976 U.S. National Side Saddle Champion; 1976 U.S. National Reserve Champion Native Costume and 1977 U.S. Top Ten Native Costume.

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Sakr’s credentials were also impressive. He was imported from H. J. Huebner from Silsbee, Texas, in the same year of his birth.

He was later purchased from the Marshalls and produced great offspring that would play a fundamental role in the selection of the Straight Egyptian Arabian Horse.

Sakr was a stallion endowed with great flexibility, and was crowned 5 times National Champion in Performance; 3 times National Reserve Halter Champion; 14 times Top Ten in Halter and Performance. In his career he was able to accumulate a total of 123 victories at championships.

Among the daughters by Sameh who were imported into Europe from the E.A.O. we shall mention: 27 Salha and Momtaza (29.3.1967) out of Mamlouka 28.3.1953 (Nazeer x Malaka). Momtaza was a full sister of Fawkia and, in 1969, she was exported to Babolna, Hungary, where she produced 4 daughters.

In 1977 Momtaza was again exported to Germany, where she gave birth to her daughter Morawa (30.10.1979) by Nizam 4.3.1973

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(Shaarawi x Nazeema), a broodmare who built an important family at El Thayeba Gestüt, Grossenkneten.

Salha (24.3.1967) out of Saklawia 25 II 2.11.1950 (Mashhour x Zamzam), was imported into Germany in 1969 by Georg Thierer from Gestüt Monera, Bad Schonborn, where she built a remarkable family which besides expanding into the German breeding, brought her blood on farms 26 all over the world, from the U.S.A. to Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

Among the descendants of Salha, I would like to recall the stallion Shahil 5.9.198910.3.2017 (Maysoun x Shahila), bred by Karin and Gunter Maiworm in Germany. As a foal, he was sold to ‘La Frasera’ breeding farm in Italy.

He became an Italian Champion and a great champion in international shows, including the Egyptian Event in the U.S.A. In his turn, Shahil produced other champions, such as the mare Frasera Mashara (26.1.2003) out of MB Madora 2.10.1995 (Imperial Madheen x SRA Jahara). She was 2008 Senior Champion in

Baden Baden, Germany; 2007 Senior Champion in Città di Castello, Italy; 2012 Bronze Champion - Straight Egyptian, U.A.E, and she is now owned

by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, in the United Arab Emirates.

Shahil was also the sire of Frasera Ramses Shah (25.5.199925.5.2014) out of Ansata Nefer Isis 11.8.1991(Prin-

ce Fa Moniet x Ansata Nefertiti). Besides producing champions, he was himself a champion in show: 2004 Champion Stallion at the B-Show 28 in Roma; 2005 Italian Champion Stallion; 2011 Best Head Males and Champion and Best in Show Stallions at the European Egyptian Event, Lanaken, Belgium.

Captions 1) Serenity Sonbolah Mar.3.1967(Sameh x Bint Om El Saad). Imported from Egypt to Canada in 1968 by Bill Heck & Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk, Serenity Arabian Farms, Queenwille, Ontario. 1971 U.S. National Champion Mares.

2) Bint Om El Saad Feb.20.1958(Nazeer x Om El Saad, by Shahloul).

Bred & owned by E.A.O. - El Zahraa, Egypt.

3) Sameh Apr.4.1945-1967(El Moez x Sameera, by El Deree). Bred by Inshass Stud, last owner E.A.O. - El Zahraa, Egypt.

4)Ikhnatoon Oct.26.1974 (Farazdac x Bint Om El Saad by Nazeer).

Maternal brother of Serenity Sonbolah.

5) Yashmak Jan.24.1941(Sheik el Arab x Bint Rissala). Bred by R.A.S., owned by R.A.S. & E.A.O. – El Zahraa, Egypt.

6)El Mareekh Feb.23.1975-Feb.17.1982(Aseel x Rawayeh, by Alaa El Din). Imported to USA in 1979 by Lester & Lois St Clair, Janesville,Wisconsin. 1981 U.S. Top Ten Halter Stallion.

7)Serenity Sonbolah Mar.16.1967 (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad). Imported from Egypt to Canada in 1968 by Bill Heck & Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk, Serenity Arabian Farms, Queenwille, Ontario. 1971 U.S. National Champion Mares.

