Arabian Horse Magazine | N2_2020

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MENTON ISSUE 2020

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2020. An unprecedented year that leaves deep scars in our hearts. The whole world stops for two months due to the spread of the new Corona virus Covid-19 pandemic.

Several emergency measures are taken at the national and EU levels to contain the global health crisis triggered by the pandemic, but the closure of national boundaries puts in knee the world economy with severe socio-economic consequences even in the most powerful countries.

the fact that, behind such shows and such a passion, there are hundreds of families who have earned their living doing it for entire generations, and that now find it very hard to make up for the financial losses of the pandemic. Moreover, what will it happen to the many young people who are deeply in love and work with the Arabian horse if nothing is done to support them?

This year, Arabian Horse Magazine and its Team want to be closer and more

As of May 2020, in Italy at least, phase 2 takes off. Commercial activities reopen to the public, people want to reunite with their own family and their own friends, they want to go back to a semblance of normality as well as to their own duties.

For us too, the Breeders and the Lovers of the Arabian horse the time has come to get up and pick up where we left off.

Maybe to the eyes of some the organization of Arabian horses shows might seem insensitive or devoid of any ethical or human consideration seen that the pandemic is still with us. However, it is no longer possible to stay indifferent to

supportive to the international breeders, but everyone is strongly requested to act by the new safety and health provisions. We should also be ready to take further precautionary measures where necessary. Love requires sacrifice, courage and adaptability. We should not be afraid about it. It will be nice, in fact, if one of the scars of this pandemic is a greater awareness of this ‘centrality’ of the Arabian horse in our lives. Now more than ever before, it is the duty of all of us to protect him along with the values he promotes, facing together this new challenge in a spirit of solidarity.

N2_2020 Editor/Publisher/Art Director GIANLUCA MARTINO Publisher/Public relations NOËMIE ZELLER Photographer/Graphic Designer GREGOR AYMAR Writers SONJA SMALDONE DOMENICO TOCCHI NAKASHEN VALAITHAM KRISTI HOPP Technical Counselor WILLIAM RICHARDOT DE CHOISEY Graphic Designer NAZARIO BIZZOCO Official Photographers ALESSIO AZZALI PAOLA DRERA ANTONIO CARACCIOLO Translations SONJA SMALDONE Account GIANLUCA MARTINO NOËMIE ZELLER DEBORA MARTINO KRISTI HOPP Print ARABIAN VIBE - SALERNO Adv/Redaction ARABIAN VIBE mobile: +39 335 8262907

Cover: RAOUD ALBIDAYER Owned by:Albidayer Stud

info@arabianhorsemagazine.it www.arabianhorsemagazine.it

CONTACT FOR ITALY 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.

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

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By Nakashen Valaitham

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ith so many facets, nature has always been a fascinating subject to ponder over, to study, to investigate, and simply, just to admire. Probably the most admired to date are Mount Everest, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the Great Barrier Reef, the Victoria Falls, the Paricutin Volcano, the Grand Canyon and the Aurora Borealis. Collectively known as the 7 natural wonders of the world, these places have amazed us for decades and will

always spark delight and intrigue in one’s heart. Mother Nature has moulded these beautifully complex areas with her very own hands and she now brings forth the next great wonder of the living world. He is a masterpiece that Mother Nature, with the help of Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, has handcrafted; a one-of-a-kind, brilliant bay Arabian colt by the name of D Mezyan.

D Meyzan

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Al Sheikh Stud

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Privilege

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Albaidaa

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Knocke Arabians

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D Meyzan

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Abhaa Arabians

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Dubai 2020

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Dominic M

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Eden C

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Al Reeh Stud

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Cristina Valdes

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Exclusive by Elisa

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Al Shiraa Arabians

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Kanz Albidayer

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Culture & Civilizations

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MC Arabians

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Riding Couple

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Regalis Arabians

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The Arabian horse, the Child and the Youngsters | Part 1

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Vg Arabians

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Denise van Gils

A Wonder of Nature

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ith most European countries in the grip of COVID-19, many international morphology championships are struggling to get underway this year. A massive travel ban has been put on all sorts of public transport and travelers. Cities, streets, train stations and airports are nearly deserted as travelling is strictly forbidden except for really serious work, health or family issues. Although the UAE remain safe for travelers, the 17th edition of Dubai International Championship takes place behind closed doors, with no public audience, being restricted to championship participants,

owners, stables, trainers and judges. As a result, the arena seating areas are empty, but with some very limited seating in the VIP lounge. The decision to hold the Championship as a closed event comes after much debate together with the main authorities and stakeholders of the industry who are strongly supporting European precautionary measures. The show Organizing Committee takes the inevitable but necessary action to cancel two major constituents of the show - namely the Horse Fair and the Arabian Horse Auction. These two events usually attract 10,000 visitors; something to think about. Despite a

A Wonder of Nature

international Arabians Horse Championship

Continuing The Dynasty

Dubai 2020

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t seems only appropriate to celebrate Enzo’s most famous son, Eden C, in this 2020 Menton edition of Arabian Horse Magazine. Eden C is one of the most enduring stallions

of his generation, and he is unique as he holds major championship titles on not just two but three continents – something that very few can lay claim to.

This incredibly popular iridescent chestnut stallion is owned by Abdulwahab

and Khalid Alsayed of Alsayed Stud, and this is his story.

The history of Eden C begins back in 2004, when Rhoda and Rhonda Coleal of Coleal Arabian Horse Farm in California, USA, decided to breed

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their mare, Silken Sable, to the multiple National Champion, Enzo. Sired by Padrons Psyche, Enzo was bred by Dr. Philip Del Pozzo and Brent Stone, and the story of Enzo is also shared in the pages of this magazine. Padrons Psyche

Eden C Continuing The Dynasty

INTERVIEWED BY SONJA SMALDONE

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udging Arabian horses’ conformation takes practice, but anyone who has spent time around these beautiful creatures can learn to do it. Judges usually look for a ombination of balance, structure, muscling, gait, and bred-specific features. For the summer edition 2020, I had he honour to interview Echao A-Judge list Cristina Valdes rom Madrid, Spain. She was pleased to give her point of ou and walk me through the main aspects of her profesional experience in judging Arabian horses.

Hello Mrs. Cristina Valdes. Just to set the scene with our eaders, give us some background to you, to your family and education please. was born in Madrid, but before I turned two years old my father was posted as Spanish Ambassador, so from hat date onwards - and for the next 18 years - we travelled round the world. My education in those years was quite a alad, I was taught at home by teachers, I went to school in Spain, then in France, and the last was an American school. I started the University in AUB in Beirut, and finally graduated from Madrid University in Political Sciences with a major in International Relations.

When did you start getting interested in the purebred Arabian horse? If any, which are your favourite bloodlines? Why? was very luckily born with Arabian horses! I come from family that started breeding in 1920, first the well know

breeder, Cristobal Colon Duke of Veragua, then my mother Piedad Colon Marchioness of Avella continued, and I am myself following my mother as is doing my youngest sister who also breeds. My favourite lines are those that breed good and beautiful horses. However, I personally continue with the Pure Spanish lines. I do so for several reasons, first of all because I like them; second, because even if they are not in fashion as they used to be, I believe that they must be preserved because they have a lot of good things to offer, and that can be clearly seen when they outcross with other lines, the final outcome is fantastic! Last not the least, while fashions come and go, good tradition persists.

When did you become a Judge? What specific preparation did you get?

I became a judge in the first course done in Europe, which was done in Spain in the late 80´s and it was the basis for the courses Ecaho does now. After this course organized by AECCA, I joined the Spanish Association.

We were supposed to do some probation shows with senior judges, and that was how it all started.

What do you look for in an Arabian horse when judging? What are, in your opinion, the strengths of the breed and how do you tackle the concepts of ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’?

The first is to have a total look at the horse on the first rounds, which gives you an idea of the level of the whole class and an approximate idea

Cristina Valdes AHM | 12 Portrait

of a Spanish Judge

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Portrait of a Spanish Judge

Three Stars Align

Constantin Urinciuc And Giulia Bontempi

Portrait of a Dutch Handler

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Elegantica Training Center

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Gabriele Boiselle Art Photographer

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D Jala’a

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Murat Seyok

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Portrait Of A Turkish Horse Shoes Artist

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l Shiraa Arabians - considered as one of the best establishments in the Arabian horse industry today; where the love and the passion for the Arabian horse run deep. Owner, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and farm manager, Antonia Bautista, have in a short space of time, put together an outstanding collection of horses that have taken the farm to new heights in the show rings and their very own breeding barn. While Al Shiraa’s treasured mare barn is filled with white (and the occasional bay) pearls from around the globe, their stallion barn has begun to fill up. It was in 2018 that Al Shiraa first leased a stallion and used him as chief sire for the breeding season. The stallion was the uber exotic, Ajman Stud bred and owned, AJ Portofino (Vervaldee x Magic Jamilla). AJ Portofino was bred to a number of their mares and the results are phenomenal. Now in 2020, Al Shiraa’s stallion barn is made up of three spectacular individuals. While each stallion stands out as an individual, together, this trifecta make up a conglomerate of superiority, ultimate quality and awe inspiring beauty like no other.

The first stallion from this glorious triad is MAHDER AL JAMAL (Nader Al Jamaal x Mahi-

Orientalist Art TS Arabians

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The Tbourida

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Le Soleil Stud

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Dominika Pawlowska

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Alicia Midgett

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Hadhad Arabians

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El Dahma

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Bariq Al Shaqab

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Obayana KA

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Al Aryam Arabians

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Ascott DD

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SG Labib

Mahder Al Jamal is sired by the ultra-typey, straight Egyptian stallion, Nader Al Jamal (Ansata Sinan x Savannah CC). Israeli National Champion, Nader Al Jamal, was a beautiful grey stallion that

Tree Star Align

A Traditional Equestrian Art

Scottsdale 2020

ty El Jamaal), an alabaster beauty that was bred in Belgium. It was his unique and illustrious pedigree that combines some of the best Egyptian and Russian blood and his undeniable good looks, that caught the eye of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Antonia Bautista.

What started as a joint lease between Al Shiraa Arabian and Bautista Vich Stud for the 2019 - 2020 season, soon became full ownership for Sheikha Fatima. Mahder Al Jamal now holds the esteemed title of chief sire at Al Shiraa Arabians. He is a phenomenal stallion that has so much to offer in both the phenotype and genotype departments. His authentic Arabian type, large dark eyes, fine muzzle, perfectly tipped ears and that long, luxurious neck, remind one of a bronze sculpture. He is a correct stallion that moves with grace and power; one that enthralls you with his presence and leaves you speechless. Mahder Al Jamal was bred by esteemed horseman, Jean Mattens. His dam, Mahity El Jamaal, is one of Jean’s prolific broodmares and of course, a prized possession in the Arabian industry.

Al Shiraa Arabians

Part 4

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Interviewed by Sonja Smaldone

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Horse training and handling is a tough profession for a man or a woman.

However, Denise van Gils from Holland is undaunted. Her love for horses is overwhelming to the extent of spending twenty-four hours with the most elegant animal in the world. Denise has lived in Doha, Qatar, for five months working for Al Bayraq Stud. Now she is back in the Netherlands where she built her own Van Gils Show-Training Centre.

Hello Denise. Just to set the scene with our readers, will you please give us some background to you, your family and education?

I am 25 years old and I grew up in the Netherlands. Like so many of us, I fell in love with horses as a little girl and I never missed a chance of coming to the riding school with my older sister. She is eleven years older than I am and she was giving riding lessons in the Pony Club for as long as I can remember. That is how I learned to ride. I think we spent more time at the barn than we spent at home! When I was in high school, I quickly realised that horses were my passion, so I decided to pursue a career as a show trainer.

How did the passion you have for Arabian horses begin? To what extent has the love you nurture for the Arabian horse affected your life?

When I got a little older I started to ride horses for private people. I have always felt strongly attracted to Arabians horses and part-bred, something just resonated with me. I got the opportunity to ride a Russian gelding, Maroud Najib, and I started spending time at a little farm called Valdes Arabian Stud. This is where I started to show on an amateur level and again something just clicked. I decided that this was what I wanted to do in my life, what I wanted to be. Not long after my first win in the amateur range, I started to work for Johanna Ullstrom in the paradise that is Darby Farm. I have gotten some amazing experiences and worked for fabulous trainers and farms as a professional groom. Three years ago, I decided to take a step further and I opened Van Gils Show Training as my own business. In September 2019, I got the opportunity to take it to the next level by being the manager and handler for Al Bayraq Stud in Qatar for the winter season. A time where I have probably learned the most that I could in such a short time. Arabian horses are not

Stud Manager at Stadnina Koni Kurozweki

Denise van Gils Portrait of a Dutch Handler

Riding Model

and Farida’s Family

Personal dispositions as well as talent are not ordinary things of human life, even more so if this is accompanied by considerable effort to enhance what the Lord of the Heavens has once created and, that, for centuries, have been man’s best companions. Gabriele Boiselle is the ‘chosen’ of the moment.

This incredible photographer, who used to be a brilliant a journalist in Munich, is very kind to everyone around her as well as her many acqu aint ances around the world, she is an extraordinarily intelligent woman with a deep love for horses, and she has always wanted to be as close to nature as possible since early childhood.

After a process of mature reflection, she decides to transpose the pleasure she finds in watching at these fabulous creatures into her other passion for photography, with an aim to keep memory

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Gabriele Boiselle Art Photographer

Royal Stable of Abu Dhabi

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E.C.A.H.O.

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Al Mazrouei Stud

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“A Stud manager oversees the proper care of horses, supervises employees, and maintains buildings and grounds. They may work in many facets of the equine industry. Showing, racing, breeding, and boarding operations generally have a stud manager to handle the care of the horses and management of employees. For the summer issue 2020, I had the pleasure to interview Ms. Dominika Pawlowska from Poland. She was happy to walk me through the main aspects of her profession as a manager at Stadnina Koni Kurozweki.”

Hello Ms. Dominika. Just to set the scene with our readers, will you please give us some background to you, your family and education?

I was born in Katowice, an industrial city in southern Silesia, Poland. My grandparents lived in the countryside

and, as a young girl, I would spend every summer on my grandparents’ farm. We still used workhorses and they were my favorite animals, so I got remarkably close to them. My other grandfather was a postman who rode a horse to deliver letters. He used to tell me a story about how in World War II his horse had saved his life by refusing to advance onto a landmine. Grandpa never quite understood how the horse figured out the danger.

At age 13, I started riding in an equestrian club. After came the time for studies, and I graduated in Administrative Law, Management and Marketing. This, in turn, gave me a stable job. However, as I was missing horses too much, I started an apprenticeship in a horse-riding club and graduated in various courses on training horses, natural horse riding etc.

Dominika Pawlowska AHM | 13 Stud Manager at Stadnina Koni Kurozweki

of them. Her career begins more than thirty years ago as what they call an ‘animal’ photographer, she has the ‘eye’ to catch the most beautiful moments that will make fellow human beings dream about pure bred Arabian horses in all their grace, beauty and sensitivity.

However, it is not just about using the best camera available that makes one able to get good pictures, it is also about presenting and developing one’s art with a great deal of determination.

Following my kind invitation to the Salon du Cheval of Paris organized by Spodex in 1975 and held at the Porte de Versailles during the International Days of the Arabian Horses - Gabriele Boiselle accepts, without hesitation, to exhibit her pictures for the many visitors attending the event, her shots manage to raise everyone’s admiration as what is there is truly an incredible work done by an

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By Nakashen Valaitham

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ith so many facets, nature has always been a fascinating subject to ponder over, to study, to investigate, and simply, just to admire. Probably the most admired to date are Mount Everest, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the Great Barrier Reef, the Victoria Falls, the Paricutin Volcano, the Grand Canyon and the Aurora Borealis. Collectively known as the 7 natural wonders of the world, these places have amazed us for decades and will

always spark delight and intrigue in one’s heart. Mother Nature has moulded these beautifully complex areas with her very own hands and she now brings forth the next great wonder of the living world. He is a masterpiece that Mother Nature, with the help of Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, has handcrafted; a one-of-a-kind, brilliant bay Arabian colt by the name of D Mezyan.

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D Mezyan (FA El Rasheem x D Mazaia) is a breathtaking two year old colt that exemplifies everything that an Arabian horse should be. He surely lives up to his name, as Mezyan is an Arabic name that means “good looking” or “beautiful.” He is a typey, well balanced colt that perfectly represents the best of both the classic and modern day Arabian. His pedigree is filled with some of the greatest horses the breed has ever known. His sire is the exotic stallion and sire of world champions, FA El Rasheem (FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR). FA El Rasheem is a son of the late United States and Brazilian National Champion, FA El Shawan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Foxbriar Shakita). His dam, Virtuosa MLR (Versace x Alishahmaal) is one of the finest producing Versace daughters in the industry today. It is through World Champion ZT Shakfantasy and United States National Champion Precious As

D Mazaia | Dam of D Mezyan

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Gold that FA El Rasheem adds two crosses to the immortal El Shaklan to D Mezyan’s pedigree. Three crosses to the legendary Bey Shah emphasise the amount of greatness in this pedigree.

D Mezyan’s dam is a beautiful mare that goes by the name of D Mazaia (Royal Colours x OFW Ezalea).

She is a daughter of the ‘King’ of Dubai Stud, two time World Champion as well as Platinum World Champion, Royal Colours (True Colours x Xtreme Wonder). Royal Colours is a stunning Egyptian stallion that has blessed D Mezyan with multiple crosses to the Leading Straight Egytian sires, Thee Desperado and The Minstril. D Mazaia’s dam, OFW Ezalea (Gazal Al Shaqab x G Edycja), is a daughter of the living legend, World Champion and World Champion producer, Gazal Al Shaqab. It is through OFW Ezalea’s dam line

Fa El rasheem | Sire of D Mezyan

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that we find one of D Mezyan’s most valuable assets his tail female line. Through the United States Regional Champion G Edycja (Pilot x Etana), to the fabulous mover Etana (Aloes x Etruria), we find the Polish aristocrat, Etruria. Not only was Etruria a twice European Champion and twice World Champion, but having given birth to six fine daughters and three outstanding Chief Sires in Poland, she received the WAHO Trophy and will always be known as one of Janow Podlaski’s most iconic mares.

D Mezyan was definitely one of the brightest shining stars from the 2018 foal crop at Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. He started his training with Paolo Capecci from Capecci Training Center and together this pair made waves in show rings around the world. In 2019, as a yearling, D Mezyan was successfully shown throughout the Middle East and Europe. In the Middle East, D Mezyan rose to the top and was named Gold Champion Yearling Colt at all the shows he competed in. These include the Emirates-Arabian Horse Breeders Championship, UAE National Championship, Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Championship and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship shows.

D Mezyan took Europe by storm after being named Gold Champion Yearling Colt at the Mediterranean and Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championships as well as being awarded the prize for Best Head in his class and Best Arabian Type in the Yearling Male section. The final showdown for both Paolo and D Mezyan was at the 2019 World Championships in Paris. Even with the toughest competition, D Mezyan managed to earn himself the Bronze World Champion Yearling Colt title.

As a two year old, D Mezyan has matured into an outstanding young colt and is now embarking on a new journey alongside a new owner and family of supporters. In 2020, D Mezyan will represent Mohammad Sheikh Suliman’s Al Sheikh Stud of Israel. D Mezyan will also be at the end of a new handler’s lead, that of the impeccable Rapahel Curti of Privilege Arabians in Belgium. In just four years, Mohammad, his beloved horses and his entire team have managed to achieve success in almost every show ring around the world and have established themselves as leaders in the industry.

D Mezyan will join Al Sheikh Stud’s outrageously gorgeous collection of horses, some of which include Silver World Champion, Seranza, and the reigning Gold Wor-

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ld Champion Junior Filly, Algamra.

Together Raphael and D Mezyan will take on the major European shows oered in 2020 and currently their eyes are set on Menton. We look forward

to the show that this magnanimous wonder of nature will put on for his spectators on the beaches of Menton. We can be sure that it will be nothing short of awe-inspiring, breathtaking and exhilarating.