8)Serenity Arabian Farm in Queensville, Ontario, Canada, in 1971.

9)Hanna Louise (Hansi) Heck-Melnyk (1931-2018), on the left, awarding the Drinkers of the Wind Perpetual Trophy of Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse.

10) Sonbohlas Music 1987-June.9.2002(Ruminaja Bahjat x SF Bint Sonbohla ). Bred by Lee & Leonor Romney, Somerset Farms, Santa Ynez, California, USA. Exported to Germany.

11) SF Sonbolah Tu 1975(SF Ibn Nazeer (Lateef) x Serenity Sonbolah). Owned by Lyle & Virginia Bertsch, Zahara Arabian Stud, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

12) Imperial Sonbesjul 1979 (Hossny x Serenity Sonbolah). Dam of Imperial Im Silana and Imperial Al Kamar.

13) Imperial Al Kamar May.2.1987-Ott.13.2018(El Hilal x Imperial Sonbesjul). Photo at 31 years old, May.2.2018. 11 years ago, from Imperial Egyptian Stud, he went to Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California. More than a legend.

14) Imperial Kalatifa 1992(Imperial Al Kamar x AK Latifa). Bred by Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland. Owned by Ariely Arabians, Israel. Dam of Champions.

15) Kamasayyah Jan.1.1992(Imperial Al Kamar x Sundar Alisayyah).

Bred by Hamilton A. Schmidt, USA. Sold on 1993 to Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar. One of the top Egyptian broodmares of Qatar.

16) Imperial Kamill 1994-Aug.9.2009(Imperial Al Kamar x Imperial Mistill). Bred by Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland. Last Owner, Al Sabeel Farm of Al Waleed Al Misned, Middle East. 2002 Senior Champion Stallion at the U.K. International Show of Tower-

lands.

17) Imperial Pharouk 1993(Imperial Al Kamar x Imperial Phanadah). Bred by Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland and sold to Qatar. Sire of Champions.

18) Imperial Sonboleen May.16.1980(Moniet El Nafis X Serenity Sonbolah). Top Price of $ 345,000 at the 1982 Pyramid Society auction.

19) Serenity Sonbolah Mar.16.1967 (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad). Imported from Egypt to Canada in 1968 by Bill Heck & Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk, Serenity Arabian Farms, Queenwille, Ontario. 1971 U.S. National Champion Mares.

20) Sameh Apr.4.1945-1967(El Moez x Sameera, by El Deree). Bred

by Inshass Stud, last owner E.A.O. - El Zahraa, Egypt. At El Zahraa Stud in 1959.

21) Three Sameh’s daughters. From left Fawkia Feb.28.1965(Sameh x Mamlouka, by Nazeer), 1968 U.S. National Top Ten Mare; Serenity Sonbolah Mar.3.1967(Sameh x Bint Om El Saad, by Nazeer), 1970 U.S. Top Ten Mare; Serenity Sabra Mar.31.1965 (Sameh x Shahrzada,

by Nazeer), Canadian and U.S.A. Halter Champion.

22) Romanaa II 1963-1977(Sameh x Nazeera, by Nazeer). Bred by EAO. Imp. To the USA in 1966 by Douglas B. Marshall, Gleannloch Farms, Spring (Houston), Texas. 1969 U.S. Nat. Top Ten Mare.

23) Omayma 18.3.1964(Sameh x Nazeera, by Nazeer). Imported to U.S.A. in 1968 by Gleannloch Farms, Texas. Last owner Imperial Egyptian Stud, Maryland.

24) Deenaa Feb.14.1967-1991(Sameh x Dahma II, by Nazeer). Bred

by E.A.O. – El Zahraa. Imported to USA in 1968 by H. J. Huebner, Silsbee, Texas. Last Owner since 1978 were Lester & Lois St. Clair, Salt Lake City, Utah & Janesville, Wisconsin.

25) Ibn Hafiza Aug.24.1959(Sameh x Hafiza, by Hamdan) Imported from Egypt to U.S.A. in 1970 by Gleannloch Farms, Texas. Last owner Dr. Burton e Mrs. Sheryl, Rinconada Arabians, Bernalillo, New Mexico. Sire of halter and performance Champions.

26) Abenhetep June.25.1976(Ibn Hafiza X Omnia, by Alaa El Din) with Sally and Howard Stokke of Backacres Arabians, Emunclaw, Washington. Bred by Gleannloch Farms, Spring, Texas. From the family of Yaquota.

27) Asadd (Asad) Ott.14.1970-Ott.10.1999(Sultann x Amani, by El Sareei). Imported to USA in 1973 by Don Ford of Lancer’s Arabians, Florida. 1975 U.S. National Champion, 1977 and 1978 Top Ten English Pleasure Stallion, 1979 U.S. National Champion English Pleasure.

28) Frasera Ramses Shah May.25.1999-May.25.2014(Shahil x Ansata Nefer Isis, by Prince Fa Moniet). Bred and owned by La Frasera Stud, Italy. 2005 Italian Champion Stallion. Best Head Males, Champion & Best in Show Stallions, 2011 European Egyptian Event. His sire Shahil descends from the family of Salha.

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- In every design that you create, there’s a part of you left in it.

-The Design itself is another language that expresses several meanings.

-Crafting is not just the action of gluing odds and ends together or painting a wooden box, It envelops many interests.

- glass, wood and lighting combined to create a mesmerizing piece of art.

- Any further design available upon request -“ I want to make things of quality. I’m big believer in handmade, tactile crafted pieces. I want to keep that tradition alive”

Zac Posen 0096176783825 armando.jaroush@gmail.com

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WORDS BY: SONJA SMALDONE

T

he world-class standard and internationally recognized quality of the Arabian horse in the Emirates is already fully appreciated throughout the world, and it is being further promoted by holding this beauty show under international rules and standards. Organized by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, with the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqui, Crown Prince of Fujairah and Chairman of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA), Fujairah Arabian Horse Show 2018 took place outside the Emirate’s historic fort.

The Championship was staged under the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs with a number of top breeders and owners in the UAE. The Judging Committee was composed by: Mr. Almarzooqi Jumma Sultan; Dr. Aragno Gianmarco (Italy); Mrs. Eberhardt Sylvie (Germany); Mr. Fa-

raj Mahmood Mohamed (Bahrain); Mr. Gear Eric (France); Mr. Holmes Terry (United States) and Mrs. Van Hee Martine (Belgium). More than

100 horses distributed to 8 rounds, participated in the final champion-

ship. The results are as follows: Gold medal Yearling Fillies Championship, D REEDAH (FA EL RASHEEM x D ROWAIDA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal FAM DONATELLA (DOMINIC M x D CRYSTAL MOON) bred and owned by Federico José Morales Jordan.

Bronze medal SAWARI AL FARES (GALLARDO J x AJ SAMA) bred by Ajman Stud and owned by Al Fares Arabians. Gold medal Yearling Colts Championship, D NAYEL (FA EL RASHEEM X D NAWAL) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal AL ARYAM RASMI (SHANGHAI EA x AL ARYAM RISALA) bred and owned by Al Aryam Ryam Arabians Stud. Bronze medal AL ARYAM SAYAF (AJ MARDAN x AL ARYAM SUHAYLA) bred and owned

by Al Aryam Arabians.

Gold medal Junior Fillies Championship, AL ARYAM KANOOZ (KANZ AL BIDAYER x R.S. BANAFSAJ)

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bred and owned by Al Aryam Arabians. Silver medal AJ NASHEEDA (AJ PORTOFINO x NASTYA OS) bred by Ajman Stud and owned

by Almassarah Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal SQ ANISA (CADANCE PA x SHAHIRS NIYA) bred by Alsaqran Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Adnan Abdulla Mohamed Shaban Al Shehhi. Gold medal Junior Colts Championship, ALAHARI RAR (MARHAABAH x CHALLESE LL) bred by Regan Rohl or Renae Rohl and owned by Al Meydan Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal AWSS ALHAWAJER (RFI FARID x SHAGRA AL HAWAJER) bred by Ghanem Mohamed Obaid Alhajri and owned

by Mohammed Al Jawaan Salem Mubarak Al Shamisi. Bronze medal D MAGNUM (FA EL RASHEEM x MAGNUMS EXCLUSIVE) bred

by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Al Juwaher Stud.