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ith most European countries in the grip of COVID-19, many international morphology championships are struggling to get underway this year. A massive travel ban has been put on all sorts of public transport and travelers. Cities, streets, train stations and airports are nearly deserted as travelling is strictly forbidden except for really serious work, health or family issues. Although the UAE remain safe for travelers, the 17th edition of Dubai International Championship takes place behind closed doors, with no public audience, being restricted to championship participants,

owners, stables, trainers and judges. As a result, the arena seating areas are empty, but with some very limited seating in the VIP lounge. The decision to hold the Championship as a closed event comes after much debate together with the main authorities and stakeholders of the industry who are strongly supporting European precautionary measures. The show Organizing Committee takes the inevitable but necessary action to cancel two major constituents of the show - namely the Horse Fair and the Arabian Horse Auction. These two events usually attract 10,000 visitors; something to think about. Despite a AHM | 29

tough protocol, eight international judges have managed to make their way that far. In the beautiful and elegant show-ground there are: Mr. Bialobok Jerzy (Poland); Mr. Constanti James (Unites States of America); Mr. Detailleur Koenraad (Belgium); Mr. Fornieles Santi (Argentina); Mr. Murillo Kammer (Brazil); Mrs. Schibler Renata (Switzerland); Mr. Smith Graham (Australia); and Mr. Veray Marc (France). Disciplinary Commissioners: dr. Sujeet Bhaskar Suryawanshi; dr. Umer Raza Gill; dr. Abdel Wahab ben Ali Amira; Mr. Kais Ben Hadi Ouelhazi; and Mr. Jean-marc Dubois. Ring-master: Mr. Jean Bernard Kupaj. Official speakers: Mr. Abdulla Rashid and Mrs. Souad Al Slimani. Official scorer: Mr. Hany Fahmy; Technical assistant: Mr. Biju Peter. Control marks: Mrs. Dominik Briot. Official photographers: Mr. Morhaf Assaf and Mrs. Lisa Abraham.

The show attracts many world class entries this AHM | 30

year and as you can imagine each and every class has very strong contenders including past and present world champions. The people in the arena stand out for their great spirit of cooperation so the shows goes ahead - in a controlled environment - to showcase the world the best of the breed. There are moments of tension during the competition, but also of shared joy. A warm applause of exultation welcomes the new Champions as they trot in the ring for the award-winning ceremony. They are: In the YEARLING FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the grey AJ AL BRRAQAH (FA EL RASHEEM x FELICIA RLC) bred and owned by Ajman Stud. Silver medal winner the grey D SIREEN (D SERAJ x D RA’AFAH) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Bronze medal winner the grey D FAREHAN (D SERAJ

x ELLE FLAMENCA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

In the JUNIOR FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the bay AJ SAMARA (AJ MARDAN x SAMA AM) bred and owned by Ajman Stud, Germany. Silver medal winner, the grey D JUDI (AJ AZZAM x ELLE FLAMENCA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

Bronze medal winner, the grey D SHIHANAH (FA EL RASHEEM x D SHAHLA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

In the SENIOR MARES CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner, the grey MOZN AL BIDAYER (S.M.A. MAGIC ONE x MATTAHARII) bred and owned Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qassimi. Silver medal winner, the bay AJ TARIM (EMERALD J x ESPINILLA) bred and owned by

Ajman Stud, Germany. Bronze medal winner, the grey BAVIERA HVP (MARWAN AL SHAQAB x HB BESSOLEA) bred by Nelson De Oliveira Prata Pinto Moreira, United States of America, and owned by Abhaa Arabians.

In the YEARLING COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner, the bay D SHAHEER (AJ MARZAN x D SHAHLA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner, the bay GHALY AL HAWAJER (DOMINIC M x GHALYAH AL HAWAJER) bred and owned by Dr. Ghanem Mohamed Obaid Alhajri. Bronze medal winner, the chestnut ARJUWAN AL BIDAYER (AJ MARZAN x ALLEZANDRA ALBIDAYER) bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saudi Al Qasimi.

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In the JUNIOR COLTS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner, the bay D SHEIMAZ (FA EL RASHEEM x LADI VERONIKA) bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner, the bay MUTHABAHI AL HAWAJER (FA EL RASHEEM x ZT MAGRUMI) bred and owned by Dr. Ghanem Mohammed Obaid Alhajri. Bronze medal winner, the bay ADMIRAAL (EMERALD J x HANIYYAH) bred by M. A. Al Subaie, United Kingdom, and owned by Ajman Stud.

In the SENIOR STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP, Gold medal winner the grey EXCALIBUR EA (SHANGHAI EA x ESSENCE OF MARWAN EA) bred by Equus Arabians and owned byAl Saqran Arabian Horse Stud. Silver medal winner, the grey AJ KAFU (SHANGHAI EA x AJ KAHAYLA)

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bred and owned by Ajman Stud, Germany. Bronze medal winner, the chestnut EDEN C (ENZO x SILKEN SABLE) bred by Rhonda L. and Rhoda Coleal, United States of America, and owned by Abdulwahab Saeed Alsayed. There are no Special Awards at this 17th edition.

CONCLUSION Everyone is aware of how much time, endeavor and stress goes into organizing and running a show - any kind of show. Nevertheless, when the show is one of the most important on the global stage with prize money of $4 million US dollars on offer the implications of dealing with COVID - 19 are simply horrible. There has been a great spirit of solidarity at the show which often comes through the hard times. We often remember shows or events for certain horses or things that happen to

stay etched in our mind. The 2020 Dubai International Championship will always be remembered for that sense of fellowship and mutual understanding shown by all in trying to make the best out of this difficult moment of history. All the judges, officials, owners, breeders handlers and trainers of the show are now struggling to get back home due to flight cancellations and the great unknown impacts of COVID - 19 which seem to be changing day by day, and for the worst. We are beyond grateful to everyone involved with the 2020 Dubai International Arabian Championships for putting their fear apart in the name of the Arabian horse. We wish you a safe flight back home.

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YEARLING FILLIES

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

D SIREEN

SIRE: D SERAJ DAM: D RA’AFAH BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD AHM | 34

GOLD

AJ AL BRRAQAH 5

SIRE: FA EL RASHEEM DAM: FELICIA RLC BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD

BRONZE

D FAREHAN

SIRE: D SERAJ DAM: ELLE FLAMENCA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD AHM | 35

YEARLING COLTS

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

GHALY AL HAWAJER

SIRE: DOMINIC M DAM: GHALYAH AL HAWAJER BREEDER: DR GHANEM MOHAMED OBAID ALHAJRI OWNER: DR GHANEM MOHAMED OBAID AL HAJRI AHM | 36

GOLD

D SHAHEER

SIRE: AJ MARZAN DAM: D SHAHLA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BRONZE

ARJUWAN AL BIDAYER

SIRE: AJ MARZAN DAM: ALLEZANDRA ALBIDAYER BREEDER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL QASIMI OWNER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL QASIMI AHM | 37

JUNIOR FILLIES

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

D JUDI

SIRE: AJ AZZAM DAM: ELLE FLAMENCA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD AHM | 38

GOLD

AJ SAMARA

SIRE: AJ MARDAN DAM: SAMA AM BREEDER: AJMAN STUD,GERMANY OWNER: AJMAN STUD

BRONZE

D SHIHANAH

SIRE: FA EL RASHEEM DAM: D SHAHLA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD AHM | 39

JUNIOR COLTS

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

MUTHABAHI AL HAWAJER SIRE: FA EL RASHEEM DAM: ZT MAGRUMI BREEDER: DR GHANEM MOHAMED OBAID ALHAJRI OWNER: DR GHANEM MOHAMED OBAID AL HAJRI

AHM | 40

GOLD

D SHEIMAZ

SIRE: FA EL RASHEEM DAM: LADI VERONIKA BREEDER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD OWNER: DUBAI ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BRONZE

ADMIRAAL

SIRE: EMERALD J DAM: HANIYYAH BREEDER: M A AL SUBAIE,U.K. OWNER: AJMAN STUD AHM | 41

SENIOR MARES

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

AJ TARIM

SIRE: EMERALD J DAM: ESPINILLA BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD AHM | 42

GOLD

MOZN AL BIDAYER

IRE: S.M.A. MAGIC ONE DAM: MATTAHARII BREEDER: SH MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL QASSIMI OWNER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL QASIMI

BRONZE

BAVIERA HVP

SIRE: MARWAN AL SHAQAB DAM: HB BESSOLEA BREEDER: NELSON DE OLIVEIRA PRATA PINTO MOREIRA -US OWNER: ABHAA ARABIANS AHM | 43

SENIOR STALLIONS

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SILVER

AJ KAFU

SIRE: SHANGHAI EA DAM: AJ KAHAYLA BREEDER: AJMAN STUD OWNER: AJMAN STUD AHM | 44

GOLD

EXCALIBUR EA

SIRE: SHANGHAI EA DAM: ESSENCE OF MARWAN EA BREEDER: EQUUS ARABIANS OWNER: AL SAQRAN ARABIAN HORSE STUD

BRONZE

EDEN C

SIRE: ENZO DAM: SILKEN SABLE BREEDER: RHONDA L AND RHODA COLEAL - USA OWNER: ABDULWAHAB SAEED ALSAYED AHM | 45

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I

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t seems only appropriate to celebrate Enzo’s most famous son, Eden C, in this 2020 Menton edition of Arabian Horse Magazine. Eden C is one of the most enduring stallions

and Khalid Alsayed of Alsayed Stud, and this is his story.

of his generation, and he is unique as he holds major championship titles on not just two but three continents – something that very few can lay claim to.

This incredibly popular iridescent chestnut stallion is owned by Abdulwahab

their mare, Silken Sable, to the multiple National Champion, Enzo. Sired by Padrons Psyche, Enzo was bred by Dr. Philip Del Pozzo and Brent Stone, and the story of Enzo is also shared in the pages of this magazine. Padrons Psyche

The history of Eden C begins back in 2004, when Rhoda and Rhonda Coleal of Coleal Arabian Horse Farm in California, USA, decided to breed

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Enzo | Sire of Eden C

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is, of course, by Padron (Patron x Kilka by Tamerlan), that famed and brilliant sire line that goes back to Nazeer (Mansour x Bint Samiha by Kazmeen), the Egyptian stallion born in 1934. Generation after generation of sons from this line have gone on to conquer the world, and Eden C is Nazeer’s four-time great-grandson, and he has certainly realised the promise of his pedigree.

Enzo was out of the lovely mare, RD Bey Shahmpane, a daughter of another legendary stallion – Bey Shah. Born 40 years ago, Bey Shah is recognised by

Shahmpane’s dam also brings in the Bey Shah blood, being Bey Shahdar (Bey Shah x Bold Darling out of Dar).

Looking to Eden C’s damline, we have the glorious grey mare Silken Sable. She, too, brings in the Bey Shah bloodline, thus giving Eden three crosses to this revered stallion. Silken Sable’s sire is the Bey Shah son, Genesis C, a stallion that also doubles up on the Padron bloodlines as he is out of Passionn (Padron x Salataire by SX Saladin). Genesis C has been an important stallion, producing champions around the world through

Silken Sable | Dam of Eden C many as being one of the most important grandsons of the famed Polish stallion, Bask (Witraz x Balalajka by Amurath Sahib), found through his damline Star of Ofir (Bask x Llana by Gazi). Bey Shah was sired by the also significant stallion, the Varian-bred Bay El Bey (Bay-Abi x Naganka by Bad Afas). Even today, the appearance of Bey Shah’s name in a pedigree is one that is sought after. RD Bey

his get and grandget, such as Shahd Al Hawajer (El Nabila B x Garbo C by Genesis C), Gold Champion Filly at the Ajman Arabian Horse Show.

Going to the tail female line of Eden C, we have Touch O Mink, a mare that appears in many champion pedigrees. Her sire was AN Marretto (AN Malik x Gai Parade by Gai Campaigner) and she was out of Hallanys Mizahna (HMR Hallanys

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Mesaoud x Tezahna by Rha-Noir).

Altogether, Eden C’s pedigree combines Crabbet, Russian, Polish and Gainey bloodlines and it is fair to say that they have combined in one brilliant package. Certainly, the Russian/Crabbet/Polish cross is a line that has been proven time and time again over the years.

From the moment he was born, Eden C was recognised as being a star. With his sire being Enzo, the young colt certainly had big shoes to fill. Enzo was, at just one year old, the US National Champion Yearling Colt. He would go on to take the 2002 Reserve US National Champion Futurity Colt title, the 2003 Reserve US National Champion Junior Stallion title, a unanimous Scottsdale Champion Stallion title, also in 2003, and in 2005, Enzo was named the US National Champion Senior Stallion.

With such big steps to follow in, Eden C set foot into the show-ring as a yearling and he was immediately victorious, AHM | 56

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taking the US National Champion Yearling Colt title; the next star in this amazing dynasty was born. Over the next seven years, Eden amassed an array of titles including Arabian Breeders’ World Cup Junior Male Champion in 2007 and, a year later as a three-year-old, US National Champion Futurity Colt, going one better than his great sire to take the title outright.

Now years of age, Eden C was leased to Athbah Stud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was campaigned in Europe and the Middle East for the first time. At the 2009 All Nations’ Cup, Eden C recei-

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ved the highest score of all the males at the show to take the Silver Senior Male Championship title. A few months later, he went to the Abu Dhabi International Arabian Horse Show and he would leave as Reserve Senior Male Champion.

On his return to the United States, Eden C was named the 2010 US National Champion Stallion as well as Scottsdale Champion Stallion and in 2012, he made another return to the show-rings of Las Vegas to take a memorable and dynamic Supreme Senior Male Championship at the Arabian Breeders’ World Cup, ad-

ding the highest score of the whole show to his list of accolades. From a spectator’s point of view, Eden’s win at Vegas in 2012 remains one of my all-time favourite moments at this show, and it truly was an emotional win for all involved.

Already aware of the impressive power and charisma of Eden C, it was his 2012 win that convinced Khalid Alsayed that this stallion would be an important addition to their farm. And so, it was late in 2013 that it was announced that Abdulwahab and Khalid Alsayed of Alsayed Stud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had

purchased this legendary stallion to be their lead sire. Despite being just eight years of age, Eden C already had a phenomenal record in the show-ring and breeding barn, and his progeny were also shining in the show-ring. This includes horses such as AAS Elishahh (ex Sempre by Versace out of Tulle El Jamaal), named the 2011 Supreme Junior Male Champion at the Arabian Breeders’ World Cup as well as US National Champion Two-year-old Arabian. Just the year before, this young bay had followed in the footsteps of both sire and grandsire, taking the US National

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Champion Yearling Colt title.

With such progeny already on the ground and competing so well, along with Eden’s own success in the ring, the decision to acquire the stallion as Alsayed Stud’s lead sire was an easy one.

Already known and acclaimed across the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Eden C has continued to wow audiences around the world since his arrival at Alsayed Stud. With them, the show-ring success continued. His first show with them was the 2013 Paris World Championships

title in Paris that same year.

After four years’ absence from the show-circuit, Eden C stepped back into the limelight in year 2018, grabbing the Silver Senior Male Championship at Sharjah International Arabian Horse show along with the Bronze Senior Male Championship at Dubai International Horse Championship that same year.

In 2019, Eden C claimed the Gold Senior Male Championship in Saudi Arabia, victorious again at the Prince Sultan Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival. Early in 2020, he

where, among extraordinarily strong company, Eden C went World Top Ten. January 2014 saw Eden campaign in the Middle East, and he took the Gold Senior Male Championship at the Prince Sultan Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival (PSIAHF).

From there, Alsayed Stud – and Eden C – has never looked back. Success followed across both Europe and the Middle East, including a vibrant Gold Senior Male Championship at the All Nations’ Cup in Aachen in 2014, and a Silver World Stallion Championship

already conquered the Gold Senior Male Championship at Sharjah International Arabian Horse Show, and the Bronze Senior Male Championhip at Dubai International Arabian Horse Show.

It is not just the countless show-ring successes that have made Eden C such an important horse, however. It is his worthiness as a sire that truly makes him such a great stallion, and his champion progeny can be found around the world. As well as AAS Elishahh, who is now in Europe, Eden C has been the sire of some exceptional

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horses. He has crossed particularly well with the Polish bloodlines – no doubt helped, in part, by his three crosses to Bey Shah and, thus, Bask – and his progeny have not only enjoyed much success in Poland, but they have gone on to win for new owners as well. The 2015 Best in Show and Gold Senior Female Champion was the lovely bay mare Piniata (ex Pinga by Gazal Al Shaqab out of Pilar) and in 2013, both the Silver and Bronze Junior Female Champions were Eden C daughters – Patria (ex Palmeta by Ecaho out of Pilica) and Piniata; ironically, the Gold Champion was Eden C’s paternal half-sister – Piacolla (Enzo x Polonica by Ekstern), who would go on to be the high-selling lot at that year’s Pride of Poland

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Sale. In the interim year, 2014, the Silver Junior Female Champion was Paterna (ex Pinga by Gazal Al Shaqab by Pilar), while in 2012, the Gold Junior Female Champion was another sired by Eden C, the lovely Primera (ex Preria by Ararat out of Pipi). These young mares and fillies are very much growing into the next generation of Polish beauties at the State Studs.

Of course, Eden C has excelled not just in Poland as a sire but also across the northern hemisphere. The Gold Champion Yearling Filly at the Scottsdale Breeders’ Finals in 2011 was Beyond Eden (ex Pattrones Honey by Pattrone out of MC Honey Jabask), and that same year, the Gold Champion Junior Yearling Filly in Las Vegas was Royal Encantata (ex San Jose

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Javiera by Hafati Express out of Sterling Princess).

At Alsayed Stud itself, located just outside of Riyadh, they were blessed with some beautiful foals this year by Eden C. The farm, which is managed by Abdulaziz Albarghash, is founded on Polish bloodlines and they have some exceptional broodmares that have been bred to Eden with great results.

The incredibly showy 16-year-old chestnut mare NW Mattelyn (NW Manhattyn x HR Eclaire by BA Bey Elation) foaled a beautiful chestnut filly by Eden C. The four-year-old bay mare Mera Alsayed (RHR Marcedes x Bonne Chance TBA

by Padrons Psyche), bred in the USA and named Silver Yearling Filly Champion at the Arabian Breeders’ World Cup, foaled an incredibly exotic bay filly by Eden and from what I have seen, she looks absolutely beautiful. Windawa (Gazal Al Shaqab x Wilnianka by Tallin) was purchased by Alsayed Stud from Poland and is, like all of the stud’s horses, a huge-moving mare, and this year, she produced a lovely bay filly by Eden. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Delight’s Divah RB (Ajman Moniscione x Honey’s Delight RB by JJ Senor Magnum) – who has countless titles to her name including Brazilian National Reserve Champion Filly, UKIAHS Silver Junior Female Champion, Dirab Gold Yearling Filly, PSIAHF Silver Junior Female Champion, Qatar Gold Junior Female Champion, and Menton Gold Junior

Female Champion – produced a WHAT DID SHE HAVE? With Eden C being 16 years old, there is no doubt that he is approaching the peak of his adulthood and there is still much more to come from this superlative stallion. Having wowed audiences around the world, Eden C has gone on to become one of the most admired and respected stallions in the show-ring. Not only that, he has proven himself as a sire of note – and this is a reputation that continues to grow.

Wherever he goes, people flock to see Eden C. He has managed to be true to his pedigree – something that does not always follow – and Eden has captivated as he has shown across the northern hemisphere. His powerful movement, great Arabian type, bold, charismatic and vibrant attitude, when combined with his natural and easy showiness, has helped make him a firm favourite among judges, breeders and admirers alike.

A force of nature in the show-ring, Eden C will come back to Europe to participate in the forthcoming 2020 Menton show under the lead of celebrated Italian handler Paolo Capecci from Capecci Training Centre. This newly formed ‘duo’ will delight those watching, and Eden C is guaranteed to be sweet and lordly with his many fans from around the world. Here is the great news about this universally beloved champion, and Eden C’s absolute best is something that I feel is about to come.

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INTERVIEWED BY SONJA SMALDONE

J

udging Arabian horses’ conformation takes practice, but anyone who has spent time around these beautiful creatures can learn to do it. Judges usually look for a combination of balance, structure, muscling, gait, and breed-specific features. For the summer edition 2020, I had the honour to interview Echao A-Judge list Cristina Valdes from Madrid, Spain. She was pleased to give her point of you and walk me through the main aspects of her professional experience in judging Arabian horses.

Hello Mrs. Cristina Valdes. Just to set the scene with our readers, give us some background to you, to your family and education please.

I was born in Madrid, but before I turned two years old my father was posted as Spanish Ambassador, so from that date onwards - and for the next 18 years - we travelled around the world. My education in those years was quite a salad, I was taught at home by teachers, I went to school in Spain, then in France, and the last was an American school. I started the University in AUB in Beirut, and finally I graduated from Madrid University in Political Sciences with a major in International Relations.

When did you start getting interested in the purebred Arabian horse? If any, which are your favourite bloodlines? Why? I was very luckily born with Arabian horses! I come from a family that started breeding in 1920, first the well know

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breeder, Cristobal Colon Duke of Veragua, then my mother Piedad Colon Marchioness of Avella continued, and I am myself following my mother as is doing my youngest sister who also breeds. My favourite lines are those that breed good and beautiful horses. However, I personally continue with the Pure Spanish lines. I do so for several reasons, first of all because I like them; second, because even if they are not in fashion as they used to be, I believe that they must be preserved because they have a lot of good things to offer, and that can be clearly seen when they outcross with other lines, the final outcome is fantastic! Last not the least, while fashions come and go, good tradition persists.

When did you become a Judge? What specific preparation did you get?

I became a judge in the first course done in Europe, which was done in Spain in the late 80´s and it was the basis for the courses Ecaho does now. After this course organized by AECCA, I joined the Spanish Association.

We were supposed to do some probation shows with senior judges, and that was how it all started.

What do you look for in an Arabian horse when judging? What are, in your opinion, the strengths of the breed and how do you tackle the concepts of ‘beauty’ and ‘functional correctness’?

The first is to have a total look at the horse on the first rounds, which gives you an idea of the level of the whole class and an approximate idea

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res, normally of a certain age, with a feminine calm look, big expressive eyes, long flexible neck and that as they start trotting, the ground sounds under their hooves. Those for me are the real representatives of the breed. Beautiful good stallions are easier to see, but these mares are the ones that touch my heart. Names? It is a long list and I would not like to forget any.

of those that would look as the best of the class; then when you come down to details, the placing may change.

For me, besides the type and walk of the first look, all the rest is as important: body is extremely important, legs are a must and of course movement. Beauty and correctness? A very beautiful horse with wobbly legs is no longer so beautiful, and the other way around - great legs with a coarse look cannot be a beautiful horse. Therefore, at the end it is a balance between both, unless you are fortunate to find a perfect horse!

What horse or horses have you judged that have left the g reatest impression on you?

I must say that I am always much more impressed when I see one of those beautiful ma-

What do you feel has been your most rewarding experience as a Judge so far?

I have been very lucky to judge some great shows with a fantastic display and facilities, with horses difficult to judge because they were all so good. As well small shows where the love for the horses, and the willingness to do well compensated the many things missing in the show. Both cases are equally impressive for me.

Which particular skills are necessary to become an accountable judge?

I suppose a good judge must have the qualities needed for any good professional, that is knowledge, which is an endless endeavour because you are always learning, and of course being fair with your appreciations.

You are also Chairman of Ancalpe -Asociación Nacional de Caballos Árabes de Líneas Puras Espaňolas. When was the association founded? What was the main thought behind it?

A group of breeders in Spain thought they should keep and preserve their lines that they saw were somehow disappe-

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aring with the outcrosses to other lines.

Now, we are a reasonable number of breeders that strive for recovering old lines and look for good stallions for our mares. The loss of Yeguada Military and all its wonderful horses made us get together and help each other.

Do you think that the Arabian World has been a bit in a downtrend lately?

Not exactly downtrend, it has simply changed a lot. Before there were breeders and trainers, traders and organizers and associations etc. etc. as it is today. The dierence is that nowadays all these are deeply mingled so it makes it more diďŹƒcult for those of us who are just in one category to swim in that sea.

If you were empowered to eect change in the Arabian Horse World, how would you go about it?

I would make it easier for the small breeder to participate, it has become almost unreachable for whom before was the normal breeder. That is narrowing the scope of the breed.

Mrs. Cristina, what does the Arabian horse means to you exactly?

Passion, love, sometimes joy, sometimes sadness. The Arabian Horses is what I like to breed and see and enjoy, and I feel very fortunate to be able to do so.

Do you feel like leaving a message to the readership of Arabian Horse Magazine?

Love and enjoy this fantastic breed, it will never disappoint you.

Mrs. Cristina, thank you very much for your contribution. It was an honor to interview you. May the Arabian horse cast a spell on us and keep us together forever and ever!

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A

l Shiraa Arabians - considered as one of the best establishments in the Arabian horse industry today; where the love and the passion for the Arabian horse run deep. Owner, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and farm manager, Antonia Bautista, have in a short space of time, put together an outstanding collection of horses that have taken the farm to new heights in the show rings and their very own breeding barn. While Al Shiraa’s treasured mare barn is filled with white (and the occasional bay) pearls from around the globe, their stallion barn has begun to fill up. It was in 2018 that Al Shiraa first leased a stallion and used him as chief sire for the breeding season. The stallion was the uber exotic, Ajman Stud bred and owned, AJ Portofino (Vervaldee x Magic Jamilla). AJ Portofino was bred to a number of their mares and the results are phenomenal. Now in 2020, Al Shiraa’s stallion barn is made up of three spectacular individuals. While each stallion stands out as an individual, together, this trifecta make up a conglomerate of superiority, ultimate quality and awe inspiring beauty like no other.

The first stallion from this glorious triad is MAHDER AL JAMAL (Nader Al Jamaal x Mahi-

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ty El Jamaal), an alabaster beauty that was bred in Belgium. It was his unique and illustrious pedigree that combines some of the best Egyptian and Russian blood and his undeniable good looks, that caught the eye of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Antonia Bautista.

What started as a joint lease between Al Shiraa Arabian and Bautista Vich Stud for the 2019 - 2020 season, soon became full ownership for Sheikha Fatima. Mahder Al Jamal now holds the esteemed title of chief sire at Al Shiraa Arabians. He is a phenomenal stallion that has so much to offer in both the phenotype and genotype departments. His authentic Arabian type, large dark eyes, fine muzzle, perfectly tipped ears and that long, luxurious neck, remind one of a bronze sculpture. He is a correct stallion that moves with grace and power; one that enthralls you with his presence and leaves you speechless. Mahder Al Jamal was bred by esteemed horseman, Jean Mattens. His dam, Mahity El Jamaal, is one of Jean’s prolific broodmares and of course, a prized possession in the Arabian industry.

Mahder Al Jamal is sired by the ultra-typey, straight Egyptian stallion, Nader Al Jamal (Ansata Sinan x Savannah CC). Israeli National Champion, Nader Al Jamal, was a beautiful grey stallion that

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blessed Mahder Al Jamal with his charisma and refined beauty. Nader Al Jamal’s sire, World Reserve Champion Ansata Sinan (Prince Fa Moniet x Ansata Nefara), adds the blood of the great Ansata broodmatrons, Ansata Bint Misr, Ansata Bint Bukra and Bukra to this illustrious pedigree. Savannah CC (Thee Desperado x Miss Maggie Mae), was a prolific producer for Two Silo Farms and she adds multiple crosses to the straight Egyptian icons, The Minstril and Bint Magidaa, to Mahder Al Jamal’s pedigree.

Mahder Al Jamal’s dam, Mahity Al Jamaal (Dakar El Jamaal x Mackenzie) is a beautiful bay mare that has been a star in both the breeding barn and the show ring. She was named Reserve Champion at

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the United Kingdom International Arabian Horse Show, Concorso International B Show and the Tulip Cup, to name a few. She is sired by the United States National Champion, Dakar Al Jamaal (Ali Jamaal x Sonoma Lady). Both Dakar Al Jamaal’s sire and dam are United States National Champions and it is through Sonoma Lady, that Madher Al Jamal gets a cross to the aristocrat mare, Brandie. Mahder Al Jamal’s damline is pure Russian, which would explain his strong body and the athleticism that he exudes. He traces back to the treasured Tersk Stud broodmatrons, Panagia (dam of Balaton), Pustinia and Ptashka. The Russian P-line was one of the most revered after the M-line. They were strong individuals with the typical Russian high stepping trots and snort-and-blow attitudes. Together they

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forged a legacy that ultimately helped bring Mahder Al Jamal to life.

in the championships, he was named SIlver Champion Senior Stallion.

With a pedigree that is laced with greatness, filled to the brim with champions and adorned with aristocracy, it is easy to see why Mahder Al Jamal has succeeded so well in both the show ring and the breeding barn. Mahder Al Jamal was shown on numerous occasions and no matter how steep the competition, he always found himself in the winners circle. Mahder Al Jamal was named Gold Champion Senior Stallion at the Al Khalediah European Arabian Horse Festival, Tulip Cup, Belgian National and Austrian International Championships and Silver Champion Stallion at the AHO World Cup, Prague International Championships and Abu Dhabi International Championships, just to name a few. His most recent win, under the Al Shiraa Arabians banner, was at the 2020 Sharjah International Arabian Horse Festival. It was at this prestigious A-show that Mahder Al Jamal shone bright. He won his class and was awarded six twenties (four of which were for Head and Neck) and

As a sire, Mahder Al Jamal has been delivering consistency with every foal. His foals have his huge eyes and perfectly shaped ears. They are charismatic, correct and simply gorgeous. He effortlessly stamps his foals with his signature look and they are in turn flying his flag high in arenas and breeding establishments around the world. HIs daughter, VA Lady Madhjra, is a beautiful chestnut filly that was named Bronze Champion at the Italian Nationals and Milan International Arabian Horse Show. Another spectacular daughter, TD Mariada, was named Gold Champion at the Midland Arabian Festival. Bronze Spanish National Champion, Vera BV, is a gorgeous Mahder Al Jamal daughter that is bred and owned by Bautista Vich Stud. She has been producing exceptionally well and it is her filly, that Al Shiraa Arabians leased for 2019 European and 2020 Middle Eastern show seasons, Vilma BV by RFI Farid, that was named Gold Champion Filly at the Chazey Sur Ain Show and Bronze

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Champion Filly at the AHO European Breeders Championships. Vilma BV was also shown at the prestigious World Championships in Paris where she tied for second but ended being placed third in her class and then went on to earn Top Ten honors on championship day.

The crimson beauty, AJ SANAD (AJ Mardan x AJ Sultana), is the second and youngest stallion in this amazing line up. AJ Sanad and another chestnut filly by the name of AJ Temaa were gifted to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by H.H. Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi from the Ajman Stud. These two horses are treasured by Sheikha Fatima and she is proud to call them her own. AJ Sanad’s pedigree represents some of the best Ajman breeding with influences from the United States and Brazil. Both AJ Sanad’s

maternal and paternal grand dams are Brazilian bombshells that have created superior dynasties at the Ajman Stud.

AJ Sanad is sired by Ajman Stud’s super sire, AJ Mardan (Vervaldee x Felicia RLC). AJ Mardan is an exotic chestnut stallion that has produced two Triple Crown Winners in the past 5 years. Vervaldee (Versace x Giavanna) was one of Versace’s best sons and it is through him that AJ Sanad is blessed with two crosses to the legendary United States National Champion, Precious As Gold. The angelic Scottsdale Reserve Champion and Las Vegas Arabian Breeders World Cup Champion, Felicia RLC (Shael Dream Desert x Camelia K) is a stunning mare who brings the best of Brazil to AJ Sanad’s pedigree. Her sire, the Egyptian related, Shael Dream Desert (Ansata Shaamis x Elettra) adds another layer of type and refinement to AJ Sanad and it is

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through her dam, Camelia K (Donatello K x Cameo Bey), that AJ Sanad gets an additional two crosses to the iconic stallion, Bey Shah.

AJ Sanad’s dam, AJ Sultana (Marwan Al Shaqab x Siberia SA), is a product of Ajman Stud’s superstar cross - a cross that brought to life the likes of two time World Champion AJ Sawahi, Reserve World Champion AJ Sawari and Abu Dhabi Gold Champion AJ Saray. To be a daughter of the three time World Champion Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame) already AHM | 86

puts you a foot above the rest, but to have a dam that is a consistent producer of champions and who possesses some of the best Brazilian blood, makes you one of a kind.

Just like the legends in his pedigree, AJ Sanad has been shown to success multiple times. At the 2018 Lyon International Arabian Show, which was his very first show, AJ Sanad proved to everyone that winning was in his genes. Not only was he named Gold Champion Yearling Colt and awarded six twenties, but he was also awarded Best Mover,

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Best Head and the Best In Show Male. Later on that year, at the Barcelona International Arabian Show, AJ Sanad was named Bronze Champion Yearling Colt. In 2019, AJ Sanad returned to the Lyon International Arabian Show, this time being named Silver Champion Junior Colt. While AJ Sanad does not have any foals on the ground as yet, he has been bred to a few of the precious Al Shiraa mares. And just like his forefathers we can expect AJ Sanad to bring to life a new generation of greatness and beauty.

The last stallion to round off this stellar threesome is the enchanting, BK LATIF (Nader Al Jamal x Latifah AA). BK Latif is yet another direct son of the late Nader Al Jamal to call Al Shiraa home for the 2020 breeding season. He was bred by Leohnard Becker and is co-owned by Leohnard and Kathrin Hampe of Eos Arabians. When the opportunity arose to lease BK Latif, both Sheikha Fatima and Antonia grabbed it with both hands.

This straight Egyptian powerhouse is admired around the world for his gobsmacking beauty, exotic type and superior pedigree.

What makes BK Latif an even more attractive stallion is the fact that he is not just a pretty face, but a rather complete and correct stallion that has taken home championship

honors on more than one occasion and is siring foals of the utmost quality.

The Egyptian blood that courses through BK Latif ’s veins is some of the best in the industry today. As mentioned before, he is a son of Nader Al Jamal (Ansata Sinan x Savannah CC). Just like he did with Mahder Al Jamal, Nader Al Jamal stamped BK Latif with his signature type and refined beauty that his foals are known for. BK Latif ’s dam, Latifah AA (Al Maraam x Imperial Kalatifa) is one of the premier broodmares at Ariela Arabians. This Israeli National Champion mare has been a consistent producer of champions with some of her best foals being by Nader Al Jamal.

Both BK Latif ’s full sisters, Labibah AA and Lutfina AA, are multiple award winning mares that have travelled the globe in order to make the dreams of breeders and trainers come true.

Latifah AA is sired by the legendary Ariela bred stallion, multiple international champion and sire extraordinaire, Al Maraam (Imperial Imdal x The Vision HG). Having won the titles of Reserve National Champion Stallion at the 1988 United States Nationals and Champion Stallion at the 1986 World Championships, Al Maraam’s sire, Imperial Imdal (Ansata Imperial x Dalia,) was one of

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the greatest stallions to come from the Griffith’s famed Imperial Stud in the United States. Al Maraam is a direct son of Ariela Arabians “black pearl” and the treasured broodmatron, The Vision HG (Thee Desperado x Belle Staar). The Vision HG was an iconic mare that will always have her name written down in the history books next to the likes of Esto-

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pa, Sanacht and Emigracja, as one of the greatest mares that ever lived.

The individuals in Latifah AA’s female line are known for being some of the greatest producers in the industry. It is her dam, Imperial Kalatifah (Imperial Al Kamar x AK Latifa), that brought the

Israeli National Champion, Luiba, and the World Champion, Loubna, to life. And it is her grand dam, AK Latifa, that blessed the world with the super sire, Laheeb.

Having won the Silver Champion Junior Colt title and Best Head award at the Egyptian Event Euro-

pe, as well as being named twice Gold Champion as a junior and a senior at the German Nationals, BK Latif is considered a show ring star. However, BK Latif ’s stardom shines much brighter in the breeding barn. He effortlessly passes on his extreme type, sublime beauty and winning ways to his foals.

His sons, BK Lamino and MS El Paso, have won on

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numerous occasions in Europe, while his daughters like Eos Reeva and Eos Dakota are ultra feminine and are ready to prove their worth as broodmares.

These three stars have the privilege of calling Al Shiraa Arabians home. Together with the meticulous breeding decisions of Sheikha Fatima and Antonia, Madher Al Jamal, AJ Sanad and BK Latif will add new dimensions of beauty and breathtaking layers of quality to the Al Shiraa program and in

turn, change the face of the breed for the future.

We look forward to a new generation of foals and a new era for Al Shiraa Arabians. It is said that when stars align, they shine brighter than ever and they pave the path for the future. The triad of Mahder Al Jamal, AJ Sanad and BK Latif have aligned for Al Shiraa and we can be certain that the path going forward is going to be brighter than ever.

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Text by: William Richardot de Choisey Translation by: Sonja Smaldone Iconography by National Museums & Private Collections

In some of the most ancient civilizations of the Middle East, a lot of men got accustomed to fulfilling their sensual pleasure as part of their everyday life; also European travelers came to know of a way of life that was conducive to absolute well-being. All were fascinated by a vision of a ‘Thousand and One Nights’ for them to experience in the Kingdom of Women, who held the Realm of the Senses, an outpost of Paradise. Many centuries ago, a great deal of women’s cities called

‘Harems’ was born in sumptuous palaces or lavish apartments in order to offer the Sultan and his eunuchs the greatest luxury and comfort, and no one apart from them was allowed. In year 1510, the great exegete Sheikh Mohamed Nefzaoui published a Handbook on the various activities that were carried out in the harems, but also dealing with the theme of courtly love as it had been personified by the symbolic couple

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formed by Majnoun and Layla, i.e. the Romeo and Juliet of the Arab countries.

Besides the Sultan, each harem housed his mother - who was an uncompromising ‘validé’- his wives ‘kadines’, his concubines, his favorites ‘ikbal’, and his own young girls ‘djariye’. Nearly a hundred people used to live in the same place and they were all part of a strict hierarchical system; poetry and music were also taught in there. During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1494-1555), the harem that had long been known as the quintessence of love turned into a very important and highly structured political theatre; in other words, it became a state within the state. Sultan’s official wife ‘hürem’ (1500.1558) would guard the harem against his other main wives with all her power over him: the first called ‘bas kedin efendi’; the second called ‘kedin efendi’; the third called ‘bas huzinedar usta’ also held the high post of treasurer of the house, which was a real ‘Oasis of Pleasure’.

Famous artists among the Orientalist painters of the beginning

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of the 18th century engaged themselves in discovering a universe which appeared in the form of ‘enclosed venues of passion’ that echoed the craziest libertine practices.

In 1704 Frenchman Antoine Galland was the first translator of the book ‘Des Mille et Une Nuits’ (A Thousand and One Nights) which depicted a fantasy Orient whose member regions adhered to unrestrained sensual practices, the beautiful and famous Sherazade made many heads turn.

During the 19th century, in the golden age of Orientalism, the Harem became more and more an object of curiosity; in Europe it was eagerly debated in the literary and artistic Salons of the time. In the preface to his book ‘Les Orientales’, French writer Victor Hugo argued that the Far East should be a major concern of that time in order to learn about the uses and customs of those regions of the world. Many painters would travel for the sole purpose of learning what was really going on behind the ‘Mashrabiya’ of the palaces, they rushed into that niche of pictorial art and reproduced it

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on their paintings with warm and bright colors; landscapes and female characters of rare beauty were represented in rooms of pleasure, resting on sofas with silk cushions, and surrounded by their maidservants who instead would sit on high woolen carpets. One of the most famous French artists and painters of the time Eugene Delacroix was quite fortunate to visit one of those venues of pleasure. As he walked in the women’s city, the painter was enthralled by the beauty of the women lodging in luxurious rooms, all wrapped in silk AHM | 102

and velvet fabrics embroidered with gold threads, they reminded him of the ancient classic beauties.

Also great painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres learned how to paint on canvas everything he could see around him.

Harems are part of the great history of the peoples of the Far East. In the fulfillment of their lives, women have always been and still are the mothers of our civilizations, even despite modernity.

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Hi Constantin. Hi Giulia. First of all, thank you very much for accepting our invitation and for sharing with us some of your time in this difficult period. Please, introduce yourselves to our readers.

Hello everyone. Thank you for inviting us to be part of this beautiful section.

Giulia: My name is Giulia Bontempi. I was born in a small town in Camonica Valley in the province of Brescia, in the north of Italy. I come from a big family in which the Arabian horse has always been the greatest passion. I have been madly in love with this beautiful animal since my early childhood, I grew up with him and then he made me find my soul mate!

Constantin: My name is Constantin Urinciuc. I was born in a small town in Romania.

Since I was a child, I too have had a strong passion for horses, following on the footsteps of my grandparents who owned work horses in the countryside. In my life, I was lucky enough to become a member of this amazing Arabian horse world community.

How, when and where did you meet?

Giulia: We had met several times at shows, but it was at the Palermo show of 2018 that we definitively fell in love with each other. In the days following the competition, we talked on the phone every day until I decided to go on holiday nearby where he lived.

We have started seeing each other from that memorable day and we never left, although Constantin still works at Giacomo Capacci Arabians in Tuscany.

Constantin, what impressed you most about Giulia?

Giulia, same question to you please.

Constantin: I was struck by Giulia’s beauty. She looked so nice and so smiling to me.