Gold medal Senior Mares Championship, AMIRAT AL JANADREYAH ALTHANIYA

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(PSYTADEL x GREETA HPM) bred by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz and owned by Alsalamarabian Horse Stud. Silver medal NAHAWAND AL ZOBAIR (S.M.A. MAGIC ONE x MALIHA BOUZNIKA) bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Mohd Althani. Bronze medal SG ROWADAH (ROYAL COLOURS x DF HALIFA) bred by Al Nakheel Stud and owned by Mohammed Haitham Mohammed Bin Fraish Alkindi.

Gold medal Senior Stallions Championship, D MARJ (MARAJJ x COL CORA) bred

by Arabian Horse Stud and owned by Hamed Mohsen Nasser Mubarak Al Harthi. Silver medal KA ASEEL ALMAJD (NAJJAR x ZA MARINKA) bred by Nadine Koo and owned

by Al Safenat Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal SINDAN MS (SHANGHAI EA x ABHA MAHARANI) bred by Mandara Equestrian Club and owned by Saoud Mohamed Ali Rashed Al Marzooqi.

The closing ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Masoud Bin Saud Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Central Department of Finance, HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Suroor Al Sharqi, Essam Abdalla, Chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Championship, Ali Musbah Alharbi, Show Manager; Mohammed Alharbi, Show coordinator, Mohammed Al Tawhidi, General Manager of Dubai Stud, and a number of owners, breeders and lovers of the breed who thoroughly enjoyed the show.

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Yearling Fillies

D REEDAH

FA EL RASHEEM X D ROWAIDA

FAM DONATELLA

BREEDER: FEDERICO JOSE MORALES JORDAN OWNER: FEDERICO JOSE MORALES JORDAN

SAWARI AL FARES

BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AL FARES ARABIANS

DOMINIC M X D CRYSTAL MOON

GALLARDO J X AJ SAMA

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BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

Yearling Colts

D NAYEL

FA EL RASHEEM X D NAWAL

AL ARYAM RASMI

SHANGHAI EA X AL ARYAM RISALA

AL ARYAM SAYAF

AJ MARDAN X AL ARYAM SUHAYLA

BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BREEDER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS STUD OWNER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS STUD

BREEDER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS OWNER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS

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Junior Fillies

AL ARYAM KANOOZ

KANZ AL BIDAYER X R.S. BANAFSAJ

AJ NASHEEDA

AJ PORTOFINO X NASTYA OS

SQ ANISA

CADANCE PA X SHAHIRS NIYA

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BREEDER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS OWNER: AL ARYAM ARABIANS

BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: ALMASSARAH ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BREEDER: ALSAQRAN ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: ADNAN ABDULLA MOHAMED SHABAN AL SHEHHI

Junior Colts

ALAHARI RAR

MARHAABAH X CHALLESE LL

AWSS ALHAWAJER

RFI FARID X SHAGRA AL HAWAJER

D MAGNUM

FA EL RASHEEM X MAGNUMS EXCLUSIVE

BREEDER: REGAN ROHL OR RENAE ROHL OWNER: AL MEYDAN ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BREEDER: GHANEM MOHAMED GHANEM MOHAMED OBAID ALHAJRI OWNER: MOHAMMED AL JAWAAN SALEM MUBARAK AL SHAMISI

BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: AL JUWAHER STUD

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Senior Mares

AMIRAT AL JANADREYAH ALTHANIYA PSYTADEL X GREETA HPM

BREEDER: CUSTODIAN OF TWO HOLY MOSQUES KING ABDULLA BIN ABDULAZIZ OWNER: ALSALAM ARABIAN HORSE STUD

NAHAWAND AL ZOBAIR S.M.A. MAGIC ONE X MALIHA BOUZNIKA

SG ROWADAH

ROYAL COLOURS X DF HALIFA

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BREEDER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED ABDULLA MOHD ALTHANI OWNER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED ABDULLA MOHD ALTHANI

BREEDER: AL NAKHEEL STUD OWNER: MOHAMMED HAITHAM MOHAMMED BIN FRAISH ALKINDI

Senior Stallions

D MARJ

MARAJJ X COL CORA

KA ASEEL ALMAJD

NAJJAR X ZA MARINKA

SINDAN MS

SHANGHAI EA X ABHA MAHARANI

BREEDER: DUBAI STUD OWNER: HAMED MOHSEN NASSER MUBARAK AL HARTHI

BREEDER: NADINE KOO OWNER: AL SAFENAT ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BREEDER: MANDARA EQUESTRIAN CLUB OWNER: SAOUD MOHAMED ALI RASHED AL MARZOOQI

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People

& Atmosphere

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Coordinated by Sonja Smaldone

Successful photographers often become idols of new generations.