Over the time, I have come to appreciate and love so many other aspects of her personality and I must say that she is a resourceful woman with great determination.

Giulia: I was struck by the look on his face and then his gentle disposition did the rest, but what I like best about Constantin it is that he always surprises me.

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Constantin. What did you use to do before coming to Italy? Tell us about your first steps in this industry. Why did you decide to start a career as a trainer / handler in this sector?

Constantin: After my diploma from the Hotel school in Romania, I soon realized that this was not what I wanted to do in the future. My brother Narcis, who was already working in Italy in the industry of the Arabian horse, helped me move to Sicily where I started working at MG Arabians. This was my very first important experience in the sector. I stayed at MG Arabians for 6 years. They welcomed me as a member of the family and taught me everything about how to approach Arabian horses. After gaining some good practical experience, I wanted to learn how to become a trainer and I completed my program very satisfactorily. Thereafter, I decided that I wanted to learn even more about it, so in 2014 I started this new amazing adventure at Giacomo Capacci Arabians in Tuscany. Luckily for me, I have found again a beautiful family that is always there to support me and teach me new important things. I take the opportunity to thank Giacomo and Michelle Capacci from the bottom of my heart.

Giulia, I know that you have grown up with horses. What kind of relationship do you have with them?

Giulia: I have a very special relationship with my horses. I wouldn’t know how to live my life without my horses. This feeling has intensified in the course of time, also thanks to my father Gianfranco and my uncle Enrico. Everything I know about the Arabian horse, it is definitely thanks to them and they are both so supportive!

Nowadays, I too give my contribution to the breeding choices that need to be made every year to improve the subjects of our La Speranza Arabians breeding program. In the future, I hope to be able to continue to do what I do in the best way possible, and get as many satisfactions as my family deserves.

How much does the Arabian horse affect your relationship?

The Arabian horse affects our relationship a lot, both in a positive and in a negative way. It is what unites us, but also what separates us. If we ever fight about something it is because of the Arabian horse for the most part, but it does so, if you will, in a ‘constructive’ way, it is like a continuous learning process for both of us.

In your opinion, what are the essential ingredients for a good life with each other?

Any relationship must be based on mutual respect and trust in the first place, shared support is also crucial, and it becomes

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even more important in this sector in which you are often required to stay away from your partner even for months.

How and where do you see yourselves over five years?

In five years we will be married, we will have a baby…Why not? (Laughs).

We feel that thanks to this passion that unites us so deeply, we can build something great together.

How’s this quarantining?

From March 12th, we have been quarantining together in Camonica Valley, but we are lucky to have our horses around, they are giving us so much comfort during this horrible confinement…

What are the biggest consequences of Covid-19 pandemic on the Arabian horse industry in your opinion?

Constantin: Covid-19 is a serious issue for the sector as a whole, all shows, auctions, and many other important events were canceled of course, but also potential clients who are eager to see subjects from close up cannot move, they are stuck in their houses, therefore, also the market has shrunk. I hope this situation will come to an end soon and that we can all get back to normal life.

Giulia: For small breeders like us, it’s been a catastrophe as for some years sales have not been good either. This pandemic disease has just worsened the situation. I strongly hope that they will find a solution to this deadlock.

Constantin and Giulia. Would you like to leave a message for our readers?

Yes, we would. First and foremost, we would like to thank our dear friend Gianluca Martino for this great opportunity. It’s been an honor for us.

We also thank Sonja for the nice interview, along with all other members of the AHM team.

Thank you so much everyone!

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M

en have reached great heights with passionate hearts over the centuries, one of these was certainly this proud steed and flaming horse who led the peoples of the ancient world to many war victories, but even today the horse - of any breed - continues to cause much joy to those who ride him, sometimes bringing glory to riders who practice leisure or equestrian sports at any age. It is a fact that great part of a family’s future well-being can be guessed from their children’s games, as a fully appreciated companion of life, the horse can be easily found near human beings from an early age, creating a relation of complicity that can last until adolescence.

Children with a gentle soul are most likely to fall under the spell of a dream and thinking animal that conveys them genuine feelings and vitality, a combination that accompanies the most significant experiences of their life and leads forwards and towards true sharing, something that cannot be explained by words because the purest love is that of a child or a youngster for his own animal.

In recent decades, mainly as a result of the Internet, the Virtual World has become a gigantic business, particularly, by guaranteeing the fast-delivering of a wide variety of digital games to the tablet in the hands of an ever-increasing number of young people most of whom get literally addicted to it and cannot help without, even though it is expensive, parents will agree to buy it as a matter of fact. It may look like the kind of emotional connection that once kept everyone together inside the family does no longer exist in a digital age, but a few

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exceptions to this mass phenomenon are worth mentioning.

As we all know, the Arabian horse industry is today rapidly evolving into something new to cope with the ongoing international crisis, however, when visiting the largest stud-farms as well as many traditional small private farms that are resisting to paper money, it is not surprising that children of all age can still be seen in company of their beloved horses, a shelter for the kindest souls right there in the middle of green pastures

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or stables.

Mainly during International Arabian Horse Competitions outside Europe, many Organizers have come to realize that it is about time to plan and organize a certain number of presentations and competitions exclusively reserved for children and the young, if you ever attend one of these events in the United States of America or even in South Africa,

you will be just amazed by the exceeding skills of these youngsters in riding their Arabian horses who, from their part, are warm-blooded animals with an indomitable personality, your amazement will be so overwhelming to leave you breathless.

Far from any deceptive influence, these well-structured competitions are very much alike the hunter classes, where one judges the ability of

the rider and the elegance of his movements while managing a very well-groomed horse.

Everything that concerns the performance is thoroughly assessed during these gatherings and young people show to be even more ‘pro’ than adults as each presentation takes place in a quiet atmosphere, and with lots of respect for the breed.

Dressage is another equestrian discipline that compels the rider to various exercises where technique blends with beauty, it is an ancestral classic practice

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contrary to what people may think, and it has been successful among many youngsters who are now forming several national teams.

Always bearing in mind that children and youngsters are the future, but also looking at their genuine and pure interest in horses of all breeds and for any purpose, it is important to throw light onto the relevant experience gained by a particularly gifted young horse amateur who shows to have that special attitude and sensitivity to equines we mentioned earlier.

He started out his path at age three riding ponies, then he has continued riding during the good and the bad times, never giving up. At the dawn of his fifteen years, his passion for horses remains intact and his school results are exceptionally good, this young boy would be just perfect for a future career around his favorite animals.

Besides living in a region conducive to equine breeding, 15-year-old Anton Aulas-Lanfrey continues his path as a researcher; to date, he can easily assess the most important qualities of a horse, he can quickly spot major faults about conformation and judge horse’s movements in free motion just like an experienced zoo-technician.

The young Anton Aulas-Lanfrey started to go on

horseback long ago, partly on the advice and under the guidance of a highly qualified horseman like Frank Chabert, as he strives for perfection, he might very well present outstanding Arabian horses at prestigious competitions one day.

He is quite ready for this exercise despite his young age, with him and many more youngsters of his caliber, the next handlers’generation will certainly be

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one of high quality and very useful for the industry.

He is well aware that ‘means’ are essential for everyone in this circuit, both at an amateur and professional level of competition, the work has be-

come harder than it once was, and he is concerned about current realities of the breeding industry.

Consequently, if on one hand it is necessary to objectively evaluate his evident qualities, on the other hand, one can only wish that young Anton will not only lose sight of his main objective in the years to come- but even more, his amazing insights into horsemanship will lead him to do what he was born for far from today’s trends, and to keep his motivation strong since all who know him are stunned to discover his incredible self-control.

It is no longer surprising to see many young people participating in endurance competitions these days, it is a demanding discipline that requires a thorough preparation and compulsory course attendance; it is an art of its own that fulfils its reason to be and its full value to the ultimate horizon symbolized by the finish line.

In conclusion - and in spite of the economic crisis of world contemporary society - the Arabian horse continues to arouse the most genuine emotions of both children and youngsters for whom it is recognized and thought of as the best friend in life and an inseparable playmate, then, if this special friendship continues to grow as their age progresses, it will only bring them moments of deep emotion and joy.

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Interviewed by Sonja Smaldone

Horse training and handling is a tough profession for a man or a woman.

However, Denise van Gils from Holland is undaunted. Her love for horses is overwhelming to the extent of spending twenty-four hours with the most elegant animal in the world. Denise has lived in Doha, Qatar, for five months working for Al Bayraq Stud. Now she is back in the Netherlands where she built her own Van Gils Show-Training Centre.

Hello Denise. Just to set the scene with our readers, will you please give us some background to you, your family and education?

I am 25 years old and I grew up in the Netherlands. Like so many of us, I fell in love with horses as a little girl and I never missed a chance of coming to the riding school with my older sister. She is eleven years older than I am and she was giving riding lessons in the Pony Club for as long as I can remember. That is how I learned to ride. I think we spent more time at the barn than we spent at home! When I was in high school, I quickly realised that horses were my passion, so I decided to pursue a career as a show trainer.

How did the passion you have for Arabian horses begin? To what extent has the love you nurture for the Arabian horse affected your life?

When I got a little older I started to ride horses for private people. I have always felt strongly attracted to Arabians horses and part-bred, something just resonated with me. I got the opportunity to ride a Russian gelding, Maroud Najib, and I started spending time at a little farm called Valdes Arabian Stud. This is where I started to show on an amateur level and again something just clicked. I decided that this was what I wanted to do in my life, what I wanted to be. Not long after my first win in the amateur range, I started to work for Johanna Ullstrom in the paradise that is Darby Farm. I have gotten some amazing experiences and worked for fabulous trainers and farms as a professional groom. Three years ago, I decided to take a step further and I opened Van Gils Show Training as my own business. In September 2019, I got the opportunity to take it to the next level by being the manager and handler for Al Bayraq Stud in Qatar for the winter season. A time where I have probably learned the most that I could in such a short time. Arabian horses are not

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just a passion. They are my heart and my soul. A life without Arabian horses does not exist in my book.

Denise, have you developed a systematic program for handling Arabian horses. Can you describe this program? How have your handling techniques evolved over the years?

During that time of riding horses for private people, I really learned a lot about Natural Horsemanship and Parelli techniques that just felt like the right way for me. While working for Johanna, I learned about how to handle the horses in an honest and logical way and to apply all those techniques to show training.

This way of training is just so easy to understand for the horses.

Later on, I spent two years at Schoukens Training Centre and lived for a year in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I also gained a whole lot of experience. After this period and all the people I have learned from, I developed my own way of training. I love to look at other people and other trainers to learn from them.

I find it important to be open minded. One of my favourite sayings I have heard from a well-respected trainer is: ‘You will learn something every day, each day in your life. The moment someone says: ‘I know everything’ means he does not know anything at all.’

Is there a limit to what an Arabian horse can be taught through handling?

In my opinion with a soft hand, logic, trust, patience and honesty there are not many limits to what you can teach a horse.

What, in your opinion, really defines a good Handler? What do you need to become a successful one?

In my opinion a good handler is someone that knows and reads the horse ultimately and treats it as an individual. Someone who can get the best out of each horse they handle. In the showring this results in a happy horse, that trots with the tail proudly arched over the back, that snorts, blows, and prances. And all this without pushing, pulling or any kind of interference of the handler. I think you can tell a lot about a handler by looking at the horse they are handling…

You need to be a patient, open-minded person with a great abi-

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lity to adapt to the mindset of each horse, to their bloodlines and individuality.

Denise, how do you feel about the showing environment? Do the most deserving horses in terms of today’s standards really win at shows?

It really depends on the shows, which country, level, etc. Unfortunately, you will see smaller crowds in small national shows than in the big A shows and title shows. I think we, as the society that loves Arabian horses, should really make the shows

more accessible to newcomers. To show them how wonderful and versatile our beloved breed is.

The quality of the horses improves a lot and the competitions are getting tougher and tougher. Especially in the Middle East, many farms do everything they can in their power to have the horses looking their very best. Especially when you compare that to other farms from breeders and owners who do not have those facilities or opportunities. This is one of the major differences you can see in the showring.

What are your favourite bloodlines?

I have always had a soft spot for Versace and his offspring. I am lucky to own a granddaughter of him and she truly is my heart horse. Pedigrees are so very important and as a trainer, I find it very important to educate myself and read into the pedigrees of the horses I get to work with. ‘Knowing your pedigree’ is an ingredient of being a good trainer. Besides Versace, I like Magic Dream Cahr, Legacy of Gold, Ali Jamaal, Dakar el Jamaal, and the older Brazilian lines. These horses combined with damlines that are more modern usually result in the horses that I like.

Which show have you been to as a Handler most recently? Share with us most exciting moments…

My last show was the 29th Qatar International Arabian Horse show 2020 last February. One of my clients from Kuwait entrusted me with his precious white mare, who I had loved ever since I laid eyes on her. We transported her from the Netherlands to Doha, Qatar, so that I could train her and get her ready for the competition. As a Straight Egyptian mare in the country of super quality SE horses, we really showed them something!

Qamariah (Sufwan x Zaafarana x Farid Nile Moon) and I had so much fun in this show and ended up Top 4 in a tough international senior mare class. Another fantastic result in this show was with the colt Bahi al Safinat (Kohinoor x Amira al Safinat x Marwan al Shaqab) who was Top 4 in the junior colt class. It was just such an amazing moment to compete in this big show, in the midst of all the heavy hitters in our industry, and taking

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Top 4 with this little white mare with the pink nose!

How important are the Fairs of Arabian horses?

In my opinion, the auctions and Arabian Horse Fairs are very beneficial for the Arabian horse society. Many small and big breeders gather and share their knowledge. It is a great introduction to new people of the industry what we really need!

How and where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years... hum... I never really tend to think that far forward!

I would like to see myself in a small farm, surrounded by the people that I love. Waking up every day with a smile doing what makes me happy. In addition, have some gorgeous horses in my barn and some trophies on the shelves from the results we have made the past ten years. In the future, I hope that my style of training inspires people to make a dierence in the way of handling and understanding horses.

Denise, will you please leave a final message for the readers of AHM? There is one thing I have learned in this industry and that is believe in you no matter what anyone says. And me as a trainer, breeder, horsewoman‌ believe that I am responsible for each horse I get in my hands. It does not matter if it is a horse that I bred or a horse that my client entrusts me with. It is my job and responsibility to give this horse the tools to live a long, happy and healthy life. Because no horse chooses to be in this world. It is the breeders’ choice, so it is their main responsibility to take care of their horses and choose the right homes for them.

Thank you so much Denise. Your words have touched us deeply.

May all your dreams come true!

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SA

Zaid

sa faez simbad x sa zein

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Madison

SA

wh justice x sa minerva

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Janira

SA

sa faez simbad x princesa pin

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Kamila

SA

sa faez simbad x sa karima

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SA

Sonja ajman moniscione x sa sofia

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Safiyah AL SAFIR

fadi al shaqab x sa sonja

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Wali al Safir wadee al shaqab x exposita ka

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Enotri

EEA

shanghai ea x enjoi e

owner Enotri eea partnership

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Personal dispositions as well as talent are not ordinary things of human life, even more so if this is accompanied by considerable effort to enhance what the Lord of the Heavens has once created and, that, for centuries, have been man’s best companions. Gabriele Boiselle is the ‘chosen’ of the moment.

This incredible photographer, who used to be a brilliant a journalist in Munich, is very kind to everyone around her as well as her many acqu aint ances around the world, she is an extraordinarily intelligent woman with a deep love for horses, and she has always wanted to be as close to nature as possible since early childhood.

After a process of mature reflection, she decides to transpose the pleasure she finds in watching at these fabulous creatures into her other passion for photography, with an aim to keep memory

of them. Her career begins more than thirty years ago as what they call an ‘animal’ photographer, she has the ‘eye’ to catch the most beautiful moments that will make fellow human beings dream about pure bred Arabian horses in all their grace, beauty and sensitivity.

However, it is not just about using the best camera available that makes one able to get good pictures, it is also about presenting and developing one’s art with a great deal of determination.

Following my kind invitation to the Salon du Cheval of Paris organized by Spodex in 1975 and held at the Porte de Versailles during the International Days of the Arabian Horses - Gabriele Boiselle accepts, without hesitation, to exhibit her pictures for the many visitors attending the event, her shots manage to raise everyone’s admiration as what is there is truly an incredible work done by an

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outstanding profe s s i o nal.

Building on her well-deserved success, she creates her own publishing house which is quite a heavy burden, but her globally recognized talent drives the small business towards a much more substantial commercial occupation in order to meet the needs of the many amateurs, breeders or actors in the Arabian horse industry.

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Since 1985, everyone has gotten at least one calendar, photos or images from this artist, and all of her books have been translated into more than twenty languages to date.

Over more than thirty years, this naturally gifted artist has been and still is very much in demand by rich or less wealthy owners around the world who entrust her to photographic reports that look stunning at each publication, for the choice of poses,

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of the beautifully natural environment, thereby promoting a breed that is so dear to her heart.

Her photographic commitment stems more from a genuine passion and it is moved by ideals other than economic profits, however, it must also provide her with some financial reward for a work that is huge, that could never be done without the support of her highly motivated team, and that we hope it will continue.

The way Gabriele Boiselle approaches the equine sector as a whole is unique, her curiosity

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leads her to start photographing other breeds of horses also to widen up her range, the shots that are published inside the many photograph or reference books, speak of a really sensitive person, who is deeply in love with amazing equines in all continents of the world.

During her many travels in the hottest regions of the globe, mainly the Gulf countries, she has taken incredible photos, most of which tell us about a story of life and tradition with a great love for the aesthetic sense, while her ability to

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catch most captivating moments enables us to travel at all latitudes.

Her works as a professional photographer in the sector have inspired many other people to become photographers in this discipline, particularly, young photographers who are all of very high quality today.

They have gained a place in succession, but they will have to wait a lot before they can get to the same level of world-renowned Gabriele Boiselle. No one can ever imitate her unique collection of photographs wherein high quality is matched by great quantity to such an extent, it is an important legacy that should be preserved and be placed at the roots of human history.

In conclusion, it can be fairly said that “Art becomes flesh” in Gabriele Boiselle’s photography due to an overwhelming and stubborn passion for equines, the artist has offered us some of her very best shots for display with a sense of deep sharing and as a sign of friendship. www.editionboiselle.de AHM | 144

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Interviewed by Sonja Smaldone

From an early age Murat Seyok was obsessed with horses. His father used to take him to local horse race associations since he was only a kid and, in the future, they would also have their own ranch with their four mares. Seyok has also a degree in Industrial Engineering, and he is a naturally gifted craftsman. Besides running a small restaurant inside the ranch, he makes and creates handcrafted horse shoes decorations with ‘gusto’. I am glad to introduce him to our community in more details.

My name is Murat Seyok.

I am from the Republic of Adygea in Russia. My grandfathers moved to Turkey far back in 1870. I am an Industrial engineer, but horses are all my life.

When I was child, my father used to take me with him to

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small local horse race associations. We now have 4 thoroughbred mares.

Eighteen years ago, we opened a ranch in DĂźzce city. We also opened a small restaurant inside the ranch where people can prepare breakfast or dinner. They can ride our horses too.

Ten years ago, I started to make horseshoe crafts. I use recycled horseshoes. That is unique gifts for horse lover. Step by step, I have developed my own personal style. I make carton boxes, wood boxes etc., but I also like handcrafts.

I like simple and easy items. I can transform a recycled horseshoe into a niece piece of art dĂŠcor. Why do I use horseshoes? Because horseshoe is considered a good luck charm or a symbol of luck by many cultures.

But the story behind why people hang horseshoes above their doors goes back to ancient times in 959 A.D. And as you already know, it all has to do with luck.

The famous story of Dunstan and the horseshoe varies greatly depending on where you look.

But the gist of the story is

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that in the 10th century, St. Dunstan (a blacksmith at the time) was visited by the devil himself. The hoofed devil asked for a horseshoe for himself. So then, Dunstan nailed a red hot horseshoe tightly on one of his hooves, and the devil howled in pain. The devil begged for Dunstan to remove it. Dunstan agreed under one condition -- the devil must respect the horseshoe and never enter any place where one was hung above the door.

Because of this, people believed that the horseshoe could keep evil spirits out of their homes, and thus bring in (or keep in) good fortune.

Good luck is also attributed to horseshoes because being a blacksmith was considered a lucky trade. Additionally, iron was deemed magical because it could withstand fire. On most horseshoes (and maybe even on horseshoe jewelry) have seven nails in them. Seven has always been referred to as a lucky number.

The tradition carried on, and people added onto to the legend of the horseshoe. In the middle ages, fear of witches ran rampant. It was said that witches were afraid of horses and their iron shoes. People thought that witches would never pass through a doorway with one hung above it, and people even nailed horseshoes to witch’s coffins to keep them from coming out.

Today, you will still see people with them hung over doors, both inside and out, all around the world. Hanging a horseshoe facing upwards in a “U” shape is said to keep evil out and bring good luck into your home. Conversely, hanging it upside down will have luck flowing out of your home.

Whether you believe the legend or not, this little handmade and unique gift boutique limited edition gift that you are holding in our hands will bring you luck, inspiration and new opportunities.

Murat Seyok binef_dukkan

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Painter Houcine Ziani lives and works in France. Professional painter since 1978, he gets famous for his very fine and delicate pictorial representations on display at many Exhibitions in the best world capitals.

Media from all around the world depict him as an artist of his time, who is able to reproduce scenes from the daily life of Bedouin or nomadic peoples in their usual environment with great style.

Besides what it can usually be observed in any figurative painter s’ works, be they landscapes or characters, in Zaini’s paintings everything seems so close to reality, his refined and elegant representations emphasize the light and enhance the colors, but in tune with the traditional taste of the populations of Maghreb as well as the Middle East.

His equestrian representations are impressive since he manages to convey, with great effect, the beauty and self-radiant energy of Arabian horses galloping during horseback chases, and the proud of the horsemen who know that their existence on earth is alone divinely willed.

Sometimes changing pictorial register, Ziani can faithfully reproduce still-life on canvas as a main expression of the calm everyday life, but some other of his artworks relate to hu-

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man history, just as it was shaped by the fierce wars of the past, by the self-displacement of Bedouin tribes who were seeking for a better asylum or even by the forced migration of the ‘Amazigh’, the blue men of the desert in their dazzling fabrics – to me, the very best of his art.

But, not all of the equestrian scenes are about war, some other represent particular games among riders who want to show-off, whenever it is possible, all their mastery on horseback riding, an ancient tradition that has been passed down generously through the centuries and has become wide spread in the entire world.

The sport of polo comes precisely from those games that were being practiced on immense grounds, through a very interesting modernization, it has become today a highly demanding discipline both for equestrians and equines.

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the global retrospective of his works, possibly, in the many museums where he is often invited to exhibit his paintings. It is my honor to present and recommend you some of them as they are beautiful beyond words‌

www.ziani.eu hocine@ziani.eu AHM | 158

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Text by: William Richardot de Choisey Translation by: Sonja Smaldone Pictures by: Ben Malek, Boiselle, Spodex, Thala, Courtesy of private collections Besides the great variety of the territory and climate of the different regions of Maghreb, including all the countries of North Africa, the name ‘Tbourida’ comes from the Arabian dialect word ‘baroud’, which in the Berber language translates ‘tafrawt’, it is a popular traditional art resulting from very old ‘Berber’ traditions following the appearance of the horse whose history recalls the great rides across the Numidian country, the former Berber Kingdom located on both Algeria and Tunisia, including Libya and Morocco - namely, the founding countries of the great Berber people of today whose most iconic personality is later King Masinissa (230 b.C. 148 b.C.). Initial forms of gathering take place mostly in rural areas during the 17th century, followed by equestrian developments with riders wearing fine ‘caftans & burnous’, a shoulder belt with an ancient dagger in-

side, a large colored shawl and well-wrapped turbans around their heads with the colors of their own region. If the warrior spirit has disappeared, the tradition has not as of yet; it continues to live on throughout the holiday - at a time when each village of the countryside puts in place its own ‘sorba’. During the Tbourida, riders are committed to a superior army ethic, their pride is showing off their ancestral ability with their rifles and silver chiseled powder flask, they want to prove their dexterity at full gallop amidst a thousand explosions of colors, whilst the horses are adorned with superb harnesses, at the same time, they come to represent the pride of their own region by performing a quasi military parade, which stems from ancestral ‘arab-amazighs’ rituals.

The tradition of the Tbourida is most alive in the center of the Kingdom as well as in the south where the riders who are performing in local ‘sorbas’ are often all dressed in the blue gandouras, particularly the riders from the Guelmin region, also known as ‘the door of the desert’. While handling their rifles with skill, they do not shoot up in the air but down on the soil, as determined by an old practice that AHM | 163

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comes with an ancient warriors’ belief that ‘the enemy can hide under the sand and not in the mountains’.

Beyond the various folkloristic elements, the Tbourida remains today an important part of Moroccan cultural heritage, in most provinces it is a real vector of ‘social actions’ that reinforce the major cultural identities of the Kingdom by celebrating religious festivals, civil celebrations, weddings, etc. It is the story of a timeless encounter between man and horse, mainly the Berber horse or Arab-Berber horse, a specific breed of North Africa. Both Berber and Arab-Berber horses are actors of vital importance for the country’s ecosystems, whether used during many practical or leisure activities, the Tbourida or even sports activities, they are key players to maintain secular traditions.

Two breeds that remain anchored deep in the hearts of all Moroccans, mainly breeders who-

se passion remains sacred, it has been handed down from generation to generation as a proof of an old-age impressive practice that has transformed into a sports discipline over the centuries with its own specific codes and regulations for ‘hadda’ and ‘tbourida’ – both are placed under the supervision of the Moroccan Equestrian Federation with the support of S.O.R.E.C. For a long time, such a discipline has been strictly reserved for men who take part in war-game exercises to surprise the enemy, since 2005 – notwithstanding a deep-rooted machismo of the male population of the time, which seems to be completely unaware of legendary ‘warrior amazons’ like the Queens Kahina and Zeina, the ‘womanization’ of the discipline has taken place with the beginning of the ‘moussems’ thanks to the late Royal Highness – Princess Lalla Amina, the then President of the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Federation, who manaAHM | 165

ges to give shape to the dreams of many breeders; in current gatherings these ‘women’s sorbas’ are very active.

The most important Moussem Festivals also known as ‘waada’ are essentially devoted to the cultural tradition of this practice, therefore, it is worth mentioning the ‘ Tan-Tan Moussem, which is now part of Unesco World Intangible Heritage Site, it brings together the amazing nomadic tribes of the Sahara along with their ancestral traditions and customs every year, a program rich in diversity and attractions with musical entertainment, Berber dances and songs, presentations about medicinal plants etc.

Equally important for its intense activity, the ‘ Moulay Abdellah Amghar Moussem’ is a legendary gathering that has been celebrated for hundreds years in the Kingdom, straight after the harvest period when all the ‘sorbas’ want to take part.

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The last edition registered no less than a hundred troops with nearly two thousand five hundred horses, being it considered as a sanctuary, the stronghold of the largest tribe of Morocco, its members, ‘Doukhala, are ancient warriors who are said to have unparalleled breeding skills as regards Berber horses, and live in the surroundings of El Jadida also called ‘the city of tents’.

A magical rendezvous, not to be missed in El Jadida that is not only the capital of the horse in Morocco, but also an important agricultural region with its famous venue for the ‘exchange of seeds’, an event that lasts seven days with more than six hundred thousand visitors, including a large number of foreigners and journalists from around the world who come here to attend this colossal event, falconry is also on display during this extraordinary and memorable festival.

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In such a land where equine production has gone on for hundreds years, the Sovereign has made El Jadida the equestrian capital that it is today by commanding the creation of the Salon du Cheval held in October every year, it is worthwhile visiting the Regional Stud of El Jadida as it has been entirely rebuilt into a modern facility housing nearly four hundred breeders’ purebred Arabian horses both for races and competitions; not to mention the Pyramid Society Morocco Association that every year organizes a very beautiful competition for its sixty members with Straight Egyptian horses, the most impor-

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tant reproducers for the preservation and continuity of these precious bloodlines.

Nowadays, the Tbourida is recognized as a sport discipline in its own right, the Equestrian Federation of the country has set up an intense program of two regional competition zones with classes open to Junior and Senior riders, winners have access to a pre-selection at Inter-regional levels for the Hassan II Trophy in Dars Es Salam, which precedes the Mohammed VI Grand Prix, one of the main highlights of the Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida, - an equestrian event that stays etched in mind forever and that owes its success to Dr. Med. Vet. Ali Younès Abbassy and all his Team.

All the most important Schools of Tbourida in Morocco take part into it: the Nassiriyah School, the Charkoulyah School, the Khiyatiyah School and the Hayaniyah Schools, many of them have inherited a fascinating secular art and are held responsible for its continuity. In peace time, the Tbourida is a highly professional sports activity with its own codes and principles that allow all generations to go backwards in time in the most remote provinces of the Kingdom, participant riders also get significant prize money at these events. As a main an expression of secular cultural and historical traditions of the peoples of Morocco, the Tbourida is now going through much international debate for an application and subscription to UNESCO Intangible Heritage. In view of the 13th Salon du Cheval d’El Jadida, we hope there will not be any problems there as it has been for many organizers in Europe, as well in Paris-Nord Villepinte-France that will change Operator in 2020.

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SCOTT 2020

TEXT/LAYOUT/ DESIGN: BETH ELLEN HUNZIKER | RESULTS COURTESY OF AHAA | PHOTOS BY SCOTTSDALE OFFICIAL SHOW PHOTOGRAPHERS: HOWARD SCHATZBERG & RICK OSTEEN

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SDALE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS BY: LAUREL ANDERSON, BETH ELLEN HUNZIKER, TRACE & LISA MOFFAT, JAVAN SCHALLER, STUART VESTY & NATE WHITE

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65 YEARS

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This year, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show celebrated its 65th anniversary. For any annual

event to achieve this level of longevity, it takes unwavering commitment, dedication, and a passion shared by all who participate and support it. It would be impossible to realize and acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the success of this show over the past six decades; the horses, the organizers, patrons, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees are too numerous to count. After 65 years, what did this show offer that was new, fresh, unique, exciting and inviting? The answer is, PLENTY! Held in one of the most beautiful cities in America, the Scottsdale Show holds the distinction of being the largest Arabian horse show in the world with over 2000 entries. Among the halter horses entered were the fresh new faces of the yearlings, most of which were making their show ring debut, as well as never before seen horses that traveled here from countries around the world. Breeders, owners, and handlers from the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and South America achieved tremendous success competing with their horses. However, this year, it seems it was the Brazilian breeders who had the strongest international influence on the show with numerous bred and owned horses taking home significant awards.

Halter and breeding competition included the International Breeders Classes, Straight Egyptian and Egyptian Heritage Classes, the Scottsdale Classic Classes, Half-Arabian, Youth, and Amateur Handler Classes, as well as the Scottsdale Signature Stallion Futurity Classes, which offer the highest prize money in our American show circuit. Additional facets that make this event so wildly popular among Arabian horse enthusiasts - as well as the public spectators who attend the show - are all the various performance disciplines offer. Each day there are multiple arenas for horses competing in everything from English Pleasure,Western Pleasure, Driving, Reining and Working Cow Horses, to Dressage and Jumping Classes, and more.There truly is something for everyone.The show organizers made it their goal to welcome, engage, entertain, and enlighten the public about the wonderful world of Arabian horses and it was a huge success! We hope you will join us next year for “The Greatest Arabian Horse Show On Earth”.

DATES FOR NEXT YEAR’S SHOW ARE ALREADY SET: FEBRUARY 11-21, 2021. WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE PLANS NOW TO JOIN US. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.SCOTTSDALESHOW.COM

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INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN SENIOR CHAMPION MALE

AZIIM AL AMAAR

AMAAR AL RAYYAN X IMPERIAL MAYS BREEDER: BRANDON & SUSAN BRYAN OWNER: STAR ARABIANS LLC HANDLER: AUSTIN COLANGELO

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65 YEARS

1)

2)

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

GHUWA AL RAYYAN

ASHHAL AL RAYYAN X TURKIYA AL RAYYAN BREEDER/ OWNER: AL RAYYAN FARM HANDLER: TED CARSON

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN JUNIOR CHAMPION MALE

AAI ZAHEEN

SHAHEEN AL WAAB X BAHIJAH KA BREEDER/OWNER: COLLEEN JACKSON & JOHN CRANSTON HANDLER: SANDRO R PINHA

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER STRAIGHT EGYPTIAN SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

YAMAMA AL RAYYAN 3)

FARES AL RAYYAN X NK RUBBA BREEDER: AL RAYYAN FARM OWNER: ALJASSIMYA FARM HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

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INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER EGYPTIAN HERITAGE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

BINT BELLA MAZIN GA JJ BELLAGIO X BELLA MAZIN BREEDER: JOHN S BLINCOE OWNER: ABDALLAH AL JANABI HANDLER: CLAUDINEI MACHADO

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65 YEARS

1)

2)

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER EGYPTIAN HERITAGE JUNIOR CHAMPION FILLY

MISSINA ALJASSIMYA

NISR AL RAYYAN X RP MISS SURPRISE BREEDER/OWNER: ALJASSIMYA FARM HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER EGYPTIAN HERITAGE JUNIOR CHAMPION MALE

MIAMI AJF

AL AYAL AA X RP MISS SURPRISE BREEDER: ALJASSIMYA FARM OWNER: HIGHLAND PRIDE ARABIANS HANDLER: SANDRO R PINHA

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER EGYPTIAN HERITAGE SENIOR CHAMPION MALE

ARIA IMPRESSIVE 3)

ARIA IMPRESARIO X SOFIYA AA BREEDER: ARIELA ARABIANS OWNER: THE IMPRESSIVE GROUP HANDLER: JOSEPH R ALBERTI II

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1) 1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY

MD MASSIMA

TRUEST X MD MIRKA BREEDER/OWNER: MANUEL F DURINI HANDLER: MICHAEL WILSON

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER SILVER CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY

ALMARIE EA

EMERALD J X BST LILY MAY BREEDER: WALTER W OR JEANNETTE B LANE OWNER: NESMA STUD HANDLER: SANDRO R PINHA

2)

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION YEARLING FILLY

WGA PRINCESS KHAN

PA KID KHAN X DA POISE BREEDER/OWNER: WINDY GAP ARABIANS BILL AND TRACY BUGLASS HANDLER: KEITH KRICHKE

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3)

1)

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER GOLD CHAMPION YEARLING COLT

ENAN ALJASSIMYA

EMERALD J X JUST LOVE BREEDER/OWNER: ALJASSIMYA FARM HANDLER: GIACOMO CAPACCI

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER SILVER CHAMPION YEARLING COLT

DEBONNE PA 2)

CADANCE PA X SANGRIA PA BREEDER/OWNER: PEGASUS ARABIANS HANDLER: KENNETH BLAKE MCDONALD

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION YEARLING COLT

EXXAVIERR 3)

EXXALT X ARIA ELIANDRA BREEDER/OWNER: AMY WEAVER HANDLER: LUIZ GUIMARAES

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER

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1)

1) GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY

JASMINIA AS

SOUL OF MARWAN AS X JASMINE LOVE BREEDER: ARABIAN SOUL PARTNERS OWNER: LADYS CHOICE LLC HANDLER: RODOLFO GUZZO

2)

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER SILVER CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY

EXXHALE

EXXALT X DA ELEGANTRA BREEDER/OWNER: JEFF & SYBIL COLLINS HANDLER: TED CARSON

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY

KHANYA VALENTINE PF

KANZ AL BIDAYER X FELISHA VALENTINE BHF BREEDER/OWNER: JESSIE SZYMANSKI-HOAG HANDLER: KEITH R KRICHKE

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3)

1)

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER GOLD CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT

OFW RENEGADE 2)

FA EL RASHEEM X RHR LOVELY OWNER/BREEDER: ORRION FARMS LLC HANDLER: DAVID BOGGS

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER SILVER CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT

PCF NAVARRE

EXXALT X EUPHORIA PCF BREEDER/OWNER: SAM PEACEMAKER HANDLER: SANDRO R PINHA

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT

AGUSTO GA 3)

D ANGELO X DD CROWN JEWEL BREEDER/OWNER: ABDALLAH AL JANABI HANDLER: CLAUDINEI MACHADO

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER

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1)

1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER GOLD CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

PITONISA AS

EVER AFTER NA X PSYCHES AMBER D BREEDER: LISA MARKLEY & LEANNE REEL OWNER: SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL QASIMI HANDLER: SANDRO R PINHA

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2)

3) 2) SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

EXXALTRESS

EXCALIBUR EA X VESPERRA BREEDER: FRANCES BUTLER, SYBIL COLLINS, SANDRA SMITH OWNER: ORRION FARMS LLC | HANDLER: TED C ARSON

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

PRINCESS AMORA S

LC PRINCE MAGNUM X MYSTICA CAMARA BREEDER/OWNER: EVENING STAR ARABIANS LLC HANDLER: ANDREW SELLMAN

65 YEARS

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1)

RING MAN, JUAN STUCKEY & JUDGING PANEL, LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL KOSTIAL, DUANE ESSER, JORGE CONCARRO, SCOTT BRUMFIELD, RICHARD WRIGHT.

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2)

3) 1) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER GOLD CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION

ADVANTAGE MI

ALLEGIANCE MI X VALENTINE MI BREEDER: GREG, JULIE & JANE FARRELL HANDLER: KEITH R KRICHKE

2) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER SILVER CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION

TAJ RAHEEM

FA EL RASHEEM X RA MARWANS ELYGANCE BREEDER: PREMIER BREEDERS LLC OWNER: TAJ RAHEEM PARTNERS HANDLER: ANDY SELLMAN

3) INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN BREEDER BRONZE CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION

MARKK

MAREKK X MARTIYAH BC BREEDER/OWNER: DAVID K TINNELL HANDLER: TED CARSON

65 YEARS

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SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY

MISTIC DOMINIC HVP

*DOMINIC M X MISTCKY MARAJJ HVP BREEDER: AGROPECUARIA VILA DOS PINHEIROS LTDA OWNER: SYLVIAN ALLARD HANDLER: RODOLFO GUZZO

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SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR FILLY

SULTANAH AL SHAHANIA SULTAN AL ZOBARA X MAJOLICAA BREEDER/OWNER: AL SHAHANIA STUD HANDLER: MICHAEL BYATT

65 YEARS

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SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT

GARAVANI AN

POLIDORO FC X MARIA PCF BREEDER: SAM PEACEMAKER OWNER: STACY SACHEN HANDLER: DAVID BOGGS

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65 YEARS

SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR COLT

VERSAILLES KALLISTE

NAMOUS AL SHAHANIA X H EKZACTL BREEDER/OWNER: S A R L KALLISTE ARABIANS HANDLER: TED CARSON

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SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

PERFINKA

ESPARTO X PERFIRKA BREEDER/OWNER: BIALKA STATE STUD FARM LEASED BY: CEDAR RIDGE ARABIANS HANDLER: DAVID BOGGS

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65 YEARS

SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR MARE

CHLOE EL VERAZ T SF VERAZ X CHAMMYRA EL RYAD BREEDER/OWNER: ANA CAROLINA DAMIAO TINOCO HANDLER: TED CARSON

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ABOVE & RIGHT: SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION

SOUL OF MARWAN AS

MARWAN AL SHAQAB X RD CHALLS ANGEL OWNER/BREEDER: ARABIAN SOUL PARTNERS LLC HANDLER: RODOLFO GUZZO

< FACING PAGE: SCOTTSDALE CLASSIC ARABIAN CHAMPION SENIOR STALLION EXXALT

EXCALIBUR EA X VESPERRA BREEDER: F BUTLER, JEFF & SYBIL COLLINS, JAMES & KAY SMITH OWNER: JEFF COLLINS HANDLER: TED CARSON

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1)

3)

2)

4)

1) ARABIAN WESTERN PLEASURE CHAMPION

3) PLATINUM PERFORMANCE $5000 ARABIAN LIBERTY CHAMPION

KHAJA J X JER‐KOKO BREEDER/OWNER: LAWRENCE F JEROME HANDLER/RIDER: STANLEY G WHITE III

ARIA IMPRESARIO X MISS ENZO JB BREEDER: R. SELLMAN & J. HEATHCOTT OWNER: TERESA GELLIN HANDLER: JEFFERY D SCHALL

KOLA J

2) ARABIAN REINING HORSE CHAMPIONW

KARAMAT +/

PTRON X WB FERZONA BREEDER: BETHANIE WALDER OWNER: THE BRASS RING INC HANDLER/RIDER: GORDON POTTS

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BLACK OPZZ

4) SCOTTSDALE GAMBLERS CHOICE CHAMPION (ARABIAN/HA/AA JUMPERS)

MAGICO +++//

GUAPO CHICO X LC FELICIA BREEDER/OWNER: ROLAND B LEWIS HANDLER/RIDER: PARIS MAHONEY

1)

3)

2)

4)

1) ARABIAN ENGLISH PLEASURE CHAMPION

3) ARABIAN HUNTER PLEASURE CHAMPION

VEGAZ X RIVER DANCE NA BREEDER: SHARON L KEATING OWNER: AMAZING HORSE WOMAN LLC HANDLER/RIDER: JAMES LOWE

PYRO THYME SA X TC KHARIETA BREEDER: CLAIRE & MARGARET LARSON OWNER: REESE HIGGINS HANDLER/RIDER: SHANNON BEETHE

LIFE INTHE FAZT LANE

2) ARABIAN ENGLISH SHOW HACK CHAMPION

NOBLE SUPREME CRF A NOBLE CAUSE X TOI JABASKA +// BREEDER: CEDAR RIDGE FARM OWNER: TONI DOLBY HANDLER/RIDER: JOSHUA SHINO

LLC PARKER

4) ARABIAN MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME CHAMPION

HOT PURSUIT PF

BLACK DANIELS X HARGHAZI FIRE C BREEDER: PRESTIGE FARMS LLC OWNER: GRACE RALEIGH HANDLER/RIDER: KASEY MOFFAT

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Stud manager oversees the proper care of horses, supervises employees, and maintains buildings and grounds. They may work in many facets of the equine industry. Showing, racing, breeding, and boarding operations generally have a stud manager to handle the care of the horses and management of employees. For the summer issue 2020, I had the pleasure to interview Ms. Dominika Pawlowska from Poland. She was happy to walk me through the main aspects of her profession as a manager at Stadnina Koni Kurozweki.â&#x20AC;?