It’s always interesting to see them in life, to take a glance behind the scenes, and hear their unique stories on how they got into photography.

That’s the aim of the interview with photographer April Visel, specialist in Arabian horses…

Who is April Visel? Tell us about yourself, where you are from and your family.

I am from a small town called Mt. Aukum in the mountains of Central California...We are both native Californians!

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Horses for sure...I love fashion mixed with horses. I try really hard to make sure BOTH human AND horse look their best in an image. In mainstream fashion magazines, the horses always look unattractive, but the human model will look amazing.

Often in horse magazines it’s visa-versa...that doesn’t have to happen.

Who do you inherit your artistic ability from, is anyone else in your family artistic?

My father is a musician and a builder and my sister is a renown e d

How did you first get into photography?

Brandon my husband was a photographer first and gifted me my first digital camera for our 2nd year anniversary in 2001.

What is your favorite brand of Camera and why?

Canon…because it’s all I know and I know it like the back of my hand, which lets me be free artistically

How would you describe your photography style?

I’m pretty “Artsy Fartsy.” Everything I do seems to have either an element of light or movement ...I just really prefer emotion and feeling in my pictures. I want people to see how it is I felt at that moment...which, when it comes to horses is happy and moved 90% of the time

When you travel, what do you take with you?

Everything I own and usually a very over-packed suitcase…it’s a problem!

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What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living and traveling the world?

I was raised on Arabian Horse World Magazines, my mom got me one year’s worth at a garage sale when I was 9. I plastered every inch of my walls with them!

One day around 2004 I was shooting flowers in my yard and my Arabian horses ran by in their pasture, so I started shooting them.

At that moment the light bulb went off and I told myself I would be on the cover of that magazine!

Because of what it takes to do that, I took the correct path and eventually, with the help of some special people, 1.5 years later I had my first cover….since then it has been a fast and wild ride!

If you weren’t a photographer what would be your profession?

I would always have to do SOMETHING with horses… they are in my blood. chef... so it’s somewhere in the DNA! My mother is the “people person” and she taught me how to teach others and have empathy.

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I am completely self-educated. I take workshops and study other photographers I love. And I never stop shooting and practicing.

I think it’s important to learn how to work with people’s persoanlities, just as much as how to work your camera.

There are really no “actual” rules to photography...it’s an ART.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?

The best thing someone told me is “It’s not always about you” Separate the business side of the job from the joy of creating and being around the horses we all love so much!

Like I said before...there are really no rules when it comes to your personal style and art. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

What is one cool fact you can tell us about yourself?

I’m a loner and a hermit! I prefer animals and nature and my best friend Brandon. But when I’m teaching workshops, I love the social interaction!

I’ve recently learned I’m an “Introverted Extrovert!” Lol

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Which is your personal favorite artwork to date?

I love what I call “happy accidents”…action shots where my focus landed in a strange spot, or my camera caught a half second that you could only see through a camera lens.

Also any time a horse looks at ME directly while running at liberty is one of my favorites shots, I LOVE eye contact!

I love the images that come from my workshops, especially this year with Jordan Parr and the “Creamsicle Parachute dress” or the giant red dress on Brooke Marie Jarvis. My friend Tatiana Coffman and I always get to put our crazy ideas into motion and it’s so exciting to see what comes of it!

I love whenever light, feeling and subject all come together at once...I’ve cried numerous times at the moment I realize a gift like that is happening!

How long have you been into horses?

Since I came out of the womb! My mom was riding with me when I was 8 months old.

I have never been without a horse since I was 4!

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What’s a typical day-in-the-life for you?