Hello Ms. Dominika. Just to set the scene with our readers, will you please give us some background to you, your family and education?

I was born in Katowice, an industrial city in southern Silesia, Poland. My grandparents lived in the countryside

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and, as a young girl, I would spend every summer on my grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farm. We still used workhorses and they were my favorite animals, so I got remarkably close to them. My other grandfather was a postman who rode a horse to deliver letters. He used to tell me a story about how in World War II his horse had saved his life by refusing to advance onto a landmine. Grandpa never quite understood how the horse figured out the danger.

At age 13, I started riding in an equestrian club. After came the time for studies, and I graduated in Administrative Law, Management and Marketing. This, in turn, gave me a stable job. However, as I was missing horses too much, I started an apprenticeship in a horse-riding club and graduated in various courses on training horses, natural horse riding etc.

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day on, I have always wanted to devote myself to the Arabian horse.

When and where did you first meet an Arabian horse?

Who was he/she?

It was at Stan Red Arabians in Radom, Poland. The horse was Etnodrons Psyche, a dark bay stallion son of Padrons Psyche. During my years with horses, I had not had any contact with Arabian horses so, some friends urged me to visit the above local stud farm. After going down along a valley flanked by trees, we came to a large sandy paddock and the young fillies and foals ran to ‘say hello’ to us. The large, wide-set, dark eyes and the wise and friendly character of these little ones is still what spur me to this day and Etnodrons Psyche sealed the deal. From that

Tell us about early stages of your career inside of the Arabian horse industry.

Of course! I asked for a job at Stan Red Arabians and I became an Assistant manager. My work covered insemination, births, supervising the feeding as well as preparing the horses for the shows and even the marketing. I learnt a lot and I am grateful for this experience. For family reasons, I had to quit my job with the stud and go back to a ‘normal job’. This did not prevent me from acquiring my personal horse, a dark bay Arabian stallion called Wiedzmin from Ekwipunek/Workuta.

I also started an important cooperation that lasts until today with a great trainer and presenter of Arabian horses, Mr. Gerald Kurtz. I gained international experience and I met many passionate and interesting people. It opened my eyes to the depth and variety of our community.

When and how did you become stud manager at Stadnina Koni Kurozweki?

Early 2019, through a common friend, I met Michael Popiel de Boisgelin, owner and president of Kurozweki Stud farm. Michael is as passionate as I am about Arabian horses and we both have the specific Polish way of taking

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care of them. We understand each other very well on our goals for the stud farm.

What’s Stadnina Koni Kurozweki’s vision and mission in the Arabian horse world industry?

Before talking about the future I would like to talk about the past, or better yet, the roots. One legend goes that in the Middle Ages three knights rode through a thick forest and came upon marsh land, in the middle of the swamp was a mount and on top of it were roosters and hens. The unpronounceable name ‘Kurozweki’ is supposed to reflect that story as ‘Kury’ in Polish means chickens. The knights built a wooden castle, then a stone one and hundreds of years later a proper palace with a moat. Horses have been present in Kurozweki as long as we know without any interruption. Michael’s family has been present since the 14th century. After the war, a lackluster effort was made to breed Anglo-Arabs. In 1973 the Arabian stud farm was founded, Kurozweki was the fourth leg to Michalow, Janow, Bialka. The reason behind this choice by the governing party at the time was the geography of the land. Kurozweki – and the neighboring village - Kotuszow have rolling hills which build the horses’ musculature as well as sandy grounds that offer a ‘natural’ environment to this breed of horses. It is a poor land that is perfect for Arabian horses and it is part of why I think our horses are happy. Of course, our horses get nourishing thick grass and beautiful hay. Michael thought this was a great idea to have Arabian horses in Kurozweki so, when the Berlin wall came down and communism ended, the Popiel family after buying back the estate – stuck with this tradition. For Michael, though communism might have had some negative sides, the decision for breeding Arabian horses in Kurozweki was a great idea. In every way, we have kept the 1973 tradition. We strive to breed brave horses; horses that have strong legs and a proportional build. I am a rider myself, and I consider that every horse we breed should be ridable. Beauty is important, but not paramount.

The horse comes first. Our horses are gorgeous, but also have stable characters and a great overall structure. Our mission is to be attentive to each horse and do our best to cater to its needs. With regards our breeding we wish, like AHM | 206

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Stadnina Koni Kurozweki - Poland and its founder PaweĹ&#x201A; Popiel.

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everyone, to reach the ideal of the perfect Arabian horse, but we wish to achieve this through a traditional breeding program aiming to gorgeous horses that are, for lack of a better word, functional and mentally healthy.

Which bloodlines are mostly bred there?

In 1975, Kurozweki had 39 broodmares from the oldest and most valuable lines: Gazella, Mlecha, Sahara, Milordka, Ukrainka, Wołoszka, Selma, Rodania and Cherifa.

One of the most prestigious families was founded by the mare Euforia 1974 (Bandos, Eufonia by Doktryner), coming from the Sahara line. She was the dam of 11 foals. This group included the stallion El Prim by Partner, who went to Italy. Seven of the mares were selected as herd mothers. They were distinguished by their beauty and correctness. Ejnia by Algomej, Estetka and Eutrofia by Palas were successful at shows.

Estyma after Algomej was sold for 535,000. to the U.S. at the Polish Ovation Auction. She left a mare at the stud, the beautiful Egipcjanka.

The Gazela family is represented by the mare Wiorsta 1975 (by Banat, Wieża by Doktyner). Six daughters were included in the herd. The mare Wizytówka by Eufrat was sold to Sweden and next daughter Włodarka by Algomej, who went to France, were remarkable.

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x Cykuta by Negatiw) born in 1974 from the Gazella line. She had 6 daughters: Cyganeria by Relax, Czamara by Pepton, Czarta by Partner, Celebracja by Bandos and Czata by Banat, who became a champion mare in Great Britain in 1993 and in 1994 as well as World Cup Champion in Aachen. Another daughter of Cyrkulacja, Ciupaga by Banat gave birth to 5 fillies at the stud.

A small, gray mare with an unusual Arabian bouquet Catalina (El Paso x Czeczuga) came from the Milordka line, whose daughter Castylia by Pepton gave birth to six good broodmares among which the mare Centra by Eucalyptus and a chestnut mare Nejtyczanka (Banat x Nevada by Grand) 1975, all representing the Rodania line. She gave birth to five daughters.

The Mlecha line was represented by Tania (Bandos x Trema

by Gwarny). In this line a mare named Heraldyka 1982 (Palas x Haronia by Celebes) was quite significant. Her son Hetman 1990 by Eucalyptus was a leading stallion at the stud.

Elleida 1979 (Algomej x Ellonga by Almifar) from the Wołoszka line was a beautiful bay mare. She left five good mares with great movement. One of them was the beautiful Elżunia 1988 (by Palas). The Selma line was represented by the mare Zadymka (El Paso x Zamieć by Czardasz) 1974.

The Adjuze line was represented by Braminka (Elef x Braga

by Negatiw) 1979. In Kurozwęki, there were stallions from the following families: Bairactar, Ibrahim, IIderim, Krzyżyk,

Kuhailan Afas, Kuhailan Haifi, and Saklawii. Horses have been bred in Kurozwęki for 25 years as a state stud.

In 1998, a decision was made to sell the stud to its original owners, the Popiel family. Some mares went to Janów Podlaski, Michałów and Białka, many stayed. Over 25 years, 750 foals were bred here and about 500 horses were sold abroad. Today, we keep breeding the same bloodlines with the same respect of traditional Polish Arabian horse breeding.

Do they own a special collection of mares and stallions?

Yes, I have a special connection with all the lines above, I would say especially with the ‘E’ line. Michael has a special connection with the ‘C’ line, he has a brewery and on the label of one his beers is his favorite mare, Cyrilica!

What are your primary responsibilities and duties as a stable manager in a normal week?

We have over 60 horses, so every day is horse care, feeding, caring (I insist), administration, breeding, cleaning work and so on. However, I do not forget that no matter how beautiful our horses are I must share this with people so, I try to take beautiful photos of the horses and post them on social networks. I am also developing guest service in the form of horse riding. I would like to stress that every aspect of my job is pure pleasure.

Managing the stables of Stadnina Koni Kurozweki with professional standards is more than simply mucking stalls feeding I suppose... What are your priorities for presenting your stables to clients or outside visitors?

Of course, I am in a very privileged position to say that this is the full package and our guests know it. Above all, the land is perfect for our horse breed. The best thing to do is to walk out in 50 hectares or so of green pastures and have a walk in the century old stables. Our guests can see by close the healthy conditions of our horses; there is not much need for talking.

Besides that, a guest can also stay in a palace at a proportionally cheap price. Our guest can also enjoy organic grass-fed bison meat. Alternatively, we can accommodate all needs.

We own an 80 bison and produce a million liters of Dajemy and welcome above 100,000 tourists a year. Our guests are generally keen to taste our beer that is brewed on site. One of the beers is called Sir Paul, in Polish Pan Pawel, and tells the story of Michael’s great grandfather (Pawel Popiel, 1870-1936) who was an international horse expert that wrote in all major publications at the time. He covered more than 16,000 km on horseback and published many books promoting horse travel as opposed to automobile tourism!

In conclusion we can welcome all guests in terms of comfort.

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“Gold Kurozwęki”beer.

On the bottle : CYRYLICA

How do you orient a new stable employee who does not have advanced horse skills?

Be at ease! I try to encourage our workers to listen to themselves and to the horses. In my view, we must listen to Arabian horses and always listen to them. That is my message.

I have a terrific and very united team that makes the daily tasks a pleasure.

What becomes your priority when an important show is approaching?

Seven days before a show, I need to know that the horse is ready, both physically and mentally. We will never push a horse; it is about the wellbeing of our horses.

If the horse is ready, then we will concentrate on its happiness and mood. We breed well balanced healthy brave horses and we look for proud horses when we go to a show.

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Dominika, what would you like to achieve by the end of this year?

Above everything else, I want to do things right. I have the space and the liberty to do so. We breed with what we consider to be the best nationally and internationally. I would like to keep up with the accomplishments we have on the racetrack and in long distance riding, this is part of our philosophy. We will have 10 foals this year. I am very enthusiast about Wiosenka (Empire x Wentaja) in the show arena.

My goal is of course to breed gorgeous healthy stable horses, but also to offer the experience of the tradition that we have been representing here in Kurozweki since the 14th century with regards horses and, since1973, as for Arabian horses. In 2023, we will have a major celebration for 50 years of Arabian horses in Kurozweki.

How and where do you see yourself in ten years?

History has demonstrated this is the perfect place to breed horses so, I just want to continue what I am doing. It is an exciting and fulfilling experience that has massive potential. I hope the horses will tell the story of my happiness and my feelings for them.

In conclusion, will you please leave a message for the readers of Arabian Horse Magazine?

Come and see us! We are a small community and we should stick together. Let us share our passion and learn from each other. As we know from our beloved Arabian horses, listening is the most important thing so, let us listen to each other and learn more from each other’s experiences.

Thank you very much for your precious contribution Dominika. May the Arabian horse continue to bring only great things in your life...

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12th & 13th of September 2020 ECAHO B International Show & European Cup

Do not miss this unique Arabian horse event in the magnificent city of Prague

For more info please visit:

www.pragueintercup.cz

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I

was born in Northern California, USA. I have had a passion for horses, more specifically arabian horses for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of it was when my father was on a business trip in Arkansas, USA,

and brought me a little blue brochure. It was from Ansata Arabian Stud, I was hooked. After finishing school at the University of Colorado, I

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was focused on a career as an auditor in Los Angeles, also modeling part time and raising 2 small boys. In 2006 I moved to Colorado and bought my first horse, a Straight Egyptian stallion, Danseurs Rafiq by El Hadiyyah, not knowing what the pedigree meant, just on an emotional whim. Some months later I leased a Straight Egyptian mare, SDR Hostan Granat and bred the 2 of them for my first Straight Egyptian foal, Nasmat Asfour in 2007. I learned everything I could about Straight Egyptians. I named my program “Wadi Al Nasmat” Vally of Breath, because the horses have provided me a sense of refuge and peace and calm. It’s had to believe but I’m expecting my15th foal crop in 2021, in my 3rd generation of breeding. I have sold many horses over the years mostly to

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the Middle East, namely to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and occasionally to Europe or in the USA. On a typical day, I feed the horses, clean up after them and look over everyone. We have 10 mares giving birth this year and I just finished bringing one into the barn to get ready to have her baby! Besides taking care of the horses and the ranch, we sometimes have Golden retriever puppies and 4 (human) boys that keep me running.

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BRONZE CHAMPION COLTS, INT. EGYPIAN EVENT, TRAVAGLIATO 2014 - ITALY. BRONZE CHAMPION COLTS, EGYPTIAN EVENT, SALERNO 2014 - ITALY. TOP FIVE COLTS, STRAIGHT EGYTPTIANS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ROME 2014 - ITALY. STANDING AT: Kaliggi Arabian Stud of Mr. Mobilia Marco, Via delle Rose 3, 98030 GAGGI (ME).

AVAILABLE FOR THE BREEDING SEASON, FRESH & FROZEN SEMEN at Clinica Equina Delle Terme, Dr. Minolfi Alessandro, C/da Praie Fiume, 98050 Terme Vigliatore (ME), Mobile: (+39)392 2730320.

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FRASERA RAMSES SHAH Multi-Champion - European Egyptian Event, Lanaken 2011, Champion Stallion & Best in Show

HA AMINA

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B

int Nefisa 06.08.1959 (Nazeer x Nefisa) was one of the foundation broodmares on Gleannloch Farms, which were owned by Mr. Douglas B. and Mrs. Margaret Marshall, Spring, Houston, Texas.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Marshall got a hold of Mr. Carl Reinhard Raswan (Schmidt), the greatest scholar of Arabian bloodlines of those times.

The two men decided to set off on a long journey to Asir, a region covering parts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, where Raswan believed he could track down some of the purest and most ancient Asil Arabian families. Unfortunately, he died before he could embark on the expedition. However, his death did not discourage Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Margaret Marshall, nor were they saddened by what Amir Mutib El Sah’alan, Head of the Rouala tribe, once said to them: “Out of a thousand horses, only one is going to be truly special”.

The Marshalls were determined to find those exceptional specimens and commenced their own search with the support of King Feisal, who provided them with a military escort, and with the backing of ARAMCO, a giant of the oil industry.

In Saudi Arabia they could not find what they were looking for, thus, they travelled to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and, finally, to Egypt.

Here, they got struck by the horses that Douglas had already seen back in 1942. While he was serving in the American Army, after the events of World War II, he had also had the opportunity to visit the horses standing at R.A.S. in El Zahraa.

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The Marshalls bought four horses straightaway: Bint Nefisaa (as she would be called in the U.S.A.) along with Bint Maisa

22.08.1959 (Nazeer x Maisa), Bint Maisa El Saghira 22.08.1958-26.10.1973 (Nazeer x Maisa) and Salomy (Salomi) 05.03.1957 (El Sareei x Malaka).

This was The Marshall’s first importation of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses from El Zahraa.

At that time, horses did not travel by plane like to-

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day, so in 1961 these four precious mares were embarked on a ship. After a three-week voyage, they arrived in New York, but a terrible surprise awaited for them.

These were the years of the African horse sickness (AHS) and all the Egyptian mares had been vaccinated against the disease so, they all tested positive for it. Health certificates clearly said AHS so, The Marshalls had only two options left: either put the mares down or repatriate them. Obviously, they went for the second option and the four mares were shipped back to Egypt to try the same trip the following year under more favourable conditions. One more filly named Bint Bint Kateefa 25.8.1960- 01.07.1971 (Anter x Bint Kateefa) was added onto the original band.

Tom and Rhita McNair, both trainers at Gleannloch Farms, were just in love with Bint Nefisaa.

It could not be otherwise as she was really a lovely mare, full of femininity, and always with a gent-

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le disposition. Tom used to say that Bint Nefisaa was one of the best horses standing at the centre.

Her gaits were as natural as powerful and, whenever you let her run free in the paddock, she would soon set her tail high up like a flag and she would

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show a broad and supple trot.

Bint Nefisaa was a very classy mare and she had an innate showy attitude. She was even taken on some shows getting good results, but, she kept looking as slightly small as a really pretty miniature.

Bint Nefisaaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first product at Gleannloch Farms was the male Nar El Zahraa (1964), followed by his sister Narjisa (1965), a mare whose bloodline was used to build important farms. The stallion Moftakhar 3.10.1946 (Enzahi x Kateefa) was the sire of both.

In 1964 Donald and Judith Forbis took their stallion Ansata Ibn Halima 17.9.1958-17.9.1981 (Nazeer x Halima) to Gleannloch Farms for training purposes.

The stallion had to stay there for a year. At the time, the plan was that he had to get good results both in halter competitions and performance, while also working on a number of Gleannloch Farmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; broodmares.

This looked like an unaffordable program for a never trained seven-year-old stallion, but, Ansata Ibn Halima managed to achieve the desired results by winning in both halter and park championships.

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Rhita McNair used to say that Ansata Ibn Halima was the easiest horse to show in halter competitions. She would enjoy riding him especially in the woods where the stallion would stop and stare at the deer as well as the squirrels. In 1965 Bint Nefisaa was bred to Ansata Ibn Halima. On January 6th, 1966 she bore El Hilal who was going to be a crucial stallion to the Arabian horse selection worldwide. 1965 was also the year when Douglas B. Marshall imported the great Morafic 19.3.1956-18.3.1974 (Nazeer x Mabrouka) from El Zahra. Gleannloch Farms had now the opportunity to assess his potential as a sire and, despite all the excellent results from the breeding to Ansata Ibn Halima, Bint Nefisaa was impregnated

by Morafic for the next three years. Two males, respectively named Il Nur (1967) and El Sabour (1968) were born out of this breeding along with Nama (1969), which produced very well.

This mare was later purchased by Mr. George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah. At a later stage, they turned back to the specific breeding to Ansata Ibn Halima, which led to the birth of two mares that marked the Arabian horse history. These were: Nourah (1971) and Negm a a

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(197024.2.1993).

The latter produced four brilliant contenders: Halter Champion Ruminaja Attallah (1977) by Shaikh Al Badi; 1985 Region XVIII Top Five Stallion Ruminaja

Omar (1981) by Ibn Moniet El Nefous; Halter Reserve Champion Taza Jaliya (1982) by Shaikh Al Badi, and Regional Halter Champion Imperial Bint Negmaa (1984) by Moniet El Nafis.

In 1971, Bin Nefisaa was moved to Mr. George R. Wright’s Farm, Ogden, Utah together with her daughter Nourah. Mr. George R. Wright was the

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father of Mr. Keri Wright, who today is the owner of the Farm along with his wife Carolee from Cariswood Arabian, Sandy, Utah.

The following year, Bint Nefisaa bore the stallion Nefisaan (1972) by Mohssen 8.2.1966-1989 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Mona), who is now bred by Gleannloch Farms.