We live in Costa Rica now on a “Finca.” We have 3 horses, 2 dogs and 3 cats. Being outside on the farm, at the beach, or anywhere relaxing is my favorite way to spend the day! I travel a lot, so I value my down time and my own bed!

Do you have any rituals you do to help you get in the zone for Photoshoots?

No not really...except to really look at my surroundings, light and the vibe of the people I’m working with. I like light hearted moods, so I try to make sure everyone feels valued and has fun shooting.

I cannot photograph horses without help...and willing, happy people always make the best art!

Who and what inspires you?

My husband. He is a prodigy genius pianist, musician and composer. It is natural in him and awe inspiring to witness! He is also one of the best humans I know.

Happiness, joy, beauty, laughter, animals, light move me the most.

What is something you haven’t done yet but is on your bucket list?

I’d like to make coffee tables books and have my images hanging in many hotels...I’m working on that slowly, but surely.

How do you photograph Arabian horses at their best?

What particular difficulties can arise while taking pictures at shows?

The only answer to this is to pay attention to

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curves and attitude...that is what makes everyone love Arabians.

Being in the correct spot, having the settings correct on your camera and using light is the best way I know how.

I do not shoot shows as a hired job because I find it uninspiring generally. But I do shoot when I attend with the same guidelines in mind...finding light, moments, emotion and curves.

Do you have a tip for beginner to intermediate photographers that will help them improve their photography?

READ YOUR CAMERA MANUAL. And go through every setting....learn how to work your equipment, so you can create what’s in your brain!

Study others and their work…LOOK FOR LIGHT!

Among all the beautiful Arabian specimen that you have seen so far, can you tell us who really made an impression on you and why?

That list is long... but off the top of m y

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head.

Eden C, Gazal Al Shaqab, EL Nabila B, Tamara LL, Marwan Al Shaqab, Ecaho, Bey Ambition, AJ Kafu and many, many more.

They all embody what it means to be an Arabian. Beauty, charisma and a “look at me” attitude.

April, which horse would you like to reincarnate after death if it were possible? Why? Bey Shah for sure, because he was exciting and a little wild! And if any of the horses above passed, I would be crushed.

Which is your favorite ‘Arabian’ destination to travel to?

Many places for sure, but I love to shoot at Hennessey Arabians and Johanna Ullstrom’s. I’m always free to make art there and they have amazing light and locations.

I also loved shooting in Argentina, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Ajman, Morocco and Egypt.

Thank you so much April. It was a pleasure to talk to you today. On behalf of the entire team, I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.

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Interview by Sonja Smaldone

After participating in the Salon du Cheval 2018 in Paris last November, together with our Team, model, singer and actress Greta Ray is back to doing what she loves the most: singing, modeling and riding. We have met her recently and asked her to tell us all about her new experience with Arabian horses. • Hello Greta, what made you want to participate in the World Arabian Horse Championship 2018? Had you ever been to an Arabian Horse beauty competition before?

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Hello everyone, first of all I want to thank the Editors of Arabian Horse Magazine for this wonderful interview. Surely, my passion for horses that I have had since I was a child

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so much elegance, organization and passion, all framed in the magical city of Paris.

• What kind of impression did you have as soon as you got there?

I just said: “Wow”! Wonderful! All that attention to detail, spotlights, red carpet, dream horses ...

Fantastic!

• Anyone in particular you made connection with? Was he/she able to convey anything to you?

I made friends with the girls and boys in the team, all very funny and hard- working, but I tied more with Gianluca and Woody, I consider both of them two real professionals of the sector, welcoming and nice people.

There was a strong synergy, it was a wonderful experience.

pushed me more than anything else to go there.

Then, when I received your invitation as testimonial for the Magazine I could not believe it, I was so happy. I had never been to a similar event before, I got enthralled with

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• You had the chance to see up close some of the most beautiful specimens of the Arabian breed.

Who is the one horse that impressed you more? If so, why?

I could admire the ‘little’ Magnum from Orrion Farms, an exceptional horse for beauty and elegance and the great ‘Sultan’.

There are no words to describe such beauty and refinement.

look forward to having you again at one of the forthcoming Arabian horse shows on schedule!

• Are you planning to participate again in a morphology show?

I am, absolutely! As well as having fun. It was an incredible experience.

Thank you very much Greta. We

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