Bint Nefisaa’s first foal that was bred by Mr. George R. Wright was El Kahtan (1973) by Mohssen, followed by two more males, Ibn Bint Nefisaa (1974)

by Dakmar 1971 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Gamilaa), and Desert Phantom (1976)

by Mohssen.

The latest foal out of Bint Nefisaa was the famous mare Moynese (1977) by Mohssen 8.2.1966-1989 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Mona) who was The Wrights’ cornerstone stallion.

Bint Nefisaa had a great impact on the fourteen-year-old boy Keri Wright once she arrived in Ogden, Utah. The kid was just mesmerised by the big, black eyes of the broodmare, which was another distinctive feature of the family she was born into. Bint Nefisaa was a gentle spirit, she embodied the quietness of the desert, her native land, and Keri used to consider her as just the most beautiful daughter by Na-

zeer that he had ever seen.

Keri Wright once wrote that Bint Nefisaa’s femininity, beauty and look combined with her inner qualities was an unforgettable vision and I am pretty sure that this mare still holds a special place in his heart today.

Bint Nefisaa’s mortal remains were buried underneath The Wrights’ old farm, but she has lived on today through her many descendants scattered all around the world.

Talking about El Hilal 6.1.1966 (Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisaa), I must say that he infused his bloodline with even more strength and prestige.

Right after weaning, he was purchased by Mrs. Wenonah Varian and her daughter Sheila, co-owners of Varian Ranch, in Arroyo Grande, California.

In 1968 Robert J. Thorndike from Jamal Arabians, Oroville, Washington, bumped into Sheila Varian at ‘Cow Palace’ in San Francisco. He hinted to her that him and his wife Joanne were looking for a new stallion and despite Sheila told no-one that she wanted to sell El Hilal, Robert rushed to Varian Ranch, in Arroyo Grande, California, had a quick look at the horse and bought him the following month.

At that time El Hilal was still unfit, he was too small and slow developing. In addition to this, Straight Egyptian lines were not so popular as today. People, thus, wondered why Joanne and her husband

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had bought him. The colt still needed to develop, but he had a very gentle temperament; he already had his big dark eyes, so The Thorndikes, who firmly believed in his parents, felt that El Hilal was a great promise.

They waited with patience for the moment when

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their “Ugly duckling “made an incredible metamorphosis. At age 3, El Hilal turned into a wonderful “swan” with a beautiful lean head and a wellset long arched neck. Their rough diamond started

to shine as they had longed for. In 1969, all of their mares were bred to El Hilal and to his stud-mate The Egyptian Prince 2.7.1967-20.9.1995 (Morafic x Bint Mona). This band of mares stemmed from the bloodlines of Jubilo 1942 (Caravan x La Plata) and Sureyn (11.9.1940) (Raseyn x Crabbet Sura), which James E. Draper had been using for his breeding program Jedel Arabian Horse Ranch, Richmond, California.

A year after, three daughters by El Hilal were born. All the fillies had inherited their sire’s big black eyes, his faultless conformation and showy attitude.

In 1970, El Hilal covered seven outside mares and embarked on his path to success. The following year, he covered other 17 mares and, in 1972, the mares were 40. El Hilal was yet living in a remote corner located north-west of the United States, around the Washington area so, even if he sired a great deal of mares, nobody would actually know him.

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The Thorndikes kept at stud several daughters by El Hilal, including the great Dark Moon 1971 (El Hilal x Sura Gem by Sureyn), who produced U.S. National Top Ten Halter Mare Brieah (04.33.1976)

by The Egyptian Prince.

El Hilal proved to be a terrific breeding stallion. The quality of the few offspring 07 he managed to produce during the first three breeding seasons was really outstanding. They were all foals born out of dams coming from a broad range of bloodlines.

Meanwhile, El Hilal drew the attention of a breakout star show trainer, Ron Palelek, who owned Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington, together with his wife Joyce. In those days, Ron enjoyed an excellent reputation; he was being very successful both in performance and in halter competitions on the lead of the stallion Meczet 1961 (Comet x Mimika) that he imported from Poland, and that everyone praised for his amazing gaits.

The Thorndikes were friends and clients of The Paleleks, whose first chance of meeting El Hilal opened up on one mid-win-

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ter night under unforeseeable circumstances. On his way back home, Bob Thorndike decided to

stop at The Paleleks’ venue for a break. Given that he had just purchased The Egyptian Prince 2.7.1967-20.9.1995 (Morafic x Bint Mona), Ron’s wife, Mrs. Joyce Palelek, got extremely curious and wanted to sneak a look into Bob’s trailer.

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Young El Hilal was also there, looking hairy and skinny to her, but, she soon realized that he was a great promise. For the next five years, The Paleleks watched over the stallion and his offspring. Ron got particularly struck by one of El Hilal’s daughters coming from The Thorndikes’ first crop so, he took her to several Northwest Junior Championships. Her name was Juelette 1970 (El Hilal x Grand Juelee).

One day, Bob Thorndike was at The Paleleks’ complaining about El Hilal being too-toughto trade. In his opinion, no breeder would ever take their mares to breed to him into the far north-west of the United States.

Ron jumped at the chance and told Bob Thorndike that he would buy himself the stallion if he had no objection to it. The Paleleks had now to find the money, so Ron set up a partnership with his friend Jim Sjoland and they bought El Hilal before Bob could change his mind. El Hilal was leased to Backacres Arabians owned by Mr. Howard and Mrs. Sally Stokke from Enumclaw,

Washington, and he could move to Vantage Point Farm the following year.

Neither for Robert J. nor for Joanne Thorndike had been it easy to sell El Hilal, but, at the end of the day, they had no regrets. They had always thought of him as an extraordinary stallion.

They were aware of the fact that El Hilal could have more career opportunities with Ron Palelek. In their eyes, Ron also knew the show environment far better than them, and they were absolutely right. Shortly thereafter, El Halil took over the Olympus of the breed right in Ron’s hands. During that period, Vantage Point Farm had a little herd consisting of some Crabbet broodmares which were thin but tall, with a lot of style and a beautiful trot. They carried much blood of the sire Serafix 10.2.1949-30.6.1973 (Raktha x Serafina), but, the problem was that they lacked in finesse. Ron hoped that El Hilal could convey more elegance to them. He was pretty sure about it as he had already seen many sons by El Hilal. The stallion was not tall, he was only 14.3 spans, but, as Ron argued, he would do very well with tall mares.

The Paleleks selected the mares to breed to El Hilal very carefully. They crossed him with different bloodlines, but, mainly with Crabbet mares to eventually realize that their assumptions were correct.

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El Hilal proved to be a dominant stallion that possessed all the qualities and distinctive features of his family. In truth, he produced top quality horses, all very beautiful, with elegant gaits and

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a balanced body. They were also as highly trainable as their famous sire. El Hilal was the kind of stallion that when bred to a large variety of mares would definitively improve their top-line and hips; he would convey a beautiful arched neck, a good

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body structure, but, first and foremost, he would instil so much Arabian type and style.

El Hilal became very popular in the northwest. But despite that, Ron and Joyce knew that as long their stallion did not get good results in shows, they would not be able to promote him either. From then on, El Hilal was put under training for halter and saddle competitions; it was also nice to ride him as he was playful and quite exuberant in cross-country. He was a real stallion and it was a joy to introduce him to halter classes. With the passing of time, El Hilal turned into a wonderful and charismatic well-balanced horse. In the capable hands of Ron Palelek, he went on winning many championships, including many A Class and Regional ones. His most important titles were: 1974 Canadian Top Ten Stallion; 1975 U.S. National Top Ten Stallion and 1976 U.S. National Top Ten Stallion.

El Hilal was last shown to the public at the Egyptian Event of 1984 in Kentucky. On that occasion, he was accompanied by Mr. Ron and Mrs. Joyce

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Palelek, their veterinarian and Jill Clausen who used to look after him. It was a very risky operation for an 18-year-old stallion, but people would treat him like a star. Everyone would go up to his box and take pictures with him. El Hilal’s offspring achieved great successes in shows as well. In the U.S.A., where he was put to massive reproduction, El Hilal got the title of “Leading Straight Egyptian Sire of Champions”.

In 1983, they had to cut down on the number of breedings on demand to 60, and the breeding rate was raised to $ 12,500. Ron Palelek’s favourite mare, Ebony Moon 4.3.1974 (El Hilal x Esperanzo Mara), was a living example of the great quality of type that El Hilal was able to produce when bred to Domestic American mares. She was a stunning dark bay mare bred and owned by Mr. Kent and Mrs. Audrey Herron, from Herron Arabians in Pasco, Washington. In her show career, Ebony Moon was crowned Winner of the 1977 title of Canadian National Reserve Champion Mare and 1979 U.S. National Reserve Champion Mare. There came many other mares like Ebony Moon, with coats of different colours, very beautiful and extremely well-proportioned; all of excellent quality and great show horses regardless of their dams.

Another breeder who was very successful with El Hilal’s offspring was R.O. Lervick Arabians, from Stanwood, Washington. He owned four sons by El Hilal who all became National Champions: Bai Moon 31.3.1980 (El Hilal x Shilow); he was 1983 U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colt and 1983 Canadian National Reserve Champion Futurity Stallion.

Arabay Hilana 3.4.1979 (El Hilal x Arabay); she

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was 1982 U.S. National Reserve Champion Futurity Filly and 1982 Canadian National Top Ten Mare.

Lalette 12.7.1974 (El Hilal x Chloette); she was 1978 Canadian National Top Ten Mare and 1980

U.S. National Top Ten Mare.

JM Tamal 9.4.1974 (El Hilal x Tatumi); he was 1979 U.S. National Top Ten Gelding, 1979 Cana-

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dian National Top Ten Gelding and 1980 U.S. National Top Ten Gelding.

In truth, I ought to talk about many more champions because the genetic power of El Hilal went well beyond the first generation. Likewise, his daughters were excellent reproducers and, in their turn, dams of many other champions: Ebony Lace 1978 (Jora Honey Ku x Ebony Moon); she was 1981 US National Top Ten Futurity Mare and 1981 Canadian National Champion Futurity Mare.

VP Kahlua 16.6.1981 (Jora Honey Ku x Kahlette); as well as being a beautiful chestnut mare with a lot of femininity, grace and Arabian type, VP Kahlua was crowned: 1984 U.S & Canadian National Champion Mare, 1985 Champion Mare in Scottsdale and World Champion Junior Mare in Paris.

When El Hilal arrived in the state of Washington, Straight Egyptian Arabian mares were pretty rare, so he managed to impregnate the first Straight Egyptian mare later in life at age 7. But, it was an excellent beginning for what he was just able to do.

Among the first Straight Egyptian daughters by El Hilal there was the stunning RDM Maar Hala 14.2.1973-2000 (El Hilal x Maar Jumana) bred by Dr. W. Leon and Roberta M. Weaver. Later, this

mare was acquired by Dr. Felino Cruz and his wife from Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California.

As one of the most important Arabian Horse Straight Egyptian mares of modern age, RDM Maar Hala descended from Maaroufa through the mare Maar Ree. Her bloodline was proven Saklawiya Jedraniya Ibn Sudan since she derived from Bint Yamama (Saklawi I x Yemameh), a gray broodmare that was the foremother of her family, and that belonged to Khedivé Abbas Pasha Hilmi II. Therefore, RDM Maar Hala was not a Kuhayla Jellabiya mare as it was erroneously written in the past.

She produced great sons, eight of whom became great champions, reason for which she got the title of “Leading Champion Producing Egyptian Mare “. She looked truly aristocratic and her behaviour was worthy of her ranking. She died in the fields of Rancho Bulakenyo, surrounded by the love of The Cruzes.

RDM Maar Hala had also produced three stunning females: Halter Champion, Bint Maar Hala (1984) by Shaikh Al Badi; Reserve Junior Halter Champion Filly Maartrabbi (1988) by Al Metrabbi, who was sold in the United Kingdom in 1989, and Maar Halaa (1992) by Abenhetep.

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But, she was also famous for being the dam of great stallions such as: ET Crown Prince (1977-2001)

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by The Egyptian Prince; Halim El Mansour (1979)

by Ansata Ibn Halima; El Halimaar (2.12.198015.7.2002) by Ansata Ibn Halima; Prince Ibn Shaikh (12.2.1981) by The Egyptian Prince; Maar Ibn Ali (1986) by Ruminaja Ali; Maar Ibn Amaal (1987) by Amaal and the last born Haliluyah-MH (7.9.1995) by El Halimaar. They all became great champions and terrific reproducers.

Another successful breeding partner to El Hilal

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was the mare Nafairtiti 1.7.1972 (Morafic x Bint Maisa El Saghira), a full sister of Shaikh Al Badi as well as matriarch of the “Moon Family”. She spent the last years of her life in Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California.

This breeding led to the birth of Kachina Moon (1981), Multi-Champion Mare Moon Mystique (1982), Moon Danseur (1985) and the Champion Mare exported to Brazil, Naderah (1989); they were all amazing mares bred by John R. & Joyce L. Hurd, Mount Vernon, Washington.

Kachina Moon’s daughter, SF Moon Maiden (1985) by Nabiel, produced Multi-Champion stallion Abraxas Moonstruck (Apr.1992) by ET Crown Prince, and the legendary Abraxas Halimaar (1990) by El Halimaar.

Moon Mystique was the grand-dam of Imdals Jade 1992 (Imperial Imdal x Shamisa Mystique), who in turn produced Egyptian Event Reserve Supreme Champion Mare Jade Lotus SMF (2001) by Ali Saroukh 16.4.1994-06.2018 (Ruminaja Ali × Glorieta Sayonaara).

Last but not least, Moon Danseur was the dam

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of Champion Shiaynne (1990) by Simeon Shai 31.8.1984-24.7.2013 (Raadin Royal Star x Simeon Safanad).

El Hilal’s Straight Egyptian daughter, Helwa Lancer (1988) by Nahidd, was exported to the United Kingdom in 1991 to Halsdon Stud, where she bore the stallion HS Hero (1998) by Simeon Sadik 10.10.1989-25.12.2012 (Asfour x Simeon Safanad).

Then, HS Hero returned to the U.S.A. in Abraxas Arabians, a breeding farm that had been highly successful in using El Hilal’s bloodline and that selected Straight Egyptian horses very carefully. HS Hero is now owned by KC Egyptian Arabians by Mr. Scott and Mrs. Kara Crowell from Holredge, Nebraska.

The Straight Egyptian mare HI-Fashion Hitesa 1983 (El Hilal x Yasamin) was another first-rate reproducer. Her son Hi Fashion Creek (1987) by Ibn El Mareekh, left his indelible mark through his son The Elixir (19.5.1992-2017) out of Jaliya 1984 (Halimm x Haniya). Moreover, he was crowned Egyptian Event Reserve Supreme Champion and Sire of many champions.

El Hilal was also bred to his full sister Nourah (1971), producing U.S. National Top Ten and Egyptian Event Champion World Class Mare, Sidra (1986) and the breath-taking stallion, Le Baroque (1988) who became U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colts.

Among the Straight Egyptian sons by El Hilal, the best one was maybe Imperial Al Kamar (2.5.1987-

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13.10.2018) out of Imperial Sonbesjul 1979 (Hossny x Serenity Sonbolah). I spoke already about Imperial Al Kamar in the chapter devoted to his grand-dam Serenity Sonbolah 3.3.1967 (Sameh x Bint Om El Saad).

Hansan (1974) out of Hamamaa 1970 (Ibn Antar x Hekmat), bred by George R. Wright, in Ogden, Utah was another remarkable son by El Hilal.

In 1976, Hansan was exported to Australia where he was crowned Australian National Champion and he won the title of “Australian Sire of

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Distinction”. This kind of prize was awarded after assessing a stallion’s overall offspring, and taking into account the combination of halter and performance competitions. In 1983, Hansan returned to the U.S.A. at Vantage Point Farm, where he became part of a syndicate along with his sire El Hilal. Every year, the shareholders of the syndicate were entitled to one breeding to Hansan and one another to El Hilal.

I could be talking a lot more about the male progeny by El Hilal. But, I am going to only mention the very last of his Straight Egyptian sons so as not to bother the reader any more.

This was VP Regal Heir 2.5.1988-2009 (El Hilal x Bint Sammara), a stallion whose name included the suffix (VP) to indicate “Vantage Point Farm” as his main breeder. On the contrary, horse’s documents clearly said that his breeder was Mr. Paul Hulme from Saratoga, California.

In 1981, Mr. Paul Hulme purchased the dam of VP Regal Heir, Bint Sammara 6.2.1973 (Mohssen x Sammara “Samara”) from George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah. She was part of a group of mares that included also Bint Nefisaa 6.8.1959 (Nazeer x Nefisa) in it.

When he was old, Mr. Paul Hulme brought his ma-

res onto Ron Palelek’s Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington. There, Bint Sammara was bred to El Hilal and she bore VP Regal Heir (2.5.19882009) along with the filly PH Flirtatious (1986).

After she was bred to stallion Simeon Shai, she also bore the colts PH Premonition (1990) and PH Promiscuous (1991), and the filly VP Anike Shai (1994). VP Regal Heir came from the family of El Samraa 5.1.1924 (Hab el Rih x Bint el Sheik), a mare standing at Inshass Stud. She was thought to be a Saqlawiyah at first, but they recognized her as a Kuhaylah at a second final testing.

Mr. Scott and Mrs. Kara Crowell from KC Egyptian Arabians, Holdrege, Nebraska were to be VP Regal Heir’s final owners. They bought the stallion in 2003. The first thing that would strike everybody about VP Regal Heir were his big and expressive dark eyes. If you looked straight into his eyes, you could tell he was a poised and gentle stallion, especially with his mistress Kara with whom he had a special bond from the beginning. When Kara spoke to him, VP Regal Heir would listen to her words carefully. He knew that they came from a kind and friendly voice so he respected her very much.

VP Regal Heir had a great temperament and he

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was born to be an epoch-maker. He was kind but he could also look impassive and imperial. His strong masculinity could be particularly felt each time he was able to draw the attention of the mares in the pastures only by neighing. His mistress

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Kara was very much in love with him. VP Regal Heir had a great personality that he managed to maintain despite a trauma to his shoulders. This was also the reason why he never participated in shows. When you looked at his silhouette, you would get struck by his great balance and well-defined propor20 tions. His long neck was upright and well set; his back was strong and short just like in most of the offspring produced by El Hilal.

VP Regal Heir had pretty good lengths of the rump and of the hips; if you observed him from the top of the shoulder down to the buttocks, and, from the top of the withers down to the ground, his body would form a perfect square, not the rectangle that we often see in today’s horses.

Morphologically correct in every way, VP Regal Heir had a solid body structure that he passed onto his progeny. To mention but just a few: Patinaa (1995) out of Sidra 1986 (El Hilal x Nourah). Bred by Charles E. & Judy W. Jones, Atallah Arabian Farm, Sioux City, Iowa, she was double

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El Hilal from the family of Bint Nefisaa, owned by Scott & Kara Crowell’s KC Egyptian Arabians, in Holredge, Nebraska.

Bint Domineekh (1997) out of Domineekh 1992 (Ibn El Mareekh x Serr Haretta). Bred by Quinton & Phyllis Lane, she won the title of “Most Classic Head”.

Bint Rofina (1997) out of Glenglade Rofina 1992 (Rofann x Bint Dahira). Bred by Quinton & Phyllis Lane, she was crowned Senior Champion Mare at the National Festival of Israel.

Mark Mreekh (1997) out of Dahmareekha 1994 (Hi-Fashion Mreekh x Dahmarra). Bred by Quinton & Phyllis Lane, he was Egyptian Event Top Ten World Class Yearling Colt and Sire of the winners in Halter competitions at the Egyptian Event.

Heirogant (2007) out of Hakaya El Nefous 1999 (Imperial Salateen x Khafrana). Bred by Kara Crowell & Joann Weisman, this stallion belonged to the family of Bint Mona and he was owned by Altshuler and Marwan Abusoud from Arabian Meadows, in

Valley View, Texas.

Nyuserra (2008) out of J Zaziza 1991 (Zaghloul x Iziza), whose female tail line was the same as his si-

re’s VP Regal Heir. She was bred by Kara Crowell &

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Joann Weisman. El Hilal had so much of a Prince, and his behaviour fully proved it. He was easy to handle, he was neither restless nor ill-tempered.

Some of the stallions who went on training sessions at Vantage Point Farms used to be installed next to his box. If the other horses got nervous, began to prance about, to neigh or even to kick the walls, he would just stay aloof and would not care till they surrendered.

When bred to his mares, El Hilal was polite and kind. He was mostly attracted to bay mares rather than chestnut and grey ones. When someone rode him, he would be generous. He was a horse with a lot of style. However, El Hilal would also do weird staff. For example, he would sometimes lick the nose of the horse next to his box!

At a mature age, El Hilal was ridden much less, but he was fit enough to run free in his paddock.

Every morning he would watch the parade of mares from his spacious lodgings, while they were going up the stable to take their daily walk with Ron. That was when he would curl his tail onto his back and he would just go. A great horse must have a great manager behind him. Someo-

ne who is fully committed to preserve his genetic pool. El Hilal was quite lucky from this point of view. Ron Palelek was a very clever and visionary breeder; he was very good at managing the stallion, making El Hilal one of the most important horses of the breed.

In his career, El Hilal produced 616 registered foals and he was the Sire of 52 winners of Nationals, 7 Champions in Halter, 11 Reserve Champions in Halter, 1 Reserve Champion in Performance, 28 Top Ten in Halter and 36 Top Ten in Performance.

So far, I have written about Nefisa’s bloodline 29.10.1945 (Balance x Helwa). Now, I am going to write about the offspring produced by Abla. This mare was Helwa’s last daughter and her strong legacy still continues until our days through her descendants.

Abla 7.11.1953 (Nazeer x Helwa), was a lovely mare with a beautiful and classy Dahmah head.

She had a solid body, well-shaped arched neck and well-levelled croup; a high tail carriage and very correct limbs with an excellent bone structure and beautiful gaits. Being a daughter

by Nazeer, Abla was double Mansour 19.4.19211940 (Gamil Manial x Nafaa El Saghira) also because her grand-dam Bint Farida (3.5.1931) was

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a daughter of this great stallion.

I have already written about Abla’s progeny when I dealt with the stallion Ibn Fakhri (Korayem) 14.4.1952 (Nazeer x Helwa), in the chapter devoted to “The Sons of Nazeer in Egypt”.

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Now, I would like to remind you that Abla was the dam of the stallion Ibn Abla (11.11.1953) by Sid Abouhom. I would also like to point out that the following daughters out of Abla such as: Hayfaa 24 (11.8.1964) by Sameh, Looza (12.4.1969) by Anter and Adaweya (24.3.1970) by Anter, were all kept safe by EAO in order to secure this particular branch of El Dahma’s great family.

Abla’s last daugthter was Hanzada (19.1.1973) by Ibn Shahrzada.

Although she remained in Egypt, Hanzada was sold to Madam Wegdan El Barbary, a very talented breeder and owner of “Sham el Asil” Stud.

Unfortunately, Looza died at a young age, but, after she had already borne the filly Loftah (20.3.1978) by Akhtal. In truth, Looza had also borne the colt Ibn Akhtal before she passed away.

According to EAO, Ibn Akhtal was the true heir of the stallion Akhtal 5.3.1968 (Amrulla x Hagir).

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Ibn Akhtal 4.5.1979 (Akhtal x Looza) provided strong evidence of his being an excellent sire of subjects carrying the distinctive features of both Nazeer and Sid Abouhom. In particular, when he was bred to the elegant mares from the family of Moniet El Nefous 11.2.1946-1976 (Shahloul x Wanisa) such as: Mahlaha 30.3.1970 (Alaa El Din x Mouna), Ibdaa 3.12.1979 (Ikhnatoon x Ibtsam); Enshad 27.3.1974 (Ibn Abla x Reem) and Bint Fayrouz 11.10.1978 (Mourad x Fayrooz). After the death of the mare Looza, of all the daughters by Anter and out of Abla, only Adaweya remained in El Zahraa because the other mares had already been sold to the most important breeding farms in the United States of America. Nagat (5.10.196019.9.1977), Rashika (21.2.1962), Eman (1.2.1963), Somia (21.8.1965-21.10.1990) and Ein (28.7.1971) built families that have grown till today through subjects of great value.

Adaweya was one of those rare mares whose beauty would enthral you out of the gate. If you looked deep into her eyes, you would be thrilled by the true spirit of the classic Desert Horse. She looked like a Queen. She epitomized all the distinctive features of the family of El Dahma; but, most of all, Adaweya possessed all those inner qualities that matter so much to breeders who do care about and are honestly inte-

rested in what the Arabian horse really meant to Bedouin tribes: a loyal companion whose unique personality, intelligence, honesty, courage and great charisma made of him a member of the family.

The grey Adaweya was the mare that EAO chose in order to carry on Abla’s bloodline. Her dam used to

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be one of the most extraordinary broodmares ever existed in Egypt. Adaweya was an extremely well-shaped mare, with a lean head, big jaws and a broad forehead. Everything was exceptional about her, from her sophisticated tipped-ears to her fine nostrils. Even more, what to say about that spark of extraordinary intelligence that appeared into her eyes? What to say about the almost touching ‘humanity’ of her face? Adaweya looked so exquisitely Arabian that no honours could do her justice.

However, a beautiful classy head was not her only strong suit.

Adaweya’s morphology was as amazing as her head and her overall type was everything an Arabian horse must have.

Her neck and thorax looked faultless. She had strong, well-levelled croup and back, with a wide circumference which during pregnancy allowed her to make a lot of room for her foals. Adaweya proved to be an excellent dam that produced ten foals in her career.

EAO was fully aware of Adaweya’s great genetic pool, reason for which the mare was bred to the best breeding stallions of the time, and, all of her sons, became great sires in their turn. The first born was the chestnut Lokman (23.2.1980) by Akhtal, whose name was later changed into Ibn Adaweya. Also Lokman was sold to Madam Wegdan El Barbary. She made of him the premier stallion at “Sham el Asil” Stud,

the most important breeding program among all private studs.

Adaweya’s second and third sons were respectively Adawy (20.2.1982) and Mohab (20.12.1984), both sired by the great Ikhnatoon (26.10.1974) (Farazdac x Bint Om El Sad by Nazeer), and both used in El Zahraa for reproduction purposes. As parents, they both proved to be capable of conveying their offspring the same extraordinary genetic pool of their great sire. In those days, these two stallions established themselves as the most powerful and masculine sires throughout the land of Egypt. In terms of quality, their progeny went far beyond the most optimistic expectations, by sprea-

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ding the burdensome legacy of beauty and type of

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their dam. Next, came Omayr (3.5.1987) by Ameer 10.10.1970 (Galal x Moniet El Nefous), who was

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also used in El Zahraa. By the end of January 1989, Adaweya bore her last son, the handsome Ibn Shamsan by Shamsan 14.1.1983 (Shaarawi x Hayatem), who was sold to Qatar in 1991.

There, he got the name of Fouad.

Adaweya was also the dam of valuable mares, many of whom were kept safe in El Zahraa to preserve their bloodline. The first born was the filly Ikbal (12.2.1974) by Seef. Sold to Mrs. Joan Ratcliff, England, in 1975, Ikbal had an extraordinary career as a reproducer.

On March 25th, 1976 Enayah was born. Sired by stallion Nawaf, she was perhaps the most important daughter out of Adaweya. Enayah was a wonderful classy grey mare and also the dam of Adl (10.3.1982) who can be said to be the most representative and charismatic son of Ikhnatoon.

Adl had a decisive role in the selection process developed by EAO. He had just so much type and appeal that he immediately seized the hearts of all the Egyptians, while the leaders of El Zahraa considered him as the genuine heir of the deceased Ikhnatoon.

Among all the great daughters out of Adl, I would like to mention at least one: the grey Tee (23.3.1995) who was the daughter of the mare Bint Ibtsam 4.12.1978 (Akhtal x Ibtsam

by Nazeer) who, in turn, came from Moniet El Nefousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11.2.1946-12.1976 (Shahloul x Wanisa)

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Saklawiya Jedraniya Ibn Sudan bloodline.

At age 24, Tee was still beautiful and fit; she looked healthy in every way, with excellent limbs and solid hooves. Although she was kept shoed, she would not lose her fantastic supple movement. She was a mare with a great balance and easy to handle from shoeing to any other action to look after her.

Enayah was bred to Ikhnatoon several times producing valuable grey-coated daughters: Iman (12.4.1980) and Ebada (1.9.1985) who both remained in El Zahraa, while Enayah Allah (1.5.1983) and Nageia (25.8.1984) were exported to the U.S.A. in 1986 by Mr. Mourad El Cassabgui.

When she got to the U.S.A. Enayat Allah was ac-

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quired by Dr. M. E. Nasr from Antioch, Illinois.

As for Nageia, who was a typical Dahmah mare of actual substance, she was purchased by Mourad El Cassabgui’ son-in-law Nabil Hallak as he wanted

to develop his herd.

Mr. Nabil Hallak used to eulogise Ansata Arabian Stud in every way for their great work so, Nageia was bred to Ansata Halim Shah. In 1989, El Mourad was born and, in 1990, after the mare El Sherine had been bred to Shemees 9.3.1983 (Anas x Shomoos), the colt El Cassabgui (1992) was also born.

In 1995 Mr. Nabil Hallak leased Nageia to Ansata Arabian Stud run by Mr. Donald L. and Mrs. Judith Forbis, Mena, Arkansas, where the mare Ansata Najiba 25.2.1996 (Ansata Hejazi x Nageia) was conceived.

Straight after the lease, Nageia was purchased by Mr. Alberto and Mrs. Judi Parks from Abbasiyah Stud, Ocala, Florida, while she was expecting a baby from Ansata Hejazi. In 1997, Nehmedoh came to life. Later on, the Parks would sell this filly in Panama.

Nageia had magnificent gaits with a brilliant and supple trot. She was sold in Belgium, but only after she had borne Nazeef (2000) by Ahsen El Serag 1995 (Serag x AK Ahliyeh) at Abbasiyah Stud. In the following years, Nazeef was sold to the great horsewoman Mrs. Joan Eastman Woods and he proved to be an excellent endurance horse.

Mrs. Hanna Louise (Hansi) Melnyk was among

those people who particularly appreciated Nazeef.

The latter was also bred to the mares hosted at Serenity Arabian Farms.

In addition to these two daughters of Adaweya, there was also a third one who27 se name was Bint Adawia (Bint Adaweya) (30.8.1977)

by Akhtal. In 1978, this filly was exported to the U.S.A

by Mr. Donald R. and Mrs. Jeanne Ford from Lancer Arabians, Reddick, Florida.

Bint Adaweya was a very classy and correct mare, empowered with that same structural strength and substance that sire Anter conveyed to all his daughters.

In 1980 Donald R. Ford organized the “Lancer’s Night of Nights, Sale of Sales” in order to sell his horses. At the Sale, Bint Adaweya was purchased by a group of pe-

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ople called Harper-Reich, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the tune of $ 84,000. However, as they

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had troubles collecting the mare, Bint Adaweya was later acquired by Bentwood Farms in 1983.

There, she was bred to Moniet El Sharaf producing outstanding offspring: the bay stallion Talit Sharaf (1987), the bay mare Adasharaf (1985) and the black Tanye Rama (1986), a dream broodmare that every breeder would love to have in his herd.

Unfortunately, Bint Adaweya died in 1987 when she was only 10 years old. Last but not least, I need to mention Adaweya’ last two daughters, which were respectively: Adalat (5.5.1983) and Onwah (18.3.1986), both sired by the stallion Ameer. Since she was a filly, Adalat had stolen every man’s he-

art especially when she ran free in the paddocks of El Zahraa. She had an extraordinarily exotic head that made of her EAO’ little girl. Leaders were very proud of this particular cross insofar as it was a combination that did not alter any physical characteristics - as often happens at present - but that fully succeeded in passing an exceptional type onto future generations.

Precisely great type and charisma were the main features of two more full brothers of Adalat, the mare Onwah and the stallion Omayr. And the story continues…

CAPTIONS 1) Bint Nefisaa Aug.6.1959(Nazeer x Nefisa) in 1975 at Ogden, Utah. Imported to USA in 1962 by Gleannloch Farms, Spring (Houston), Texas.

2) Bint Nefisaa Aug.6.1959(Nazeer x Nefisa) in 1975 at Ogden, Utah. Imported to USA in 1962 by Gleannloch Farms, Spring (Houston), Texas.

3) El Hilal Jan.6.1966(Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisa). Bred by Gleannloch Farms, Texas. Owned by Ron & Joyce Palelek, Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington.

4) Bakheeta 1973(Mohssen x Nama). Bred by Mr. George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah.

Important foundation mare for John & Marianne Hacklander, Hadaya Arabians, LLC, Waupaca, Wisconsin.

5) Nourah 1971(Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisaa). Bred by Gleannloch Farms, Spring (Houston), Texas and owned by Mr. George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah. Here at age 2 with a young Keri Wright at 17.

6) Negmaa 1970-Feb.24.1993(Ansata Ibn Halima X Bint Nefisaa). Bred by Gleannloch Farms, Spring (Houston), Texas. Owned by Mr. Russell & Mrs. Mildred Jameson, Ranch Ruminaja, Flushing, Michigan and then Douglas Warner Griffith and his wife Barbara Ann Boone, Imperial Egyptian Stud, Parkton, Maryland.

7) Moynese 1977(Mohssen x Bint Nefisaa). Bred by Mr. George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah. Owned by Dr. Charles E. & Judy W. Jones, Atallah Arabian Farm, Sioux City, Iowa.

8) Ebony Moon Mar.4.1974(El Hilal x Esperanzo Mara). Bred & owned by Kent & Audrey Herron, Herron Arabians, Pasco, Washington. 1977 Canadian National Reserve Champion Mare and 1979 U.S. National Reserve Champion Mare.

9) VP Kahlua June.16.1981(Jora Honey Ku x Kahlette by El Hilal). Bred by Ron & Joyce Palelek, Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington. Owned by Ray & Dorene Foley, Beaverton, Oregon, and then by Jeff and JZ Knight of Messiah Arabian Stud, Yelm, Washington. 1984 U.S & Canadian Nationional Champion Mare and World Champion Jr. Mare.

10) Mohummed Sadden 1984-Sep.29.2009(El Hilal x Akid Fa Mona). Bred & owned by Charles E. and Judy W. Jones, Atallah Arabian Farm, Sioux City, Iowa.

Canadian & US National Top Ten Futurity honors at the beginning of his show career. Last owner: Carl F. Starr, USA. 11) RDM-Maar-Hala Feb.14.1973-2000(El Hilal x Maar Jumana). Bred by Dr. W. Leon & Roberta M. Weaver. Owned by family Dr. Felino L. Cruz, Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California.

12) Kachina Moon 1981(El Hilal x Nafairtiti by Morafic). Bred by John R. & Joyce L. Hurd, Mount Vernon, Washington. Owned by Dr. Felino L. & Dolores R. Cruz, Rancho Bulakenyo, Los Osos, California.

13) Nourah 1971(Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisaa), full sister to El Hilal. Bred

by Gleannloch Farms, Texas. Owned by Mr. George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah. Last owner: Dr. Charles E. & Judy W. Jones, Atallah Arabian Farm, Sioux City, Iowa.

14) Sidra 1986(El Hilal x Nourah). Result of full sibling breeding. Full sister to Le Baroque. Bred by William & Lydia Yee, USA. Owned by Dr. Charles E. & Judy W. Jones, Atallah Arabian Farm, Sioux City, Iowa. U.S. National Top Ten and Egyptian Event Champion World Class Mare.

15) Le Baroque 1988(El Hilal x Nourah). Bred by William & Lydia Yee USA. Result of full brother and sister breeding. U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Colts.

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16) Hansan 1974(El Hilal x Hamamaa). Bred by George R. Wright, Ogden, Utah.

Went to Australia from 1976 to 1983, then owned by Ron & Joyce Palelek, Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington.

17) VP Regal Heir May.2.1988-2009(El Hilal x Bint Sammara). Bred by Paul Hulme, Saratoga, Clifornia. Last owner: Scott & Kara Crowell, KC Egyptian Arabians, Holredge, Nebraska.

18) El Hilal Jan.6.1966(Ansata Ibn Halima x Bint Nefisa). Bred by Gleannloch Farms, Texas. Owned by Ron & Joyce Palelek, Vantage Point Farm, Vantage, Washington.

19) Abla Nov.7.1953(Nazeer x Helwa by Hamran II). Bred by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

20) Adaweya Mar.24.1970(Anter x Abla) on Spring 1982. Bred by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

21) Nagat Oct.5.1960-Sept.19.1977(Anter x Abla). Imported to USA in 1965 by Jay W. & Dorothy Stream, Greengate Farms, Wheaton, Illinois.

22) Al Nahr Mona Lisa 1967(Ibn Moniet El Nefous x Nagat). Bred by Jay W. & Dorothy Stream, Greengate Farms, Wheaton, Illinois and sold to Jarrell McCracken of Bentwood Farms, Waco, Texas. Dam of the stallion Bay Halima (Feb.13.1972)

by Ansata Ib Halima and bred by Jarrell McCracken. Bay Halima was sold to Lester and Lois St. Clair of St. Clair Egyptian Arabian Stud on November 27, 1974 where he successfully sired eight delicious foals. In 1977 Bentwood Farms re-purchased Bay Halima, where he lived until his premature death in 1983, one month before he turned 11 years old, siring a total offspring of 21 colts and 20 fillies.

23) Ibn Adaweya Mar.23.1980-2008 (Akhtal x Adaweya). Bred by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. Co-owned by Madam Wegdan El Barbary, Sham el Asil Stud, Egypt and Khaled Ben Laden, Rabab Stud, Egypt.

24) Adawy Feb.20.1982(Ikhnatoon x Adaweya). Bred & owned by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

25) Enayah Mar.25.1976(Nawaf x Adaweya). Bred & owned by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

26) Adl Mar.10.1982(Ikhnatoon x Enayah). Bred & owned by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

27) Tee Mar.23.1995(Adl x Bint Ibtisam by Akhtal). Bred & owned by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt.

28) Nageia Aug.25.1984(Ikhnatoon x Enayah). Imported to USA in 1986 by Mourad El Cassabgui. Owned by Alberto & Judi Parks, Abbasiyah Stud, Ocala, Florida.

29) Nazeef 2000(Ahsen El Serag x Nageia). Bred by Alberto & Judi Parks, Al Abbasiyah Stud, Ocala, Florida and sold to Joan Eastman Woods.

30) Adalat May.5.1983(Ameer x Adaweya). Bred & owned by El Zahraa Stud, E.A.O. Egypt. (Thanks to E.A.O. Arab Horse Central Administration for this photo).

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ECAHO Office

ECAHO Office Na Blatech 242 CZ-277 11 Libis Czech Republic +420 602 876 396 office@ecago.org www.ecaho.org ww ECAHO Countries: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Marocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, United Arab Emirates & Australia.

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ECAHO – Who are we?

For those involved with Arabian horse shows, the abbreviation ECAHO is ever present. But what exactly is ECAHO? We are an organization established in 1983, as a reaction on the dubious show practices, which became evident in European international shows. 10 European breeding societies decided to set up rules to prevent “beating and cheating”.

Since the first year of its existence, ECAHO has been concentrated on three major topics: the Rule Book (“Blue Book”), the Show Pyramid and the Disciplinary matters. The organization was registered in Switzerland as a “Verein”. Thus, ECAHO was born.

Rules to prevent “beating and cheating” The most important achievement of ECAHO is certainly the establishment of a horse show rulebook – simply called Blue Book. It contains several chapters from which the “Rules for Conduct of Shows (RCS)” is the most essential, because it is created to prevent beating and cheating. Nowadays, the show rules of ECAHO are accepted in almost 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Beating means the ill-treatment of horses in order to make them “show”. Results can be and often are achieved by excessive whipping, instruments such as rack, hobbles and weights, prolonged tying up, and the misuse of drugs. o Cheating covers the conduct of judges and officials and the presentation of horses. ECAHO forbids alteration of basic colour, hoof paints, coat dyes, cosmetic operations, skin grafts or tail and mane hair extensions are forbidden. ECAHO has zero tolerance for any doping offence. To make sure the rules are kept, the Disciplinary committee members are present at each show, keeping eye on both people and horses.

Judges and other Officials ECAHO ensures education of its officials on regular basis by organizing courses and workshops. Nowadays we register almost 100 Judges ,over 70 Disciplinary Committee members and 40 Ringmasters.

Main tasks 37-year history of ECAHO clearly shows that its members are willing to maintain the original principles – no beating, no cheating. As in the past, ECAHO is still continuing with its original goals – fair play at the shows, welfare of the horses, education to ECAHO officials, and support of the Arabian horse scene.

For more information, please visit www.ecaho.org or follow ECAHO on: @EcahoOrganization @ecaho_official AHM | 259

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